Wisdom from the Great Powers

The water pours over the rocks and cascades to a pool below. On all sides are palm trees and coconuts - lots and lots of coconuts. The grocery must have had a special on coconuts this week because there must be a bazillion of the things around. The air seems to be filled with the songs of exotic birds and the smell of rum and pineapple juice.

The Great Powers appear in the form of a flock of penguins and procede to wamble around aimlessly, while squawking loudly for bits of herring. Eventually they manage to get organized and, after some synchronized belly-flops, line up in neat rows like a choir of nuns.

They take a moment to compose themselves in an attempt to look like ... well ... like Great Powers. Then they strike a pose that they think looks particularly omniscient and say, "Don't ever put a hot dog in the microwave and cook it for thirty minutes. It's nasty. Trust us on this one."

They scowl a bit and give a collective grumble. "Go!" they say, "and learn from the mistakes of those who would mix things in the wrong order!"

The Great Powers all suddenly get lost expressions on their faces and mosey off, mumbling to themselves about lampshades, chocolate fondue, and the importance of a planned economy.