Substance TV

Yes, I realize the above title could be easily mistaken for sexual innuendo. And you would be right to an extent, but not in the way you might think. This chemistry I’m feeling is not for the opposite gender. Nor is it for the same gender. I pine for something much greater. Something imprinted on my very DNA. A burning desire for one solitary thing: Pinball.

Journal entry for Brian Castleberry, May 23rd, 19XX.

Over the years, this passion has grown stronger. In the beginning, I tired to ignore it. I thought I could overcome these “urges” and “desires”. But as time wore on, so did my resilient resolve. I am only a man you see.

It started out innocently enough. One summer day, walking into a local emporium littered with electronic video machines, I saw a visage I had not seen before. The exchange of a glance. As if being pulled by some unseen force, my feet led my body. Slowly stepping closer to that unknown temptation with trepidation. Standing in front of this glorious machine. Ever so slyly searching for prying eyes. An overwhelming want came over me. As if by instinct, I dug deep into my pocket and retrieved one shiny bit of currency. Dropping the thin wafer like metal object into the plastic slot, the coin fell into the sea of its’ brethren. It rang with a resounding and pleasurable “CLUNK-ESH”. Without hesitation my hand pressed the glowing start button. As if beginning a journey into the vast oblivion, I set my eyes upon the playfield.

My hand wrapped around the black stopper. Feeling the supple pleasure one gets by tugging on a spring loaded metallic rod, letting go at the precise point, and unfurling the silver ball up that neon lit runway. Followed quickly by the sound of metal and wood colliding in a symphony of reverberations. Bumpers bumping the rounded object through the treacherous gauntlet. My senses assailed in ever way. I grasp the edges of the machine firmly with both hands. Flailing paddles in an effort to continue the chase. Each move a calculated risk of endless possibilities. Hoping the next shot would invoke a cascading shower of metallic globes.

The shame and dismay when flippers failed and the silver sphere was lost. Angered by that sneaky side slot that cheaply stole from me what I treasured most. Dismayed when the third act came to an end. Desperately hoping to match the numbers in some sick lottery. Knowing full well my chances were bleak.

But if luck be my bride, we may dance again.

Sometimes the dance would go on for hours, sometimes mere minutes. No matter how long, it was worth every sacrifice. What it took in dollars it gave back in infinite delights. In those moments I experienced a cornucopia of emotions. The lights, the sounds, and most importantly, the feelings. Both physically and emotionally. But it was a fickle thing you see. Once I no longer had in my possession the discs of precious metal it required, it no longer responded to my touch. I begged and wept, but it was all in vain. For the temptress had blinded my wits and controlled my will. Even after it all, I still yearned for another time, for another fleeting moment. Another day I said. One fine day.

So yea, you could say I enjoy pinball. As of late I’ve been looking for a pinball table to call my own. Though I’ve run into two problems. One being the lack of good pinball tables for sale. There are a few in the paper, or craigslist, and even at coin-up shops, but nothing really amazing. Two being that when I do find something I want, it’s cost a ridiculous amount of money. I’ve played console versions of pinball games sure, and although fun, it’s just not the same. So I’m stuck in this little dilemma. Though I do enjoy pinball myself, I must blame a part of this on Jangofatt of Pineconeattack. He too has the fever for pinball. Each time he posts an article or talks about it, my desire is rekindled. But I am still in the same situation. Waiting for my pinball bride.

So here I sit, waiting for that blessed day to arrive when my thirst is quenched and my beloved comes home.