This idea might be superfluous for Half Bakers, but there are, I’ve noticed, plenty of Half-Butchers and Half- Candlestick Makers (among others) out there for whom it might be useful.

The other day I was puttering around in the lab/garage with my Time Machine--typical Saturday afternoon stuff-- zooming into the always uncertain future (what *is* it with that, anyway?), then back to (no matter how many times I try to get a different slant on things) the murky past. Nothing special, just killing time, so to speak.

Anyway, right in the middle of things, I look up and notice my wife talking to some stranger--a rather unsavory- looking chap, I thought. Before I could get the drift of their conversation, one of my (known) children ran past the porthole. Boomer Junior, I swear, looked 2 years older and 8” taller!

I think we all know what was happening here. I was losing track of time and, in the process, some arguably very important events. This realization brought me up short (I am only 4’ 23” to begin with), and subsequently led to this idea.

All the time machines I’ve seen come equipped with standard PAST and PRESENT levers. I propose that manufacturers add, as an option, at least, a large, well- lit MEANWHILE GAUGE, in the center of the console. Time Machine instruction manuals should also urge travelers to keep a close eye on this gauge AT ALL TIMES.
-- Boomershine, May 17 2011

This will only work if those who are meanwhiling do not time-travel themselves.

Have you considered implementing this by modifying a mechanical wristwatch, so that the hands stay still but the body turns at different speeds to indicate the hours, minutes and moments?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, May 17 2011


[Boomer], glad to see you back in the saddle! [+]
-- Grogster, May 17 2011


[MB] I was under the impression that meanwhile was what happened no matter what else you were doing, at least as long as you return to where you started. I might be mistaken, in which case, I must reconsider everything....again. I think I'll begin by looking up *metaphor*.

That watch idea is interesting, but to whom exactly would the moving body be indicating? I'm mostly concerned with paying attention to my own meanwhile, not necessarily being made a mess of for the benefit of others. Still, one must allow for the possibility that you have a good point. If I were using this stationary watch idea on myself, would it not appear to me as if the watch hands were moving?

[Grog] I hadn't thought my absence would be noticed. This is very nice, thanks.
-- Boomershine, May 18 2011


[+] a much needed function!
-- xandram, May 18 2011


//under the impression that meanwhile was what happened no matter what else you were doing//

Ah yes, but what about if others are doing the doing?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, May 18 2011


//Ah yes, but what about if others are doing the doing?//

Well, that would be their business, I suppose.

[Max], is that your mother I hear calling you?

[IT] Trust me. They are gone. If you had a Meanwhile Gauge you would know this.
-- Boomershine, May 18 2011



random, halfbakery