What is Computer Vision Syndrome? American Optometric Association Explains

Computer vision syndrome

Computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, describes a group of eye- and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader and cell phone use.

Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.

The average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer either in the office or working from home. To help alleviate digital eyestrain, follow the 20-20-20 rule; take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.

Causes & risk factors

Viewing a computer or digital screen often makes the eyes work harder. As a result, the unique characteristics and high visual demands of computer and digital screen viewing make many individuals susceptible to the development of vision-related symptoms. Uncorrected vision problems can increase the severity of computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eyestrain symptoms. Viewing a computer or digital screen is different than reading a printed page. Often the letters on the computer or handheld device are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.

Viewing distances and angles used for this type of work are also often different from those commonly used for other reading or writing tasks. As a result, the eye focusing and eye movement requirements for digital screen viewing can place additional demands on the visual system. In addition, the presence of even minor vision problems can often significantly affect comfort and performance at a computer or while using other digital screen devices. Uncorrected or under corrected vision problems can be major contributing factors to computer-related eyestrain. Even people who have an eyeglass or contact lens prescription may find it’s not suitable for the specific viewing distances of their computer screen. Some people tilt their heads at odd angles because their glasses aren’t designed for looking at a computer or they bend toward the screen in order to see it clearly. Their postures can result in muscle spasms or pain in the neck, shoulder or back.

In most cases, symptoms of CVS occur because the visual demands of the task exceed the visual abilities of the individual to comfortably perform them. At greatest risk for developing CVS are those persons who spend two or more continuous hours at a computer or using a digital screen device every day.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with CVS or digital eyestrain are:

Eyestrain.
Headaches.
Blurred vision.
Dry eyes.
Neck and shoulder pain.

These symptoms may be caused by:

Poor lighting.
Glare on a digital screen.
Improper viewing distances.
Poor seating posture.
Uncorrected vision problems.
A combination of these factors.

The extent to which individuals experience visual symptoms often depends on the level of their visual abilities and the amount of time spent looking at a digital screen. Uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and aging changes of the eyes, such as presbyopia, can all contribute to the development of visual symptoms when using a computer or digital screen device.

Many of the visual symptoms experienced by users are only temporary and will decline after stopping computer work or use of the digital device. However, some individuals may experience continued reduced visual abilities, such as blurred distance vision, even after stopping work at a computer. If nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms will continue to recur and perhaps worsen with future digital screen use.

Diagnosis

CVS, or digital eyestrain, can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on visual requirements at the computer or digital device working distance, may include:

Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems, medications taken or environmental factors that may be contributing to the symptoms related to computer use.
Visual acuity measurements to assess the extent to which vision may be affected.
A refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism).
Testing how the eyes focus, move and work together. In order to obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that keep the eyes from focusing effectively or make it difficult to use both eyes together.

This testing may be done without the use of eye drops to determine how the eyes respond under normal seeing conditions. In some cases, such as when some of the eyes’ focusing power may be hidden, eye drops may be used. They temporarily keep the eyes from changing focus while testing is done. Using the information obtained from these tests, along with the results of other tests, a doctor of optometry can determine the presence of CVS or digital eyestrain and advise treatment options.

Treatment

Solutions to digital screen-related vision problems are varied. However, they can usually be alleviated by obtaining regular eye care and making changes in how the screen is viewed.

In some cases, individuals who do not require the use of eyeglasses for other daily activities may benefit from glasses prescribed specifically for computer use. In addition, persons already wearing glasses may find their current prescription does not provide optimal vision for viewing a computer.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be adequate for computer work. Lenses prescribed to meet the unique visual demands of computer viewing may be needed. Special lens designs, lens powers or lens tints or coatings may help to maximize visual abilities and comfort.
Some computer users experience problems with eye focusing or eye coordination that can’t be adequately corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. A program of vision therapy may be needed to treat these specific problems. Vision therapy, also called visual training, is a structured program of visual activities prescribed to improve visual abilities. It trains the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. These eye exercises help remediate deficiencies in eye movement, eye focusing, and eye teaming and reinforce the eye-brain connection. Treatment may include office-based as well as home training procedures.

Viewing the computer

Proper body positioning for computer use. Some important factors in preventing or reducing the symptoms of CVS have to do with the computer and how it is used. This includes lighting conditions, chair comfort, location of reference materials, the position of the monitor, and the use of rest breaks.

Location of the computer screen. Most people find it more comfortable to view a computer when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Reference materials. These materials should be located above the keyboard and below the monitor. If this is not possible, a document holder can be used beside the monitor. The goal is to position the documents, so the head does not need to be repositioned from the document to the screen.
Lighting. Position the computer screen to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. Use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
Anti-glare screens. If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters decrease the amount of light reflected from the screen.
Seating position. Chairs should be comfortably padded and conform to the body. Chair height should be adjusted so the feet rest flat on the floor. Arms should be adjusted to provide support while typing and wrists shouldn’t rest on the keyboard when typing.
Rest breaks. To prevent eyestrain, try to rest eyes when using the computer for long periods. Resting the eyes for 15 minutes after two hours of continuous computer use. Also, for every 20 minutes of computer viewing, look into the distance for 20 seconds to allow the eyes a chance to refocus.
Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, try to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the& eye moist.

Regular eye examinations and proper viewing habits can help to prevent or reduce the development of the symptoms associated with CVS.

Prevention

Prevention or reduction of the vision problems associated with CVS or digital eyestrain involves taking steps to control lighting and glare on the device screen, establishing proper working distances and posture for screen viewing and assuring that even minor vision problems are properly corrected.

Suggestions for computer vision syndrome sufferers

Don’t take a vision problem to work. Even if glasses are not needed for driving, reading or other activities, they still may offer benefits for a minor vision problem that is aggravated by computer use. A mild glasses prescription may be needed to reduce vision stress on the job. It’s a good idea for computer users to get a thorough eye exam every year.
Glasses should meet the demand of the job. If glasses are worn for distant vision, reading or both, they may not provide the most efficient vision for viewing a computer screen, which is about 20 to 30 inches from the eyes. Tell the doctor about job tasks and measure on-the-job sight distances. Accurate information will help get the best vision improvement. Patients may benefit from one of the new lens designs made specifically for computer work.
Minimize discomfort from blue light and glare. Blue light from LED and fluorescent lighting, as well as monitors, tablets and mobile devices, can negatively affect vision over the long term. Special lens tints and coatings can reduce the harmful impact of blue light. Minimize glare on the computer screen by using a glare reduction filter, repositioning the screen or using drapes, shades or blinds. Also, keeping screens clean; dirt-free and removing fingerprints can decrease glare and improve clarity.
Adjust work area and computer for comfort. When using computers, most people prefer a work surface height of about 26 inches. Desks and tables are usually 29 inches high. Place the computer screen 16 to 30 inches away. The top of the screen should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the screen away at a 10- to 20-degree angle.
Use an adjustable copyholder. Place reference material at the same distance from eyes as the computer screen and as close to the screen as possible. That way the eyes won’t have to change focus when looking from one to the other.
Take alternative task breaks throughout the day. Make phone calls or photocopies. Consult with co-workers. After working on the computer for an extended period, do anything in which the eyes don’t have to focus on something up close.

“Mutantism on the March”: Chapter 34 “Zorollia Raises its Ugly Head”

Montenez heard the news of the slug people revolt and the role of Jiber Jr. in that fiasco while he was on his voyage back to Earth. Earth was having enough problems without a power obsessed spaceman running amok. Whatever Jiber Jr. had in mind for Earth would certainly lead to no good.

It struck Montenez that Zortixians had a particular fond disposition towards hero leaders which posed possible dangers to the liberties of Zortixians. If men like Montenez and his father were treated as demi-gods was there not a danger of cultivating one man rule?

If good and its bearers were accepted unquestioningly and placed in positions of power what was to prevent a pretender and followers from seizing power and ruling according to who they really were. Once they had gained power and public trust a coup could theoretically be easily accomplished. Say you are good, pretend to be good, seize power and then slaughter your adversaries. Montenez realized if he had stayed on Zortixia he would eventually assume high political power. If he stayed on Zortixia and became its leader the cult of the hero leader may have continued. It was best to depart. With fortune perhaps the next generation of Zortixians could solve this Zortixian politico-structural defect. Zortixians were technologically advanced but in many cases simple minded and easily taken advantage of with the worst possible consequences.

It was not without regret that he thought of his “pure consciousness” speech. The more he reflected on it the sillier it seemed. It seemed grand and idealistic but false and might ruin more lives than violence could. Violence, unfortunately, was a necessary part of life. It was violence that led to the Jiber being assassinated and his reign of terror and murder ended. Jiber Jr. had made a good point indicating Zortixians were soft as jelly. For the most part the Zortixians were fortunate enough to have had decent leaders. Ironically, however, this facilitated the growth of evil. The Zortixians had lulled themselves into an innocence and ignorance of evil.

Zorollia had lurched back into the hands of Opposite Party refugees from The Federation. Redbeard, the leader of the Zorollian Opposite Party welcomed these fighters. Many believed a life of terror would guarantee a place in the otherworld with 7 virgins. All wanted the Opposite Party to be restored on their planets. A good start was to start terrorizing the goodie goodie planet of Zortixia. And why not start with a hijacking? The destruction of the Zortixian Triple Towers had been an excellent start but continual pressure would be needed to bring Zortixia to its knees.

“The Face of Anonymous”: A Robin Hood at Hot Docs

We have seen it on film, stories and unfortunately have experienced it. You remember Robin Hood who in your childhood was a thief and a highwayman. Rob from the rich to feed the poor! You have been rooting for Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in “Oceans Eleven”. According to the law these people were all criminals but in some cases they had a moral purpose or cause you could admire.

One interesting question you may wrestle with in this fascinating behind the scenes look at Anonymous and Commander X (Christopher Doyon) a key player in the hacktivist network Anonymous. In many cases they fight corrupt big governments and corporations so their exploits can been seen in a high moral fashion. You are certainly entitled to this opinion and I’ll support you in many of their hacks.

But before you take sides have you ever been hacked, held for ransomware, had your website taken down or had your personal information hacked and if so how do you feel about it? How about the Spanair crash in 2008 killing 154 which may have been caused by malware?

Sorry for the digression.

“The Face of Anonymous” is a fascinating look at Anonymous and Doyon. Doyon had an unhappy childhood somewhat rescued by his love of computers even building one from scratch as a child. He then drifted into the realm of political dissent and banded together with other to form Anonymous and play a crucial role in their hacking attacks. Pursued by police and the FBI he found political refuge in Mexico after staying in Toronto.

His hacks on Scientology were met by stiff and skilled resistance. Knowing Scientology you may say they deserved a hit but the Epilepsy Foundation of the United States?

Doyon is a character! Is he in it for politics or for the fun of it? I think a bit of both. It is unfortunate though that criminal hacking to steal money from you certainly does not make a hacker Robin Hood.

Well made 87-minute Canadian documentary directed by Gary Lang and Ian Thornton as film subject/co-producer.

The film is part of Toronto’s Hot Doc Festival and all films are geoblocked so are only available to those in Canada.

The film is available for streaming on April 29^th and ticket information is here https://boxoffice.hotdocs.ca/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=141663~367cbc04-eb03-453a-90f8-88ca48c4cf79&epguid=9759e3f1-085c-4e15-88c2-e02a8ee1f1d1&

Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015

Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) from the Douro is consistently excellent and attractively priced. Well it is not the Vintage Port at the top of the pyramid but dollar for dollar it gives Vintage Port a run for the money. The usual decadent lush blackberry, cherry, prune and chocolate aromas. On the palate ultra rich black fruit with hints of melted milk chocolate balancing a high alcohol content with pure fruit never going over the edge into excess. A short and sumptuous finish. I would say pair with a rare cut of beef or savour on its own. I challenge you to have some of this LBV with a good cut of grilled beef.

(Cockburn’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015, Symington Family Estates, V.N. Gaia, Portugal, $19.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 88278, 750 mL, 20%, Robert K. Stephen A Little Birdie Told Me So Rating 91/100).

Jon Kabat-Zinn “Full Catastrophe Living”; breathing

“When we are mindful of our breathing, it automatically helps us to establish greater calmness in both the body and the mind. Then we are better able to be aware of our thoughts and feelings with a greater degree of calm and with a more discerning eye. We are able to see things more clearly and within a larger perspective, all because we are a little more awake, a little more aware. And with this awareness comes a feeling of having more room to move, of having more options, of being free to choose effective and appropriate responses in stressful situations rather than losing our equilibrium and sense of self as a result of feeling overwhelmed, thrown off balance by our own knee jerk reactions.”

Entire Province of Ontario Places Emergency Break On For Entire Province as Case Counts remain High and ICU’s close to Peak Capacity

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake

All 34 Public Health Unit Regions to Move into Shutdown

April 1, 2021

Office of the Premier

TORONTO —The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province. The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.

Details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, Co-Chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

“We are facing a serious situation and drastic measures are required to contain the rapid spread of the virus, especially the new variants of concern,” said Premier Ford. “I know pulling the emergency brake will be difficult on many people across the province, but we must try and prevent more people from getting infected and overwhelming our hospitals. Our vaccine rollout is steadily increasing, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. That is our best protection against this deadly virus.”

Ontario’s key indicators and latest modelling show that additional measures must be taken. From March 26 to 28, 2021, provincial case rates have increased by 7.7 per cent to 101.1 cases per 100,000 people. Current COVID-19 related ICU admissions are already over the peak of wave two and hospitals in regional hotspots will need to further ramp down scheduled surgeries. COVID-19 related ICU admissions are projected to exceed 650 beds in a few weeks. These increases are being driven by COVID-19 variants, which are transmitted easily and result in a higher risk of death and hospitalization, including in younger populations.

The provincewide emergency brake would put in place time-limited public health and workplace safety measures to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants in communities, protect hospital capacity and save lives. Measures include, but are not limited to:

Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings to a 5-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;

Prohibiting personal care services;
Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take-out, drive-through, and delivery only;
Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (e.g., gyms) with very limited exceptions;
Requiring day camps to close; and,
Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors, and to the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. This does not include social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, all Ontarians are asked to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, or exercising outdoors with members of their household. Employers in all industries should make every effort to allow employees to work from home.

“Ontario, like many other provinces and jurisdictions around the world, is in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and immediate action is required to help turn the tide,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Implementing a provincewide emergency brake was not an easy decision to make and is not one we take lightly. As we continue to vaccinate more Ontarians, the end is in sight, but right now these necessary measures will help to stop the spread of variants in our communities, protect capacity in our health care system, and save lives.”

The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the provincewide emergency brake comes into effect. The impacts of these time-limited measures will be evaluated throughout the next four weeks to determine if it is safe to lift any restrictions or if they need to be extended. With more than $1.6 billion invested to protect against COVID-19, schools remain safe for students and staff. Keeping schools open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario youth. During the emergency shutdown, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The spring break will continue as planned for the week of April 12. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.

“In the last few weeks a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and variants of concern has been observed across Ontario which has put considerable strain on our public health and health care systems,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Implementing a provincewide shutdown is needed to bring the third wave of this pandemic under control so that we can save lives, keep our education system open and allow our vaccination program to take hold.”

Quick Facts

Based on the latest modelling data, variants of concern are continuing to grip the province and drive this third wave of the pandemic. Case rates are rising, younger Ontarians are becoming sicker and ICU capacity is at risk of becoming overwhelmed without stronger public health and workplace safety measures in place.
The 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy, brings the government’s total investments to protect the economy to $23.3 billion. This includes an estimated $3.4 billion to support approximately 120,000 small businesses across Ontario via two rounds of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Applications for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant have been extended for one week through April 7 and all eligible businesses are encouraged to apply.
Additionally, the new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant will provide an estimated $100 million in one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. Businesses required to close or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures can continue to apply for property tax and energy cost rebates. Visit Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport for more information on Ontario’s supports for businesses.
To ensure that every person who requires care in a hospital can access a bed, the government has invested more than $5.1 billion to support hospitals since the start of the pandemic, creating more than 3,100 additional hospital beds and 500 critical care and high intensity medicine beds. This includes $1.8 billion in 2021–22 to continue providing care for COVID-19 patients, addressing surgical backlogs and keeping pace with patient needs through its Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.
The province continues to deploy rapid testing in workplaces, including up to 300,000 COVID-19 tests per week for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. More than 4.7 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 89 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program.
The Ontario government continues to implement its High Priority Communities Strategy to provide targeted supports to communities hardest hit by COVID-19. In these communities 1,000 Community Ambassadors have been mobilized, 30 community testing sites have been opened and nearly 36,000 PPE kits have been distributed to community members.
Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert App. Visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the nearest testing location.
Emergency orders O. Reg. 55/21 (Compliance Orders for Retirement Homes) and O. Reg. 8/21 (Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures) currently in force, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, have been extended until April 19, 2021, as the province continues to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.

Susan Cain’s “Quiet”: The impossibility of multitasking

“Indeed excessive stimulation seems to impede learning: a recent study found that people learn better after a quiet stroll through the woods than after a noisy walk down a city street. Another study, of 38,000 knowledge workers across different sectors, found that the simple act of being interrupted is one of the biggest barriers to productivity. Even multi-tasking, that prized feat of modern-day office warriors, turns out to be a myth. Scientists now know that the brain is incapable of paying attention to two things at the same time. What looks like multitasking is really switching back and forth between multiple tasks, which reduces productivity and increases mistakes by up to 50%.”

“Quiet” is available on Broadway Books

Passage of the Day: Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549) “The Heptameron”

“What I mean Hircan is this. If love is based on a woman’s, charm and favours, and if our aim is merely pleasure, ambition or profit, then such a love can never last. For if the whole foundation on which our love is based should collapse then love will fly from us and there will be no love left in us. But I am utterly convinced that if a man loves with no other aim, no other desire, than to love truly, he will abandon his soul to death rather than allow his love to abandon his heart.”

“Mutantism on the March” :Chapter 33 “Does Frizzy the Smicket Boy Prevail? “

Frizzy the Smicket Boy head of the Zortixian Defence Academy was like a hound on the scent of an escaped convict as he intensified the search for Jiber Jr. mastermind of the doomed slug people uprising and possibly even the leader of the Triple Complex Towers attack. Frizzy assembled a crack team of detectives in the hope of hunting down Jiber Jr. and sending him to the company of his darling seven virgins. The Zortixians wanted justice to be served but Frizzy’s detective squads were perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. The innocent deaths of three Zortixians in a Frizzy detective shoot out with some straggling remnants of The Opposite Party raised the ire of many Zortixians to the extent that the Frizzy detective squads were disbanded by the Zortixian Legislative Assembly.

But Frizzy persisted on his own and the case rather cracked open by chance as Frizzy had been enjoying his favourite Jabba Juice cocktail at is favourite restaurant The Sleezebow Bar and Grill when the call of nature beckoned. As Frizzy made his way to the piddle pod out of the corner of his eye he noticed a bedraggled youth carving pro Opposite Party statements on the wall of a building. Frizzy immediately charged the youth and subdued him and a squad jet was called for by Frizzy and he young hoodlum was conveyed to the basement of the Zortixian Defence Academy, The youth brazenly admitted he was involved in the slug people uprising but declined any admission of where the Jiber’s hideout may have been located. The prisoner was so convinced of the lack of backbone of the Zortixians he was not prepared for the “pressure tactics” applied to him by Frizzy which most likely broke a few Zortixian laws. Why not say Frizzy “convinced” the young criminal to reveal Jiber Jr.’s hideout.

As the snivelling and battered prisoner revealed all Frizzy assembled a crack team that headed out to the caves where Jiber Jr. was to be found. All they found was a plate of steaming snails so somehow Jiber Jr, had perceived he was to be smoked out and he beat a hasty retreat.

They did find a quivering drunk hermit who revealed Jiber Jr, had imprisoned him in his hermitage along with a gang of thirty of Opposite Party members who had left quickly in a panic as they heard Treblitt had been transported to the basement of the Zortixian Defence Academy and spilt his guts as to where Jiber Jr. could be located. It appeared as Jiber Jr. had escaped in a spacecraft which was verified by Zortixian air control and that the craft was headed towards Earth.

“Mutantism on The March”: Chapter 32 “Jiber Jr. Proves Troublesome”

The Jiber when he had been in power in Zortixia had been friendly with the slug people hoping one day to use them as a conquering army but the slug people were of simple minds and never understood military politics. Well they may have been slow but their memory of the savagery shown them by the Zorollians in the Zortixian Zorollian War had left them suspicious of militarism.

The revolt of the slug people had been brief and while it was true they had been heavily armed most of them had forgotten how to use their weapons. The slug people were non-plussed and simply wanted to go home and eat garbage in their homes in the Irony Mountains. Being very confused they really couldn’t even remember why they had broken into fruit and vegetable warehouses and burnt down the municipal bathhouse. Their confused explanations began to make more sense after the Zortixian media received a letter from someone calling himself Jiber Jr.

To my fellow Zortixians

You must have been wondering about the revolt of the slug people. I masterminded the whole affair and I did it with your welfare in mind. We need a holy war against the infidel dog Creaturists. You are becoming soft and kind highlighted by that idiot Montenez visiting our planet and dulling your mind to the true path our holy leader and dead father Jiber was leading you. You killed him and he resides with seven virgins in the heavenly galaxy of dead souls. Your diversion from the true path my father Jiber had set for you dooms you to the fires of damned unbelievers.

Do not be so foolish to think this little revolt of the slug people would succeed in your downfall. It was but a warning to you unclean unbelievers. I starved the slug people by diverting and burning garbage shipments to them. I the chosen one starved the imbeciles and manipulated them with promises of food in the Zortixian fruit and vegetable warehouses. Their weapons were but a small supply of weapons my holy father Jiber had stashed. I undertook this holy mission to warn you filthy unbelievers a more severe attack is forthcoming. Pay careful attention to the Triple Tower Complex in your capital city. A Holy Alliance of remnants of The Opposite Party will deliver a message to you. The words of the prophet Jiber must be obeyed.

Throw off the chains of liberty. End your progressive and corrupt way of thinking. It was my father the Jiber that set forth the true path you filthy infidels must reject. Power must rest with the true Jiber warriors and not the speech mongering Zortixian politicians. Elected assemblies ignore the truth path set forth by my father. Democracy is feeblism. Jiberhadism is the true path to civilization. Permit the pure and strong to rule the Jiberless incompetents. Let the Zortixians become a force of Jiberism and conquer the weak soulless of the Federation. Seven virgins await all true warriors who die in this noble campaign.

Join the revolution.

Let new blood and vigor flow.

Let the seven virgins be your reward!

Long live the Jiberhad!

Praise the great Jiber!

Spiritaki Jiber (Jiber Junior)

Initially the Jiber Jr. letter caused little consternation amongst the Zortixians until the terrible day the Triple Complex Towers in the capital city were slammed into by spacecraft causing them to crumble with a mass loss of lives. A cabal of Opposite fanatics seeking the embrace of the seven virgins had hijacked two Zortixian spacecraft and embarked on a suicidal mission.

While the evil cabal were drinking tea and praying to the edicts of the Jiber, while each of them enjoying their seven virgins, the Zortixian rage mounted with Frizzy The Smicket Boy the chief of the Zortixian Defence Academy being appointed to hunt down Jiber Jr.