Yes, balls can indeed feel wistful. While research remains inconclusive, indications are robust that tennis balls in particular do feel a variety of emotions ranging from weltschmerz to schadenfreude. This may be correlated with their tendency to mate for life; unique among the spheroid kingdom, the tennisspheria species prefers to mate in threes, and can often be found snuggled together in their translucent cylindrical dens. Interestingly, sphereologists still argue about whether tennis balls should be classified as mammals, for while they have not been observed in situ to suckle their young, they are unmistakeably possessed with fur. WTP, you may be interested to know that your photograph represents a rare moment in sphereoethology, as members of neither sub-species tennisspherius Wilsonia nor Spauldingicus are known to be aquatic; generally, their preferred modality of locomotion is flight.
You really aced my question; I netted much information from you and love your response. I’ll let you know if I get any other points on this particular volley, as long as my email doesn’t get fouled. Your research on this subject has no match.
It is difficult to achieve a feeling of need in a round object.
A sphere (composed of an infinity of circles) is complete in itself.
Notice how the sand does not gather around the tennis ball and forms a welcoming nest.
Now, a beach chair or a child’s bicycle, resting on the beach and left to the sand and surf can be compelling. Swivel the view (of the ball) 45 degrees to the left (or right) so there’s a view of the surf/sand margin melting into the distance.
Thank you for the Elegy. Is more meaningful with each playing.
Dr. Bjorn Navratilova said,
September 5, 2006 @ 2:20 pm
Dear Waiting to Play,
Yes, balls can indeed feel wistful. While research remains inconclusive, indications are robust that tennis balls in particular do feel a variety of emotions ranging from weltschmerz to schadenfreude. This may be correlated with their tendency to mate for life; unique among the spheroid kingdom, the tennisspheria species prefers to mate in threes, and can often be found snuggled together in their translucent cylindrical dens. Interestingly, sphereologists still argue about whether tennis balls should be classified as mammals, for while they have not been observed in situ to suckle their young, they are unmistakeably possessed with fur. WTP, you may be interested to know that your photograph represents a rare moment in sphereoethology, as members of neither sub-species tennisspherius Wilsonia nor Spauldingicus are known to be aquatic; generally, their preferred modality of locomotion is flight.
Dr. Bjorn Navratilova, A.C.E.
Alex Shapiro said,
September 5, 2006 @ 3:58 pm
Dear Dr. Navratilova,
You really aced my question; I netted much information from you and love your response. I’ll let you know if I get any other points on this particular volley, as long as my email doesn’t get fouled. Your research on this subject has no match.
Sincerely,
Dr. Martina Bork
Dr. Bjorn Navratilova said,
September 5, 2006 @ 8:05 pm
Dear Dr. Bork,
Simply smashing (not a backhanded compliment). But if your email bounces, you will be served (not my fault). See you in court.
Out,
Dr. Bjorn Navratilova, A.C.E.
P.S. I hope this doesn’t make you prodeuce a racket.
Mike Wills said,
September 6, 2006 @ 9:01 am
Alex:
It is difficult to achieve a feeling of need in a round object.
A sphere (composed of an infinity of circles) is complete in itself.
Notice how the sand does not gather around the tennis ball and forms a welcoming nest.
Now, a beach chair or a child’s bicycle, resting on the beach and left to the sand and surf can be compelling. Swivel the view (of the ball) 45 degrees to the left (or right) so there’s a view of the surf/sand margin melting into the distance.
Thank you for the Elegy. Is more meaningful with each playing.
Mike