The No-Hands Cup Flipper: In a series of operations at the end of the century, Nguyen Van Tho had a removable hook installed on one wrist stub and a more sophisticated prosthetic called a “Simpsons Hand” (after the four-fingered TV cartoon characters) attached, with partial nerve function, to the other wrist. While Nguyen continued making trips to Florida, Scotland, and the Holodeck, the climate of improved relations between the U.S. and Vietnam did not escape his notice; the idea of someday returning to his homeland lingered in his consciousness like a persistent, annoying neighbor in a TV sitcom. Following several years of seasonal work at Casa de Fruta, the northern California roadside attraction, Nguyen returned as an assistant manager and added Spam specialties to the menus of Casa de Coffee, Casa de Burger, Casa de Candy, etc. So successful were the new hors d'oeuvres, entrees, and desserts that “Casa de Spam” was added to the complex and dedicated in 2001. Nguyen did not attempt to compete with his former mentor, World-Famous Cup Flipper Eugene Zanger, during Zanger's waning years at Casa de Coffee. Only after Zanger's death (would he collapse during a strenuous double coffee-pot spin performed for a busload of Phoenix retirees?) could Nguyen regain and surpass his old form to flip dinnerware at Casa de Spam, while juggling cans, for a new century of tourists.

Figurski at Findhorn on Acid