1\. An object at rest will remain at rest until acted upon, and an object in motion will remain in motion. 

2\. Force equals mass times acceleration.

3\. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. 

Those are the laws of motion according to Sir Isaac Newton. What you might not have learned in your high school physics class, and indeed, might have in fact learned the hard way, are the laws of commotion, the corresponding principles to Newton’s mechanics that ensure that there will always be at least a little chaos in our cosmos. The laws of commotion are as follows: 

1\. There are things in this world that can’t be stopped, and there are people in this world that will not be stopped. 

2\. Things can and will escalate quickly. 

3\. What goes around must, inevitably, come back around.

Stories included in this episode: 

Burns and His Burials

Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist, known for his role as a pioneer of the Romantic movement who was known for his blunt political and civil commentary. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries—but it wasn’t always this way. In this story, Mary Gavan shares how the cat kept coming back, so to speak. Learn more about Mary Gavan by visiting www.marycelticstory.ca

The Old Woman and Death

Of the certainties in this world, Death is the surest. But this story, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, is about a woman who won’t let the laws of physics or philosophy stop her from getting things done. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting www.storytellerlynford.com

The Swamp Fox

An experiment in amphibious recreational vehicles that goes awry, from the inimitable Donna Ingham. Learn more about Donna's work by visiting www.donnaingham.com

A Joel Story: The Muffler Pipe

Childhood experiments often involving pushing the boundaries to their absolute limit. What do you get when you try to combine a muffler-turned-horn with a farm nestled in the mountains? Listen to Lona Bartlett's story about her little brother's curious cacophony to find out. Find more Lona Bartlett stories by visitinghttp://lonabartlett.com

Echoline

A reimagining of the Echo and Narcissus myth (Ovid’s Metamorphoses) set in the present day. There is perhaps no better narrative application of “action and reaction” than the hot tempers of the Greek and Roman gods-- even in a contemporary setting. Learn more about Kirk Waller by visiting www.kirkwaller.com

Boomerang & Lizard Man, Boomerang Song

The boomerang was first encountered by western people at Farm Cove (Port Jackson), Australia, in December 1804, when a weapon was witnessed during a tribal skirmish. The Boomerang Song teaches a dance inspired about the boomerang, Boomerang & Lizard Man is about the indigenous cultural history of the Boomerang. Learn more about Paul Taylor by visiting www.paultaylor.ws