Favorite things; like sunsets, pants, apples, and smiles

Julie Andrews dancing in the Austrian Alps... my favorite place in the world.

There's a song from the musical, "The Sound of Music" that speaks of favorite things. It's a catchy and entertaining, but also speaks to the deep desire of all of us to be around the things that we like. The idea that thinking about our favorite things makes us happy and uplifted isn't new, because it's a true facet of life. That's why we spend time dreaming of things we'd like to have, but also remembering times we spent with our favorites: maybe a camping trip at a remote cabin, or a walk down a sunset beach with your spouse.

 

Funny how our favorites don't change much with time. Sure, we modify and fine tune our desires, but the basic wellspring of those wants is very deep and unchanging. We can understand a great deal about someone just by what their favorites are, and what they look forward to. It's why we want to know we are dating someone with compatible desires. It's important.

 

Take someone's pins from Pintrest, favorites on Facebook, and their wish lists, and you can create a pretty accurate picture of who they are. We are linked together worldwide in ways never imagine in the past, but it has also allowed us to create much larger people groups that aren't bound by geography. That is amazing, real fist pump kind of stuff.

 

- M

The future of books

Someone asked me the other day what I think about the future of books. I've never been more optimistic. I think people are craving good stories to read. The world has always been a tough place, and stories provide a perfect escape from reality--at least for a little while. And, it doesn't matter if that story is taking place on a brightly lit screen or coming through pages in a book. People want to read more than ever before.

 

The recent explosion of the e-book world is a big help. Now we are capable of taking hundreds of books with us, reading wherever we want. My father even read my most recent book on his phone. Way to go dad! He's not alone, because tons of people do the very same thing! I love it.
 

And, I think these improvements will only increase the desire to read a good story. There is magic that happens when a human mind interacts with a story. Something greater is born between the two participants, and a whole world springs into being that never existed before. Sure, I'm a romantic, but I believe with all my heart that there is a desire like never before for books and authors. Some strike it big while others tickle the minds of a special few. Whatever the circles of influence, books are growing like never before.

 

- M

Meeting famous people

How do you respond when you meet someone famous? Imagine meeting a big time movie star? Or a star athlete? How about a Nobel Prize winner? Perhaps someone who walked on the Moon? Maybe a popular artist, or rock star, what about an author, or president? How about a king? What would you do if you noticed Princess Kate eating breakfast at the next table?

 

There's a popular show called "Undercover Bosses" which does at least answer the question of how would you respond to meeting the CEO of your company. It's interesting to see how people--who earlier in the episode treated the CEO as just another average worker--suddenly sit with startled expressions and find themselves much more reserved and held back than when they didn't know. I'd say it's pretty common to respond that way. It's funny to see the bubble of space surrounding anyone famous, as though they have a force field keeping everyone at least two feet away.

 

I've worked to minimize the effect personally, but it's almost impossible to prevent. There's probably all kinds of psychological theories about the why and what, but I think it comes down to respect. Anyone who we value highly (think about doctors for instance) we naturally find ourselves somewhat intimidated by them. That intimidation naturally leads to awe, feelings of inadequacy, and sometimes outright jaw dragging behavior.

 

The funny thing is, I'm betting that most famous people truly do want people around who treat them like normal people and not with the velvet gloved awe that most fans demonstrate. Sure, they are famous, but they're human beings just like anyone else. And that's my thought for the day...

 

- M

One Finger Death Punch! A great little game.

I've played games as long as personal computers have been out (yup, I'm ancient). And I also dearly love martial arts--so much so that I've earned a black belt in Taekwondo, and studied many others. All that to say that there is a new indie game out called "One Finger Death Punch." It's very basic (you only use the left and right mouse buttons) but it's like controlling a Saturday afternoon Kung Fu action movie. It is so deeply satisfying that many people start doing Bruce Lee noises as they play (seriously, watch some YouTube videos of people playing).

 

Stick figure animation at it's most entertaining!

What I like about it is that you can sit down for 10-20 minutes, have a blast, and walk away. There's really no plot, very little distraction, and it's unbelievably intense. The game also has a sliding scale of difficulty, depending on how poorly or greatly you play. For me, I'm pretty lousy and so I'm usually at the bottom end of that scale, but some are able to really jack up the difficulty to really crazy levels. Essentially, the better you are, the harder it is, so the game is always difficult enough.

 

If you take the game in small chunks then it never becomes monotonous. There are lots of achievements you can earn, so there's a palpable sense of accomplishment as you grow in skill. I especially like how the game discourages the typical "button mashing" of most action games. In fact, if you smash buttons you will lose, and lose badly. You must time your attacks, but there's lots of leeway so don't get over-stressed about it.

 

If you like quick action games, don't want the investment of lots of money (it's only $5.00), and don't have time for a huge storyline, then check out this game. It's well worth your time.

 

- M

Timeless laughter, ageless beauty, and unending glory.

One thing I've heard lately is how this and that grow old and fade away. Is it true? Sure, for a lot of things it is. I'd like to suggest that there is timelessness in many others. Good humor remains good even as it ages, which is why the joke of "look over there" gets used by every generation (and probably has since the beginning of time). Beauty preferences change, but the idea of beauty is a constant; it's just our current definition that changes.

 

Anyway, all that to say that there are certain characteristics that can be identified and learned. Once we understand those, we can use them more effectively. I've been a student of laugher for all my life (even though most people who know me think I have a very dry sense of humor indeed) and love a good chuckle. I grew up with comedies and thoroughly enjoyed Jerry Lewis, Laurel and Hardy, Tim Conway, Bill Cosby, and so many others. We all can use a good laugh.

 

Yes, I truly believe that never-ending glory can be had through strong use of the timeless qualities all around us. Even if I'm wrong, it's a great goal and I hope a laudable one as well. One thing I sure don't want is to do is add to the dry rot spreading through cultures all the time. Time to break out the book of jokes and find some real groaners.

 

- M

 

"What did the ocean say to the other?"

"Nothing, he just waved..."

Surprise! That didn't quite work as expected, but it worked!

Happy accidents that work out are great fun. It reminds me of the phrase from the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together." In stories especially, accidents can make the plot twist and turn. However, they can also create the fabled "gift of the gods" effect where something comes out of nowhere and saves the day without any real reason other than the author wanted it that way. It feels rather cheap.

 

Apparently wine was an accidental result, as were many other inventions. I wouldn't be surprised at all if some of the best things in life are complete accidents. I can't even begin to count the number of times luck has been on my side and made all the difference. Sure, you can't count on luck, but it's a lot of fun when it goes your way.

 

It could be because unpredictability is hard to guess. We all enjoy trying to outsmart the story. Accidents make it more challenging. Maybe that's why stories like "Game of Thrones" draw such a huge audience? When even the top main characters aren't safe, then who knows what can happen? That's entertaining.

 

- M

Goofy laws... why can't I take a bath with my horse?

Indiana law: Cannot keep a horse in a bathtub

Every state has them. Probably every city has them. I'm talking about laws that make absolutely no sense at all. Usually such laws are remnants of ages gone by, but they are still technically in effect and haven't gone away. In my own state it is illegal to take a bite from another person's hamburger. But, then it is a hamburger and that's right up there with invading my house!

 

Then there are laws that make absolutely no sense at all, such as an Illinois laws stating it is illegal to speak English. Why it's a law I can't even imagine. California is always fun, especially with movies like one law that requires a pediatrician's approval before even filming a child under 1 month old. Or how about needing a lifeguard's permission to toss a Frisbee on the beach? My favorite is that sunshine is a guarantee in California... glad they made it a law, because if the sun doesn't shine we can sue it!

 

I'd love to drive in Virginia, where it is a law that you must honk your horn when passing other cars. Fun stuff. Or how about Hawaii, where it's illegal to put coins in your ears. Not sure about that one, but there must have been some strange reason to make that law. Florida has an interesting one in that all public building doors must open outwards (I suppose it makes them all uniform at least).

 

I think we can all laugh at the silliness of people. I'm sure all these laws were written with true reasons and great severity. People believed in them. But, it doesn't stop them from being crazy and silly. People never fail to amuse me.

 

- M

Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and any other cryptozoology you can think of.

Mysteries surround us in the actual real world, especially if you want to find them and are willing to believe in them. It's sort of like Peter Pan, where if you believe in fairies they will live. Clap, clap, clap. Sure, I'll believe. Why not? It certainly doesn't harm anything to keep an open mind about such things. What I find really interesting is examining the ideas and concepts that the true believers bring out. It reminds me of oral ghost stories, or tall tales.

 

When mysteries are big enough, grand enough, or bombastic enough, they take on a life of their own and keep going even when they shouldn't. That's why I'd bet everyone recognizes immediately the picture I've shown. Sure, it's the Loch Ness Monster. The myth is so huge now that the whole world knows it. Stories are like that.

 

I'm sure every writer desires to craft a world that people enjoy so much that the fiction creates new life beyond itself. In a modern sense we all watched it happen with the Harry Potter stories. Despite my studies of the phenomenon I really am no closer to understanding the why's or how's. I'd love to know a recipe of how to create a worldwide myth. Maybe it's on YouTube, or a TED talk. Probably it's a case of great timing combined with a great story and twisted together with the whimsy of fate. Who knows?

 

I wonder if we'll ever get a definitive answer regarding the myths of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster? One can hope.

 

- M

Babylon 5. I long for more serious science fiction shows.

One thing I've loved is ongoing science fiction shows. First it was Star Trek and the reborn Star Trek, and then Babylon 5. I've enjoyed the Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone. Then there was Eureka and Warehouse 13. Sure, things are always changing, but I miss the concept shows where a great overarching story was done over the course of years. Doctor Who is the only show currently that I know about where this is attempted (though in small part really, since there's only a small connection throughout the season).

 

I think I understand the reason for it, since audience attention spans are short and people want to enter a show at any point during the season. Episodic shows fulfill that desire--pick a conflict, work it out, and resolve it all in one show. But, I think history has shown that audiences do respond to shows with years long plots, which is probably why some shows do have strings that meander throughout the episodes. I'd love to see more of that though.

 

What I really want is another science fiction show that takes itself seriously, not jokingly or ridiculously (like Eureka) and tackles current issues using the science fiction framework. There's lots to talk about: racism, social class, honesty, politics, business, pick whatever you like. Using fiction to discuss tricky current issues is a great way to put ideas out there, even make positive change. I'd like to see more of that discussion.

 

- M

Years gone by; why do we cherish the past so often?

As I age it's becoming clear to me that we love to think about the past as better than anything else in the present. I suppose it's because most tend to remember only the good things and forget the bad. Or, perhaps it's because we don't like the changes we see. Or, because we long for the simpler times when we were young and didn't have all the stresses of adult life. Perhaps it's all of that.

 

I think this quality of life is the reason we enjoy fiction so much. It's great to escape into a fantasy that's thrilling and full of adventure. I know that's why I like it so much. I'm a technology super-nerd, but I find that I relish sitting alone with a book far more than playing the next realistically rendered action adventure video game. Maybe it's because I'm spending most of my free time writing, and I'm sure that's a big part, but I also think it's due to the pervasive noise of "things" going on all the time. I'm reminded of a short story by Ray Bradbury called "The Murderer." In it the main character has destroyed his electronics so he can have peace and quiet, yet this is considered so abnormal that he is locked up. It's a great story and certainly applies to our modern days even more than it did when it was written.

 

Main, I think we love looking back and remembering what we've done and the joys we've experienced. Sure, it's easy to remember fondly what we've already enjoyed. The difficulty is looking to the future with the same starry-eyed wonder and making it come true. I encourage everyone to have the same curiosity as children, and the same expectations of greatness as a new mother for her children. We need that optimism now more than ever. Build something greater than you remember. It's worthwhile don't you think?

 

- M

Survivor's tales

I've been studying documentaries about natural disasters recently, and one thing that is very striking is a very understandable guilt the survivors have. Many express desires to make their lives matter in a big enough way to honor those who didn't make it. Others are dismayed by their survival while others died. We humans have a tough time dealing with surviving, or at least many do. But, despite all this, what I saw in the survivors was a singular expression of gratitude.

When I was younger, I read the Reader's Digest all the time. My favorite section was "Drama in Real Life." The stories were impressive, but they were told in such a way as to really demonstrate the inner thoughts of the people living them. I'd say that most of them were riveting and taught me a tremendous amount about how to pace real stories. And, the knowledge that the events were real (possibly exaggerated, but real nonetheless) granted a sense of power to the stories I've not seen anywhere else.

I think survivor's tales offer valuable insight into how people respond in extraordinary situations. There's greatness in all of us, and these tales demonstrate it. Whatever the outcome, people who survive tremendous tragedy come out changed. and never forget it. By sharing their stories it offers a coping mechanism, but also gives direct personal historical accounts. That's valuable for everyone. I pray survivors are comforted and find their sorrows healed.

- M

Film review: The Hobbit, Battle of the Five Armies

Last weekend we all packed into the van and went and saw the newest Hobbit movie. We enjoyed it. I've read a lot of reviews about it, and most say the story is stretched thin. But, what were they expecting? After all, this is a movie about a very significant battle in Middle Earth history and the movie doesn't shy away from it in the slightest. We get a great war, very relatable characters, and a terrific moral lesson in the effects of unfettered greed.

 

I love the Hobbit book. I've read it a dozen times or more (same goes for the Lord of the Rings trilogy). To me it is a fun adventure story with a likable hero who grows from a shy farmer into a stout adventurer who bandies with wizards and slays evildoers. It's great stuff. The movies take much more under its wings (in particular the return of Sauron and how that goes on), and tells more about what Gandalf was up to when he wasn't with Bilbo.

 

Smaug the Terrible

Some of the things I particularly enjoyed were the great number of times when the dialogue is taken verbatim from the book. Also, I loved the portrayal of the elf queen Galadriel. She is a mighty power, and this movie demonstrates that in an especially visual way. I won't spoil anything, but I will say it is impressive. Smaug of course is a fantastic dragon and will win awards for imagery and voice (he's definitely the best ever depicted in a movie). And the way the treasure troves of Erabor are shown makes us imagine just how enormous the whole horde must be, because it seems to go on forever.

 

I definitely recommend the movie. It dovetails neatly into the Lord of the Rings movies (and I sure can't fault the director that desire). These Hobbit movies are fun, the story easy to understand, and will see a lot of sales all around the world. I'm glad we have them now. I doubt epic fantasy will reach this high again for a long time, but if it does I'll certainly be there to see it.

 

- M

Flying... in giant metal tubes

There are few modern things as undeniably wonderful as flying. Sure, we use giant metal machine to accomplish it, but the reality is we fly in the air faster than birds ever imagined. The feeling of lifting off the ground and soaring through the sky is indescribable. It's one of the highlights of my year anytime I get to do it. One of my dreams is to get my private flying license and get to do that all the time. That and parachuting. It's one of those things.

The thrill of flying is so deeply ingrained in our race that we won't stop until we populate the stars. We've already gone to the Moon, and plans are to go to Mars. Does anyone doubt that it won't stop until we have gone literally everywhere? And why not? We climb mountains because they exist, go to the deepest oceans because we can. So, of course we'll fly throughout space.

I doubt my dream of going to space will ever be realized, but I would like to go underwater. That's much more likely. And, going underwater has as many risks as space travel, since the environment is every bit as hostile as a vacuum. But, it's not the danger that I want to experience. It's being in another world. I love new experiences, and the worlds underwater are incredible. Flying is one I know, and love each time, but I always want to reach for something new. That's what makes life so special. New things. New replacing the old.

Live life to the fullest. Every day.

- M