Rules. Oh, why so many rules everywhere?

I can't help myself. Here's a pile of books!

It's probably safe to say nobody enjoys rules. We typically find them restrictive, boxing us in, and closing away options. After all, rules set limits, define borders, and are enforced. But, as I've grown and matured, I've learned that without rules we have chaos. So, my attitude about rules have changed a lot. It's like the old example of a train. Put it on tracks and it will run well, but let it go off into a field and it won't run at all. Certainly there are bad rules and good rules, so that example can only go so far, but it's not instantly bad that rules are in place.

We have rules for everything. Eating, sleeping, working, playing, talking, driving, walking, singing, and the list goes ever on. Some rules are obvious: don't walk down the middle of a busy street. Others aren't: "i" before "e" except after "c." The way I think about it is rules show us where the free to play zones are. In writing, there are pretty solid rules about grammar and so on. But, in imagination there's no limit. So, when doing imaginative writing, I get to merge the two into something new. That is some of the best fun to be had anywhere.

My point is that rules are there for good reasons. But, don't be afraid to challenge rules. If reasoning doesn't hold up, then the rules should change. If it does, then abide by them. Actually, challenging rules is the basis for making things better. It's part of the scientific method, critical analysis, structured thinking, and kids do it from the moment they begin talking. "Why?" It's a good question, and don't turn it aside lightly. But, also be prepared to back up what you believe.

- M

Charity, the many meanings of one simple word

Some words have extremely specific meanings, while others wander a bit. Charity isn't one of those. In fact, the various definitions really come back to a simple idea of loving action. We usually think of charity as an organization who does good things--like caring for sick children or hurt animals. In this sense, it's someone else doing the actual good deeds, but when you give you are helping. It's a great thing. But, that's not the only definition.

The main definition is actually the act of charity itself. It's any generous action to aid someone in need (typically poor, wounded, or helpless). The attitude is the important aspect, as this is done willingly and without coercion. Another aspect of this definition is being kind in judging someone; almost a type of mercy. In this sense, the world would be a very different place without charity. I can only imagine how rotten things would be.

Charity is also a religious term for showing the love of God. It's more than temporary, but eternal and giving without thought of return. It strives to demonstrate love beyond human ability. And, so, we use charity in our own lives to demonstrate greater possibilities. Hopefully we all want more such charity around us, and do whatever we can to encourage it.

- M

Avengers 2: Age of Ultron review

I finally got to see the newest Avengers movie, "Age of Ultron." So, was it good? It was great! It's a fantastic action popcorn movie where you take your brain off the hook and let it wash over you. Like any action/superhero movie, if you dwell too much on the plot details it'll all fall apart. Eh, no matter. The action is wonderful, the characters likable, and the villain is interesting and quirky. I can hardly wait to see what Marvel does next with their epic plan of all these movies. (Geek alert: I actually read the Infinity War comics way back when it first came out and am nerding out over it already, and, yes, I was one of the fools cheering at the end of the first Avengers movie because I recognized the purple dude).

One aspect that really stood out to me was the villain, Ultron. In the comics, Ultron is ranked right up at the top of all the bad guys, and is consistently returning as a massive force against the Avengers. In this movie, he is immediately doing bad things yet retains a child-like aspect in thinking everything is one way or the other. Ultron is terrifyingly violent, but has a playful side that keeps coming out. In a way, he's completely insane and does all kinds of wacky things. A villain is just as key to the story as a solid hero. Ultron is great at his job. I hate him.

Yes, I highly recommend the Avengers: Age of Ultron. It's a fun movie. Moreover, it's an easily understood story, filled with action, and all ages will enjoy it. There are wonderful little bits throughout the movie, but I think all of us nerds went crazy over Iron Man in his Hulkbuster armor going after the Hulk. I can't be the only way salivating over that scene. It was wonderful!

So, go out and see it. When it comes out on DVD get out and buy it.

- M

Laughter, pure as starlight and twice as enchanting

Why are there so many types of laughter? Have you ever counted the various laughs you encounter in your day-to-day lives? Or, maybe you aren't hearing enough. Laughter is good for the soul. It heals, comforts, shares, and enjoys. There's nothing cruel to honest laughter and the mirth can spread as infectiously as any Winter cold. I believe in the miracle of laughter. It's one of the greatest aspects of any life, and we truly don't get enough of it.

My youngest daughter is working on a laugh that she knows full well is disarmingly cute and adorable. It's somewhere between a squeak and a snort, like a surprised mouse. She knows how awesome it is, and doesn't feel in the least bit ashamed to share it at every opportunity. Yup, I do encourage those opportunities as much as I possibly can. Our family loves to laugh, tickle, play, and have fun. After all, what good is life without enjoyment? Loosen up. Laugh.

Even our pets enjoy life. I've watched a bunch of online videos showing cats and dogs pranking each other, or we humans. Penguins and otters make slides and fling themselves over the edge. I've even watched a video of a crow using a plate as a sled. The need to laugh is as primal as eating. Everything plays at some point during their youth. It's sad how we forget, or choose to stop, as we age. To me, it's like the lack of imagination for most adults. Why should we ever stop? Is there a reason? Or are we just too "mature" to have fun? It's a good question, and I encourage everyone to give it consideration.

As one of my favorite movies (Hook) says, through the lips of granny Wendy, "No growing up. Stop this very instant." Should adults be adults? Of course. But, we can still be kids inside, when we want to be.

- M

Ode to My father

My father, with one of his very odd cats.

My father was my very first hero. A man beyond any other. A superhero who could lift me to the sky and throw me among the stars, then safely drop me back to hug his neck. He taught me to be strong, what honor means, and to treat others with respect and compassion. I love my father and he remains my hero to this day. It's often said, but I wouldn't be the man I am without the patient guidance of my father.

Good role models are precious few these days. I really wonder why that is? People in this country generally look to celebrities (typically sports, movie, television, radio, or any other kind of highly visible star) and then wonder why their role models are one-dimensional. Why look to celebrity when your own father has demonstrated how to live since your birth? Choosing role models is one of life's most important tasks. After all, we tend to emulate those we admire; it's only natural.

Dad, I wanted to take this space to thank you for being a steady example, a rock I've built my life upon. You have demonstrated every quality of a mature man that I admire, and I can only hope my own life mirrors your example. Wisdom is at your back and patience in your hands. You are a true hero. You are my hero. And, you are my cherished father. I love you, dad!

- M

Reaching for the sky, flying high, soaring in the wind, and letting go of doubt.

One incredible aspect of youth is the inability to focus on the possibility of failure. It's the awesome quality of truly believing the improbable. I applaud such ability. Without it we wouldn't have most of the innovations we enjoy these days. We wouldn't have next-day shipping, or online music, or dancing violin dubstep (I do enjoy Lindsey Stirling a lot). As we age, we tend toward more caution and less wanton risk. But, those days of leaping into the foggy future with both feet and no fear are still great memories. I encourage our youth to jump for those possibilities with all the gusto and zeal at your impressive command!

Taking risk is a natural aspect of life. Sure, crazy risks are still crazy, but why should we shy away from risk so much that we lock ourselves into quiet cages of perfect security? My wife challenged me tonight to my very core and my only explanation for why is because I was afraid of the possible risk. But, that fear only goes so far. She was right to challenge me and I'm going to get my fear off my chest and go for it. Don't be afraid to be wrong! After all, we are human and our nature is to be more wrong than we ever are right. Stop doubting yourselves. Fly high!

So, yes, I believe youth do have a tremendous amount to offer. They have a hunger and drive that inspires everyone around them. People who maintain that passion do incredible things. They have legends built around them, bridges named after them, and move the world at their command. <Hey, I'm a writer, I'm allowed to exaggerate.> Anyway, I tip my hat to the youth of our world and expect great things from you all! Now, get out there and make it happen.

- M

Trial by fire; making tough choices

There are times when characters must be tested beyond all comprehension. Since we have the same thing happen during our own lives, it makes the characters very sympathetic. Experiencing someone else going through severe challenges provides a merging point, a place we share and comprehend. We have empathy toward someone not us, and that empathy drives us closer to the characters. Naturally, this works in the rest of life as well, because this is one of the ways we get to know and understand someone else. It's important to share experiences.

It seems to me that the biggest worry about big and difficult trials is about how these things change us. How can we be sure this won't bend us into something terrifying? As an audience, when a character is faced with such a test we are on pins and needles because we can't forecast the results (or, we shouldn't be able to if the author is doing their job). It's both exciting and scary. Story is about tension, and this is a great one.

Probably the hardest trials are the ones our closest friends and family face. It's only natural that we want to shield such close connections, yet nobody can take the test for anyone else. Still, we can be there for them. Drama does this a lot, as it draws from true life. Funny, but it's hard to write only about characters facing trials, without making it about people I know myself. More than likely, we have people in our lives right now who are facing very difficult circumstance and are settling on very touch choices. Watching that is grueling. But, the hopeful goal is to be better after it all washes over. We can encourage as we watch--tough to do in a crowded theater without being shouted down though.

 - M

Want perfection? Be ready for hard work, because you'll need it.

We've all heard the expression that, "Practice makes perfect." There's also an old joke that goes: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? ... Practice." (Note: Carnegie Hall is one of the finest venues for music in the United States). The thinking is that while talent is certainly a factor, the most important part of being perfect is hard work. Take the time to grind down your skill to a mirror polish and you'll be great. Every aspect of life reflects this point, as we all know people who are fantastic mainly due to their long hours of working at their skill.

In my opinion, one of the greatest pleasures in life is watching someone perform who has untold numbers of hours of practice behind them. Cirque du Soleil is one of those. A few years ago, several of their popular circus shows were broadcast on television. I'm in awe of the perfect tumbling, dazzling agility, and precision physicality of the many performers. For most circuses, there's real fear in the audience as we watch dangerous acts. But, with Cirque du Soleil, that is replaced with dazzling wonder as we forget our fear and thrill at the skill. They are physical art of the highest perfection. It's impossible to describe these shows adequately. You must see them, and happily many are available on video.

I challenge you all to discover something you love doing so much that you'll put in long hours of practice to perfect it. I say love because it's lonely to practice. There may be people around you, but the practice never is about them and only about you. Dig deep within yourself and find the drive to push ahead! Whatever you choose to do, never allow doubt to overcome your desire. You found it worthwhile at the beginning, so why let that worthiness diminish? Set your eyes on the goal and cheer yourself up with visions of the future. You are worth improving, aren't you?

So, get up, get going, and grind hard. Then, thrill at the joy of performing those hard earned skills!

- M

Ode to Dr. Seuss and his immortal wisdom

In 1957, a goofy man created "The Cat in the Hat" and in 830 words turned the world upside down. Reading was never again the same, and teaching children to read became simple and fun. Many years later, in 1990, Dr. Seuss published his magnum opus, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" With a final bow, this silly little man gave us all the collected wisdom of an entire life, and he did it in 56 pages of more pictures than words! Incredible.

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), born March 1904 and died September 1991.

Having grown up in Austria, I didn't have the pleasure of having most of these books as a child. I knew about them, but I didn't really learn to appreciate them until 1990 and I was given "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" That may have been the very first time I saw absolute genius and held it in my hands. This was pure magic, and I cried when I read it. These were words filled with love, hope, and courage for the future. This was a parent's dying words to their young children. It isn't possible to paraphrase this book and make it shorter. It is absolutely perfect. A modern masterpiece.

I hold Dr. Seuss as one of the greatest writers the world has ever seen, if not the absolutely finest in all! Here is someone with a complete mastery over his chosen language. And, he created worlds of goofy landscapes and silly creatures as a satiny bonus. Yes, the level of language is absolutely basic, yet what he did with those few words continues to astonish. I believe writers need to study how Dr. Seuss achieved what he did, or they will lose out on the finest example we have at our disposal.

Dr. Seuss, you are missed, but never forgotten. Your writings will teach and inspire generations long to come. I think it's safe to say, "We love you, Dr. Seuss."

- M

Catching a piece of greatness

I've been watching documentaries recently, about sports stars like: Babe Ruth and the horse Secretariat. One commentator said that when in the presence of greatness, it's like a piece of it breaks off and falls on you. It's why we seek to be around any great things, even if it's only to see. Nothing mystical or magical about it, because it's all about connections. We talk about seeing someone famous, sitting in the same chair as a president, or holding a signed portrait. But, the best is being part of a famous event, starring a famous character; thus being a witness to history.

Babe Ruth

We all want to be touched by greatness, to be the very best at something (no matter what it is). And, when that hasn't happened or isn't possible, we seek out the slightest touch by someone who has greatness already. After all, autographs wouldn't be important to anyone otherwise. But, imagine having a signed copy of the "Star Spangled Banner" or an autographed helmet from Niki Lauda? It matters because of what these people did and do.

Connections are everything to us. We live our lives finding them, maintaining them, and breaking them. We are even known because of our associations, and people will seek us out if we have prized ones. This is such a big part of life that I wonder: if aliens ever came here, would they even comprehend how we are interconnected? It's good to know that we're pretty alien ourselves.

I do recommend checking out some documentaries about great people. They're worth learning about, even if it's just to touch greatness from a distance.

- M

San Andreas frenzy!

There's a new action movie out right now, "San Andreas," featuring the Dwayne "Rock" Johnson. It's about the fault line running through California finally going foom and causing a massive earthquake. The main plot follows our hero, who is part of a helicopter rescue team, and his fight to get his family to safety. It's exciting, action-packed, and full of heroics and courage. It's encouraging, positive, and ultimately uplifting. So, why are critics surprised it's doing well? Do they really think a good hero movie will tank badly?

I love seeing heroes succeeding, and will gladly pay my hard earned money to watch them. That's a common theme here on this blog, and for good reason. We desperately need heroes. We need people driving us toward greatness. We need examples to follow. We need paragons (a great word for you to look up to, if you haven't heard of it before). And, "San Andreas" provides a hero to emulate. And, it's clear that the viewing public agrees. As of June 1st, 2015, it's made $54 million and has only been out a single week! Impressive, most impressive.

In the end, I'm just glad to see a movie with heroes we want to emulate. I want more! Give me new myths, new villains, and new heroes to challenge those baddies! I'll never have enough, and I always beg for another helping.

- M

Love, the great emotion of poets, artists, and the common hopeless romantic.

When I was ending my years as a teenager and becoming a young man, I went through a time of incredible yearning for a loving companion. I knew she was "Somewhere Out There"--a great song by the way, and one I listened to a lot at the time--but the longing was so strong it was overpowering. I listened to love songs constantly, weeping into my headphones, and my parents didn't have any idea. Probably they are reading these words now and had no clue I went through such times. But, I wasn't alone. People all over the world long for enduring love that breaks all boundaries.

Because of that time, I have a powerful romantic streak. It takes work, but oh wow is it ever worth it. My glorious wife is a treasure I couldn't have imagined back then. She surpasses any hopes and dreams I might have had, and has shown me depths of love I can't begin to describe. Love like that changes you continually, unshakably, and permanently. If I could give any blessing, it would be love.

So, of course there is unending lyricism about love. It can't ever be completely described. And so, we write songs, wax poetic, and buy flowers in hopes of getting close. That longing has produced a dazzling variety of work, and some of the finest artistic talent in their respective fields. It's like the search for love is the muse the Greeks wrote about--you know, those fun loving folks who divinely inspire creativity.

Love changes the world you live in, breathe in, and create in.

- M

Oh, the pain!

A funny thing happened today. I was taking something out of the oven, hand nicely covered with a stove glove, and the heat went straight through and burnt the dickens out of my palm. It scalded me enough that my skin went all shiny and slick. Now, I imagine you are all wincing at least a bit with sympathetic pain. Why is that?

I suppose the easy answer is that we've all felt something similar. But, we feel sympathetic pain even when it's totally unknown to us. Actually, witnessing someone in intense pain is one of the most difficult things to bear. Sadly, I know a lot about that, having watched my wife watching me (both knees are now bionic, yay!). I saw the pain reflected in her eyes, and it tore my heart out. I'd have done anything to prevent it. Sympathetic pain is incredibly powerful.

Men will understand this one, and that's seeing someone take a low hit. I cringe at the very thought. And women certainly flinch at the thought of child birth. It doesn't matter if one is a happy occasion and the other isn't. They're both painful and we sympathize.

Stories dealing with pain are pretty common really. Adventure stories, survival stories, and all kinds of other ones are loaded with pain and suffering, yet we keep going back for more. A recent movie, which made all kinds of money, was "127 Hours" -- about a guy who cut his own arm off to survive. Yeesh. Try to get that image out of your head!

- M