Ants, and their incredibly curious lives

There was an old computer game called "Sim Ants." And, just like you'd expect, it's about ants. More specifically, it's about a single colony of ants and their anthill. Your goal is to take over the back yard and invade the house, and kick out the humans. I wasn't very good at it, since I spent most of my time toying around with digging the anthill and fiddling around with all the different bits. It was a huge hit as a game, and you probably can still get it at one of those abandonware web sites. The curious thing is how so many people wanted to watch and play with ants, even as adults!

I've seen some really amazing artwork made by simply pouring molten metal into anthills. The results are impressive and make fine sculptures. I'd love to have one, though I can't imagine where I'd put it since it's essentially a crazy art deco thing. But, I love how anthills remain a marvel no matter how old we get. We write stories about ants, watch in rapt attention as children, and point to them as lessons in determination.

A gel ant farm, nifty isn't it?

It's funny how such a simple little creature figures so strongly in our lives. I'll bet we all watched anthills as children, and probably around the same time we were fascinated with picking up rocks and shoving them in our pockets. Simple, entertaining, incredibly industrious, and full of hidden secrets that we can't see because ants burrow out of sight. That's why those special ant farms are so fun, since you get to see the tunnels and how the colony goes about it's business. Ants even have a trash pit (or, at least some do, I'm no expert) and some actively cultivate gardens. Pretty impressive for a little creature you may not even notice you stepped on.

- M

Overnight sensation, skyrocketing success, and a meteoric rise.

"It takes twenty years to become an overnight success." Eddie Cantor (comedian, actor, and radio personality) said that many years ago. I'm sure he was speaking sarcastically, but I think it's one of the very true aspects of life. We've all seen shooting stars in celebrity, where suddenly someone is every place you look. A recent example would be Jim Carrey. Here's a guy who spent years upon years slogging through the pits, achieved a bit of celebrity on a television show, and then skyrocketed into view after the "Ace Ventura" movie came out. I heard a story that ten years prior to that movie he'd written himself a check for a million dollars, signed and dated near to when he contracted to do the movie "The Mask." -- note, he earned ten million on that movie alone. Lots and lots of hard work, to suddenly be noticed.

 

Another old saying is: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." I've read that studies show experts in any field have generally about 3,000 hours of practice behind them. Yes, talent does factor in, but practice and self-discipline make up the majority of what most call "natural talent." Larry Bird (a competitor during Michael Jordan's time) in basketball said he had no talent at all, but his immense skill was the sole result of practice.

 

It's easy to see a sudden celebrity and wish the same upon yourself, but reality rarely awards those flights of fancy. The truth is, if you want success you'll need to earn it through hard work, determination, and an ability of never giving up. You choose the level of your success by remaining steady, dropping lower, or pushing harder. The old buyer's saying is especially true here, "You get what you pay for."

 

I urge you all to seek greater and dream bigger. Why settle for less than your best?

 

- M

Courage

We've seen incredible courage in this world recently. Those 3 men on the train, who stopped a mass shooting, sure top the list for me. To charge into danger, with nothing but your wits and your hands... wow, what courage! I also have deep respect for firefighters, many volunteers, who rush into people's homes without pause and rescue everyone--including the family pet. I salute you all, and am grateful for your service and your unselfish heroism. If you want to see a real, true, actual hero, look no further than your neighborhood firefighters, and thank them for their willingness to put their own lives on the line so you may keep yours.

Thank you to all you heroes. We may never know you, but your impact on our world is impossible to calculate. It's probably fair to say we all know, or have seen, true heroes. But, I'm also betting many don't even realize it. How common is it for us to be so wrapped up in our lives to not even notice a stunning sunset, or the dew on grass we tramp through. If we stopped and looked around we'd see the father snatching their child away from an accident, or a mother's gentle ministrations to an injured knee. We may notice a policeman stopping a rampaging crazy bent on carving up a grocery store, but what about the shop owner who doesn't back down when threatened and vandalized?

Stories showcase mythical heroes. Heroes so pure and powerful they tear down titanic monsters. In a way, these are born straight from the comparatively small heroics of we puny humans. I challenge you all to find a hero you know and give them a pat on the back. Chances are they've never been thanked by anyone. Heroes are amazingly thin skinned and aren't used to acknowledgement. Surprise them, and you'll be rewarded with one of the finest smiles you'll ever witness. It's amazing, and not fake at all. It's real.

- M

Cyborgs, Robots, & Automatons

Science fiction loves the idea of machines, since the genre is focused on technology for the most part. It's only natural that machines become human-like. Robots are easy, since they are machines typically imbued with some sort of artificial intelligence and so can do awful or great things with equal dispatch. Cyborgs are a bit different, since they are part machine and part human (think Robocop). White Automatons are made in the image of humans, and can be robot, cyborg, or remote controlled shells. Whatever they are, these robotic creations are loads of fun, because the author can easily play with the dangers of technologies as well as the human interactions it creates.

I think we all have a fear of new technologies, even if that fear is briefly instantaneous or long lasting. Mary Shelley wrote the famous "Frankenstein" in part as an exploration of the boundaries of science while also warning of our ethical challenges when doing so. That fear, however small, is at the center of many science fiction stories. It's where the conflict begins, and the story branches out from it. You hear the "extrapolation" tossed around when people discuss science fiction, and what it basically means is the author has guessed at future technologies by examining the current ones. By doing that, the audience is kept close to the story and doesn't have to believe too much goofy nonsense (such as Star Trek's infamous "technobabble.")

My own love of robots comes right from Star Wars. Yup, I adore R2D2 and C3PO. I think they are the best robots ever depicted, and I'm sure it's probably because they were my first love. It's also because they have easily defined characterizations. One is loyal and heroic to a fault, the other is a cowardly talker who nevertheless is faithful and loyal. And then there are the robots from the Terminator movies--terrifying machines of focused destruction.

I have watched the real life progress of robots, and it's both amusing and discouraging to witness. On one hand science has created impressive helpers (such as the machines that build cars) and have fallen short in making human-replicas. My opinion is we should try to replicate us, but make them as determined by their function. Science Fiction won't stop toying with robotics though, since it's so much fun (my first book was Science Fiction as well).

- M

Stress and Strain

What happens when you apply stress to something? Well, it bends or breaks, there's not much else. Unlike life, within a story the stress is carefully measured and played to provide tension and relief. By being careful, the author can crank up the stress and put the audience on the edge of their seats, without making it so awful that we want to cry and give up. Sure there are stories that intentionally make the strain so fierce we want to back away, but even those can be so enticing we want to struggle through it for the hoped-for payoff at the end--kind of like a rollercoaster.

It's probably safe to say we all know people who have cracked under tremendous stress (perhaps even ourselves). It's not pretty most of the time. Stress can break you into little pieces, grind you down, and pulverize the rest. Or, with help, you can rebuild yourself into something stronger and tougher, the way a martial artist toughens their body and will. It's a marvelous thing to witness! I applaud anyone who has come through the fire and been reborn.

Times of stress are never enjoyable. I think of the great heroes of literature, and their worst times were pretty awful. But, we all want the end result, I think. We want to be brave, heroic, able to face the toughest monsters and survive the worst storms. Without stress there would be none of that. The classic example is that we wouldn't have diamonds unless coal was squeezed so hard it changed form. Trite, but true. However you look at it, we won't get away from stress, and learning to deal with it is one of life's great trials. I wish you all the best in everything you do.

- M

Maps and ancient lands...

Part of my childhood was spent staring at maps. Old, new, distant, near. I didn't care. I just like them. I love the shapes of nature (especially coastlines) and how it all fits together. It still impresses me. One of my favorites is still the map of the "Lonely Mountain" in the beginning of "The Hobbit." I love the simplicity and the mystery--maps with secret codes, neat! Probably because of it I still draw my own and still enjoy secret languages.

Fantasy worlds typically have their own maps, hopefully done in such a way so the reader can reference it easily. The popular "Game of Thrones" world is like that, and is vast and complex and has all sorts of interesting nooks and crannies. I think it gives a nice little nudge to the imagination and helps the audience accept the world faster and with fewer complications. Of course, then the story must match the map, but I think it helps more than it hurts. Without a map, the world is a hopeful generalization, imagined better or worse by the varied audiences.

One thing I'd love to collect is a really old, ancient, map of verified authenticity. Well, maybe two or three, but still old and filled with uncertainty. And, beside them hopefully a map of the "Lonely Mountain." And, perhaps a sword or two, maybe a shield, and a poleaxe. Perhaps some wood panels, shelves, a lift to another floor, railings, and books everywhere in shelves to the ceiling. Yup, I have my dream room already designed.

This is the writer's annex of my dream office.

- M

Children are visions of innocence and escapism

I love watching young children at play. They have no preconceptions about boundaries or possibilities, they just have fun. Tea parties are a great example, because what are they actually doing? They are practicing social behavior with their treasured toys and stuffed bunnies. The incredible thing is these children happily allow us adults to take part and join in on their imagination. That's where the magic happens! We become part of a larger and greater world of pretend, where we are accepted no matter who or what we are. That's why we think of children as innocent, unspoiled, and untouched by darkness.

Another game I keep alive is cloud animals. It's so much fun to lay down and stare at the clouds, though my imagination has more to work with than a child, it still impresses me how creative children are. Space monkeys with shark teeth, or flying dogs, or cats climbing ladders. There's no limit to what a child will see, or blurt out. Try the game with some child you know, and you'll discover what I mean.

But, one thing a child has which no adult can conceive is an absolutely fresh and new look at life. For them everything is actually a new experience, never before encountered. To watch a child go to a zoo and see a monkey, or a tropical bird, or seals, or something as "normal" as an elephant, is incredible. They look with wide eyes, accepting hearts, and pure wonder. I treasure those times, and wish for more of them. I'm sure that grandchildren will offer those moments over and over, so I'm looking forward to that. Until then, though, take the tame to see the world through the eyes of a child.

- M

Creative times of wonder.

image source: The Daily Mail

There are times when what you are doing startles, amazes, and completely overpowers your senses. It's as though the universe has coalesced into a pure focus of mind-numbing power right before you eyes. I count myself blessed as I've witnessed this marvel personally numerous times. It's when you are sculpting something and it forms the very perfect vision you've had inside, or when you are singing and your voice is the voice of the angels, or a sunset lights the whole of the sky on fire. Words utterly fail the experience. It's heavenly. Otherworldly. Nobody can forget an experience like that.
I've heard writers talk about writing and how it happens and how they do their thing. But, nothing can prepare you for when your own story steps off the page and startles you with its telling. Suddenly you are an observer, watching magic happen through your own fingers. Sure, we writers have a very high opinion of our own work (as it should be since we are banking our futures on our abilities), but this is beyond that. It's incredible and jaw-dropping. To have our own creation surprise us ... amazing!

My hope is for everyone reading this to find in themselves even a single creative spark and let it free. Find something, anything, that you can create and go for it! Let your imagination roam beyond its normal jail cell and find a new place to explore. You'll be better for it, even if nobody in this wide world ever sees it. Even if it's solely for you to take out once in a while, polish it up a bit, and smile at the little bit of silliness you made. Just once. Take the chance. You'll be grateful, I promise.

- M

Fan fiction and fan movie trailers.

Fan movie trailers are probably just slightly better received than fan fiction. In other words, mostly poorly. But, the desire to play around in a fictional universe you admire and respect is intoxicating, and I'm sure anyone with any desire at all has done at least some. There's certainly nothing wrong with it, and some can be very successful indeed. One of my favorite movie trailers isn't for an actual movie at all; it's one for Tron 3 (you can see it here: Tron Destiny). When you come across really well made fan fiction it makes you wonder how much more the creators can really do.

The saying is "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Taking a successful piece of art, and trying to duplicate it is just that, a copy. While it's great to learn this way, I'm not sure it's flattery. Change parts around, and make it a version of the original yet with your own influences, it becomes a new work and not imitation. Sure, they both contain the same elements, but only because they both come from the same source originally. Renaissance sculptors made various takes on David beating Goliath, yet they are all unique. My point is, taking something and making it your own is a time-tested ideal.

image from: "The Matrix Reloaded"

That said, ripping off someone else's work and passing off as your own is called plagiarism and is fiercely frowned upon. I've no experience with someone copying my own work, but I can imagine it's both flattering and disturbing. You're rightly protective of anything you personally create. Maybe if there's real effort to create then the imitation isn't as harsh. Still, fans will create fiction based on the worlds they love and nobody will ever stop it. I wish them the best in their efforts.

- M

Stepping off life's constant treadmill.

courtesy of Vladimir Zuñiga of Foca.tk

We have a saying around here about the "rat race." It basically is an analogy of how we humans race around so crazily, and that it may not be the best way to go about things. Most times people use the expression when they are tired and worn out and want to get away from the stress of usual living. "Take a vacation and get out of the rat race." We do like vivid sayings around here, and this is pretty poignant.

I do think the feeling is universal though. We all have times when we need a break, a vacation, a stress-free time where we can slow down and really enjoy life. There's certainly nothing wrong with that, and we probably should slow down much more than we do. Sit down, read a good book (have you checked out mine? hint-hint-nudge-nudge). There's a neat scene in the movie "Collateral" where the main character, a cab driver, stops and pulls down the sun visor. On the back of the sun visor is a post card of an idyllic Caribbean beach. He sighs, eats his lunch, and imagines himself owning a fleet of cabs and enjoying a better life. He calls it his "mini-vacation." It's a great idea.

Pacing is just as important in life as it is in a story. Too much action and you get overloaded. Too little and you're bored. But, spice it up now and again, then you find new life in the adventure and wings to fly higher. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean forgetting to slow down. I've seen too many people burn themselves out by pushing ever harder. Relax. It's not all today. Let tomorrow come on its own terms. Get out of the rat race now and again. Enjoy yourself.

- M

Thunderstorms, Lightning and Thunder. Incredible.

image credit

I adore thunderstorms, especially with tons of spectacular lightning. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of sketching lightning--though it was peculiar because what I remember are lightning strokes that featured circular strokes on occasion. My brother and I would draw them and marvel at the complexity. I've never seen lightning like that here in the USA, but we saw it all the time in Austria. Still, listening to thunder and watching lightning is a continuing pastime--and my lovely wife enjoys it too; what a gal!

Artists like thunderstorms as well, because you can find a warehouse full of art with storm clouds as the main component. Puffy and billowing expanses of turbulent vapor makes the heart go wild. It's just pretty. Beautiful. The magnificence of unbridled nature. We can get wrapped up in the philosophical intricacies, but why not just accept the beauty and move on? It's staggering actually, how the night sky can light up with threads of silver-blue fire and we boggle at it.

What things excite you? Are there displays of nature that dazzle? Is it something you found by surprise? Do you search for amazement?

The long and short of it is we can find awe and wonder wherever we look. There's a reason kids are fascinated by an anthill. They are seeing many things for the very first time. Look through those eyes again. See things brand new and special. The world is worth it.

- M

Dumb, Stupid, and Really Bad Planning.

Ever do something with thought and planning only to find out it was embarrassingly stupid? I can't be the only one. The funny thing is, we don't necessarily realize right away how dumb it really was. Sometimes we go on thinking we just didn't do it right and try again a few more times. That's gotta be the reason so many people tried riding a barrel over Niagara Falls. I don't believe anyone could possibly be that stupid without truly believing they were performing a brilliant stunt. Of course, there's always the hero complex reason, but going for glory only takes someone so far before they question the sanity of the quest.

photo credit

As kids we probably do more than our share of stupid stunts. It's only natural as we test our limits and discover what's a good idea and what isn't. I sure did. I'll never forget my great plan of seeing how far I could throw a brick into the air. I put it on a plank of wood, with another brick near the center as a fulcrum, then I jumped up on the board and watched the brick go into orbit. At least that's what I thought would happen. It must have gone fairly high, because I didn't see it hit the ground, and I sure wasn't looking up, so I took a few steps to the side and ... whammo! Right in the forehead. The next thing I remember is waking up and seeing our big oak tree sticking out of the ground sideways. Yup, I knocked myself cold.

Thing is, I realized it might arc into me, so I stepped aside, and the blasted thing nailed me anyway. And, yes, I planned it all out, even so far as realizing I didn't want to look up and get it in the nose. Planning didn't help at all, it was a foolish, stupid, moronic thing to do.

Hopefully we learn from such mistakes and educate ourselves. Then, perhaps and hopefully, we make better choices.

- M

Moving is like Tetris, it's all about stacking

30 years of Tetris

Ever play Tetris? It's a very simple game, where you stack basic figures (an "L", square, line, "S") and try to make a compact sequence. Fill a horizontal line and it vanishes. It's basically a test of spatial awareness, mental agility (the game speeds up), and decision making. For such an simple concept it's incredibly entertaining, frustrating, and mindless fun. I loved it as a kid, and still enjoy it as an adult.
Packing and moving is just like it. When you pack a car's trunk there's an art to it. This one there, that over there, and then we can put this here, and with those there, this other just barely fits. It's pure planning, action, and diligence. With a bit of forethought you can make it all fit in. I love doing that. I just with reality matched the non-weight of the game. Yikes it's a backache doing a lot of packing. Yeesh.

The idea of moving is sweet and bitter. Sweet because it's like getting a wonderful present to play with, but bitter because it's all new and changes are inevitable. I think helping someone else move is the best of everything, because you get the joy of helping a friend, the pleasure of real-life Tetris, and the throbbing backside of solid hard work. Just try not to stack too high, or bend too low--it's not a good outcome.

- M