Preparing for the next year ...

It's almost a new year, and so people are thinking of what they plan to do, what they won't do, and how they accomplish it all. It's time for New Year Resolutions, and measuring our past performances. Hopefully we keep things simple and realistic (so, no pledges to surf the waves of Jupiter this year), and truly plan to achieve what we set out to do. I'll be honest, I don't really make resolutions of my own--I just don't see the point--but, that might be changing. I do see value in making long-term plans (even though a single year isn't all that long, really). At least, take the time to consider what you'd like to do.

Some things are easy, like school and work and planned holidays. For me, it's the smaller things that are the most complicated. Why is it so hard to plan cleaning the garage, or seeding the front lawn, or organizing the bookshelf? It seems like whenever obvious road signs are available, then we let those set our goals for us, but when we must set our own goals it's a wrestling match we don't win. I believe that's one of the biggest reasons so very few become ultra-successful in life. People who set goals, strive to achieve them, and then set new goals, are the ones who get things done. Think about it, would you rather have help from someone who never completes anything, or someone who gets things done?

It's also tradition for a new year to bring about a clean state of affairs. It's like getting a do-over in life. Sure, it's just a tradition, but there's a great deal of truth to it. Once in a while, we need to let go of old failures, or successes, and move on to different things. A new year gives permission to do that, in a way that's as simple as a calendar. So, take the leap and jump into the new year with eyes closed, nose plugged, and feet braced. Who knows? Maybe you'll land in a pool of strawberry jam ...

- M

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

In these days of joy, presents, food, and family, take time to remember the fortunes we have. No matter how small, count your blessings. Hug your loved ones. Re-form old friendships. Spend your time generously, be miserly with your criticisms, and give hope a merry place in your heart.

Pray for those suffering, grieve with the mourners, honor sweet memories of your fallen. Tears of joy and sorrow flow equally well. Pay attention to the special moments, and don't let old grudges fester. Let this be a time of celebration for the prospects of new beginnings.

Most important, remember why we celebrate: our Savior's birth.

- M

Special memories are worthy creations

There are times when you don't want to forget even a single aspect of something, such as: baby birth, your wedding, meeting a long-lost friend, birthdays, holidays, vacations, and the list goes on. The reason we do this, is because all we can really carry with us in life are our memories. No matter where we go, no matter how lost we become, no matter how old we get, memories remain with us. The really special memories are like glittering jewels, and we take them out from time to time just to peer inside and relive something wonderful.

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When my children were little, we actually had a complete whiteout blizzard (yeah, living in the southern United States, snow is special). My wife and I bundled up the kids and we walked through the snow, to get hot chocolates at the nearby gas station. The kids hated it, but I told them all to focus and fix this event in their minds, to form a long-term memory. Guess what? Today, they do remember, and remember with great fondness and joy. It's a treasured memory for them.

Why do I bring this up? Well, with the Christmas holiday in the next few days, I hope you will all find new special moments to seal into treasure boxes inside your memories. Gifts, food, and music is all wonderful, but really grab onto the times with loved ones. Capture those events. Ingrain them into your long-term memory. Realize the importance and make the effort to pay attention. Life is far too short to miss the really good stuff. Take a few seconds away from your busy schedule, and stoop to smell the flowers you pass on a daily basis.

- M

Addressing the audience directly.

Why is it so rare to smash the barrier between the world of story and the audience witnessing it? It's called, "Breaking the 4th wall." Back in the times of open plays, particularly Greek plays, it was common for the "chorus" to directly address the audience. It was a useful method to give exposition and provide transitional moments. Modern storytelling doesn't do this often anymore, preferring to maintain the illusion of story at every turn. In fact, breaking the wall is so extraordinary that when it is done, there's special attention drawn to it.

Is it wrong to address the audience? No. Does it break the immersion of the story? Probably. However, it also can increase immersion if done well. Narration falls into this second category, as it's similar to the Greek "chorus" and tells information without shattering the wall. To me, having the wall broken is jarring, stunning, and sets me on my heels. It takes a bit to recover from it. In movies, if the actors look directly into the camera's eye, it's like they're acknowledging they're inside a story and none of it's real. Blammo, no immersion.

Of course, rules are meant to be broken. If it works, then go for it. Storytelling isn't an exact science, and is based fully in the realms of feeling. The best crafters of tales somehow know exactly where to push, how to pry, and when to pull. However it's done, I absolutely love a good story. If it takes poking me with a stick and shouting, "Boo" directly in my face, well then I say go for it! My favorite is at the very end of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where the main star tells the audience to go home. Brilliant!

- M

Anticipation is hard to contain, especially pertaining to Star Wars.

I love the Star Wars movies, having watched them since they came out, and even have the ones people would rather forget. The new Episode 8 is coming out this week, and I can hardly wait. I've noticed reviews coming out already, though I've studiously ignored them completely. What really astounds me is how many contain full spoilers of the movie. Why do that? After all, the idea of a review is to educate, not spoil, the movie.

My hopes are that the story will continue in a good way. I don't mind old plot points being reused, or even seeing the old cast. What I hope is to experience a fun and engaging story, with space action and space guns and space twists. It's an adventure, but with laser swords. I try not to push my expectations overly high, because no story can possibly achieve legendary status on demand. Let it be fun and I'll be happy.

Disney has enormous plans for the Star Wars universe, including many spin-off movies and possibly another trilogy. Well, if the public wants it, then sure. My fear is that the story will lose its central position, and fan-service will take its place. Yes, fans love seeing their favorites on screen, but if there's no reason for it then the display falls empty in its own stewing juices. Create new worlds for us to experience, new characters to love, and especially new villains to make us quake in fear. Keep moving forward ... we'll hurry to catch up.

- M

Batman versus the Joker ... why are they still at it?

Batman fighting the Joker has become part of American culture, even more so than Superman battling Lex Luthor. My question is, why? The Joker is a horrible person, utterly vile, completely wicked, and excruciating to be around for any length of time. Yet, the public can't get enough of Batman fighting this singular villain. So, let's examine it for a moment.

Batman versus Joker
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Batman wants to redeem people, while Joker wants to corrupt people. Batman won't compromise for any reason, while Joker is seductively flexible. Batman has rules, the Joker doesn't. Batman is the yearning to overcome any obstacle, Joker is the lunacy lurking within humanity. Joker is almost literally Batman's internal darkness come to physical life, revealing what Batman would become if he lost control completely. Batman against the Joker is a modern day retelling of the story of Jekyll and Hyde.

Certainly this struggle hasn't always been depicted the same way, but it's interesting that no matter who is writing the stories, the tension between Batman and Joker remains the same. There's an inherent understanding of what drives them both. Very simply, it's hope versus despair. Sure, Batman isn't a saint, but he's a morally driven hero, struggling to do good despite the wickedness around him. That's probably why people are drawn to Batman, because his struggles are similar to our own (though amped up to superhero proportions). The Joker is chaos and vileness personified, with the single goal of corrupting any good thing he finds.

This is why I love comics so much. Like no other medium, comic books have delved into the very nature of who we are and what makes us good or bad. It's an important study. Plus, comics have given us stories that have survived the test of time.

- M

Christmas music is the best part of the year.

I love Christmas music. In fact, I regularly listen to Christmas songs throughout the year. I've never felt tied to seasons for my music, and Christmas music is inspirational and heart-warming. I love them, even the silly ones like "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." Yup, even the hippo song. It's great music anyway, but I love having my heart filled with encouragement. Life is tough and hard, so why not freshen it with goodness?

Plus, much of holiday music is made purely for fun and good cheer. I enjoy listening to stuff that makes me happy, gets my feet moving, or raises goosebumps on my arms. Music is like a wonderful story you can experience over and over and over. There's incredible power in music to heal, comfort, and inspire. I find holiday music is especially good at that.

Sure, Christmas could become boring and over-used, but it's like the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," and is perfect at least once a year. Let yourself experience the wonder all over again, and listen with fresh ears. Break out the Christmas music and smile. It's a wonderful time to be alive.

- M

I woof you! Here's a gift ...

For Valentine's Day, my wife bought me a little stuffed animal dog, with the phrase, "I woof you!" on its side. I have it sitting at my desk. It's colors are ridiculous, it's a dachshund--so is wildly stretched--and there's a crazy smile on its face. The whole thing is silly. And ... I cherish it. My wife searched, found, and purchased this stuffed animal, for the sole purpose of giving me a token of her love. Of course it means the world to me.

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Have you taken the time to give a gift of love? They don't even need to cost anything. Remember when you were young, and you made something out of a stick and gave it to your mother? She adored it, right? Yup. When we grow older, we still like getting those stupid little tidbits. Maybe it's because it demonstrates that you were actively thinking about the other person, or just that we like getting presents, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface emotions. I think it comes down to needing to be important to each other.

For some reason, there are those who disparage and put down these simple tokens of affection. I don't understand it. People want to give them. People want to receive them. Are the complaints real, or just sour people who haven't gotten any? Even at work, a simple gift is a huge gesture of friendship. Never underestimate the power of a yellow highlighter, or a can of soda pop. Find something unexpected and give it away ... who knows where it will lead.

- M

The trouble with powerful characters ...

A significant issue with giving characters extraordinary abilities/powers is they always grow over time. Comic books have this issue big time, and it's now pretty common for the comic book universe to undergo some sort of crisis which rewrites history and everyone's powers. The television show, Dragonball (pick your flavor of it), is particularly noteworthy, because our hero Goku is so mind numbingly powerful that he now must fight universe destroying creatures just to have a real challenge. Long running book series also run into this, as do video games.

Goku (Dragonball Z) charging up to a more powerful state

The temptation is to make heroes stronger, so they win, yet conflict comes from the possibility of losing, so the villains need to be stronger too. It's called power creep. And, it's incredibly seductive. Is it bad? Not necessarily, but it does make life difficult when creating conflict. In Star Wars, would Luke Skywalker be challenged by Darth Vader if his future self fought the same battle from Episode V? Yes, absolutely, because their powers are simply more refined and not boosted. But, if he was powered up beyond Darth Vader, you'd need a new villain to maintain tension. It's a delicate balancing act.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has mostly avoided this trouble by having villains who aren't super powerful (which will change the moment they put Thanos into play). The side effect is Marvel villains are joked about as being dull and boring. That's the trouble and why it's such a struggle to keep things interesting. But, audiences also love having heroes become more powerful, and then fighting even more powerful bad guys, and on and on and on. Anime does this cycle constantly and it clearly works. Either way, consider the consequences.

- M

Tribute to a great man, a great father, a great father-in-law

Norm Porter

The father of my wife passed into glory last week. Gratefully, we were able to see him in the hospital a few days prior, and my wife spent the night at his side. Memories are now all we have, yet his legacy remains in our children and in the lessons and examples he provided. What makes a man great? Glorious victory, or magnificent honor, or clamoring fans, or mighty achievements? No. A man is great by his character, his heart, and his virtue. Norm possessed all three in equal abundance.

He was a quiet man, who smiled plenty and always gave a kind word. Love for his family radiated from him. His calm and reserved manner hid a deep sense of humor and powerful feelings. I'll never forget when it was the day before I married his daughter, when he took me aside and said, "Now, we haven't discussed the dowry..." I choked out some reply, and then a huge smile overtook his face and he laughed. I'll never forget it. Norm Porter was indeed a great man.

Life is a journey, a road we all take, with but one destination. In the end, we leave behind a legacy. Norm's legacy is his children, grandchildren, friends, and a powerful faith which sustained him and his wife throughout. He is a role model to be cherished, emulated, and remembered. I loved him and regarded him as a personal hero. His passing has made this world a poorer place, and enriched Heaven even more. God bless you, Norm Porter.

- M

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

When we take the time to count our blessings, it's truly amazing how profound they are. Do you take the time throughout the years, or just on this one day? It's good practice to stop and remember, before we complain and rage. We are so very blessed. Remember, and give thanks.

- M

ps. And, enjoy all the turkey sandwiches the rest of the week and next ...

I'm getting a headache ... no problem, here's a carrot.

Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away? How does eating carrots make your eyes better? Does drinking water upside down really cure hiccups? Where did all these silly traditions come from? And, why do we persist in believing them? For me, it's all in good fun. Wherever the idea of carrots for eyes came from, it sure didn't work in my case. Yes, I know vitamins are important, but my eyesight is horrid and no vitamins will cure that. But, it's fun to joke about eating carrots.

There are plenty of wild and wacky medical inventions created throughout the years. I enjoy searching for devices from the 1800's especially, because some seem at the outset like possibly good ideas ... and then you see the device and wonder just what particular plant they were smoking when they came up with the idea? I wonder how many sold? I suppose they did great business, because there sure were lots of insane inventions on the market. You never know, maybe they even did some good.

Based on this history, I'm betting we'll always have ridiculous ideas (I remember the grapefruit diet, among others). People are keen to find new and revolutionary methods to improve health, despite no evidence whatsoever. Also, there's plenty who will believe anything so long as it's advertised in an attractive way--watch any state fair steak knives sales pitch and you'll agree. Ideas are quick, easy, sometimes work, sometimes don't. But, without ideas, we go stagnant ... so, keep up with the apples and carrots, just don't expect it to work all the time.

- M

The journey is the best reward.

Have you ever found a new book and immediately gone to the end to see how it turns out? I've done it sometimes, were I'll read the final sentence and then enjoy how the book manages to get to that point. I know people who will read the last chapter and then decide if they want to buy the book. I've never understood spoiling the ending. The joy of a good story is the journey you undertake, the situations faced, and the choices made. Knowing the ending dampens the enjoyment of the ongoing struggles of the journey.

Stories mirror life in powerful and significant ways. We often seek out stories dealing with issues we currently struggle with, such as: death, love, poverty, success, tragedy, hope, and on and on and on. True stories are a bit different, because the end is usually known beforehand, but with fiction why deny yourself the joys of taking the journey? There's much we learn about ourselves in the pages of books, far beyond the content of the story itself. But, if you skip to the end, you miss out on all those rewards.

Hearing stories is a powerful method of passing on the wisdom of ages, and providing experiences in an engaging way. The audience willingly participates in undertaking these unknown journeys, with the hopes of entertainment and possibly much more. It's an awesome thing. I encourage everyone to pick up a book today, let the journey fill you, and stick it out to the glorious ending. Only then will the final pages have the cumulative impact they deserve.

- M

Movie review: Spiderman: Homecoming

Spiderman: Homecoming

Since this movie has been out quite a while, I won't worry much about revealing plot details, so ...

*Spoiler Warning*

Okay, so let me begin by saying I loved this movie. It's fun, it maintained my attention, and especially it captured the joy of being a youthful, naïve, and starry-eyed superhero. Also, the villain truly challenged and threatened the hero. It worked well as a self-contained comedic story.

This Spiderman is really trying to do right, to make his way in the world, and is desperate to prove himself. He helps old ladies with directions, stops a bike robbery, and leaves goofy notes (something I did when I was a kid too). He is a 15 year old super-powered boy, and acts like it. However, he is also wanting to be a part of the Avengers, so he pushes too hard and that gets him into trouble--and easily provides the conflicts for the story.

Regarding the villain, The Vulture, he is easily my favorite villain in the new Marvel movies. This is a regular guy, with a flying winged suit. And, yet, he is easily capable of destroying Spiderman whenever he wants, and he makes it very clear he has absolutely no issue with doing so. Also, the villain has his own peculiar moral code, which prevents him from releasing his knowledge of who Spiderman actually is. Because of all this, the Vulture is terrifying and real. When the big reveal of Spiderman's love interest actually being the daughter of the Vulture happens, the air is rife with tension and we understand exactly why Peter Parker is forced to break so many of his promises. Then, when the Vulture directly threatens Peter, we are horrified and truly worried for him and anyone he cares about.

The biggest point I'd like to make is how Peter Parker is walking the same path seen in Iron Man 3 (a very under-rated movie), where Tony Stark learned he is still a superhero even without his fancy armor. Now, Spiderman has never relied on fancy gadgets--until Tony built a spiffy suit for him--and then it's taken from him. He is forced to grow and mature, to use his natural abilities, and not rely on toys. Because of this, Spiderman has a clear personal arc, and ends the movie miles beyond where he started. He is a full superhero at the finish, without question in his own mind or anyone else's. That's fantastic! Incidentally, Marvel has since done the exact same thing with Thor in Thor: Ragnarok.

Yes, Spiderman makes plenty of mistakes in his journey, but he ends up making the right choices. We are witness to his maturing, his defeats, and his victory. That's a great story.

I highly recommend Spiderman: Homecoming. Get it and enjoy it!

- M

Castles and romance, a match made in Heaven.

Castles are often depicted, in pictures and stories, as having a fair maiden charming knights from on top of the walls--or needing rescuing from a tall tower. They are depicted as places of endless romance, chivalry, and epic battles. Sure, the realities are not nearly as exciting or fun, but let's forget those things for now. In popular culture, castles represent a time of heroes, knights, fair maidens, honor, challenge, triumph and villains.

I've grown up around actual castles, and have walked through them, so I love them almost as much as I do mountains. They are towering structures, imposing in their strength, and marvelous in their engineering. Actually, it's pretty incredible that many are still standing, considering they were built hundreds of years ago. I would love to vacation in one, to experience how the walls absorb history and the atmosphere you can only experience in person. There's inherent greatness in castles to match their huge walls.

Marienburg Castle, Germany

Why does our culture romanticize the times of castles so much? Well, because it was long ago, these structures are imposing, knights are interesting, and things seem simple compared with today. But, I think it's mostly because we yearn for times of honor, truthfulness, dignity, and solace. So, we project these ideas onto a time long ago and not well understood. Then, we fill the concept with stories and imagery reinforcing those ideas. It becomes a safe retreat from reality, a little paradise of its own, and a wellspring of romance.

- M

Tribute to our Veterans.

Happy Veterans Day!

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We enjoy a wealth of freedoms in our nation, and we must always remember that those freedoms have come at a high price. Too often are our veterans forgotten, then to be trotted out during a single day of celebration during the year. Many have died, been maimed, lost families and friends, carry emotional scars, and will never fully recover. I think it's important to remember our military throughout the year, as they are the ones fighting for us, not seeking reward, and simply want our respect and acceptance.

It's good to have a specific day of remembrance. It's important. It's vital. Yet, continue to teach those who don't understand, the importance of our military. Military life is hard, and then the return to civilian life is often more difficult. Also, it's not only the soldier who has it tough, because their families are in the same position. Pray for them. Laugh with them. Cry with them. But, most of all, remember them.

- M

Movie review: Thor Ragnarok [no spoilers]

Thor: Ragnarok is the third Thor movie. It's a bit of a departure from the seriousness of many Marvel movies, because this film definitely doesn't take itself too seriously. The theme is the Norse mythology of Ragnarok, or the destruction of Asgard and subsequent rebirth. This theme is carried out in many places, but particularly in regard to Thor and the Hulk. The noteworthy villain is Hela, goddess of death, and clearly enjoys munching the scenery and being as evil as possible. Despite these weighty themes, the movie never gets bogged down with itself.

What really shines is the banter between Thor and Hulk. These two have impressive chemistry, and their comedic timing is spot on. The new characters don't feel forced, have instant personality, and are welcome additions to the cast. I especially appreciated the backstory flashback moment with Valkyrie--a wonderful Loki moment that was perfectly done. The story does range pretty broadly, so it isn't as tight as could be, but it's fun so why complain?

Also, the visuals are absolutely stunning. It's honestly difficult, if not impossible, to determine what's live and what's computer generated in most scenes. Believing these worlds exist is all the easier, because your eyes aren't telling you differently all the time. It's a real marvel how realistic these films have become. I found myself completely inserted into the world of Thor, and loving every minute of it.

Thor: Ragnarok is a fantastic movie for superhero fans. Go see it!

- M

Living another person's life...

An incredible aspect of stories is how audiences are given the opportunity to live another person's life through the tale. It's pretty incredible when you think about it. What I find particularly noteworthy is how we aren't limited by time, place, gender, or species. I've loved being a rabbit, dragon, spaceman, alien, and many different historical figures. How else can we enjoy such travels? It's incredible.

Beyond the escapism of being someone else, don't forget the teaching aspects. We learn a lot by watching other people's lives, even if it's only a story. I'm not talking about directly instructing the listener, but showing the actions and consequences. Let life speak for itself, and hopefully we'll pick up the important things about it.

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Finally, when we experience another viewpoint, the entire world shifts under the new eyes. We broaden our perspectives, learn new cultures, and grow new appreciation for the universe we inhabit. I think it's one of the most important aspects of stories, and the biggest reason why they remain important everywhere in the world. In a sense, stories are the breath of life.

- M

Have a cookie, you'll feel a lot better.

Do you have a favorite treat that makes you feel all warm and loved? For me, it's cookies fresh from the oven and still hot. Sit me down with chocolate-chip cookies, pour a glass of milk, and I'll be a puddle of joy for the next half hour. Am I reliving my childhood? No, not really. What it actually reminds me of is a secure home, happy childhood, and wonderful family. Tastes and smells are powerful memory stimulators, also, food is a way of forming bonds and relationships.



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I think we enjoy giving loved ones something special, with the intent of making them feel how special they are to us. There's a cherished glory about these times--events which are beyond counting in importance. It's in these times when we demonstrate our best humanity. We give, without thought of reward or accolade. We offer something of ourselves, and the recipient becomes full of new life. If there is any magic in our world, this is where it lies. Giving, and expecting no return, is miraculous and we should encourage it as often as we think of it.

But, there's something really special about cookies. The word is fun to say, the ingredients are as varied as there are ideas, and they are so very good to eat! Plus, if you get them warm and soft, they simply melt in your mouth. Send them as gifts, treats, or bribes. Cookies are amazingly versatile. Oh, and I've heard that if you drink milk along with cookies, then they are calorie-free ...

- M

ps. Okay, I admit cookies aren't calorie-free, but it's a fun thing to say anyway.

Happy candy day!

Today is an eventful day of the year. Both my father and father-in-law have their birthday today. This is Reformation Day. And, we hand out loads of candy for Halloween. Pretty fun all around.

Enjoy the candy!

- M

Fail your way to success.

How often do you fail? A lot? Some? Hardly ever? If you can't remember the last time you messed up, then I kindly suggest you haven't been trying hard enough. It's a maxim of life that you will fail far more than you will succeed. Watch a young child learning to walk. They will face plant over and over and over and over, then somehow balance on their legs ... and fall on their back. But, once they learn the tricks of motion, they are running all over the place. Do they remember the falls? Maybe, but it's far beneath the joys of getting where they want to go.

Thomas Edison famously reported 10,000 failures before inventing the light bulb. It's incredible the things he tried, yet each attempt brought him closer to understanding how the system worked and what he eventually needed to make it work. If he'd given up, then someone else surely would have completed the invention and gotten the credit. "Failure is success in progress," Albert Einstein. Oliver Goldsmith added, "Success consists of getting up one more time than you fall."

Failure is good for you. Failure teaches fortitude, honesty toward yourself, and determination. Do you want to succeed? Then, push through the feelings of despair and get moving! Don't let yourself wallow in the mire. Square your shoulders, bite back your curses, lift your eyes and focus on your goal. If it's easy, then the reward matters very little. Struggle, press forward, and win your prize. Don't worry about failing. Focus on the goal line and don't sweat the small stuff.

- M

Passwords gone crazy!

When computers were new, and cyber security still an unknown term, people would often write their passwords on papers right at their desks. That's clearly a stupid thing to do, but I bring it up because people have had difficulty with passwords from the very beginning. Now, we have passwords for nearly everything we do online and offline. A personal pet peeve of mine is when I'm signing up on an inconsequential website and they ask for a password, then immediately reprimand me for not making it "secure" enough--only then do they mention requirements of two symbols, non-repeating letters, at least three numbers, capital and lower-case letters, and that it not be a dictionary word. Good grief! I'm not logging into Fort Knox, I'm just reading a news column. Sheesh.

All these passwords have created a new generation of writing the password on your desk ledger ... making one "secure" password and then incrementing each new one by a numerical digit. For instance, "1#dG(!832_d%" becomes "1#dG(!832_d%1" and "1#dG(!832_d%2" and "1#dG(!832_d%3". This creates the same problem, in that if someone gets your password, it's simple to gain access to everything else. There are special programs that will compile all your saved passwords and then enter them for you in a super secure way, and these applications are fabulous. Just don't lose your master password ... or post it on a desk note.

I've become less convinced of the need for passwords in many instances. Yes, anything we pay for should be protected, but why protect a simple new site that only wants to track my views? Leave it at a username and drop the password. If I order a pizza, then remember my address and give points for that, and not because I created an account which I forgot the password to. Places are obsessed with tracking user behavior (which I can understand), but this has caused a tidal wave of passwords and usernames. Oh, and don't forget to change your passwords now and then ... augh!

- M

Communication changes, are we losing touch?

Cell phones are everywhere these days. According to recent studies, younger people tend to favor texting over actually speaking with one another. It must be true, because I've seen numerous youngsters sitting together, walking side-by-side, and enjoying meals, while spending all their time staring at their phones. I even watched in silent awe as a trio of girls went past, texting each other and laughing. What ever happened to looking someone in the eye and saying what you mean? It's odd to me.

Now, I adore gadgets--despite barely having a cell phone--and am genuinely thrilled to get any new toy, but this communication style flies right over my head. There's so much more to communication than only the words. There's body language, inflection, tone, rhythm, stressed words, pauses, and on and on and on. Those things don't come across well in texting (no, emoji don't count). It's also much harder to be snarky, snide, and sarcastic via text (at least, not unless the person you're texting completely knows how you think).

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It's interesting how in our modern age of instant communication, we are losing touch with each other on a personal level. Neighbors are a treasure going untapped most of the time, and we do so little to change it. Sure, if you text it's less likely you'll get a fist in your mouth, face hurt feelings, or otherwise deal with communication as it happens. We want contact totally under our own control, when we're ready for it, and not when it actually takes place. I think that's sad, despite the incredible technology. It's good to sit down and talk with someone, to really get to know them. Why should we be uncomfortable with such a natural method of expression?

- M

When players change their minds ...

I'm a big believer in the power of imagination. It's phenomenal how expansive our minds are, if we allow it to happen. In the case of writing, I'm surprised by how real the characters become in my own imagination. So real, that they often will not do the things I plan, or expect, them to do. It's a battle between my conscious and unconscious mind, and I adore the interplay. When the characters begin writing themselves (figure of speech), the story flows with greater purpose and cohesiveness. There's a naturalness to it, and your audience will know you're no longer forcing the players into the action.

For me, stories are all about having fun. I want to enjoy the characters, the action, the scenery, and all the interplay. There's a really tough to define quality when a story feels "comfortable." Everything is working smoothly, naturally, and doesn't fight itself. Then, the emotions the story is generating are enhanced, heightened, piqued. Romance is more lovely. Mystery is deeper. Action is alarming. Suspense is nail-biting. Audiences love engaging in stories they relate to and will actively seek out more stories from the same author (and every author is secretly wanting exactly that circumstance).

So, if the characters suddenly take on a mind of their own, let it happen and treat it as a good thing. It means your subconscious has some powerful ideas. See where it leads you. The end may surprise even you. Creation is an act of will and imagination, but also of passion and love. Never let the concerns and fears of life stop you from producing more works. And, by all means, let your characters talk to you without interruption.

- M

Game Time! Get the popcorn, the board and pieces.

I grew up playing board games with my family. Not only did we develop great people skills, but also sportsmanship, analysis, bartering, theft, cheating, and competitive pouting. I admit it's mostly just fun and laughs, because we never took things too seriously. It's kind of tough getting upset when a toss of dice doesn't go your way (though, it's not unheard of). Remember to let competition be less important than fun, and you will all enjoy yourselves.

My favorite games are in the strategy genre, like: Stratego, Risk, Othello, Chess, Checkers, and sometimes Go. Sadly, those games take a lot of time, so I don't play them much. What really works well are the quick card and dice games. The more the merrier. If you can get four players, nearly anything will work, but get a gang together and you can play more complex games with teams. I love those types of setups. There's more mature games, such as spelling, dictionary, story, and trivia. These limit your players to certain ages and above, so it's tough for children to play as well.

When our whole family gets together, we do our level best not to be too competitive, but who am I kidding ... I want to stomp everyone into the dirt and dance on their ashes! Hee hee, hah hah. I will rule everyone! Ahem, that is, I enjoy myself entirely and under no circumstances will I belittle anyone at anytime ...

If you haven't had a family time where you play games, then you need to plan it right now. These times are cherished memories for me, and I can't imagine my childhood without them. I regret how in my own little family, we don't try hard enough to gather and play. Well, perhaps I can change that. It's well worth the effort, even if I don't win.

- M

Using cliché and common tropes to your advantage.

As a modern society, enamored with entertainment of all kinds, we've gotten comfortable with certain common things in our stories. Such as: bad guys wear black and good guys wear white, people eating apples are usually rotten, if there's a strange noise the ditzy victim will go investigate a dark room, and so on. I'm not saying these things are necessarily bad, but they are expected and audiences are wise to the tricks. However, if you upset the tropes you will throw your audience into a tailspin of guessing and never knowing what is actually about to happen.

It's all about expectation. Stories should delight and wonder, providing escapism and depth of experience. If your blithe victim waltzes into a dark room, then beats the daylights out of the bad guy, it's unexpected and triggers those great mental fireworks that audiences crave. Turn the tables on the common things. Keep abreast of current methods, see what you can do with them, and then change it up. If you allow your own creations to become dull and lifeless, then the stories will as well.

Personally, I love tripping up expectations and watching people flop around, with no good grip on what's going on. If you can accomplish that feat, then your audience will be locked into a struggle they are determined to win. That's the thrill of a great story! You want your audience invested in what's going on to such an extent that they will stay up all night to discover the truth. Finding books and movies which accomplish this is like discovering a perfectly cut gemstone resting on your wallet, with a note saying, "Take me, I'm yours."

- M

Sneezing your head off

I'm renown for having powerful sneezes. I can't help it. I've tried reducing the power, but that hurts my head badly and I'm sure that isn't a good thing. So, my family has gotten used to it--usually having a laugh at my expense--and I've passed on the trait to my son. Sigh. Well, today I startled myself. There's a box piano next to my desk and when I sneezed, the piano rang. Yes, just like I'd thumped it with my fist. Good grief.

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There are a lot of phrases that come to mind when people do big and large things: strong like a horse, big as a mountain, tough as nails, trumpet like an elephant. Maybe I can add a new one to the list ... "Knocks pianos out of tune." Hmm, doesn't quite have the punch I'd prefer. Oh well.

Do you know anyone who you good-naturedly point out as a freak of nature? Being one of them, I can't say I mind all that much. It's humorous ribbing, stuff that friends do when they're together. My best friend could be described as a human vacuum cleaner, because I swear he never actually chews anything--I've seen him devour a cheeseburger in the blink of an eye ... twice. In my view, these things just make life entertaining, so long as you take the time to notice.

- M

ps. If you haven't sneezed by now, then I'm disappointed.

Why must we lose to realize value?

At some point in everyone's life, we've lost something we didn't then realize was valuable to us. It could be said you were taking it for granted, that it would always be there, and only missed its absence. Yet, there's more to it. I can't say I've ever considered a hair comb all that valuable, but I've had times when I desperately wished I had one. How about a good knife? What about butter? Water? Air?

And, then there are the things you can't really touch, like the nearness of a friend, or the words of a loved one. Photos and sound files can remind us of these things, but they sure don't replace them. Mountains are wonders to behold, and filled my childhood; now, I live in a flatlands and miss them more than I can express. Such things leave a lasting mark, never quite healing or wanting to heal. And, there's our own bodies. Have you ever cherished your sight, your hearing, your sense of touch and taste? What about your fingers? Legs? Memory?

My hometown. To think I had a mountain in my backyard ... wow.

Take the time to count your blessings, in every part of life. Don't let loss teach you value. I prefer enjoying something before it's gone, if I can help it. Although, there is a concept of too much of a good thing--like ice cream, chocolate, and tickles. Whatever you do, wherever you go, take the time to note what's important to you and spend time valuing those things. You may even realize that what you thought was important isn't and what you took for granted is more important than anything else.

- M

Math and science ... torture or blessing?

Why do we teach math and science? Think about it. What's the purpose of torturing our children with concepts they have such difficulty grasping? Do we like pain?

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I hear a lot of people asking these questions from time to time. They are completely missing the point.

Math and science are two disciplines heavily connected with thinking rationally and logically, where emotion doesn't influence the outcome. 2+2=4 each and every time, no matter how you feel about it. Gravity is a fact of life, so leaping from a building because you truly believe you can fly won't change the truth that you will have a nasty fall. Children need to understand logic and deduction, so we use math and science to train them to analyze the world around them.

Without suitable grounding in math and science, people wander around and expect the world to change to suit their whims. Life doesn't work that way. Logic takes time to learn and understand. Following a path of consequence is nearly impossible without some training (even if only a little). We teach our children to deduce what will happen if they do something bad, but that is also true with any activity in life. Math and science are structured systems, which train minds to consider significant factors, form a theory, then test to see if it's true.

Even if you don't have a career in the sciences, the training you have will give you a definite advantage over anyone without it. Logical, critical, disciplined, thinking is a useful skill for life. So, yes, keep on torturing your kids minds with difficult concepts and help them learn for the betterment of their future living.

- M

ps. Sorry this was late. Apparently I "scheduled" this post to drop in 2027. Oops.

Empathy. It's the reason we put ourselves inside a story.

Think of your favorite stories of all time. I'd bet that you see yourself when you think of the main characters. Of course, you aren't really, but the feelings of the story are personal and intimate. That's not an accident. When we enjoy a story, we want to be a part of it and naturally inject ourselves into the situations. And, when those situations are relatable, we empathize in a direct way. In the end, we love the story since we can feel it in our bones.

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It's a simple thing to cause this effect, actually. Have you ever had a scrape against wood? And, when you're examining the injury, you find a splinter under the skin that you can't quite get a hold of, so you dig with your fingernails and then tweezers and finally are forced to endure the irritation? If you're visualizing that right now, you're experiencing what I'm talking about. Empathy. The story has "come alive" for you. If a story does that enough, then the audience is along for the entire ride. It's magic--the magic of the human heart.

I think this quality is why we crave stories so much. We have a deep need to experience things we normally won't achieve. I'll likely never go into space, but I've walked on the Moon with Neil Armstrong, and I can't climb mountains, yet I've been to the top of Everest and back. Stories are the love of the human experience (even if it's a science fiction alien). Discovering a new story, which sweeps you into a new world, is like finding love all over again. Wherever these tales come from, let your empathy go wild! You'll love the result.

- M

Pain and sorrow. Why?

Las Vegas, Nevada. Sadly now connected with the worst shooting spree in United States history.

Why does tragedy strike over and again? Why do people inflict such pain on one another? Why doesn't it stop? The news is bloated with constant stories of suffering across our world. It never ends. I hope and pray for the people in need, and those who lost loved ones. Despite the pain, there is still hope for better. Have faith. There is victory over evil. I believe it completely.

May God ease the sufferings of all those in need. My heart and prayers go with you all.

- M

Comfortable settings and sighing halls.

Have you ever read a book, or watched a movie, where the setting is instantly familiar? The movie "Ever After" is like that with me, with the music and castle joining into a comfortable setting I would gladly step right into. Of course, the idea of what's comfortable and what isn't is totally subjective--so you can't count on it--but there's still times when the sensation is so overwhelming, it's impossible to ignore. How do you create it? Well, I think that's like asking a sculptor how they make their depictions so life-like. Sure, there are certain techniques to master, but there's also a knack to it that some people are particularly good at.

Cozy, isn't it?
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However you accomplish the trick, making settings feel right is a big aspect of your story. If your creation is fiction, then it's even more so, because suspension of disbelief has a hard time with bad settings. Make sure to maintain the internal logic of the settings, and you shouldn't have much trouble. In the end, if you believe the setting yourself, then it's likely others will as well. The concept of writing what you know is well applied here, for instance if you really enjoy old leather chairs then by all means include one in your story.

For me, sliding into a place that is strange, yet comfortable, is one of the most rewarding parts of storytelling. I love disappearing into another world, hiding inside for a few hours, and only returning to real life later on and with a huge sigh. That's the power of stories in a nutshell. Where else can you fly with dragons, enter deep space, or travel into the distance past?

- M

Stuffed animals are fun

With the state fair over, I've had some time to reflect. I realize the games at the fair are not strictly honest, but the prizes of stuffed animals give far more joy than they are worth. My youngest daughter was beaming from the two she had gotten. I love seeing such smiles, because they transcend any typical smile and radiate absolute happiness. It's a special kind of thing, and I've seen it many times from the ridiculous trinkets games provide as winnings. Stuffed animals are little slices of joy.

What other things make us happy, despite their seeming uselessness? Well, flowers for one. You can get a kiss by giving a girl a nice rose. When I was in high school, I made a bunch of plastic cubes which I glossed to a high sheen--my parents kept them, for apparently no other reason than I made them. Parents are renown for treasuring anything their children create. I have a bottle of ocean water, as a memory of a wonderful vacation with my wife. The saying, "One man's treasure is another man's trash," is completely true.

Back to stuffed animals, little children particularly love snuggling with them at night. It's adorable. Like pets, stuffed animals are things children get to take care of, play with, and teach. Watch little girls doing tea parties with their stuffed toys and you'll understand what I mean. Stuffed animals maintain an innocence we lose as we age, and winning them at the fair is like capturing a bit of that again. I think it's wonderful.

- M

Change in the weather, change of season, change of mind

With the beginning of Fall, I'm reminded by how much I enjoy watching the seasons change. I love the colder weather, especially when it snows, and enjoy the leaves changing colors. People are oddly sensitive to changes in nature--the old howling at the Moon aspect comes to mind--and may become very moody for various reasons. To me, nature's many changes is like a listening to a wonderful symphony. Sure, there's lots of different things going on, but it all works together and forms a masterwork every time.

Seasons all have their own special beauties (though I can make a case for Summer being mostly awful). I have a lifetime of special memories in every season, any kind of weather, and with all kinds of temperaments. We have a saying, which goes, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." I suspect this saying is true nearly anywhere in the world to a certain extent. Take a little bit of time and enjoy the wonder of it all.

Do you have a favorite season, or weather? My wife adores the sounds of rainstorms and thunderstorms (so I've found a neat app which does those sounds by random and therefore never repeats itself). It's very relaxing and gentle, in the same way that sea surf rolling onto a beach eases the soul. Crickets, frogs, and all sorts of animals also make noise people enjoy, but I doubt I'll ever join that crowd. Perhaps I'll change my mind later.. or the weather will vary to make me happy.

- M

Do you have a plan for when you finish what you're doing?

When I was training for my black belt in Taekwondo, I had a laser focus on everything I needed to do. I trained daily, for hours and hours. I lived martial arts for the years I trained, even taking notes with me to church and ball games. There was never a doubt in my mind that I'd achieve my goal. I was the best, without the need to prove it to anyone. That kind of confidence allowed me to pursue Taekwondo with all my heart, and I never doubt myself even the slightest. Receiving my black belt was almost underwhelming.

And, then ... what?

I didn't have a new goal--aside from a second-degree black belt--and so I just kept training. What I discovered was a strange lack of focus. I didn't know what I wanted anymore, so I just drifted with what I knew. That didn't last long. Sadly, I wavered and finally dropped out. At the same time I learned a valuable lesson about setting new goals and never letting yourself float without a purpose.

Whatever you do in life, make sure you have a finish line in your sights. Then, when you reach the line, figure out a new one and aim yourself at that. If you leave yourself without one, you'll lose any interest in pushing yourself to new heights and will eventually fall to unwanted lows. We need to achieve, and even tiny wins are still victories. Motivation is the key to running life's journey, and will encourage you to strive to be your best.

Ask yourself, "What do I want? How do I get it done? When do I know I've done it?" Then, chase down your dreams and keep making new ones.

- M

Saying one thing, but doing another.

It's probably safe to say that we all dislike hypocrisy. It's puzzling to watch someone say something and then proceed to do the opposite, and usually infuriating. Why do we do it? (Nobody is safe from this criticism, especially those who deny it the most vocally.) To me, it's a form of delusional lying, because you're attempting to persuade yourself--and others--that you know the proper way to do things, then go on and do it wrong anyway.

The good thing is, we can all change our behavior. Sure, it can take a lot of courage to admit what you've been doing, but the reward is gaining honor and respect from those who know you. Afterward, be honest in what you do. When I was growing up, we were taught the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Maybe that's changed in wording somewhat, but the idea is to treat people kindly, regardless of circumstance. That includes keeping the same standards for everyone, and especially yourself.

Personal responsibility is a great thing for any society, and makes us better people on the whole. Yes, we see the polar opposite from most of our entertainment, but people of good character are still powerful examples. If anyone wants to know what I'm talking about, I'd point you toward my father and mother--there are no finer examples living. As another saying went: Let your word be your bond. Life is a lot easier when you don't need to remember what attitude you need to portray, and just live life in the best way possible.

- M

Family meals are a true blessing.

Painting by Norman Rockwell

I think it's fair to say we all love food to a certain degree--hopefully in a healthy way. Growing up, my family always ate the evening meal together, at the dinner table. Our modern, chaotic, haphazard, and ridiculous schedules topple this concept much of the time. However, I still think it's important to gather at the table and eat. It's important. It's fun. It's worthwhile.

Why?

The main reason is so the family can get caught up on each other's lives. We need personal contact, and to ignore that reality is to the detriment of us all. We bond over food, and always have. Being together also encourages talking and getting to know each other. Sure, we hopefully enjoy good food, but it's the fellowship with loved ones that's primary in my mind.

Our lives are so busy, it's hard to find the time to get everyone all in one place. But, take the time and effort to do so. You'll quickly discover how treasured these moments become. I regret not spending more time with my children at the table. How is it we have all the time we need for silly activities, yet so little for the ones that truly matter? I'm not sure. What I do know is I hate regret, and leap at the opportunity to gather and talk and eat.

- M

Wow, how time flies ...

Isn't it incredible how fast time rushes past, especially when you're doing something fun? I completely lost the weekend in a blur of editing my newest book. I've heard it said that if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. That's true. However, it may not begin that way. When you're first learning a skill, it's tough as nails to keep learning. You have to force yourself. But, there comes a time when the work becomes natural (not necessarily easy) and you find enjoyment in the process.


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Then there are those activities which are a joy from start to finish. Sports you enjoy, parties you love, games you can hardly wait to play. Life is filled with wonders and joys. Why do we spend so much time complaining about the things we dislike? I've never understood that. Sure, scooping trash and cleaning gum off the sidewalk isn't particularly celebratory, but there's no need to dwell on it -- unless it's your job and you're making money, in which case feel free to celebrate all the way to the bank.

I think I need to set an alarm so I realize what time of the week it is. Lost track of time? No. I'm not sure what day it is!

- M

Treasured photos are oddly hard to keep these days.

When I was growing up, my parents studiously put together photo albums and maintained a large collection of photographs. These days, most photos are digital, which makes keeping a photo album strangely difficult. Isn't that odd? Photos are more common than ever, but if you don't have your phone with you then how do you show them off? Sure, you could print them off--though you require either going to the store or a specialized printer to do so--or you could get one of those digital photo frames (funny things, which hold many hundreds of images and can cycle through them).

My parents, circa 1981. Shouldn't this be in an album?

I love the ease of photos now, but also sigh with sadness at the loss of picture albums. Some of my favorite memories are sitting on the couch, flipping through photos, and listening to stories about each image. Families get to know each other through photos, and somehow that's being lost. Maybe now it's become an art form--such as scrapbooks--and special attention is given to them? I don't think so. We are so determined to snap thousands of images that we scarcely consider how to present them to others. It's tough to match the wonder of a picture held in your hands, with the date and location scrawled on the back for timely reference.

Funny how nostalgia bleeds throughout your life. I find myself pining for simpler days very frequently anymore. Perhaps I'm getting old ... I prefer to think I'm growing wiser ... or senile. Memory and emotion floods me when I look at old pictures. Also, physical photos don't require electricity to display, won't be deleted accidentally (unless you're very inattentive), and can be restored to their original luster with care. See? There's lots of good reasons to have a photo album! Go out and make one today.

- M

Time for a fair ... state fair that is.

I love state fairs. When I was a kid, we would trudge down, spend far too much on tasty pastries, and enjoy a free concert or two. One of my very special memories is enjoying a concert from a man of many voices. He pretended to shoot the rafters with a six shooter, rolled wooden doorknobs down the stairs, did a fantastic impression of a locomotive, and entertained with his hilarious stories throughout. Apparently he was the sound effects for the Disney movie, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (storm sounds, wind noises, and lightning, etc.).

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Depending on my mood, I'll either enjoy the games or become very frustrated. Usually I won't play them anymore ... not because they're rigged (they aren't cheating exactly, but are still insanely difficult to actually win). Mostly, I enjoy watching the people interacting with others. Also, there's lots of shopping to do, and even I can find interesting things and trinkets. It's a good thing I don't bring much money, because I could spend a lot on stuff I don't actually need--that goes for the fried butter and funnel cakes too.

My wife is entering her quilts into the fair, so I'll surely go see those. It's neat to see how she has grown in confidence, and isn't afraid to put her work out there for others to critique. Takes a lot of guts to do that. If you've ever gone to see what people enter, it's absolutely stunning to see the variety of arts represented, and the wide variety of talent. Last year we could have spent several days just looking at the arts and crafts section, but there's also food, beverages, collections, and on and on and on. Whatever you enjoy, I'm sure you'll find it at the fair.

If you can, I urge everyone to attend your state fair. It's all good fun! Did I mention all the rides and other fun? ...

- M

Who are you? Let the character introductions begin!

When it comes to movie character introductions, it's really hard to beat the way Indiana Jones is brought into the light. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is perfect in this, and deserves to be studied. We are given the setting in establishing shots that tell a story of ancient, forgotten, civilizations. Then, there is an attempt at mutiny, and Indiana's trademark whip lashes out to disarm the ruffian. Only then does our hero show himself, with a shadow-into-sunlight face shot. It's instantly memorable. There's a rapid trap-laden treasure run, followed immediately by the reveal of the villain--who promptly takes the treasure from Indy.

I've noticed an alarming lack of introduction in many modern stories. One tactic is doing an interview (like in "Iron Man" or "San Andreas"), and it cheapens the effect. The last thing a story needs is forgettable main characters. In Tolkien's book, "The Hobbit," we're given a lot of information about hobbits and their comfortable existence, then directly shown Bilbo who is the paramount hobbit. Readers fall in love Bilbo immediately, because we understand him.

Sure, there's no rules about how to do anything regarding stories, but there are methods which work and ones which normally don't. I have no problem going against the grain, only make sure there's a reason to do it and not just because it's unusual. Fortunately, there's a huge number of fine examples to study. Pick one and let it be your guide.

- M

Beautifully dangerous animals.

There are a lot of stunningly gorgeous animals in the world, some yet to be discovered I'm sure. When I was a kid, I loved sharks and dinosaurs. I learned all I could about them. That led to a lifelong desire to understand nature. Did you know there are gorgeous frogs--poison dart frogs--with incredible colorations, and are so deadly that you can kill yourself by simply picking one up. A tiny octopus--the delightful blue-ringed octopus--can kill an adult human with a bite so fine you may not even notice. And, the platypus (my favorite creature of all time) hunts with it's eyes closed, can sense the muscle nerves twitching in shrimp, and has poison claws.

A common theme throughout nature is how bright coloring and vivid patterns are signals of a deadly kind. For we humans, it's hardly a sign of anything--aside from style and enjoyment. Interesting, right? I could only imagine how drab our world would become, if bright colored clothing was a sign of danger. We'd end up with gray and black everywhere. Yuck.

However, there are other creatures of profound beauty and mostly harmless, like peacocks, seashells, starfish, unicorns and rainbows. Once you understand the threat, you can easily enjoy the beauty. Yes, even sharks and dinosaurs. Wild animals are not to be toyed with, but there's nothing wrong with watching and savoring. Go out and enjoy nature!

- M

Happy Labor Day!

So, in celebration of Labor Day, we take a day off and work at home ... strange, but that's what we do. Oh, that and watch lots of sports and eat chips and salsa. It's all in good fun. Enjoy your day, you've probably earned it ... hopefully.

Happy Labor Day

- M

p.s. On a much more somber note, please pray for Texas and the major disaster that has befallen them. They can use whatever aid you can send.

When did my parents become so wise?

My parents, wise far beyond their years.

More often I find myself seeking advice from my parents--or, when they aren't around, pondering what they might say. I want their wisdom. This leads to the other question of when did become wise? I remember most of my young adulthood as a constant flow of nonsense coming from them, and I was way smarter than anything they had to say. Now, I'm pretty sure I'm a blithering idiot compared to either of them. I need to sit and soak in what they have to tell me. They're wisdom will remain with me until the end of my life.

Children are constantly trying to strike out on their own, to make a unique mark upon the world, and stand sure in their own competence. That's the strange thing about growing up ... once you do, you find yourself yearning to go back home and listen the way you should have when you were too smart to know any better. Very weird. I'm glad I realized the situation before I ultimately lost the opportunity.

Perhaps I should write it down in a book? (One of the hundreds already out there). But, I don't know those other people, so I just don't quite value what they say as much as my own parents. Again, weird. You'd think wisdom would be wisdom regardless of who says it. However, when it comes from someone you highly respect, the words are far more valuable and important. I can't imagine greater wisdom on Earth than my parents and my lovely wife.

- M

Radio controlled submarines, planes, and drones.

At this point, we all know about drones flying around with tiny cameras, showing views of the world we rarely experience. Radio controlled devices were initially invented in 1894, by a physicist named Oliver Lodge, but didn't really see the light of day until Nikola Tesla crafted a little boat in 1898 that operated by radio control. I first understood the principles when I watched a boy drive his radio controlled submarine in a lake. Fascinating. Magical. Then, my father took my brother and I to watch the local RC club flying their model airplanes. Wow!

While I've never had one, they sure look like fun! Find it here.

Now, there's all kinds and all sizes. Various navies drive enormous boats by remote control, jetliners can fly on autopilot, and we're working on self-driving vehicles. Many space exploration vehicles are guided by remote, though are semi-autonomous as well. There's no end to it.

I'm older, but I still love toys. It's fascinating walking through the toy isles and looking at all the gizmos and whizbangers available. But, then I'm also disappointed that such expensive and highly technological items will leave most kids bored after a short time. I miss the days of simple rocking horses and non-interactive games. What's wrong with supplying your own imagination to power the fun?

- M