The best smells in the world

Are there some scents that you prefer over any others? For instance, many people love the smell of roses, or flowers in general. I adore the smell of the wax I use to protect my swords--yeah, I'm weird--the scent of rain in the air, and I love snuggling with my wife and smelling her hair. Smells run wild through our lives, and provide huge signposts for our memories. Massive industrial complexes exist solely to provide fragrances and other stuff that smells good. Have you ever taken a look at all the buyable things with artificially enhanced or provided smells? It's incredible.


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Love the new car smell? No problem, just go out and buy a bottle of the fragrance. Enjoy the wispy tanginess of a tropical beach? Here you go, beach-in-a-jar candles. I suspect there is no natural smell without a candle dedicated to it (okay, probably not an outhouse). Clearly, we value the smells around us, to the extent we even spray pleasing aromas onto our own skin with cologne and perfume. In the future we'll likely have the ability to exude these fragrances with a phone app controlled bracelet, or necklace.

Imagine taking a photograph that not only captures the image, but all the scents associated with it. How about sampling a cake just by pulling up an example on the internet and touching a probe to your tongue. Will it be possible to change the flavor of a simple sirloin steak into the finest Kobe beef in the world? Are we approaching a time when our very perceptions will be as virtual as the images we examine? Hmm, maybe, but I still will prefer the real thing. Nothing can ever replace the reality of leaning over and smelling a freshly blooming rose.

- M

The worries of "established" science

Modern science is founded on the scientific method, which is basically: come up with a theory, test it, check the data, rework the theory, test, examine data, and repeat until things appear to match. However, the testing and reworking of theories should never simply end (unless there's nothing further to be learned). Life is constantly slapping our perceptions in the face, forcing us to reconsider what we previously agreed was true. Science should reflect this reality.

Why bring up this thorny topic? Well, there's been a growing movement to shut down new theories by claiming the science is "established" and therefore unquestionable. Science should be constantly questioned. Even the theory of gravity has come under attack (not that it changes how it affects our lives, but the underlying reasons for gravity existing and how it actually works). Science is not determined by committee or general agreement. There are numerous examples of single scientists who questioned firmly accepted theories and ended up turning the entire scientific community on their collective ears--Archimedes, Copernicus, Galileo, Faraday, Curie, Newton, Einstein, and on and on.

When we stop questioning theories, we give up our creativity and any motivation to forge better science. Should we have stopped at horse transportation, because cars would never be economical? Should our concept of solar systems have ended with the Earth being the center of everything and the universe revolving around it? Of course not. I say, bring on the crazies! Throw some stones into the waters of science and see if current concepts hold up. We need skeptics to rock the boat. I think we've become complacent in our knowledge, and that diminishes us. Bring in idiotic ideas and see what works--I don't see any other way that I'll get Star Trek phasers and flying cars.

- M

Stories about games you've played with friends are the absolute best kind.

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Have you ever played a game with friends, and then wind up telling stories about the game for years to come? Maybe it was a board game where everything went hilariously wrong, or a video game where you all had a marvelous time, or perhaps a hand of cards that gave commands to each player? Whatever the game, I think the best part of playing with friends is the magical stories you share later on. It's simple to resurrect all the laughter and good cheer with a few words, then share new experiences as you relate more about the game.

People love to connect, and they yearn to engage and extend those friendships. We learn to play as children, but also never quite get over the urge to cut loose and play. Fortunately there's plenty of stuff to choose from. And, like all adult toys, you can spend lots of money if you want to. Well, in my experience there aren't many adults interested in a game of tag or some dramatic keep-a-way. Adults don't like being silly, feeling stupid, or socially awkward. However ... if you'll open yourself to new opportunities, there's a world of fresh moments to share with friends.

For me, I can talk for hours about past gaming experiences--and, no, it doesn't even matter if it was only tic-tac-toe. I love reliving those times and keeping the memories alive. That's why games are so important. Games can inspire, transform, redeem, and glorify your life. Am I being poetic, sure, but I believe there's at least some truth to it. We wouldn't put so much effort into games if they weren't important. Go for it and try one out today.

- M

Impossible! Nothing is impossible, my dear sir.

One of my favorite movies, "The Princess Bride," which is imminently quotable, has a great exchange between two of the characters. "Impossible!" says one, and his accomplice responds, "You keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means." The implication for the scene is that no matter how seemingly impossible the task, the hero nevertheless presses out a victory. Our own lives are filled with similar examples. We even have a modern phrase exemplifying the concept: "Those claiming it's impossible are drowned out by those accomplishing it."

Sure, there are impossible things: you can't jump to the Moon, live on nothing but air, stop the waves with your fingers, or fly like a bird. However, it depends on your perspective, doesn't it? You could jump onto a spaceship which flies to the Moon, go scuba diving, press a button that lowers a tidal barrier, and let an airplane do the flying. So, thinking beyond your box of limitations opens the impossible to new competition. Here's a question: are you allowing your current circumstances to dictate your possibilities?

It's truly incredible how often we are wrong when we claim something is impossible. People are constantly leapfrogging beyond limitations, finding new heights, and forging new frontiers. Take caution when you call something impossible. Perhaps you simply haven't given the idea a true opportunity. Impossible is frequently a cheap way out of trying. Let your imagination soar, shrug loose the limitations around you, find new methods, and give it a go. You might fail, or you might succeed. But, you might just redefine the word, "impossible," into "possible."

- M

Coughing up a lung

We use some very descriptive, albeit strange, phrases when we talk about our problems. Severe coughing can be, "coughing up a lung." Extreme tiredness is, "dog tired." Being very sleepy is, "falling asleep, standing up." The list could nearly go on forever. For some reason, we love to not only exaggerate, but provide ridiculous extremes. Have you ever seen someone "sleep like a log?" ... that is, sleeping so heavily they're hard to wake up.

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There's a deep reason we use these phrases, it's because we want other people to understand not only the physical issues but the associated emotions. We want others to experience the same thing, and ridiculously over-the-top phrases help that happen. Also, I believe there's a deep sense of playfulness in all our languages. We love to laugh, to have fun, to be silly.

So, next time you find yourself explaining that you're hungry enough to "eat a horse," just smile and acknowledge the exaggeration. The people you're talking with understand what you mean, and won't fault you for the livid imagery. I doubt anyone will take you completely seriously, and if they do then they don't possess a sense of humor. I think everyone should work on laughing, and seek out opportunities to exercise the talent. Just don't laugh yourself to death...

- M

Focus please? Where's the spotlight?

Sometimes, the main character isn't a character at all. For instance, look at the Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot stories, and there's a strong case to be made that the "mystery" is the actual main focus. When you craft a story, it's important to pay attention to where the focus is and where it should be. Take the time to consider options and don't fly with your gut. You may not be in the habit of outlining, storyboarding, or planning exacting scenes, but you do need some kind of plan to avoid rambling.

Think about the vast epic, "Moby Dick." From the very beginning sentence, you know the focus of the story isn't the narrator, and quickly you learn it isn't even Captain Ahab, but the nearly mythical white whale. It's not perfect though, because there's far too much about whaling that you can skip without missing anything at all. Because the focus isn't where you'd expect, the tale takes on a legendary quality and dreamlike state. It's incredibly effective and I doubt any other approach would have worked.

Shine the spotlight where it deserves to be and you may uncover aspects of your story you didn't plan. Or, it could be a spectacular failure. Hey, I can't promise miracles. It's at least worth your while to consider more possibilities. Becoming stale is the worry of every author, but if you keep using your imagination it won't be more than an idle concern. Flex your brain, titillate your senses, and bring on the spotlight.

- M

Sharing sunsets with your sweetie

Have you ever shared a glorious sunset with your darling? Do you take the time to enjoy the tranquility of the rain, with your loved one at your side? Would you blink away the world, if only to spend one more sunrise together? Ah, the sweet touch of romance is intoxicating. It's possibly the most overwhelming of all emotional states, causing a plethora of sensations and effects--memory lapses, hot flashes, bewilderment, and giddiness among them. Isn't love grand?

Experiences shared with someone makes the experience far more special and memorable. I have treasured memories of many simple things, just because my wife was with me. It's truly incredible how her presence can lift the mundane to amazing, and the incredible to divine. Anything is better with her at my side. Tonight we watched a fabulous sunset burn its way down out of the sky. She squeezed my waist, gave me a sparkling kiss, and danced back to the car. I'll never forget it.

Sure, I'm a romantic and lyricize everything, but anyone can do the same. Just let your feelings flow (yes, this is one of those times you want feelings to get in the way of logic) and wallow in the froth. Invite your loved one to share in the joy of togetherness, and step into the wonders of nature together. It's well worth the effort, and you may find you'll never want to do without it ever again.

- M

Tribute to children

My precious, lovely, darling children

Children are the future of humanity, the pride of their parents, and the joy of old age. It's impossible to count their value, their potential, and their ability. They are life's great gift, a chance to pass on our values and traditions, and hopefully build a better world. Parent's naturally put their hopes into their children, wanting the best for them, and do sometimes push too hard. It's hard to know when you've done enough as a parent, because doubts always arise.

Despite our flaws as parents, children have inherited the world and done pretty well with it. I find it incredible how often we hear of desperate poverty spawning a splendid genius, or depravity turned into greatness. It's awe-inspiring to see the flexibility of children, their desire to learn, and their incredible motivation to keep moving. One thing about children (particularly the very young), they are always on the move. Trying to stifle such momentum is like putting a stop to the tides, or asking the rain not to fall.

Children should have the deepest love and nurture possible, but many times don't. That's tragic and heart-breaking. I wish I could snap my fingers and change it, but the world is a cruel place. Yet, I find myself walking through a store aisle and hear, "Hey, mister, why are you so tall?" I turn to find a beaming face turned upward, gawking at my size with utmost wonder. How could anyone not smile and laugh? Yes, children are a treasure with no equal.

- M

Why character growth is so important

I've experienced several stories recently where the main characters do not change at all throughout the story. And, they've all been disappointing. I think it's because we naturally expect, quite reasonably, that the events of the story will have an impact on the characters. When that doesn't happen, it's like nothing mattered and we're left hollow. Poor choices mean bad things happen, and great choices mean good things. Audiences want the catharsis of result; it's satisfying and wraps up the story.

We hear the phrase "character arc" a lot in these types of discussions. What's it mean? Basically, it means characters grow and change during a story. Perhaps their priorities diverge, their internal motivations alter, or their beliefs change. If you took the characters from the end and put them into the beginning again, those characters wouldn't behave the same way. Why? Because they've changed. It's part of the entertainment of any story. We hear the phrase, "the journey is more important than the reward," and it's true in virtually every aspect of life, even our entertainment.

When characters feel real, we go through their circumstances with them, and as they change ... so do we. If we truly relate to characters, we live vicariously (look it up, it's a good word to know). Entertainment like this is special, because it has the capacity to expand our lives, our experience, our viewpoints, and provides new ways of seeing the world. Yes, entertainment has that incredible power, so use it wisely and carefully. "With great power, comes great responsibility." - Uncle Ben, Spiderman.

- M

Sitting on a chair, watching the day go bye...

My wife loves to sit outside, especially on the porch, and sew and watch and listen. I'd bet she would happily do that all day long, if she could. I'm not sure how often it happens these days, but when I was growing up it was common to see older folks sitting on their porches and waving to the kids on the sidewalk--then yell at them for getting on their grass. Have we become so time centered and micro-managed that we can't even stop to smell the roses? That's a true shame.

I was busted for daydreaming quite a bit when I was young. I still love letting my mind wander. There's magic in imagination, just as there is in watching children play in a puddle. When did it become wrong to enjoy it? Spending time to take in the world around us should be a priority in life, don't you think? Maybe we've lost the sight to see the magic? Or, is it simply that we can't be bothered? It'd be good to force everyone to take a day off, sit on their porch, and experience a single day of uninterrupted life. I can only imagine the good it'd do for us all.

Children do this spectacularly well, probably because it's new to them and they want to experience it all. Kids are fascinated by ants, and bubbles, and birds, and clouds, and ... well, anything and everything. I don't, however, comprehend what is so great about mud, but every child I know plays far too long and hard in the slimy stuff. Mud pies??? Yuck.

Take a day and find out what you've been missing by being too busy. Live a little.

- M

Honking your nose and other silliness

One game people love to play with children around here is to "honk" their nose, or even steal their nose. You gently pinch their nose between the second knuckles of your middle and ring fingers, then make a popping sound and pull away. Quickly stick your thumb in the same spot and let it poke out. There, you've taken their "nose." It's all silly, of course, and I doubt any children actually believe it, but it's fun for everyone. Sometimes, it's good to throw your brain away and let yourself laugh.

My girls, playing in the mud, as all kids do.

I absolutely love slapstick comedy. I grew up on Laurel & Hardy, Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton, and many other marvelous physical comedians. However, you can't think overly much about what's going on, or the fun is destroyed. How could anyone slip on a banana peel? Do legs really fly up in the air when you fall down? Nobody can take a hammer blow to the head and laugh it off. Doesn't that hurt? Yeah, leave those questions behind and just go with it. The ultra popular British comedian "Bean" is a modern example--his antics make very little actual sense, but are so overwhelmingly funny you can ignore the logic and play along anyway.

Children are the masters of this, probably because they don't have fully developed senses, see the world through innocent eyes, and don't have much logical maturity. You can learn a lot by watching children play with other children. The games they create are dazzlingly complex, ridiculously simple, and span whole universes. Even more, children can make a game out of anything. Go on, try to stump any child with seriousness, and you'll find yourself scratching your head in bewilderment. Well, there's only one thing for it ... jump in with both feet and let the fun overwhelm you.

- M

Actions have consequences, right?

In stories, and in life, actions have consequences. Within the realm of stories, consequences are managed by the author, and hopefully reflect a reasonable outcome. But, it's amazing how often obvious consequences are twisted and molded to fit plot, rather than actions. I'm of the opinion that plot and character should go hand-in-hand. If plans, events, and consequences are not organically produced by direct character action, then the story can feel forced and unbelievable. Audiences need to dance in partner with the story, willing going along, and enjoying the rhythm. You can't force a dance--it has to be mutual.

I am King, watch me Dance!
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When a story is short, such as in a movie, these consequences stand out even further. One complaint I hear a lot about many modern films is the lack of punishment for misdeeds. If a hero acts in a criminal way, why should they be rewarded? Well, when the movie demands it, then the story provides it. Vigilante stories fit this method the best, and audiences love it and dance right along (just think of Batman). But, if things spiral out of control the fix is in and audiences see the manipulations.

So, is a story supposed to fit reality and it's unflagging consequences ? Well, sure, if you want it to. However, a story isn't true life and the author can fiddle with the mechanics. Again, writing is about crafting the best story you possibly can. Unless you're writing factual history, then playing with the odds are all part of the game. Just don't do it so much that the audience stops dancing and wonders why their feet are sore from all the foot stomping.

- M

Fun with water, so break out the Super Soakers!

I love Nerf guns and water pistols. It's the kid in me, sure, but there's something instantly enjoyable about running around and pretend fighting. Nobody gets hurt (unless they twist an ankle or run into a wall), and everyone has a grand time. I think the best part is losing. Truly. You get wet and pounded with foam darts, but you're the one having the most fun in avoiding it all. It's all how you look at it. If your goal is having fun, then don't ignore the places you find it.

I know it's not a water balloon, but it's such a funny expression!
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Maybe that's why adults lose the ability to play? Well, adults do have the most expensive toys, but those aren't normally the kind you want to lose or break. There's a primal joy in having fun. Deep down, we want to laugh and enjoy life. No matter how stressful life becomes, it's great to cut loose. Comedians have used this principle for all of human existence, by shining the light of ridicule on the wealth of human foolishness. Then there are the physical slapstick sorts, who remind us how funny human beings actually are.

Modern technology has created incredibly powerful water squirters and foam throwers. One Christmas, my family had a bunch of them and we had little wars for months. It was great fun! Oddly, I felt pride that my wife and children played with such abandon. It was like being a kid again. Yes, anyone can play with foam darts and water balloons, trust me. Now, go out there and have some fun!

- M