Batman vs Superman! Who wins this epic fight?

Ok, this is the big question right now as the feature movie is nearly upon us. If you've read the comics (especially the "Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller) then you know there have been fights between these two that are hotly debated. To start, you have an alien being--Superman--who is essentially a limitless god-like character, and on the other is a regular human--Batman--without any powers (unless you count huge resources and a brilliant mind). So, what happens when they come to blows?

 

Well, you have a pair of heroes who absolutely will not kill. That rather limits the argument, since it's just a game of knock out now. Otherwise, Superman could instantly vaporize Batman with his heat vision from miles away, though Batman could prepare defenses against it. You could be very clever about it. But, it comes down to what the characters believe. In the end, they both want justice and peace (they just go about getting it in different ways). A fight between them is to prove their personal way is better than the other. Motivation can only go so far.

 

That's why the movie needs more (which brings in Lex Luthor and eventually Doomsday). When it comes to crunch time, Batman and Superman are on the side of the angels. The big fight is a reason to bring the true conflict into the open--good against evil. Don't worry, we'll still get a fancy fight, but we won't get a fanboy finish. Neither will win, because the war is about to begin and you don't fight your friends to the death.

 

- M

Tribute to a brother by marriage, tragedy will never dim his memory

Russ

I have one sibling in my own family, but many brothers through my wife's. One in particular was immediately like an older brother. Russ was at once odd, fun, wise, goofy, solid and real. He never pretended to be someone else, like so many of us do. He was exactly who he was, like it or not. I liked him a lot. Now, he sits at the feet of his Savior.

 

The funny thing about marriage is you get a whole bag-full of relatives along with your sweetheart. In-laws are a scary thing, because you don't know them at all and only care because they are related to your spouse. But, then the magic happens and they become a part of your life as well--a new family. You discover to your surprise that this grab bag is a delicate treasure you don't want to give up. I never expected such a transformation, but Russ especially made it easy.

 

We celebrate beginnings and mourn endings. Tragedy is tough on families. Yet, because of family we survive and thrive. The loss of Russ is deeply felt, especially due to the suddenness of it, and still his presence will remain in our memory. I wish I had known him better, and I still will as I hear stories and tales of his days gone bye.

 

We loved you, Russ.

 

- M

Qualities of truly great stories

I've studied storytelling all my life and one of the things I've definitely learned is nobody can say for certain when a story will become a classic, or even highly popular. Now, we can say some stories should become so, but popularity is a fickle beast. Yet, there are some things I've noticed are common about all great classics.

 

First, there is very little suspension of disbelief. I'm a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction, and those genres deal in things not around in daily life (either mind boggling technology or flights of fancy), which require you to believe in the world and not fight against it. An example is Tolkien's Middle Earth where "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" takes place. I've never heard any readers disbelieve the world (usually people who don't like it just don't like the slow pace). Because the author took extensive time building the world, it all makes sense, has a place, and feels real.

 

Next, the characters are likeable, realistic, behave believably, and live in the world. I look at "Les Misérables " and point to Javert and Valjean as hugely famous people in fiction that seem as real as any historical figure. They matter to each other, to the story, and to the audience. That's an amazing trick by the author. Even in fiction, audiences want relatable people.

 

And, finally, the story has multiple layers of complexity. Some stories are just adventure tales (like "The Hobbit") and others are plumbing the depths of morality (such as "Moby Dick"). Either way, these tales stand up to intense scrutiny and philosophy. It's incredible how many college papers have been written about these two stories. Great stories teach as well as entertain. It's like watching a chess master move pieces--there's subtlety and insight beyond what most can comprehend, yet the beauty is clear to anyone paying attention.

 

These are things I think are especially important of the very many aspects of great stories. They are still being created, and I expect will continue until the last human falls.

 

- M

Building a better brain

In the field of artificial intelligence (AI for short), scientists are constantly working to give a computer the ability to reason. So far, there hasn't been much success. A new system from Google is now tackling a neat idea: trying to figure out where any particular picture was taken. They call their new project PlaNet, and it's a neural network AI (basically, it's a primitive brain, which can make all sorts of connections and basically program itself). Technology aside, the premise is asking how we humans recognize places and doing the same from a machine perspective. You can try a game about this idea at www.geoguessr.com.

 

I'm not particularly worried that computers will overtake humans in the world of thinking. Yes, computers are amazing at calculations, and geo-locating is just that, but reason is beyond programming. Logic, cold and hard facts, massive databases, blitzing to the answer, these are things computers do well. I read that just recently a proficient GO program was beating most players. That's excellent, yet the program is only examining all possible moves rather than intuiting the best flow for the game (as a human does). It's called brute force computing (throw enough power and resources at the problem and you will eventually find the best answer).

 

Until we can give computers any kind of intuitive ability to leap beyond facts and to an answer, computers will never reason. But, there is danger in trying, because we have a word for people who can reason but have no morality--sociopaths. Computers have no morals, holding only what has been specifically programmed into them. That's why I'm not worried about robots taking over. At some basic level no human wants to make such a beast. Instead, we make intelligent tools for specific tasks and watch in awe as they perform with perfect ability.

 

- M

Buffering ... ack! It never ends! Patience ... what is that?

Funny how technology has made us less patient. My loving wife is helping me understand how badly I have raged at the world for buffering when I want unpausing reality. Okay, less nerdy, I'm just getting impatient with waiting for anything. But, am I the only one who sees a rotating wheel of agony whenever a stoplight flicks to red, or when someone pulls out a checkbook at the checkout, or listening to a never-ending presentation? Maybe it's an exaggeration, but there's a point to it. I doubt anybody really likes waiting. It's not in our nature, so we strive to be patient. I fail. A lot.

 

Impatiens flowers ... I always called them "Impatience"
image credit

Of course, the goal is to have true patience, where you can wait and not be at all mindful of having waited. Or, to let things happen as they may without worry or stress at how it all plays out. I doubt I'll ever master this aspect, though I strive toward it. Hopefully I show small brilliant times of patience, but I find myself apologizing far too often for my liking. It hurts to know I lose my cool when I must wait, and it sure doesn't set a very good example.

 

And then there are things that are over far too quickly: eating a succulent dessert, a passionate embrace, speaking with a close friend, watching ants build an anthill, the brilliant rays of sunrise or sunset, a favorite song, and on and on and on. We fill our lives with exuberances of all kinds, then find ourselves frustrated when not everything fits into those categories. What's even funnier is most of life ends up aggravating if we approach things that way. Yup, we purposely turn our lives into irritations by being impatient. Who knew?

 

Thought of the day: "Have more patience!"

 

- M

Believing the unbelievable

The musical "Man of La Mancha" (inspired by the book "Don Quixote") has a magical song in it, "To Dream the Impossible Dream" (this version is probably the most magnificent, and it was live!). The character singing is answering the question of why he keeps going when all seems idiotic and destined to fail. You see, in his view it's the questing that is the point, not necessarily the end goal. To reach without looking back and never giving up. It's a fantastic viewpoint. The other characters don't understand, but they'll eventually learn.

 

What really incredible about people like this, they inspire those around them. Sure, some dreams are foolish (like wanting so ever much to turn the Moon to cheese) or hopelessly unrealistic ("I'll drink the ocean dry!"), yet who are we to demand anyone stop and give up. Is there worth in going after ridiculousness? I used to think not, but now I'm not so sure. Isn't the quest itself worthwhile? In all likelihood, the seeker will realize the goal isn't a good one, but in seeking they improve themselves in ways no one could ever have imagined.

 

Dreams, hopes, goals, imaginings; aren't they all a form of believing the unbelievable? Who could ever have guessed the outcomes of our most famous celebrities when they were young and naïve? Somewhere, sometime, belief in the impossible came true and changed the very nature of the world. Yes, one person can change the world. I truly believe that to my core. Why not you? Why not now? Believe the unbelievable!

 

image credit by John Hales

- M

Summer is nearly here! Get ready to send the kids to camp! Woohoo.

Parenting is a whole series of ups and downs, aggravation and excitement. And, then there's the time the little crumb munchers go to camp. Wee! There's a wonderful classic song called, "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah" which expresses camp from the camper's point of view. It's hilarious and heart warming all the same. I think parents are just as happy to have some alone time as the kids are to have grand adventures. Yet, it's also a bitter-sweet time, because parents really do miss the kiddos. Love is funny like that.

 

For campers it's the fun of getting away from parents, hanging out with new friends, enjoying horrible camp food, watching the stars, and listening to crickets. Add in practical jokes, giggling at girls and boys, swimming in the lake, and snickering after lights-out. Now, that's what camp is all about! Summer never gets better than that, does it?

 

I have loads of memories of camp that I'll cherish until I'm senile and can't figure out which side of a spoon goes in my mouth. It's only fair for me to give the same gift to my children, right? I suppose the scars will eventually heal...

 

- M