Sad Bot

Books

2012-02-14T10:05:00.001-07:00

I really like books. And so I thought I'd share my book cases with everyone. I'm pretty proud of all of my books and having read most of them. So here you go. A little bit into the books that I enjoy and that define who I am.

This first one is the bookshelf with most of my sci-fi books. Or at least many of my favorites. There are also a few fantasy books scattered in there.

These are a few that don't fit anywhere else. All hardbacks... (except LOTR).

The rest of the books. Many different genre's and stuff. I really enjoy all of these and hopefully will have more soon. :)

February -- No junkfood

2012-02-01T05:35:00.001-07:00

So. I went a whole month without eating any meat! I'm pretty proud that I did it. I think that I could go another month or even longer, but to be honest, there is nothing preventing me from eating meat. I can still eat it sparingly (esp. red meats) and be very healthy. Eating meat is not unhealthy, (as many a vegetarian would tell you) and I understand this. Also, while I feel that there should be some animal rights, my feelings are not strong enough to stop eating meat.

I have changed what I will be doing in February, also. I am going to be trying to eat no junk food. While eating no meat I realized that a bigger problem, when it comes to eating patterns is the amount of junk food I eat. Therefore, I am not going to be eating any junk food except on my wife's B-day (because of cake and stuff) and also on valentines day. I think this will help my health much more than cutting out meat would have.

Still No Meat

2012-01-20T09:56:00.001-07:00

I am still not eating meat. It is getting better. It was actually not to bad until a friend of mine (Kevin) offered me J Dawgs and then I went for a week straight of cravings. But I'm doing better now. I am starting to want meat that I normally never ate. But I am holding strong. I can tell a difference in my body and I can tell I've lost weight and I feel better. I would like to continue this, but I just like meat. I think I am going to try and cut back severely, though. Have almost no red meat. (Eat it very rarely). And limit other meats to only once or twice a week. I want to hold on to the habits as best I can and I think I may make a rule not to eat meat at work or school. That will help limit myself and will help me to eat better and plan better meals.

My book reading hasn't really worked out. I haven't been able to get into the books I got at the beginning of the year and so I am going back to two of my favorite books to get me going. Hyperion and Slaughterhouse-Five. I think this will help me quite a bit.

Ramadan Is Over Before It Began

2012-01-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

So, in considering the implications of not eating during the day, I had to remind myself of what my life would be like in February. I would wake up at 4am, bike to work and eat and eat and eat until Sunup. I would then not eat, bike to school, go to classes, eat what little I could bring with me on my bike after the sun goes down, bike home, and then eat. That is if I didn't pass out. I think that until I am out of school, Ramadan is a bust. And so here are the new and improved goals:

January: Eat no meat. I'm going to try and become a vegetarian for an entire month. This one will be one of the hardest, I think.
February: Be in bed by 9:30 pm every night. This will be harder than I think.
March: Read the New Testament.
April: Do all shopping at small businesses.
May: Recycle everything that can be recycled. Hopefully, this one will continue on.
June: No surfing the web and no T.V. (I would say no computer, but I'll be in school and will need it for that, however, the important thing is no entertainment from those sources).
July: Listen to only classical music.
August: Bike: 1. From Orem to Kamas. I'd start at about 4am and bike up Provo Canyon to Heber. There I will be picking up McKay and we will proceed to Kamas. 2. Summit three peaks: Squaw Peak, South Fork, Sundance.
September: Consume no sugar. This one will be difficult, and I'll probably need to set some parameters because so much stuff has sugar, It'll probably be no candy, drinks junk food, etc.
October: Meditate 20-30 minutes a day. This may not seem so bad, but true meditation is really hard. Just can't clear my head.
November: Write a 50,000 word novel for NaNoWriMo. Also, say a pray of thanksgiving everyday.
December: Read Jesus the Christ and the Christmas story. I need to focus on the meaning and cause of Christmas, and so, I am hoping this will help.

New Title and Cover for my Robot Book

2012-01-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

Science Fiction vs. Fantasy

2012-01-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

I think these two genre's get mixed too often. From the outside viewer they are the same. Focusing on what we would see as fantastic or not accurate according to our view of the current world. However, I feel that there are major differences between the genre's and in fact they should rarely (if ever) be mixed or confused as the same thing.

Some time ago while determining the major differences between these two genre's I thought of the story telling techniques. Or rather, what authors of either genre focus on. This seems to be the major difference, despite catalysts of the story. Fantasy focuses on creating worlds. Science Fiction focuses on creating ideas.

Let me explain.

But first, I will admit that I am solely a science fiction fan. There is some fantasy that I enjoy and love, LOTR, Harry Potter, Neal Gaiman stuff, but for the most part I don't touch it. And so, while I may have a somewhat biased opinion, and may not be as familiar with fantasy as many others I feel that with what I have read (and I've read more than the above list, but didn't enjoy them much) this is an accurate view and I will try my best not to bring biases into it.

OK. Fantasy focuses on creating worlds. Right now I am reading a fantasy book called Orcs. (I think it's three books in one, so lets call it Orcs trilogy). The Orcs trilogy is different than my typical reading. The language is different, and the focus of the story is much more straight forward than what I typically see in sci-fi. Or rather, it is presented early one with little or no guess work having to be done by the reader. (I don't say this negatively, but factually). I feel that many fantasy books are eager to get the ball rolling and to get on with the exciting parts, because with that comes the world. You introduce strange characters and new worlds filled with horrors and beauty, both. Great detail is often incorporated into what things, objects, and people look like. Often times dress is describes as much as a distant landscape of bustling city-town. Authors have gone to great lengths to insure that there world is complete and coherent. Many times maps are included at the front of the book to give the reader an idea of the world in which the characters live.

I think we can safely say just from those examples that fantasy, for a large part of the majority, is meant to suck you into a mystical world and take you through an adventure that could never happen in this current world we have. I recently read Neverwhere by Neal Gaiman. A modern day fantasy book in where the main character, Richard, is brought into a world underneath London. It has all of the typical fantasy elements and is full of adventure. Little explanation is given or needed as the reader is meant to accept that something strange is going on.

Fantasy builds worlds. It gives characters and readers a medium in which to explore and experience.

Science Fiction, however, does not focus greatly on creating worlds, or universes, if the case may imply. While locations, people, etc. are described, rarely in great detail, it is never the focus of the writing. Rather, the reader is meant to understand generals about the characters surroundings, or looks, and from that imagine the rest. Rather, because of situations the author is able to bring about specific ideas or philosophical reasoning's to underline the events of the story. The stories are driven by really issues that seem far more important and more of a major theme than issues and ideas proposed in fantasy reading. I feel that a major reason for this is that sci-fi, through the science involved in the writing, focuses greatly on the human condition and how science and technology play against it or are incorporated with life.

And so, we see ideas spawn through story lines in a way to show the reader where we can go in the future, or show them different possibilities because of science and technology. Ideas in cloning morality, or consciousness, time, and many more are common and found in most (good) science fiction writing. And it is a major focus of the writing. Action sequences, and adventure often take a lower precedence to the importance of underlining the human condition through futuristic ideas. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, by Philip K. Dick, is a great example of what it means to be human, or rather, what it means to be alive as the protagonist must question if he is human or an android, and if one or the other make him an less conscious.

While both genres have important qualities, I think it is important to understand the differences that each brings and how they are each different from each other. Personally, I am drawn more towards science fiction as I enjoy the philosophical and moral issues that are brought up and written about. The stories, because of the style of writing seem more original to me with less overlap in a story line. The language is clear and concise and does not fall into over stretching dialogue because of a need to describe and show a persons character right off the bat.

However, I am sure someone who likes fantasy more than I do could argue against me.

The First Month

2012-01-02T08:01:00.001-07:00

So, as it is the first month of the year, I am starting my first goal. Going Vegetarian. There is a reason I am going this. For the last . . . two years, I've wanted to be a vegetarian. It wasn't a strong desire, rather something I just wanted to try with little expectations in keeping up with it. (Mostly because I could not part from sea food). I have never been able to fully do this because I don't want to force it on anybody else. I'm not a big fan of waiving my own dietary choices, or lifestyle choices in peoples faces. And, I don't want to force my kids (or wife) to do something as drastic as not eating meat, just because I am doing it. And so, it is a one month goal, and after that I will stop.

I am excited about it. I've wanted to try this for a while, and now I get the chance. But I am a bit nervous about some aspects. I work a lot, and eat what I can while I am there and one thing I try to focus on is eating the right things to help me have energy and help me in my biking. Protein is a big one. And now, with no meat I have to find it other places. My wife was very concerned about me eating the right amount and getting the nutrients I need and calories I need (I burn about 1000 calories a day, and if I don't eat right I will be hurting my body). And so last night we worked together to make a bunch of batches of smoothie. Basically enough for about 6 days, and froze it. This should help with protein and energy stuffs, and now I just need to find things to help me through the day and meal substitutions.

I'll probably be having a lot of fruit and vege's and pb&j's. I think the really hard part will be every Saturday when I work at Gandolfo's. I'll be resigned to eating their vege sandwiches. Not great, but I've had them before and their not too bad . . . I guess.

Anyways, I am really excited about this and am hoping that I am able to keep it up. I have my family supporting me and that should be enough. I'd like to say that this is all easy for me and I'm happy to give it all up but I'm not. I bike by burger joints that smell amazing, daily. I love anything seafood and constantly want it. And my family (my wife and kids, parents, wife's parents, etc.) are all still going to be eating meat. And I am someone who still likes meat. And so it will be difficult, but I am determined to do it.

My Christmas Present from Lesa!!

2011-12-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

This was a great Christmas! Lesa all December has been very excited about the gift she got for me and was extra secretive about it. And so naturally, on Christmas day I was pretty excited to see what I got. Well, I have to say, I am thrilled with it. She got me a tea pot and eight different loose leaf teas. I was so excited that as soon as I could (once we were done opening presents I went and made myself a cup of Rooibus (Roy bus) tea, which is one of my favorites. Rooibus is made from the needle-like leaves of a caffeine-free bush native to South Africa.

(The tea pot Lesa got me).

(Rooibus tea).

I think that day I made about 4 or 5 batches and shared them with Mckay, (the only one that wanted to have any). They were all so good and I was loving brewing each different kind. Thank you so much, Lesa!! It was the perfect gift.

Global Warming

2011-12-28T09:56:00.002-07:00

It seems that, regardless of how you feel about the subject, the issue of global warming is very strongly tied to religion. Why is that? It is because religion is a source of moral growth, it is something that can bring about change in massive levels and can help people to grow morally. These morals affect us in our daily aspects and in what we constantly deal with. When it comes to daily issues we are able to make better decisions according to our moral character. Global warming has become a major concern and topic, thus calls on us to act as we see morally fit.

I wish to briefly describe how it is that science can show that global warming is indeed happening at an exponential rate, and how we can see that it is human caused rather than by the Earths natural cycles.

There is a simple method to see what CO2 levels were throughout Earths history. In glaciers we can take samples of air which has been trapped in the ice, (air bubbles). With these we can measure the amount of CO2 in the air at the time the bubble was formed. We can see rises and falls from roughly 150-280 ppmv (parts per million by volume) CO2. This greatly depends on Earths orbit. The orbit of our planet fluctuates, as well as pivots on its axis much like a top, causing the earths temperature to rise and fall, thus giving us ice-ages and warm periods: low amounts of CO2 create a cooling, and give us an ice-age. The opposite happens with high measurements of CO2. However, since the industrial revolution the level of CO2 has gone from the average of 280 up to 360-380 ppmv. An unprecedented amount. The more CO2 the more heat.

However, there is still doubt that this increase is caused by human interaction. How do we know it is human caused? We can record the types of CO2 in the atmosphere. There are three major CO2 bases we record: CO2 4, CO2 13, CO2 14. CO2 base 4 comes from very old and dead plants. CO2 base 13 comes from volcanoes, etc. CO2 base 14 comes from newer plants. We can see that in our atmosphere ther eis mostly and high concentrations of CO2 4. CO2 4 comes from fossil fuels, or very old plants.

This shows not only is there much, much more CO2 in the atmosphere, but that it is human caused.

There needs to be a change. A change that our government can hardly take on. It requires a sense of moral obligation at large levels for any effects to be seen. Moral obligations that should be strongly held and encouraged by our LDS faith as well as many other or all faiths. We are taught that we are stewards of the Earth and it is under our charge.

My Favorite Books of the Year

2011-12-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

I read 33 books this year. So I thought I could pick 5 of them dub them as my favorite of the year. There were a lot of good ones and I've been changed by most, but I need to decide what the best are, and so, in no particular order (because that would be too hard), here are the top 5 books I read this year:

1. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

What a great story. A virus in a futuristic cyber world (Snow Crash) infects the brains of those that view it or download it. The book follows Hiro who, through this demolished and dark world and advances cyber world tries to stop the virus from infecting millions. Cool imagery, and very original.

2. A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

I have read this book 8 or 9 times and if never fails to chill me to to bone and open my eyes in regards to what eternity really is. A deeply moving philosophical story of a man who goes to Hell and must find the book describing his life to leave and dwell in heaven. Chilling, terrifying, moving, wonderful and real.

3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I put Harry Potter so I can count them all as one book. These are truly some of the best books I have ever read. This year I read them for the 2nd or 3rd time (depending on which book) and loved every second of it. The third stood out because of the amazing Quiddich final where, while biking and listening to it I began cheering wanting Griffindor to win. (I couldn't remember who one and was getting really into it). What a tribute to the writing skills of the author.

4. The Scholar of Moab by Steven L. Peck

I just finished this one. I can't begin to describe the imagery in this book. The characters are very real and it is easy to care about them and want to keep reading. It is witty and clever and very moving. After reading it I sat for some time trying to come to grips that it was over and better understand all that I had read.

5. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

This had the same feel as Harry Potter, so naturally I liked it. It was darker, though. An adventure had by an unsuspecting man who finds a world underneath London full of adventure and danger. Also, has some of the scariest and worst villains of all time. Mr. Croup & Mr. Vandemar.

There were so many good books that I read this year. So many, but I think I feel good about these being the best and my favorite of the year.

A few I'm planning on reading next year:

The City and the City, The Hobbit (again), The Lord of the Rings (again), The New Testament (again), Jesus the Christ, Dune, A Short Stay in Hell (again), Starship Troopers, Hyperion (again), Anathem (again) and a lot lot more, I am sure. I usually like to reread really good books every few years which is why there are some that I will be rereading. The rest, (not listed because I don't really know what they are) will probably all be new books. Should be a good year.

School Update

2011-12-23T11:43:00.002-07:00

So . . . I passed all of my classes, with pretty decent grades, too. I was getting pretty stressed about my Math class and I just barely (and I mean barely) passed, but I passed so I am happy. I have to say that my biology class (with Dr. Heath Ogden) was one of the best classes I've taken since I started school 3 years ago. I loved it and learned a lot! Also, he will be helping me with a paper on evolution and the Mormon version of the creation, so that's good. I'm going to be honest and say that my Aesthetics class was a joke. Not because of the teacher, or assignments, I just think the whole subject is not for me. I cannot begin to care what different philosophers think in regards to art and beauty. I mostly disagree'd with most of the essays and just felt as though the whole subject was heavy handed and over bearing. I did good in the class, but boy I did not enjoy it. The only other thing I had was a bio-lab which was fine. I enjoyed it.

This coming semester I am taking Microbiology, Phil 205G (Which is a joke as I've already taken 2050, but this is required for some other random requirement that I need), Quantitative Reasoning (Which is just Math 1050, but sounds more advanced, Haha), and a Yoga class, Power Yoga to be more precise. Oh, and as apart of Microbiology I am taking a lab with it.

In the summer I will be taking Chem 1 and Organic Chem. Ugh. I am really terrified of these classes, but I am taking them during the summer so the classes are over with faster and I can only focus on the one subject in stead of several at a time. If I took one in the fall I think I'd be pushing too hard. Because in the fall I plan on taking College Bio II, Biotech, Genetics, and something else, and adding Chem on top of that sounds like a version of Hell I don't think I would ever want to encounter.

Oh, good ol' school.

Oh, and a shout out to Jaron who passed his Chemistry class!! I hope you remember it by the summer so you can help me.

New Years Resolutions

2011-12-22T07:14:00.001-07:00

This year I did really good with my goals. I read more than 25 books throughout the year, I biked most of the year and stopped drinking soda. I am going to carry these goals over to the next year. I want to keep working on my biking and being healthy. These goals are:

Ride my bike to work and/or school every dry day.
Drink no soda.
Read 25 books.

However, I am going to set some new goals for the coming year. They are going to be hard. In fact after thinking about this for a month or two, I've decided to make twelve monthly goals. One major goal a month. A lot of them are just to see if I can do it and to see if I can better myself from them. Many are meant to grow spiritually, but also to just grow as a better person. Some are easy and some are hard. So, here they are, my twelve goals for 2012:

January: Eat no meat. I'm going to try and become a vegetarian for an entire month. This one will be one of the hardest, I think.
February: Ramadan. OK, this will probably be the hardest. That is why I picked the shortest month. Ramadan is a month in where I will fast every day while the sun is up and eat when it is down... Should be interesting.
March: Be in bed by 9:30 pm every night. This will be harder than I think.
April: Do all shopping at small businesses.
May: Recycle everything that can be recycled. Hopefully, this one will continue on.
June: No surfing the web and no T.V. (I would say no computer, but I'll be in school and will need it for that, however, the important thing is no entertainment from those sources).
July: Listen to only classical music.
August: Read the New Testament.
September: Consume no sugar. This one will be difficult, and I'll probably need to set some parameters because so much stuff has sugar, It'll probably be no candy, drinks junk food, etc.
October: Meditate 20-30 minutes a day. This may not seem so bad, but true meditation is really hard. Just can't clear my head.
November: Write a 50,000 word novel for NaNoWriMo. Also, say a pray of thanksgiving everyday.
December: Read Jesus the Christ and the Christmas story. I need to focus on the meaning and cause of Christmas, and so, I am hoping this will help.

Hopefully I can do them all. Should be interesting and hard, but I think worth it.

Biking and Tea

2011-12-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

So in the middle of the summer (end of June), noticing that I was gaining some weight, (probably from sitting at a computer most of the day at work and not eating great) I set some goals to be more healthy. The first thing I did was to get a bike. I was determined to bike to work and back (and to school when it started). This would be 18 miles a day, and 22-26 during school. This was my biggest goal and first, so others didn't really come until I was getting use to this. It took about 2 weeks to get the motivation up to bike every morning at 4:15am, to get to work by 5, but buy July 1st I was biking every day and loving it. I was also determined to bike through the winter (not on "wet" days, but when the roads were dry I would). I think this has been a huge challenge, but everyday that I bike (which really is every dry day, I'm determined) I feel great and never regret it. I'm really getting back into biking and am going to be entering some races next year. (For those of you who don't know I use to do a lot of Downhill, Mountain Cross and Dirt Jumping biking when I was younger).

(This is my bike at UVU).

My next goal was to eat more healthy and I think, starting out, I tried diets or counting calories, but none of it worked for me. I did a lot of research at this point in what is health, or good things to eat. I think, through all of this I slowly just got into the mindset of eating healthy. Not dieting or counting anything but just making healthy food choices. I'm lenient with it, also. I'll eat unhealthy things occasionally or with other people, but mentally choosing to eat better helped more than anything else.

Finally, I wanted to give up soda. Not caffeine, but ALL soda. I think this is one of the hardest things I've struggled with. Ever since I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Pyoderma Gangrenosum my doctors have told me to stop drinking soda. I did for about 6 months, but feeling as if it wasn't really helping I started drinking it again. From July until about the end of September I went on and off again trying to stop drinking it. Finally, with grand inspiration one night I decided to replace all soda with tea. I had been doing research on health stuff and came across and article on tea's, specifically green tea. That night I decided to give up soda (again) and drink tea in its place. I stick with herbal teas, although, I think green tea is fine too, (in regards to the Word of Wisdom), but there is more variety in herbal teas. So I have 4 boxes of different types of tea at work, and some at home as well. So far it seems to be working wonderfully. I really enjoy going to the store and getting different types and flavors of tea and trying them all.

(A cup of acai tea at work).

All in all, I feel great. I've lost over 25 lbs., but am now staying at an even 180 lbs as I've been building quite a bit of muscle from the biking. My waist size has has gone from a 33 bordering on 34 to a 31 bordering on a 30. I think one of the greatest days was when I had to move a notch up on my belt. I am feeling more healthy and more energetic, but also (I think this is a bonus) I can sleep almost instantly whenever and wherever I want).

Books

2011-12-13T13:13:00.005-07:00

This year I actually set a new years resolution. This is something I usually never do because I'm just a bad goal setter. However, I decided on one goal that I thought would be challenging but obtainable. It was to read 25 books that year. I usually try to read as much as possible, but with full time school, full time job, a part time job and two kids, it's a little more difficult. But I decided to set it. 25 books, 1 year.

Well, I am pleased to announce that I did not only reach my goal, I surpassed it in reaching 32 books (It may become 33 as I am hoping to finish another book soon). I am pretty impressed. The books have been great and many of which have helped me grow and I'd recommend many to friends and family. There is a list on the side of the blog, but I'm going to put it up here as well with one sentence about each:

01. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis -- Truly a funny and clever time travel book.

02. Time by Eva Hoffman -- Discussion on times effect on individuals and how we perceive it.

03. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson -- A great cyberpunk story about a virus infecting peoples brains.

04. Billions and Billions by Carl Sagan -- His thoughts on science, global warming, and the importance of environment.

05. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein -- This is how society should start a revolution.

06. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss -- Not as good as his first. Too bad.

07. Cosmos by Carl Sagan -- Basically everything he says on his show 'Cosmos' written down, with some changes.

08. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman -- Shows how war over light years can effect someone, and the stupidity of war.

09. Doctor Who and Philosophy by Lewis & Smithka -- How can you not want to read this?

10. Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clark -- Human kinds first encounter with aliens who completely ignore us.

11. Science Fiction and Philosophy by Susan Schneider -- Again, how could you not?

12. The Internet is a Playground by Davide Thorne -- The posts from internet troublemaker, Thorne, from 27bslash6.com.

13. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut -- One of the best passages about freedom I've ever read.

14. In Search of Time by Dan Falk -- The philosophy, physics and history of time and I learned so much from this.

15. A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck -- the most chilling book that will make you look at eternity in a very new way.

16. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi -- Probably not worthy of a Hugo award, not horrible . . . just nothing happened.

17. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling -- Second time reading and it was amazing.

18. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and references stuff in book five.

19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling -- Third time and the Quidich final made me want to cheer!

20. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireby J.K. Rowling -- Second time and I hate that Harry and Ron fight.

21. The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson -- Not his best. A bit slow and dry.

22. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling -- Second time reading and it sucks that Sirius died.

23. Discourses in Mormon Theology by McLaughlan & Ericson -- I love theology and so I loved reading this.

24. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and it was so exciting.

25. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling -- Third time reading and I was bummed it was all over again.

26. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein -- Great interpretation of love and brotherhood, "Thou art God."

27. At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft -- Chilling in the details.

28. War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells -- Not as good as I remembered and so that was a bit sad.

29. The Help by Kathryn Stockett -- I loved this and its boldness as well as its great description of the 60's.

30. Reamde by Neal Stephenson -- If you're into thrillers, (which I am not) you'll love this.

31. Origin of Species by Charles Darwin -- Had to reread this for biology class, it's such an influential and important book.
32. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman -- A wonderful adventure wit that same wonder that Harry Potter brings.
33. The Scholar of Moab -- An amazing story tying stories of four different people together, through Hyrum's search for scholarship.

I am also currently reading, (there's usually a few because I have one at work, one at home and one in my bag and so I read them depending on where I am):

01. Dune by Frank Hebert

I also finished my time travel book, Pillar of Salt and am re-editing What Are They to God? (formally know as God's Consciousness, which was formally known as Sad Robot). And I have written about 10 new short stories. One of which got an honorable mention from the Writers of the Future contest. That was big.

And here is a pic of my book shelf, severely depleted in books in an attempt to cluttered. (Sorry, it was taken with my phone so the quality is pretty bad).

Finals

2011-12-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

Ugh.

It is the week before finals and only on day 2 and my brain hurts. I have been constantly practicing my math, studying biology and working on a 15 page paper for Aesthetics. Not to mention the homework due tomorrow and Friday. For that I need to read 4 chapters of The Origin of Species (which I've actually been enjoying), and write a discussion on 2 of the chapters, take 2 Bio quizzes, and do 4 homework assignments. My Bio Lab Final is suppose to be hard as well and I've been studying that today. (In between looking up scholarly articles for my paper on Dewey's, Art as Experience, and trying to figure out how to take up fifteen pages on a mediocre subject).

Here is my studying paper for my Bio Lab:

Pillar of Salt -- Some Unfiltered Thoughts on God

2011-11-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am looking out the window at my work as the sun rises. I can't see the sun but can only see it's light hitting the golf course just out side. I feel like, although I've worked here for a year and a half, I have never look like it does now. To the north, up near where I live there are grey clouds. All low to the ground. The orange sun reflects and lightens a tree near the window and the back drop of grey is breath-taking. There are buildings of red brick that shine with such a deep orange I feel like I've never seen them before. And maybe I haven't. Maybe there are a lot of things I haven't seen before.

I wonder often who God is. What is his relationship to us? Does he laugh at me when I do something dumb like not un-clipping my bike pedals and fall in the driveway as I try to step off my clipless pedals? It's funny to me. Does he sometimes look at sunrises, sunrises that he has seen over and over all throughout this universe and still, sometimes, look at it with such new eyes? Or is he beyond that? Is God jaded? After seeing super novae, and blackholes a simple sunset couldn't be as beautiful or awe inspiring? What is it that keeps him going? Is it learning? Growing? Us? I have a hard time believing that it would be us.

Love is strong, I work two jobs (one full time) and go to school full time for my family whom I love. I love them more than anything. But does that mean that I am happy at work? I would gladly quit and go to school full-er time, if I could. But I can't. Does God sometimes, when seeing the pain in the world feel such sorrow that he wishes he could leave?

Who is God that he should magnify man?

I've grown beyond questioning these things. I feel one thing, I feel that he is a father figure to me. It's hard to be close to him like I am to my own Dad, but still, I can feel that it is there. I can feel that he cares for me and have felt it deep within me in times when I've asked or have needed to hear it. But who is he? Who am I to him? Am I one of billions? of trillions? How could i be special with a daunting number as that? What could make me special? All I am in all this vastness of eternity is a speck on a pale blue dot.

I named this blog for these reasons. Perhaps it was because at the time, over a year ago, I wan't too comfortable with questioning the very nature of God. I compared my self to Lots wife, looking back to that place where all their friends and possessions were and doubted or questioned for only a second. There are somethings that I questions that I don't think there is an answer to. There can't be, because we are all different and I can't believe there is only one road to God. I can't believe the straight and narrow is only one direction in which we line up one by one and walk. It must be different. God is a father and will do all he can to help us and be with us.

I think this is a secret beyond so many others. God needs us. And God wants us to be with him. I think we're lucky. I think we are luckier than we could ever know. And I think there are some among us (maybe me) that take advantage of what luck we feel we understand. Or maybe we disregard this, telling our selves that we need to follow the letter of the law to exactness. That leaders of the church are never wrong and that all answers to life are found in the scriptures. I think we can understand God through the leaders and scriptures. But I think we need to look outward.

I think God still, occasionally, see's a sunset or sunrise and smiles. I think he, like us, needs something simple like that to remind him of some kind of beauty. Some type of beginning or ending. I think that if he saw me fall in my drive way he laughed. He laughed that I forgot to do something so simple and routine as un-clipping my shoes. He laughed at my shock or surprise. And he laughed at me while I too laughed at me.

Mistakes

2011-11-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Why is it that people make mistakes? In my life I have done so many things I regret. Many I have not admitted for shame and fear. I watched, because of anger at the mission, the fourth Harry Potter with my companion, on my mission. It may not seem like a big thing now, and admittedly, it isn't. But while on my mission I felt a great sense of shame because of that one simple thing. When I was eight or nine my brother and I made fires in the woods, threw trash in rivers and broke windows, all mistakes, all because we were being children and were trying to figure things out. I've lied to my parents and friends, needlessly grown upset at my wife and kids, and crashed my parents van. I once stole a crystal-like thing while in elementary school and sense then have never stolen again. And through these experiences and many other like them I have learned something on what it means to be human.

I don't write these things as some form of penance, but merely because I feel that most everyone is going to have the same experiences. People grow and learn and mistakes push us to learn in ways uncomfortable, but most likely are the most effective. I feel as is a mistake can be categorized more along the lines of repeated folly rather than one accident. How is it that we so willfully are blind to our reactions to others? There are times when I am upset with my wife, or am struggling with my kids not wanting to go to bed when something carnal in me wants out. I think it is this was for everyone and part of being human is learning to overcome those things. To overcome those urges and grow from them. When they succeed in escaping my soul, my humanity can feel it. Like some creeping thing worming its way to my skin. Why do I let this happen?

Maybe that is another part of being humane, or rather, being ethical, moral. Seeing the worse we can become, having even a small taste and coming away from it a whole, and still good, person. You see a version of yourself, something ancient, something easy and still choose the higher road.

In this we should be proud of our mistakes. Take joy that it is a mistake and that we have come back from it to recognize it as such. We are beings of mistakes. They build and enlighten us as long as we allow them to. Never forget this.

I love my kids and my wife and family and friends. They are important to me. I think of things I've done and still, years and years later I regret them. I drug my little brother, Nate, out of my room where me and some friends (his included) were hanging out. It was my room and I didn't want him in there. Why? I don't know. I may never know. But I did it. I have felt so sorry for that, but through it, and others, I have learned to be more loving and patient and accepting of others. Once, through excitement I grabbed my wife in a bear hug, while she was pregnant, and lifted her off the ground. I cannot express the sorrow I felt in being so careless as to jeopardize the health of that 7 month embryo. I still regret it.

I am still unsure as to why I am admitting these things. Maybe it is to prove a point. Most of you reading this know my, and most of you have probably not known about most of these. (Maybe except the fire one, that ones pretty popular). I am a man of mistakes, but through them I have not become a bad person, or an immoral man. I feel that I am a pretty good person, trying my hardest to overcome any hard things, (mistakes or challenges), and trying to find joy in life that is worth celebrating and remembering. Nate and I are close. Extremely close. The same goes for all of my family. We all get along all the time. I've seen many families that don't but we are not one of them. I love my kids and I do everything I can for them. I am patient and loving towards my wife. I love her and will always love her. I do not steal, I help others, strangers, when I can, and I do not catch forests of fire. These and many other things are a result of my mistakes.

Take joy in them--in over coming them--I am trying.

A Night of Astrophotography

2011-09-25T10:43:00.001-06:00

Last night I went with Jeff up between Park City and Kamas and, with his Telescope, took some amazing photos of the night sky. Here are some of the images we captured:

Andromeda Galaxy. You can see the spiral arms and dust in the galazy.

Pleiades. You can see a light blue around a bunch of the stars. These are clouds of dust in between the star cluster and us. (Obviously much more closer to Pleiades).

This is the Orion Nebula. One of the more amazing images taken, we all gathered around the camera and just stared it was beautiful.

This was such a great experience. We left at about 11 and got back at 4am, but it was wonderful to see images that we took of huge objects like galaxies and nebula. I'm excited to go again soon.

Know Your Paradoxes!

2011-09-06T09:58:00.000-06:00

2011-09-02T09:05:00.001-06:00

Well, mere days (2) after I talked about how my stories never get accepted I got this wonderful email:

Congratulations! You are an Honorable Mention in the
3rd Quarter of the Writers of the Future contest.

There was more, but that's the important part. While it is still not a publication it might as well have been because being an honorable mention by Writers of the Future is huge. It is really huge, actually. I am in the top 50 stories out of 10,000+ that were judged. This makes people pay attention to your stories.

Here is a link for the list: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/node/702

Anyway, I am really excited about this.

Oh, and it was for my story Beacon.

Here is an excerpt:

Itis difficult to determine the exact structure of the brotherhoodbetween those on the ship. It was similar to the old Earth days whenmen sailed around the globe with no other communication orcompanionship than that of their fellow shipmates. No one mentionedthe unannounced brotherhood, but it dwelt in the boat and each manfelt—on some level, although small—that it warmed them. They allsat there, all shivering, holding each other against the cold andnone spoke. Their weary heads bounced as they each dozed; the fatiguetrying to win against their violent shivers. It could not win.

TheCaptain spoke, finally as he slowly began coughing. “Looks like theO₂filteris starting to die.” The others nodded and coughed in agreement.“Billy,” he said to the Engineer, “we need to do something. Iknow you can't do the calculations for reentry, but you're going tohave to try.”

“Sir,”he began.

“Weneed to get to the surface. It's our only chance of survival.”

“He'sright,” the Correspondent said, “another four or five hours andwe'll be suckin' down carbon dioxide and all asphyxiate.”

Withouta word of acknowledgement or consent, the Engineer started on hiscalculations, muttering again about the damnsystem andhow he was not a damn pilot.The other's huddled in the cabin while he worked. Their breath wasvisible to them as if mocking them with the visible CO₂they eachbreathed out; letting them know that with each breath they werekilling themselves.

Hope for humanity.

2011-08-31T11:25:00.001-06:00

The Woe's of Writting

2011-08-31T10:17:00.001-06:00

I was curious to see how often my stories get rejected and so I looked at all my rejection letters and emails compared to accepted and here are the stats:

26 rejections
2 accepted
(I also have 9 pending).

Ugh. I enjoy it, but it would be nice to receive a few more accepted letters.

If you count the 2 books I've written I have 3 more rejections, also.

But I keep writing.

*I should also add that I almost never write stories on paper like the above image, but rather enjoy its aesthetic value.

Warp and Weave accepting submissions

2011-08-30T11:53:00.000-06:00

Art by Matt Page @ thisismattsart.blogspot.com

Lindsey Robinson-Karr

2011-08-26T07:58:00.001-06:00

I've never really known death and so I've never understood how it felt to lose someone. There have been some relatives that have passed and there was always some kind of distant sadness, but I had not really known them. I wish I had.

Today, I found out that one of my friends through Junior High and High School passed away. Lindsey Robinson-Karr passed because of a brain tumor that she had been bravely fighting for so long. She had had them before, and I remember visiting her when I was younger. Sitting and talking with her for some time about simple things. It somehow, back in grade school didn't seem quite real. I never took it seriously because she was always so happy.

It's hard to know how to react. I haven't spoken to her in almost eight years. I can't really claim to know who she now is, what she has done, who she was friends with or even what she loved to do. I know she loved her husband and life and family and that is enough to remember her as the same amazing person I knew growing up.

To be honest I don't know what to write, other then that. I could give the details of the cancer that plagued her, but I can't help but feeling that such a story would be cheapened by my telling. I was not there and in the back of my mind, in reading the updates, progression and digression, I still had the same sense that it wasn't real. That she was strong and that this would soon be over. Perhaps it is because of my ignorance and inexperience in dealing with death. All I needs say is this:

She was a wonderful person who loved life even in the middle of all of her hardships. She made others smile easily and often. She was important to her family and friends and she will be missed by even those like me, who once knew her and could never forget her kindness and love of life. The lives she has touched are many. More than I think anyone could imagine. I am grateful to be one of those lives.

Living Through Laughter.

Please, help her family and donate to help with their expenses. You can go here, and simply donate $2.

10 tanks = $58,400,000

2011-08-25T07:31:00.001-06:00

I've wondered where all of our countries money has gone and found some interesting facts.

There are places our military are stationed in Iraq where 1 gallon of gas costs about $400 to ship there. Now, most tanks guzzle gas at the rate of 4 gallons per mile. That means it is costing us, as a country, $1600 to get a tank from point A to point B, being a mile apart. An average tank holds about 25 gallons of gas. That's $40,000 dollars to travel 25 miles!! This is one tank!! Sure, not all places cost this much, so lets to the bare minimum: 1 Tank in a place that they need to ship the gas that travels... 10 miles a day. That seems extremely conservative. That means, in one year the cost to let this one single tank run costs: $5,840,000.

Almost 6 million dollars to run 1 single tank!! Keeping our stats extremely conservative we'll say that there are a total of 10 tanks in these areas with high gas shipping prices. That means to keep these tanks running for one year it costs $58,400,000.

Ugh

2011-08-23T06:18:00.000-06:00

Today is me waking up at 4am to bike to work and finding out I have a flat tire.
Today is my iPod's batteries being dead and having to listen to the people around me at work.
Today is not being able to log into my computer at work.

And it's only 6:18 am.

Biking Stats

2011-08-15T10:18:00.000-06:00

Sorry for all of the posts about biking, but it is a recent obsession. I've been biking for a few reasons. Mostly exercise, but also some moral sense of needing to do something to help the environment. (I am aware the effect me not driving a car has is basically 0). Anyway, I thought I would put down some of my stats as far as how car I bike and weight loss, etc.

Miles biked in the last month: ~380
Average miles per day: 18
Calories burned per week: 4500-5000
Weight loss: ~7lbs

Also, I've been (roughly) counting calories. Not so much counting as averaging-ish. I want to lose weight and get to about 160. I've been learning a lot about healthy living and am loving it. Lesa and I have been doing a great job with our garden and eating healthy. We set some goals for our eating habits and have been able to stick with them really well. Here's the calorie chart I've been some-what following:

Monday: 1719
Tuesday: 1480
Wednesday: 2063
Thursday: 1719
Friday: 1547
Saturday: 1891
Sunday: 1719

I lose between 4000-5000 of those a week. That's 1000 cal def. So I should lose between 1-3lbs a week doing this. Once I hit 160lbs. I'll probably increase my cal intake a bit to try to even it out a bit.

It's funny. 3 years ago I didn't care about eating healthy at all. But I think it is important to be able to live healthy and self sustaining as much as possible, as well as stay active. Biking does this for me. Today, (because of a crazy storm last night and early this morning) I did not bike to work. I feel . . . guilty about it. Sure, there was absolutely no way I could have biked this morning, but it is sunny now. And that means I could have biked home. It's definitely an obsession. The winter will be hard. I'll be biking the 5ish miles to school everyday, which will help, and will probably start biking on Saturdays to keep the 90-100 miles per week up. But driving to work will suck. But, knowing myself, biking at 4am in January doesn't sound pleasant at all.

But for now. I'm happy biking.

Simple Meeting

2011-08-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

In your machine, you fly
and breath
and you call it life
Like God you see through
the use of legs.
Trust is
letting me pay for you
letting me look into your bag
allowing me, or another approach
when your hands can't
understand your brain.
And like a God who knows
pain and suffering
like I have
like you have
I close your bad on your chair
walk back behind the counter
and make you a meal.

Only Few Moments

2011-08-08T08:52:00.000-06:00

I will not pretend
that i take my time writing
because I don't
I listen to the poet who
said it took weeks to write a poem
but I
I write in moments, in feeling
As fleeting as dandelion seeds.
There is no time between words
Only empty space meant for breaths
and I leave the spaces
for thought, for contemplation
for meaning.

Global Warming and Cold Morning

2011-08-08T06:54:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning, got on my bike and started biking to work at 4:15am. It was colder than normal and my first thought was, "Oh great, today a bunch of people are going to say 'So much for global warming'". Sure enough, 1 hr and 45 min. into my shift the guy behind me starts complaining about how cold it was. I listened... waiting for it, and after about 2 minutes I heard it. "Whatever, green-house effect. So much for global warming."

I shook my head and wrote this blog.

(For more I've written on global warming go here).

Harry Potter Fever

2011-08-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

I can't help it. I have Harry Potter fever.

Any of you who have been reading, or looking at my blog may notice that in the last 3 weeks I've read the first 3 books and am into the 4th now. It's great! Re-reading these back to back has made me fall even more in love with these amazing books. They are so well thought out and written. The early story hints towards so much more that will come books later. I am amazed at the consistency of them. Something I did not notice reading them as each came out, years apart.

I would recommend these books to anyone who really wants a great read or a great book to reread. They are easily some of the best books I've ever read!

Pledge for Biking

2011-08-03T12:30:00.000-06:00

I Just signed the pledge. I love biking and would love to see more biker friendly roads. I do what I can to be safe and courteous to the cars on the road, but there are still some scary places I have to bike.

Guitar

2011-08-03T10:12:00.000-06:00

It finally happened.

I use to play the guitar constantly. But sense having kids have dropped it, but something happened during my wife's family reunion, when I played "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine. I wanted to pick it up again. I find I enjoy learning other peoples songs more than writing my own, but still. . .I am excited to start learning songs again.

Oh, Books!

2011-07-22T10:12:00.000-06:00

I love reading. Yesterday I decided to try and get all of my books onto my two bookshelves. (I had a massive pile of books on the side on my big bookshelf). It didn't work. Now I have books stacked on top of each and crammed in to small places and still a massive pile of books on the side of the bookshelf.

And all I can think about is buying more books.

Biking

2011-07-22T09:10:00.003-06:00

Biked 85 miles this week.
Pretty good, I think.
Started 1 1/2 months ago.
Shaved off 15 minutes to work and 20 back.
And my legs are awesome!!

Harry Potter & Biking

2011-07-20T06:23:00.000-06:00

As the new movie has come out... the last one... I have been on a huge Harry Potter High. (Even though, having 2 kids, both young, I probably wont see it until it comes out on DVD). And so I am rereading all of the books. I forget how good they are, even the first ones that I thought wouldn't be as good as 5-7. I am really enjoying them!!

Also. Biking is easier. Yesterday I took on the hill at University Parkway--the one that use to kill me--and was able to get up it in about a minute and a half instead of 5. I've been taking a different route, going along University Ave., to Center and then up Center St., The whole thing is uphill accept for very small stretches, so I think my leg muscles have been getting some good conditioning. I'm going to try to get up it faster today... We'll see.

Also, I think we're going to get Maddox a bike soon. I'm not sure if he is too little, but he loves my bike and riding it/sitting on it while I move him around, so I think he'd really like his own.

Wild Root Wizard Wands

2011-07-14T05:51:00.003-06:00

I have to say, I am horribly excited about the last of the Harry Potter movies coming out. Almost as excited as I was for the 7th book. No, that's a lie, I took 3 days off of work devoted to reading the book and finished it in 2 days, easy. But still, I am excited.

I recently was able to meet up with Jeff, who is a good friend, at his home to look at the wands. He had about 40 in a box that he had made in his spare time. I was amazed at the quality and detail put into every single wand. They were, amazing!! He has even made a few replicas such as Snape's wand, (as seen below) and even Voldemort's. (Which, by the way, was horribly realistic. I sat there for some time feeling as though I was the Dark Lord, He Who Must Not Be Named). The finish on each wand gives them their own individuality along with the intricate and original designs.

But if you don't want one of those, just let him know what you had in mind and he can make you your own custom wand. One of a kind!!! As though Olivander himself made it for you!

So contact Jeff (801.971.0361), and let him know what you are interested in, or just do what I did and look through the ones he already has, because they are simply amazing!!

Here is a sample of the quality of his wands. A replica of Severus Snape's wand.

*You will also be able to go to his blog soon, at http://wildrootwizardwands.blogspot.com.

Consistency

2011-07-07T09:16:00.000-06:00

So, for the last 3 days I've biked I've hit a consistent 35 minutes to go 9 miles. So that's about a 4 minute mile. (People run that fast!!!) I'm hoping to get that down by a minute within a month. So, Hopefully I'll be taking 25 minutes to get here. When I started I was taking 45-50 minutes, so I can definitely tell I'm getting in better shape.

I am really starting to enjoy riding in the morning as well. It helps wake me up, (which has been a struggle as 4am is just too early). But the ride has been more enjoyable, lately.

Good times biking. I think Ty and I are going to be going sometime soon to the lake to bike half of it or something. I think I want to go with him before school starts again and go around the whole lake. Should be good.

Meh and other news.

2011-07-06T07:39:00.000-06:00

So, after much debate, I've decided not to finish the short short stories. I don't feel like they were going in where, or really doing much for me. Meh.

In other news, I have decided to only eat meat for dinner, (that is, if we even have meat for dinner), and it has to be at home, (or my or Lesa's parents house). For some time now I've been wanting to try being vegetarian but the reality in having two kids is that it would simply be to hard. And as it is for health reasons, I figure only eating meat for dinner, (which is about 4 or so times a week) should be really good. This will also help me not eat out at all.

I haven't decided if I am going to count fish in this meat thing yet. But then again, I really only eat fish at dinner... hmmm.

Also, I am going to try (again) to not drink any soda. I had gone about 3 months without it and then just stopped, but every time I drank it I felt like crap and so I am quitting again. Hopefully this one sticks.

I've also been biking a lot more. I try to bike (but have been slightly less successful due to rain and the like) at least three times a week. Basically, because I am limited on time I can do stuff, I decided to bike to work and back. 18 mile round trip. I also try to bike to my other job which is about 1/2 there, and 1/2 back. I bike there 3 days a week, so I get in about 57 miles a week. That is pretty good, I think. It's a good workout. I have a goal to wake up at 5 on Saturdays and bike Provo Canyon--to Vivian Park and back--we'll see if I do it this weekend.

Also, I've been drinking a lot of healthy organic drinks, like Sambazon, Acai. It's good stuff and I definitely recommend it.

Missing Short Short Stories

2011-07-05T10:14:00.002-06:00

I have several written, but haven't typed them up yet. Please be patient, but the 4th threw me off in updating this.

Oh wait . . . is there anyone even out there?

What Freedom Means to Me

2011-07-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

This means so much more to me in regards to Freedom than any speech, sermon, talk, address, etc. has ever meant. It is simple, different and correct. I wish/hope that as a country we can view lived like this, and view freedom like this. Freedom doesn't need to be about wars fought or us leaving England's rule. It could be about so much more.

I hope we can all remember this on the 4th of July. It is important.

***

(This is from Kurt Vonnegut's Sirens of Titan).

"You come and tell me the big news," said Boaz. "'Boaz — ' you say, 'we're going to be free!' And I get all excited, and I drop everthing I'm doin', and I get set to be free.

"And I keep saying it over to myself about how I'm going to be free," said Boaz, "and then I try to think what that's going to be like, and all I can see is people. They push me this way, then they push me that — and nothing pleases 'em, and they get madder and madder, on account of nothing makes 'em happy. And they holler at me on account of I ain't made 'em happy, and we all push and pull some more.

"And then, all of a sudden," said Boaz, "I remember all the crazy little animals I been making so happy so easy with music. And I go find thousands of 'em lying around dead, on account of Boaz forgot all about 'em, he was so excited about being free. And ever' one of them lost lives I could have saved, if I'd have just kept my mind on what I was doing.

"And then I say to myself," said Boaz, "'I ain't never been nothing good to people, and people never been nothing good to me. So what I want to be free in crowds of people for?'

"And then I knew what I was going to say to you, Unk, when I got back here," said Boaz.
Boaz now said it:

"I found me a place where I can do good without doing any harm, and I can see I'm doing good, and them I'm doing good for know I'm doing it, and they love me, Unk, as best they can. I found me a home.

"And when I die down here some day," said Boaz, "I'm going to be able to say to myself, 'Boaz — you made millions of lives worth living. Ain't nobody ever spread more joy. You ain't got an enemy in the Universe.'"

A Monsters Meal

2011-07-01T09:51:00.000-06:00

The city fled from the attack. Oh, what evil a thing. They watched stunned as the creature, smiling, devoured the city, sitting down happily, munching on metal, concrete and glass.

Short, short story #23, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Freedom

2011-06-30T05:42:00.001-06:00

Freedom, celebrated for our battles. For our ability to choose--to a point. But I found freedom in the saving of a life--worth my own. Small, green and black.

Short, short story #22, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

To the North

2011-06-29T06:49:00.000-06:00

In remembrance of a poem once loved, I sniffed and followed my nose to the north. And found that things were no different than here and only I had changed.

Short, short story #21, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

The Boys

2011-06-28T09:12:00.002-06:00

I cried when I met you both. It's strange to think, because I've never cried when meeting anyone. But, holding you guys for the first time changed everything for me.

Short, short story #20, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Falling Astronaut

2011-06-28T09:01:00.000-06:00

Slowly, he rotated, cursing his god, crew and suit. Probably cursing the Earth, as well. In all of this--this inevitable death--why couldn't he be still, un-rotating, before burning.

Short, short story #19, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Bad Change

2011-06-28T08:54:00.001-06:00

Temperature rises. Five degrees Celsius. The Timpanogos glacier. Zeppelins over Russia. Strange currents. So much more. And still you don't worry, because it doesn't matter to you. Not your problem.

Short, short story #18, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Feeding a Family

2011-06-28T08:42:00.000-06:00

"Can you throw that sandwich away?" she asked, as I came in. I turned and walked outside, looking for the crusts. Ants had found it first, and so I left it.

Short, short story #17, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

The Pressure of Waves

2011-06-24T07:54:00.000-06:00

She went out, into the water, standing with her knees touching the waves. The sun was setting behind a stream of orange clouds she wondered where her mind had gone.

Short, short story #16, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

We Met Back East

2011-06-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

When I was six, you were four. And I teased you in North Carolina. I don't remember this, but I'm sure I did it because, even then, I liked you.

Short, short story #15, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Hoping to Move Back East

2011-06-22T07:38:00.003-06:00

Dark green trees are calling. I can hear my childhood. We've longed to go back, and I know, after some school is finished, we'll find ourselves surrounded by that green.

Short, short story #14, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Biking Home

2011-06-21T12:23:00.001-06:00

The sounds of the city deadened, listening to talk radio, learning about science, riding alongside traffic, I pedal home carefully, and deliberately, continually looking up. It is a beautiful day.

Short, short story #13, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Exchanging of Change

2011-06-20T07:48:00.000-06:00

I often stop at a gas station on my way to work for a drink. The same man takes my dollar-five and keeps the change. He probably has a dollar.

Short, short story #12, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Pure Night

2011-06-20T07:38:00.000-06:00

Darkness. It is thick. It is Unmoving. It is silence. The sun is dead and the moon is hid from sight. But the stars; the stars, as always, shine through.

Short, short story #11, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Pouring

2011-06-20T07:31:00.000-06:00

The drums. Oh, the drums thundered against the growing "tap, tap, tap" of the rain. The clouds reveled themselves in sudden shows of static electricity. I stood, wet, head lowered.

Short, short story #10, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

It's Easy to Drive

2011-06-17T05:42:00.000-06:00

I wake up late today. The air is chilly as I step outside. The air is cool and beautiful until I forget of its miracle and quickly drive to work.

Short, short story #9, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

There Will Always Be A Holy-war

2011-06-16T05:59:00.001-06:00

He lanced the last ship as he had deemed it unworthy. Unworthy of God's love. The stars shone all around the two spaceships, their brilliance being lost in the holy-war.

Short, short story #8, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

The Destroyed Green-Way

2011-06-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

The scattered trees from the tornado leave wild ideas in my and my brothers eyes. We venture through the forest, deep and green and damp, looking for nothing but time.

Short, short story #7, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

I Almost Killed a Bird

2011-06-14T07:35:00.000-06:00

I almost killed it. It looked sick. I approached it and the bird moved. It looked at me and opened its mouth for food. It was simply learning to fly.

Short, short story #6, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Books

2011-06-13T05:19:00.003-06:00

I grew up to super heroes and evil villains. To space ships and time travel. I would travel the universe, I would swing from a web. And with great power . . .

Short, short story #5, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Weekend Stories

2011-06-13T05:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry, I wrote these over the weekend, but was unable to put them up on the blog.

Movements
We sat, silent to ourselves. Watching. The movements rehearsed and practiced over hours and hours of blistering rehearsals. For one night. For the performance to move even the strongest men.

Short, short story #3, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Growing Up
I grew up dreaming of laser guns. I was a lonely space traveler. I never brought companions or friends or crew members. Just me, traveling to distant stars. Fighting aliens.

Short, short story #4, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Winter Night in Passing

2011-06-10T05:30:00.000-06:00

My breath was white from the cold. Winters white frost which hung like a statue in the air. I could only stare and imagine. The stars, as always, were brilliant.

Short, short story #2, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Coming Home From Work

2011-06-09T08:41:00.002-06:00

I love doing projects and challenges when it comes to writing. I've written 30 short stories in 30 days. And, a year later, 14 in 14 days (those were much longer). I've also won the NaNoWrMo (National Novel Writers Month) where I had to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. (I actually wrote 75,000).

I have found a new challenge, it is a bit easier, but at the same time... maybe not. It is the BlogShorts Challenge. In this, I will be writing 30 flash stories, 30 words or less each, in 30 days. I think it'll be fun. So here we go, with the starter:

Coming Home From Work
As I walk to my front door after work, I look through the window. In hopes that I will see my son waiting for me. Smiling, pointing towards the door.

Short, short story #1, as apart of the BlogShorts Challenge.

Want a good read?

2011-06-07T11:45:00.003-06:00

Been looking for something to read? Want something that is going to force you to stay up late into the night desperately craving for more? A book that will force you to skip meals and become utterly anti-social while reading? Well, here you go:

A Short Stay in Hell.

But don't take my word for it. Here are some reviews:

"I have never been so moved by a view of hell. Peck’s hell is no brimstone, fire, and burnings – a view that has never been meaningful to me nor one that has instilled any fear in me. In contrast, Peck’s hell does both of those things. This view of hell appears, at first blush, as an almost pleasant place where the inhabitant has a well-defined and seemingly manageable task after which she is allowed to move on – hence the title, “A Short Stay in Hell.” And yet, this hell produced in me a frozen hopelessness that I could not shake even weeks after finishing the book. I fear this hell. I fear it with my whole being. Maybe it was because of the initial sense of the task’s manageability that I ultimately felt such a deep sense of despair. This is story telling at its finest. This is fiction that penetrates to the core.”

"I have never read anything that has given me such a profound sense of what ‘eternity’ might actually entail, or that has soured me so completely on the merits of ‘eternal life.’ I do not mean to paint the novel as negative or depressing so much as thoughtful and insightful. The concept of hell that is developed in this story becomes a metaphor for exploring what matters most in life (whether it be mortal or immortal): love, companionship, meaning, and purpose. The result for me has been a deeper appreciation for the opportunities my present life affords, let the eternities bring what they may…”

“There are only a few books I’ve read that have truly changed the way I look at life, and this is one of them."

"Peck has done such a phenomenal interpretation of the human condition and spirit in this poetic rendition of Hell.”

“The central conceit is brilliant and there’s a real sense of pathos for our author’s desperate attempts to find and maintain human connections in an ageless place. I read it in one setting, desperate to find out if hell has an End. Peck has a real flair for capturing the yearnings of the human spirit, hell-bound or no.”

This is easily one of the very best books I have ever read. Ever!! (Which is why I've read it eight times)!

Wet

2011-06-02T09:50:00.000-06:00

Dripping , drops of water litter my face

I dare not look up

The building is shelter and warmth

on moist days

But I am outside, squinting from the wind

and water

Looking for my car that has been

Parked

much to far away.

*written in May, 2011 on a rainy day.

Something Important

2011-05-03T21:32:00.000-06:00

Everyone should watch this. It is important and powerful.

http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

Calligraphy/Ambigraphy

2011-04-09T08:57:00.001-06:00

I haven't done much with calligraphy lately. I need to get into it again. Anyway, I thought I'd post some stuff that I've done. It's all ambigraphy, which means if you turn it upside down it will look the same. They are all names of family members. (I'm posting the names that turned out the best). Hope you enjoy.

Emily

Jaron

Christopher

Timothy

If any of you want me to try doing this to your name, or for... something, let me know and I'll see if it can be done. I can usually tell right off the bat if it can be done. But you never know.

Global Warming

2011-03-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Just something I did while bored, called Global Warming.

Books Read the First Three Months of 2011

2011-03-24T12:59:00.001-06:00

Lesa set some goals this year, all of which were very good. Many of which I would like to work on as well. But I did like one that I will write about today and that was to read 25 books this year. Last year I read 16 books, so there is some ways to go.

So here is a list of the books that I have read so far. I think I've got them all, but I could have swore there was another. (Also, I won't count my own book which was read at least twice this year):

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Time by Eva Hoffman
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Billions and Billions by Carl Sagan
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A Heinlein
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
Cosmos by Carl Sagan

So, I probably need to get crackin' on those books. We'll see if I can do it. Should be exciting.

A Bored GIMP Doodle

2011-03-13T05:57:00.000-06:00

Yes. Today I was a little bored. I think it turned out pretty nice.

Maddox-Man

2011-02-24T12:42:00.002-07:00

Maddox Dancing (He is a very good dancer).

(This is taken from my wifes blog. I just liked it a lot).

Maddox surprises me every day with how smart he is! And how observant!
Some of his words now:
-juice
-moon
-shoes
-stool
-tool
-mom
-daddy
-baby
-nana
-ball
-cat
-fish
-cheese
-two
-boots
-NO
-uh huh
-yes
-dog (usually he says "woo woo"-barking like a dog)
-ooh ooh (for monkey and banana .. he also says this when he's climbing like a monkey)
-chicka, chicka (like the sound of a car or train)
-mmm (for "more" kind of a squeaking sound)

he also likes to make animal sounds, like mooo for a cow (or woo woo, the dog sound). he tries to snort like a pig and make bird sounds say "sss" for snake and spider.

he knows how to run the dvd player and tv and remotes and loves Beauty and the Beast, Curious George and Sesame Street. (not to mention some really annoying shows I don't let him watch, like Super Why! and Word World ... Super Why! is the worst).

he loves to dance and sing and knows what music he likes (1234 by Feist, especially).

he likes trying to take care of Asher.

he loves reading and tries reading to Asher.

he's learned how to open doors

Maddox loves his family.

He loves helping with all chores - vacuuming, dishes, sweeping, laundry, picking up toys. It's awesome. Most of the time, anyway.

He loves playing outside, especially at the park (too bad it's so cold!!).

He is awesome at kicking a soccer ball.

He can recognize most colors.

He knows the letters A, S, and E. He can recognize them and say their sound.

There's much more to write about, but I think I'll go hang out with the boys. :)

We love Maddox.

Nerdy Bot

2011-02-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Go and visit Nerdy Bot. It is a blog I am doing with my brothers and some friends about nerdy things.

You may find yourself addicted.

How did we go so wrong?

2011-02-18T10:31:00.001-07:00

Here is some information I digged up. Needless to say, I am very disappointed with our country.

There were over 60,000 nuclear weapons between the US and Russia resulting from the Cold War.

There are somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 major US cities/towns and there are 1100-1200 major Russian cities/towns.
30,000 + 1200 = 31,200 cities total
60,000 - 31,200 = 28,800 nuclear weapons left over.

So lets add some more places . . .

If you were to add all of the cities/towns in Europe you would have just over 28,800 cities.

So, in conclusion . . .

With 60,000 nuclear bombs we could take out all of the United States, Russia and Europe.

Is this needed?
Of course not!

Granted, it has gone down in recent years, however, the number (near 3,500) is still too large. To think that we could have at one time had over 30,000 is astonishing ans sad. There needs to be a change . . .

Some Recent Pics

2011-02-13T12:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of the boys and Lesa. I was looking at my blog today and realized there was nothing with Asher, (and probably few with Maddox). So here are some updated pictures of them.

Maddox hugging his Mommy.

Lesa walked in on Maddox brushing Asher's hair.

Asher sleeping. (A very common thing)

This was the day after asher was born.

Ugh

2011-02-12T05:54:00.001-07:00

So, I have been horribly swamp with school and work and a new baby, and a toddler. It almost seems never ending, but at the same time I am really happy with where I am (although I would love to have my Bachelors and be working on a Masters, but I can wait).

Anyway, school has been a bit overwhelming. For my Philosophy minor I am taking a Paradoxes class and a religious philosophy class. Between the two I am reading about sixty pages a day. I am trying to keep up with my math as well but feel like there's never enough time to just sit down and do it. The only class that has been a breeze is Geology, (which is a pre-rec for a physics degree). It has been really simple and straight forward.

Also, I am really frustrated with Warp and Weave (UVU's Speculative Fiction Journal). I've been, for the last two months, working on a site for them and setting up more professional emails and trying to get them into a big Sci-fi symposium at BYU, which would help get them known and over the last two weeks have gotten no where. They got a new editor, (because the old one took a spot as an editor for UVU's new peer-review journal and the faculty advisor kicked her out of Warp and Weave because she was upset about it, or something), and the new editor or . . . editors don't communicate with me. So now I have done ton's of (free) stuff for them and it's pretty much waisted. It's pretty frustrating.

So between all of this, and school and kids I've been exhausted. I actually have been having a really hard time sleeping and have had some other issues with sleep, or lack of, feeling weak and shaky . . . anyway, turns out that there are side effects from my Ulcerative Colitis meds that cause this and if you get them you need to see your dr. Grrr. So I guess I'll be making an appointment. Lame. At least I know why I've been feeling crappy.

Oh, and I am doing another 30 short stories in 30 days thing. If you have any ideas for stories or would like your name in one of them let me know. Your help would be appreciated. (Also, any ideas about a rebellion, time travel, or robots are especially welcome.

I think this is the longest post I've written (on this blog, Pillar of Salt stretch sometimes to ridiculous lengths) in a long time. Congrats to me!

Visions Enough In Days II

2011-02-12T05:00:00.001-07:00

I am doing another 30 short stories in 30 days thing. I am requesting ideas that I can base stories off of. I will not be starting for a week or so, so please let me know.

Happy Birthday Lesa

2011-02-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Lesa's 23rd birthday!!!

I can't believe that she is 23 and I'll soon be 25 and we've been married 3 1/2 years. Time is flying. I am so glad she wanted to marry me. She is the most wonderful person I know. I love her so much!! She is a wonderful wife and mom. I just can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life.

Here are a few things about Lesa that I love:
1. We are able to talk about anything.
2. She is a great wife and is always willing to help.
3. She is a great mom.
4. She is fun to be around.
5. She makes me laugh.
6. She wants everyone to be happy.
7. She encourages me in everything that I do.
8. She is kind and considerate.

There are many more things, but I'm writing this at work and don't have much time. Anyway, she is the best person I know and I am so happy to be with her. I wouldn't trade any of this for the world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LESA!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!

Pillar of Salt

2011-01-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Pillar of Salt is now for sell!!

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Yes, it is a time travel story
Yes, the time travel theories are backed up through Quantum Mechanics.
No, it is not explained in detail in the book. :)

Consentration

2011-01-07T12:13:00.002-07:00

I am having a hard time concentrating at work... Even when I try... when this happens. Sometimes I think there's something wrong with my brain. I get a little worried.

Things I've Learned

2011-01-02T13:07:00.002-07:00

As it is the new year I thought I'd share this. A few months ago I wrote up a list of things I've learned so far. There aren't many because I only wanted to write down things that really really mean something. So here you go:

Things That I Have Learned in My Life, So Far:

Worrying solves nothing
Kindness is better than success
Everybody thinks they are right
Everyone knows how it feels to be alone
Money doesn't relieve stress
Writing promoted free thinking
Helping other people helps me
Life is good now
Always put things in perspective
Simplicity is beautiful
Complexity is beautiful
Books can mean everything
Science progresses humanity
Violence solves nothing
Love
Forgiveness needs to be learned

Books on my list so far to read this year

2011-01-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, here are books I plan on reading, so far in 2011.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress -- Robert A. Heinlein
Time -- Eva Hoffman
The Mote in God's Eye -- Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle
Snow Crash -- Neal Stevenson
The Diamond Age -- Neal Stevenson
Sirens of Titan -- Kurt Vonnegut
Cat's Cradle -- Kurt Vonnegut
A Short Stay in Hell (again) -- Steven L. Peck
To Say Nothing of the God -- Connie Willis
The Man in the High Castle -- Philip K. Dick

For now that is all I can think of. I'm sure their will be more to come.

Excerpt from "Pillar of Salt" -- My Newest Novel

2010-12-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

*This is following the main character, Jude, as he contemplates Time Travel, (Something that is incorporated in peoples every day lives). (Also, CTT's are the time travel machines, for clarity).

His flight, to Portland, Oregon would take two hours and he had brought along the book Slaughterhouse-Five; a favorite of his. He loved the play on consciousness traveling through time. Billy Pigrim, the main character in the story would not physically travel through time, but his consciousness would. He would enter his mind at different points in his life, experiencing them and always seemingly staying the longest as it followed his life in world war II. It almost seemed like there was a linear constant for his body that his consciousness would always revert to.

This was something Jude had a hard time with. He understood time travel enough to know that he was most likely not the oldest version of his self. If he traveled to some time, in the future or past he could possible run into an old man named Jude Tab who would be his own self; just a different version. This also led to multiple dimensional decisions all within one spacetime dimension. He never could wrap his brain around the concept. What he does now, does not mean that there aren't other possibilities.

He thought about how this would happen. When he had first called his professor after exiting the CTT in 2672 the first time his professor answered. Because of his interference with that, his own self who had tried to call his professor and had gotten no response very well could have turned around and gone home. Or FORCE could have captured him first and he could be somewhere completely different. It was somewhat worrisome to him that his roommate had never mentioned another him—another Jude—had come home. So did he never make it? he tHis flight, to Portland, Oregon would take two hours and he had brought along the book Slaughterhouse-Five; a favorite of his. He loved the play on consciousness traveling through time. Billy Pigrim, the main character in the story would not physically travel through time, but his consciousness would. He would enter his mind at different points in his life, experiencing them and always seemingly staying the longest as it followed his life in world war II. It almost seemed like there was a linear constant for his body that his consciousness would always revert to.

He didn't like the idea that his linear and current self could be somewhere else and not experiencing what he was currently experiencing. It was unnerving. Because he was currently experiencing and currently making his own decisions how could he be anything but the current linear version of his self. This reminded him of a simple line in the book. It came from the aliens Tralfamadorians, “Only on Earth is there any talk of free will.” He wanted to know if what he was currently doing was predestined by some more current linear version of his self? An old gray haired man, laying in bed dying who had determined that he'd see his parents at this time . . .

He stopped himself. People had dwelt on this problem for centuries. Even in 3127, a little more than two-hundred years from the CTT-End, they still had no way of telling who was current. This led to great debates as to the aspects of freewill. How could anyone account for their actions if there was an older version of their self’s dictating what they were eventually going to do. The notion of freewill was muddled and in a abominably wrong way they incorporate the God creation theory of possible worlds. Skewing it to say that with each alternating jump—like that of Jude jumping again, affecting his previous self who called the professor—a new possible world or linear current time line is created.

This was even scientifically studied for several hundred years, working on the theory that they should be able to track a person’s linear self starting at birth. They took a group of twelve infants and injected them with a certain protein stand that should eventually, through time, slightly alter their DNA. Mutating them into something inhuman but unrecognizable to anyone but those studying them. The results were inconclusive at best as the radiation from traveling through the CTT's—although it was slight—progressed or digressed the protein strand until there was no common ground to determine where the individual’s linear current self ended. It was also impractical to mutate the entire human race to keep track of their linear selves.

Jude had decided some time ago to not worry about it. He felt that what he did now, inevitable would affect his most current linear self and so he could argue that all instances of a person were linear and affecting each other to eventually bring about an end result.

Reading

2010-12-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of books that I have enjoyed this year in no particular order.

The Fall of Hyperion -- Dan Simmons
Endymion -- Dan Simmons
The Rise of Endymion -- Dan Simmons
Olive Kitteridge -- Elizabeth Strout
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? -- Philip K. Dick
Illium -- Dan Simmons
Olympos -- Dan Simmons
Slaughterhouse-Five -- Kurt Vonnegut
A Canticle for Leibowitz -- Walter M. Miller
The Hunger Games -- Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire -- Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay -- Suzanne Collins
A Short Stay In Hell (again) -- Steve Peck
A Brief History of Time -- Stephen Hawking
At the Mountains of Madness -- H.P. Lovecraft
Time Traveler -- Dr. Ronald L. Mallett

End of School . . . for now

2010-12-15T07:18:00.001-07:00

So . . . I just turned in my last final. (I had to email it). I just felt like listing all I did for the finals because, (at least for my Philosophy of Religion class) it was a little nuts. And so, the list will comprise what the final was, and what I did to prepare for it.

1. PE Final -- studied
2. Math Final -- studied
3. Biology Final -- studied
4. Philosophy Analysis, 6-8 pages -- read four essays.
5. Philosophy of Religion Final Papers, 3 papers each 4-5 pages -- read a total of ten essays in preparation of the three papers.
6. Philosophy Summaries, 5 papers, 1 page each -- read five essays

So Philosophy of Religion takes the cake for the craziest final ever!!

*What's in store for next semester:
1. Issues in Religion, Studies
2. Philosophical Paradoxes
3. Algebra
4. Geology

Editing Help

2010-11-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

If there is anyone who would like to give me some help in editing my new book, Pillar of Salt please comment on this post, or email me and let me know and I will send you the story for you to edit.

If you suck at grammar, (like me), I would still like critiques. Issues with plot, or helping me make the dumb parts sound good.

Anyway... let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.

National Novel Writers Month (NaNoWriMo) Winner!!!!

2010-11-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Pillar of Salt, the Novel

2010-11-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

So, we're a little past the middle of the month and after about eleven days I finished the 50,000 word requirement for the NaNoWriMo. Very, very exciting stuff. I am continuing to write the book, only really aiming for about 2,000 to 4,000 words a day and hoping to finish sometime before the 25th of November. That's the goal anyway.

Pillar of Salt has surprisingly meant a lot to me. It deals with time travel. But more than that it deals with a society that had become detached and despondent. There is a lot of emotion and philosophical value, I feel, to this story that, for me, makes it worth the toil and effort to write. In fact, I would probably say that I like it better than God's Consciousness.

And let me take this time to underline how important I feel Science Fiction is. I think through it we can easily see visions of our future and what is to come. I feel that society has already made itself to be separate. We don't rely on each other or generally help one another. While the extents in Pillar of Salt are extreme, I feel that this is a real issue that we must face and over come. I bring up subjects dealing with God, and humans relationship to him; the evils and effects of torture on a person; and the philosophy of rebellion, it's effects towards people and it's morality.

These things and many many more are found in my book and I feel that it is important, when writing, to find some meaning that you wish to express. Allow the books emotion to relate the the audience and move them deeply. This is what I try to do in all of my writing but for the first real time ever I think I'm accomplished it in Pillar of Salt.

*If there is anyone that would like to help me edit this once it is finished at the end of the month please comment and let me know, or email me. Your help would really be appreciated.

2010-11-03T13:23:00.003-06:00

I apologize, but I will not be posting most of this month. I am currently competing in the contest NaNoWriMo. Basically writing a 50,000 word novel in one month. I'll be back once I reach 50,000.

Again. Sorry.

You can keep track of my progress:

On Google Talk

2010-10-19T16:08:00.003-06:00

The Secret Horse Neeehbors!!

2010-10-11T21:23:00.001-06:00

I have a theory.

Let me explain. You see, every night between the hours of 8PM and 11PM, (if we are lucky) there is a lot of thumping from our up stares neighbors. I have spoken with them twice about this, but it persists. Now I complain to the office--which is very unlike me and doesn't help. Anyway . . . This banging doesn't stop. EVER!!! And I think, "man, do they all have concrete shoes or something?" No. I think the more likely explanation is that they are all secretly horses. Or unicorns, hard to tell by judging their walking.

They are secretive, though. Dressing up in their human costumes when I see them out side or knock on their door. Sneeky sneeky.

I feel that this explanation makes sense though. Like a horse they do not stop moving or walking except to eat and sleep. They all (parents and kids) must fall asleep around 11 because that is when the constant stomping stops.

It is a good theory.

God's Consciousness is Here!!!

2010-10-11T05:01:00.001-06:00

God's Consciousness, (formerly known as Sad Robot) is now available to purchase!!!

The Hardback book is currently $22.99!!!.

Also available in digital format for $2.99!!!

Coming soon is a cheaper paperback version.

-Will be out within the next few months.

Please show your support for local artists and writers!! :)

Get it now and save with Free Summer Shipping!!

*Click on the picture on the right to go to where you can purchase your own copy!!

*Thank you for your support. It is difficult getting started and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Three Years With My Love

2010-10-04T21:34:00.000-06:00

Look at this smokin' hot lady!!! Today marks the day, three years ago when I married this amazing woman!!! I can't express how lucky I am to have her in my life. She means everything to me and is my best friend. I am so grateful for her in my life. I still don't know how I could ever have gotten so lucky to marry such an amazing and wonderful (and very good looking) wife. But I sure am glad she said yes when I asked her to marry me.

It's been a great three years!!!

Killer Big-mouthed Shark...

2010-09-29T12:34:00.000-06:00

Thoughts?

Poetry in Binary.

2010-09-22T10:57:00.002-06:00

010100100110010101101100011000010111010001101001011101100110100101110100011110010010000001101001011011100010000001000110011000010110110001101100011010010110111001100111

01000010011101010111010000100000011110010110111101110101001000000110000101110010011001010010000001110100011010000110010100100000011000010111001101110100011100100110111101101110011000010111010101110100
010001100110000101101100011011000110100101101110011001110010000001101001011011100010000001110100011010000110010100100000011001100110000101100011011001010010000001101111011001100010000001110011011000110110100101100101011011100110001101100101
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Wanting to Write, but . . .

2010-09-10T05:07:00.002-06:00

So, I have been wanting to write a story on time travel for some time and it is driving me nuts. I have all of my theories worked out and have studied a lot in regards to paradoxes and how the people would travel, how one would overcome the grandfather paradox, as well as the time periods that would take place. The time traveling theories are that of Ron Mallett--a physicist who has been working on a time machine. He has several papers published on his theories.

Basically, the idea comes from observing frame dragging caused by rapidly rotating black hole. This frame dragging causes closed-loop time-lines. Basically looping time. From these observations he theorized that light, (because it effects space therefore effecting time) would have the same effect as the black hole. By circulating the light, causing the light to spiral up like a slinky, causing closed-loop time-lines, theoretically one can travel to different points in the loop. You could go forward and backward in time as long as the machine is left on.

I find this all fascinating, but I am really struggling with writing a book about time travel. I don't know where to start--if I should start from the beginning, or start in the middle of the story and let it unfold. The latter seemingly more fitting as this story will take place in multiple time lines . . . h'mmm.

Also, the paradox problem . . . not sure if I like my work around. So here are possibilities I can use. Let me know what you like best:

1. There simply are multiple versions of you. Because you are jumping onto another time line you cannot be killed if something (Because someone else time traveled) happens to yourself in another time line. (This one I like, but because of the complexities of laws of Matter, etc. I can't see how you could have two versions of yourself in one time line... but that bring even more questions).

2. When you time travel you travel into a different universe or dimension. This will eliminate your previous self starting a new time line. Everything would be exactly the same, but this would take the multiple version scenarios out. It would be less complicated. (While this would work with th despondent feeling of the book, it still seems... I don't know... weak? I'm thinking of making it true, but revealing it later on. Something like, most people don't know they are travelling into another dimension).

Anyway. Lots of stuff to work out and it makes me sad. Hopefully soon I'll have something workable.

Hyperion Cantos & Endymion

2010-09-08T07:02:00.000-06:00

By far some of the best books I have ever read!! Hyperion, The Fall of Hyperion, Endymion and The Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons take place from 2700 AD - 3100 AD following those members of the "Shrike Pilgrimage" in the first two, and Aenea and Endymion in the last two. The story is intriguing and original on so many levels and will leave the reader with a sense of wonder, horror and amazement. It is a series you don't want to end!!

A brief overview:

Hyperion

Hyperion has the structure of a frame story, similar to Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and especially to Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron. The story weaves the interlocking tales of a diverse group of travelers sent on a pilgrimage to the Time Tombs on Hyperion. The travelers have been sent by the Shrike Church and the Hegemony (the government of the human star systems) to make a request of the Shrike. As they progress in their journey, each of the pilgrims tells their tale.
*Winner of the Hugo & Nebula Awards.

The Fall of Hyperion

This book concludes the story begun in Hyperion. It abandons the frame structure of the first novel, instead using a more conventional chronological narrative (although several jumps in time take place).

Endymion

The story commences 272 years after the events in the previous novel. Few main characters from the first two books are present in the later two. The main character is Raul Endymion, an ex-soldier who receives a death sentence after an unfair trial. He is rescued by Martin Silenus and asked to perform a series of rather extraordinarily difficult tasks. The main task is to rescue and protect Aenea, a messiah coming from the distant past via time travel. The Catholic Church has become a dominant force in the human universe and views Aenea as a potential threat to their power. The group of Aenea, Endymion, and A. Bettik (an android) evades the Church's forces on several worlds, ending the story on Earth.

The Rise of Endymion

This final novel in the series finishes the story begun in Endymion, expanding on the themes in Endymion as Raul and Aenea battle the church and meet their respective destinies.

There are heavy literature references throughout the books, touching on Keats, Crane, and many others. The titles of the books taken from poems by John Keats. (Hyperion being an unfinished poem, The Fall of Hyperion, Keats second attempt in writing about Hyperion the Titan-God of the Sun. Endymion based on the myth of Endymion, the Shepard beloved by Selene, the Moon Goddess).

The inventiveness of the tales show a massive future that is complex in technology, politics, religion and many other themes. The three main groups of beings being The Hegemony, The Ousters, and the Technocore, (The Hegenomy being replaced by the PAX in the last two books).

Much of the appeal of the series stems from its extensive use of references and allusions from a wide array of thinkers such as Teilhard de Chardin, John Muir, Norbert Wiener, and to the poetry of John Keats, a famous English Romantic poet of the 19th century, and the monk Ummon.

Heavy themes include empathy's power in the universe, what it means to truly die as well as live, Gods purpose and what constitutes God.

A wonderful read!!! A series that will be read over and over again!!

Slaughterhouse-Five

2010-09-08T07:01:00.000-06:00

Slaughterhouse-Five while dabbling in speculative fiction is highly philosophical and enlightening. Written by Kurt Vonnegut the novel in a humorous, lighthearted and still haunting way speaks of anti-war. The surprising thing I had found was Vonnegut did not scream the evils of way, or protest the gruesome and terrible parts of war, but more called to the readers attention the mild stumbles of war.

Billy Pilgrim is unstuck in time--travelling forward and backward in time sparatically. Through this, and through discovering or becoming acquainted with an alien race that sees all time as one instance he finds that no one really dies. That there are only dead in one period or time but are not in many others. Through this the author shows how fleeting and pointless war is . . .

He as well touches much on humanity--what is the worst and best of humanity and what it is that brings that out in a person. I found it interesting that through the book Billy Pilgrim seems mildly unaffected by the death around him and the suffering from those he meets. But it is when, (after the bombing of Dresden--which is the surrounding theme about the book) he is chastised by German civilians who notice the horse that he and his buddies are using to pull their wagon is badly injured that Billy breaks down.

War brings about needless suffering . . .

There are many great insights in this book and is definitely worth the read. It shows the beauty of life or of a persons life throughout their existence. The simplicity of living and evils or war. Vonnegut shows amazing wisdom in one of his finest books.

Download the audio book and/or PDF of Slaughterhouse-Five!!!

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

2010-09-08T06:58:00.001-06:00

Philip K. Dick, in his novel, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? helps us understand the importance and power of empathy, as well as defining, or rather, un-defining what it means to be human.

The book follows Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who is hired to "retire" six androids who have assumed human identities. Through events--including being unable to distinguish an android from a human in empathy tests, and vis versa. And also sleeping with an android who seems to be completely human and although he knows she is an android he chooses still to sleep with her, among other things--Deckard becomes confused about humanity, morality and empathy.

The interesting view of life and the breaking of the lines that define what humanity is are, for me, the key points in the novel. I found it interesting that those who are human and clam to have empathy are the ones taking a "drug" (for lack of a better word), or injection to determine the mood they wish to be in are what we consider humane, where as the androids, who have personalities, and are able to feel empathy are considered non-empathetic.

So who is truly humane? And how does the futuristic technology change the boundaries of humanity and empathy. These types of issues are addressed in such a moving way it will leave the reader wanting to read it over again upon finishing the novel.

Download the audio book and/or PDF of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep!!

Major- Minor

2010-08-29T13:19:00.001-06:00

So... it's official.

As of this semester I am a Physics Major and a Philosophy Minor.

What?

Yup. And I am proud of it.

2010-08-20T08:48:00.002-06:00

Time Traveler by Dr. Ronald L. Mallett whose theories on time travel I am using in my next book is a book dealing with bending space with laser beams which would essentialist bend time, allowing someone to cross the bend and go back in time.

For some info on this go to: http://www.phys.uconn.edu/~mallett/main/book.htm