Bill Conrad's Blog, page 12
July 19, 2023
Entering The Metaverse
There have been many popular entertainment themes over the years. In the early 50s, westerns wrangled the top, and science fiction mind-controlled the late 50s. Romance books loved the 70s and 80s took a circuit into cyberspace. Vampires sink their fangs into the 00s, and zombies slobbered the 10s.
Now, the Metaverse has slid into first place. The concept is that an infinite number of parallel universes exist, and one can “jump” from one to the other using a scientific device or supernatural powers.
Fiction writers invented this idea in the 50s, and I recall the episode of the original Star Trek where the crew jumped into the evil universe. “Mirror, Mirror” (TOS, Season 2, Episode 4)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror,...
The Metaverse is a great plot tool because writers can explore every conceivable difference. Animals instead of people? Animated characters? Different genders? Those big differences are easy for the reader or viewer to grasp.
Many recent movies have explored the Metaverse, and a great example is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. In the movie (spoiler alert) the lead character (Spider-Man) travels to multiple dimensions to fight evil.
The enormous advantage is that there are infinite possibilities, and it is fun to keep readers or the audience guessing. Another advantage is that the multi-universe theory explains the difference. For example, superpowers are impossible in our universe, so humans cannot lift a train like Superman. In the Multiverse, it is possible because that universe has different physics rules. Therefore, the writer does not have to spend excessive time explaining the differences. “In Multiverse 293, the people are farm animals.” “In Multiverse 293, there is no sound.” Big changes are both fun and easy to grasp.
The Multiverse has endless possibilities, and I think it will be at the forefront of entertainment for at least two more years. What is the next big theme after people get bored of the Multiverse? Are Westerns returning? Telepathy? Artificial Intelligence? More comic book characters?
I have two guesses about the next big plot device. Steam Punk is a Victorian era with advanced period correct (steam) technology. This setting has a lot of space to explore and is visually stunning.
I think we are going to jump deep into Artificial Intelligence plots. The plots might include characters developed with AI, animated with AI, or written by AI. Perhaps this might be an average person who had their job replaced by AI or a child taught by an AI teacher instead of a human.
Where are the werewolf stories? It’s only natural to go vampire, zombie, werewolf, and we are due for this change.
There is still room to explore in the Metaverse; it will always be a great plot tool. I hope they do not overuse it like the gun duels in Western movies. But considering the infinite number of Metaverse possibilities, there are endless plot possibilities. Or we could go to a universe where there are no plots.
You’re the best -Bill
July 19, 2023
Now, the Metaverse has slid into first place. The concept is that an infinite number of parallel universes exist, and one can “jump” from one to the other using a scientific device or supernatural powers.
Fiction writers invented this idea in the 50s, and I recall the episode of the original Star Trek where the crew jumped into the evil universe. “Mirror, Mirror” (TOS, Season 2, Episode 4)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror,...
The Metaverse is a great plot tool because writers can explore every conceivable difference. Animals instead of people? Animated characters? Different genders? Those big differences are easy for the reader or viewer to grasp.
Many recent movies have explored the Metaverse, and a great example is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. In the movie (spoiler alert) the lead character (Spider-Man) travels to multiple dimensions to fight evil.
The enormous advantage is that there are infinite possibilities, and it is fun to keep readers or the audience guessing. Another advantage is that the multi-universe theory explains the difference. For example, superpowers are impossible in our universe, so humans cannot lift a train like Superman. In the Multiverse, it is possible because that universe has different physics rules. Therefore, the writer does not have to spend excessive time explaining the differences. “In Multiverse 293, the people are farm animals.” “In Multiverse 293, there is no sound.” Big changes are both fun and easy to grasp.
The Multiverse has endless possibilities, and I think it will be at the forefront of entertainment for at least two more years. What is the next big theme after people get bored of the Multiverse? Are Westerns returning? Telepathy? Artificial Intelligence? More comic book characters?
I have two guesses about the next big plot device. Steam Punk is a Victorian era with advanced period correct (steam) technology. This setting has a lot of space to explore and is visually stunning.
I think we are going to jump deep into Artificial Intelligence plots. The plots might include characters developed with AI, animated with AI, or written by AI. Perhaps this might be an average person who had their job replaced by AI or a child taught by an AI teacher instead of a human.
Where are the werewolf stories? It’s only natural to go vampire, zombie, werewolf, and we are due for this change.
There is still room to explore in the Metaverse; it will always be a great plot tool. I hope they do not overuse it like the gun duels in Western movies. But considering the infinite number of Metaverse possibilities, there are endless plot possibilities. Or we could go to a universe where there are no plots.
You’re the best -Bill
July 19, 2023
July 12, 2023
Banning AI
When a society does not like something, we take steps to remove or curtail it. This effort might include a public information campaign, laws, and open discussions. This backlash is now occurring with Artificial Intelligence, and people want it regulated, banned, or limited to specific applications. I think this will be a hot topic in the coming elections, and lawmakers are working into the late hours to develop new laws.
What is the core problem? There are three main issues. The first is the fear that AI will replace learning. This issue is nothing new. I remember teachers being upset that I used a computer to write reports when they wanted a hand-written document. Before this, they were upset that I used a calculator for arithmetic. My father probably got scolded when he used a slide rule, and my grandfather for getting facts from books. Teachers would say, “You are not learning the hard way.”
The second problem is that computers and robots have replaced many jobs, such as auto assemblers and cashiers. Thus, it is natural to fear AI replacing jobs such as editors, writers, or teachers.
I certainly do not want to compete with AI, but that argument has flaws. People built (as part of their job) robots and computers. Once installed, technicians had to service them. Later, technicians had to upgrade or replace them with newer models. So, computers moved jobs from one group to another, but there is no denying that jobs got replaced.
The third reason is that AI will replace our souls. Chat GPT (an AI language program) can write just like a human, but there is a long way to go because AI can only do what we ask. “Write a story about a race car.” Only a human to ask the AI program to write about that topic. What about a random topic generator? Well, what use it that to you? Are you interested in the topic of industrial carrot processing?
We must also consider the output quality of a program like Chat GPT. Let’s ask a seasoned race car driver like Jackie Stewart a racing question. His answer would be based on learning how to dive, winning races, and making mistakes.
“Hey, Chat GPT. How do I drive my race car faster in corners?” AI can process every racing book, graph, chart, and race data. But an expert driver has raced, can see the entire picture, and look at the person as they answer. This thought process includes seeing the car, the track, the conditions, the driver’s body language, and the other drivers.
The answer might be a simple “use less brake before entering the turn” or a complex aerodynamics discussion. The human answer will be much more effective, appropriate, and valuable. However, the Chat GPT answer might have a better writing technique.
AI has upped the game, but we must remember what it was like when computers like the Macintosh introduced the graphical work environment. This invention was more intuitive, easier to use, and more powerful. “Soon, the Macintosh will take over our minds.”
People mostly understand my three talking points but still wish to turn back the clock with legislation. I would argue that the bomb had already exploded, and we must deal with the aftermath. Trying to apply laws to AI is like trying to un-explode a bomb.
The real problem is how best to use AI in our everyday life. This situation is like when my father purchased a personal computer for the family. My father and I used it, while my sister and mother did not.
Teachers, bosses, and workers have realized the dangers and advantages of this new technology. Some embrace it because it makes life easy, and others dislike what it has done.
I would also like to remind you we have tried to legislate away computers in the past and failed spectacularly. Look no further than 1990 Operation Sundevil:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operati...
I recall one legislator said (at the time) (I could not find a reference for the details), “A kid with a modem is more dangerous than a kid with a gun.” People were terrified of the coming computer revolution and what incredible damage was about to occur.
In conclusion, I think it is a better use of our time to embrace this new technology, find jobs for those laid off, and figure out how to use AI in our daily lives. But perhaps we could use AI to solve the very problem I have brought up. “Hey, Chat GPT. Please write a law banning the banning of AI.”
You’re the best -Bill
July 12, 2023
What is the core problem? There are three main issues. The first is the fear that AI will replace learning. This issue is nothing new. I remember teachers being upset that I used a computer to write reports when they wanted a hand-written document. Before this, they were upset that I used a calculator for arithmetic. My father probably got scolded when he used a slide rule, and my grandfather for getting facts from books. Teachers would say, “You are not learning the hard way.”
The second problem is that computers and robots have replaced many jobs, such as auto assemblers and cashiers. Thus, it is natural to fear AI replacing jobs such as editors, writers, or teachers.
I certainly do not want to compete with AI, but that argument has flaws. People built (as part of their job) robots and computers. Once installed, technicians had to service them. Later, technicians had to upgrade or replace them with newer models. So, computers moved jobs from one group to another, but there is no denying that jobs got replaced.
The third reason is that AI will replace our souls. Chat GPT (an AI language program) can write just like a human, but there is a long way to go because AI can only do what we ask. “Write a story about a race car.” Only a human to ask the AI program to write about that topic. What about a random topic generator? Well, what use it that to you? Are you interested in the topic of industrial carrot processing?
We must also consider the output quality of a program like Chat GPT. Let’s ask a seasoned race car driver like Jackie Stewart a racing question. His answer would be based on learning how to dive, winning races, and making mistakes.
“Hey, Chat GPT. How do I drive my race car faster in corners?” AI can process every racing book, graph, chart, and race data. But an expert driver has raced, can see the entire picture, and look at the person as they answer. This thought process includes seeing the car, the track, the conditions, the driver’s body language, and the other drivers.
The answer might be a simple “use less brake before entering the turn” or a complex aerodynamics discussion. The human answer will be much more effective, appropriate, and valuable. However, the Chat GPT answer might have a better writing technique.
AI has upped the game, but we must remember what it was like when computers like the Macintosh introduced the graphical work environment. This invention was more intuitive, easier to use, and more powerful. “Soon, the Macintosh will take over our minds.”
People mostly understand my three talking points but still wish to turn back the clock with legislation. I would argue that the bomb had already exploded, and we must deal with the aftermath. Trying to apply laws to AI is like trying to un-explode a bomb.
The real problem is how best to use AI in our everyday life. This situation is like when my father purchased a personal computer for the family. My father and I used it, while my sister and mother did not.
Teachers, bosses, and workers have realized the dangers and advantages of this new technology. Some embrace it because it makes life easy, and others dislike what it has done.
I would also like to remind you we have tried to legislate away computers in the past and failed spectacularly. Look no further than 1990 Operation Sundevil:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operati...
I recall one legislator said (at the time) (I could not find a reference for the details), “A kid with a modem is more dangerous than a kid with a gun.” People were terrified of the coming computer revolution and what incredible damage was about to occur.
In conclusion, I think it is a better use of our time to embrace this new technology, find jobs for those laid off, and figure out how to use AI in our daily lives. But perhaps we could use AI to solve the very problem I have brought up. “Hey, Chat GPT. Please write a law banning the banning of AI.”
You’re the best -Bill
July 12, 2023
July 5, 2023
ABC Afterschool Special
Entertainment has changed so much since I was a child. I fondly remember waking up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning and turning on the big Motorola television in great anticipation of the upcoming cartoons. Of course, 6 a.m. was far too early; the only video was the test pattern. Then the national anthem came on, followed by the early morning news. Boring!
The first cartoons of the day were awful, but then the magic started. Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, Rocky, and Bullwinkle were my jam. Just writing that last sentence fills me with wondered memories. However, the magic faded by 10 a.m. because regular television took over. BOO!
For the rest of the week, there was not much for a kid to watch, with one exception. The ABC network had what they called an Afterschool Special. They intended these dramas for children and teenagers. For that audience, the production quality was surprisingly high because most shows aimed at kids had low budgets. I remember one awful show called Wonderbug. It was about a dune buggy that drove teenagers around during their adventures. Just thinking about it still makes me shutter.
ABC ran the series from 1972 until 1997. What set it apart was the thorough analysis of painful topics, including drug abuse, bullying, mental illness, physical/mental disabilities, crime, AIDS, race, and bad parents/siblings/teachers/friends. I wanted to learn more and found:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_Aft...
From the above, here are some plots:
Episode 32: The neighborhood youth gang agrees to bully and torment the new kid on their 17th Street turf.
Episode 33: 13-year-old Kate deals with the sudden death of her younger sister.
Episode 67: After their mother passes away, a 12-year-old girl assumes responsibility for her two younger brothers, Johnny and Roy.
Episode 72: Teenager Nancy Parks stumbles upon a case of child abuse. Their overworked mom beat and emotionally abused her new boyfriend’s younger brother.
Episode 73: A blind, developmentally disabled infant with cerebral palsy is left in the care of an elderly English woman who refuses to let him die.
These hour-long specials usually left me shaken by their message. “What if I was in a car accident and could not walk like the boy in the show?” These stories brought big issues into my tiny world, causing me to think about consequences, other people’s problems, and life-changing events.
Afterschool Specials were often a topic for my friends, and I distinctly remember one had the same issue. His sister was a bully, and he did not know what to do because she was much older.
I am sure the Afterschool Specials helped many kids talk about genuine issues and made them more aware of people with problems. However, many of the shows were difficult to watch. For example, it was hard for me then to face the fact that a disabled person should be treated normally. In real life, (back then) I wanted to look away. This is the show’s greatest legacy. It taught kids to be respectful, understanding and speak up about problems.
The Afterschool Specials were an anomaly. They could have produced “The ABC Afterschool ROCK-OUT Hour,” and kids could have listened to the newest disco music back in 1972. Yet, ABC leaped controversy and produced something extraordinary.
I think some of my good values came from watching these shows. But what about kids today? Where do they learn hard lessons? YouTube? Tic Toc? No, that entertainment spectrum teaches them important lessons like playing Minecraft and eating Tide Pods. What about movies? They are intended to entertain, not educate, instill values, or explore problems.
That only leaves books. However, today’s kids do not want to read about depressing topics. Plus, modern parents shelter their precious children from problems. What mother will buy her child a book like Episode 67, where a 12-year-old girl assumes responsibility for her two younger brothers? The teacher would call child protective services if they saw their student reading such a book.
Something big is missing from children’s education that was present when I was young because society no longer tolerates exposing our children to painful topics. This is unfortunate because, in this complex world, we need more than ever for our children to be exposed to reality in a safe and supportive manner.
You’re the best -Bill
July 05, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
The first cartoons of the day were awful, but then the magic started. Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, Rocky, and Bullwinkle were my jam. Just writing that last sentence fills me with wondered memories. However, the magic faded by 10 a.m. because regular television took over. BOO!
For the rest of the week, there was not much for a kid to watch, with one exception. The ABC network had what they called an Afterschool Special. They intended these dramas for children and teenagers. For that audience, the production quality was surprisingly high because most shows aimed at kids had low budgets. I remember one awful show called Wonderbug. It was about a dune buggy that drove teenagers around during their adventures. Just thinking about it still makes me shutter.
ABC ran the series from 1972 until 1997. What set it apart was the thorough analysis of painful topics, including drug abuse, bullying, mental illness, physical/mental disabilities, crime, AIDS, race, and bad parents/siblings/teachers/friends. I wanted to learn more and found:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_Aft...
From the above, here are some plots:
Episode 32: The neighborhood youth gang agrees to bully and torment the new kid on their 17th Street turf.
Episode 33: 13-year-old Kate deals with the sudden death of her younger sister.
Episode 67: After their mother passes away, a 12-year-old girl assumes responsibility for her two younger brothers, Johnny and Roy.
Episode 72: Teenager Nancy Parks stumbles upon a case of child abuse. Their overworked mom beat and emotionally abused her new boyfriend’s younger brother.
Episode 73: A blind, developmentally disabled infant with cerebral palsy is left in the care of an elderly English woman who refuses to let him die.
These hour-long specials usually left me shaken by their message. “What if I was in a car accident and could not walk like the boy in the show?” These stories brought big issues into my tiny world, causing me to think about consequences, other people’s problems, and life-changing events.
Afterschool Specials were often a topic for my friends, and I distinctly remember one had the same issue. His sister was a bully, and he did not know what to do because she was much older.
I am sure the Afterschool Specials helped many kids talk about genuine issues and made them more aware of people with problems. However, many of the shows were difficult to watch. For example, it was hard for me then to face the fact that a disabled person should be treated normally. In real life, (back then) I wanted to look away. This is the show’s greatest legacy. It taught kids to be respectful, understanding and speak up about problems.
The Afterschool Specials were an anomaly. They could have produced “The ABC Afterschool ROCK-OUT Hour,” and kids could have listened to the newest disco music back in 1972. Yet, ABC leaped controversy and produced something extraordinary.
I think some of my good values came from watching these shows. But what about kids today? Where do they learn hard lessons? YouTube? Tic Toc? No, that entertainment spectrum teaches them important lessons like playing Minecraft and eating Tide Pods. What about movies? They are intended to entertain, not educate, instill values, or explore problems.
That only leaves books. However, today’s kids do not want to read about depressing topics. Plus, modern parents shelter their precious children from problems. What mother will buy her child a book like Episode 67, where a 12-year-old girl assumes responsibility for her two younger brothers? The teacher would call child protective services if they saw their student reading such a book.
Something big is missing from children’s education that was present when I was young because society no longer tolerates exposing our children to painful topics. This is unfortunate because, in this complex world, we need more than ever for our children to be exposed to reality in a safe and supportive manner.
You’re the best -Bill
July 05, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
June 28, 2023
We’re Friends. Right?
YouTube videos have become a large part of our entertainment. Because there are so many options, viewers can choose specific content that addresses their entertainment needs. This choice might include tabby cats, Southern cooking, Korean fashion, sewing machine upgrades, landscape painting, or the best methods of growing carrots.
If you were to look at my subscribed channels, you would learn that I follow the Ukraine war, repair things, watch ‘80’s music videos, and like old computers. This selection should not surprise those who know me, and I am sure the readers of this sentence also have their YouTube interests.
One of my favorite content creators (I hate the word influencers) is Marty T:
https://www.youtube.com/@MartyT
He repairs tractors and does other minor projects. Side note: I do not know why I enjoy tractor repair videos. My lawn is so tiny that a single tractor would cover everything. Back to the good stuff. I enjoy watching Marty’s content. I even emailed him a few times with questions. He was nice enough to email me back. Very cool.
Most content creators try to be neutral, but eventually, their beliefs become apparent. Occasionally, Marty talks about his family, politics, friends, and life experiences. Over time, I came to understand the real person. So, even though the video knowledge transfer goes one way, this inside knowledge makes us friends. Right?
No, that is not the case at all. Why? Because Marty never invited me into his life. Well, this is not a recent problem. People often imagine they are friends with their favorite celebrity, which has happened since the word celebrity got invented. However, being on YouTube is different.
On the professional film set, directors, assistants, and other crew are there to craft the final product, but Marty only has a video camera and himself. As a result, the creative process and produced video are vastly different. For example, the lead character in a film would have a set kitchen while Marty uses his private house. So, viewers get to see Marty’s actual kitchen. And this is my point. “Since he is showing me his kitchen, he is letting me into his life. Yay, we’re friends.”
I admit that while watching, I imagine myself next to Marty, helping him fix a tractor. While this warm feeling is a fantasy, it has become a problem for content creators. Many viewers have fallen under the YouTube spell and believe they truly are friends. They share in victories and painful failures.
On a creepy side, I have read comments that get way too personal. Like commenting on Marty’s children. Not cool. Does this mean that Marty has stalkers or cyber-stalkers? Yes, but this is the reality of being a YouTube creator and something they must accept.
Well, what about me? My books have not become widespread yet, but they contain my beliefs, values, and personal details. Like Marty, I try to remain neutral and not show too much of my personal life, but I have not fully succeeded. Why? I like being open. “The strangest thing happened today…”
Is this bad? After all, many content creators, authors, and celebrities aim to get anonymous people to consider them friends. “This is how you get followers and make money.” Good for them, but not good for me or my YouTube pal Marty. Did I call him a pal? Oops.
Like Marty, I knew the path I was taking before I published. Have there been issues? I receive a modest amount of spam directed at me because I am an author, but that has been my only problem. What about the future? I am trying to become more popular, and this will lead to uncomfortable encounters. “Hey, Bill. You have a daughter. Is she single?” Ultra creepy!!!
What do I do? I need to do a better job censoring my work. However, I have been planting celebrity seeds, and somebody will eventually consider themselves my friend. What if this “friend” reaches out to me or rings my doorbell? Honestly, that concept is frightening, and I do not have a plan for that day.
You’re the best -Bill
June 28, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
If you were to look at my subscribed channels, you would learn that I follow the Ukraine war, repair things, watch ‘80’s music videos, and like old computers. This selection should not surprise those who know me, and I am sure the readers of this sentence also have their YouTube interests.
One of my favorite content creators (I hate the word influencers) is Marty T:
https://www.youtube.com/@MartyT
He repairs tractors and does other minor projects. Side note: I do not know why I enjoy tractor repair videos. My lawn is so tiny that a single tractor would cover everything. Back to the good stuff. I enjoy watching Marty’s content. I even emailed him a few times with questions. He was nice enough to email me back. Very cool.
Most content creators try to be neutral, but eventually, their beliefs become apparent. Occasionally, Marty talks about his family, politics, friends, and life experiences. Over time, I came to understand the real person. So, even though the video knowledge transfer goes one way, this inside knowledge makes us friends. Right?
No, that is not the case at all. Why? Because Marty never invited me into his life. Well, this is not a recent problem. People often imagine they are friends with their favorite celebrity, which has happened since the word celebrity got invented. However, being on YouTube is different.
On the professional film set, directors, assistants, and other crew are there to craft the final product, but Marty only has a video camera and himself. As a result, the creative process and produced video are vastly different. For example, the lead character in a film would have a set kitchen while Marty uses his private house. So, viewers get to see Marty’s actual kitchen. And this is my point. “Since he is showing me his kitchen, he is letting me into his life. Yay, we’re friends.”
I admit that while watching, I imagine myself next to Marty, helping him fix a tractor. While this warm feeling is a fantasy, it has become a problem for content creators. Many viewers have fallen under the YouTube spell and believe they truly are friends. They share in victories and painful failures.
On a creepy side, I have read comments that get way too personal. Like commenting on Marty’s children. Not cool. Does this mean that Marty has stalkers or cyber-stalkers? Yes, but this is the reality of being a YouTube creator and something they must accept.
Well, what about me? My books have not become widespread yet, but they contain my beliefs, values, and personal details. Like Marty, I try to remain neutral and not show too much of my personal life, but I have not fully succeeded. Why? I like being open. “The strangest thing happened today…”
Is this bad? After all, many content creators, authors, and celebrities aim to get anonymous people to consider them friends. “This is how you get followers and make money.” Good for them, but not good for me or my YouTube pal Marty. Did I call him a pal? Oops.
Like Marty, I knew the path I was taking before I published. Have there been issues? I receive a modest amount of spam directed at me because I am an author, but that has been my only problem. What about the future? I am trying to become more popular, and this will lead to uncomfortable encounters. “Hey, Bill. You have a daughter. Is she single?” Ultra creepy!!!
What do I do? I need to do a better job censoring my work. However, I have been planting celebrity seeds, and somebody will eventually consider themselves my friend. What if this “friend” reaches out to me or rings my doorbell? Honestly, that concept is frightening, and I do not have a plan for that day.
You’re the best -Bill
June 28, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
June 21, 2023
The All-Digital Recording Studio
The year was 1993, and I had graduated from college as an Electrical Engineer. Yay! Unfortunately, the economy was in a significant slump, and engineering jobs for recent graduates were nonexistent. So, I moved to Orange County, where the hot jobs were. Yeah… And ended up making copies at Kinko’s. Blah!
My prospects for the future were grim, and I decided that the only way out was to start a business. I had many ideas but wanted to concentrate on professional audio. This equipment makes records, live performances, and radio stations.
I chose to develop a digital mixing board, a device combining audio from multiple sources. For example, a drum set has six or more microphones that must get combined or “mixed” down to two (stereo) (left and right).
So, my epic quest began. I researched existing technology and then developed block diagrams to show what I wanted to create. With this inadequate preparation, I headed to the bank, explained my idea, and asked them to invest. After all, I had been putting my minimum wage earning from Kinkos there for a year, and surely they would come through with loads of cash. While the loan officer was friendly, I got a quick “no.” Why? It turns out that I needed an investor to fund my company, and banks only provide loans with your collateral. In hindsight, this is obvious, but I was young.
After the shock wore off, I reasserted locating an investor and learned they wanted a business plan. This document would show a potential investor the financial and technical detail so they could quickly see if a new business had potential. So, I went to the bookstore and purchased three books. One of them even came with software! Unfortunately, each poorly written book had radically different approaches. Side note: The software was worthless.
So, I picked out the best nuggets from each book, crafted an approach, and spent three months writing. And… Even I could see my plan was junk. But I had an ace up my sleeve.
My mother had a friend who wrote business plans. Yay! Unfortunately, he saw my desperate plight as an opportunity to shake me down for money. Boo! (Side note: I keep using the word, unfortunately. Authors call this “foreshowing.”) Thankfully, there was good news. My father had a friend, and he took one look at my document, laughed, and identified the problems. Fortunately, he was patient and became my mentor.
For the first time, I laser-focused on a document. Every sentence had a goal, and I treated it like a precious gem interlocked with other gemstones to form the perfect piece of jewelry. Never had I tried so hard to make something perfect.
Unfortunately, the problem that started me down this path still existed. The economy was poor in 1993 and just as bad in 1994. I worked every angle to get my business plan in front of people. The “dot-com bubble” had not started, and nobody wanted to create a new company. I also had another problem I did not understand until years later.
Investors, by definition, are wealthy and do not get rich by making mistakes. My business plan revealed I was a recent college graduate and did not have a team or a working product. These facts made my business a non-starter.
I eventually dropped that project but learned a lot about business, life, people, finances, English, and documents. I had never focused so hard on my words and saw the power of a properly structured sentence. This knowledge and drive became the legacy of my failed effort. I like to think that I got an unofficial MBA and an unofficial degree in technical writing for my efforts. Yay???
This was not the last time I tried to start a business and failed. In total, I made four attempts. The last one was an epic failure, but I thought I had solved the problems because I had dedicated partners, the right plan, and the right idea. What an expensive and glorious mess.
The question remains. Would I change the past? One of my biggest regrets was not getting my master’s degree, and I should have spent the business plan time on this effort. It probably would have been easier. However, I am proud of my failed accomplishment because I can say, “I tried my best and learned a lot.” Painful lessons are often the best.
So, I am glad I attempted to get The All-Digital Recording Studio off the ground. But what about my other three attempts? Those were all mistakes that I wish I could erase. So, if you have a time-traveling DeLorean, please drive it my way and send me back.
You’re the best -Bill
June 21, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
My prospects for the future were grim, and I decided that the only way out was to start a business. I had many ideas but wanted to concentrate on professional audio. This equipment makes records, live performances, and radio stations.
I chose to develop a digital mixing board, a device combining audio from multiple sources. For example, a drum set has six or more microphones that must get combined or “mixed” down to two (stereo) (left and right).
So, my epic quest began. I researched existing technology and then developed block diagrams to show what I wanted to create. With this inadequate preparation, I headed to the bank, explained my idea, and asked them to invest. After all, I had been putting my minimum wage earning from Kinkos there for a year, and surely they would come through with loads of cash. While the loan officer was friendly, I got a quick “no.” Why? It turns out that I needed an investor to fund my company, and banks only provide loans with your collateral. In hindsight, this is obvious, but I was young.
After the shock wore off, I reasserted locating an investor and learned they wanted a business plan. This document would show a potential investor the financial and technical detail so they could quickly see if a new business had potential. So, I went to the bookstore and purchased three books. One of them even came with software! Unfortunately, each poorly written book had radically different approaches. Side note: The software was worthless.
So, I picked out the best nuggets from each book, crafted an approach, and spent three months writing. And… Even I could see my plan was junk. But I had an ace up my sleeve.
My mother had a friend who wrote business plans. Yay! Unfortunately, he saw my desperate plight as an opportunity to shake me down for money. Boo! (Side note: I keep using the word, unfortunately. Authors call this “foreshowing.”) Thankfully, there was good news. My father had a friend, and he took one look at my document, laughed, and identified the problems. Fortunately, he was patient and became my mentor.
For the first time, I laser-focused on a document. Every sentence had a goal, and I treated it like a precious gem interlocked with other gemstones to form the perfect piece of jewelry. Never had I tried so hard to make something perfect.
Unfortunately, the problem that started me down this path still existed. The economy was poor in 1993 and just as bad in 1994. I worked every angle to get my business plan in front of people. The “dot-com bubble” had not started, and nobody wanted to create a new company. I also had another problem I did not understand until years later.
Investors, by definition, are wealthy and do not get rich by making mistakes. My business plan revealed I was a recent college graduate and did not have a team or a working product. These facts made my business a non-starter.
I eventually dropped that project but learned a lot about business, life, people, finances, English, and documents. I had never focused so hard on my words and saw the power of a properly structured sentence. This knowledge and drive became the legacy of my failed effort. I like to think that I got an unofficial MBA and an unofficial degree in technical writing for my efforts. Yay???
This was not the last time I tried to start a business and failed. In total, I made four attempts. The last one was an epic failure, but I thought I had solved the problems because I had dedicated partners, the right plan, and the right idea. What an expensive and glorious mess.
The question remains. Would I change the past? One of my biggest regrets was not getting my master’s degree, and I should have spent the business plan time on this effort. It probably would have been easier. However, I am proud of my failed accomplishment because I can say, “I tried my best and learned a lot.” Painful lessons are often the best.
So, I am glad I attempted to get The All-Digital Recording Studio off the ground. But what about my other three attempts? Those were all mistakes that I wish I could erase. So, if you have a time-traveling DeLorean, please drive it my way and send me back.
You’re the best -Bill
June 21, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
June 14, 2023
Was Fast X Good?
Movies have been a part of our entertainment spectrum since 1903 when The Great Train Robbery was released. It was a silent action movie about (spoiler alert) a train robbery.
Since that humble beginning, there has been a broad range of films, from epic blockbusters to minor projects that got canceled before filming. The genres include action, western, horror, animated, fantasy, thriller, crime, etc.
Movies are a popular pastime for most people, and I watch at least five per week. As proof of my obsession, I have rated (put stars on) 3,706 Netflix DVD titles. Side note: Netflix is discontinuing its DVD service. Bummer!
Since 1998, I regularly visit the same movie theater with my friends on Thursday nights. We have a simple routine. Eat dinner at one of five regular restaurants and then pick a film to watch.
On May eleventh, we watched the movie Fast X. It was the tenth in the Fast and The Furious franchise. Like most action movies, there were epic car chases, guns, beautiful girls, over-the-top effects, epic locations, and dramatic confrontations. I had a so-so reaction to the previous films and watched this one with modest expectations.
We have a moviegoing tradition of applying a letter grade at the film’s end. Usually, we all agree, but sometimes there are radical differences. That evening, our rating ranged from C to a D+.
Why did this film receive such low grades? I don’t appreciate trashing artistic creations that many people worked hard on, so I will tread lightly with my answer. The big problem was that they modeled the villain after the Joker from the 1966 Batman television show, so he was impossible to take seriously. The plot was confusing, unrealistic, and there were many holes.
I can sum the problems up with the tagline (equivalent to when Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “I’ll be back”) “You made one mistake. You never took my car.” What does that mean? All four of us did not know. After the movie, I searched the internet and learned that many other viewers were also confused. A super-fan translated, “If you had tried to steal my car, that would have upset me, and I would have come after you harder.” Wow, that was a leap that even Evel Knievel could not jump. Why didn’t he say, “I’m a better driver.” “I’m so furious right now.” “Nobody can beat me.”
Not every film is perfect, but I did not want to explore that topic. When we saw the film, the theater was packed. The audience’s reaction (except us) was universal. BEST MOVIE EVER! Many people clapped at the end. Were we watching the same screen?
Most audience members talked through the credits about the fantastic plot and how much they looked forward to the next. As we were leaving, five people said they would see the movie in the theater again.
My adverse reaction should be a simple “not my cup of tea.” Meaning that people like what they like and hate what they do not. For example, I enjoyed the movie Super Troopers, and most viewers hated it. On the other side of that coin, I was not too fond of The Da Vinci Code, and many viewers felt it was a powerful movie with an epic plot that spanned the globe.
It is perfectly fine not to like a movie that other people enjoy. Creators take risks, and sometimes they fail. And I concede that Fast X had several wonderful scenes.
However, I think something else was going on with me. Why didn’t the audience say, “Wow, great special effects! But there were a few issues.” Nobody in the audience (except for my friends) was discussing the glaring issues. This disconnection made me think the problem was with me (us). Perhaps in my old age, I expect more or analyze better. Perhaps I hold plots to a higher standard because of my modest writing ability. I recall loving The Dukes of Hazzard television show as a child and now see it as a poor program. Could being an adult be the issue?
How should I solve my dilemma? I could read reviews to understand why people liked or disliked the film. No, that would be a mistake because all negative reviews point out flaws, no matter how small. My favorite movies also have plot flaws, awful scenes, and errors. Was the audience aware of the issues, and they ignored them? Was this a case of enjoying the previous film, and momentum carried the audience along?
Here is my theory. This movie was too big to fail. Why? The other films in the franchise also had issues because they were supposed to. Fast X is a big action movie about fast driving, as were the prior films. The creators made a summer blockbuster, not a film meant to convey a deep message, such as Schindler’s List.
The problem with me is that I completely missed the film’s point. This was akin to watching a nature documentary and getting disappointed because Arnold Schwarzenegger was not shooting aliens.
I now understand that I went into the theater with the wrong expectations. I should have sat back, enjoyed the kooky dialog and fantastic car chases while ignoring the problems.
So, I have learned that I need to better set my expectations before watching a movie. Fast X was a funny, unrealistic, entertaining action movie and nothing more. That’s probably a good thing.
You’re the best -Bill
June 14, 2023
Since that humble beginning, there has been a broad range of films, from epic blockbusters to minor projects that got canceled before filming. The genres include action, western, horror, animated, fantasy, thriller, crime, etc.
Movies are a popular pastime for most people, and I watch at least five per week. As proof of my obsession, I have rated (put stars on) 3,706 Netflix DVD titles. Side note: Netflix is discontinuing its DVD service. Bummer!
Since 1998, I regularly visit the same movie theater with my friends on Thursday nights. We have a simple routine. Eat dinner at one of five regular restaurants and then pick a film to watch.
On May eleventh, we watched the movie Fast X. It was the tenth in the Fast and The Furious franchise. Like most action movies, there were epic car chases, guns, beautiful girls, over-the-top effects, epic locations, and dramatic confrontations. I had a so-so reaction to the previous films and watched this one with modest expectations.
We have a moviegoing tradition of applying a letter grade at the film’s end. Usually, we all agree, but sometimes there are radical differences. That evening, our rating ranged from C to a D+.
Why did this film receive such low grades? I don’t appreciate trashing artistic creations that many people worked hard on, so I will tread lightly with my answer. The big problem was that they modeled the villain after the Joker from the 1966 Batman television show, so he was impossible to take seriously. The plot was confusing, unrealistic, and there were many holes.
I can sum the problems up with the tagline (equivalent to when Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “I’ll be back”) “You made one mistake. You never took my car.” What does that mean? All four of us did not know. After the movie, I searched the internet and learned that many other viewers were also confused. A super-fan translated, “If you had tried to steal my car, that would have upset me, and I would have come after you harder.” Wow, that was a leap that even Evel Knievel could not jump. Why didn’t he say, “I’m a better driver.” “I’m so furious right now.” “Nobody can beat me.”
Not every film is perfect, but I did not want to explore that topic. When we saw the film, the theater was packed. The audience’s reaction (except us) was universal. BEST MOVIE EVER! Many people clapped at the end. Were we watching the same screen?
Most audience members talked through the credits about the fantastic plot and how much they looked forward to the next. As we were leaving, five people said they would see the movie in the theater again.
My adverse reaction should be a simple “not my cup of tea.” Meaning that people like what they like and hate what they do not. For example, I enjoyed the movie Super Troopers, and most viewers hated it. On the other side of that coin, I was not too fond of The Da Vinci Code, and many viewers felt it was a powerful movie with an epic plot that spanned the globe.
It is perfectly fine not to like a movie that other people enjoy. Creators take risks, and sometimes they fail. And I concede that Fast X had several wonderful scenes.
However, I think something else was going on with me. Why didn’t the audience say, “Wow, great special effects! But there were a few issues.” Nobody in the audience (except for my friends) was discussing the glaring issues. This disconnection made me think the problem was with me (us). Perhaps in my old age, I expect more or analyze better. Perhaps I hold plots to a higher standard because of my modest writing ability. I recall loving The Dukes of Hazzard television show as a child and now see it as a poor program. Could being an adult be the issue?
How should I solve my dilemma? I could read reviews to understand why people liked or disliked the film. No, that would be a mistake because all negative reviews point out flaws, no matter how small. My favorite movies also have plot flaws, awful scenes, and errors. Was the audience aware of the issues, and they ignored them? Was this a case of enjoying the previous film, and momentum carried the audience along?
Here is my theory. This movie was too big to fail. Why? The other films in the franchise also had issues because they were supposed to. Fast X is a big action movie about fast driving, as were the prior films. The creators made a summer blockbuster, not a film meant to convey a deep message, such as Schindler’s List.
The problem with me is that I completely missed the film’s point. This was akin to watching a nature documentary and getting disappointed because Arnold Schwarzenegger was not shooting aliens.
I now understand that I went into the theater with the wrong expectations. I should have sat back, enjoyed the kooky dialog and fantastic car chases while ignoring the problems.
So, I have learned that I need to better set my expectations before watching a movie. Fast X was a funny, unrealistic, entertaining action movie and nothing more. That’s probably a good thing.
You’re the best -Bill
June 14, 2023
June 7, 2023
The Van of Death
In the early ‘70s, my family had two cars. My father drove a blue Toyota, and my mother drove a big green/fake wood station wagon. (Similar to the Family Truckster in the movie Vacation.) In the mid-‘70s, my father purchased a white Chevrolet van, and my mother drove a cream Toyota Corolla.
We liked camping, and my father converted the white van into a four-person camper. He made a plywood shelf in the back that allowed me to sleep about three feet above the floor. Because he built the shelf inside the van, it could not be removed. The van had a back seat bolted to the frame, and he attached giant plywood skis to move it outside. He glued carpet on the floor, preventing the back seat from sliding around.
My father cut plywood to make a platform over the two front seats and the dashboard. There was a hole for the steering wheel, and my sister slept in this small area. When driving, he placed this plywood sheet on top of the back plywood sheet. My parents slept lengthwise below my bed. The only other modification was changing out the dome lights with fluorescents because they use less electricity.
We went on many trips, and I fondly remember those times. As a vehicle, my father drove that white van everywhere. It was his work truck, transportation, and camper. Eventually, the maintenance and mileage became too great, and my father sold it.
My father purchased a used light-blue Chevrolet van in the ‘80s. By this time, my sister and I were far too big to sleep in this vehicle, so my father did not make any modifications.
In 1988, I learned how to drive, and my car of choice was my mother’s Corolla. It had great visibility, acceleration, braking, and handling. Plus, the air conditioner was fantastic.
Unfortunately, I did most of my early driving in that blue van. Its design had many driving flaws. For visibility, I could look forward but not down. There was a small driver’s side mirror, but the seat position made it difficult to see on the left side. One or two motorcycles could easily hide in the blind spot. The passenger window was small, far away, and high. So, the mirror was hard to see, and there was a blind spot big enough to hide a pickup truck. The epic problems were with the back windows. They were tiny, and I could only see large trucks or cars far behind me.
When I changed lanes, I looked and craned my neck hard. Then, I flicked on the turn signals, waited for ten clicks, and slowly eased over while looking at the mirrors and listening for horns.
And there was more fun! The brakes were gentle, the acceleration was modest, and the steering was vague. I had at least ten close calls, and driving was always stressful.
One flaw outshined all others. Like the white van, my father wanted a back seat. The blue van did not come with one, and we went to a junkyard to get one from a junked Volkswagen van. My father and I attached wooden planks to it. However, the blue van did not have carpet, which allowed the back seat to slide in all directions. Did I mention the Volkswagen seat did not have seat belts?
When the van rapidly stopped, the seat would slide forward, and the passengers (if lucky) would slam into the back of the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Unlucky passengers crashed into the dashboard. Taking a sharp turn slammed them into the side panels.
This is how that blue van earned the nickname “The Van of Death.” Despite the negatives, the blue van was my lifeline. I went to friends houses, stores and explored the town.
I recall one fun trip going to the locksmith with a giant file cabinet, and it went flying during a fast corner which made a nice dent in the side. Another time, I was in an unfamiliar part of town and did not know about a big hump in the road. I was going too fast and took off like the General Lee from the television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Because the shock absorbers were not great, there was a big bounce. This event scared the life out of me.
Around 2000, my father replaced the blue van with a white Chevrolet van. It was faster, had better handling, large windows, an enormous window on the passenger side, and oversized mirrors. There was something else of note. It had an AC Delco radio, and despite being basic, it was by far the best car sound system I have ever heard.
We all have childhood experiences; some are more negative than others, but they are the best learning experiences. I can certainly say I am a better driver, but if circumstances were slightly different, I could have died in an accident. Yet, I survived and now have experiences to write about.
You’re the best -Bill
June 07, 2023
We liked camping, and my father converted the white van into a four-person camper. He made a plywood shelf in the back that allowed me to sleep about three feet above the floor. Because he built the shelf inside the van, it could not be removed. The van had a back seat bolted to the frame, and he attached giant plywood skis to move it outside. He glued carpet on the floor, preventing the back seat from sliding around.
My father cut plywood to make a platform over the two front seats and the dashboard. There was a hole for the steering wheel, and my sister slept in this small area. When driving, he placed this plywood sheet on top of the back plywood sheet. My parents slept lengthwise below my bed. The only other modification was changing out the dome lights with fluorescents because they use less electricity.
We went on many trips, and I fondly remember those times. As a vehicle, my father drove that white van everywhere. It was his work truck, transportation, and camper. Eventually, the maintenance and mileage became too great, and my father sold it.
My father purchased a used light-blue Chevrolet van in the ‘80s. By this time, my sister and I were far too big to sleep in this vehicle, so my father did not make any modifications.
In 1988, I learned how to drive, and my car of choice was my mother’s Corolla. It had great visibility, acceleration, braking, and handling. Plus, the air conditioner was fantastic.
Unfortunately, I did most of my early driving in that blue van. Its design had many driving flaws. For visibility, I could look forward but not down. There was a small driver’s side mirror, but the seat position made it difficult to see on the left side. One or two motorcycles could easily hide in the blind spot. The passenger window was small, far away, and high. So, the mirror was hard to see, and there was a blind spot big enough to hide a pickup truck. The epic problems were with the back windows. They were tiny, and I could only see large trucks or cars far behind me.
When I changed lanes, I looked and craned my neck hard. Then, I flicked on the turn signals, waited for ten clicks, and slowly eased over while looking at the mirrors and listening for horns.
And there was more fun! The brakes were gentle, the acceleration was modest, and the steering was vague. I had at least ten close calls, and driving was always stressful.
One flaw outshined all others. Like the white van, my father wanted a back seat. The blue van did not come with one, and we went to a junkyard to get one from a junked Volkswagen van. My father and I attached wooden planks to it. However, the blue van did not have carpet, which allowed the back seat to slide in all directions. Did I mention the Volkswagen seat did not have seat belts?
When the van rapidly stopped, the seat would slide forward, and the passengers (if lucky) would slam into the back of the driver’s and passenger’s seats. Unlucky passengers crashed into the dashboard. Taking a sharp turn slammed them into the side panels.
This is how that blue van earned the nickname “The Van of Death.” Despite the negatives, the blue van was my lifeline. I went to friends houses, stores and explored the town.
I recall one fun trip going to the locksmith with a giant file cabinet, and it went flying during a fast corner which made a nice dent in the side. Another time, I was in an unfamiliar part of town and did not know about a big hump in the road. I was going too fast and took off like the General Lee from the television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Because the shock absorbers were not great, there was a big bounce. This event scared the life out of me.
Around 2000, my father replaced the blue van with a white Chevrolet van. It was faster, had better handling, large windows, an enormous window on the passenger side, and oversized mirrors. There was something else of note. It had an AC Delco radio, and despite being basic, it was by far the best car sound system I have ever heard.
We all have childhood experiences; some are more negative than others, but they are the best learning experiences. I can certainly say I am a better driver, but if circumstances were slightly different, I could have died in an accident. Yet, I survived and now have experiences to write about.
You’re the best -Bill
June 07, 2023
May 31, 2023
Riding A Bike Helps Everything
At age six, an enormous box was under the Christmas tree. When I tore off the wrapping, I saw the picture of a Toys Are Us Geoffrey Giraffe bicycle. Unfortunately, it was not all good news because several parts broke when my father and I assembled the bike. Yes, my bike was junk, but I loved the freedom, adventure, and adulthood that bike riding represented.
My bike was orange, with a striped banana seat and a flag. Of course, I needed training wheels and had difficulty mastering balance. During those early years, I had several accidents. Bike helmets were not standard gear then, and I was lucky I did not crack my head open. I still have two visible scars from crashing.
That bike quickly fell apart, and my mother bought me a black Schwinn from a church friend. What a machine. It got stolen a year later, and my mother purchased a red Schwinn from the classified ads. Not a great bike, but I rode it everywhere, including school. However, there were limitations, specifically the hills around our neighborhood.
I needed a bike with gears; five years later, my father gave me his ten-speed. It required brakes, shifters, and seat repairs, but I quickly fell in love with this new capability. My favorite activity was exploring the canyon behind our house. I took a weekly four-hour ride from 1985 to 1988.
That bike broke when I tried to jump a curb, and my dad purchased a chrome Raleigh mountain bike for my eighteenth birthday. This machine was incredible, and an entirely new level of adventures opened up. Plus, it looked fantastic. I rode that bike for many years, exploring canyons, and it followed me to Orange County, California, where I tried to get an engineering job.
At that time, there were few jobs in San Diego, and I hoped the larger cities around Orange County would have better prospects. But, alas, I ended up at Kinko’s making copies—a degrading and menial experience. On top of my job difficulties, not having a girlfriend or professional work stressed me out.
To ease my tensions, I began taking bike rides after work. This physical activity improved my mental outlook, plus it was healthy. But what is the stress reduction difference between a bike ride and some other physical activity? I have run, lifted weights, walked, swam, meditated, tried yoga, danced, skipped rope, hiked, and stretched for exercise. While these are excellent physical activities, I did not find they were good at relieving stress
Why? Cycling takes tremendous focus at some stages and almost none at others. It is a three-dimensional activity with scenery, challenges, danger, and physical exertion. The success is evident at the journey’s end because the rider has advanced from one location to another.
What is my stress-reducing process? At the beginning of a ride, I only concentrate on riding. Then, about ten minutes later, I relax, and my focus drifts from the ride to other areas. This supporting mindset allows me to think about issues, problems, friends, my job, solutions, life, and relationships. Yet, sometimes, my mind ends up going to baffling places.
Do I listen to music or a podcast to help me relax? No, this is a special time, and I do not want to experience somebody else’s creations. Instead, the scenery, other riders, trail challenges, and physical exertion provide entertainment and a natural distraction. Such genital distractions help my creativity and problem-solving by breaking up thoughts, which means that one thought does not dominate my time.
Do I recommend bike riding to others? Yes and no. Exercise has become a religion for many people. If a new person begins lifting weights, baseball, or boxing, they can be hazed by the experienced. I would never try to push my beliefs toward others.
I can attest that bike riding helps me, and everybody should be physically active for many reasons, including mental health. Bike riding is not for everyone because it is dangerous, and unlike a treadmill, riders must keep going when they get tired.
You’re the best -Bill
May 31, 2023
My bike was orange, with a striped banana seat and a flag. Of course, I needed training wheels and had difficulty mastering balance. During those early years, I had several accidents. Bike helmets were not standard gear then, and I was lucky I did not crack my head open. I still have two visible scars from crashing.
That bike quickly fell apart, and my mother bought me a black Schwinn from a church friend. What a machine. It got stolen a year later, and my mother purchased a red Schwinn from the classified ads. Not a great bike, but I rode it everywhere, including school. However, there were limitations, specifically the hills around our neighborhood.
I needed a bike with gears; five years later, my father gave me his ten-speed. It required brakes, shifters, and seat repairs, but I quickly fell in love with this new capability. My favorite activity was exploring the canyon behind our house. I took a weekly four-hour ride from 1985 to 1988.
That bike broke when I tried to jump a curb, and my dad purchased a chrome Raleigh mountain bike for my eighteenth birthday. This machine was incredible, and an entirely new level of adventures opened up. Plus, it looked fantastic. I rode that bike for many years, exploring canyons, and it followed me to Orange County, California, where I tried to get an engineering job.
At that time, there were few jobs in San Diego, and I hoped the larger cities around Orange County would have better prospects. But, alas, I ended up at Kinko’s making copies—a degrading and menial experience. On top of my job difficulties, not having a girlfriend or professional work stressed me out.
To ease my tensions, I began taking bike rides after work. This physical activity improved my mental outlook, plus it was healthy. But what is the stress reduction difference between a bike ride and some other physical activity? I have run, lifted weights, walked, swam, meditated, tried yoga, danced, skipped rope, hiked, and stretched for exercise. While these are excellent physical activities, I did not find they were good at relieving stress
Why? Cycling takes tremendous focus at some stages and almost none at others. It is a three-dimensional activity with scenery, challenges, danger, and physical exertion. The success is evident at the journey’s end because the rider has advanced from one location to another.
What is my stress-reducing process? At the beginning of a ride, I only concentrate on riding. Then, about ten minutes later, I relax, and my focus drifts from the ride to other areas. This supporting mindset allows me to think about issues, problems, friends, my job, solutions, life, and relationships. Yet, sometimes, my mind ends up going to baffling places.
Do I listen to music or a podcast to help me relax? No, this is a special time, and I do not want to experience somebody else’s creations. Instead, the scenery, other riders, trail challenges, and physical exertion provide entertainment and a natural distraction. Such genital distractions help my creativity and problem-solving by breaking up thoughts, which means that one thought does not dominate my time.
Do I recommend bike riding to others? Yes and no. Exercise has become a religion for many people. If a new person begins lifting weights, baseball, or boxing, they can be hazed by the experienced. I would never try to push my beliefs toward others.
I can attest that bike riding helps me, and everybody should be physically active for many reasons, including mental health. Bike riding is not for everyone because it is dangerous, and unlike a treadmill, riders must keep going when they get tired.
You’re the best -Bill
May 31, 2023
May 24, 2023
Is Fake News Fiction?
We used to only have three primary news sources, newspapers, magazines, and television. Now we have endless data sources, analysis, and distribution platforms. A significant amount of raw data now comes from ordinary people posting articles and videos on social media. What happens when one or more sources bend the truth? This trend is called “fake news,” which has become a big problem in our society.
Fake news occurs because somebody wants to spin raw data or invent false data to suit their addenda. In the past, this partially happened when the owners of a news source wanted to alter the truth slightly. For example, they might favor famous person X. Their reporters would write glowing stories about X and exclude adverse facts. However, the stories rarely contained lies because the news corporations feared lawsuits.
Now, anybody can post a lie, and millions absorb this “fact.” The fear of a lawsuit is no longer present (it is still a possibility but mindlessly ignored). Plus, many anonymous sites and methods of hiding one’s identity exist.
I recall the first time I read a fake news story. In 1990, a big part of the internet was UseNet. There, people could post, read or reply to all kinds of information, opinions, or satire. I posted a few times, and here is one funny example:
https://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/95...
The UseNet thread I followed the most was about the Amiga computer. I read every post for the latest news, tips, information, and help. While I enjoyed my Amiga experience, not everybody was happy about this impressive computer revolution.
One guy’s mother purchased an Amiga, and he was furious that she was not using a Macintosh. So, he posted all the time about the computer’s failings. Because that UseNet thread had no moderator, he could not be banned.
One day, I read a terrible news post. Commodore (the company that developed the Amiga computer) filed for bankruptcy. The post contained a copy of their press release. What dreadful news! But then users discovered this “news” was untrue and posted angry comments about the guy. I was happy and angry when I learned the bankruptcy notice was fake. How could somebody do such a terrible thing? Side note: Commodore filed for bankruptcy in April 1994.
What is it like to write a fake news article? I thought exploring and comparing the process to writing an entertaining story would be interesting. Let’s pretend I dislike the famous person Sally. Here is a Facebook post to discredit her. “Hey, everybody. Big reveal. I hacked into Sally’s computer and found this email: ‘Today, I was driving to work stoned out of my mind. Completely baked. I almost hit a woman pushing her stroller. It was so fun!’ This email confirms what we all suspected. Sally is a pothead. Please send this important news to all your friends.”
This quick post might become popular, and Sally would have difficulty proving her innocence. However, that is not quite the topic I wanted to explore. Instead, I want to compare the mindset of a fictional author and a fake news poster.
Why do fictional writers create content? They wish to explore their ideas, develop new skills, express themselves, share their story, or make money.
How does an author begin the process? My origin story is probably unusual. I had been daydreaming about stories for years, and in 2016, I wrote them down. Now, my stories have more structure because I use outlines. Yet, many authors jump into their stories without a firm plot or take elements from many places and stitch them together.
The goal of a fiction author is to create something that people enjoy. This process includes keeping the reader in mind as they write. Is this a good character? If I add a plot twist, will it be more exciting? This section is dull. This paragraph is confusing.
Creating fake news requires a different approach because the goal is to damage or overcome a truth. For example, “Sally is a horrible woman.” “X political party is better than Y.” “Z is what happened.”
The process begins with a malcontent (Noun. A person who is chronically discontented or dissatisfied.) (I know this because I could not spell the word correctly and had to look it up.) evaluating the best approach. This calculated effort identifies the best attack method or weakness to exploit.
In the above example, I wrote a fake email intending to harm Sally. However, if I wished to uplift someone or something illicitly, I could invent a fake fact: “The Army awarded Sally the silver star.”
What is going on in the mind of a fake news writer? The focus would be to develop something that sounds realistic and does as much damage as possible. In my example, I wrote, “It was so fun.” That is a nice added touch showing that Sally enjoyed being out of control.
It took creativity to develop that sentence, but did the fake news writer use the same mental tools as a fictional author? For example, an author could create a fictional story with a woman driving her car while on drugs.
In writing about this topic, I ran into a problem. I could not answer, “Is writing fake news different from writing entertainment?” So, I took a walk and decided to write a fake news story while considering the process.
To begin, I thought about an actual politician, I never met but did not like. Why this particular person? He has done great harm and is not letting up. This destruction made him a perfect target for me to write a fake news story. I spent 20 minutes crafting a malicious Facebook post. (I am choosing not to include my nasty creation because the world has enough fake news without my additions. Also, this politician is popular, and I do not wish to alienate my readers.)
My fake story was like my Sally example. It began by embellishing my computer skills and explaining how I accessed their computer. Then I described the joy of finding an incriminating email describing a drunk driving near miss.
My effort began with a moral block because I have never tried to harm somebody by spreading a lie. Plus, I knew that if I posted my creation, it was illegal, and I could face a lawsuit. But, to my surprise, this trepidation quickly passed, and I became excited. I invented details and researched creating a fake email header. I even changed the event from drugs to alcohol abuse because it sounded more realistic. Overall, the creative process was exciting, and the danger added to the moment.
When I finished my slander, I was happy. My creation looked real, and if I read it online, I would have swallowed the bait and found another reason to hate this individual.
I then took a step back to examine my mindset. This fun activity was a good outlet for my anger, and I now understand why fake news has become such a plague. Was it creative? Was it the same as writing a book? I conclude that writing fake news is two sides to the same coin. I was creative and required the same skills as writing a book. The process was like writing dialog for a villain with pride in their destructive actions.
This revelation should not have come as a surprise because our brains have limited functions. There are no separate parts for creating fiction or fake news. It all comes from the same well. Yet, I was hoping there was a difference. Good writers should be above fake news. It turns out that I was wrong.
Understanding our limits, exploring our minds, and trying new things are essential. I enjoyed this learning experience, and, like all good ones, the results were unexpected.
You’re the best -Bill
May 24, 2023
Fake news occurs because somebody wants to spin raw data or invent false data to suit their addenda. In the past, this partially happened when the owners of a news source wanted to alter the truth slightly. For example, they might favor famous person X. Their reporters would write glowing stories about X and exclude adverse facts. However, the stories rarely contained lies because the news corporations feared lawsuits.
Now, anybody can post a lie, and millions absorb this “fact.” The fear of a lawsuit is no longer present (it is still a possibility but mindlessly ignored). Plus, many anonymous sites and methods of hiding one’s identity exist.
I recall the first time I read a fake news story. In 1990, a big part of the internet was UseNet. There, people could post, read or reply to all kinds of information, opinions, or satire. I posted a few times, and here is one funny example:
https://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/95...
The UseNet thread I followed the most was about the Amiga computer. I read every post for the latest news, tips, information, and help. While I enjoyed my Amiga experience, not everybody was happy about this impressive computer revolution.
One guy’s mother purchased an Amiga, and he was furious that she was not using a Macintosh. So, he posted all the time about the computer’s failings. Because that UseNet thread had no moderator, he could not be banned.
One day, I read a terrible news post. Commodore (the company that developed the Amiga computer) filed for bankruptcy. The post contained a copy of their press release. What dreadful news! But then users discovered this “news” was untrue and posted angry comments about the guy. I was happy and angry when I learned the bankruptcy notice was fake. How could somebody do such a terrible thing? Side note: Commodore filed for bankruptcy in April 1994.
What is it like to write a fake news article? I thought exploring and comparing the process to writing an entertaining story would be interesting. Let’s pretend I dislike the famous person Sally. Here is a Facebook post to discredit her. “Hey, everybody. Big reveal. I hacked into Sally’s computer and found this email: ‘Today, I was driving to work stoned out of my mind. Completely baked. I almost hit a woman pushing her stroller. It was so fun!’ This email confirms what we all suspected. Sally is a pothead. Please send this important news to all your friends.”
This quick post might become popular, and Sally would have difficulty proving her innocence. However, that is not quite the topic I wanted to explore. Instead, I want to compare the mindset of a fictional author and a fake news poster.
Why do fictional writers create content? They wish to explore their ideas, develop new skills, express themselves, share their story, or make money.
How does an author begin the process? My origin story is probably unusual. I had been daydreaming about stories for years, and in 2016, I wrote them down. Now, my stories have more structure because I use outlines. Yet, many authors jump into their stories without a firm plot or take elements from many places and stitch them together.
The goal of a fiction author is to create something that people enjoy. This process includes keeping the reader in mind as they write. Is this a good character? If I add a plot twist, will it be more exciting? This section is dull. This paragraph is confusing.
Creating fake news requires a different approach because the goal is to damage or overcome a truth. For example, “Sally is a horrible woman.” “X political party is better than Y.” “Z is what happened.”
The process begins with a malcontent (Noun. A person who is chronically discontented or dissatisfied.) (I know this because I could not spell the word correctly and had to look it up.) evaluating the best approach. This calculated effort identifies the best attack method or weakness to exploit.
In the above example, I wrote a fake email intending to harm Sally. However, if I wished to uplift someone or something illicitly, I could invent a fake fact: “The Army awarded Sally the silver star.”
What is going on in the mind of a fake news writer? The focus would be to develop something that sounds realistic and does as much damage as possible. In my example, I wrote, “It was so fun.” That is a nice added touch showing that Sally enjoyed being out of control.
It took creativity to develop that sentence, but did the fake news writer use the same mental tools as a fictional author? For example, an author could create a fictional story with a woman driving her car while on drugs.
In writing about this topic, I ran into a problem. I could not answer, “Is writing fake news different from writing entertainment?” So, I took a walk and decided to write a fake news story while considering the process.
To begin, I thought about an actual politician, I never met but did not like. Why this particular person? He has done great harm and is not letting up. This destruction made him a perfect target for me to write a fake news story. I spent 20 minutes crafting a malicious Facebook post. (I am choosing not to include my nasty creation because the world has enough fake news without my additions. Also, this politician is popular, and I do not wish to alienate my readers.)
My fake story was like my Sally example. It began by embellishing my computer skills and explaining how I accessed their computer. Then I described the joy of finding an incriminating email describing a drunk driving near miss.
My effort began with a moral block because I have never tried to harm somebody by spreading a lie. Plus, I knew that if I posted my creation, it was illegal, and I could face a lawsuit. But, to my surprise, this trepidation quickly passed, and I became excited. I invented details and researched creating a fake email header. I even changed the event from drugs to alcohol abuse because it sounded more realistic. Overall, the creative process was exciting, and the danger added to the moment.
When I finished my slander, I was happy. My creation looked real, and if I read it online, I would have swallowed the bait and found another reason to hate this individual.
I then took a step back to examine my mindset. This fun activity was a good outlet for my anger, and I now understand why fake news has become such a plague. Was it creative? Was it the same as writing a book? I conclude that writing fake news is two sides to the same coin. I was creative and required the same skills as writing a book. The process was like writing dialog for a villain with pride in their destructive actions.
This revelation should not have come as a surprise because our brains have limited functions. There are no separate parts for creating fiction or fake news. It all comes from the same well. Yet, I was hoping there was a difference. Good writers should be above fake news. It turns out that I was wrong.
Understanding our limits, exploring our minds, and trying new things are essential. I enjoyed this learning experience, and, like all good ones, the results were unexpected.
You’re the best -Bill
May 24, 2023
May 17, 2023
How Covid Effected Books
In early 2020, we became aware of the Covid 19 pandemic. This tragic worldwide event radically affected society, health, economics, politics, and daily life. But how did covid affect writing and publishing?
Initially, people could not go to bookstores which reduced sales and led to store closings. Yet, online sales improved because the people who could not work needed something to read. According to this graph, for 2020 through 2022, Ebook sales increased by ten percent and then returned to their previous levels:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/2...
As the pandemic became mainstream, I saw many rapid books such as “Treat Covid with Meditation.” On the Facebook group Writers Helping Writers, there was more interest in becoming an author, but this quickly tapered off. I also noticed more interest from part-time authors, so we should start seeing more new books.
How did Covid affect writing? Like any added knowledge, writers now have more subjects to write about. A Covid romance story? Or a Covid spy drama? Also, writers now better understand surviving a worldwide tragic event, and their dystopian novels will be more accurate.
Covid had a profound effect on our outlook and our media. Here is an article showing that books, movies, television, and online content is sadder than before December 2019:
https://www.voanews.com/a/why-people-...
Well, how do we get happier? Write happy books? Introduce happy laws? Or is this something that only time can fix? Getting back to normal will take significant effort and time. Where do we begin? I propose that the process starts by focusing on the pleasant aspects of life as we turn the page on this awful chapter in human history.
Authors have an opportunity to help. When they start a new project, they should try to apply a positive spin to their work. Is this realistic? Society is tired of Covid. There is an opportunity for authors to sell hope, and I have noticed an uplifting trend in recent books. Will happier books fix our problems? No, but it is a step in the right direction.
You’re the best -Bill
May 17, 2023
Initially, people could not go to bookstores which reduced sales and led to store closings. Yet, online sales improved because the people who could not work needed something to read. According to this graph, for 2020 through 2022, Ebook sales increased by ten percent and then returned to their previous levels:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/2...
As the pandemic became mainstream, I saw many rapid books such as “Treat Covid with Meditation.” On the Facebook group Writers Helping Writers, there was more interest in becoming an author, but this quickly tapered off. I also noticed more interest from part-time authors, so we should start seeing more new books.
How did Covid affect writing? Like any added knowledge, writers now have more subjects to write about. A Covid romance story? Or a Covid spy drama? Also, writers now better understand surviving a worldwide tragic event, and their dystopian novels will be more accurate.
Covid had a profound effect on our outlook and our media. Here is an article showing that books, movies, television, and online content is sadder than before December 2019:
https://www.voanews.com/a/why-people-...
Well, how do we get happier? Write happy books? Introduce happy laws? Or is this something that only time can fix? Getting back to normal will take significant effort and time. Where do we begin? I propose that the process starts by focusing on the pleasant aspects of life as we turn the page on this awful chapter in human history.
Authors have an opportunity to help. When they start a new project, they should try to apply a positive spin to their work. Is this realistic? Society is tired of Covid. There is an opportunity for authors to sell hope, and I have noticed an uplifting trend in recent books. Will happier books fix our problems? No, but it is a step in the right direction.
You’re the best -Bill
May 17, 2023
