Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 13
July 13, 2015
A Parental Delusion: Our Children are Special, Fantastic and Wonderful
My parents often said that I was special and would accomplish great things one day. At sixty-seven years of age, I can still vividly recall those times when they praised me for having received a good grade on my report card, extracurricular achievement or some special talent they were convinced I possessed.
My mother would hang my drawings on the refrigerator and exclaim to every visitor that I might be a great artist someday. While teaching me to play the guitar and electric bass, my father said that I learned faster and better than anyone he had ever known. Mom and Dad were delusional when it came to their personal evaluation of me. It may be an unavoidable side effect of parental love.
An impartial critique of my childhood drawings reveals that, not only are they unexceptional, they are quite terrible. I was a good student, but never an outstanding scholar. I played rhythm guitar, the electric bass and sang in a local Country/Western band for eight years, but there were many who could sing and play much better than I, which is one reason why I only played for eight years.
My late wife and I were fortunate to have brought five children into this world. To us they were special, fantastic and wonderful. They still are, at least in my eyes. Today, as middle-aged adults, my children think that I am special, fantastic and wonderful. I wonder if being delusional is an inherited trait.
My mother would hang my drawings on the refrigerator and exclaim to every visitor that I might be a great artist someday. While teaching me to play the guitar and electric bass, my father said that I learned faster and better than anyone he had ever known. Mom and Dad were delusional when it came to their personal evaluation of me. It may be an unavoidable side effect of parental love.
An impartial critique of my childhood drawings reveals that, not only are they unexceptional, they are quite terrible. I was a good student, but never an outstanding scholar. I played rhythm guitar, the electric bass and sang in a local Country/Western band for eight years, but there were many who could sing and play much better than I, which is one reason why I only played for eight years.
My late wife and I were fortunate to have brought five children into this world. To us they were special, fantastic and wonderful. They still are, at least in my eyes. Today, as middle-aged adults, my children think that I am special, fantastic and wonderful. I wonder if being delusional is an inherited trait.
July 6, 2015
Birds of a Feather Flock Together & Great Minds Think Alike
Just because a belief or idea has been handed down from one generation to another does not make it infallible or even acceptable. We should never allow ourselves to become subservient to family, social, political or religious traditions that promote beliefs with which we do not agree or support. Adopting a philosophy simply because it is comforting and reassuring may eventually generate more harm than good; just ask any rehabilitated former member of a cult.
The phrase "Birds of a feather flock together" was originated by William Turner, a famous 16th. century satirist. He used it to criticize religious groups for teaching and propagating stories and beliefs based solely upon tradition and unsubstantiated claims. He was appalled by the practice of physically punishing or socially shunning those who refused to allow their intelligence and common sense to be usurped by blind faith or peer pressure.
There is another oft-used proverb, "Great minds think alike." Unfortunately, closed and naive minds also tend to think alike. Some ideas and philosophies, no matter how illogical, contradictory or absurd, will always be embraced by someone, somewhere.
Knowledge is neither stagnant nor constant. Scholars, scientists and intelligent people in general routinely challenge theories and hypotheses until they are eventually proven or dis-proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Resisting change or new concepts simply to avoid admitting that what we once believed to have been the truth is not true is often driven by ego and pride in the guise of faith.
The phrase "Birds of a feather flock together" was originated by William Turner, a famous 16th. century satirist. He used it to criticize religious groups for teaching and propagating stories and beliefs based solely upon tradition and unsubstantiated claims. He was appalled by the practice of physically punishing or socially shunning those who refused to allow their intelligence and common sense to be usurped by blind faith or peer pressure.
There is another oft-used proverb, "Great minds think alike." Unfortunately, closed and naive minds also tend to think alike. Some ideas and philosophies, no matter how illogical, contradictory or absurd, will always be embraced by someone, somewhere.
Knowledge is neither stagnant nor constant. Scholars, scientists and intelligent people in general routinely challenge theories and hypotheses until they are eventually proven or dis-proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Resisting change or new concepts simply to avoid admitting that what we once believed to have been the truth is not true is often driven by ego and pride in the guise of faith.
June 27, 2015
A Commentary on Comments Posted by Authors
The majority of the comments posted by published authors in literary websites are well written and informative. However, occasionally one will appear that is so poorly written and erroneous, it is difficult to believe it was composed by a self-proclaimed professional.
Discovering spelling, grammatical, punctuation or syntax errors in a two or three paragraph comment is not difficult and there is no excuse for propagating misinformation. Failure to recognize and correct most technical writing mistakes or verify the veracity of false or exaggerated claims may indicate that the author either does not care enough to do so or simply lacks the basic knowledge to even be aware of them. Either explanation calls into question the validity of the author's claim to the title of professional.
One does not have to possess an advanced academic degree to master established technical rules of a written language or avoid presenting fiction as fact. All that is required is the desire, time, research, and effort. The adage "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." is sound advice.
Discovering spelling, grammatical, punctuation or syntax errors in a two or three paragraph comment is not difficult and there is no excuse for propagating misinformation. Failure to recognize and correct most technical writing mistakes or verify the veracity of false or exaggerated claims may indicate that the author either does not care enough to do so or simply lacks the basic knowledge to even be aware of them. Either explanation calls into question the validity of the author's claim to the title of professional.
One does not have to possess an advanced academic degree to master established technical rules of a written language or avoid presenting fiction as fact. All that is required is the desire, time, research, and effort. The adage "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." is sound advice.
June 17, 2015
Personal Beliefs re: Life, Death, Marriage, Self-Sufficiency, and Religion
Life and Death
Life is not fair. There are disparities in wealth, health, happiness, satisfaction, and longevity. Death is absolutely fair. The process (dying) may differ from one individual to another, but the end result is the same. We all eventually cease to exist. Having not existed prior to conception, the concept of not existing after death should not be difficult to perceive or accept.
Marriage
A marriage ceremony once included a couple's solemn vow to love and cherish one another until death parted them. Today, more marriages end in separation, divorce, and annulment than in death. Vows are often broken long before the union is dissolved, because those who made them mistook lust for love. A couple shouldn't require a pronouncement from a clergyman or civil servant to form a loving partnership until death dissolves it. They should just have to truly love each other (emphasis on truly) and sincerely desire to be partners for life.
Children
Babies are not puppies or kittens. Once the cuteness and low maintenance phase passes, you can't just give them away or abandon them. Well, you can, and some do, but you shouldn't. If you're not prepared to be a responsible and loving parent full-time, don't have children. If you really want children and understand all that being a true parent entails, do so. If done correctly, it will be the most wonderful and rewarding experience of your entire life.
Self Sufficiency
Regardless of the vocation you choose, becoming self-sufficient requires that one be mature, realistic, honest, intelligent, disciplined, ambitious, and patient. If you are immature, delusional, dishonest, ignorant, undisciplined, lazy, and impatient, you will have to depend upon others to take care of you to some extent throughout most of your life. Fortunately, the world is full of enablers who thrive on doing things for those who are quite content to let them.
Religion
Believing something to be the truth does not make it true and testifying that something is reality does not make it real. To base any belief upon faith alone requires the willful suspension of the analytical thought process. Blind faith inspired people to accept and support horrendous activities such as the Spanish Inquisition and Crusades, the infamous witch hunts, Nazism in Germany and Fascism in Italy during the mid-twentieth century, and today, radical Communism in North Korea and terrorist attacks throughout the world. To live a good life and be a good person, you just have to truly want to be good and do what it takes. Accept the reality of mortality and your eventual demise. Forget about life after death. Focus upon this life. If lived well, one life is enough. Experiencing it is reward enough.
Life is not fair. There are disparities in wealth, health, happiness, satisfaction, and longevity. Death is absolutely fair. The process (dying) may differ from one individual to another, but the end result is the same. We all eventually cease to exist. Having not existed prior to conception, the concept of not existing after death should not be difficult to perceive or accept.
Marriage
A marriage ceremony once included a couple's solemn vow to love and cherish one another until death parted them. Today, more marriages end in separation, divorce, and annulment than in death. Vows are often broken long before the union is dissolved, because those who made them mistook lust for love. A couple shouldn't require a pronouncement from a clergyman or civil servant to form a loving partnership until death dissolves it. They should just have to truly love each other (emphasis on truly) and sincerely desire to be partners for life.
Children
Babies are not puppies or kittens. Once the cuteness and low maintenance phase passes, you can't just give them away or abandon them. Well, you can, and some do, but you shouldn't. If you're not prepared to be a responsible and loving parent full-time, don't have children. If you really want children and understand all that being a true parent entails, do so. If done correctly, it will be the most wonderful and rewarding experience of your entire life.
Self Sufficiency
Regardless of the vocation you choose, becoming self-sufficient requires that one be mature, realistic, honest, intelligent, disciplined, ambitious, and patient. If you are immature, delusional, dishonest, ignorant, undisciplined, lazy, and impatient, you will have to depend upon others to take care of you to some extent throughout most of your life. Fortunately, the world is full of enablers who thrive on doing things for those who are quite content to let them.
Religion
Believing something to be the truth does not make it true and testifying that something is reality does not make it real. To base any belief upon faith alone requires the willful suspension of the analytical thought process. Blind faith inspired people to accept and support horrendous activities such as the Spanish Inquisition and Crusades, the infamous witch hunts, Nazism in Germany and Fascism in Italy during the mid-twentieth century, and today, radical Communism in North Korea and terrorist attacks throughout the world. To live a good life and be a good person, you just have to truly want to be good and do what it takes. Accept the reality of mortality and your eventual demise. Forget about life after death. Focus upon this life. If lived well, one life is enough. Experiencing it is reward enough.
June 10, 2015
Advice is Only as Reliable as its Source*
Before taking any advice too seriously and acting upon it, check out and verify the credentials of the provider. Ascertain that they are who and what they claim to be. View samples of their work to evaluate the quality and verify the authenticity. The quality determines the level of professionalism of the artist and the veracity of the content of any statement or claim is a reliable indicator of the sincerity and trustworthiness of the person making it.
The most reliable source of information is that which approaches the subject from an impartial perspective. Be weary of advice that promotes the products or services of the adviser. It is often intended to benefit him much more than you.
An expert is merely a former amateur who has expended significant time, study, and effort to learn his trade, is dedicated to the philosophy of continuous improvement, and has established an admirable reputation among his peers. Seek advice from an expert and that is what you will receive. The best you can hope to obtain from an amateur is a subjective opinion, not to be mistaken for expert advice.
*This is a paraphrased abridgment of a previous blog post titled Beware of Amateurs Offering Expert Advice, published on September 1, 2014.
The most reliable source of information is that which approaches the subject from an impartial perspective. Be weary of advice that promotes the products or services of the adviser. It is often intended to benefit him much more than you.
An expert is merely a former amateur who has expended significant time, study, and effort to learn his trade, is dedicated to the philosophy of continuous improvement, and has established an admirable reputation among his peers. Seek advice from an expert and that is what you will receive. The best you can hope to obtain from an amateur is a subjective opinion, not to be mistaken for expert advice.
*This is a paraphrased abridgment of a previous blog post titled Beware of Amateurs Offering Expert Advice, published on September 1, 2014.
June 3, 2015
Naivety, Free Books and Egocentric Promotion
Most writers expend the time and effort required to become proficient in the practical application of correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax in addition to honing their narration skills. Some do not, naively believing that readers only care about what is written, not how it is written.
The number of new books, appearing annually, once numbered in the hundreds. Today, due to the internet and proliferation of self-publishing opportunities, hundreds of thousands are released each year. The market is saturated. Less than 3% of published authors ever become commercially successful and achieve notoriety. The proliferation of product is only partially responsible. Popular, yet counterproductive, promotional tactics are also to blame.
The following examples of self-promotion efforts that fail much more often than they succeed were obtained from books and articles written by experts on the subject. However, one does not have to be an expert to recognize the obvious and predictable flaws in such practices.
The market is flooded with free books. Authors routinely give away their work, hoping to attract a following. Instead, they have inadvertently created a mindset among far too many readers of "Why pay anything for something you can get for nothing?" Successful businesses occasionally provide free samples of their product. They rarely give away the product itself.
In a free market economy, a product's price is determined by what the consumer is willing to pay. Demand increases exponentially with a product's quality and perceived value, which translates into a higher price. There is an adage: "You get what you pay for." Many books may be purchased for $1.00 or less. Enough said.
Some authors may be unaware of the "I Syndrome". Their biographies and promotions are literally inundated with the personal pronouns I, me, my, mine, and myself. Possessing an ego is what makes one unique; appearing to be egotistical makes one irritating.
There are exceptions to every rule. Some may be presented as evidence to challenge this blog post. By their very nature, exceptions are an anomaly. Rules, on the other hand, are the norm and standard for comparison.
The number of new books, appearing annually, once numbered in the hundreds. Today, due to the internet and proliferation of self-publishing opportunities, hundreds of thousands are released each year. The market is saturated. Less than 3% of published authors ever become commercially successful and achieve notoriety. The proliferation of product is only partially responsible. Popular, yet counterproductive, promotional tactics are also to blame.
The following examples of self-promotion efforts that fail much more often than they succeed were obtained from books and articles written by experts on the subject. However, one does not have to be an expert to recognize the obvious and predictable flaws in such practices.
The market is flooded with free books. Authors routinely give away their work, hoping to attract a following. Instead, they have inadvertently created a mindset among far too many readers of "Why pay anything for something you can get for nothing?" Successful businesses occasionally provide free samples of their product. They rarely give away the product itself.
In a free market economy, a product's price is determined by what the consumer is willing to pay. Demand increases exponentially with a product's quality and perceived value, which translates into a higher price. There is an adage: "You get what you pay for." Many books may be purchased for $1.00 or less. Enough said.
Some authors may be unaware of the "I Syndrome". Their biographies and promotions are literally inundated with the personal pronouns I, me, my, mine, and myself. Possessing an ego is what makes one unique; appearing to be egotistical makes one irritating.
There are exceptions to every rule. Some may be presented as evidence to challenge this blog post. By their very nature, exceptions are an anomaly. Rules, on the other hand, are the norm and standard for comparison.
May 26, 2015
A 67-Year Life Story In Just 500 Words
The vast majority of the residents of the neighborhood in which I was born and raised were hard working, but poor. Since everyone was in the same boat, no one minded, and some probably did not even realize that they were poor. I know I didn't, at least not until I left home for school.
In 1961, at age fourteen, I left my home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend St. Mark Seminary, located 200 miles away in Erie, Pennsylvania. The discipline was very strict and was strictly enforced. Every activity, including wake up time, chapel gatherings, meals, classes, work details, study halls, and bed time, was signaled by a 5-second bell ring, heard throughout the huge complex. This was my chosen lifestyle for four years, until graduating in 1965.
In June of 1966, seven boyhood friends and I decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps together. In February of 1967, we were deployed to Vietnam. 13 months later, five of us returned alive and well to the good old United States of America; three did not.
In 1968, I was hired by the H.J. Heinz Company as a shipping clerk. I supplemented my $375 monthly salary by playing rhythm guitar, electric bass, and singing in a Country/Western band two nights a week for 8 years. Five promotions and 33 years later, I retired as the manager of the H.J. Heinz Company's food processing facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was just 53 years-old.
In 1970, I married my late wife, Elaine. We had five children and shared 35 1/2 wonderful years together. Elaine was and remains the love of my life.
My four adult children are independent and self-sufficient. My four grandchildren allow me to spoil them as much as I want. We see each other often and have great times together.
I have been retired for 14 years, and not one day of that time has been boring. I spend my time socializing, reading, and jumping in the car for a spontaneous road trip now and again. So far, I've visited 2 countries and 43 states by car.
I have had a good life, but not without some pain and sorrow. Three of my friends were killed in action in Vietnam. One of my children was killed in a tragic accident. My wife died of cancer at the age of 56. I had a heart attack a few years ago and now have to take a lot of pills that I would rather not. Not all of my decisions have been the right one. My ideas have not always worked out as planned. I have made my share of mistakes.
Everything I've done, every decision I've made, every person with whom I've interacted, and every philosophy that has guided me have made me what I am today. My life has not been perfect. I certainly have not. But, if given the chance, I would gladly do it all over again.
In 1961, at age fourteen, I left my home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend St. Mark Seminary, located 200 miles away in Erie, Pennsylvania. The discipline was very strict and was strictly enforced. Every activity, including wake up time, chapel gatherings, meals, classes, work details, study halls, and bed time, was signaled by a 5-second bell ring, heard throughout the huge complex. This was my chosen lifestyle for four years, until graduating in 1965.
In June of 1966, seven boyhood friends and I decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps together. In February of 1967, we were deployed to Vietnam. 13 months later, five of us returned alive and well to the good old United States of America; three did not.
In 1968, I was hired by the H.J. Heinz Company as a shipping clerk. I supplemented my $375 monthly salary by playing rhythm guitar, electric bass, and singing in a Country/Western band two nights a week for 8 years. Five promotions and 33 years later, I retired as the manager of the H.J. Heinz Company's food processing facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I was just 53 years-old.
In 1970, I married my late wife, Elaine. We had five children and shared 35 1/2 wonderful years together. Elaine was and remains the love of my life.
My four adult children are independent and self-sufficient. My four grandchildren allow me to spoil them as much as I want. We see each other often and have great times together.
I have been retired for 14 years, and not one day of that time has been boring. I spend my time socializing, reading, and jumping in the car for a spontaneous road trip now and again. So far, I've visited 2 countries and 43 states by car.
I have had a good life, but not without some pain and sorrow. Three of my friends were killed in action in Vietnam. One of my children was killed in a tragic accident. My wife died of cancer at the age of 56. I had a heart attack a few years ago and now have to take a lot of pills that I would rather not. Not all of my decisions have been the right one. My ideas have not always worked out as planned. I have made my share of mistakes.
Everything I've done, every decision I've made, every person with whom I've interacted, and every philosophy that has guided me have made me what I am today. My life has not been perfect. I certainly have not. But, if given the chance, I would gladly do it all over again.
May 19, 2015
Predicting Who will Write the Next Great Novel is Difficult; Determining Who will Not is Not
Some extremely gifted writers have produced one or more timeless classics: Louisa May Alcott, L. Frank Baum, Charles Dickens, Wilhelm & Jacob Grimm, Mary Shelley, Leo Tolstoy, and Mark Twain, to name just a few.
It is very difficult to predict which of today's popular authors may eventually be included among the ranks of the literary elite. I personally believe that Kazuo Ishiguro, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling might be considered viable candidates.
It is very easy to determine which authors will probably not be remembered a hundred, or even twenty, years from now. They are the ones focused upon quantity rather than quality, mass producing novels, each with just a slightly altered version of the same predictable plot and outcome. Next are the writers whose work is just a thinly disguised rehash of other authors' popular bestsellers. Then there are those who publish their work before first acquiring the knowledge and honing the skills required to produce a technically well-written, articulate, and thought provoking story.
Hundreds of thousands of unknown writers are striving to become commercially successful. Very few will succeed. Even fewer will produce a classic that will withstand the test of time, but it has been proven that it can be done; so do it.
It is very difficult to predict which of today's popular authors may eventually be included among the ranks of the literary elite. I personally believe that Kazuo Ishiguro, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling might be considered viable candidates.
It is very easy to determine which authors will probably not be remembered a hundred, or even twenty, years from now. They are the ones focused upon quantity rather than quality, mass producing novels, each with just a slightly altered version of the same predictable plot and outcome. Next are the writers whose work is just a thinly disguised rehash of other authors' popular bestsellers. Then there are those who publish their work before first acquiring the knowledge and honing the skills required to produce a technically well-written, articulate, and thought provoking story.
Hundreds of thousands of unknown writers are striving to become commercially successful. Very few will succeed. Even fewer will produce a classic that will withstand the test of time, but it has been proven that it can be done; so do it.
May 6, 2015
Artistic Independence and Rebellion are Not the Same Thing
When a book is rated poorly for containing numerous technical writing errors, the author sometimes proclaims that it is the story itself that matters, not grammar, spelling, punctuation, or syntax. Some claim to have discovered just as many errors in works by traditionally published, bestselling authors. Still others describe their writing style as a rebellion against traditional concepts and rules pertaining to writing. They boast of refusing to compromise their artistic independence for the sake of conformity or to achieve commercial success.
The Merriam Webster English Dictionary provides the following definitions:
Independence - The quality or state of being independent: Freedom
Rebellion - Resistance to authority: Defiance
Freedom of expression is essential to quality writing. Independent thought is invaluable when making a decision or choice. However, bad decisions and wrong choices produce negative results. If unprepared or unwilling to accept them, one must challenge or at least question one's rebellious philosophy and attitude.
Established standards and rules for writing and language are not the result of a whim. They have been developed, tested, and improved upon over time. The most successful writers have adopted and utilized them to consistently produce quality books. Every author should strive to be unique and independent; however, these traits must be tempered by discipline, intelligence, and common sense.
History teaches us that independence, wisely executed, is an admirable and rewarding trait. History also teaches us that irresponsible and immature rebellion results in failure much more often than success.
The Merriam Webster English Dictionary provides the following definitions:
Independence - The quality or state of being independent: Freedom
Rebellion - Resistance to authority: Defiance
Freedom of expression is essential to quality writing. Independent thought is invaluable when making a decision or choice. However, bad decisions and wrong choices produce negative results. If unprepared or unwilling to accept them, one must challenge or at least question one's rebellious philosophy and attitude.
Established standards and rules for writing and language are not the result of a whim. They have been developed, tested, and improved upon over time. The most successful writers have adopted and utilized them to consistently produce quality books. Every author should strive to be unique and independent; however, these traits must be tempered by discipline, intelligence, and common sense.
History teaches us that independence, wisely executed, is an admirable and rewarding trait. History also teaches us that irresponsible and immature rebellion results in failure much more often than success.
April 29, 2015
Just Who Do You Think You Are?
The title of this blog post is taken directly from a private message received from a gentleman who felt that the previous blog post, titled It is Absolutely Unprofessional to Attempt to Redefine Professionalism, was a personal insult. After asking just who I thought I was, he went on to inform me, utilizing very unprofessional language, that it was none of my business that he chose to refer to himself as a professional. He is absolutely correct. One may refer to oneself in any way that one wishes. He may have assumed that the final two paragraphs of the aforementioned blog post were written with someone like him in mind. If so, he may again be absolutely correct.
I very seldom respond to private messages, but felt this one deserved a response, not because of the opinion itself, but the crass and disingenuous manner in which it was expressed. Just who do I think I am? I know exactly who I am. Like everyone else, I am the sum total and end result of my life experiences.
Formerly: Seminarian (4 years - St. Mark Seminary - Erie, Pa.), U.S. Marine (Enlisted in 1966 - Vietnam Veteran), Musician (guitar & bass - 8 years), Management Career (H.J. Heinz Co. - 33 years), Husband (35 1/2 years).
Currently: Retiree (14 years), Proud Father (4 adult children), Proud Grandfather (4 grandchildren), Widower (10 years), Road Trip Aficionado (visited 2 countries & 43 states by car), Avid Reader (60 years), Published Author (one novel - my first and last). Quite satisfied with my life - past and present; looking forward to the future.
You, who inspired this blog post, now know who I am and how I got to be that person. Just who do you think you are? If totally satisfied with who you are, fine. If not, you can always find out what must be done to become the kind of person you would like to be, an then do it.
I very seldom respond to private messages, but felt this one deserved a response, not because of the opinion itself, but the crass and disingenuous manner in which it was expressed. Just who do I think I am? I know exactly who I am. Like everyone else, I am the sum total and end result of my life experiences.
Formerly: Seminarian (4 years - St. Mark Seminary - Erie, Pa.), U.S. Marine (Enlisted in 1966 - Vietnam Veteran), Musician (guitar & bass - 8 years), Management Career (H.J. Heinz Co. - 33 years), Husband (35 1/2 years).
Currently: Retiree (14 years), Proud Father (4 adult children), Proud Grandfather (4 grandchildren), Widower (10 years), Road Trip Aficionado (visited 2 countries & 43 states by car), Avid Reader (60 years), Published Author (one novel - my first and last). Quite satisfied with my life - past and present; looking forward to the future.
You, who inspired this blog post, now know who I am and how I got to be that person. Just who do you think you are? If totally satisfied with who you are, fine. If not, you can always find out what must be done to become the kind of person you would like to be, an then do it.
