Harule Stokes's Blog, page 3
March 28, 2016
The Drug War is BS. Time to Move Onward and Upward
Control and oppress. That's the point of the drug war. It's the same as prohibition. Legalization is the only rationale path.
March 23, 2016
5 Things You Didn't Know About Science Fiction
We’ve all experienced the wonder of a good science fiction story. From television to movies to books, science fiction is the stuff of dreams and wondrous imaginings. But, there are things about science fiction that are more than just fun story-telling. Here are five of facts that will hopefully get you even more interested in sci-fi, or at least show that it’s not just for pimply faced teenager boys.
1 – According to Vladimir Nabokov, the Tempest written by Shakepeare, was science fiction.
Yes, even Shakespeare wrote science fiction. Of course some would say, “Nuh uh! Shakespeare didn’t write no sci-fi!” Well, let me tell you, yup. You have to look at the book and the idea presented in the context of the time it was created. The ideas presented in that story were very likely science fiction for the people that watched it. So yes, you can say you’re reading sci-fi even when it’s Shakespeare.
2 – Scientist in Japan create artificial womb
Get ready to resist the robot overlords. The Matrix (sci-fi again) has set the stage for a real womb-like system to be created. Hitting the big-screen way back in 1999, the Matrix showed us a world where humans were stored in an artificial womb and used as batteries. Today, those wombs are a no longer fiction. How long will it be before virtual reality is indistinguishable from the real world and completes the danger of Matrix-reality?
But, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad if we can have information downloaded straight into our brains. I'd love to learn kung-fu.
3 – Ion drives are now a reality
In Star Wars, the imperial TIE fighters are propelled by ion engines. While you won’t be commuting in cars with ion drives anytime soon, scientist are already testing unmanned spacecraft using the formally fictional technology.
Going to different planets will no longer be a decade long process. Commuting to Mars on a shuttle.. it could happen.
4 – Smartphone tattoos
Motorola has teamed up with a company called VivaLnk to make a temporary tattoo that can unlock a smartphone, no PIN required. Slap it on your skin, hold your phone up to it, and bam — phone unlocked.
Mark of the beast anyone?
Wait, does that mean the Bible may have some science fiction in it as well?
5 – Mind-controlled synthetic legs
Bionic man, here we come! An Icelandic orthopedics company has unveiled its mind-controlled prosthetic leg. In a small trial of the new system, researchers demonstrated that patients could control the robotic foot just like healthy people, simply by thinking about it.
March 15, 2016
Cover Reveal!!
I'm very proud to show off my cover for my 2nd novel - Fallen Sun.
March 14, 2016
GMO mosquitoes?!
Floridians, get ready for GMO on wings!
Why all the hubbub about Zika? I can't be because zika is so dangerous (because it's not). I can't be because of microcephaly (that's be around for decades and the numbers haven't gone up).
I'm incredibly skeptical.
Why all the hubbub about Zika? I can't be because zika is so dangerous (because it's not). I can't be because of microcephaly (that's be around for decades and the numbers haven't gone up).
I'm incredibly skeptical.
March 11, 2016
Totally Feeling the Bern!
Bernie Sanders is, in my opinion, on of the most honest politician I've ever seen. He has to be right up there with Jimmy Carter in terms of honor and consistency.
The truth is always more powerful than a lie.
The truth is always more powerful than a lie.
July 13, 2015
Different Races of Humans is Utter Nonsense
I've been saying this for years. This guy puts it in a very succinct and consumable way.
February 11, 2015
First Draft Joys!
After 14 months of writing, Sectors: The Great War is done! Well, the first draft is done, but I'll take a win whenever I can get it. :)
June 5, 2014
Chugging along - Sectors: The Great War
It's not that hard... but sometimes it certainly feels that way. Working on Sectors: The Great War has been slow. Well, it feels that's it's been slow. But it's to be expected. Having twins (yes, my wife recently gave birth to our twin babies, Aaran and Ashima! I'm in love all over again with her and them) has completely overhauled my life in the best ways possible.
It feels like my heart will burst when they look at me and smile!
Now that I've finished the rough draft of chapter 5, I've been getting myself back into the groove but that's accompanied by stops and spurts. In spite this, I know I can't stop, because stopping becomes stagnation for me. To stagnate will only result in me letting myself down. So... I have to push on. Like the little engine that could, I can't allow myself to quit because the task ahead feels difficult.
I can't quit at all!
My children need their dad to show them that with some elbow grease and effort, you can accomplish whatever your heart desires.
Well, they don't need me to do that... I want them to know I did that. I want to be the dad that's a good example of the words he preaches. I don't want to be a "do as I say, not as I do," dad. They deserve better. My wife deserves better. I deserve better of myself.
Sectors: The Great War will be completed. I'm make sure of that.
