C. Henry Martens's Blog, page 5
May 31, 2018
Be Aware and Survive
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Whenever a shooting is reported on the news, I think that will never happen to me. I live in a rural area. I avoid crowds. I’m rarely in a school or a movie theater or a fast food restaurant. Like most, I am lulled into a false sense of security.
Then, last weekend, there I was… right smack in the middle of downtown Phoenix, attending Phoenix Comic Fest, surrounded by thousands of costumed and grease-painted people.
Like every one of those thousands of people, I had to go through TSA-level security. Security staff inspected our bags and props, put us through metal detectors, and ran metal detecting wands over us as we stood with arms out.
The process was a reminder of the security fiasco at last year’s event. Some whackadoodle entered with an armory. He was intent on killing one the actors who was appearing. He looked like he was in costume, but he was geared up for a real battle. Someone finally noticed there was something not quite right about this guy, reported him to security, and he was taken into custody.
Event security reacted immediately and severely, banning all props, increasing security measures at the entrance, resulting in long lines of frustrated geeks.
This year, event organizers worked hard to ensure adequate security, keep lines at a minimum, and allow for most props to be brought in by cosplayers. No guns allowed, regardless of how fake they looked.
On Saturday, my friends and I had just gone through security, and one of my friends noticed someone had a rifle in their pack. It was clearly plastic, but it violated this year’s prop rules. My friend asked him how he got through security with that, and he just shrugged his shoulders. So, yeah, not a perfect system.
Saturday evening, my friends were attending a panel that didn’t interest me, so I went to another by myself. Two minutes into the panel, the alarm system went off with flashing lights and annoying sounds. No one moved. A second later, to confirm what was going on, an automated announcement blared that an emergency had been reported and everyone was to exit the building using the stairs.
We all grabbed our things and stood to comply with the orders. While my mind was immediately occupied with thoughts of fire and mass shootings, everyone else was just talking with each other and moving out of the room and down the stairs like a vast herd of geek sheep.
I, on the other hand, entered a state of hyper-awareness. Before leaving the room we were in, I paused and looked both ways, noting how the crowd was moving, where everyone was going, and especially looking for anyone who was acting unusual.
Before heading down the stairs, I paused and noted where my escape routes were. I listened carefully for any strange sounds. Any ‘pops’ of gunfire? Any screams?
I continued to look all around me, looking and listening. I also smelled the air for smoke or any other unusual smells. Though I have a poor sense of smell, I’ll use what I have. I used my senses to be aware of my surroundings, and just as important, I stayed calm.
I was able to reconnect with my friends as we did throughout the event – with Facebook Messenger – and we called it a day, not knowing how long it would take to reopen the convention center and get everyone back in through security. We were relieved to learn there was no emergency, only a faulty alarm system that was fixed by the next morning.
Later, I was telling my husband about what happened and how I handled it. He said, “Good girl!” and that he was proud of me for the way I stayed aware. I have to say, no one is prouder of me than myself!
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To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
Whenever a shooting is reported on the news, I think that will never happen to me. I live in a rural area. I avoid crowds. I’m rarely in a school or a movie theater or a fast food restaurant. Like most, I am lulled into a false sense of security.
Then, last weekend, there I was… right smack in the middle of downtown Phoenix, attending Phoenix Comic Fest, surrounded by thousands of costumed and grease-painted people.
Like every one of those thousands of people, I had to go through TSA-level security. Security staff inspected our bags and props, put us through metal detectors, and ran metal detecting wands over us as we stood with arms out.
The process was a reminder of the security fiasco at last year’s event. Some whackadoodle entered with an armory. He was intent on killing one the actors who was appearing. He looked like he was in costume, but he was geared up for a real battle. Someone finally noticed there was something not quite right about this guy, reported him to security, and he was taken into custody.
Event security reacted immediately and severely, banning all props, increasing security measures at the entrance, resulting in long lines of frustrated geeks.
This year, event organizers worked hard to ensure adequate security, keep lines at a minimum, and allow for most props to be brought in by cosplayers. No guns allowed, regardless of how fake they looked.
On Saturday, my friends and I had just gone through security, and one of my friends noticed someone had a rifle in their pack. It was clearly plastic, but it violated this year’s prop rules. My friend asked him how he got through security with that, and he just shrugged his shoulders. So, yeah, not a perfect system.
Saturday evening, my friends were attending a panel that didn’t interest me, so I went to another by myself. Two minutes into the panel, the alarm system went off with flashing lights and annoying sounds. No one moved. A second later, to confirm what was going on, an automated announcement blared that an emergency had been reported and everyone was to exit the building using the stairs.
We all grabbed our things and stood to comply with the orders. While my mind was immediately occupied with thoughts of fire and mass shootings, everyone else was just talking with each other and moving out of the room and down the stairs like a vast herd of geek sheep.
I, on the other hand, entered a state of hyper-awareness. Before leaving the room we were in, I paused and looked both ways, noting how the crowd was moving, where everyone was going, and especially looking for anyone who was acting unusual.
Before heading down the stairs, I paused and noted where my escape routes were. I listened carefully for any strange sounds. Any ‘pops’ of gunfire? Any screams?
I continued to look all around me, looking and listening. I also smelled the air for smoke or any other unusual smells. Though I have a poor sense of smell, I’ll use what I have. I used my senses to be aware of my surroundings, and just as important, I stayed calm.
I was able to reconnect with my friends as we did throughout the event – with Facebook Messenger – and we called it a day, not knowing how long it would take to reopen the convention center and get everyone back in through security. We were relieved to learn there was no emergency, only a faulty alarm system that was fixed by the next morning.
Later, I was telling my husband about what happened and how I handled it. He said, “Good girl!” and that he was proud of me for the way I stayed aware. I have to say, no one is prouder of me than myself!
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
May 24, 2018
Comicon Apocalypse
©2018 Kari Carlisle
One of the most loved features of comic book and sci-fi conventions is the ability to pay through the nose for an opportunity to get a celebrity autograph or have one’s picture taken with a celebrity. The bigger the convention, the better the draw for a big-name celebrity, and the more options the convention attendee will have to meet famous people. This weekend’s Phoenix Comic Fest features big names such as William Shatner and Tim Curry.
Last year was my first visit to Phoenix Comicon (now Phoenix Comic Fest due to legal restrictions on the use of “Comicon”), and though I did not pay for any autographs or photo ops then, I wrote about how exciting it was to see some of the celebrities who were there, even if it was from a distance. I did get one autograph – Outlander series author Diana Gabaldon – and that was as exciting to me as meeting anyone.
The most devastating thing that can happen to someone who has paid for and really looking forward to meeting a celebrity is the dreaded “Unable to Attend” notification. It happens. These people make their big money through jobs and mainly appear at conventions to greet fans and make a little extra. So, if a job becomes available, bye bye comicon.
A couple of weeks ago, I gave you a hint at who I was going to meet and get my picture taken with this year. My teen crush, actor in Real Genius, Tombstone, Top Gun, Batman Forever, and many more films, Val Kilmer has canceled his appearance at Phoenix Comic Fest. And there goes my cosplay. I had a complete Chris Knight outfit ready to wear Saturday to pay homage to Mr. Kilmer’s Real Genius character, the one I fell in love with as a teen. What do you think?
I’m terribly disappointed. I suppose I’ll hang onto my outfit and hope that he makes it next year. The question now is do I pay to meet someone else? Take a look at the guests for this year and tell me who you think I should try to see. That is, as long as the Comicon Apocalypse doesn’t happen and they find a job elsewhere.
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www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
One of the most loved features of comic book and sci-fi conventions is the ability to pay through the nose for an opportunity to get a celebrity autograph or have one’s picture taken with a celebrity. The bigger the convention, the better the draw for a big-name celebrity, and the more options the convention attendee will have to meet famous people. This weekend’s Phoenix Comic Fest features big names such as William Shatner and Tim Curry.
Last year was my first visit to Phoenix Comicon (now Phoenix Comic Fest due to legal restrictions on the use of “Comicon”), and though I did not pay for any autographs or photo ops then, I wrote about how exciting it was to see some of the celebrities who were there, even if it was from a distance. I did get one autograph – Outlander series author Diana Gabaldon – and that was as exciting to me as meeting anyone.
The most devastating thing that can happen to someone who has paid for and really looking forward to meeting a celebrity is the dreaded “Unable to Attend” notification. It happens. These people make their big money through jobs and mainly appear at conventions to greet fans and make a little extra. So, if a job becomes available, bye bye comicon.
A couple of weeks ago, I gave you a hint at who I was going to meet and get my picture taken with this year. My teen crush, actor in Real Genius, Tombstone, Top Gun, Batman Forever, and many more films, Val Kilmer has canceled his appearance at Phoenix Comic Fest. And there goes my cosplay. I had a complete Chris Knight outfit ready to wear Saturday to pay homage to Mr. Kilmer’s Real Genius character, the one I fell in love with as a teen. What do you think?
I’m terribly disappointed. I suppose I’ll hang onto my outfit and hope that he makes it next year. The question now is do I pay to meet someone else? Take a look at the guests for this year and tell me who you think I should try to see. That is, as long as the Comicon Apocalypse doesn’t happen and they find a job elsewhere.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
May 17, 2018
Food of the Apocalypse
©2018 Kari Carlisle
As I write this, I’m watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. I like candy probably no more or less than any other, so my interest in this movie is more out of curiosity about how it compares with the Gene Wilder version (no comparison, IMO, though it has some redeeming qualities). I am more interested in eating the squirrels that crack the nuts. Which got me thinking…
Probably the first thing you might think of when you think of “preppers” is a huge pantry full of canned and jarred foods, bags of rice and beans, and dried foods. Whether you’ve “prepped” or not, if you survive some kind of apocalypse, you may or may not have access to such food stores. Like the characters in C. Henry Martens’ Monster of the Apocalypse trilogy, you may find yourself scrounging for nonperishables, or you may have no access to anything resembling food. You’ll have to figure out things quickly or die of starvation.
If squirrels also survive the apocalypse and you’re fortunate to snare one, you’ll learn to appreciate squirrel meat real fast. I recently had the opportunity to crock pot a freshly killed prairie dog, and it was good! Not a lot of meat, but the taste was mild and not “gamey.” This week, I had a pleasant conversation with a hunter who enjoys squirrel meat (which I haven’t had a chance to try yet). The key to survival may be learning to snare and/or shoot, kill, gut, and cook small game.
Foraging for plant-based foods can also be a significant source of survival food. Of course, you better make darn sure you know what you’re picking. Berries can look delicious and end up making you very sick or very dead. This week on a nature hike, I found some berries in the nightshade family, and I knew well enough to leave those alone. I have foraged many times for berries, but I know what I’m doing.
Eventually raising animals for meat and gardening will be helpful for long-term survival. Again, you need to know what you’re doing. Books will only help so much (if you have access to books. You know, the things with words that you have to turn the pages because they don’t swipe). Of course, if you’re in the middle of the city…
We should be so lucky to have access to animals and plants. Worse, we could end up in a dystopia. If you’ve seen the movie “Soylent Green,” you may think that could never happen. Don’t be so sure. Recycling organic matter already happens. Roadkill, farm animals that died of illness, and even euthanized pets have been processed in rendering plants and the product used in animal feed (think twice what you’re feeding your dog), so it may not be such a stretch to start recycling human flesh. Scientists are already growing meat in labs and seeking FDA approval. And we’ve been eating genetically modified foods for years. Brave new world or the end of real food?
So enjoy your food while you have it. And start working on your hunting, foraging, and gardening skills.
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www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
As I write this, I’m watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp. I like candy probably no more or less than any other, so my interest in this movie is more out of curiosity about how it compares with the Gene Wilder version (no comparison, IMO, though it has some redeeming qualities). I am more interested in eating the squirrels that crack the nuts. Which got me thinking…
Probably the first thing you might think of when you think of “preppers” is a huge pantry full of canned and jarred foods, bags of rice and beans, and dried foods. Whether you’ve “prepped” or not, if you survive some kind of apocalypse, you may or may not have access to such food stores. Like the characters in C. Henry Martens’ Monster of the Apocalypse trilogy, you may find yourself scrounging for nonperishables, or you may have no access to anything resembling food. You’ll have to figure out things quickly or die of starvation.
If squirrels also survive the apocalypse and you’re fortunate to snare one, you’ll learn to appreciate squirrel meat real fast. I recently had the opportunity to crock pot a freshly killed prairie dog, and it was good! Not a lot of meat, but the taste was mild and not “gamey.” This week, I had a pleasant conversation with a hunter who enjoys squirrel meat (which I haven’t had a chance to try yet). The key to survival may be learning to snare and/or shoot, kill, gut, and cook small game.
Foraging for plant-based foods can also be a significant source of survival food. Of course, you better make darn sure you know what you’re picking. Berries can look delicious and end up making you very sick or very dead. This week on a nature hike, I found some berries in the nightshade family, and I knew well enough to leave those alone. I have foraged many times for berries, but I know what I’m doing.
Eventually raising animals for meat and gardening will be helpful for long-term survival. Again, you need to know what you’re doing. Books will only help so much (if you have access to books. You know, the things with words that you have to turn the pages because they don’t swipe). Of course, if you’re in the middle of the city…
We should be so lucky to have access to animals and plants. Worse, we could end up in a dystopia. If you’ve seen the movie “Soylent Green,” you may think that could never happen. Don’t be so sure. Recycling organic matter already happens. Roadkill, farm animals that died of illness, and even euthanized pets have been processed in rendering plants and the product used in animal feed (think twice what you’re feeding your dog), so it may not be such a stretch to start recycling human flesh. Scientists are already growing meat in labs and seeking FDA approval. And we’ve been eating genetically modified foods for years. Brave new world or the end of real food?
So enjoy your food while you have it. And start working on your hunting, foraging, and gardening skills.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
May 10, 2018
Review: Lost in Space
©2018 C. Henry Martens
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Holy COW!!! This ain't your Mama's Lost in Space.
The new series, released April 13th, is one of the best re-imaginings of a former series ever done. Where the old 1965 classic was played as more or less serious, it has become a cult classic because as it aged, the pure innocence of how hokey it was slapped us in the face.
This new Lost in Space is now the new standard for significant science fiction drama.
The best part is that it is a profoundly well-cast series. The actors are believable and well written, although as in most series, it takes some episodes to understand how they all fit together in the whole.
The stand out performance (among many) is Doctor Smith. I would never have expected the part to be played by a female lead, but Parker Posey brought the character to a level worthy of accolades. Let me be the first to predict awards for her performance. She is sinister and sly and cringe-worthy, yet entirely believable. The new Doctor Smith is someone you want to put in an airlock and open the outer hatch.
In fact, that is one of the only maddeningly frustrating parts of the series... how everyone takes so long to catch on to the fact that the good doctor isn't the “good” doctor. During my watching, I just wanted to reach out and slap people upside the head when they failed to recognize Smith's machinations. Especially when there is no attempt to hide that the doctor is an evil, self-serving bitch.
In all remakes, there are going to be differences. Sometimes rewrites work, and sometimes they don't.
The original storyline of the robot's existence takes a serious detour, but it works. The Judy character, played by Taylor Russel, has a twist and may be less believable, but in the end becomes something you can accept. And Ignacio Serricchio as Don, Judy's romantic interest in the old series, at first comes across as something of a slimeball, but after some believable dialogue, he justifies himself. But I fear he is doomed to always be the hero that will always be digging his way out of something unsavory.
I suspect the second season will fill out the Judy/Don relationship and characters better.
Of the rest of the cast, Molly Stevens plays a great and smart mom, and Toby Stephens plays a believably crusty and flawed dad. Maxwell Jenkins is a brilliant Will Robinson. Penny Robinson is played by Mina Sundwall, and as the second oldest child in the family has some great lines, but seems too old in comparison to Judy as the oldest child. That impression might be a hold-over from watching the original series.
As in the original series, the robot and the eleven-year-old Will Robinson have a special relationship. Similarly to the original series as well, the Doctor Smith character tries to overcome this bond and ingratiate herself into a position of power using the robot.
One of the best things about the series is that the acting, dialogue, and relationships are not overshadowed by the special effects. Perhaps this is because there was nothing noteworthy, but I prefer to think it was intentional that the director made the storyline more important than the bells and whistles. An unusual choice, but a relief as it proved over the course of several episodes to be more entertaining. The discretion in not overwhelming the show with overdone effects is impressive.
Not to give out any spoilers, but the series starts out with more characters than I have mentioned. You'll have to watch the show to see what I mean.
At the end of this year's season, the last episode, there is a twist that came out of nowhere. Now I'm hooked, so I'll be excited to see what comes next.
I'm not sure I can wait...
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
Photo courtesy of NetflixHoly COW!!! This ain't your Mama's Lost in Space.
The new series, released April 13th, is one of the best re-imaginings of a former series ever done. Where the old 1965 classic was played as more or less serious, it has become a cult classic because as it aged, the pure innocence of how hokey it was slapped us in the face.
This new Lost in Space is now the new standard for significant science fiction drama.
The best part is that it is a profoundly well-cast series. The actors are believable and well written, although as in most series, it takes some episodes to understand how they all fit together in the whole.
The stand out performance (among many) is Doctor Smith. I would never have expected the part to be played by a female lead, but Parker Posey brought the character to a level worthy of accolades. Let me be the first to predict awards for her performance. She is sinister and sly and cringe-worthy, yet entirely believable. The new Doctor Smith is someone you want to put in an airlock and open the outer hatch.
In fact, that is one of the only maddeningly frustrating parts of the series... how everyone takes so long to catch on to the fact that the good doctor isn't the “good” doctor. During my watching, I just wanted to reach out and slap people upside the head when they failed to recognize Smith's machinations. Especially when there is no attempt to hide that the doctor is an evil, self-serving bitch.
In all remakes, there are going to be differences. Sometimes rewrites work, and sometimes they don't.
The original storyline of the robot's existence takes a serious detour, but it works. The Judy character, played by Taylor Russel, has a twist and may be less believable, but in the end becomes something you can accept. And Ignacio Serricchio as Don, Judy's romantic interest in the old series, at first comes across as something of a slimeball, but after some believable dialogue, he justifies himself. But I fear he is doomed to always be the hero that will always be digging his way out of something unsavory.
I suspect the second season will fill out the Judy/Don relationship and characters better.
Of the rest of the cast, Molly Stevens plays a great and smart mom, and Toby Stephens plays a believably crusty and flawed dad. Maxwell Jenkins is a brilliant Will Robinson. Penny Robinson is played by Mina Sundwall, and as the second oldest child in the family has some great lines, but seems too old in comparison to Judy as the oldest child. That impression might be a hold-over from watching the original series.
As in the original series, the robot and the eleven-year-old Will Robinson have a special relationship. Similarly to the original series as well, the Doctor Smith character tries to overcome this bond and ingratiate herself into a position of power using the robot.
One of the best things about the series is that the acting, dialogue, and relationships are not overshadowed by the special effects. Perhaps this is because there was nothing noteworthy, but I prefer to think it was intentional that the director made the storyline more important than the bells and whistles. An unusual choice, but a relief as it proved over the course of several episodes to be more entertaining. The discretion in not overwhelming the show with overdone effects is impressive.
Not to give out any spoilers, but the series starts out with more characters than I have mentioned. You'll have to watch the show to see what I mean.
At the end of this year's season, the last episode, there is a twist that came out of nowhere. Now I'm hooked, so I'll be excited to see what comes next.
I'm not sure I can wait...
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
May 3, 2018
Busting the Comicon Myth
©2018 Kari Carlisle
In a Saturday Night Live skit that aired in 1986, William Shatner famously told fans at a Star Trek convention to “Get a life.” Since then, TV and movies have poked fun at Con-goers. Commonly portrayed as zit-faced, overweight nerds with no life, wearing costumes that barely resemble the originals, Con fans get a bad rap. Or do they?
The San Diego Comic-Con is arguably the most famous Con, but there are conventions all over the world that celebrate not only comic books, but science fiction, specific franchises (such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.), anime, gaming, aliens, cryptozoology, and more. TV shows like Monk and Castle have had episodes that feature conventions, and movies like Paul and Galaxy Questhave conventions as an integral part of the plot. While convention participants in media are caricatures, the real fans have a sense of humor about these portrayals.
If you have never been to a convention, I urge you to go and check it out. While I’ve only been to the Phoenix Comic Fest, and the size, location, and focus of a convention will dictate your experience, I believe you will likely find a lot of interesting things to do and see. Foremost will be the cosplay. Many fans enjoy dressing in costume, and while media portrayals are usually pretty lame, you’ll be amazed at the quality and intricacy of the some of the costumes you’ll see at a real convention. People put a lot of time and effort into researching and reproducing costumes. And while most of the general population may not be as young and trim as the characters they are emulating, I applaud their desire to assume a new identity, to become a person that they respect or one that allows them to be a “bad guy” for a day. For cosplayers, it’s not just about the costume – it’s about role-playing. That said, I have seen some amazingly fit, young cosplayers that are pretty easy on the eyes if you know what I mean.
Another feature of conventions that you don’t necessarily find in media portrayals is the “panel.” Panels are short (usually 1-2 hours) sessions that are generally educational as well as entertaining. Panels can be about the science behind the fiction, the making of a particular production (TV show, movie, etc.), or workshops (cosplay, writing, etc.). The larger and longer the convention, the more options you will have.
Conventions will also have opportunities to meet celebrities, get autographs and/or photo opportunities, and maybe even party with them.
Shopping, gaming, dancing, drinking, “adult-only” panels, and more may be available at your nearby convention. My suggestion is to do an Internet search for science fiction conventions in your state and look at the website and Facebook page for your closest one. Look for the schedule of events and see what they have available. Bear in mind that the further out the date, the less they will have confirmed. Celebrity guests are sometimes not confirmed until weeks before the convention.
Maybe it’s the anthropologist in me, but my experience at Phoenix Comic Fest last year was like observing another culture. My college instructors talked about “going native,” when anthropologists while observing a culture end up abandoning their own culture to join the group they’re observing. Well, crap, I guess I am going native. I am returning to Phoenix Comic Fest this year for all four days instead of one. I will be attending several writing workshops as I did last year. And this year, I will be cosplaying, attending panels, and yes, I have even purchased a photo op with a famous actor. I’m your huckleberry if you can guess which one. More to come over the next few weeks…
Have you attended any conventions? What’s your take on them?
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
In a Saturday Night Live skit that aired in 1986, William Shatner famously told fans at a Star Trek convention to “Get a life.” Since then, TV and movies have poked fun at Con-goers. Commonly portrayed as zit-faced, overweight nerds with no life, wearing costumes that barely resemble the originals, Con fans get a bad rap. Or do they?
The San Diego Comic-Con is arguably the most famous Con, but there are conventions all over the world that celebrate not only comic books, but science fiction, specific franchises (such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc.), anime, gaming, aliens, cryptozoology, and more. TV shows like Monk and Castle have had episodes that feature conventions, and movies like Paul and Galaxy Questhave conventions as an integral part of the plot. While convention participants in media are caricatures, the real fans have a sense of humor about these portrayals.
If you have never been to a convention, I urge you to go and check it out. While I’ve only been to the Phoenix Comic Fest, and the size, location, and focus of a convention will dictate your experience, I believe you will likely find a lot of interesting things to do and see. Foremost will be the cosplay. Many fans enjoy dressing in costume, and while media portrayals are usually pretty lame, you’ll be amazed at the quality and intricacy of the some of the costumes you’ll see at a real convention. People put a lot of time and effort into researching and reproducing costumes. And while most of the general population may not be as young and trim as the characters they are emulating, I applaud their desire to assume a new identity, to become a person that they respect or one that allows them to be a “bad guy” for a day. For cosplayers, it’s not just about the costume – it’s about role-playing. That said, I have seen some amazingly fit, young cosplayers that are pretty easy on the eyes if you know what I mean.
Another feature of conventions that you don’t necessarily find in media portrayals is the “panel.” Panels are short (usually 1-2 hours) sessions that are generally educational as well as entertaining. Panels can be about the science behind the fiction, the making of a particular production (TV show, movie, etc.), or workshops (cosplay, writing, etc.). The larger and longer the convention, the more options you will have.
Conventions will also have opportunities to meet celebrities, get autographs and/or photo opportunities, and maybe even party with them.
Shopping, gaming, dancing, drinking, “adult-only” panels, and more may be available at your nearby convention. My suggestion is to do an Internet search for science fiction conventions in your state and look at the website and Facebook page for your closest one. Look for the schedule of events and see what they have available. Bear in mind that the further out the date, the less they will have confirmed. Celebrity guests are sometimes not confirmed until weeks before the convention.
Maybe it’s the anthropologist in me, but my experience at Phoenix Comic Fest last year was like observing another culture. My college instructors talked about “going native,” when anthropologists while observing a culture end up abandoning their own culture to join the group they’re observing. Well, crap, I guess I am going native. I am returning to Phoenix Comic Fest this year for all four days instead of one. I will be attending several writing workshops as I did last year. And this year, I will be cosplaying, attending panels, and yes, I have even purchased a photo op with a famous actor. I’m your huckleberry if you can guess which one. More to come over the next few weeks…
Have you attended any conventions? What’s your take on them?
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
April 26, 2018
Commerce for Survival?
©2018 Kari Carlisle
The lessons of history can prepare us for the future only if we listen and apply them. Regardless of the apocalyptic scenario, natural or human-caused, human survival will depend on commerce, i.e. the interchange of goods and services. Sure, you may be able to take care of yourself and your family for a while, but eventually, you’ll need to interact and exchange with others to rebuild community.
Imagine aliens arrive and begin massacring humans and herding them into concentration camps. Eventually, the humans are given an opportunity to leave under numerous onerous conditions, and they return to their homes, only to find them burned to the ground. They must start over and with precious few resources.
Now imagine this has already happened only you don’t have to imagine it. It has happened to many indigenous groups around the world. This year, the Navajo people are recognizing the 150th anniversary of the end of the Long Walk. The Long Walk refers to their 4-year incarceration at the hands of U.S. soldiers. They were driven on foot for hundreds of miles to Fort Sumner, NM, and many died. Navajo mothers handed their babies to strangers along the way with hope they would survive. When presented with a treaty, Navajo leaders agreed to sign on June 1, 1868. They gave up many freedoms in exchange for the ability to return home.
But home wasn’t the same. Homes and fields were burned. Livestock was slaughtered. To help the Navajo people get back on their feet, the U.S. government paved the way for willing traders to establish hundreds of trading posts across reservation lands to provide needed goods and services. While some of the traders took advantage of the Navajo people, many knew that benevolence and generosity made them more successful.
A future apocalypse may look very different with no benevolent traders readily available to move in and help survivors regain their footing. But commerce will still be a critical function of long-term survival. If you have prepared poorly or not at all, you may need to rely heavily on the benevolence and generosity of others who have abundant resources.
If you have abundant resources, you have some decisions to make. You can take advantage of others who are desperate for your goods and services. Think slave trader, pimp, mob boss, etc. Just remember, some traders lost their lives at the hands of the Navajo because they did not respect the people they were there to serve. Alternatively, you may choose to be generous without the expectation that you would be eventually rewarded. The latter choice is certainly the more ethical and peaceful.
There are lessons to be learned here. Foremost is to avoid being the oppressor who subjugates innocent people. More easily said than done when you look at world history. Humans have a tendency to follow the crowd, and when a dynamic personality leads them in the wrong direction, evil ensues. Examples abound in every era and every nation.
On a personal level, one lesson to be learned is to be prepared. I’m not telling you to dig your underground bunker tomorrow but to take reasonable measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from hard times. That includes everything from a lost job to an existential crisis for humanity. Even a minor crisis can be life-threatening if you haven’t thought of the basics.
A greater lesson we can learn from this is to be grateful for what you receive and to be generous with what you have. I have been in a position of need, and I am grateful for those who have generously helped me through tough times. An even better feeling is to help others.
The Navajo people today have survived the Long Walk, but social and financial problems continue to plague them. Convenience stores and big box stores in border towns meet most of the needs of the Navajo people on the reservation, and few trading posts survive. The oldest continuously operated trading post in the southwest is Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, AZ, and it has been a National Historic Site since 1967. The trader at Hubbell, Edison Eskeets, is planning a solo long-distance run of over 330 miles to commemorate the Long Walk and honor his people because he is Navajo. If you’re interested in learning more and sponsoring Edison, CLICK HERE.
Don’t be stingy with what you have – money, skill, talent – share with others, and make the world a better place.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
The lessons of history can prepare us for the future only if we listen and apply them. Regardless of the apocalyptic scenario, natural or human-caused, human survival will depend on commerce, i.e. the interchange of goods and services. Sure, you may be able to take care of yourself and your family for a while, but eventually, you’ll need to interact and exchange with others to rebuild community.
Imagine aliens arrive and begin massacring humans and herding them into concentration camps. Eventually, the humans are given an opportunity to leave under numerous onerous conditions, and they return to their homes, only to find them burned to the ground. They must start over and with precious few resources.
Now imagine this has already happened only you don’t have to imagine it. It has happened to many indigenous groups around the world. This year, the Navajo people are recognizing the 150th anniversary of the end of the Long Walk. The Long Walk refers to their 4-year incarceration at the hands of U.S. soldiers. They were driven on foot for hundreds of miles to Fort Sumner, NM, and many died. Navajo mothers handed their babies to strangers along the way with hope they would survive. When presented with a treaty, Navajo leaders agreed to sign on June 1, 1868. They gave up many freedoms in exchange for the ability to return home.
But home wasn’t the same. Homes and fields were burned. Livestock was slaughtered. To help the Navajo people get back on their feet, the U.S. government paved the way for willing traders to establish hundreds of trading posts across reservation lands to provide needed goods and services. While some of the traders took advantage of the Navajo people, many knew that benevolence and generosity made them more successful.
A future apocalypse may look very different with no benevolent traders readily available to move in and help survivors regain their footing. But commerce will still be a critical function of long-term survival. If you have prepared poorly or not at all, you may need to rely heavily on the benevolence and generosity of others who have abundant resources.
If you have abundant resources, you have some decisions to make. You can take advantage of others who are desperate for your goods and services. Think slave trader, pimp, mob boss, etc. Just remember, some traders lost their lives at the hands of the Navajo because they did not respect the people they were there to serve. Alternatively, you may choose to be generous without the expectation that you would be eventually rewarded. The latter choice is certainly the more ethical and peaceful.
There are lessons to be learned here. Foremost is to avoid being the oppressor who subjugates innocent people. More easily said than done when you look at world history. Humans have a tendency to follow the crowd, and when a dynamic personality leads them in the wrong direction, evil ensues. Examples abound in every era and every nation.
On a personal level, one lesson to be learned is to be prepared. I’m not telling you to dig your underground bunker tomorrow but to take reasonable measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from hard times. That includes everything from a lost job to an existential crisis for humanity. Even a minor crisis can be life-threatening if you haven’t thought of the basics.
A greater lesson we can learn from this is to be grateful for what you receive and to be generous with what you have. I have been in a position of need, and I am grateful for those who have generously helped me through tough times. An even better feeling is to help others.
The Navajo people today have survived the Long Walk, but social and financial problems continue to plague them. Convenience stores and big box stores in border towns meet most of the needs of the Navajo people on the reservation, and few trading posts survive. The oldest continuously operated trading post in the southwest is Hubbell Trading Post in Ganado, AZ, and it has been a National Historic Site since 1967. The trader at Hubbell, Edison Eskeets, is planning a solo long-distance run of over 330 miles to commemorate the Long Walk and honor his people because he is Navajo. If you’re interested in learning more and sponsoring Edison, CLICK HERE.
Don’t be stingy with what you have – money, skill, talent – share with others, and make the world a better place.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
April 19, 2018
Are Your Teeth Ready for the Apocalypse?
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Scenario: Major disaster strikes. You’ve been putting off that dental cleaning, but who cares? You’re in full crisis survival mode. Only worried about the essentials – water, food, shelter, protection. The immediate crisis peaks. You and your loved ones are safe for the moment. You settle into long-term survival mode. Your supplies are in good shape. You begin to rebuild some semblance of your life and your community. Then one day a piercing pain in your tooth causes you to realize no dentists have survived in your community. Now what?
I know it’s an extreme story, but are you prepared to face the apocalypse with just a toothbrush? How long can you go without seeing someone with dental skills? I just tested that myself.
Okay, I didn’t set out to see how long I could go without seeing a dentist, and I absolutely don’t recommend going as long as I did. I finally just realized how long it had been, and mainly because I live pretty far from any dentists, so I guess you could say I avoided it due to the inconvenience. Oh, yeah, and my lifelong dread of dental work because of my severe case of TMJ dysfunction.
Since my last dentist is a good state away, I started looking for a new one only half a state away. I could have found one a little closer, but as you know if you’ve read my blog posts, I’m into natural and organic, and so, I was looking for a holistic dentist. I found several in the Phoenix area, narrowed my selection to one, and made an appointment.
I’ll tell you a little about my experience, but first I want to cut to the end: I’m looking forward to my next appointment!
My holistic dentist wasn’t very different from any other dentist is most ways. X-rays are required by law, so I got those. The doctor poked around my mouth for a bit, calling out notes to his assistant, and measured the depth of the gaps between my teeth and gums. He offered a treatment plan and sent me off to the hygienist for my cleaning. After the cleaning, I got a little goodie bag with a toothbrush and floss. The receptionist estimated my share of the cost after insurance, and I paid my bill and left, obsessively rubbing my tongue against my newly polished teeth.
Here’s how my appointment differed. As I was waiting, employees greeted patients by name and even with hugs. Once I was escorted to my exam room, the dental assistant began by offering me a homeopathic remedy to help my body deal with the radiation I would be dosed with during the x-rays. As she worked, the assistant chatted with me about her lunch, her family, office politics, and her pending birthday, and she let me join in the conversation rather than keeping my mouth too full of equipment to respond with anything more than grunts.
The doctor came in and immediately started humorously messing with me and his assistant. They both constantly checked to make sure I was comfortable or if I needed a break. Upon being offered a treatment plan, there was no hard sell. No pressure to schedule appointments. The hygienist explained everything she did as she was doing it and told me everything I could expect from smells to sensations. There were products on the counter – herbal toothpastes. Before the standard cleaning, she used a laser to kill harmful bacteria lurking in the plaque buildup.
I was at the dentist for a total of two hours, and despite my anxiety and jaw pain, it was the best dental experience I ever had. Normally, I need a drink before a dental, but because I went alone, that was out of the question. The staff made every effort to put me at ease, and it worked. I don’t dread going back. And best of all? After six, yes, SIX years of no dental work, I have no cavities!
The whole experience got me thinking on the five-hour drive home. How much longer could I have gone without a dental? How long could anyone? Some people have naturally strong teeth and are not prone to cavities. I’m not one of those. I have three crowns and several fillings. I suspect most people are like me. Others are pretty bad off, eventually requiring major work like root canals and dentures. If there were no surviving dentists to take care of our teeth in an apocalypse, the inevitable result would be a lot of missing teeth. Bad tooth? Yank it.
How did I manage to go six years without dental work and get no cavities? Here are my tips for surviving the apocalypse without a dentist:
Follow recommended cleaning procedures. Brush twice and floss once daily. I’m sure you can easily find instructions online if you need a reminder (or maybe never even received proper instructions).Use a soft bristle toothbrush. You don’t need anything harder.Here’s where it gets interesting – wait at least 20 minutes after eating before brushing. Your enamel softens after coming into contact with acidic food and drink. Swishing with water before brushing will help harden your enamel. Brushing while your enamel is temporarily softened can wear down the enamel.Use natural toothpaste or tooth powder. I make my own tooth powder from a mixture of bentonite clay, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. I also add a drop or two of tea tree oil to my toothbrush to help kill bacteria.Floss after brushing. Brushing can push food particles back between your teeth if you floss first.Practice oil pulling. This is an age-old ayurvedic practice that draws harmful bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals from your body through the membrane of your mouth. An internet search will bring up instructions, but the basics are to swish about a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. I’ve used sesame and currently use coconut. Do this away from a meal. I do it in the evening, long after dinner and after brushing and flossing.Eat real food. You thought I was going to say to avoid sugar because sugar causes cavities, didn’t you? Actually, sugar does not cause cavities. A bad diet full of processed food full of artificial ingredients causes cavities. Consider this: butter from grass-fed cows is full of vitamin K which is a wonderful vitamin for oral health. A diet with healthy fats like butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are generally great for your overall health. But I digress…Finally, take advantage of dental services while you have them. Do as I say, not as I do.
Are your teeth prepared for an apocalypse? Do you have any tips to add?
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
Scenario: Major disaster strikes. You’ve been putting off that dental cleaning, but who cares? You’re in full crisis survival mode. Only worried about the essentials – water, food, shelter, protection. The immediate crisis peaks. You and your loved ones are safe for the moment. You settle into long-term survival mode. Your supplies are in good shape. You begin to rebuild some semblance of your life and your community. Then one day a piercing pain in your tooth causes you to realize no dentists have survived in your community. Now what?
I know it’s an extreme story, but are you prepared to face the apocalypse with just a toothbrush? How long can you go without seeing someone with dental skills? I just tested that myself.
Okay, I didn’t set out to see how long I could go without seeing a dentist, and I absolutely don’t recommend going as long as I did. I finally just realized how long it had been, and mainly because I live pretty far from any dentists, so I guess you could say I avoided it due to the inconvenience. Oh, yeah, and my lifelong dread of dental work because of my severe case of TMJ dysfunction.
Since my last dentist is a good state away, I started looking for a new one only half a state away. I could have found one a little closer, but as you know if you’ve read my blog posts, I’m into natural and organic, and so, I was looking for a holistic dentist. I found several in the Phoenix area, narrowed my selection to one, and made an appointment.
I’ll tell you a little about my experience, but first I want to cut to the end: I’m looking forward to my next appointment!
My holistic dentist wasn’t very different from any other dentist is most ways. X-rays are required by law, so I got those. The doctor poked around my mouth for a bit, calling out notes to his assistant, and measured the depth of the gaps between my teeth and gums. He offered a treatment plan and sent me off to the hygienist for my cleaning. After the cleaning, I got a little goodie bag with a toothbrush and floss. The receptionist estimated my share of the cost after insurance, and I paid my bill and left, obsessively rubbing my tongue against my newly polished teeth.
Here’s how my appointment differed. As I was waiting, employees greeted patients by name and even with hugs. Once I was escorted to my exam room, the dental assistant began by offering me a homeopathic remedy to help my body deal with the radiation I would be dosed with during the x-rays. As she worked, the assistant chatted with me about her lunch, her family, office politics, and her pending birthday, and she let me join in the conversation rather than keeping my mouth too full of equipment to respond with anything more than grunts.
The doctor came in and immediately started humorously messing with me and his assistant. They both constantly checked to make sure I was comfortable or if I needed a break. Upon being offered a treatment plan, there was no hard sell. No pressure to schedule appointments. The hygienist explained everything she did as she was doing it and told me everything I could expect from smells to sensations. There were products on the counter – herbal toothpastes. Before the standard cleaning, she used a laser to kill harmful bacteria lurking in the plaque buildup.
I was at the dentist for a total of two hours, and despite my anxiety and jaw pain, it was the best dental experience I ever had. Normally, I need a drink before a dental, but because I went alone, that was out of the question. The staff made every effort to put me at ease, and it worked. I don’t dread going back. And best of all? After six, yes, SIX years of no dental work, I have no cavities!
The whole experience got me thinking on the five-hour drive home. How much longer could I have gone without a dental? How long could anyone? Some people have naturally strong teeth and are not prone to cavities. I’m not one of those. I have three crowns and several fillings. I suspect most people are like me. Others are pretty bad off, eventually requiring major work like root canals and dentures. If there were no surviving dentists to take care of our teeth in an apocalypse, the inevitable result would be a lot of missing teeth. Bad tooth? Yank it.
How did I manage to go six years without dental work and get no cavities? Here are my tips for surviving the apocalypse without a dentist:
Follow recommended cleaning procedures. Brush twice and floss once daily. I’m sure you can easily find instructions online if you need a reminder (or maybe never even received proper instructions).Use a soft bristle toothbrush. You don’t need anything harder.Here’s where it gets interesting – wait at least 20 minutes after eating before brushing. Your enamel softens after coming into contact with acidic food and drink. Swishing with water before brushing will help harden your enamel. Brushing while your enamel is temporarily softened can wear down the enamel.Use natural toothpaste or tooth powder. I make my own tooth powder from a mixture of bentonite clay, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. I also add a drop or two of tea tree oil to my toothbrush to help kill bacteria.Floss after brushing. Brushing can push food particles back between your teeth if you floss first.Practice oil pulling. This is an age-old ayurvedic practice that draws harmful bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals from your body through the membrane of your mouth. An internet search will bring up instructions, but the basics are to swish about a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. I’ve used sesame and currently use coconut. Do this away from a meal. I do it in the evening, long after dinner and after brushing and flossing.Eat real food. You thought I was going to say to avoid sugar because sugar causes cavities, didn’t you? Actually, sugar does not cause cavities. A bad diet full of processed food full of artificial ingredients causes cavities. Consider this: butter from grass-fed cows is full of vitamin K which is a wonderful vitamin for oral health. A diet with healthy fats like butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are generally great for your overall health. But I digress…Finally, take advantage of dental services while you have them. Do as I say, not as I do.
Are your teeth prepared for an apocalypse? Do you have any tips to add?
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
April 12, 2018
What do you Feel Riding a Horse?
©2018 C. Henry Martens
The beast champs on the bit as it becomes excited. It inspects you with one eye. You catch the earthy odor of equine as you place a foot in the stirrup, gripping the reins and taking hold of the saddle horn with your left hand.
Almost invariably the horse moves away as you swing up, the saddle tilting under your weight.
You grip the horse between your knees, and it lurches forward, prancing.
You use the reins, drawing back to put some pressure on the bit, letting the horse know it has a job. A rider that is now claiming the right to choose what happens.
As you loosen the reins, the animal wants to move. It wants to run. It wants to expend some energy.
But you want the horse to warm up before turning it loose. You maintain control, starting out at a walk. You watch the horse’s ears, the signaling devices that will tell you what the horse is thinking even before it knows itself.
You can feel muscles working through the thickest saddle leather.
The horse’s head bobs up and down, trying to find release in the tight bit. It wants to run.
Depending on the terrain, the animal may plod, or stumble, or reach to snatch a chunk of grass that invites. A good rider resists allowing a horse to eat. You use your heels to encourage the horse past the temptation.
The surges and sudden movements beneath you become part of you. You become part of the horse.
The animal calms as it begins to understand that you won’t put up with being second fiddle. It begins to warm up and is soon working.
You are always aware of the horse’s ears. They will warn you. This large animal is geared by evolution to fear, and to run.
A smooth pasture or an open space of soft earth invites more speed. You tighten your knees, and the horse responds. The creature is one of wind and air, and it breaks into a fast lope, still under control. The rocking motion eats up the ground.
Another horse passes you, and your pony fights the bit. It wants to run. Muscles strain and surge and bunch, the rhythm of the lope intensifies.
It’s time, and you loosen the rein. The horse knows what that means, and it stretches out into a full gallop. The wind buffets you. The speed is exhilarating. Small obstacles present themselves, and the horse gathers itself to move to avoid them or jump over them. The huge feet drum the earth, and you can see the front legs flashing ahead of you as they reach for more speed.
You catch and pass the slower horse that passed you earlier. Your pony barely notices.
Bad ground ahead, but the pony still wants to run. You have to haul back on the reins, gripping with your knees to keep from being pitched from the saddle. The horse arches its neck as it slides on its rear hooves. Dust billows up.
The horse is excited. It loves to run. It spins in a pirouette, sides heaving.
The other horses gather about, and riders laugh and talk as they control their ponies. The sun beats down… and it’s a good day.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
The beast champs on the bit as it becomes excited. It inspects you with one eye. You catch the earthy odor of equine as you place a foot in the stirrup, gripping the reins and taking hold of the saddle horn with your left hand.
Almost invariably the horse moves away as you swing up, the saddle tilting under your weight.
You grip the horse between your knees, and it lurches forward, prancing.
You use the reins, drawing back to put some pressure on the bit, letting the horse know it has a job. A rider that is now claiming the right to choose what happens.
As you loosen the reins, the animal wants to move. It wants to run. It wants to expend some energy.
But you want the horse to warm up before turning it loose. You maintain control, starting out at a walk. You watch the horse’s ears, the signaling devices that will tell you what the horse is thinking even before it knows itself.
You can feel muscles working through the thickest saddle leather.
The horse’s head bobs up and down, trying to find release in the tight bit. It wants to run.
Depending on the terrain, the animal may plod, or stumble, or reach to snatch a chunk of grass that invites. A good rider resists allowing a horse to eat. You use your heels to encourage the horse past the temptation.
The surges and sudden movements beneath you become part of you. You become part of the horse.
The animal calms as it begins to understand that you won’t put up with being second fiddle. It begins to warm up and is soon working.
You are always aware of the horse’s ears. They will warn you. This large animal is geared by evolution to fear, and to run.
A smooth pasture or an open space of soft earth invites more speed. You tighten your knees, and the horse responds. The creature is one of wind and air, and it breaks into a fast lope, still under control. The rocking motion eats up the ground.
Another horse passes you, and your pony fights the bit. It wants to run. Muscles strain and surge and bunch, the rhythm of the lope intensifies.
It’s time, and you loosen the rein. The horse knows what that means, and it stretches out into a full gallop. The wind buffets you. The speed is exhilarating. Small obstacles present themselves, and the horse gathers itself to move to avoid them or jump over them. The huge feet drum the earth, and you can see the front legs flashing ahead of you as they reach for more speed.
You catch and pass the slower horse that passed you earlier. Your pony barely notices.
Bad ground ahead, but the pony still wants to run. You have to haul back on the reins, gripping with your knees to keep from being pitched from the saddle. The horse arches its neck as it slides on its rear hooves. Dust billows up.
The horse is excited. It loves to run. It spins in a pirouette, sides heaving.
The other horses gather about, and riders laugh and talk as they control their ponies. The sun beats down… and it’s a good day.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
April 5, 2018
Which Came First?
©2018 C. Henry Martens
Of course, “the” egg came first, but that’s not really what we’re discussing is it?
We’re really asking, “Which came first, the chicken or the *chicken* egg,” right?
The whole conundrum revolves around whether it takes a chicken to lay a chicken egg… or whether a chicken egg can be laid by something other than a chicken.
So of course, the answer is… (drum roll, please)… the egg came first.
In order to BE a chicken egg, the egg has to carry a chicken embryo. Without the chicken embryo, the egg is something else. In order to grow into a chicken, the embryo has to BE a chicken embryo.
But a NOT chicken, can lay a chicken egg. That pre-chicken was carrying DNA that was mutating. The mutations were happening inside the pre-chicken, in its ovaries. And there were mutations occurring in the male pre-chicken as well.
Did the mutations happen in the egg? Nope. The combining of mutations happened inside the pre-chicken as the egg was fertilized, but the mutations were already extant.
We see wide variations in physical form with very limited difference in DNA. Some animals share over 99.9% of their DNA yet vary enough that they are visually distinct.
A pre-chicken may have resembled the present-day chicken so closely that we could not tell the difference. But it could have resembled something easily distinguished as not a chicken.
The chicken egg came first.
Now you know…
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
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To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
Of course, “the” egg came first, but that’s not really what we’re discussing is it?
We’re really asking, “Which came first, the chicken or the *chicken* egg,” right?
The whole conundrum revolves around whether it takes a chicken to lay a chicken egg… or whether a chicken egg can be laid by something other than a chicken.
So of course, the answer is… (drum roll, please)… the egg came first.
In order to BE a chicken egg, the egg has to carry a chicken embryo. Without the chicken embryo, the egg is something else. In order to grow into a chicken, the embryo has to BE a chicken embryo.
But a NOT chicken, can lay a chicken egg. That pre-chicken was carrying DNA that was mutating. The mutations were happening inside the pre-chicken, in its ovaries. And there were mutations occurring in the male pre-chicken as well.
Did the mutations happen in the egg? Nope. The combining of mutations happened inside the pre-chicken as the egg was fertilized, but the mutations were already extant.
We see wide variations in physical form with very limited difference in DNA. Some animals share over 99.9% of their DNA yet vary enough that they are visually distinct.
A pre-chicken may have resembled the present-day chicken so closely that we could not tell the difference. But it could have resembled something easily distinguished as not a chicken.
The chicken egg came first.
Now you know…
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
March 29, 2018
Vegan Theology
©2018 C. Henry Martens
Other than the “I’m oh-so-superior” sales pitch… I have a problem with vegan logic. They just haven’t thought veganism through. They have this really unrealistic viewpoint, and they’re willing to pervert reality in order to sell it.
The earth CHURNS LIFE. Give me an acre of ground anywhere on the planet, and there is absolute carnage going on. Besides that, animals are designed to be either predator or prey. So, in that respect, humans are no different. We are designed by evolution. This is something vegans like to ignore, or if pressed, they make up reasons that seem logical to their own biases.
Which brings me to my next point. I believe vegans are either addicts or cult members. The chemistry of the brain changes when someone uses heroin, methamphetamine, or alcohol in excess. Addicts defend their behaviors even when confronted with the tragedy their choices are causing. Similar things happen when people are brainwashed in cults. Rational thinking becomes difficult.
One of the most egregious abuses vegans stoop to is in perverting the realities of animal husbandry. They “gather evidence” by concentrating on worst-case scenarios that those in the livestock industries find highly objectionable and worthy of legal action, and then they project those aberrant cases as though they are commonplace. The truth is that people investing their lives in the care of animals are also invested in their health and well-being. Most of them try everything they can to maximize their animals’ prosperity.
Denying reality in a similar way, vegans seem to think that slaughterhouse deaths are somehow objectionable in comparison to natural deaths in the wild. Again, they haven’t thought it through. An animal intended to be used as meat lives a life of being handled. Practically from the moment they are born, they have humans injecting them, herding them, feeding them, corralling them, and even giving them a good scratch occasionally. So, livestock get used to humans and being moved around. Once turned loose in a new corral they learn to find the feed bunk. They are comfortable. The same thing goes for other forms of confinement. The animals are even bred to be docile and easily managed. And as to the natural deaths in the wild? How many vegans have watched a wild death? All of them are worse than any death in a slaughterhouse. Starvation, dehydration, injury, disease, all take days, weeks, or even months to kill. And an awful lot of herbivores are taken down by predators and eaten alive.
And finally, what are vegans eating? They blindly ignore the newest findings about just how sentient plants are. They laugh when the feelings of plants are mentioned. Do they not realize that plants intentionally raise and protect offspring, steal from each other, establish territory, strategize, learn, and even make war? Beyond that, do they think tilling, planting, irrigating, and harvesting doesn’t impact animal populations?
I truly don’t have a problem with vegans that make the choice for their health, although I also believe they are cherry picking data. But the only ones I know that don’t try to sell their veganism are the ones that never told me they are vegan. About as scarce to my thinking as hen’s teeth.
The militant vegans that see the choice as a moral calling are as fervent as missionaries enthralled to their cause. And I object on the grounds that they are no more moral than meat eaters. They just want to be. And they want others to join their tribe and be as self-righteous.
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Other than the “I’m oh-so-superior” sales pitch… I have a problem with vegan logic. They just haven’t thought veganism through. They have this really unrealistic viewpoint, and they’re willing to pervert reality in order to sell it.
The earth CHURNS LIFE. Give me an acre of ground anywhere on the planet, and there is absolute carnage going on. Besides that, animals are designed to be either predator or prey. So, in that respect, humans are no different. We are designed by evolution. This is something vegans like to ignore, or if pressed, they make up reasons that seem logical to their own biases.
Which brings me to my next point. I believe vegans are either addicts or cult members. The chemistry of the brain changes when someone uses heroin, methamphetamine, or alcohol in excess. Addicts defend their behaviors even when confronted with the tragedy their choices are causing. Similar things happen when people are brainwashed in cults. Rational thinking becomes difficult.
One of the most egregious abuses vegans stoop to is in perverting the realities of animal husbandry. They “gather evidence” by concentrating on worst-case scenarios that those in the livestock industries find highly objectionable and worthy of legal action, and then they project those aberrant cases as though they are commonplace. The truth is that people investing their lives in the care of animals are also invested in their health and well-being. Most of them try everything they can to maximize their animals’ prosperity.
Denying reality in a similar way, vegans seem to think that slaughterhouse deaths are somehow objectionable in comparison to natural deaths in the wild. Again, they haven’t thought it through. An animal intended to be used as meat lives a life of being handled. Practically from the moment they are born, they have humans injecting them, herding them, feeding them, corralling them, and even giving them a good scratch occasionally. So, livestock get used to humans and being moved around. Once turned loose in a new corral they learn to find the feed bunk. They are comfortable. The same thing goes for other forms of confinement. The animals are even bred to be docile and easily managed. And as to the natural deaths in the wild? How many vegans have watched a wild death? All of them are worse than any death in a slaughterhouse. Starvation, dehydration, injury, disease, all take days, weeks, or even months to kill. And an awful lot of herbivores are taken down by predators and eaten alive.
And finally, what are vegans eating? They blindly ignore the newest findings about just how sentient plants are. They laugh when the feelings of plants are mentioned. Do they not realize that plants intentionally raise and protect offspring, steal from each other, establish territory, strategize, learn, and even make war? Beyond that, do they think tilling, planting, irrigating, and harvesting doesn’t impact animal populations?
I truly don’t have a problem with vegans that make the choice for their health, although I also believe they are cherry picking data. But the only ones I know that don’t try to sell their veganism are the ones that never told me they are vegan. About as scarce to my thinking as hen’s teeth.
The militant vegans that see the choice as a moral calling are as fervent as missionaries enthralled to their cause. And I object on the grounds that they are no more moral than meat eaters. They just want to be. And they want others to join their tribe and be as self-righteous.
Click here to receive the Apocalypse Observer Newsletter in your inbox
www.readmota.com
To comment, scroll down and type in your comment. Under Comment As, you can select Anonymous or Name/URL (you don't need to enter a URL). Then hit Publish.
