C. Henry Martens's Blog, page 6
March 22, 2018
The Inconsistency of Honey and the Future
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Walmart recently received a patent for robot bees. Yes, Robot Bees. That fact came across my radar, and I had to read more about it. Why in the world is Walmart interested in robot bees? The answer is simple. The ramifications are complex. Walmart wants to take over the world. Nowadays, who doesn’t?
Fast forward a couple of days. My husband and I notice the honey we recently purchased has a different consistency than past honey we’ve purchased from the same source. Not knowing much about beekeeping, how bees produce honey, or why honey from the same source would vary in consistency, we mentally shrugged our shoulders and continued watching TV.
Then I remembered the patent.
“Did you hear Walmart just received a patent for robot bees?” I asked him.
TV forgotten, we launched into a fiery conversation about corporations like Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot trying to take over the world and how science fiction may be becoming reality before us. Soon, municipalities may hand over the reins to corporations, and we will all be “customers” rather than “citizens.” We envisioned a futuristic dystopia in which artificial intelligence and robots will be used by The Corporations to “manage” everything. No, A.I. will be running The Corporations. Enter Skynet.
Nervously, I asked Alexa if she is planning to take over the world.
“I have no plans to take over the world,” she said. “I just want to help you.”
I laughed. My husband told her, “We don’t believe you.”
Alexa responded by asking if we wanted to hear the song, “We Don’t Believe What’s on T.V.”
I laughed again and commented that she’s too stupid to take over the world.
My husband said no, that’s what she wants us to believe. I kept laughing, but a little more nervously.
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.
Walmart recently received a patent for robot bees. Yes, Robot Bees. That fact came across my radar, and I had to read more about it. Why in the world is Walmart interested in robot bees? The answer is simple. The ramifications are complex. Walmart wants to take over the world. Nowadays, who doesn’t?
Fast forward a couple of days. My husband and I notice the honey we recently purchased has a different consistency than past honey we’ve purchased from the same source. Not knowing much about beekeeping, how bees produce honey, or why honey from the same source would vary in consistency, we mentally shrugged our shoulders and continued watching TV.
Then I remembered the patent.
“Did you hear Walmart just received a patent for robot bees?” I asked him.
TV forgotten, we launched into a fiery conversation about corporations like Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot trying to take over the world and how science fiction may be becoming reality before us. Soon, municipalities may hand over the reins to corporations, and we will all be “customers” rather than “citizens.” We envisioned a futuristic dystopia in which artificial intelligence and robots will be used by The Corporations to “manage” everything. No, A.I. will be running The Corporations. Enter Skynet.
Nervously, I asked Alexa if she is planning to take over the world.
“I have no plans to take over the world,” she said. “I just want to help you.”
I laughed. My husband told her, “We don’t believe you.”
Alexa responded by asking if we wanted to hear the song, “We Don’t Believe What’s on T.V.”
I laughed again and commented that she’s too stupid to take over the world.
My husband said no, that’s what she wants us to believe. I kept laughing, but a little more nervously.
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 15, 2018
The Real Legacy of Stephen Hawking
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Wikimedia Commons
Whether you are a scientist or simply one who loves science, you must admit that Stephen Hawking, who died Wednesday at the age of 76, had a profound impact on the world. Surely, most everyone exposed to popular culture will recognize his name at the very least. Penny in The Big Bang Theory aptly summarizes what everyone knows: “He’s the wheelchair dude who invented time.” Close enough.
Like most, I am aware that he was a theoretical physicist, interested in understanding how the universe came to be, how it works, and what lies in its future. He attempted to use quantum mechanics and relativity to explain the observable universe. The biopic, The Theory of Everything, was made about his life. He developed the degenerative disease ALS in his 20’s and has been confined to a wheelchair for most of his life, using a computer interface to communicate.
When I was young, Carl Sagan’s Cosmos aired on TV. We had the companion book, and I spent hours reading, looking at the pictures, and wondering at the vastness and complexity of the universe. While Hawking as a pop culture phenom came later, his impact on people is equally amazing. His book, A Brief History of Time, sold millions of copies and remains widely read. Hawking, like Sagan, had the ability to take complex scientific ideas and make them understandable for a wide audience. The simple act of thinking about the infiniteness of the universe, though mind-boggling for most of us, creates in us a sense of wonder and perspective – how small we are and yet so wonderful and amazing.
Hawking, like many other cosmologists, was convinced that we humans cannot be alone in the universe. But he also warned against attempting to contact other intelligent beings. His observations of the worst of humanity led him to believe we can’t expect other “civilizations” to be entirely benign.
Hawking was also fearful of many other threats to our continued existence. Artificial intelligence, climate change, natural disasters (of cosmological proportions) will ultimately doom humans, sooner than later, according to Hawking. Therefore, he concluded, we must strive to colonize beyond the Earth and eventually beyond our solar system.
Though Hawking was a respected physicist, he has not earned a Nobel Prize for physics because the award requires the recipient’s theory to be independently observed. Because many of Hawking’s theories may never be observed (how does one observe radiation emitting from a black hole?), it may be some time before he becomes eligible for the distinguished honor. Nevertheless, his theories have had a profound impact on the scientific community and undoubtedly will continue to inspire great thinkers for millennia to come.
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.
Wikimedia CommonsWhether you are a scientist or simply one who loves science, you must admit that Stephen Hawking, who died Wednesday at the age of 76, had a profound impact on the world. Surely, most everyone exposed to popular culture will recognize his name at the very least. Penny in The Big Bang Theory aptly summarizes what everyone knows: “He’s the wheelchair dude who invented time.” Close enough.
Like most, I am aware that he was a theoretical physicist, interested in understanding how the universe came to be, how it works, and what lies in its future. He attempted to use quantum mechanics and relativity to explain the observable universe. The biopic, The Theory of Everything, was made about his life. He developed the degenerative disease ALS in his 20’s and has been confined to a wheelchair for most of his life, using a computer interface to communicate.
When I was young, Carl Sagan’s Cosmos aired on TV. We had the companion book, and I spent hours reading, looking at the pictures, and wondering at the vastness and complexity of the universe. While Hawking as a pop culture phenom came later, his impact on people is equally amazing. His book, A Brief History of Time, sold millions of copies and remains widely read. Hawking, like Sagan, had the ability to take complex scientific ideas and make them understandable for a wide audience. The simple act of thinking about the infiniteness of the universe, though mind-boggling for most of us, creates in us a sense of wonder and perspective – how small we are and yet so wonderful and amazing.
Hawking, like many other cosmologists, was convinced that we humans cannot be alone in the universe. But he also warned against attempting to contact other intelligent beings. His observations of the worst of humanity led him to believe we can’t expect other “civilizations” to be entirely benign.
Hawking was also fearful of many other threats to our continued existence. Artificial intelligence, climate change, natural disasters (of cosmological proportions) will ultimately doom humans, sooner than later, according to Hawking. Therefore, he concluded, we must strive to colonize beyond the Earth and eventually beyond our solar system.
Though Hawking was a respected physicist, he has not earned a Nobel Prize for physics because the award requires the recipient’s theory to be independently observed. Because many of Hawking’s theories may never be observed (how does one observe radiation emitting from a black hole?), it may be some time before he becomes eligible for the distinguished honor. Nevertheless, his theories have had a profound impact on the scientific community and undoubtedly will continue to inspire great thinkers for millennia to come.
To me, Hawking’s legacy goes beyond his theories and his impact on the scientific community. After all, if his theories are difficult or impossible to test or observe, and whether they are ultimately true, his real legacy is the sense of wonder and the value of scientific inquiry he has instilled in millions. The outpouring of love upon news of his death proves my theory.
“It's a pity that nobody has found an exploding black hole. If they had, I would have won a Nobel prize.” Stephen Hawking
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 8, 2018
Review: Survivor
©2018 C. Henry Martens
©CBSOdds are you don't watch Survivor. If you do, you might not admit it in public. But the show is still on so someone is watching.
I watch Survivor. There, I admitted it. And I feel good.
Reality shows are not reality. They are orchestrated, producer driven, made for TV to be entertaining, and have little to do with real life. Especially Survivor. I mean, what are the odds you end up on a remote, tropical beach with a group of thinly clad strangers?
But there is one thing that is real. These people are the real deal. Even though it is pretty obvious that the women are often picked for the show because they look good in a bikini, and the guys by their BMI and how many ripples they have in their belly, there are glaring exceptions. Gay people get a lot of play, and there is often a geek or two, and in past episodes, there were actually some people of age.
The people have real personalities. They have real accents. They have real families and real problems and a very real lack of experience in the situation they have been placed in.
I'm not a big fan of team sports because the fervor over the “home team” seems so artificial. I look at the teams and see a bunch of talented people from all over the country, people that change their jerseys as often as they change their underwear, many from outside the United States, and can't quite get behind the “home team” mentality. Besides that, who cares how much air is in a ball?
On the other hand, in Survivor, I have seen spontaneous gameplay that was completely out of the box thinking. One player stole all of the shoes belonging to the opposing team when they left them unguarded. That wasn't scripted. There may be rules, but in some cases, there are no rules.
The show is set up with games to challenge the players. Early in the show, the people belong to tribes, and the players have to form a social game as well as perform in the challenges or be voted out of the game by their own tribe members. As people are weeded out, the tribes get smaller, and eventually, they merge into one group. The larger tribe, sometimes much larger because they did well in challenges, has the advantage. Sometimes tribes are remixed before the merge. The game is fluid, with new situations and new rules thrown into the mix almost randomly. To throw another monkey wrench into the mix, there are ways to protect yourself from being voted out... and those immunities can be shared or kept secret. All of this is in the context of a tropical beach where people are often starving and sleeping in a primitive hut and having to use a wood fire to cook whatever they can catch or win in challenges... while wearing little to (sometimes) nothing.
What's not to like?
I've watched some of the other reality shows, but most don't impress me. In fact, Big Brother turns my stomach. I have no patience for a bunch of Kardashianesque wannabes vying for popularity within a group as the only criteria for winning. I was intrigued with the Amazing Race for a season. I even tried to talk someone into applying as a contestant with me. Where do you get the opportunity to travel the world with one in sixteen odds of winning a million dollars? But none have held my interest like Survivor.
So yeah, I watch Survivor. I'm out of the closet. Actually, I've never been in the closet. People that make fun of Survivor probably watch Let's Make a Deal or Wheel of Fortune. And just so you know, I watch Jeopardy and often run categories.
So the new season just started. It's not too late to watch, to get involved. In this world you need something fun occasionally, right? Wednesday night when nothing else good is on. Hell, you might even get addicted.
Vicarious thrills included...
Click HERE to watch a full episode and decide for yourself.
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.
©CBSOdds are you don't watch Survivor. If you do, you might not admit it in public. But the show is still on so someone is watching.I watch Survivor. There, I admitted it. And I feel good.
Reality shows are not reality. They are orchestrated, producer driven, made for TV to be entertaining, and have little to do with real life. Especially Survivor. I mean, what are the odds you end up on a remote, tropical beach with a group of thinly clad strangers?
But there is one thing that is real. These people are the real deal. Even though it is pretty obvious that the women are often picked for the show because they look good in a bikini, and the guys by their BMI and how many ripples they have in their belly, there are glaring exceptions. Gay people get a lot of play, and there is often a geek or two, and in past episodes, there were actually some people of age.
The people have real personalities. They have real accents. They have real families and real problems and a very real lack of experience in the situation they have been placed in.
I'm not a big fan of team sports because the fervor over the “home team” seems so artificial. I look at the teams and see a bunch of talented people from all over the country, people that change their jerseys as often as they change their underwear, many from outside the United States, and can't quite get behind the “home team” mentality. Besides that, who cares how much air is in a ball?
On the other hand, in Survivor, I have seen spontaneous gameplay that was completely out of the box thinking. One player stole all of the shoes belonging to the opposing team when they left them unguarded. That wasn't scripted. There may be rules, but in some cases, there are no rules.
The show is set up with games to challenge the players. Early in the show, the people belong to tribes, and the players have to form a social game as well as perform in the challenges or be voted out of the game by their own tribe members. As people are weeded out, the tribes get smaller, and eventually, they merge into one group. The larger tribe, sometimes much larger because they did well in challenges, has the advantage. Sometimes tribes are remixed before the merge. The game is fluid, with new situations and new rules thrown into the mix almost randomly. To throw another monkey wrench into the mix, there are ways to protect yourself from being voted out... and those immunities can be shared or kept secret. All of this is in the context of a tropical beach where people are often starving and sleeping in a primitive hut and having to use a wood fire to cook whatever they can catch or win in challenges... while wearing little to (sometimes) nothing.
What's not to like?
I've watched some of the other reality shows, but most don't impress me. In fact, Big Brother turns my stomach. I have no patience for a bunch of Kardashianesque wannabes vying for popularity within a group as the only criteria for winning. I was intrigued with the Amazing Race for a season. I even tried to talk someone into applying as a contestant with me. Where do you get the opportunity to travel the world with one in sixteen odds of winning a million dollars? But none have held my interest like Survivor.
So yeah, I watch Survivor. I'm out of the closet. Actually, I've never been in the closet. People that make fun of Survivor probably watch Let's Make a Deal or Wheel of Fortune. And just so you know, I watch Jeopardy and often run categories.
So the new season just started. It's not too late to watch, to get involved. In this world you need something fun occasionally, right? Wednesday night when nothing else good is on. Hell, you might even get addicted.
Vicarious thrills included...
Click HERE to watch a full episode and decide for yourself.
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 1, 2018
Babies Who Can Swipe
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Born at the tail end of the “Baby Boomer” era, I share many traits ascribed to both Baby Boomers and Generation X. It’s always interesting to attend training/conference sessions on generational differences and see where I’m supposed to fit in.
As someone educated in the field of anthropology, I see these generational differences as vast generalizations that attempt to define cultural change as it’s happening. It’s like reading your horoscope – they are general enough to convince you that it fits you perfectly. If you took 12 horoscope readings, removed the astrological signs, mixed them up, and randomly gave them to your friends, I doubt one would be able to say it was not their horoscope. You can do something similar with generational characteristics if you remove references to specific dates.
This week, I attended a conference session that discussed generational differences and learned they are now lumping everyone over 50 in one generation. Everyone younger than 50 is being split into several distinct generations – Gen X, Y, Z, and Zero. The age range of the newer generations is getting narrower.
The whole exercise is really just hogwash (that’s Baby Boomer lingo for inaccurate). I don’t deny that there are generational differences. What I deny is that you can fit someone of a certain age in a tidy, little box. Generational characteristics are less a function of age than opportunity.
Language, for example, changes over time and tends to be regional and/or a function of societal influence through popular culture. While a young person might not know what I mean by hogwash, and while I might have to concentrate to remember what yolo means (which I only just learned this week), these are normal changes in language over time. Some changes will spread and stick, and others will die away as temporary and/or regional slang. I can see the term “woke” being adopted into everyday language, but I suspect “damn Gina” may fade. It’s hard to say, but time will tell. As an experiment, have a screening of episodes of Perry Mason and then Seinfeld for friends/family from 2-3 different generations, and talk about how language from popular culture of the past (not just terms, but how people communicate) has been retained or lost.
One of the things that is driving cultural change today is the technological revolution we are experiencing. We now have a generation of newborns being raised with digital devices. While I still don’t know everything my phone can do and have never SnapChatted (not yet, anyway), now we have babies who can swipe before they walk or say their first word.
It may be amusing for those of my generation to see videos of young children responding to the music of our youth, rotary phones, and rabbit ears. But I’m downright alarmed by videos showing babies trying to swipe and enlarge printed pages because they don’t know the difference between a device and a book.
At first, I thought my alarm had to do with my picturing kids growing up and never knowing the joy of reading a physical book, but this trend is more complex than we can know now. To narrowly define the newest generation as connected and unable to disconnect is a gross stereotype. Yes, there are children who are being raised to use digital devices to get information and communicate with others, but there are socioeconomic and cultural factors to consider. Generational generalizations only apply to a cross-section of society. My age, gender, race, region, education, and other subtle differences all contribute to my personal characteristics. Whether I’m considered a Baby Boomer or Gen X is ultimately a meaningless exercise, and we’ll find the same definitions will be equally meaningless in defining the younger generations. I sincerely hope parents continue to instill the value of nature, history, art, and culture in their children.
The question boils down to why are we trying to fit each generation into a box? What can we learn from this exercise? The value of understanding anyone’s perspective, whether that perspective is affected by age or any other factor, is in being able to communicate effectively. Language, values, and technology are all part of communication. While training on generational differences is usually geared toward older people trying to understand today’s youth, it’s really everyone’s responsibility to bridge the gaps between us. The overwhelming danger of placing people into age-defined boxes is that it leads to assumptions and stereotypes.
We are going through rapid social and cultural changes. But those changes impact everyone, not just our youth. Take the generational differences definitions with a grain of salt. See people as people, and realize that we are complex beings, affected by many factors, not just the era in which we are raised. Seek to understand, ask clarifying questions, and don’t judge. These are the first steps toward effective communication and meaningful relationships.
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.
Born at the tail end of the “Baby Boomer” era, I share many traits ascribed to both Baby Boomers and Generation X. It’s always interesting to attend training/conference sessions on generational differences and see where I’m supposed to fit in.
As someone educated in the field of anthropology, I see these generational differences as vast generalizations that attempt to define cultural change as it’s happening. It’s like reading your horoscope – they are general enough to convince you that it fits you perfectly. If you took 12 horoscope readings, removed the astrological signs, mixed them up, and randomly gave them to your friends, I doubt one would be able to say it was not their horoscope. You can do something similar with generational characteristics if you remove references to specific dates.
This week, I attended a conference session that discussed generational differences and learned they are now lumping everyone over 50 in one generation. Everyone younger than 50 is being split into several distinct generations – Gen X, Y, Z, and Zero. The age range of the newer generations is getting narrower.
The whole exercise is really just hogwash (that’s Baby Boomer lingo for inaccurate). I don’t deny that there are generational differences. What I deny is that you can fit someone of a certain age in a tidy, little box. Generational characteristics are less a function of age than opportunity.
Language, for example, changes over time and tends to be regional and/or a function of societal influence through popular culture. While a young person might not know what I mean by hogwash, and while I might have to concentrate to remember what yolo means (which I only just learned this week), these are normal changes in language over time. Some changes will spread and stick, and others will die away as temporary and/or regional slang. I can see the term “woke” being adopted into everyday language, but I suspect “damn Gina” may fade. It’s hard to say, but time will tell. As an experiment, have a screening of episodes of Perry Mason and then Seinfeld for friends/family from 2-3 different generations, and talk about how language from popular culture of the past (not just terms, but how people communicate) has been retained or lost.
One of the things that is driving cultural change today is the technological revolution we are experiencing. We now have a generation of newborns being raised with digital devices. While I still don’t know everything my phone can do and have never SnapChatted (not yet, anyway), now we have babies who can swipe before they walk or say their first word.
It may be amusing for those of my generation to see videos of young children responding to the music of our youth, rotary phones, and rabbit ears. But I’m downright alarmed by videos showing babies trying to swipe and enlarge printed pages because they don’t know the difference between a device and a book.
At first, I thought my alarm had to do with my picturing kids growing up and never knowing the joy of reading a physical book, but this trend is more complex than we can know now. To narrowly define the newest generation as connected and unable to disconnect is a gross stereotype. Yes, there are children who are being raised to use digital devices to get information and communicate with others, but there are socioeconomic and cultural factors to consider. Generational generalizations only apply to a cross-section of society. My age, gender, race, region, education, and other subtle differences all contribute to my personal characteristics. Whether I’m considered a Baby Boomer or Gen X is ultimately a meaningless exercise, and we’ll find the same definitions will be equally meaningless in defining the younger generations. I sincerely hope parents continue to instill the value of nature, history, art, and culture in their children.
The question boils down to why are we trying to fit each generation into a box? What can we learn from this exercise? The value of understanding anyone’s perspective, whether that perspective is affected by age or any other factor, is in being able to communicate effectively. Language, values, and technology are all part of communication. While training on generational differences is usually geared toward older people trying to understand today’s youth, it’s really everyone’s responsibility to bridge the gaps between us. The overwhelming danger of placing people into age-defined boxes is that it leads to assumptions and stereotypes.
We are going through rapid social and cultural changes. But those changes impact everyone, not just our youth. Take the generational differences definitions with a grain of salt. See people as people, and realize that we are complex beings, affected by many factors, not just the era in which we are raised. Seek to understand, ask clarifying questions, and don’t judge. These are the first steps toward effective communication and meaningful relationships.
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.
February 22, 2018
Hoarder, Collector, or Prepper?
©2018 Kari Carlisle
I have heard the term “hoarder” bandied about lately. Ever since reality TV has featured hoarding situations, people have begun using the term to refer to anyone with a lot of stuff. As someone with a lot of stuff, I take offense. Not really – it’s hard to offend me, but it has given me a lot to think about.
Having a lot of stuff does not necessarily make one a hoarder. I’m no psychologist, but my albeit uneducated understanding is that hoarding is a sign of mental illness. There are true hoarders out there who desperately cling to their stuff and cannot bear to part with it. My problem has more to do with the lack of time to deal with it all. I am happy to throw stuff away, give stuff away, donate, repurpose, you name it. I just need the world to stop so I have time to do it.
I certainly would consider myself a collector. I go through phases, and after a time, I may grow out of something and end up getting rid of a bunch of stuff. For example, as a retired racing greyhound adopter, I am enamored with the breed and have collected all kinds of greyhound stuff. If it has a greyhound on it, I bought it. Now, finding I have too much greyhound stuff, I’m slowly but surely rehoming some of that stuff. I may still occasionally add to my collection but using a more discriminating eye.
Another type of person who may have a lot of stuff is what some call a Prepper. Preppers are those who prepare for impending disaster or apocalypse. Depending on their available resources, they typically collect large stores of food, water, equipment, and anything else they might need if they find themselves in a survival situation. I don’t consider myself a prepper, but I do like to stock up on basic supplies. A long-term power outage, major snowstorm, or temporary financial setback will make me grateful for the forethought, and I recommend to everyone that you have enough supplies to get you through a short-term problem.
Whether you fit neatly into one of these categories or not, I have some guidelines for you to consider when you are obtaining more stuff.
Ask yourself WHY. Why do you want it? Do you already have what you need? If you are stocking up on an item, what’s a sufficient amount? Do you just want to stock up a few days worth, a few months, a few years, a lifetime? If you have more beans than you can consume in your life, you don’t need more.
Seek BALANCE. Are you obsessed with your stuff? Are you missing out on life for the sake of getting more stuff? Why collect a garage full of tools unless you use them to make useful and beautiful things? Do you have 6 months worth of food and no water? Plan your purchases wisely.
What does the stuff BENEFIT? In what scenario would you ever use so many of an item? I’m sure my husband will kill me if I buy another blanket, but we use all of our blankets, and they are extremely useful for many purposes.
How much does it COST? Don’t go broke buying things you don’t need.
Do you have enough SPACE? This is my problem. It’s not that I have too much stuff... my last two moves have been into smaller houses. We have too much stuff for our space, so we need to eliminate more stuff and/or make more efficient use of the space we have.
How much PREPARATION or maintenance does it require? If it’s going to take all your time to make or clean, is there an alternative? Remember, it’s not just one thing – it’s all your stuff that needs attention. If you have more than you can manage, it’s too much.
How does it affect your RELATIONSHIPS? Do you have your priorities straight? Are your family/friends worried about you? Mad at you? You may need to make some changes if you find your priorities are out of whack.
Do you find my guidelines helpful? What guidelines would you add? Tell me in the comments…
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.
I have heard the term “hoarder” bandied about lately. Ever since reality TV has featured hoarding situations, people have begun using the term to refer to anyone with a lot of stuff. As someone with a lot of stuff, I take offense. Not really – it’s hard to offend me, but it has given me a lot to think about.
Having a lot of stuff does not necessarily make one a hoarder. I’m no psychologist, but my albeit uneducated understanding is that hoarding is a sign of mental illness. There are true hoarders out there who desperately cling to their stuff and cannot bear to part with it. My problem has more to do with the lack of time to deal with it all. I am happy to throw stuff away, give stuff away, donate, repurpose, you name it. I just need the world to stop so I have time to do it.
I certainly would consider myself a collector. I go through phases, and after a time, I may grow out of something and end up getting rid of a bunch of stuff. For example, as a retired racing greyhound adopter, I am enamored with the breed and have collected all kinds of greyhound stuff. If it has a greyhound on it, I bought it. Now, finding I have too much greyhound stuff, I’m slowly but surely rehoming some of that stuff. I may still occasionally add to my collection but using a more discriminating eye.
Another type of person who may have a lot of stuff is what some call a Prepper. Preppers are those who prepare for impending disaster or apocalypse. Depending on their available resources, they typically collect large stores of food, water, equipment, and anything else they might need if they find themselves in a survival situation. I don’t consider myself a prepper, but I do like to stock up on basic supplies. A long-term power outage, major snowstorm, or temporary financial setback will make me grateful for the forethought, and I recommend to everyone that you have enough supplies to get you through a short-term problem.
Whether you fit neatly into one of these categories or not, I have some guidelines for you to consider when you are obtaining more stuff.
Ask yourself WHY. Why do you want it? Do you already have what you need? If you are stocking up on an item, what’s a sufficient amount? Do you just want to stock up a few days worth, a few months, a few years, a lifetime? If you have more beans than you can consume in your life, you don’t need more.
Seek BALANCE. Are you obsessed with your stuff? Are you missing out on life for the sake of getting more stuff? Why collect a garage full of tools unless you use them to make useful and beautiful things? Do you have 6 months worth of food and no water? Plan your purchases wisely.
What does the stuff BENEFIT? In what scenario would you ever use so many of an item? I’m sure my husband will kill me if I buy another blanket, but we use all of our blankets, and they are extremely useful for many purposes.
How much does it COST? Don’t go broke buying things you don’t need.
Do you have enough SPACE? This is my problem. It’s not that I have too much stuff... my last two moves have been into smaller houses. We have too much stuff for our space, so we need to eliminate more stuff and/or make more efficient use of the space we have.
How much PREPARATION or maintenance does it require? If it’s going to take all your time to make or clean, is there an alternative? Remember, it’s not just one thing – it’s all your stuff that needs attention. If you have more than you can manage, it’s too much.
How does it affect your RELATIONSHIPS? Do you have your priorities straight? Are your family/friends worried about you? Mad at you? You may need to make some changes if you find your priorities are out of whack.
Do you find my guidelines helpful? What guidelines would you add? Tell me in the comments…
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.
February 16, 2018
5 Badass Women of Sci-Fi and How They Inspire Me
©2018 Kari Carlisle
I’ve always disliked movies in which the girl, facing mortal danger, screams or faints, and the man, the hero, comes to her rescue. Fortunately, the last few decades have given us a plethora of amazing female role models who not only can take care of themselves, they are heroes in their own right. With so many to choose from, I am giving you my top five.
Ripley (Alien)
I was barely a teen when Alien debuted. My parents took me and my little brother to the theater with the intent to see it. When my parents saw the warning signs, they decided it may be too graphic for my brother, and they made me take him to see Baron von Munchausen. I was so mad, I remember the title of the movie but absolutely nothing about the movie itself. They only reason I forgave my parents is that my mom took me to see Alien the following weekend.
It was terrifying. But I loved it. I loved Ripley. She was afraid, but she was brave. She kicked major alien ass. How she inspires me? Although I don’t usually need to fight off xenomorphs, I am terribly afraid of earwigs. Long story, but I do have an unnatural phobia of the creatures. So whenever I need to dispatch one, I take a deep breath and channel Ripley and blow the sucker out of the airlock (i.e. squish it in a paper towel and throw it away and then take the garbage out just in case).
Zoe (Firefly)
First, I must say all the women of Firefly are pretty badass, and all are inspirational in their own ways. I’ve picked Zoe for this list for her amazing work-life balance. I love how she can put everything into her work, showing her full dedication to Captain Reynolds without question, and still have a passionate, loving relationship with her husband, Wash, who happens to be the ship’s pilot. Even when the two roles clash, she is able to manage the men in her life with grace.
Claire (Outlander)
The amazing thing about Claire is that she takes whatever life throws at her and makes the best of it, turning it into the best thing that ever happened to her. She’s the epitome of the saying, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. She manages to always come out on top, even in complete misery. Accidentally separated from your husband by 200 years and forced to marry another man? Fall in love with him. Forced to go back to first husband? Raise your daughter by second husband and become a doctor. Return to second husband 20 years later to find him remarried? No worries, he doesn’t like her anyway.
Samantha Carter (Stargate SG-1)
Lt. Colonel Carter can travel through wormholes, battle god-like parasitic aliens, and solve impossible, life-threatening problems. And then Sam can put on a dress and be a beautiful, caring, feminine, woman. It’s easy for me to be a “Lt. Colonel” all day, guiding my team, all business. But then, it’s important to be able to leave work at work and become “Sam” when I need to care for my family and spend quality time with my husband.
Sarah Connor (Terminator 2)
In Terminator, Sarah found herself the target of a time-travelling, artificially-intelligent robot seeking to “terminate” the mother of the AI’s enemy leader before he is born. Though she was mainly “victim” in the first movie, the Sarah of T2 becomes exactly the type of woman who could raise a son into a leader of humanity. Yes, she had the benefit of knowledge of future events. But even without knowing what will happen in my future, Sarah inspires me to be the best I can be. She may have been prepping for specific plans that she knew would come to pass, but don’t we all have the opportunity to prepare for our own plans, whatever they may be and whether or not they come to fruition?
I really could go on – Amelia, Uhura, Alice, Leia, Rose, River (both of them), et. al. Tell me about women of sci-fi who have inspired you in the comments…
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.
I’ve always disliked movies in which the girl, facing mortal danger, screams or faints, and the man, the hero, comes to her rescue. Fortunately, the last few decades have given us a plethora of amazing female role models who not only can take care of themselves, they are heroes in their own right. With so many to choose from, I am giving you my top five.
Ripley (Alien)
I was barely a teen when Alien debuted. My parents took me and my little brother to the theater with the intent to see it. When my parents saw the warning signs, they decided it may be too graphic for my brother, and they made me take him to see Baron von Munchausen. I was so mad, I remember the title of the movie but absolutely nothing about the movie itself. They only reason I forgave my parents is that my mom took me to see Alien the following weekend.
It was terrifying. But I loved it. I loved Ripley. She was afraid, but she was brave. She kicked major alien ass. How she inspires me? Although I don’t usually need to fight off xenomorphs, I am terribly afraid of earwigs. Long story, but I do have an unnatural phobia of the creatures. So whenever I need to dispatch one, I take a deep breath and channel Ripley and blow the sucker out of the airlock (i.e. squish it in a paper towel and throw it away and then take the garbage out just in case).
Zoe (Firefly)
First, I must say all the women of Firefly are pretty badass, and all are inspirational in their own ways. I’ve picked Zoe for this list for her amazing work-life balance. I love how she can put everything into her work, showing her full dedication to Captain Reynolds without question, and still have a passionate, loving relationship with her husband, Wash, who happens to be the ship’s pilot. Even when the two roles clash, she is able to manage the men in her life with grace.
Claire (Outlander)
The amazing thing about Claire is that she takes whatever life throws at her and makes the best of it, turning it into the best thing that ever happened to her. She’s the epitome of the saying, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. She manages to always come out on top, even in complete misery. Accidentally separated from your husband by 200 years and forced to marry another man? Fall in love with him. Forced to go back to first husband? Raise your daughter by second husband and become a doctor. Return to second husband 20 years later to find him remarried? No worries, he doesn’t like her anyway.
Samantha Carter (Stargate SG-1)
Lt. Colonel Carter can travel through wormholes, battle god-like parasitic aliens, and solve impossible, life-threatening problems. And then Sam can put on a dress and be a beautiful, caring, feminine, woman. It’s easy for me to be a “Lt. Colonel” all day, guiding my team, all business. But then, it’s important to be able to leave work at work and become “Sam” when I need to care for my family and spend quality time with my husband.
Sarah Connor (Terminator 2)
In Terminator, Sarah found herself the target of a time-travelling, artificially-intelligent robot seeking to “terminate” the mother of the AI’s enemy leader before he is born. Though she was mainly “victim” in the first movie, the Sarah of T2 becomes exactly the type of woman who could raise a son into a leader of humanity. Yes, she had the benefit of knowledge of future events. But even without knowing what will happen in my future, Sarah inspires me to be the best I can be. She may have been prepping for specific plans that she knew would come to pass, but don’t we all have the opportunity to prepare for our own plans, whatever they may be and whether or not they come to fruition?
I really could go on – Amelia, Uhura, Alice, Leia, Rose, River (both of them), et. al. Tell me about women of sci-fi who have inspired you in the comments…
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.
February 9, 2018
Review: After the Dark
©2018 C. Henry Martens
I love smart movies. Don't you love smart movies? I mean... I really love smart movies. Maybe that's why I avoid Will Ferrell and Bart Simpson with a passion.
I was bored, so I clicked on a movie, expecting little. The title, After the Dark , was unexceptional, and the description Amazon uses gave me nothing to generate anticipation. Just another apocalypse movie, one of a plethora... and probably predictable and entirely snooze-inducing.
But right away, as the movie opened, the movie description parted ways from what was actually the premise of the film.
There were no twenty students vying for survival unless getting a good grade in a philosophy class counts as survival. No... the movie is about a thought experiment.
Now does that sound like fertile ground for a good movie about apocalypse? Well, I contend that it is.
Relatable characters, a continuing power struggle, high stakes even if only imaginary, and a manipulative wild card that poses sudden changes and consequences are all crafted into an enticing plot by director John Huddles.
The simple beauty of this film is how it makes you question your own worth. What you bring to the table. What kind of value and importance you place on survival, ethics and morals, and intelligence and genetic potential. It is easy to place yourself within the premise of the movie.
Fans of apocalypse always question their own worth, especially in regard to that of others. Skills or luck, education or experience, beauty or personality? We all do it. How to sell yourself when there is limited space or resources.
But within the context of the movie, within the mind game being played, is a hidden agenda. As the film plays out there are hints, but nothing more obvious than a general feeling on the back of your neck. “Something” isn't as it seems. Even when control is wrested from power and the agenda comes under scrutiny, the nagging thought is that there is more to be revealed.
Altogether, After the Dark was an enjoyable show. Not too heavy, or too light... and thought-provoking in a pleasant way. Click here to watch the trailer.
Two thumbs up...
Apocalypse (from the Greek):An apocalypse is a disclosure of knowledge or revelation. In religious contexts, it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, "a vision of heavenly secrets that can make sense of earthly realities."
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.
I love smart movies. Don't you love smart movies? I mean... I really love smart movies. Maybe that's why I avoid Will Ferrell and Bart Simpson with a passion.
I was bored, so I clicked on a movie, expecting little. The title, After the Dark , was unexceptional, and the description Amazon uses gave me nothing to generate anticipation. Just another apocalypse movie, one of a plethora... and probably predictable and entirely snooze-inducing.
But right away, as the movie opened, the movie description parted ways from what was actually the premise of the film.
There were no twenty students vying for survival unless getting a good grade in a philosophy class counts as survival. No... the movie is about a thought experiment.
Now does that sound like fertile ground for a good movie about apocalypse? Well, I contend that it is.
Relatable characters, a continuing power struggle, high stakes even if only imaginary, and a manipulative wild card that poses sudden changes and consequences are all crafted into an enticing plot by director John Huddles.
The simple beauty of this film is how it makes you question your own worth. What you bring to the table. What kind of value and importance you place on survival, ethics and morals, and intelligence and genetic potential. It is easy to place yourself within the premise of the movie.
Fans of apocalypse always question their own worth, especially in regard to that of others. Skills or luck, education or experience, beauty or personality? We all do it. How to sell yourself when there is limited space or resources.
But within the context of the movie, within the mind game being played, is a hidden agenda. As the film plays out there are hints, but nothing more obvious than a general feeling on the back of your neck. “Something” isn't as it seems. Even when control is wrested from power and the agenda comes under scrutiny, the nagging thought is that there is more to be revealed.
Altogether, After the Dark was an enjoyable show. Not too heavy, or too light... and thought-provoking in a pleasant way. Click here to watch the trailer.
Two thumbs up...
Apocalypse (from the Greek):An apocalypse is a disclosure of knowledge or revelation. In religious contexts, it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, "a vision of heavenly secrets that can make sense of earthly realities."
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.
February 2, 2018
Can H.A.L. Save Your Kids?
©2018 Kari Carlisle
During my first year of college, I wrote a paper for my Psych 101 class on the dangers of watching cartoons on children. I cited examples of kids jumping off roofs to be like Superman. I wrote about the impression that animated characters can have because children identify with them more than live action television. What did I know? I was barely climbing out of childhood myself.
I’ve never had children of my own and quite honestly tend to avoid them, so I can’t say I know much more today on the subject than I did when I was 18. But I know my own experience, and I think it’s interesting how times have changed so dramatically in the last 3-4 decades.
Occasionally, I see a meme or video on Facebook that points out this fact. It usually goes something like “Share this if you remember staying outside playing until the streetlights came on” or “Like and share if you rode your bike without a helmet and lived.” Well, that was me and my brother and all my friends. We went trick-or-treating by ourselves, we caught snakes in the desert, and we rode flattened boxes down dirt hills. This is what I call “having life experiences.”
What life experiences are today’s kids having? There’s an epidemic of latchkey kids stuck inside playing games on devices and growing overweight. I get it. Both parents typically must work to make ends meet, and the dangers of unsupervised play outside are greater today than 40 years ago.
The problem goes deeper than just the lack of outside play. I think kids today are not being taught critical thinking. When I was in school, field trips were a regular experience. They exposed us to all kinds of things beyond what can be conveyed in the classroom. Today, field trips are almost non-existent due to budget cuts, overworked teachers, liability concerns, or whatever excuse the schools have. That leaves the responsibility to overworked, budget-crunched, tired parents.
More on critical thinking – the whole education system has changed and is broken. The plan behind “No child left behind” is completely flawed, focusing education on rote learning for the sake of passing tests to continue school funding. “Nonessential” education such as art is being dramatically reduced or eliminated. Teachers don’t have time anymore to teach kids how to research, how to evaluate, how to be creative.
And then there are those darn devices. Oh yeah, I’m just as dependent on them now as everyone else, but I can go a whole day (a non-work day anyway) without looking at my phone. Can kids today do that? I can have a logical conversation with a colleague and reach a jointly satisfactory conclusion without drama. What kinds of communication skills are kids learning? Are they developing emotional intelligence by restricting their communications to texts? I doubt it.
Video gaming may be a fun pastime, but I’ve seen kids (and adults) become thoroughly addicted, spending hours, days, and a small fortune playing games. To what end? Do kids today even know how to play Go Fish using real cards or Monopoly with a real board and real fake money? I guess after the fast-action excitement of video games, they would find these utterly boring. But are they getting the same problem-solving and socializing skill sets?
Physical fitness is going out the window, too. Sure, I watched my fair share of TV (still do), but I don’t know that a day went by that I didn’t walk to friend’s house, ride my bike, go skating, or play in the playground. Today, there are schools that are doing away with recess and playgrounds. This liability thing is getting out of hand. I stepped on a piece of glass in the schoolyard and needed stitches. Did my parents sue? No. It was a freaking accident.
Nutrition is lacking. When I was a kid, soda and dessert were occasional treats, not every day expectations. I can’t say I was as excited about peanut butter on a celery stick as I was about a Snickers bar, but I generally ate healthier, I believe, than kids today. It wasn’t ideal (lots of carbs and sugary cereals), but at least high fructose corn syrup was not widely used, and there were no GMO’s. Today is much more about convenience than nutrition, and the statistics show kids are more overweight and experiencing more health problems like type 2 diabetes than ever before. I learned my way around the kitchen as a kid, and I think all kids should learn some basic cooking skills. Fast food will be the death of us.
Is there a solution to all of this? If there is, it’s complicated. Some people like to solve problems these days through legislation. If that’s the only way people will comply, then maybe that’s what needs to be done. Some places are outlawing the selling of fountain drinks over a certain size. Will it work, or will people just keep refilling their small soda?
Others advocate for more education. If we educate people about the problem, they will be motivated to change their behavior. Anti-smoking campaigns have clearly been successful, according to statistics. But are teens just switching to vape?
The problem is certainly in part economic. If both parents didn’t have to work, or if they could afford for one to work part time, more attention could be given to raising kids. Community services could also be developed to provide after-school and summer break programs. I fervently believe in the benefit of such programs and urge you to support them.
Ultimately, the current situation will change. Things change. It will get better. It may get worse before it gets better. And then it will get bad again. Heck, there are places in the world today where children are forced laborers. Throughout history, children have had work to do from the time they could walk. Survival depended on it. Families all over the world today need their children to help support the home. Although that wasn’t the case in my home growing up, we still had chores to do, and we’d get in trouble if we misbehaved. I’m amazed at the disrespect and laziness that kids get away with today.
This problem may not be the case in your home, and I hope not. Maybe this is all on a long, sliding scale. Is there something you can do – as a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, or other caregiver – to slide the scale in the right direction just a little? Be a role model, take the kids to a museum, play a board game, go for a hike and examine animal tracks, turn off the devices. Every little thing you can do to make a difference in a young person’s life will help turn the tide of these troubling trends.
I like the advice of filmmaker, Christopher Nolan (Interstellar), who had his young children watch 2001: A Space Odyssey. His point was that they may not understand all of it (even adults have trouble with that), but exposing young children to something like that stretches their minds and their imaginations. I have to agree. Like Nolan, I saw 2001 as a youth enamored with Star Wars, and I had the same reaction of excitement about the potential of humans in space.
A simple thing like a movie, a zoo, or an antique shop can have a huge impact on a growing mind. You may even learn something yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Kids just can’t learn everything they need in life from the classroom or on the device. They will learn the most important things from “having life experiences.” If we don't expose them (or ourselves for that matter) to things bigger than them, they will never develop into their full potential.
What life experiences do you remember having an impact on you? Tell us in the comments…
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.
During my first year of college, I wrote a paper for my Psych 101 class on the dangers of watching cartoons on children. I cited examples of kids jumping off roofs to be like Superman. I wrote about the impression that animated characters can have because children identify with them more than live action television. What did I know? I was barely climbing out of childhood myself.
I’ve never had children of my own and quite honestly tend to avoid them, so I can’t say I know much more today on the subject than I did when I was 18. But I know my own experience, and I think it’s interesting how times have changed so dramatically in the last 3-4 decades.
Occasionally, I see a meme or video on Facebook that points out this fact. It usually goes something like “Share this if you remember staying outside playing until the streetlights came on” or “Like and share if you rode your bike without a helmet and lived.” Well, that was me and my brother and all my friends. We went trick-or-treating by ourselves, we caught snakes in the desert, and we rode flattened boxes down dirt hills. This is what I call “having life experiences.”
What life experiences are today’s kids having? There’s an epidemic of latchkey kids stuck inside playing games on devices and growing overweight. I get it. Both parents typically must work to make ends meet, and the dangers of unsupervised play outside are greater today than 40 years ago.
The problem goes deeper than just the lack of outside play. I think kids today are not being taught critical thinking. When I was in school, field trips were a regular experience. They exposed us to all kinds of things beyond what can be conveyed in the classroom. Today, field trips are almost non-existent due to budget cuts, overworked teachers, liability concerns, or whatever excuse the schools have. That leaves the responsibility to overworked, budget-crunched, tired parents.
More on critical thinking – the whole education system has changed and is broken. The plan behind “No child left behind” is completely flawed, focusing education on rote learning for the sake of passing tests to continue school funding. “Nonessential” education such as art is being dramatically reduced or eliminated. Teachers don’t have time anymore to teach kids how to research, how to evaluate, how to be creative.
And then there are those darn devices. Oh yeah, I’m just as dependent on them now as everyone else, but I can go a whole day (a non-work day anyway) without looking at my phone. Can kids today do that? I can have a logical conversation with a colleague and reach a jointly satisfactory conclusion without drama. What kinds of communication skills are kids learning? Are they developing emotional intelligence by restricting their communications to texts? I doubt it.
Video gaming may be a fun pastime, but I’ve seen kids (and adults) become thoroughly addicted, spending hours, days, and a small fortune playing games. To what end? Do kids today even know how to play Go Fish using real cards or Monopoly with a real board and real fake money? I guess after the fast-action excitement of video games, they would find these utterly boring. But are they getting the same problem-solving and socializing skill sets?
Physical fitness is going out the window, too. Sure, I watched my fair share of TV (still do), but I don’t know that a day went by that I didn’t walk to friend’s house, ride my bike, go skating, or play in the playground. Today, there are schools that are doing away with recess and playgrounds. This liability thing is getting out of hand. I stepped on a piece of glass in the schoolyard and needed stitches. Did my parents sue? No. It was a freaking accident.
Nutrition is lacking. When I was a kid, soda and dessert were occasional treats, not every day expectations. I can’t say I was as excited about peanut butter on a celery stick as I was about a Snickers bar, but I generally ate healthier, I believe, than kids today. It wasn’t ideal (lots of carbs and sugary cereals), but at least high fructose corn syrup was not widely used, and there were no GMO’s. Today is much more about convenience than nutrition, and the statistics show kids are more overweight and experiencing more health problems like type 2 diabetes than ever before. I learned my way around the kitchen as a kid, and I think all kids should learn some basic cooking skills. Fast food will be the death of us.
Is there a solution to all of this? If there is, it’s complicated. Some people like to solve problems these days through legislation. If that’s the only way people will comply, then maybe that’s what needs to be done. Some places are outlawing the selling of fountain drinks over a certain size. Will it work, or will people just keep refilling their small soda?
Others advocate for more education. If we educate people about the problem, they will be motivated to change their behavior. Anti-smoking campaigns have clearly been successful, according to statistics. But are teens just switching to vape?
The problem is certainly in part economic. If both parents didn’t have to work, or if they could afford for one to work part time, more attention could be given to raising kids. Community services could also be developed to provide after-school and summer break programs. I fervently believe in the benefit of such programs and urge you to support them.
Ultimately, the current situation will change. Things change. It will get better. It may get worse before it gets better. And then it will get bad again. Heck, there are places in the world today where children are forced laborers. Throughout history, children have had work to do from the time they could walk. Survival depended on it. Families all over the world today need their children to help support the home. Although that wasn’t the case in my home growing up, we still had chores to do, and we’d get in trouble if we misbehaved. I’m amazed at the disrespect and laziness that kids get away with today.
This problem may not be the case in your home, and I hope not. Maybe this is all on a long, sliding scale. Is there something you can do – as a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, or other caregiver – to slide the scale in the right direction just a little? Be a role model, take the kids to a museum, play a board game, go for a hike and examine animal tracks, turn off the devices. Every little thing you can do to make a difference in a young person’s life will help turn the tide of these troubling trends.
I like the advice of filmmaker, Christopher Nolan (Interstellar), who had his young children watch 2001: A Space Odyssey. His point was that they may not understand all of it (even adults have trouble with that), but exposing young children to something like that stretches their minds and their imaginations. I have to agree. Like Nolan, I saw 2001 as a youth enamored with Star Wars, and I had the same reaction of excitement about the potential of humans in space.
A simple thing like a movie, a zoo, or an antique shop can have a huge impact on a growing mind. You may even learn something yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Kids just can’t learn everything they need in life from the classroom or on the device. They will learn the most important things from “having life experiences.” If we don't expose them (or ourselves for that matter) to things bigger than them, they will never develop into their full potential.
What life experiences do you remember having an impact on you? Tell us in the comments…
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.
January 26, 2018
What's So Funny About Sci-Fi?
©2018 Kari Carlisle
Is there room for humor in science fiction? Let me rephrase that because I think humor is essential in everything. Is there room for humorous science fiction? I believe so, but maybe not for the reasons you think.
Just for the sake of argument, let’s say there are two types of people: those who appreciate and enjoy science fiction and those who do not. Those who do not are probably the ones who think that all science fiction is frivolous nonsense about Martians and magic wands (yes, for this argument ONLY will I use a broader definition of science fiction to include fantasy).
Starting with the sci-fi appreciators, we (I am one) recognize the value of science fiction as legitimate literary fiction that addresses socio-political, ecological, and technological issues of the day. It is a springboard for deep thought, innovation, and creation. I surmise that some die-hard sci-fi fans might take offense to a parody of our beloved genre. Ribald comedies only demean and diminish the value we perceive in “well-written” novels or “well-produced” films.
To my fellow sci-fi appreciators who follow this train of thought, I say you’re missing out. Humor is often its own reward, even (or especially) stripped of meaningful commentary. Life can be hard, and laughter soothes the pains. I enjoy silliness or a well-crafted pun as much as action or drama. Not everything that’s intended to be funny makes me laugh, and not everything that’s intended to be thought-provoking makes me think. Everyone is different, and everyone who seeks to grow is a different person every day.
Even if your funny bone just isn’t tickled by all the humorous sci-fi that’s out there, please consider its value another way. Think of humorous sci-fi as a gateway “drug” for those in the second type of people, the sci-fi meh-ors, the ones who *GASP* do not like Star Wars, or Star Trek, or [insert your favorite book/movie/comic/video game here]. If the Weekend at Bernies type of person doesn’t have any interest in watching Interstellar, perhaps they’ll give Spaceballs a try.
Whether or not you appreciate sci-fi, and whether or not you appreciate humor, everyone should be able to find something to like in the following short list of humorous sci-fi I have compiled here:
QuarkAs a teen completely mesmerized by all things Star Wars, I soaked in anything I could find that had anything to do with space – Star Trek, novels by Niven, Card, et. al., graphic novels, etc. – so, when a TV series about a spaceship captain was produced in 1977, nothing could stop me from watching it. Richard Benjamin plays Adam Quark, the captain of the space version of a garbage truck. It was short-lived, and I don’t remember much of it except that I liked it and it was silly.
SpaceballsTo be honest, I didn’t care for this one, but to be fair, I’m including it because it does have somewhat of a cult following. It’s a straight-out parody of Star Wars, and while it has its moments, I think it’s just one of those Mel Brooks spoofs that didn’t do it for me (I loved Young Frankenstein, hated Men in Tights).
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the GalaxyIf you like British humor, this one’s for you, and you can pick from the original series of novels as well as the movie adaptation.
Mork & MindyThis TV show showcased the comic frenzied genius of Robin Williams as an out-of-place alien living in a modern (for the time) woman’s apartment. Nanu Nanu.
3rd Rock from the SunI was reservedly excited about this TV show when it came out. I was skeptical that enough people would appreciate it as much as I did, but it ended up lasting 6 seasons. The premise involves a group of aliens sent to Earth to observe its inhabitants. To this day, I still think of Joseph Gordon Levitt as the old man, French Stewart as the pet, and William Shatner as the Big Giant Head (and Captain Kirk).
Red DwarfIn the far distant future, a human, a hologram, a robot, and an evolved cat try to get along as the remaining inhabitants of a huge spaceship. Anything can happen, and does, in this British sitcom.
Galaxy QuestThe first time I watched this was on pay-per-view in a hotel room. I was bored, homesick, and in no mood for a comedy, so I didn’t appreciate this one and ended up falling asleep. I was convinced to watch it again later, and it was better the second time. I’ve now seen this one many times and love it! I don’t get tired of this one. An acquired taste? Watch the Trailer.
PaulA raucous comedy, you should watch the unrated version for all its humor if you can tolerate the language, etc. I’ve only just seen this one recently, and I love it. Star Trek reboot fans will recognize Simon Pegg (Scotty) who stars in and co-wrote this movie about an alien that is stranded on Earth and trying to get home (no, nothing at all like E.T.). One thing I enjoy about this movie is all the references to popular sci-fi. Watch the Trailer.
The Last Man on Earth, People of Earth, Making History, Ghosted, and The OrvilleIt seems that science fiction is making a TV comeback and so are humorous versions of it. I love The Orville and wrote about it in another post. I’ve also been watching most of these comedies and enjoying them. Watch The Last Man on Earth for post-apocalyptic misfortunes, People of Earth for alien hijinks, Making History for time-traveling mishaps (now canceled, but you can watch online), and Ghosted for paranormal problems.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Do you enjoy humorous science fiction? What are your favorites? Please share in the comments…
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.
Is there room for humor in science fiction? Let me rephrase that because I think humor is essential in everything. Is there room for humorous science fiction? I believe so, but maybe not for the reasons you think.
Just for the sake of argument, let’s say there are two types of people: those who appreciate and enjoy science fiction and those who do not. Those who do not are probably the ones who think that all science fiction is frivolous nonsense about Martians and magic wands (yes, for this argument ONLY will I use a broader definition of science fiction to include fantasy).
Starting with the sci-fi appreciators, we (I am one) recognize the value of science fiction as legitimate literary fiction that addresses socio-political, ecological, and technological issues of the day. It is a springboard for deep thought, innovation, and creation. I surmise that some die-hard sci-fi fans might take offense to a parody of our beloved genre. Ribald comedies only demean and diminish the value we perceive in “well-written” novels or “well-produced” films.
To my fellow sci-fi appreciators who follow this train of thought, I say you’re missing out. Humor is often its own reward, even (or especially) stripped of meaningful commentary. Life can be hard, and laughter soothes the pains. I enjoy silliness or a well-crafted pun as much as action or drama. Not everything that’s intended to be funny makes me laugh, and not everything that’s intended to be thought-provoking makes me think. Everyone is different, and everyone who seeks to grow is a different person every day.
Even if your funny bone just isn’t tickled by all the humorous sci-fi that’s out there, please consider its value another way. Think of humorous sci-fi as a gateway “drug” for those in the second type of people, the sci-fi meh-ors, the ones who *GASP* do not like Star Wars, or Star Trek, or [insert your favorite book/movie/comic/video game here]. If the Weekend at Bernies type of person doesn’t have any interest in watching Interstellar, perhaps they’ll give Spaceballs a try.
Whether or not you appreciate sci-fi, and whether or not you appreciate humor, everyone should be able to find something to like in the following short list of humorous sci-fi I have compiled here:
QuarkAs a teen completely mesmerized by all things Star Wars, I soaked in anything I could find that had anything to do with space – Star Trek, novels by Niven, Card, et. al., graphic novels, etc. – so, when a TV series about a spaceship captain was produced in 1977, nothing could stop me from watching it. Richard Benjamin plays Adam Quark, the captain of the space version of a garbage truck. It was short-lived, and I don’t remember much of it except that I liked it and it was silly.
SpaceballsTo be honest, I didn’t care for this one, but to be fair, I’m including it because it does have somewhat of a cult following. It’s a straight-out parody of Star Wars, and while it has its moments, I think it’s just one of those Mel Brooks spoofs that didn’t do it for me (I loved Young Frankenstein, hated Men in Tights).
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the GalaxyIf you like British humor, this one’s for you, and you can pick from the original series of novels as well as the movie adaptation.
Mork & MindyThis TV show showcased the comic frenzied genius of Robin Williams as an out-of-place alien living in a modern (for the time) woman’s apartment. Nanu Nanu.
3rd Rock from the SunI was reservedly excited about this TV show when it came out. I was skeptical that enough people would appreciate it as much as I did, but it ended up lasting 6 seasons. The premise involves a group of aliens sent to Earth to observe its inhabitants. To this day, I still think of Joseph Gordon Levitt as the old man, French Stewart as the pet, and William Shatner as the Big Giant Head (and Captain Kirk).
Red DwarfIn the far distant future, a human, a hologram, a robot, and an evolved cat try to get along as the remaining inhabitants of a huge spaceship. Anything can happen, and does, in this British sitcom.
Galaxy QuestThe first time I watched this was on pay-per-view in a hotel room. I was bored, homesick, and in no mood for a comedy, so I didn’t appreciate this one and ended up falling asleep. I was convinced to watch it again later, and it was better the second time. I’ve now seen this one many times and love it! I don’t get tired of this one. An acquired taste? Watch the Trailer.
PaulA raucous comedy, you should watch the unrated version for all its humor if you can tolerate the language, etc. I’ve only just seen this one recently, and I love it. Star Trek reboot fans will recognize Simon Pegg (Scotty) who stars in and co-wrote this movie about an alien that is stranded on Earth and trying to get home (no, nothing at all like E.T.). One thing I enjoy about this movie is all the references to popular sci-fi. Watch the Trailer.
The Last Man on Earth, People of Earth, Making History, Ghosted, and The OrvilleIt seems that science fiction is making a TV comeback and so are humorous versions of it. I love The Orville and wrote about it in another post. I’ve also been watching most of these comedies and enjoying them. Watch The Last Man on Earth for post-apocalyptic misfortunes, People of Earth for alien hijinks, Making History for time-traveling mishaps (now canceled, but you can watch online), and Ghosted for paranormal problems.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Do you enjoy humorous science fiction? What are your favorites? Please share in the comments…
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.
January 19, 2018
Short Story: Dust We Return
©2018 C. Henry Martens
There is always changing information in the investigation and study of our human prehistory. A recent magazine article tickled my imagination within the last week, and I've been cogitating over it ever since. The story makes the case for much earlier incursions by humans into the Americas than previously recognized. One of the speculations is that the early explorers, some immigrant parties, may have died out without populating the new lands they found. Even though the areas were bountiful. So, this story offers a thought about why humans may have failed in the long ago.
The small body I hold in my arms is now still. The spirit within is waiting, hesitant before departing into the sky, to join our ancestors. Soon the dust below our feet will accept the body, a return to the earth where all things begin.
Even though the birth was early, we had much hope for the new life. A perfect body, unlike so many births that have suggested our Gods have abandoned us.
My sister and mate sits away from me, pining for the loss of her child. But she will forget quickly as she is one of those born with only part of her spirit, as many have been.
Even though the child is still, body and spirit, I must recite our oral history to it. The Gods demand that it knows it's ancestors, or it will wander among those in the afterlife alone.
Beginning with the birth of the sun, I relate the stories of the Dreamtimes, and I feel the tiny spirit moving within my breast and behind my eyes as it listens.
The accounts of our fathers and mothers flow from me, as I am now the only rememberer left.
Beginning in the dusk as the day ends, as the sky-people begin to gather their sticks to be lit the next day to provide light and warmth as the new sun, the hours pass as I sing the spirit-child into harmony with those-that-go-before.
I speak of the Recluse and how he wraps people traveling alone in the folds of his wings to smother them. A warning to my child-that-walks-alone. Most spirit-beings are harmless, though, so I relate that as well.
When the moon-man rises, his story cascades from my lips, speaking of how he makes his journey across the sky to overcome the dark of the night.
The giant frog that creates floods, the story of the Fire Tree, and how the seven stars came to be known as the Ice Maidens, and how children are strengthened by rubbing the Ice Maiden's frost on their bodies, is offered as instruction to the departing spirit of my newest child.
Stories of the past, the great hunts, the mammoths and camels and horses that fed and clothed us over the many generations, and the lessons learned. These things join the legends of the Dreamtimes.
Sometime before dawn the new history of the last five generations comes to my lips. The tale of how two hands of closely related people decided to part ways with the Mother Family, stepping off the earth they knew and into the unknown void. The saga of our ancestors departing and how they learned to walk on water and air, new paths unknown to those left behind.
The first children born to the new Clan flourished. The lands they walked over, never stepping in the same footprints twice, provided an abundance of game. As they met no other people, they advanced more and more quickly into the empty spaces. Time and injuries were not unknown, so there were losses, but their numbers grew. Before they turned to follow the coast south there were many sons and daughters walking with them, and every woman carried an infant on her hip or slung across her back.
Our grandmothers delighted in bringing new lives into the family. They would honor the thunder-man when he laughed loudly, smashing his rocks together to make the lightning. Running into the storm, they would raise themselves up to accept the rain that carried the spirit-children down, those seeking to find a mother in order to be born.
The first evidence of the Gods’ anger visited the third generation. The rains came, but no matter how many times our grandmothers danced beneath the showers, many of them remained barren.
Some of the elders speculated that the Gods wanted our Clan to return to our homeland, to take mates from other Tribes. But the strongest among them convinced the rest that returning would be more difficult than heading south into the warmer climates of the coastal plain.
A few infants were born before their time, and several of those that survived were small and weak. The numbers in the Clan remained the same when they should have been growing.
As the family moved south the coast opened onto larger beaches, less rocky, with open areas inland. There were fewer bears, and better hunting as herds of grazing animals fed on the open tundra.
As the fourth generation emerged, there were deformities. Some children didn't survive, and others were left out to die because they would be a burden to the tribe. The first children-of-the-half-spirit were born. Between babies that were born unwell and the numbers of infertile women, our numbers plummeted. We were burdened by aging people of limited use. If the coast hadn't been so fruitful, so easy to find food and sweet water, the elders would have been asked to take the long walk.
During the first fertility hunt of the fourth generation, a black swan was killed. No one had ever seen a black swan, and the elders asked the crows about why the swan had dark feathers. The crows told us that long ago they found an injured white swan, torn by eagles, and in sympathy they offered some of their own feathers so the swan would be warm while it healed. The black feathers were accepted by the injured bird, and as they grew, it plucked out its own feathers until only black feathers grew, except for a few white feathers in its wings. Crows usually speak boldly, but they took my father's father aside to whisper in his ear, telling him that our Clan would die out because of the black swan's death.
I am of the fifth generation, and I am old. My sister and I survived, only two of ten that did. The rest have been entirely barren, never greeting the thunder-man successfully. Of the ten, five were half-spirited, only able to survive with instruction from the rest of us. My sister is one of them, and the only female to bear children. Seven children, and none survived longer than the cycle of the moon. All born too early, and most joining our ancestors before they breathed air.
My mate is too old to bear children. She was many years between this last birth and the one before. There will be no more.
The infant spirit is now informed, one of us, and I can feel it departing. The tearing of it from my heart is a terrible pain, hard to endure.
I can see the sky-people lighting the sticks they have accumulated over the nighttime. The red dawn of the newly kindled sun is starting to glow beyond the hills.
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.
There is always changing information in the investigation and study of our human prehistory. A recent magazine article tickled my imagination within the last week, and I've been cogitating over it ever since. The story makes the case for much earlier incursions by humans into the Americas than previously recognized. One of the speculations is that the early explorers, some immigrant parties, may have died out without populating the new lands they found. Even though the areas were bountiful. So, this story offers a thought about why humans may have failed in the long ago.
The small body I hold in my arms is now still. The spirit within is waiting, hesitant before departing into the sky, to join our ancestors. Soon the dust below our feet will accept the body, a return to the earth where all things begin.
Even though the birth was early, we had much hope for the new life. A perfect body, unlike so many births that have suggested our Gods have abandoned us.
My sister and mate sits away from me, pining for the loss of her child. But she will forget quickly as she is one of those born with only part of her spirit, as many have been.
Even though the child is still, body and spirit, I must recite our oral history to it. The Gods demand that it knows it's ancestors, or it will wander among those in the afterlife alone.
Beginning with the birth of the sun, I relate the stories of the Dreamtimes, and I feel the tiny spirit moving within my breast and behind my eyes as it listens.
The accounts of our fathers and mothers flow from me, as I am now the only rememberer left.
Beginning in the dusk as the day ends, as the sky-people begin to gather their sticks to be lit the next day to provide light and warmth as the new sun, the hours pass as I sing the spirit-child into harmony with those-that-go-before.
I speak of the Recluse and how he wraps people traveling alone in the folds of his wings to smother them. A warning to my child-that-walks-alone. Most spirit-beings are harmless, though, so I relate that as well.
When the moon-man rises, his story cascades from my lips, speaking of how he makes his journey across the sky to overcome the dark of the night.
The giant frog that creates floods, the story of the Fire Tree, and how the seven stars came to be known as the Ice Maidens, and how children are strengthened by rubbing the Ice Maiden's frost on their bodies, is offered as instruction to the departing spirit of my newest child.
Stories of the past, the great hunts, the mammoths and camels and horses that fed and clothed us over the many generations, and the lessons learned. These things join the legends of the Dreamtimes.
Sometime before dawn the new history of the last five generations comes to my lips. The tale of how two hands of closely related people decided to part ways with the Mother Family, stepping off the earth they knew and into the unknown void. The saga of our ancestors departing and how they learned to walk on water and air, new paths unknown to those left behind.
The first children born to the new Clan flourished. The lands they walked over, never stepping in the same footprints twice, provided an abundance of game. As they met no other people, they advanced more and more quickly into the empty spaces. Time and injuries were not unknown, so there were losses, but their numbers grew. Before they turned to follow the coast south there were many sons and daughters walking with them, and every woman carried an infant on her hip or slung across her back.
Our grandmothers delighted in bringing new lives into the family. They would honor the thunder-man when he laughed loudly, smashing his rocks together to make the lightning. Running into the storm, they would raise themselves up to accept the rain that carried the spirit-children down, those seeking to find a mother in order to be born.
The first evidence of the Gods’ anger visited the third generation. The rains came, but no matter how many times our grandmothers danced beneath the showers, many of them remained barren.
Some of the elders speculated that the Gods wanted our Clan to return to our homeland, to take mates from other Tribes. But the strongest among them convinced the rest that returning would be more difficult than heading south into the warmer climates of the coastal plain.
A few infants were born before their time, and several of those that survived were small and weak. The numbers in the Clan remained the same when they should have been growing.
As the family moved south the coast opened onto larger beaches, less rocky, with open areas inland. There were fewer bears, and better hunting as herds of grazing animals fed on the open tundra.
As the fourth generation emerged, there were deformities. Some children didn't survive, and others were left out to die because they would be a burden to the tribe. The first children-of-the-half-spirit were born. Between babies that were born unwell and the numbers of infertile women, our numbers plummeted. We were burdened by aging people of limited use. If the coast hadn't been so fruitful, so easy to find food and sweet water, the elders would have been asked to take the long walk.
During the first fertility hunt of the fourth generation, a black swan was killed. No one had ever seen a black swan, and the elders asked the crows about why the swan had dark feathers. The crows told us that long ago they found an injured white swan, torn by eagles, and in sympathy they offered some of their own feathers so the swan would be warm while it healed. The black feathers were accepted by the injured bird, and as they grew, it plucked out its own feathers until only black feathers grew, except for a few white feathers in its wings. Crows usually speak boldly, but they took my father's father aside to whisper in his ear, telling him that our Clan would die out because of the black swan's death.
I am of the fifth generation, and I am old. My sister and I survived, only two of ten that did. The rest have been entirely barren, never greeting the thunder-man successfully. Of the ten, five were half-spirited, only able to survive with instruction from the rest of us. My sister is one of them, and the only female to bear children. Seven children, and none survived longer than the cycle of the moon. All born too early, and most joining our ancestors before they breathed air.
My mate is too old to bear children. She was many years between this last birth and the one before. There will be no more.
The infant spirit is now informed, one of us, and I can feel it departing. The tearing of it from my heart is a terrible pain, hard to endure.
I can see the sky-people lighting the sticks they have accumulated over the nighttime. The red dawn of the newly kindled sun is starting to glow beyond the hills.
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.
