S.W. Hammond's Blog, page 7
October 25, 2019
Philosophy Book For Beginners
I recently contributed to the following question: what are some of the best books for beginners of philosophy? This is kind of loaded question–are you looking to get "into" philosophy? Are you trying to figure out or define what philosophy is? Are you just looking for something that will make you think about life and your place in it?
Philosophy can be an intimidating subject, especially since everything we know at its highest level is a philosophy. For instance, a Ph.D. is short for Doctor of Philosophy. With an overwhelming number of disciplines and subjects to choose from, not to mention building philosophy's context by understanding its history which stretches way back to the ancients, beginners can be left with analysis paralysis. Greek philosophy set the stage of thought for western civilization; Heraclitus, Parmenides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle—and nearly 3000 years later we’re still arguing about the same topics. And, truthfully, even with all of the techological innovation, very little has been solved.
So, fast forward to now. Perhaps you're just dipping your toe. With all of human history behind us, what do we now know? What have we learned? From the moment single celled bacteria started a chain reaction of life on this planet, all the way to the complex being and genius mind of Johann Sebastian Bach, in From Bacteria To Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds Daniel Dennett explains how comprehension bootstrapped itself from mindless bottom-up natural selection. Praised by contemporary academics but written in such a way that a normal person can understand—without specialized training or years of philosophy—Dennett’s key theory breaks down the idea of competence without comprehension. How thinking minds can be very good at doing a variety of tasks, but never truly understand, nor need to understand, why they are doing them.
September 30, 2019
2019 Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show
November 8, 9, 10 – Colorado Event Center
I'm doing things a little different this time. Being a member of the Colorado Authors' League, the association participates in various events across the state. For the last several years they've been a vendor and created a large "book store" at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show. Colorado Authors' League is lead by a great group of writers and I'm happy that they've included me and allowed me to participate in this year's store.
Usually I'm tied to my booth throughout the duration of any event I attend, so finding me is pretty easy. However, this time various authors will be working in shifts, signing their books and helping run the store. I'm not exactly sure of my schedule yet (follow me on social media for updates), but I will personally be popping into the store off and on throughout the weekend. Of course, if you miss me, my books will still be available. I'm assuming the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show is filled with crafts and trinkets? I have no clue, but I'm guessing you'll be able to do quite a bit of holiday shopping!
Come say hi. Plus, you'll get to meet other great authors from across the state!
Visit the official Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show website for ticket information, schedule, and special guests:
https://coloradochristmasgiftshow.com/colorado-springs/
Colorado Authors' League website:
September 10, 2019
The Ballad of Stevie Pearl – SW Hammond's Upcoming Novel
The world’s most successful and celebrated pop star. A Native American making a name for himself in LA. The two collide in a powerful love story torn apart by hatred and racism, all set in the glittery backdrop of Hollywood socialites.
Stevie Pearl is the biggest pop star on the planet. Her earnest Texan roots blend with California idealism to construct a force never before seen in the entertainment industry. The attention surrounding America’s favorite sweetheart is absolute pandemonium, and after a decade of limelight, her stardom is beginning to feel like a prison.
Alex Nopah is an illustrator. The graphic novel he draws for is budding into a super-franchise. Hired as a consultant for the upcoming motion picture, Alex is introduced to Hollywood and the woman that will forever change his life. Born on a reservation, Alex’s unshakable humble upbringing polarizes the wealth and attitude of LA, along with the new life he’s trying to construct for himself.
THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL presents itself as a sickeningly sweet tale of a young woman crossed somewhere between the bubblegum pop of Taylor Swift and the glamour of the Kardashian’s. Breakups, drama, and paparazzi act as a smokescreen, shadowing the true genius behind the empire and a powerful businesswoman taking command of her career. Faced with corruption, collusion, and greed within her own organization, juxtaposed against systemic racism, sexism, and classism within society—much like the coy smile of Stevie Pearl, the story’s teeth sinks much deeper into the mind then its glossy exterior.
Once all is won and Stevie Pearl embraces the love she has longed for within Alex Nopah, the final pages take an abrupt and unexpected turn. What can only be described as utterly horrific—tragedy strikes the couple deep within the Mojave Desert. Prolific anguish can’t describe the tear soaked ending, making THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL one of the most unexpected and socially conscious novels written in recent years.
This novel is supported by a humorous and entertaining ensemble of characters, providing the reader with a deep emotional connection to Alex and Stevie. This drama / tragedy reads as a quirky romantic comedy up until its final pages, combining pop culture references, witty dialog, and a soundtrack for each chapter. Its diverse character selection and provocative undertones makes THE BALLAD OF STEVIE PEARL a modern fish-out-of-water story crossed with Romeo and Juliet. With no ceiling for its potential upside, this novel attempts to capture the attention of a diverse audience the same way Fifty Shades of Gray united sorority girls, homemakers, grandmothers, and career-mind women. A light read perfect for the beach, men taking a break from crime and suspense will also find themselves smiling and relating to the main characters.
August 28, 2019
Jeep WJ Center Console MOLLE Panels
1999–2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ center console MOLLE panel installation and review.
Ridged plastic MOLLE panels for attaching pouches and gear for easy and quick access on the the center console. Product made by Echelon Design Works.
August 19, 2019
DIY Adjustable Speaker Mounts
Perfect for mounting speakers at your desk.
Using gas spring computer monitor wall mounts, these speaker cradles lined with acoustic foam hold your studio monitor or speakers and allow a full range of adjustment.
August 9, 2019
E4: Why? Distinction Between 'What For?' and 'How Come?' – Daniel Dennett
Episode 4 – User Illusion with SW Hammond
Exploring the philosophy behind the concept of “Why?” and the two questions we are really asking when we use the word “why”. Answering both sets of questions–"How Come?" and "What For?"–yields design and purpose.
August 5, 2019
How To Setup Studio Monitors
A quick guide to calibrating studio monitors. Equalizing volume with an SPL meter app and finding the triangular sweet spot.
All studio monitors need to be balanced and setup properly before you begin using them. Use the free NIOSH SLM app to read the dB of each speaker to ensure they are both putting out the same level of volume. Speaker position is important as well. For the best stereo image, create a triangle betweeen the two speakers and your listening position.
August 3, 2019
Contribute
Over the last few weeks, the swhammond.com website has undergone a few major changes. With the completion of the new office / studio, big things are underway and I’m excited for you to see all the new content that will be coming out.
I work pretty hard at creating all of this stuff. Aside from editors and those generous enough to donate their time to proofreading my books, everything else in this enterprise I’ve done myself. Writing the books—formatting the layout and converting them to digital, paperback, and hardcovers—all of the cover art and graphic design… I built this website myself. There’s now hundreds of pages and articles—which is absolutely crazy to think about. Attending all of the comic cons and live events—I can’t quantify the amount of time I’ve spent in an effort to bring you high quality, professional content.
As a one man show, it’s incredibly satisfying. Your emails, comments, and support isn’t filtered. I see each and every one of them, and I’m so humbled by how much everything has grown. I hit a big milestone this week, according to Alexa Rank this website has surpassed the 500,000 mark. That means that out of all of the websites in the entire world, this one is now in the top 500,000. That may not mean a lot to some of you, but I started this website in 2004 and I used to rank in the 10s of millions. I’m proud to see this grow and those little milestones are mentally so important—I know my work is reaching you.
August 2, 2019
M-Audio BX5 Studio Monitor Review
Great For Multi-Media Creation
A thorough review and understanding of M-Audio BX5 studio monitors. A solid choice for most of us, these 5 inch speakers offer clarity and detail that will help you create better mixes.
The three most important things to remember when buying studio monitors: acoustically treat your listening environment, make sure to be honest with yourself about what you actually need, and set your new monitors up properly by calibrating them.
July 25, 2019
E3: Gardening, Not Architecture - Sarah Saturday - Warped Tour
Episode 3 – User Illusion with SW Hammond
Music you're missing out on: Gardening, Not Architecture is Sarah Saturday's dreamy-reflective bedroom pop rock project that captivates and compels with earnest songwriting.
In Part 2, I talk about Warped Tour. I reflect on how much the tour meant to me as a teenager, and then what it was like to work and travel with the tour all summer long. Lots of great memories and so many influential people.
