The book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a sort of interesting book. The author has created a sort of well-researched book with just a little fictional flourish to fill in the gaps.
The main problem I have is liking the main character. This kid repeatedly does not grow up, often attempts things full-board, with research and resources, yet still so many decisions seem made with such bravado and youthful ignorance as to rub me the wrong way.
Repeatedly, the young adult appears mature for his age and then appears far less mature for his age. It is as though he repeatedly attempts to assimilate and when he fails he moves on to a new adventure. A couple times, he successfully finds a group that appreciates, even if doesn't understand, him. This group he returns to a few times, yet always goes looking for something better.
I guess my main issue with the story of this young adult is that I feel he is in many situations "old enough to know better." Nothing is good enough to satisfy him intellectually, physically, nor emotionally.
I think the movie did a much better job of making the main character more likable, even if they were less honest to the real story. In this rare case, I recommend the movie over the book.
3.31.2019
3.18.2019
Podcast. Left, Right, Center by KCRW
I recently discovered a podcast called "Left, Right, Center" by KCRW by NPR on my podcoin app. The topics are mostly political, but also include social topics and other things that tend to divide people along conservative/liberal or democrat/republican lines.
The host is the "center" representative. The left and right are mostly consistent, but are occasionally different people. Sometimes a third guest is thrown in just for fun, or as a specialist on a particular topic.
I really appreciate the host's ability to review facts of difficult topics, ask the hard follow up questions, but also moderate well and know when the discussion is devolving and needs to be switched to a new topic. There are a few times I've heard one side or the other get pretty heated with their opinions, as is to be expected, but they still manage to keep it civil.
The host is the "center" representative. The left and right are mostly consistent, but are occasionally different people. Sometimes a third guest is thrown in just for fun, or as a specialist on a particular topic.
Keeping Discussions Civil
What I like so far about the random episodes I've listened to is that the arguments are kept mostly civil. The majority of guests on the show seem to know and respect each other to some degree, and while things get heated the topic is resolved or changed before a full blown fight emerges.I really appreciate the host's ability to review facts of difficult topics, ask the hard follow up questions, but also moderate well and know when the discussion is devolving and needs to be switched to a new topic. There are a few times I've heard one side or the other get pretty heated with their opinions, as is to be expected, but they still manage to keep it civil.
3.10.2019
Book. Lisey's Story
I recently read the book Lisey's Story by Stephen King. As far as King's books go, this was a weird one. I know that's strange to say of Stephen King, but this on was truly odd for him. The darkness took a new form in this book, and upon finishing the book I did finally appreciate it.
Almost Put It Down
I'll be honest here: for the first third, almost half, of the book I had trouble sinking in. There was a lot of back story, and a lot of build up. Action was throughout just often enough to keep me reading, but barely. There was a very slow turning point that took my interest, but I don't think I could pin point it. Slowly, the main character pulled me in with her and I read more quickly and longer each time I picked up the book.Worth the Read
Keep the lights on toward the end. It does hit home just enough to give you goosebumps and make you think twice about looking into the shadows of the corner late at night. If you can push through the first half, this book is truly worth the full read.3.03.2019
Erm... Re-Re-Intro?
Howdy!
I'll eventually get good at keeping this blog truly updated. Heh. I'll get some posts up soon to share more thoughts, experiences, and hopeful get to a point of more meaningful schedule and content.
Lately I've been discovering lots of podcasts and music while working. I have gotten back into reading books for a little bit each day. Just this year I opened a card and board game development company with a couple partners. A couple years ago I bought a house, and a few years before that I married.
Look for many more updates, for realz this time. I'll sit each time I have time and type away my thoughts to this blog here.
Cheers!
I'll eventually get good at keeping this blog truly updated. Heh. I'll get some posts up soon to share more thoughts, experiences, and hopeful get to a point of more meaningful schedule and content.
Lately I've been discovering lots of podcasts and music while working. I have gotten back into reading books for a little bit each day. Just this year I opened a card and board game development company with a couple partners. A couple years ago I bought a house, and a few years before that I married.
Look for many more updates, for realz this time. I'll sit each time I have time and type away my thoughts to this blog here.
Cheers!
8.20.2014
David Wellington
I'm currently hooked on the author David Wellington. The book I'm reading now is "23 Hours" which follows a vampire hunter/cop, Caxton, after she transforms from cop to inmate after being charged with a kidnapping that ultimately lead her to the vampire she was after.
I bought my first adventure with Mr. Wellington years ago; while looking through medical nonfiction at a large bookstore chain, I found "Monster Island" among them... Obviously not nonfiction, though interesting enough to pull my attention.
Since moving I haven't read much, though recently gained a library card and have been finding time among classes, studying, and job applications to chew through other books by Wellington, including Monster Nation, Monster Planet, and 99 Coffins. So far Monster Nation and 23 Hours are my favorite, but I'm not done yet and I hope David Wellington stays ahead of me with his writing.
Monster Island, Monster Nation, and Monster Planet are all amazing books. The characters and story lines are all very well developed and new theories are applied to explain monsters in a whole new way. I really appreciate this author. Check out his books to go on your own adventure with him!
I bought my first adventure with Mr. Wellington years ago; while looking through medical nonfiction at a large bookstore chain, I found "Monster Island" among them... Obviously not nonfiction, though interesting enough to pull my attention.
Since moving I haven't read much, though recently gained a library card and have been finding time among classes, studying, and job applications to chew through other books by Wellington, including Monster Nation, Monster Planet, and 99 Coffins. So far Monster Nation and 23 Hours are my favorite, but I'm not done yet and I hope David Wellington stays ahead of me with his writing.
Monster Island, Monster Nation, and Monster Planet are all amazing books. The characters and story lines are all very well developed and new theories are applied to explain monsters in a whole new way. I really appreciate this author. Check out his books to go on your own adventure with him!
9.27.2010
Well, It's only been a couple years... (re-intro)
Hm. Sort of forgot about this little corner of the universe. I'll try to update fairly often since rediscovering my neglected little blog, but, well, no promises. :P
Um... Quick recap? I've moved to the opposite side of the country, started (and almost finished, yay!) a surgical tech certification program, and I'm currently hanging out with my cat and updating a majorly outdated blog (yep, this one right here folks) when I should probably either be doing homework or sleeping...
Tonight I learned that my great grandmother and her son went on a road trip recently, and she took notes throughout the trip. I was emailed the typed up notes, and it was so very cool.
They went to visit the town in which she was born. Along the way she made friends with bikers, and she described the scenery and happenings all along the way and back with the wonderful wit, humor and wisdom I grew up with on our summer trips to visit her.
I realized tonight I haven't seen her in a long time. I miss her. Hearing about her wonderful, and humourous, road trip was a great happy surprise.
I then decided I feel the need to tell this to anyone on the intaerwebz that stumbles across this little blog... Because it is so freaking awesome! She's almost a century old and she's still living life like the young and enjoying herself.
My great grandmother is my hero.
Um... Quick recap? I've moved to the opposite side of the country, started (and almost finished, yay!) a surgical tech certification program, and I'm currently hanging out with my cat and updating a majorly outdated blog (yep, this one right here folks) when I should probably either be doing homework or sleeping...
Tonight I learned that my great grandmother and her son went on a road trip recently, and she took notes throughout the trip. I was emailed the typed up notes, and it was so very cool.
They went to visit the town in which she was born. Along the way she made friends with bikers, and she described the scenery and happenings all along the way and back with the wonderful wit, humor and wisdom I grew up with on our summer trips to visit her.
I realized tonight I haven't seen her in a long time. I miss her. Hearing about her wonderful, and humourous, road trip was a great happy surprise.
I then decided I feel the need to tell this to anyone on the intaerwebz that stumbles across this little blog... Because it is so freaking awesome! She's almost a century old and she's still living life like the young and enjoying herself.
My great grandmother is my hero.
6.08.2008
Technology and Inevitable Assimilation
Technology has been around for many years, from the spears of hunters, to the guns of World War One, to the GPS guided missiles used today and throughout history, the medical fields have been right along side the spears, guns and missiles trying to repair the damage. Today’s high tech world holds ID chips in roaming pets that have lead to ID chips in humans and robot toys for children that have lead to robotic arms and legs for amputees. Technology has lead to many things, and hundreds of groups have drawn thousands of lines, but nowhere does there seem to be signs of technology slowing down. On the contrary, the rule of technology is just beginning.
As I write this, a company called Cyberkinetics is developing “technologies that restore function, including limb movement, sensation and communication, for those with a wide range of central nervous system conditions, diseases and injuries” (“Cyberkinetics”). Good. They are working toward helping injured people, so why are there groups trying to shut down Cyberkinetics’ research? Mostly, the reason is fear. Cyberkinetics has recently developed the BrainGate Neural Interface System that allows a person “to use his thoughts to control cursor motion and/or replicate keystrokes on a computer screen.” Of course, in order to get to this point, a small chip, about the size of a baby aspirin according to Cyberkinetics, must be implanted into the brain. Not only does one sit through brain surgery, but one hundred electrodes attached to a silicon backing will be poking into your brain enough to keep the sensor in place.
Chips that control computers may eventually lead to chips that control wheelchairs, or better yet, slim frames that fit over a paraplegics’ legs that help them to walk again. Why stop there? These chips use electric signals from the brain to tell the computers and frames what to do, so simply bypass the broken spinal cord and reconnect the brain with the legs through wireless chips.
William Donelson has had a local piercer place a small chip in his hand that allows him “to log on to his computer, open doors and unlock his car” (Bahney) all with the wave of his right hand. Donelson, twenty-one at the time, was a computer networking student looking to show how close we are to a time when there will be a fine line between human and machine. The tiny chips have been safely implanted in roaming pets and livestock for years. Soon chips just like his can be used to do almost anything that used to require a key, remote or swipe card. Bahney also reports that while many people look fearfully at movies such as “The Matrix” and “Blade Runner,” Donelson is part of a group that is trying to show how close we are to widely accepted implanted chips and other such technology. (Bahney)
The that’s just the beginning. Combined with the chips placed in so many people’s brains, it will eventually be played off as another simple innovation: “Picture the possibilities,” a smooth voice will say over the radio. “You will no longer have to get up to turn down the lights. No more messing with complicated remote controls, just think about changing the channel and there it goes.” Of course sibling rivalry will have fun with such “innovation.” Three kids sitting in the same room would be able to change the channel on each other just by thinking about it and there will be no way to prove which was the culprit.
Another scare that has popped up is that of cancer. With studies on whether or not cell phones cause cancer still leaving that issue up in the air, the scare seems very really to many people. Along with many metals used in electronics corroding when inside the human body for long periods of time, there are many fears, but there have always been doubts about technology and we have survived by using out judgement. Simply stated, keep improving and work it out along the way.
The popularity of Computers has soared and technology in general has shown no signs of slowing. As the possibilities grow the chips and other components are getting smaller, leading to computers like Apples new MacPro that can hold up to three terabytes while still looking like the average desktop (Apple). MP3 players that hold more and more as they get smaller show that computers are getting closer to humans; higher end MP3 players even blend in to clothes and wireless headphones make it easier to move, even play basketball, without catching wires.
Apply the brain chips and cochlear implants, and everyone can have permanent music that they can turn on merely by thinking. And no one else can hear it, the music is feed straight to the brain in the form of electric signals. All that will give new meaning to the phrase “I have a song stuck in my head.”
Technology makes life easier, entertains, and speeds everything up. Technology is the essence of progress, the main thread pulling evolution, and no matter how skeptics try to stop or even curve the path of technology, there seem to be only two ways to go; technology will either consume us or make us stronger, just like most things in life.
As I write this, a company called Cyberkinetics is developing “technologies that restore function, including limb movement, sensation and communication, for those with a wide range of central nervous system conditions, diseases and injuries” (“Cyberkinetics”). Good. They are working toward helping injured people, so why are there groups trying to shut down Cyberkinetics’ research? Mostly, the reason is fear. Cyberkinetics has recently developed the BrainGate Neural Interface System that allows a person “to use his thoughts to control cursor motion and/or replicate keystrokes on a computer screen.” Of course, in order to get to this point, a small chip, about the size of a baby aspirin according to Cyberkinetics, must be implanted into the brain. Not only does one sit through brain surgery, but one hundred electrodes attached to a silicon backing will be poking into your brain enough to keep the sensor in place.
Chips that control computers may eventually lead to chips that control wheelchairs, or better yet, slim frames that fit over a paraplegics’ legs that help them to walk again. Why stop there? These chips use electric signals from the brain to tell the computers and frames what to do, so simply bypass the broken spinal cord and reconnect the brain with the legs through wireless chips.
William Donelson has had a local piercer place a small chip in his hand that allows him “to log on to his computer, open doors and unlock his car” (Bahney) all with the wave of his right hand. Donelson, twenty-one at the time, was a computer networking student looking to show how close we are to a time when there will be a fine line between human and machine. The tiny chips have been safely implanted in roaming pets and livestock for years. Soon chips just like his can be used to do almost anything that used to require a key, remote or swipe card. Bahney also reports that while many people look fearfully at movies such as “The Matrix” and “Blade Runner,” Donelson is part of a group that is trying to show how close we are to widely accepted implanted chips and other such technology. (Bahney)
The that’s just the beginning. Combined with the chips placed in so many people’s brains, it will eventually be played off as another simple innovation: “Picture the possibilities,” a smooth voice will say over the radio. “You will no longer have to get up to turn down the lights. No more messing with complicated remote controls, just think about changing the channel and there it goes.” Of course sibling rivalry will have fun with such “innovation.” Three kids sitting in the same room would be able to change the channel on each other just by thinking about it and there will be no way to prove which was the culprit.
Another scare that has popped up is that of cancer. With studies on whether or not cell phones cause cancer still leaving that issue up in the air, the scare seems very really to many people. Along with many metals used in electronics corroding when inside the human body for long periods of time, there are many fears, but there have always been doubts about technology and we have survived by using out judgement. Simply stated, keep improving and work it out along the way.
The popularity of Computers has soared and technology in general has shown no signs of slowing. As the possibilities grow the chips and other components are getting smaller, leading to computers like Apples new MacPro that can hold up to three terabytes while still looking like the average desktop (Apple). MP3 players that hold more and more as they get smaller show that computers are getting closer to humans; higher end MP3 players even blend in to clothes and wireless headphones make it easier to move, even play basketball, without catching wires.
Apply the brain chips and cochlear implants, and everyone can have permanent music that they can turn on merely by thinking. And no one else can hear it, the music is feed straight to the brain in the form of electric signals. All that will give new meaning to the phrase “I have a song stuck in my head.”
Technology makes life easier, entertains, and speeds everything up. Technology is the essence of progress, the main thread pulling evolution, and no matter how skeptics try to stop or even curve the path of technology, there seem to be only two ways to go; technology will either consume us or make us stronger, just like most things in life.
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