I know this land; I grew up here. I know it all, and it is real. But this portion, the portion I seek today, it exists outside time, in a fold of space and reality. This is a land that denies it's nonexistence and belies its simplicity.
I have been to this land before. A year prior, I found the fence. It stretches from horizon to horizon, beyond is another geography, another reality. I have traveled there. I have taken friends and family.
Today however is different. Today I go to harvest apples. I planted the trees months ago between a shed in my reality and the fence. In mere months the trees have fully grown and are now laden with fruit. They were baring fruit on my last visit, but now they are ripe to the point of rotting.
Apples are scattered on the ground. I know they are not edible, but they are valuable. I ignore the black viscous liquid leaking from them and drop them in a narrow but deep pit. The morass seethes, but I know its power.
I call others and show them the power I have gathered in the pit. I do this simply and directly by jumping in. I pass without event or delay beneath the dark surface only to reappear among those I had just left. The apples' blackness conveys a person to any locale to they choose.
We begin to gather the apples. The ripe ones are sweet to the taste and hold no power beyond the nutritional. But the ones on the edge, the ones tipping past ripe, a bite unleashed the blackness from their red shell and moving the person.
Such power is needed and to be shared. This is why I brought others, but my time is short and I am thrust unwilling back to reality.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Hello World
Hello World, you can have my hopes and dreams; you killed them before they were born. You robbed me of them before I even knew them. You took my could be's.
Now I stand before you bereft and naked, barren of soul and will.
Aimless I come to you and ... die with each step.
Why did you kill me? What was my crime?
You came to me as a lover in my youth; tempting me with candied futures. You led me with golden dreams of varied sort, and now you betray me.
Give me back the Dream. Replace the veil you took from me so stealthily and cruelly. Restore to me my innocence.
Please.
All you have left me is the hollow truth of now; a horror I cannot abide.
Hello World, close my eyes.
Now I stand before you bereft and naked, barren of soul and will.
Aimless I come to you and ... die with each step.
Why did you kill me? What was my crime?
You came to me as a lover in my youth; tempting me with candied futures. You led me with golden dreams of varied sort, and now you betray me.
Give me back the Dream. Replace the veil you took from me so stealthily and cruelly. Restore to me my innocence.
Please.
All you have left me is the hollow truth of now; a horror I cannot abide.
Hello World, close my eyes.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sign Here
Once upon a time, I wrote on the site Writer's On The Loose. While there I assisted in establishing an unofficial but now somewhat traditional semiannual short story contest with "Pump Primer" contests between. (A Pump Primer is a really short story written to a prompt; a type of writing exercise to get the juices flowing for the short story contest.) With the completion of the contest on July 3, I decided to bring my entry here. Eventually, I plan to rehash this story and work out the kinks.
I encourage any interested to participate in the upcoming Pump Primer contest this September, and the Short Story contest this December.
"Mr. Smith?," the lad asked. "I'm Thomas from -"
"I don't want any," Donny said."
"That's good, because I'm not selling any," Thomas said. He was laughing lightly.
"Then what do you want?"
"As I was saying, my name is Thomas, and I'm from the Rapture Appointment Department."
"The Rapture Appointment Department? Is that some kind of cult?"
"No sir. We're not a cult. We're just making everyone's appointments for the Rapture so that it goes off smoothly; can't have everyone ascending at the same time. It'd just jam up the entrance, you know."
"You're messing with me, aren't you kid?"
"It's Thomas, and no sir. I've been duly authorized to schedule you for a time of your convenience on December twenty-first of this year."
"No one knows the day nor the hour," Donny said. He was a bit worried about this young man.
"Oh that's just bureaucratic speak, sir," Thomas said. "Administrators have to know when. Otherwise it'd just be chaos. There's housing and transportation to consider. And the Gates are only so wide. Then there's the judging; without proper planning that would take eternity right there."
"Uh..." Donny looked around, but couldn't see any neighbors, though a car was coming down the street. "What do I have to do to make you go away?"
"It's very simple, sir. Are you willing to take the time slot of 10:59:45 AM Central Time?"
"What for?"
"Your Rapturing of course. I just need you to sign here saying that you agree."
"I'm not signing anything."
"I can't process your appointment without your signature, Mr. Smith."
"You just be on your way."
"But Mr. Smith -"
"Just go away."
"I'll just pencil you in, then?"
"Do that. You just go away."
Thomas scribbled on his notepad. He sighed, then said "You know, Mr. Smith. This is harder than I thought it'd be. No one seems to believe me."
"I can't imagine why. Now leave."
"Alright, Mr. Smith. I have to check in and report anyway," Thomas said. "See you on the Winter Solstice."
"Whatever," Donny said.
Before Donny's eyes, Thomas vanished into thin air. Donny starred for a long while, then frantically looked up and down the street. Thomas was no where to be seen. Carefully and slowly Donny went in his house and tried to forget. After all who'd believe him.
End.
I encourage any interested to participate in the upcoming Pump Primer contest this September, and the Short Story contest this December.
Sign Here
Donny was sitting on his front stoop enjoying the summer sun, when a young man in white shirt and tie, holding a clipboard approached. The lad was remarkably clean cut and bore himself with a calm assurance. Donny waited with the curiosity of those being intruded upon. The lad smiled."Mr. Smith?," the lad asked. "I'm Thomas from -"
"I don't want any," Donny said."
"That's good, because I'm not selling any," Thomas said. He was laughing lightly.
"Then what do you want?"
"As I was saying, my name is Thomas, and I'm from the Rapture Appointment Department."
"The Rapture Appointment Department? Is that some kind of cult?"
"No sir. We're not a cult. We're just making everyone's appointments for the Rapture so that it goes off smoothly; can't have everyone ascending at the same time. It'd just jam up the entrance, you know."
"You're messing with me, aren't you kid?"
"It's Thomas, and no sir. I've been duly authorized to schedule you for a time of your convenience on December twenty-first of this year."
"No one knows the day nor the hour," Donny said. He was a bit worried about this young man.
"Oh that's just bureaucratic speak, sir," Thomas said. "Administrators have to know when. Otherwise it'd just be chaos. There's housing and transportation to consider. And the Gates are only so wide. Then there's the judging; without proper planning that would take eternity right there."
"Uh..." Donny looked around, but couldn't see any neighbors, though a car was coming down the street. "What do I have to do to make you go away?"
"It's very simple, sir. Are you willing to take the time slot of 10:59:45 AM Central Time?"
"What for?"
"Your Rapturing of course. I just need you to sign here saying that you agree."
"I'm not signing anything."
"I can't process your appointment without your signature, Mr. Smith."
"You just be on your way."
"But Mr. Smith -"
"Just go away."
"I'll just pencil you in, then?"
"Do that. You just go away."
Thomas scribbled on his notepad. He sighed, then said "You know, Mr. Smith. This is harder than I thought it'd be. No one seems to believe me."
"I can't imagine why. Now leave."
"Alright, Mr. Smith. I have to check in and report anyway," Thomas said. "See you on the Winter Solstice."
"Whatever," Donny said.
Before Donny's eyes, Thomas vanished into thin air. Donny starred for a long while, then frantically looked up and down the street. Thomas was no where to be seen. Carefully and slowly Donny went in his house and tried to forget. After all who'd believe him.
End.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Review: Abby the Witch
Title: Abby the Witch
Author: Odette C. Bell
Publisher: Smashwords
ISBN: N/A BN ID: 2940033047406
Abigail Gail, Abby for short, fresh out of training is the newly appointed witch to a city/kingdom that has banned witches on pain of death. Years pass and slowly Abby is starving to death as she tries to do her duty in the background, until a storm of epic proportions comes blowing in. Abby goes out in the storm to save a drowning man, and they both get blown back in time. Once there they face the problem of getting back to their time and the moral conundrum of whether or not they should fix the problems that ruined the kingdom and brought the ban on witches.
The copy I read was beset by that which seems to plague all free or inexpensive ebooks: typos. That said, let's move on.
The story was well told and intended for a younger audience, perhaps early teens. It is a bit of a romance novel. This however does not hamper the tale, but does give it a bit of a foreseen ending. At points it is a bit shallow in that the characters seem to only have a few emotions and swing between them. And the thirty year old sea commander, almost captain, acts like a teenager, as does the witch. This is what leads me to think the target audience is teenagers. Further the characters don't really have to think much to resolve the situation, they are pointed in the right direction and everything conspires to help them on the way, all they have to do is make the right choice. There was one blatant lose thread left blowing at the end, in the beginning the sea commander was told "not to break my window this time", but at no point in the story was he ever faced with a situation where he might have had to. Also the author felt the need to use a faux cussword constantly, even by a character who is stated to never swear. And finally, at one point the main characters introduce themselves with assumed names, but later encounter those who only know them by the fake names and are addressed directly by their correct names with no explanation needed as to the change.
Overall, it is a youth friendly read and rather quick. However it could do with some editing and possibly shortening. While I would tenderly suggest it as a read, I would not fervently urge anyone to read it.
Author: Odette C. Bell
Publisher: Smashwords
ISBN: N/A BN ID: 2940033047406
Abigail Gail, Abby for short, fresh out of training is the newly appointed witch to a city/kingdom that has banned witches on pain of death. Years pass and slowly Abby is starving to death as she tries to do her duty in the background, until a storm of epic proportions comes blowing in. Abby goes out in the storm to save a drowning man, and they both get blown back in time. Once there they face the problem of getting back to their time and the moral conundrum of whether or not they should fix the problems that ruined the kingdom and brought the ban on witches.
The copy I read was beset by that which seems to plague all free or inexpensive ebooks: typos. That said, let's move on.
The story was well told and intended for a younger audience, perhaps early teens. It is a bit of a romance novel. This however does not hamper the tale, but does give it a bit of a foreseen ending. At points it is a bit shallow in that the characters seem to only have a few emotions and swing between them. And the thirty year old sea commander, almost captain, acts like a teenager, as does the witch. This is what leads me to think the target audience is teenagers. Further the characters don't really have to think much to resolve the situation, they are pointed in the right direction and everything conspires to help them on the way, all they have to do is make the right choice. There was one blatant lose thread left blowing at the end, in the beginning the sea commander was told "not to break my window this time", but at no point in the story was he ever faced with a situation where he might have had to. Also the author felt the need to use a faux cussword constantly, even by a character who is stated to never swear. And finally, at one point the main characters introduce themselves with assumed names, but later encounter those who only know them by the fake names and are addressed directly by their correct names with no explanation needed as to the change.
Overall, it is a youth friendly read and rather quick. However it could do with some editing and possibly shortening. While I would tenderly suggest it as a read, I would not fervently urge anyone to read it.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Obamacare... is a tax?
With the 5-4 vote of the Supreme Court, Obamacare is now in full swing and ready to slap the nation silly come 2014 and continue it's escalation of abuse until 2016 when it becomes an annual event. And though I see the contrivance of Obamacare as little more than a social atrocity, the decision of the Supreme Court is more so. Why?
This is because by declaring Obamacare to be valid under the taxation clause of the Constitution the Supreme Court has granted unto the Legislative Branch a new and far reaching power. This power is the power to tax the public into a behavior, or rather tax the public for not doing something. For the nonce, from 2014 forward, we will be taxed for not having health insurance. Silence the arguments about the "social necessity" for a moment and listen, please. This new taxation realm now allows the government to socially engineer the country.
Suppose, a future administration is in favor of green technology. A new tax is passed and suddenly any vehicle that isn't a hybrid or electric is taxed. Houses are taxed for not being solar. Home owners are taxed for not gardening. Or suppose they decide to tax you for not buying some technology, for not going to the doctor, for not going fishing, for not saving money, or even for not spending money. The list of things the government can now tax the public for NOT doing is nigh on endless.
Worse yet, not only has this new idea been introduced to the world, but if the U.S. government begins to utilize this taxation ability without it being struck down by the people then other countries will follow suit. Even without the U.S. government acting on it, the idea is out there now and some government will try to run with it.
This outcome, to my mind, is not hyperbole nor simply excessive negativity, but rather a certain surety that the government, as it currently exists, is a money grubbing organism. And with this new found power will find ways to justify the power's use, but always for the "greater good".
The government must be corrected, and it is the voice of the people that must do it.
This is because by declaring Obamacare to be valid under the taxation clause of the Constitution the Supreme Court has granted unto the Legislative Branch a new and far reaching power. This power is the power to tax the public into a behavior, or rather tax the public for not doing something. For the nonce, from 2014 forward, we will be taxed for not having health insurance. Silence the arguments about the "social necessity" for a moment and listen, please. This new taxation realm now allows the government to socially engineer the country.
Suppose, a future administration is in favor of green technology. A new tax is passed and suddenly any vehicle that isn't a hybrid or electric is taxed. Houses are taxed for not being solar. Home owners are taxed for not gardening. Or suppose they decide to tax you for not buying some technology, for not going to the doctor, for not going fishing, for not saving money, or even for not spending money. The list of things the government can now tax the public for NOT doing is nigh on endless.
Worse yet, not only has this new idea been introduced to the world, but if the U.S. government begins to utilize this taxation ability without it being struck down by the people then other countries will follow suit. Even without the U.S. government acting on it, the idea is out there now and some government will try to run with it.
This outcome, to my mind, is not hyperbole nor simply excessive negativity, but rather a certain surety that the government, as it currently exists, is a money grubbing organism. And with this new found power will find ways to justify the power's use, but always for the "greater good".
The government must be corrected, and it is the voice of the people that must do it.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Short Story Contest
Wednesday, June 27, 2012, a writer's site, Writer's On The Loose, is having their Semi-Annual short story contest. It is open to everyone and the public are the judges. The stories are posted anonymously on the host's column. The story that accumulates the most votes wins.
I've entered it before, and even hosted it on occasion. It's a nice way to showcase your skill and allows people to improve their writing. Plus it exposes people to new ideas and stories. I encourage anyone interested to check it out.
Copyrights are retained by the original author.
I've entered it before, and even hosted it on occasion. It's a nice way to showcase your skill and allows people to improve their writing. Plus it exposes people to new ideas and stories. I encourage anyone interested to check it out.
Copyrights are retained by the original author.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Review: Delver Magic Book I: Sanctum's Breach
Title: Delver Magic Book I: Sanctum's Breach
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWW6
Welcome to a world without magic; that is until magic escapes. Ryson Acumen, a freelance scout descended from a race of scouts and living among humans, is sent to investigate an earthquake. Along the way he discovers that myths are real and all of life is about to change. He gathers a group to break into an ancient fortress designed to house the most dangerous magical artifact ever created; their mission: destroy the artifact before it kills everyone.
The story suffers.
First, the main character - and indeed most of them - are romantic in nature. This is something I can tolerate, but really don't want to. The romantic perfection of Ryson - superspeed that prevents anyone from touching him in combat, anyone from escaping him, and the need for time and distance relevance, and an unyielding moral compass - robs the story of so many possible avenues and opportunities that the story becomes predictable.
While the root and basic telling of the story is a compelling read, it suffers repetition. The narrator tells the reader what the characters motivations, thoughts, or actions will be and then has the character actually do or say it. Then the characters are afflicted with the compelling need to preach and then ask "do you understand?" Sadly it seemed more like the writer wanted to convince the reader of an idea rather than lead them there with the story.
It isn't a bad read, but it isn't stellar either. In short it was a four-hundred page (in my epub version) story that could easily have been edited to two-hundred or less.
P.S. - I can't help but wonder if the price (free) and my "auditioning" of new authors (when I've finished the known works of my favorites, I start looking for authors I'm not familiar with and use one of their works as an audition piece) is the only reason I read this. And the next two in the series, too.
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWW6
Welcome to a world without magic; that is until magic escapes. Ryson Acumen, a freelance scout descended from a race of scouts and living among humans, is sent to investigate an earthquake. Along the way he discovers that myths are real and all of life is about to change. He gathers a group to break into an ancient fortress designed to house the most dangerous magical artifact ever created; their mission: destroy the artifact before it kills everyone.
The story suffers.
First, the main character - and indeed most of them - are romantic in nature. This is something I can tolerate, but really don't want to. The romantic perfection of Ryson - superspeed that prevents anyone from touching him in combat, anyone from escaping him, and the need for time and distance relevance, and an unyielding moral compass - robs the story of so many possible avenues and opportunities that the story becomes predictable.
While the root and basic telling of the story is a compelling read, it suffers repetition. The narrator tells the reader what the characters motivations, thoughts, or actions will be and then has the character actually do or say it. Then the characters are afflicted with the compelling need to preach and then ask "do you understand?" Sadly it seemed more like the writer wanted to convince the reader of an idea rather than lead them there with the story.
It isn't a bad read, but it isn't stellar either. In short it was a four-hundred page (in my epub version) story that could easily have been edited to two-hundred or less.
P.S. - I can't help but wonder if the price (free) and my "auditioning" of new authors (when I've finished the known works of my favorites, I start looking for authors I'm not familiar with and use one of their works as an audition piece) is the only reason I read this. And the next two in the series, too.
Review: Delver Magic Book II: Throne of Vengeance
Title: Delver Magic Book II: Throne of Vengeance
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWY4
The epic of Ryson Acumen continues! The world is newly flush with magic and monsters and everyone is struggling to adapt. In the midst of this turmoil, the King of the dwarves abdicates, and the Queen Mother with the aid of anti-monarchy rebels usurps the throne. She then begins a war of retribution, seeking to avenge the death of her son, who died in the previous book helping to save the world. Ryson learns of her intentions and tries to warn her victims but is too late, but his actions cause the war to escalate bringing other nations. Soon it is the dwarves versus everyone, and it is up to Ryson and his friends to prevent genocide and war.
My opinion of this book is much the same as that of the last: the story suffers.
The characters are romantic by nature. Their perfection, especially that of Ryson, robs the story of much of its potential and even serves as a consistent deus ex machina. This is especially true of Ryson and his preternatural speed: no one can touch him in combat, or escape him, his sense keep people from hiding from or surprising him, and his unfailing moral compass accepts no challenge.
Then comes the tendency of characters to lecture and preach only to follow it up in "do you understand?" If the author wishes to explore a moral problem or an idea, show the reader through the story, guide them. To preach and lecture only serves to detract from the story and rob the reader of interest.
There are some persistent edit errors: using "then" instead of "than" and vice versa, among others.
This story was a good time killer, not bad but not excellent either. If it hadn't been free, I most likely would never have ventured to try it. In a book store or library I would have put it back on the shelf, as I could have perused it first. (I obtained the first three books in the series at the same time and price, and read them all.)
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWY4
The epic of Ryson Acumen continues! The world is newly flush with magic and monsters and everyone is struggling to adapt. In the midst of this turmoil, the King of the dwarves abdicates, and the Queen Mother with the aid of anti-monarchy rebels usurps the throne. She then begins a war of retribution, seeking to avenge the death of her son, who died in the previous book helping to save the world. Ryson learns of her intentions and tries to warn her victims but is too late, but his actions cause the war to escalate bringing other nations. Soon it is the dwarves versus everyone, and it is up to Ryson and his friends to prevent genocide and war.
My opinion of this book is much the same as that of the last: the story suffers.
The characters are romantic by nature. Their perfection, especially that of Ryson, robs the story of much of its potential and even serves as a consistent deus ex machina. This is especially true of Ryson and his preternatural speed: no one can touch him in combat, or escape him, his sense keep people from hiding from or surprising him, and his unfailing moral compass accepts no challenge.
Then comes the tendency of characters to lecture and preach only to follow it up in "do you understand?" If the author wishes to explore a moral problem or an idea, show the reader through the story, guide them. To preach and lecture only serves to detract from the story and rob the reader of interest.
There are some persistent edit errors: using "then" instead of "than" and vice versa, among others.
This story was a good time killer, not bad but not excellent either. If it hadn't been free, I most likely would never have ventured to try it. In a book store or library I would have put it back on the shelf, as I could have perused it first. (I obtained the first three books in the series at the same time and price, and read them all.)
Review: Delver Magic Book III: Balance of Fate
Title: Delver Magic Book III: Balance of Fate
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWA8
Old enemies return to threaten a world just gaining its feet after the return of magic and monsters. And once again it is up to Ryson Acumen and his gang of friends to save the day. A dark general makes a deal with an evil sorceress gaining an army and the means to conquer mankind. Via a near omnipotent and semi-omniscient sorcerer, Ryson learns of the troubles and of an even greater threat on the distant horizon. Somehow, Ryson must end the scourges before they can grow beyond control.
Once again the story suffers.
The story is romantic in nature. This is normally not a problem, but with this story it is. Ryson, for example, moves with such speed that no opponent can harm him, neither can they escape him, and his unyielding moral compass preventing internal conflict. This positively robs the story of so many possibilities and avenues.
Nearly every chapter features a lecture on destiny and free will. The reader can often skip whole sections of dialogue without missing any of the story. The reader isn't led on the path of exploring the ideas, but is rather battered at every opportunity with it.
Then a number of scenes felt contrived and unnatural to the flow of the story. These scenes served as nothing more than a device to allow later scenes the author wanted to happen to occur. Although, the author did plan ahead and placed the clues and devices he needed in the last chapters in the early ones so that the idea was already in the reader's mind
Again there was rampant word confusion, the most prolific of which was using "then" as "than" and vice versa.
The underlying story, its bones if you will, is an excellent one. However, this telling while not bad, isn't great. It serves as a time killer and reads almost like a transcribed role playing game adventure. If I had encountered the book in a library or bookstore before obtaining it, I would have returned it to the shelf. But as it was free and I was between authors I gave the series a try. Read it if you will, but be forewarned.
P.S. - Strangely, I've become oddly fond of the characters. Perhaps it's an acquired taste. Scary thought.
Author: Jeff Inlo
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
ISBN: N/A ASIN: B0030ZRWA8
Old enemies return to threaten a world just gaining its feet after the return of magic and monsters. And once again it is up to Ryson Acumen and his gang of friends to save the day. A dark general makes a deal with an evil sorceress gaining an army and the means to conquer mankind. Via a near omnipotent and semi-omniscient sorcerer, Ryson learns of the troubles and of an even greater threat on the distant horizon. Somehow, Ryson must end the scourges before they can grow beyond control.
Once again the story suffers.
The story is romantic in nature. This is normally not a problem, but with this story it is. Ryson, for example, moves with such speed that no opponent can harm him, neither can they escape him, and his unyielding moral compass preventing internal conflict. This positively robs the story of so many possibilities and avenues.
Nearly every chapter features a lecture on destiny and free will. The reader can often skip whole sections of dialogue without missing any of the story. The reader isn't led on the path of exploring the ideas, but is rather battered at every opportunity with it.
Then a number of scenes felt contrived and unnatural to the flow of the story. These scenes served as nothing more than a device to allow later scenes the author wanted to happen to occur. Although, the author did plan ahead and placed the clues and devices he needed in the last chapters in the early ones so that the idea was already in the reader's mind
Again there was rampant word confusion, the most prolific of which was using "then" as "than" and vice versa.
The underlying story, its bones if you will, is an excellent one. However, this telling while not bad, isn't great. It serves as a time killer and reads almost like a transcribed role playing game adventure. If I had encountered the book in a library or bookstore before obtaining it, I would have returned it to the shelf. But as it was free and I was between authors I gave the series a try. Read it if you will, but be forewarned.
P.S. - Strangely, I've become oddly fond of the characters. Perhaps it's an acquired taste. Scary thought.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
What service workers WISH they could do (1)
At some point everyone in the service industries (be it retail, food, or what-have-you) gets fed up with the sense of superiority and condescension they face from their customers. And so at times they would love to have a pre-printed note that they could hand to the customer and simply walk away...
"Dear Sir or Madam,
We 'regretfully' request that you immediately cease frequenting our establishment. This request is being made, as our sales associates have found you to be an obnoxious detriment to humanity.
We thank you for no longer allowing us to serve you. And we hope to never see you again.
Sincerely yours,
Management"
Come to think of it, I think that might be a pretty clever gimmick for a store. People would be trying to get associates to give them one of those cards. :-)
"Dear Sir or Madam,
We 'regretfully' request that you immediately cease frequenting our establishment. This request is being made, as our sales associates have found you to be an obnoxious detriment to humanity.
We thank you for no longer allowing us to serve you. And we hope to never see you again.
Sincerely yours,
Management"
Come to think of it, I think that might be a pretty clever gimmick for a store. People would be trying to get associates to give them one of those cards. :-)
Friday, June 8, 2012
Weight Loss Laziness
Okay, so in no way, shape, or form can I be considered a fitness buff or health food junkie. I like my salts, fats, and sugars way too much. And I have for a while.
But the sad truth is I'm overweight. I suffer from Dunlap Disease; my stomach dun lapped over my belt! (Old joke I know.) At about six foot, I should weigh at most 179 lbs. At least according to the mythical BMI Index. And as popular belief is that your waist should be half your height; I should be a 36 inch waist. (Waist size and pants size are different. Pants tend to be two inches smaller as manufacturers add inches to the stated size.)
Well, since I currently weigh in at 245 lbs with a waist size of 42 inches. So I need toloose lose about 70 lbs and 6 inches.
Why am I posting this tid-bit? Well, people who are held accountable tend to do better. I suppose this will be true even in a little viewed blog. So from time to time, I believe I'll use this to track my progress, or lack thereof, in the weight loss department.
So wish me luck!
But the sad truth is I'm overweight. I suffer from Dunlap Disease; my stomach dun lapped over my belt! (Old joke I know.) At about six foot, I should weigh at most 179 lbs. At least according to the mythical BMI Index. And as popular belief is that your waist should be half your height; I should be a 36 inch waist. (Waist size and pants size are different. Pants tend to be two inches smaller as manufacturers add inches to the stated size.)
Well, since I currently weigh in at 245 lbs with a waist size of 42 inches. So I need to
Why am I posting this tid-bit? Well, people who are held accountable tend to do better. I suppose this will be true even in a little viewed blog. So from time to time, I believe I'll use this to track my progress, or lack thereof, in the weight loss department.
So wish me luck!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Oh, it's you again
Curiosity my old foe
How quickly you defeat me
Though I try, I cannot fight
You are like a beau
You know what makes me me
And entices wrong from right
Why can I not defeat you
I only want to know
What can I ever do
to escape this mental limbo
I cannot win, that is certain
So I'll tame you ere I'm bitten
How quickly you defeat me
Though I try, I cannot fight
You are like a beau
You know what makes me me
And entices wrong from right
Why can I not defeat you
I only want to know
What can I ever do
to escape this mental limbo
I cannot win, that is certain
So I'll tame you ere I'm bitten
Monday, June 4, 2012
Review: The Bakkian Chronicles II: Insurrection
Title: The Bakkian Chronicles II: Insurrection
Author: Jeffery M. Poole
Publisher: Create Space (paperback) or J. M. Poole (ebook)
ISBN: 978-1466388819 (paperback) or ASINL: B005QUVGTS (ebook)
Once again Poole takes through the looking glass on an Alice in Wonderland-esque adventure. The story picks up one year after the Bakkian Chronicles: The Prophecy. Steve and Sarah learn of trouble in magical realm, and rush off to help. They learn that people are have kidnapped the queen leading two nations towards war. Seeking to find out why, they learn more about their powers and why they are exceptional. In the end they learn that they are tools of prophecy to a degree even more so than they imagined. And clues to the true threat are revealed.
The story is fast-paced and frolicksome. Again, it is a fun, interesting story, that shows a lot of promise.There are fewer editing problems than the first, but some new ones cropped up. However, if the problems were resolved the story would move well past promise towards excellence. I do recommend this novel, but with the stipulation that the reader be warned that it is currently less than perfect.
That said, what follows are some of the problems (from most important to nit-picky) I noticed:
The primary problem is word overuse - using a "Visible" word numerous time in a relatively small space, "invisible" words ("said" for example) are exempt from this - namely where the author stated something happened "instantly" or someone did something "while simultaneously" doing something else. Most of the time the overused words can simply be omitted without sacrificing the feel of the sentence.
Late tags or no tags: as the story is written in Third Person Semi-Omnisceient Unlimited the point of view can change from sentence to sentence, but often the new character's point of view is not identified beyond a "he/she" until the point of view is ready to change. Also at times, when multiple characters are speaking, lines of dialogue are left untagged leaving the reader to guess who is speaking.
Deus Ex Machina: The feel of the quest to retrieve the diary towards the end feels contrived solely to answer questions that the author had to answer and used the characters to ask, and the reader wanted to know.
Once again, the professional guards and soldiers are at a loss as to how to behave in military and security matters, deferring those who merely have new magical powers and no military training.
And finally, every time there is to be a fight or danger Steve fights with Sarah about her getting away from danger. Every time. Even when the the guard is on the other side of the door jiggling the handle about to come in and discover them, they have this fight.
Author: Jeffery M. Poole
Publisher: Create Space (paperback) or J. M. Poole (ebook)
ISBN: 978-1466388819 (paperback) or ASINL: B005QUVGTS (ebook)
Once again Poole takes through the looking glass on an Alice in Wonderland-esque adventure. The story picks up one year after the Bakkian Chronicles: The Prophecy. Steve and Sarah learn of trouble in magical realm, and rush off to help. They learn that people are have kidnapped the queen leading two nations towards war. Seeking to find out why, they learn more about their powers and why they are exceptional. In the end they learn that they are tools of prophecy to a degree even more so than they imagined. And clues to the true threat are revealed.
The story is fast-paced and frolicksome. Again, it is a fun, interesting story, that shows a lot of promise.There are fewer editing problems than the first, but some new ones cropped up. However, if the problems were resolved the story would move well past promise towards excellence. I do recommend this novel, but with the stipulation that the reader be warned that it is currently less than perfect.
That said, what follows are some of the problems (from most important to nit-picky) I noticed:
The primary problem is word overuse - using a "Visible" word numerous time in a relatively small space, "invisible" words ("said" for example) are exempt from this - namely where the author stated something happened "instantly" or someone did something "while simultaneously" doing something else. Most of the time the overused words can simply be omitted without sacrificing the feel of the sentence.
Late tags or no tags: as the story is written in Third Person Semi-Omnisceient Unlimited the point of view can change from sentence to sentence, but often the new character's point of view is not identified beyond a "he/she" until the point of view is ready to change. Also at times, when multiple characters are speaking, lines of dialogue are left untagged leaving the reader to guess who is speaking.
Deus Ex Machina: The feel of the quest to retrieve the diary towards the end feels contrived solely to answer questions that the author had to answer and used the characters to ask, and the reader wanted to know.
Once again, the professional guards and soldiers are at a loss as to how to behave in military and security matters, deferring those who merely have new magical powers and no military training.
And finally, every time there is to be a fight or danger Steve fights with Sarah about her getting away from danger. Every time. Even when the the guard is on the other side of the door jiggling the handle about to come in and discover them, they have this fight.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Review: The Bakkian Chronicles: The Prophecy
Title: The Bakkian Chronicles: The Prophecy
Author: Jeffery M. Poole
Publisher: Publish America (overpriced defunct paperback) , Create Space (paperback), or J. M. Poole (free ebook)
ISBN: 978-1456043049 (overpriced defunct paperback), 978-1477400630 (paperback), or ASIN: B004LB4TL0 (free ebook)
Special Note: The author had a falling out with Publish American who was overcharging and under-representing, regained his book and kicked Publish American to the curb and made the book available for free.
An Alice in Wonderland-esque adventure; the main characters, Steve and Sarah, find themselves thrust from our world into the midst of a world of wonder and magic. There they discover that not only do they have powers themselves but that they play a central role in a centuries old prophecy. To save the life of the young prince they must master their powers and seek out a master dwarf blacksmith in order to go home, taking the prince to safety with them.
The story is fast-paced and frolicsome. Overall, it is a fun, interesting story, that shows a lot of promise. I say promise because there are a number of editing problems. However, if the problems were resolved the story would move well past promise towards excellence. I do recommend this novel, but with the stipulation that the reader be warned that it is currently less than perfect.
That said, what follows are some of the problems (from most important to nit-picky) I noticed:
The primary problem is word overuse - using a "Visible" word numerous time in a relatively small space, "invisible" words ("said" for example) are exempt from this - namely where the author stated something happened "instantly" or someone did something "while simultaneously" doing something else. Most of the time the overused words can simply be omitted without sacrificing the feel of the sentence.
Late tags or no tags: as the story is written in Third Person Semi-Omnisceient Unlimited the point of view can change from sentence to sentence, but often the new character's point of view is not identified beyond a "he/she" until the point of view is ready to change. Also at times, when multiple characters are speaking, lines of dialogue are left untagged leaving the reader to guess who is speaking.
McGuffins galore!: The main characters are presented with magic items where time is taken to explain the item and its virtues, but the item is either not used or not pertinent to the story. A McGuffin is such an item. In series, this is more forgivable as the item can be used and play a central role in one of the future books. In stand-alones, however, it is faux pas.
Some knowledge confusion: at one point Sarah reminds Steve that he had wanted to move, however the narrative did not have Steve telling Sarah this only thinking it. Also at one point Sarah has to explain what a slingshot is to medieval troops, because they didn't know, however, the prince had a slingshot several chapters earlier and had notably used it on them. In one case a character stated that they hadn't thought of something, but only a few pages before they had, and they wanted to ask someone about it too. This is an easy trap for an author to fall into, as they know the whole story and all possible scenes what was or was not really written may get blurred.
Authority figures sans leadership skills: The Captain of the Guard defers to persons without military experience, and his men often act undisciplined.
Unchildlike child: The Prince is described as a small child, however his dialogue is often that of a teen. The saving grace is that no age is given. The dialogue goes against the child's behavior as he often acts as a five or seven year-old.
And lastly, things that should take a while don't. Steve is apprentice to a master blacksmith and naturally gets the hang of it enough to be trusted with the forging of a sword. Or the construction of an intensely powerful magic item takes days, but full suits of armor that fit perfectly without measuring and an almost magical armored gown take less than a day.
Author: Jeffery M. Poole
Publisher: Publish America (overpriced defunct paperback) , Create Space (paperback), or J. M. Poole (free ebook)
ISBN: 978-1456043049 (overpriced defunct paperback), 978-1477400630 (paperback), or ASIN: B004LB4TL0 (free ebook)
Special Note: The author had a falling out with Publish American who was overcharging and under-representing, regained his book and kicked Publish American to the curb and made the book available for free.
An Alice in Wonderland-esque adventure; the main characters, Steve and Sarah, find themselves thrust from our world into the midst of a world of wonder and magic. There they discover that not only do they have powers themselves but that they play a central role in a centuries old prophecy. To save the life of the young prince they must master their powers and seek out a master dwarf blacksmith in order to go home, taking the prince to safety with them.
The story is fast-paced and frolicsome. Overall, it is a fun, interesting story, that shows a lot of promise. I say promise because there are a number of editing problems. However, if the problems were resolved the story would move well past promise towards excellence. I do recommend this novel, but with the stipulation that the reader be warned that it is currently less than perfect.
That said, what follows are some of the problems (from most important to nit-picky) I noticed:
The primary problem is word overuse - using a "Visible" word numerous time in a relatively small space, "invisible" words ("said" for example) are exempt from this - namely where the author stated something happened "instantly" or someone did something "while simultaneously" doing something else. Most of the time the overused words can simply be omitted without sacrificing the feel of the sentence.
Late tags or no tags: as the story is written in Third Person Semi-Omnisceient Unlimited the point of view can change from sentence to sentence, but often the new character's point of view is not identified beyond a "he/she" until the point of view is ready to change. Also at times, when multiple characters are speaking, lines of dialogue are left untagged leaving the reader to guess who is speaking.
McGuffins galore!: The main characters are presented with magic items where time is taken to explain the item and its virtues, but the item is either not used or not pertinent to the story. A McGuffin is such an item. In series, this is more forgivable as the item can be used and play a central role in one of the future books. In stand-alones, however, it is faux pas.
Some knowledge confusion: at one point Sarah reminds Steve that he had wanted to move, however the narrative did not have Steve telling Sarah this only thinking it. Also at one point Sarah has to explain what a slingshot is to medieval troops, because they didn't know, however, the prince had a slingshot several chapters earlier and had notably used it on them. In one case a character stated that they hadn't thought of something, but only a few pages before they had, and they wanted to ask someone about it too. This is an easy trap for an author to fall into, as they know the whole story and all possible scenes what was or was not really written may get blurred.
Authority figures sans leadership skills: The Captain of the Guard defers to persons without military experience, and his men often act undisciplined.
Unchildlike child: The Prince is described as a small child, however his dialogue is often that of a teen. The saving grace is that no age is given. The dialogue goes against the child's behavior as he often acts as a five or seven year-old.
And lastly, things that should take a while don't. Steve is apprentice to a master blacksmith and naturally gets the hang of it enough to be trusted with the forging of a sword. Or the construction of an intensely powerful magic item takes days, but full suits of armor that fit perfectly without measuring and an almost magical armored gown take less than a day.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Stop
I stopped thinking sometime last year
I stopped my hopes, my joys, my cheer
I stopped dreaming and gave up hope
I stopped striving and now only cope
I stopped it all, the growth, the living of life
I stopped the battle, the trying, the strife
Stopped it, Halted, Ceased to be
This is my path, Land of the free
I stopped it,
And it stopped me.
I stopped my hopes, my joys, my cheer
I stopped dreaming and gave up hope
I stopped striving and now only cope
I stopped it all, the growth, the living of life
I stopped the battle, the trying, the strife
Stopped it, Halted, Ceased to be
This is my path, Land of the free
I stopped it,
And it stopped me.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Suppose
Once in a while I am beset by mood and craving to have someone unto whom I can spill the entirety of my thoughts unfettered by the fear of repercussion. But in my pondering I am hampered by the dire reality that few are the possibilities of such an exposition. Not even the anonymity of the internet is a grace to such a situation as it is not the real you that is shown, but an immortal amoral self forever flaunting itself into the minds of those who are unfortunate enough to encounter it.
Suppose that I were to write that when I drive, I visualize increasing the speed of the vehicle and ramming my moving death trap into the barrier of a brick wall, the dark cloudy depths of a creek, or the immobile embrace of a tree. Suppose I wrote that oft times when I am new a person I visualize kissing them or killing them. Suppose I wrote that when I were in the kitchen each knife brings to mind the image of blood on my wrists, up my arm. Suppose I wrote of the scenarios lovingly crafted in my mind of wrapping a belt round my throat then slowly giving into the strident prickly embrace of asphyxia.Or suppose I wrote of the curious longing that threatens when I see a gun and the sensory fear of placing it appropriately for use.
Suppose further that I wrote of the dark moods and ease of anger that sporadically besets me. Or of the lethargy that consumes, a moment at a time, the joys of life.
Suppose further that I confessed to having no goals or aspirations in life beyond that of being a father and husband. Or of the dreams that settle in my mind like a gauze of reality. Or of the nightmares that reek of normalcy among the exotic and frightful.
Suppose, just suppose, as by now many suppose I just have, that I wrote all this. Forever and always anyone encountering it would offer condolences or sympathies, perhaps offer expressions like "been there" or "I feel the same", but worst is that the image of me would be sullied; not just now, but whenever this was encountered. Or if the person proved untrustworthy, then these private confidences would find themselves broadcast beyond my control.
So you see my dilemma.
Suppose that I were to write that when I drive, I visualize increasing the speed of the vehicle and ramming my moving death trap into the barrier of a brick wall, the dark cloudy depths of a creek, or the immobile embrace of a tree. Suppose I wrote that oft times when I am new a person I visualize kissing them or killing them. Suppose I wrote that when I were in the kitchen each knife brings to mind the image of blood on my wrists, up my arm. Suppose I wrote of the scenarios lovingly crafted in my mind of wrapping a belt round my throat then slowly giving into the strident prickly embrace of asphyxia.Or suppose I wrote of the curious longing that threatens when I see a gun and the sensory fear of placing it appropriately for use.
Suppose further that I wrote of the dark moods and ease of anger that sporadically besets me. Or of the lethargy that consumes, a moment at a time, the joys of life.
Suppose further that I confessed to having no goals or aspirations in life beyond that of being a father and husband. Or of the dreams that settle in my mind like a gauze of reality. Or of the nightmares that reek of normalcy among the exotic and frightful.
Suppose, just suppose, as by now many suppose I just have, that I wrote all this. Forever and always anyone encountering it would offer condolences or sympathies, perhaps offer expressions like "been there" or "I feel the same", but worst is that the image of me would be sullied; not just now, but whenever this was encountered. Or if the person proved untrustworthy, then these private confidences would find themselves broadcast beyond my control.
So you see my dilemma.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Review: Hogfather
Title: Hogfather
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978- 0-06-105905-6
Yet again we venture into the Diskworld. In the dead of winter a nefarious plot is hatched to do away with a figure of some prominence. Meanwhile, Susan - Death's granddaughter - is busily protecting her wards from boogiemen, when a sense of remembering the future hits her. Soon a struggling Tooth Fairy is kidnapped, imps and impossible anthropomorphic personifications are popping into existence, and Death himself is posing as the Hogfather (a version of Santa Claus). Susan must find out why? Where is the Hogfather? And who is behind his disappearance? Humor abounds in this tale. In the end, Susan learns the necessity of the magic and little lies of childhood and the Hogfather.
Terry Pratchett's Death is by and far my favorite character in his books and by association Susan is no slouch either. The story is well told with excellent "flawed" mirroring of our world - ie: the Hogfather in place of Santa Claus - adding a great element of humor. Terry uses sound theories and explanations - well as much as possible in a story including magic and fantasy elements - to prop up and give depth to the story. By and far, the reading of a few pages quickly shows how this particular story gained in popularity to the point it was made into a movie by BBC. One which I take pleasure in watching every Christmas Season and have managed to use to gain converts to the works of Terry Prachett.
Additionally, Prachett uses footnotes to add humorous asides to the main story. They aren't necessary to the story, but reading them adds an extra depth that would be sorely lacking should he desist in the practice. I highly recommend reading this story, or at least slacking of for an evening of watching the BBC movie.
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978- 0-06-105905-6
Yet again we venture into the Diskworld. In the dead of winter a nefarious plot is hatched to do away with a figure of some prominence. Meanwhile, Susan - Death's granddaughter - is busily protecting her wards from boogiemen, when a sense of remembering the future hits her. Soon a struggling Tooth Fairy is kidnapped, imps and impossible anthropomorphic personifications are popping into existence, and Death himself is posing as the Hogfather (a version of Santa Claus). Susan must find out why? Where is the Hogfather? And who is behind his disappearance? Humor abounds in this tale. In the end, Susan learns the necessity of the magic and little lies of childhood and the Hogfather.
Terry Pratchett's Death is by and far my favorite character in his books and by association Susan is no slouch either. The story is well told with excellent "flawed" mirroring of our world - ie: the Hogfather in place of Santa Claus - adding a great element of humor. Terry uses sound theories and explanations - well as much as possible in a story including magic and fantasy elements - to prop up and give depth to the story. By and far, the reading of a few pages quickly shows how this particular story gained in popularity to the point it was made into a movie by BBC. One which I take pleasure in watching every Christmas Season and have managed to use to gain converts to the works of Terry Prachett.
Additionally, Prachett uses footnotes to add humorous asides to the main story. They aren't necessary to the story, but reading them adds an extra depth that would be sorely lacking should he desist in the practice. I highly recommend reading this story, or at least slacking of for an evening of watching the BBC movie.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Review: The Wee Free Men
Title: The Wee Free Men
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978- 0-06-001238-0
Author: Terry Pratchett
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 978- 0-06-001238-0
In the infamous, fun, and odd world of the Diskworld young Tiffany Aching is coming of age. She sees the world differently than most, some would say that she sees what is really there, and that makes her special. She decides to be a witch. And shortly after receiving a warning from a visiting witch that trouble was coming, and that Tiffany should hide until it is all sorted, Tiffany’s brother is taken. Tiffany is bound and determined to get him back. Along the way she meets, befriends, and winds up leading the Wee Free Men – elfin creatures, six inches tall, who are ferocious fighters and thieves – and they assist her in her efforts to free her brother.
I will confess a bias for the works of Terry Pratchett that is certainly reflected here, but not overly so. The book is targeted for young adults, but nevertheless is fun for the older reader. While Tiffany’s actions and thoughts don’t scream “child”, this is easily forgiven as from the start it is made clear that she is not normal in any sense. Her animosity for her younger sibling (sibling rivalry) and determination to protect what’s hers rings true. The Wee Free Men provide vital exposition and comic relief. – After all what do you expect from creatures, who after survive a tidal wave are only concerned with how many sharks they head butted or on whom they’ll pawn their fool’s gold? – The pace is suitably fast and the story clear and concise. In truth it was a pleasure to read.
However, I feel that the story was made the more pleasurable from having first read the other novels about Diskworld. This is not necessary as no references are made that are not explained. But an overall feel of the world contributes a certain something.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Review: A Taste For Rabbit
Title: A Taste For Rabbit
Author: Linda Suckerman
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
ISBN: 978- 0-439-86977-5
Author: Linda Suckerman
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
ISBN: 978- 0-439-86977-5
In a world without humans, animals have evolved to fill the sentient niche. Not all animals are sentient, those that are are predators. The foxes face a sever famine and starvation as winter causes their food supply to dwindle. Meanwhile, and not too distant, but inaccessible, rabbits have achieved society unbeknownst to anyone and unknowing of any other society.
Harry Fox is employed by his brother a dirty politician to gain access to the rabbits rumored to live on the inaccessible plateau. Harboring dreams of showing his brother up or even better shaming him, Harry goes on his hunting trip. He encounters a con-artist and is out maneuvered into delays and misdirection.
Meanwhile Quentin, a rabbit, runs afoul of the military during a trying time in the rabbit colony. Rabbit families are vanishing and the politicians and military are creating a police state with the blessing of the populous in the name of safety. Quentin and his friends decide to escape the compound, dodging the draft, and join the rebels. Quentin gets separated from his friends after the escape and learns the terrible truth of the vanishing rabbits.
Harry and Quentin encounter each other and from each other’s influence learn the truth of their metal and that necessity breeds heroes, honor comes from within, and a wider worldview.
On the whole, the story was well told with the two intertwining storylines meshing well. However, the Harry Fox storyline was distracting as Harry was consistently beset with daydreams and flashbacks that did not separate from reality but blended so that the reader had to pay close attention or risk getting lost (The Quentin storyline has but one flashback.). The story was a fun, if disturbing romp – Spoiler: The rabbits are being kidnapped by some of the military, killed, and sold as food to a few of the well off foxes on the black market. And as the story is an exploration of humanity, this equates to cannibalism. – end too leaves the reader hopeful, nigh on demanding, for a sequel. This is because the story leaves one major thread flapping in the wind – though this can be called life – and the characters speaking of their future possibilities and desires in the final pages.
I would cautiously recommend this read. The reader should be aware that the story is more intellectual than a driving page-turner; in essence test the waters before buying.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I have done nothing
The field is plowed
the wheat is sown
the wood is chopped
the lawn is mown
My chores are done
my flesh is tired
though the results golden
my mind is wired
I know in my soul
my inner voice screams
though it took its toll
it was all but dreams.
the wheat is sown
the wood is chopped
the lawn is mown
My chores are done
my flesh is tired
though the results golden
my mind is wired
I know in my soul
my inner voice screams
though it took its toll
it was all but dreams.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Review: The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Title: The Lost Gate
Author: Orson Scott Card
Publisher: TOR
ISBN: 978-0-7653-6538-5
Young Danny North was raised with a secret humanity doesn't know; magic exists. The offspring of two potent mages, great things were expected of Danny. Then he learns that his particular power is banned upon pain of death. So Danny runs. While having exploits and adventures, Danny finds a new family, grows, and learns his craft. Meanwhile a youth on a distant world, who is far older than he seems, awakes and gets enmeshed in political intrigue. His an Danny's fates are entwined, holding that of all magicians and the very worlds in their hands.
The story is reminiscent of the Dark Sword Trilogy by Margaret Weis: a boy of noble birth who is supposed to have great powers, is hunted, raised in secret, and is the key to his people's fate.
When the book starts Danny's voice is far more mature than a thirteen year-old should be even with the increased and remarkable intellect attributed to him (an intellect the reader is not allowed to forget as they are reminded time and again). His voice becomes more believable when he turns sixteen, but only just. The voices of all the characters merge to a monotone of sarcasm and smart-alec remarks. Though a few characters are embittered or angry, and fewer still are cheerful, these are more background characters not even worth more than a passing glance.
The adults, too, seem cookie-cutter characters in that all of them are manipulative of Danny, with the deciding characteristic of good and evil being how Danny views them. For example authority figures who treat him with respect receive grudging approval. Those who treat him as a child or inferior, are treated the same. But in all the main character knows best.
The magic system is an off-shoot of the four elements school of magic - earth, wind, water, fire - wherein each mage can only work within their type of magic. In this world mages may work one of eight elements, though the eight is debatable as it is considered a sin; air, water, wind, earth, animal, plant, gate (instantaneous transport), man. All mages are born with a different level of attainable skill, with the most powerful as the most respected. The most powerful is the gate magic - that of the hero - which can augment the ability of mages, heal any wound save death, and transverse space, all while conferring upon the gate mage increased intellect, language skill, and a sense of smart-alecness and urge to prank.
The pace is fairly fast and the story well written. The worlds and intrigues are convincing, as is the underlining problem faced by the hero: who holds me responsible for my actions, if none can punish me? I eagerly await the next story in the series as, the story, while enjoyable as a stand-alone, leaves too much begging to be told and a massive thread flapping loose. I would recommend this book.
Author: Orson Scott Card
Publisher: TOR
ISBN: 978-0-7653-6538-5
Young Danny North was raised with a secret humanity doesn't know; magic exists. The offspring of two potent mages, great things were expected of Danny. Then he learns that his particular power is banned upon pain of death. So Danny runs. While having exploits and adventures, Danny finds a new family, grows, and learns his craft. Meanwhile a youth on a distant world, who is far older than he seems, awakes and gets enmeshed in political intrigue. His an Danny's fates are entwined, holding that of all magicians and the very worlds in their hands.
The story is reminiscent of the Dark Sword Trilogy by Margaret Weis: a boy of noble birth who is supposed to have great powers, is hunted, raised in secret, and is the key to his people's fate.
When the book starts Danny's voice is far more mature than a thirteen year-old should be even with the increased and remarkable intellect attributed to him (an intellect the reader is not allowed to forget as they are reminded time and again). His voice becomes more believable when he turns sixteen, but only just. The voices of all the characters merge to a monotone of sarcasm and smart-alec remarks. Though a few characters are embittered or angry, and fewer still are cheerful, these are more background characters not even worth more than a passing glance.
The adults, too, seem cookie-cutter characters in that all of them are manipulative of Danny, with the deciding characteristic of good and evil being how Danny views them. For example authority figures who treat him with respect receive grudging approval. Those who treat him as a child or inferior, are treated the same. But in all the main character knows best.
The magic system is an off-shoot of the four elements school of magic - earth, wind, water, fire - wherein each mage can only work within their type of magic. In this world mages may work one of eight elements, though the eight is debatable as it is considered a sin; air, water, wind, earth, animal, plant, gate (instantaneous transport), man. All mages are born with a different level of attainable skill, with the most powerful as the most respected. The most powerful is the gate magic - that of the hero - which can augment the ability of mages, heal any wound save death, and transverse space, all while conferring upon the gate mage increased intellect, language skill, and a sense of smart-alecness and urge to prank.
The pace is fairly fast and the story well written. The worlds and intrigues are convincing, as is the underlining problem faced by the hero: who holds me responsible for my actions, if none can punish me? I eagerly await the next story in the series as, the story, while enjoyable as a stand-alone, leaves too much begging to be told and a massive thread flapping loose. I would recommend this book.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
An image
a vase of crystal
refracting light
holding the sun
intricate pattern
calm
clear
serene
complete awaiting completion
refracting light
holding the sun
intricate pattern
calm
clear
serene
complete awaiting completion
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Silk Harvest
"I hate this," Acorn said. He kicked at the walnut armor on the floor. His transparent wings fluttering slowly with his agitation. Acorn was glowing softly red.
"It's not that bad," Stump said. His golden glow was blocked by the bulky armor he wore.
"Besides it's useful."
"Ha!" Acorn said. He didn't want to go harvesting silk. It wasn't fun. Now honey harvesting that was fun. Acorn's head ached at the thought, but he couldn't think of why.
"You're scared!" Stump exclaimed with a laugh. "Acorn's sacred of spiders!"
"I am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not! I'd just rather get honey, is all."
"All you think about is honey." Stump rolled his eyes. He picked up the armor and held it out to Acorn.
"Fine," Acorn grumbled. The walnut armor, though skillfully carved made Acorn look like a bulky doll. "I hate this."
"You said that already," Stump said.
Acorn chased him out of the burrow and into the glen.
The sun was bright and and the air clear. A gentle breeze made the trees rustle their leaves in song even as the flowers bobbed their heads. It was a day for play, not a day for work. And Acorn felt the worse for it.
Strung between the flowers and bushes, shining like gossamer hung glistening spirals of spider webs. As the flowers bobbed, the webs would bow like a ships sails. And darting here and there among the flowers were bees.
"Bees! We can ditch this and follow them to their for honey," Acorn said.
"No," said Stump. Stump was Acorn's friend but he was a stick in the mud.
"Fine," Acorn groused.
A matronly sprite flew towards them leading a small group of walnut protected fellows. She lighted before Acorn. She studied him a moment before giving a heavy sigh.
She turned to the gathered sprites and waved them close. When everyone was close enough to hear clearly, she said, "Okay, you all know what to do. This is important. Be careful out there."
The sprites all flew off. Acorn moved to jump skyward but the woman stopped him.
"Acorn," she said "Please, no games today. Just be careful."
Acorn stared at her with affronted innocence even as Stump laughed himself silly.
She shook her head and flew up to keep an eye on the proceedings.
"I'm always careful," Acorn said.
This spurned Stump to new levels of mirth.
Acorn took to the air. He could see pairs of sprites throughout the glen busily at work. And on the far side of the glen was the largest spider-web Acorn had ever seen.
It stretched between two trees and criss-crossed completely blocking the path. It was immense. It was terrifying. It was a tease. Acorn had to harvest it.
"Let's get that one," Acorn said speeding across the glen.
Stump flew after him. "It's too big!" he shouted.
"We can finish sooner that way," Acorn called back.
Acorn hovered before the spider-web. It was larger than he had thought. Quick as thought, he drew his needle sharp sword and sliced free a thread. He caught the free floating thread and began to wind it into a ball. He'd get plenty of silk, and then he could go back to doing what he wanted.
"I don't like this," Stump said. But he darted his own sword out and freed another thread. Soon his own ball of silk was growing.
Acorn's thread shook gently as he wound it. Then it went taunt. Acorn grimaced and worked harder to wind the silk.
"Uh, Acorn," Stump said.
Acorn ignored him. The sooner he finished the sooner he'd get honey.
"Acorn, look down," Stump said.
Acorn looked. Climbing the thread that he was winding was huge black and green spider. Panicked Acorn flew back and forth trying to shake the spider free.
The spider just clung to the thread and worked it's way steadily towards Acorn.
Acorn screamed and tried to fly straight up. But he hadn't been paying attention and hadn't noticed that the web was now above him. He flew right into the spider's web and was stuck.
Acorn struggled to get free but the more he struggled the faster the web held him.
"Let go!" Shouted Stump. "Let go of the the thread!"
Acorn let go of the ball of silk, before he even realized he still had held it. The ball fell drawing the thread and spider after it.
"Get me off of here," Acorn said.
"I don't know," Stump said flying over. He held his completed ball of silk. He carefully placed it in a bag. "I think you're more useful there. You'll distract the spiders."
"That's not funny," Acorn said.
Laughing Stump cut Acorn loose. Acorn flew a short distance away, turned, and then stuck his tongue out at the spider's web.
Stump flew over to Acorn, and then, while humming innocently, began to pluck the remaining threads from off Acorn.
"What are you doing?" Acorn asked.
"Gathering silk," said Stump with a smile.
"Not funny."
"Yes, it is." Stump flew back to the web and snag another thread. "Come on, we've got to finish."
"Alright," Acorn said. He didn't want to. He'd had a traumatic experience that could only be soothed by the liberal application of honey. He began to gather his own thread.
"Look a spider," said Stump.
Acorn jumped back from the web, releasing his thread to the wind. There was no spider.
"You're never going to finish at this rate," Stump said between laughs.
Soon enough the web diminished in size and the sprites bags bulged with silk. They returned home to find the matronly sprite waiting for them. She took one look at Acorn and just sighed heavily.
End.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Water Dancing
It was twilight and fireflys spun through the air.
"Hey look, Acorn," Stump said. His wings were glowing a pale blue in anticipation. "Let's catch one."
Acorn briefly flashed a bright red. He tried feigning disinterest but broke into a wide grin. "Last one to - "
Stump was already gone darting through the air. Small shouts of joy making their way back to Acorn.
"HEY! Wait for me! You never wait for me! Why didn't you wait for me? Is it glow envy? I bet it's glow envy!" Acorn said. He dashed out after Stump. His small pixie body passing easily under leaves and through gaps in bushes.
The night darkened and the pixies chased the fireflies quickly forgetting their goal. Soon they took to chasing each other, like twin comets spinning through the air.
With the suddenness of nature's magic, the moon broke free of the clouds. Its light bathed the area, and the pixies stopped, floating in mid air.
The moon's glow revealed a slow flowing river below. The rippling water making the moon's light seem to dance on the water, like liquid light.
"Acorn, we should head back," Stump said. "Owls will be out. Acorn?"
Acorn was looking down at the water. His red glow mingled with that of the moon upon the water. "Pretty," he said.
"Acorn?"
"I bet we could put on a show. One that would make the girls mouths hang open. Look at that light. Some honey, a girl, and the light . . ."
"Acorn, let's head back."
Acorn dove for the river. He spun in a loop squealing with glee. He flitted above the water, leaving trails of ripples on the suface. He was loosing himself in his dance.
Stump rolled his eyes. It did look fun. Soon he joined Acorn. His pale blue glow joining with Acorn's red.
They skittered and dodged. Dove, rolled, rose, swerved, and paused. Created ever more complicated steps.
It was only after the moon hid behind the clouds did they realize they had an audiance. All along the shore, glowing faintly, floated dozens of pixies. Their colors shaming rainbows.
A golden glow darted out to them. It flew straight to Stump and resolved itself into a beautiful girl.
"May I have the next dance," She asked and blushed.
"Su - " Stump started to say.
"Hey it was my idea!" Acorn said shoving Stump aside. "Why don't you dance with me?"
"I like blue," she said grabbing Stump's hand and flying off.
"What?! Red's far better the blue! I - " Acorn was shouting after them.
"I'll dance with you," said a raspy voice behind Acorn.
With trepidation he turned around, and saw an elderly pixie. Acorn shivered. "Uh, I don't want to dance? That's it. I. . . uh . . . hurt my foot. Yeah! Ow! Oh.... I better sit this one out..."
"Cute," the crone said and took his hand. The dance had begun.
END.
"Hey look, Acorn," Stump said. His wings were glowing a pale blue in anticipation. "Let's catch one."
Acorn briefly flashed a bright red. He tried feigning disinterest but broke into a wide grin. "Last one to - "
Stump was already gone darting through the air. Small shouts of joy making their way back to Acorn.
"HEY! Wait for me! You never wait for me! Why didn't you wait for me? Is it glow envy? I bet it's glow envy!" Acorn said. He dashed out after Stump. His small pixie body passing easily under leaves and through gaps in bushes.
The night darkened and the pixies chased the fireflies quickly forgetting their goal. Soon they took to chasing each other, like twin comets spinning through the air.
With the suddenness of nature's magic, the moon broke free of the clouds. Its light bathed the area, and the pixies stopped, floating in mid air.
The moon's glow revealed a slow flowing river below. The rippling water making the moon's light seem to dance on the water, like liquid light.
"Acorn, we should head back," Stump said. "Owls will be out. Acorn?"
Acorn was looking down at the water. His red glow mingled with that of the moon upon the water. "Pretty," he said.
"Acorn?"
"I bet we could put on a show. One that would make the girls mouths hang open. Look at that light. Some honey, a girl, and the light . . ."
"Acorn, let's head back."
Acorn dove for the river. He spun in a loop squealing with glee. He flitted above the water, leaving trails of ripples on the suface. He was loosing himself in his dance.
Stump rolled his eyes. It did look fun. Soon he joined Acorn. His pale blue glow joining with Acorn's red.
They skittered and dodged. Dove, rolled, rose, swerved, and paused. Created ever more complicated steps.
It was only after the moon hid behind the clouds did they realize they had an audiance. All along the shore, glowing faintly, floated dozens of pixies. Their colors shaming rainbows.
A golden glow darted out to them. It flew straight to Stump and resolved itself into a beautiful girl.
"May I have the next dance," She asked and blushed.
"Su - " Stump started to say.
"Hey it was my idea!" Acorn said shoving Stump aside. "Why don't you dance with me?"
"I like blue," she said grabbing Stump's hand and flying off.
"What?! Red's far better the blue! I - " Acorn was shouting after them.
"I'll dance with you," said a raspy voice behind Acorn.
With trepidation he turned around, and saw an elderly pixie. Acorn shivered. "Uh, I don't want to dance? That's it. I. . . uh . . . hurt my foot. Yeah! Ow! Oh.... I better sit this one out..."
"Cute," the crone said and took his hand. The dance had begun.
END.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Raiding the Hive
Acorn studied the beehive hanging high above in the top of old elm tree. To his right his friend, Stump, was humming tunelessly while tossing rocks in a puddle. Acorn flapped his semi-transparent wings and floated a few inches off the ground. He was so excited he was glowing a dull red. Stump hooted for joy as one of his rocks managed a double-skip on the small pool.
"We can do it," Acorn said. His eyes were glued on the hive.
"Let it rest, Acorn," Stump said. He was already searching for another pebble to throw. "Collecting honey is dangerous."
"Only if the bees catch you." Acorn waved away Stump's objection. "And besides honey is always better fresh."
"I'm not going." Stump shook his head, gave up his search and flew to the other side of the clearing beneath a blackberry bush. He reached up and began eating the ripe berries.
"Some friend," Acorn muttered. He flew a little closer to the hive. He could smell that wonderful honey. He hesitated then flew full force at the hive. He landed on it and drove his tiny dagger into the papery surface, sawing himself a hole. He was so close, the idea of all that honey was intoxicated him.
Bees began to pour out of the hive and surround the little pixie. Acorn didn't hear the incessant hum of their wings and continued to saw at the hive with single-minded determination. Seconds pass and the bees' droning rocked the air with increasing intensity.
Acorn looked up from his work and took in all the bees crowding the air around him. He worked his throat a little, "Uh . . . hi." He floated away from the hive as still more bees poured out of it and headed for him.
Acorn turned in mid-air and flew across the clearing as fast as his wings could carry him. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Murder! Bloody murder!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!"
Barely staying ahead of the ever increasing swarm of bees, Acorn crisscrossed back and forth across the clearing hoping the swarm would tire.
"Stay where you are, you honey-hoarders!", he shouted even as he increased his speed to stay ahead of them. Looking back to check his distance, he missed seeing the tree in his path and flew full speed into it. His little body rebounded off the tree and fell to the ground to lay hidden beneath a clump of crabgrass.
Hours later Acorn woke up feeling sore from head to foot, seated nearby was his friend Stump eating something golden by the fistful. Acorn sat up and scanned the sky for the angered bees.
"Want some?" Stump asked with a hiccup as he held out his sticky hand.
Acorn focused his eyes on the offered hand and realized that it is covered in honey. "Where'd you get it?" He said in a worshipful voice.
"I snagged it while the bees were chasing you." Stump reached his hand into a pot by his side and pulled it out thick with oozing honey.
Laughing Acorn reached into the pot and began his own feast. "Is there anything better than honey?" he asked before he shoved his sticky hand his mouth.
Stump's only answer, being drunk on honey as he was, was a gentle snore, as he had passed out.
"We can do it," Acorn said. His eyes were glued on the hive.
"Let it rest, Acorn," Stump said. He was already searching for another pebble to throw. "Collecting honey is dangerous."
"Only if the bees catch you." Acorn waved away Stump's objection. "And besides honey is always better fresh."
"I'm not going." Stump shook his head, gave up his search and flew to the other side of the clearing beneath a blackberry bush. He reached up and began eating the ripe berries.
"Some friend," Acorn muttered. He flew a little closer to the hive. He could smell that wonderful honey. He hesitated then flew full force at the hive. He landed on it and drove his tiny dagger into the papery surface, sawing himself a hole. He was so close, the idea of all that honey was intoxicated him.
Bees began to pour out of the hive and surround the little pixie. Acorn didn't hear the incessant hum of their wings and continued to saw at the hive with single-minded determination. Seconds pass and the bees' droning rocked the air with increasing intensity.
Acorn looked up from his work and took in all the bees crowding the air around him. He worked his throat a little, "Uh . . . hi." He floated away from the hive as still more bees poured out of it and headed for him.
Acorn turned in mid-air and flew across the clearing as fast as his wings could carry him. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Murder! Bloody murder!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!"
Barely staying ahead of the ever increasing swarm of bees, Acorn crisscrossed back and forth across the clearing hoping the swarm would tire.
"Stay where you are, you honey-hoarders!", he shouted even as he increased his speed to stay ahead of them. Looking back to check his distance, he missed seeing the tree in his path and flew full speed into it. His little body rebounded off the tree and fell to the ground to lay hidden beneath a clump of crabgrass.
Hours later Acorn woke up feeling sore from head to foot, seated nearby was his friend Stump eating something golden by the fistful. Acorn sat up and scanned the sky for the angered bees.
"Want some?" Stump asked with a hiccup as he held out his sticky hand.
Acorn focused his eyes on the offered hand and realized that it is covered in honey. "Where'd you get it?" He said in a worshipful voice.
"I snagged it while the bees were chasing you." Stump reached his hand into a pot by his side and pulled it out thick with oozing honey.
Laughing Acorn reached into the pot and began his own feast. "Is there anything better than honey?" he asked before he shoved his sticky hand his mouth.
Stump's only answer, being drunk on honey as he was, was a gentle snore, as he had passed out.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
'A pearl of light'
A pearl of light
solid and unblemished
trapped in pools of beauty
the splendor of the soul
made alive by its presence
and the perfection of which
makes the stars weep.
solid and unblemished
trapped in pools of beauty
the splendor of the soul
made alive by its presence
and the perfection of which
makes the stars weep.
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