Real Life Super Heroes, update

Well, I had a great idea for a story but someone already wrote it. So without further ado, http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201108/real-life-superheroes-phoenix-jones?currentPage=2

Shoe Rants and Raves

So the topic of shoes is really close to my heart. My left foot is a half size shorter than my right foot, but its a half size wider. Both my feet are shaped like a ducks. I seriously have feet that are 5 E's wide...well the right ones 5 E's. I've had trouble finding shoes that fit my entire life. Of course its a blessing in someways, for one thing I think it started me down the road of thinking outside the box. I wondered why, if there were customers wanting to buy shoes in my size, why no one was making them. It's a failure on the part of business in America today, and of course the consumer always shares in the blame.

If Temperance Brenen were here she could determine my nationality by the freaky shape of my feet (which is Pictish, BTW). How? Well as it turns out there's less then ten basic shapes of foot. It makes sense, right, there's a "Roman" nose, why wouldn't there be a "Roman" foot. Well there is, so do shoe makers design a shoe for the Roman foot? Of course not! Because only a small percentage of us shoe buyers chooses a shoe for comfort and durability. The rest of you pick a shoe because Micheal Jordan said to.

Lets run some numbers on Nike. As of 2006 Nike could manufacture a pare of shoes for $7. They paid factory workers in Indonesia and Viet Nam $1.50 a day (cost of living there is $4.50 a day). The average factory worker is female age 17 to 35 and works around 500 hours of overtime each year. Nike paid Micheal Jordan more than they paid all of the workers at all 6 factories in Indonesia. And to top it all off, do you think you can walk into a store with feet the size of Mr. Jordan's and buy a pare of shoes that fit? Nope! They only really sell a small range of sizes. In other industries this is called false advertizing, but...

At the extreme far end of the spectrum is the San Antonio Shoe Company. SAS designs, manufactures and sell entirely in the US. You can't even buy their shoes online because they think you should actually get your feet measured before buying a shoe. I own a pare and they are expensive, BUT, they look as good as new and they are 3 full years old. I think I can probably get 5 years out of them which means they are actually cheaper per year than Air Jordan's, which only last about a year.

Ultimately the problem is far greater than sweat shops and consumerism. In a life time we'll walk the equivalent of circling the globe 3 times. Each step can take our back out of line, cause knee and hip joint wear, or worse it hurts so bad we don't walk, which is a very natural, cheap and effective way to stay healthy. You can now have a custom home built but it costs almost as much to get a custom pare of shoes built.

The ultimate answer may be here soon, but in the mean time buy SAS shoes.

Advice to Writers New to Critiquing

I've been in several writing groups. One of them lasted over two decades. It can be a little nerve wracking to start editing someones writing. I will offer this one piece of philosophy that helped me in critique groups.

At the end of the day you own your writing and I own my critique. I'm offering an opinion based on my experience with reading, writing, sitting through classes and being critiqued. It's still just my opinion and it may not be correct. Treat them as suggestion, but I warn you, a wise writer carefully ways advice before tossing it out. Discerning good advice from bad is a skill we need to cultivate just as much as our writing and editing. In fact, sometimes people just don't get what you wrote. That's fine, not everything can reach everyone.

By the same token when I put my stuff up there for critique, I'm looking for you to help me make it stronger. Take that as an opportunity to gain experience editing. Read my work with your editor glasses on. It will change how you think when you write your next challenge. No one writes a perfect draft. Expect me to make the same mistake I just told you not to make. That's not me being a hypocrite it's just that none of us see the mistakes in our own writing unless we employ a technique to try to see them, and still things will slip through.

Last but not least, tell me what I did right, not just what I did wrong. There's only two kinds of critique I don't like. 1) when they tell me what they think I want to hear. 2) when they trash it for the pure joy of feeling better about themselves. As long as your motive is to make my work stronger, you'll probably succeed.

More on water

Again I say I'm not an environmentalist. It's just that there are somethings that just make sense. So often it seems like the world is sorted into people who trash the environment and eco-nut whackos that would gladly terminate thousands of jobs to try something that ultimately does more harm than good. I'll probably post some examples in future installments but for now here's some good examples of practical devises.

Grey water recapture systems make sense. Rainwater can be captured and stored for tough times. There's no reason why shower water can't be used to flush toilets or water lawns. Here's a couple links to get the ball rolling.

http://www.instructables.com/id/EMERGENCY-WATER-SUPPLY-more-of-a-long-term-fix-th/

http://www.instructables.com/id/WATER-PURIFICATION-SYSTEM-cheap-and-effective/

Bonus article http://www.gizmag.com/source-universal-tap-adapter/21927/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=4483461352-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email

Libraries of the World

Here's a link to some pictures of the 20 coolest Libraries in the world. I just wanted to share. Nothing cooler than a library.

http://www.vancouversun.com/health/empowered-health/health/6302498/story.html?tab=PHOT

Tactical Body Armor Anyone?

I want one. I love this stuff.

Have you ever thought about how effective modern football/hockey armor would be in real combat? What would you have to add to it? I should pitch a reality tv show where designers make armor out of what's commercially available. They'd be allowed to modify anything they "bought" by 20% and add another 20% stuff they completely fabricated from scratch. At the end of each episode they'd put the armor through modern warrior type testing to determine stopping power vs reflex to arrive at an overall effectiveness number. I think it would be fascinating. Actually I'm probably thinking of something closer to Deadliest Warrior.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SHBBLE/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_a6JApb17TTTYB

Some more packing tips

Here's a clever idea or two:



One of the most inclusive travel tips video I've found.



I know a lot of chick travel tips...not my usual fair, but they are better videos on the topics than the ones done by dudes. Here's one on eating healthy while you travel.

Self Care for Writers

I have long maintained that there are 3 things a writer must be intentional about in order to maintain a healthy balance. In discussing it with my NIWA friends we've added a few things.

1. Exercise and Diet--writing is sedentary and making health a priority is more than just about not adding pounds. Getting the blood moving is vital stimulation needed for creativity.

2. Relationships--on the warm/fuzzy side, your loved ones need time with you and you with them. On the selfish side if you don't schedule time to hang out they will constantly interrupt your writing time with jealousy, and the stimulation of mingling with others is also good fodder for writing.

3. Ass in chair--if you've never participated in a NaNoWriMo event I strongly suggest doing one. I did and learned that all those little idiosyncratic blocks to my creativity were really in my head. I can write a lot more than I thought I could, and do it more consistently. At the end of the day you've got to set time aside, commit to spending the time, and write...even if its crap.

4. Breaking every 50 minutes for 10 minutes of walking around. This should stimulates the brain and the body to increase stamina and health.

5. Continuing Education. Always be learning and growing. Make sure your research is authentic.

Can anyone else think of something we're forgetting?

Also be sure to catch all the NIWA writers in Silverton this coming Saturday for an author fair. 1-4pm at the Wolf Building, 201 Main Street

Camping Tips

This could get overwhelming because I'd really need a wiki just to showcase the research I've gathered on cool camping ideas, but as the good weather will soon be upon us I thought I'd post a couple resources to get us thinking about out door adventure.

First is a camping check list since I find that I always forget something if I don't work off a list.

Next is a way to modify a tent to work more the way most of us camp.

As always, if you want to read about someone who does more than his share of outdoor adventuring, read my dark fantasy novel, "Suffering Rancor" available wherever books are sold.

Amazing Lini

I ran across this video by accident. This is what diamonds look like in the rough. You can't hide talent behind a unsophisticated sound and film work. This girl will one day be big star. You saw it here first.

Things to keep your eye on: Credit Card sized Computer

It's called raspberry pi. We seen previous versions of one board microcomputers, the most popular of which is the arduino, but this is different. As limited as arduino is, fans of instructables can point to thousands of things made better when hacked to include the arduino brain from closet doors that open and close themselves to do-it-yourself CNC machines. But that's stone age compared to Raspberry Pi, which comes with linux and uses sd for memory.

With the footprint of a credit card this still isn't even as powerful as a laptop, but hey it retails for $35 so I bet people people will find uses for it.

Survival Surf Board

Here's a cool concept board by Every Third Thursday. Enjoy!

Drinking Water

Ok, I'm a fan of water. I haven't always been. I used to drink nothing but Mt Dew, LOL. I have aged and with age comes both wisdom and a creaking body loaded down with extra pounds. So about 15 years ago I went on a health kick. About the only thing that really stuck with me from that was drinking water. Increasing my water intake made a huge difference in how I felt and what I weighed. I've been throw a few health kicks since, and I'm about ready to start another, but at least I've got a well established habit of drinking water. Actually, that's about all I drink with the exception of a cup of coffee each morning and some tea throughout the day.

As a survival thing though, water is the crucial first step. When the you know what hits the fan the clock starts rolling on the things which must be done. Everyone knows water has the most urgent timeline of 3 days. I want to reinforce though, death is on day 3. Day two isn't fun. So even if you're not a conspiracy whack or a survivalist nut, like me, you need to plan what your are going to do for water if things go sideways even for a few days. This is basic preparation. The video below goes into some info on the topic. I strongly recommend Simple Safety. I have attended classes by Marcy Mains and I own both the water bottle she mentions and some of the packets. I like doing business with them and the quality of their products. You can find all this stuff yourself and test out everything yourself, but they've done it all for you.

Joe Walsh has new Music Coming Soon

Check out a preview on Rolling Stone.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-stream-joe-walshs-analog-man-20120321

Tosh Rant--NSFW

Ok so I have to admit, though I've tried to keep things clean on here, once in awhile someone says something that is humorous and true, and it needs a little language to convey the point. Here's a funny video by Danial Tosh. NOT SAFE FOR WORK. You've been warned.

Tosh.0
Get More: Tosh.0 Videos,Daniel Tosh,Web Redemption

Cutting Edge Travel Trailer

This new travel trailer form Moby1 seems small but effective. Sometimes a little goes a long ways--this may be one of those times.

http://www.gizmag.com/moby1-expedition-trailers/21827/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=21e4e8103e-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email

Five Toe Sandals

I like going barefoot over shoes. Mainly because my feet are wide. In fact I think Nike should be barred from having basketball players make ads for them because they don't actually make shoes that fit a basketball players feet.

Regardless I thought these sandals were cool and made sense.

Precision Quadroptors

Here's something amazing, and if you've read Prey, by Micheal Crichton it's also a bit frightening. Anyway, the video is cool. The designers herald from Grasp Laboratory.



When you go to the site check out the video of the robots playing the 007 theme. Crazy.

Freelance Resource

For those of you trying to make it as a freelance writer, which is how I've been almost sorta paying the bills for the last 2 years, this is a great resource. Check Erika Dreifus every Monday morning for a list of potential gigs and contests. And then go back to searching the want ads, LOL. Hey I may believe in adventure but sometimes that means scrubbing toilets for a season.

Healthy Balance for Writers Life

I have long maintained that there are 3 things a writer must be intentional about in order to maintain a healthy balance. In discussing it with Jen W. at Lizzy's awesome party I decided to throw the idea on here and see if people had other things to add.

1. Exercise and Diet--writing is sedentary and making health a priority is more than just about not adding pounds. Getting the blood moving is vital stimulation needed for creativity.
2. Relationships--on the warm/fuzzy side, your loved ones need time with you and you with them. On the selfish side if you don't schedule time to hang out they will constantly interrupt your writing time with jealousy, and the stimulation of mingling with others is also good fodder for writing.
3. Ass in chair--if you've never participated in a NaNoWriMo event I strongly suggest doing one. I did and learned that all those little idiosyncratic blocks to my creativity were really in my head. I can write a lot more than I thought I could, and do it more consistently. At the end of the day you've got to set time aside, commit to spending the time, and write...even if its crap.

Water Heater for your Camel Back

Celsius Solar has invented a hot water heater for hydration bladders they call Jompy. This a a great idea. http://www.gizmag.com/jompy-hot-water-hydration-bladder/21815/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=ea202df1dd-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email

NFC Keyboard made just for me

Well ok they didn't make it just for me, but I feel like they did. I love the idea behind this design, called One2Touch. You simply put your phone in the spot on the keyboard and you get a wireless keyboard. No pairing required. It's going to be cool. One day when I can afford it that is. LOL.

Walking Adventure

Adventure is one of the key things that keeps us alive. I used to see people on TV having adventures and wonder when I'd get to have an adventure. Then I'd turn around and face a giant problem and complain that my life sucked. Somewhere in there I got a clue. My entire life is now an adventure. It is what you make of it. The difference between a life of suffering and Martyrdom, and a life of grand adventure is perspective. The good news is that adventure can also bring perspective making it self perpetuating. I encourage every one of us to take a moment today to re-imagine your life in terms of adventure.

For me, adventure takes on many definitions. I've been to Alaska and Mexico in the same year by bus. I've spent a month in England studying history. I sang for my supper and ran from drug dealers in Canada. And so much more. One of the biggest adventures I took on was writing my first novel. For reasons I don't have space to go into in this installment, writing a novel was about the hardest thing I've done in my life. Harder than college, harder than pneumonia, harder than spending a night alone in the woods. We must challenge ourselves or we shrivel up just a little bit.

Here's a guy who knows what it's all about.

Walking Adventure

Adventure is one of the key things that keeps us alive. I used to see people on TV having adventures and wonder when I'd get to have an adventure. Then I'd turn around and face a giant problem and complain that my life sucked. Somewhere in there I got a clue. My entire life is now an adventure. It is what you make of it. The difference between a life of suffering and Martyrdom, and a life of grand adventure is perspective. The good news is that adventure can also bring perspective making it self perpetuating. I encourage every one of us to take a moment today to re-imagine your life in terms of adventure.

For me, adventure takes on many definitions. I've been to Alaska and Mexico in the same year by bus. I've spent a month in England studying history. I sang for my supper and ran from drug dealers in Canada. And so much more. One of the biggest adventures I took on was writing my first novel. For reasons I don't have space to go into in this installment, writing a novel was about the hardest thing I've done in my life. Harder than college, harder than pneumonia, harder than spending a night alone in the woods. We must challenge ourselves or we shrivel up just a little bit.

Here's a guy who knows what it's all about.

USB Pocket Knife

I know that after making a pocket know sized USB drive for years Victornox finally has come out with one that has a knife on it too, but how much more fun is it to make your own. Here an instructable about it. I love portable things and things that help us live mobile. It's a busy world and we need ever tool we can get that helps us get things done and over with so we can get on the things we are passionate about. So another thread I'm adding to Fun, Amazing is cool things like this. I love armchair engineering and kitchen science. We all need to do a bit more exploring of the things we can jerry rig ourselves.

Script Frenzy

I've mentioned before that the most challenging adventure in my life to date is writing my first novel, Suffering Rancor. I've since completed several short stories that will soon be available on kindle direct publishing, and I have drafted a steampunk novel during last years NaNoWriMo, which is national novel writing month challenge that happens every November. It took about 16 years to write Suffering Rancor, but having learned how to write and edit and having made a lot of connections since I knew I could shave a few days off of that pace. So I tried the crazy marathon that is NaNoWriMo and took on the challenge of writing 50K words in one month. It was a blast and I'm proud to say I finished.

I have been caught up in drafting a scifi adventure this year and haven't revised the steampunk novel, but that will occur soon. August if not before, (it's that darn BS in Business I'm completing).

For those of you who want to try your hand at a writing project like that, the office of letters and light does an event in April called ScriptFrenzy, wherein contestants try to write a 100 page script in one month. Sadly I won't be joining you this April as I have upcoming book signings the end of this month in Silverton OR, and Norwescon April 5-8 (plus that darn BS in Business--only 9 credits left). But I strongly recommend you try it out.

Inner Man

I'm a firm believer in adventure, and living life. My philosophy has led to some interesting understandings of myself and the world around me. I began a blog, well I began 5, but two of them dealt with my adventures on the Spiritual front. I think the deepest adventures we can take on are delving within. In fact, much of what we do in the way of physical adventure is for the purpose of testing our mettle, finding the answer to the question, "what am I made of?"

I thought long and hard about the content I wanted to migrate over here, now that I'm going to focus on just this blog. I can't avoid discussing the adventure within even though it will put off some readers who want to be entertained without anything deeper. I want this blog to record real life. It must be authentic to the world as I'm learning to see it, which includes a deeper reality. Toward that end here's a blog by a buddy of mine named Sam. He works with Gary Barkalow of NobleHeart.com. His writing in this blog is awesome and it reminds me of another book by Janice Seeney called, "Reality Exercises for the Inner Man," which inspired a book I wrote called, "On Becoming a Man" which I hope to publish this fall.

So for those of you with little tolerance for Spiritual stuff, I beg your long suffering and know that it'll continue to be one of several threads that have converged on Fun, Amazing, But never fear I'll continue to collect crazy and amazing things from my adventures and the things I run across on these interwebs.

My Nephew

Check it out. He's a good song writer too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7lNPjC19Jo&feature=colike

Eco Nuts??

Anyone who knows me, knows Eco nuts drive me nuts. It's not that I want to destroy the environment--I don't even litter--its that I keep running into pop ecologists who've so lost their connection to reality that they do more harm than good. Seriously, for every greedy, corporate overlord who dumps toxic waste into a stream there are a hundred angry, vocal, ill-informed radicals bending the ears of ignorant politicians and activist judges. This later group comes up with regulations that stifle the economy, put people out of work and spend millions of tax-payer dollars to warp how people shop and do little to improve the environment.

Now I'll revisit this issue with some specifics later, but my goals is to keep this blog full of fun and amazing things (and whenever I rant about things like the billion dollar windmills in the gorge that have a lifespan of 20 years but won't show a return on investment for 25, people think I'm just anti windmill, which I'm not. I think they work great for pumping water and we should have them pump water from below the dams to above it.) Therefore I'll just point to people who are doing it right.

I've been following Trackers Earth for several years and I've read many of their manifestos. Standing next to me they are total hippies, none the less they are authentic to their passion. They aren't trying to convert you to some green religion where mankind is a disease and we must all have a zero carbon footprint or some ice melting ragnaroc will doom us all to the death we so richly deserve. These guys actually research their wilderness lore and believe if you actually spend time in nature you'll like it and respect it, and just maybe your stress levels will go down.

These are mind kind of nature nerds. They don't take themselves too seriously and that always garners my respect. So check them out.

Real Life Super Heroes

I had intended to interview a RLSH so that I could cover the movement, which I think is unique, imaginative, and just crazy enough to work. I couldn't find a local super so I decided to run with this story from Gizmag, and ask anyone who is or knows a real life super hero to contact me through this blog or at my facebook page. I'd love to talk to you about what you do, and what you use to do it.

http://www.gizmag.com/real-life-superhero-gadgets/16862/