Shard: of a 12th Kind

Precursor: A very special episode of the ramblings of a young geezer in which we welcome a new human into the world.

Body:

The End: And that's what I have to say on that subject. I hope everyone that celebrates it had a good Turkey Devouring Day. And if you don't celebrate it, why don't you? Are you some kind of happiness hater? It's a great day full of stuffing good food in your mouth. No matter what you celebrate, here are some things to look at:

Shard: The Eleventh

Precursor: We live in an interesting time.

Body: Our technology has developed to a point where anybody can find out at least a basic level of information on virtually any subject. Most of the time people can do this anywhere, at any time. All it takes is typing a few words into your electronic device of choice and you're an instant expert.

The direction this can take us in can unify us as a global entity but usually drives wedges deeper between disparate parties. If we can overcome the petty nature of internet discussions we could probably achieve most anything and maybe even start living on other planets. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.

But that's not really what's been on my mind about this access to all of human knowledge. What's grabbed my mind is the fact that we have this access and yet I don't like it.

I don't like that when I ask a person about something I usually get the response, "Look it up." And I really don't like that my response to questions (more often than I'd care to admit) is the same. I do try to look it up for myself, if I'm curious about the thing, but that's not the point. The point is that we seem less inclined to discuss things or even answer questions when it's more convenient to just have someone go away and leave us to our Facebook games.

This isn't exclusive to internet searches. I've had people that were supposed to know more about a particular subject answer my questions with "what does the literature say?" Some of them do this because they think that I'll learn the information better if I look it up myself. Or perhaps it'll be more satisfying for me.

No matter their reason I still usually end up staring at the suggested literature or internet search absorbing absolutely nothing. I've always learned better (and there's not many people that I know that don't) from observing another person. From listening to them, watching them perform it, and then doing the thing myself. This loss of human interaction is jarring.

Which brings me to the next part; when I ask a person a question it's usually because I want their answer. I want their take on a thing and if I'm not sure of what they're saying I can ask them to clarify whatever I'm not sure of. And this leads to something wonderful. Something that every person can benefit from: conversation.

Conversation and discussion keep us connected to each other in a way that written word typically doesn't. We get to learn from another person and, if properly engaged, help another person learn, too. I love conversation. I may not always go out of my way to talk to people, but when I get a chance to have a real discussion, a true interchange of ideas, with somebody I ride that hurricane for all it has to offer. I'm also a bit of a smart-aleck, so I enjoy the opportunity to agitate people.

Don't misunderstand me. I love creating. I love drawing, writing, even building things. I have nothing against the written word, but information is something I want from a person or to be able to discuss with a person. And there's some things that an internet search just won't accommodate. For instance, if you've got a wedding or potential birth pending, I don't think that I should read about it on the preferred social media before I hear it from your mouth. Of course, if we don't really ever talk, that's different.

And I think I've gone on rambling long enough. I tend to do that unless somebody stops me. Yet, another good reason to communicate in person.

The End: So, if somebody asks you a question, try giving an actual answer before suggesting they look it up. Also, before I give up your attention I have a little bit of a request.

I'm working on a project and would appreciate some assistance. If you strip away the names of the various religions found throughout history around the world, what kinds of things make each of those religions unique? Some religions require animal sacrifices, other's pray to various deities. I want to know what kinds of things  you can think of that make religions what they are.

And here's a couple of things to think about when you're not thinking about that:

Shard: (2X3)+(5-1)

Precursor:

Body:

The End:

Shard: IX

Precursor: Now it's time for a story.

Body: "Hello!" laughed the Wind as it played in the Tree's branches.

"Hello," responded the Tree with as little interest as is possible. "How are you," the Tree added without meaning anything by it. It regretted it immediately.

"Oh, I'm fantastic!" exclaimed the Wind as it danced around the Tree wistfully. "I just flew a kite! It was so magical!"

The Tree, in an effort to kill the conversation said, "I hate kites. They get stuck in my branches and then those things climb up me and break stuff to retrieve them. Absolutely deplorable." And with that the Tree prepared to return to being a tree.

"Oh, that's too bad. They are really fun! Ooh! and then before that I was pushing a boat in the ocean! Can you believe that? Little ol' me, pushing a whole boat!" The Wind was determined to impress the Tree and then be the Tree's friend.

"Boats are awful. They are useless when not on land and if that weren't enough, they are usually made from my dead companions. Do you do anything useful, petulant one?" The Tree, despite itself was getting drawn in to the conversation.

"I'm all kinds of useful! Just the other day I was involved in taking rain, that's water from the clouds, friend Tree! I carried rain to a field. A field is a place with lots of plants, you should like that," offered the Wind hopefully.

"Hmph! Rain is a fine thing, in moderation. But I know what fields are. They are full of plants made to be slaves by those things. Even some of my brethren are made to fall in line." The Tree obviously wasn't going to give in to the Wind easily.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," apologized the Wind as it slowed to a more pensive flow. It offered for judgement, for now it felt the need to bare its sins, "I wish I could make it up, especially since I was involved in something worse."

"And what was that?" The Tree couldn't help but be amused by the Wind's sorrow, though he was sure it wouldn't last. The mood of the Winds never does.

"I was in a storm. And not just any storm. This was a storm that tore things apart! It flooded and ripped and crashed things! I didn't mean to do it, but when winds get together we get rowdy." The Wind, if it had one, would hang its head right now. "All of that trouble, just because of a party..."

"Well, did you harm any trees," inquired the Tree. It hoped that the critters had been inconvenienced, but trees deserved better.

"I don't know! It all happened so fast and we just keep pushing!" The Wind would have been in tears if it had tear ducts. "If I didn't, then I imagine some of my friends did..."

"See, little Wind? Those of you that can't help but move, those of you that can't sit still, end up harming others eventually," lectured the Tree. "If you all were more like trees, things would be better. For example, do you know what I've done today?" Knowing that the Wind would not have an answer, the Tree continued,"I have made oxygen, something that the creatures need to survive. Nobody has asked me to, I just did it. I have also made fruit that many of the creatures need to live. I have also made seeds. Those seeds will become strong trees, like me. They will do all of these things. We will be a forest and that forest will be important, because when we trees get together, unlike you winds, we make life better for everyone."

Satisfied with itself, the Tree goes back to being a tree and fully expects the, now disheartened, Wind to move on and bother something else. The Wind however, seemed to sit there doing something most winds don't do. It considered its place in the world. It thought about the Tree had told it.

Then it seemed to gain spirit. It began to dance and play again. It whistled and made the fallen leaves dance a ballet while it figured out what it actually wanted to say. And then it says, "I remember something! Just today and other days I have picked up seeds and took them places! I don't remember all the places, but they were places where they could grow! And they grew because they could have sunlight. Sunlight that you would have denied them, but that's not your fault. It's just the way of trees. And that fruit you make? I've seen the animals that eat it. They eat it and then take the seeds you've hidden in it and they do like me! They give your children better places to grow! See! I've done good and trees can do bad! We're the same," exclaims the Wind.

"Hmph," replies the Tree. It did not like this attitude the Wind had developed.

Finally recognizing that the Tree doesn't want visitors, the Wind goes on it's way and tries to be more helpful before it inevitably dies down.

The Tree prefers this new peace as he keeps making its forest larger, one seed at a time.

The End: So, that's kind of a pointless story and there is no moral or real resolution. But I bet you didn't realize that trees and breezes had such engaging conversations, did you? Also, here's something else for you since you had to plod through all of that:

Shard: 8

Precursor: I over-think about the weirdest things.

Body: Lately, for some reason, I've been thinking about Batman and Spider-man. This isn't unusual in and of itself, I think about costumed goofballs constantly. This most recent consideration, however, is a little more precise.

I think I realized one of the reasons I prefer Spidey over Bats. I've always like the friendly neighborhood chap over the caped coconut, but something struck me. Spider-man, with all of his super powers is more human than Batman, the world's greatest (at least richest) detective. I find it easier to put myself in Spider-man's shoes, well tights, than Batman's cowl.

Let's go over the two characters, shall we?

Batman: Lost his parents as a child, obsesses over the loss, takes his inherited fortune and turns it into a form of violent therapy while also cleaning up the mean streets of Gotham. He trains long and hard to become an amazing fighter. He studies devoutly to become an expert at many sciences. He's mysterious, spooky, and kind of a jerk. He invests money into lots of specialized gadgets that seems to spring up at just the right time and place. And let's not forget that magnificent ride, the Batmobile.

Spider-man: Lost his parents as a child, gets taken in by his aunt and uncle that dote on him, they're working class at best. Pete has a great knack for science, however and seems to be a shoe-in for a college scholarship. He has a chance to make something of himself. Due to his scientific curiosity he attends a demonstration and gets bit by a radioactive spider. This spider grants him super powers that are (loosely) based on a spider's abilities. He tries using these powers to make a quick buck and loses his uncle. The loss of his uncle drives him to fight bad guys in the streets in brightly colored pajamas. He's still poor and tries taking care of his sickly aunt while still trying to deal with being a teenage geek in high school.

Now, why would I be able to identify with a radioactive freak over a highly skilled person? Well, because of the money factor. Spidey may have powers, but he's had to struggle and earn everything he has in his life. Things tend to suck, but he tries to make them better without succumbing to corruption.

Bruce was born rich and has an endless supply of money and even connections he can use to achieve whatever he wants. he lost his parents, but still has his father figure, Alfred that's always there to give advice and iron his cape. Spidey (at least for a long time) had no confidants to help him.

But the issue isn't with family, it's the fact that I'm more likely to get bit by a magically radioactive spider and get powers than I am to suddenly inherit a fortune. I don't see any money meteors heading my way. And even if I did find a way to get a comfortable amount of money, I'd still have to struggle to maintain that. No time to use it to beat up super-powered ne'er-do-wells.

But if I were suddenly given superhuman abilities, I would likely use them for the greater good. And try to profit off them, sure. I do need a way to survive, after all. But when all is said and done, I wouldn't have the escape of wearing a spooky mask and then living every single man's dreams. It is a bigger stretch of my imagination that I could have that sort of financial resources than for me to suddenly stick to walls.

The End: So remember, being human has nothing to do with super powers, it's about being in touch with the reality that is other people. Or something. I don't know. I tend to ramble without going anywhere useful. Like right now. But as a bonus, here's two pictures of stuff:

Shard: Seven

Precursor: Why call something one thing if you would rather it were another?

Body: As a warning, this is going to come off as a slight Nerd Rant. As a person that enjoys things like stories and heroes I have a tendency to get a little excited when I hear news of a new movie or game based off of a book or comic that I enjoy. I'm one of the kinds of people that will obsessively follow any news about the new thing. I also try to take it all for what it's worth, it may not be exactly what I want but it should at least be what they say it is. Heck, even a new interpretation of the source can be interesting, so long as the  source material is at the heart of it all.

But that's where I get annoyed. Most people that choose to see a movie based off of a book or comic want to see it because it's what they read in motion, not because the writer wants to take everything in a completely different direction. If you want to make a movie about a wise-cracking good guy that fights a villain, then make that. Trying to make it darker or more depressing doesn't improve on the source, especially if the source (in that scenario a comic book) is full of dudes (and dudettes) brightly colored clothing. Make the characters pop off of the screen at the audience. That's all we ask.

And if  you're going to make a game, well, the same is true. Except now people want to pay you for your work because they want the experience of being the hero of the story. It doesn't have to be a direct copy of a particular story (unless the book is a stand alone story), but trying to alter how the characters behave doesn't work.

Once again, I tend to enjoy these movies and games. I will play just about any licensed game that's based off of a story or book that I enjoy. And yes, those have a tendency to be less than great, but I know that going in. Make it fun if you aren't going to make it high quality and don't take control from my hands when something awesome is going to happen. I don't care how the movie did it, I want to make that scene happen with my hands, not some animator's.

If you, as a script writer or game designer want to make a hero that, instead of being a goody-two-shoes, is pragmatic and angry then write that script, but don't hide it underneath the mask of the source material. Very few people are talented enough to make that work and if you are reading my words then you are likely not one of them. Just remember that the fans get angry and write blogs. It's the modern version of torches and pitchforks.

As an addendum, this also applies to movies based off of games. The only good one of those that I've ever seen was Clue.

Of course this is all trivial and does not affect the Greater Good, but it was on my mind and you're reading it. If you want to read something else go right ahead, the Internet is a pretty big place.

The End: In conclusion, I am in lustful love of like stories of all sorts. I prefer knowing the source material, but like new ideas. Please don't pollute something a lot of people love with your filth. And maybe next time I'll include tasty kittens, but for now you get this:

And this:

Shard: Of the 6th Kind

Precursor: Why go to a social gathering if you're not going to mingle?

Body: I've got a couple of websites that I check on a somewhat regular basis. Of course everyone does, that's nothing special. However, the discussion forums are what I'm concerned with at the moment.

I love reading through the discussions. I'll try to keep track of what's being said and by which person. There are usually enough people on them that are not internet-stupid that the discussions are usually interesting and even well thought-out, if not always grammatically correct. It's always a good time for me.

But then I start to feel like a stalker. You see, I hardly ever post anything myself. I see so many people that post regularly and I'll even have an opinion. I just don't post anything. I see people that have joined the site years after I did that have more posts. Sometimes it feels like I'm standing outside of somebody's house that has people over and I'm just staring in through the window at them. I just stare and eavesdrop, even though I did receive an invitation. I'm just that much of a creep.

All of that is going on inside my of head. And I keep thinking that I should actually join in. Maybe try to make useful, if not amusing, responses. Some of these people are even looking for emotional support while going through a rough time that I fully understand. Instead of saying, "Hey, buddy. I've been there. It'll get better (for unknown values of better)," or even a helpful suggestion I merely read the consequential posts and figure, "meh, good enough."

To me, it's like creating an email account but never using it. Which I have done before on more than one occasion.

So, anyone out there ever think about this? Any ideas on why people like to know but never interact? Is it that part of us that likes to watch television that's jumping in there? Who knows?

The End: I'll make a resolution right now. It's a real one, not one of those bogus "New Year's Resolutions" that nobody ever intends to actually keep. I resolve to be more interactive on the internet. And maybe even in the physical real world.

Also, two bonus points:
1) I'm looking for suggestions on sock puppet designs/personalities. If you have a good idea, let me know.
2)

Shard: The Fifth

Precursor: I'm all for Equality of Rights so long as it includes Equality of Responsibilities and Equality of Consequences.

Body: I grew up in a fairly traditional household. Not that my family worked against change or progress, but we were raised on old value and morals. My mother was a stay-at-home-mom (or SAHM as I've heard them referred to) while my father went to work. We were raised to avoid alcohol, smoking, and other drugs. The normal was that men dated women, and not to judge but help others.

I was also raised to be a gentleman. I was raised on stories of heroes saving princesses (or other women). I was raised to hold the door, pay for dinner, never require the woman to worry about the world. Maybe that's not the lessons my parents or other adults were trying to teach me, but that's what I took out of it. The man brings in money and treats the woman with the utmost respect. And that was fine for a while.

The disconnect here is that as I've become older I've been having a harder time figuring out what the woman's end of this deal is. Normally I'd expect that woman is supposed to take care of the children and the inner workings of the home. But that's not how things are. Not anymore. To even suggest that makes you into some kind of monster.

Women are free to choose their own life. They can do anything a man can (or at least are to be afforded the opportunity). Which is all fine and well. I have nothing against women, objectively speaking. It's when I compare all of these ideals with reality and find all to many women that still want the chivalry. They want men to treat them like princesses. They want the men to take care of everything, but they want to be allowed to do as they please.

Maybe I'm seeing things wrong here. I am, after all, looking at through the eyes of a guy. That right there seems to make me inherently wrong. So, if anyone has a better answer to this, please let me know. Also, I think this makes me some kind of a monster, so, "Rar!"

The End: Once again, Equality of Rights is also Equality in Responsibilities/Consequences. This doesn't just apply to women. This applies to anyone that feels they are getting the short end of the stick.
And since I still don't have those tasty, tasty kittens, here's a picture of something else for you:

Shard: (1+1+2)

Precursor: Never give out your favorite secret. Then other people might have fun with it instead of you.


Body: There is much to be said of keeping secrets. But most of the same can be said of lying. I try not to get in too much of a habit of doing either. But there are times when it's for everyone's benefit. And times when it really only benefits you. Take costumed vigilantes, for example.

The term "secret identity" is a commonly used and accepted term. But it's not one that I am terribly comfortable with. To me secret implies and is connected to lying. Usually, in order to keep one you must tell the other. Deception at its finest.

But that's an implication I don't like to associate with some of my favorite heroes. Like Superman, or Spider-man. Both of them try to stand for good and right. But as every child can tell you, secrets and lies aren't consistent with good behavior. Yes, there are things not everyone needs to know, but I usually consider those personal, not secret. There's no conspiracy or malice, just things I don't need other people to know about.

So, in the case of secret identities, I'm sure there's a better description of the situation. Maybe cover identity, or multiple identities. Not really keeping things from people, but not putting the information out in the open. Honestly, it's easier to keep people of even suspecting things if you stop thinking of them as secrets, anyway.

I don't mean they should offer full disclosure to anyone interested, but just don't talk about actively try to hide it. People will be less suspicious of you that way.


The End: So, that's enough for such pointless nonsense. But I want to leave you with a couple of thoughts. One: I'm awesome, it's OK to be jealous of me. And two:

Shard: III

Precursor: Ever. Burning. Rage.

Body: And the world screeched to a halt. The Son was taken, not for the first time. But I assure you it is for the last.
But enough about me. How about that weather, huh? Total rip-off. It should be puddinging. You know, when pudding falls out of the sky. Or maybe that weather condition where Bacon sprouts out from the ground warm and cooked and all for me. But mostly, let's have a good clean fight. Nothing below the belt. Unless you like it that way. Then let's shovel it in by the barrel.
But, don't take my word for it. Only you can prevent brain fires.
The End: And my mind splinters a touch more. Please donate heavily to the "Save a Mind Foundation" at your earliest inconvenience.

Shard: 2

Precursor: Geeks are dumb. Very dumb. And I should know, I'm the dumbest of them all.

Body: There has been some rumblings lately about a shooting. A fictional shooting between fictional characters. One of the characters is a bug-eyed, big-headed alien. And the other is Harrison Ford. (Hmmm.... Harrison Ford). So, what's the big deal with Han Solo vs. Greedo?

Well, it seems that the man that created Star Wars decided that Han never fired his weapon before Greedo. What does that mean?

In short: Not a hill of beans to the rest of us.
In Long: Mr. Lucas can say or do whatever he likes with the characters, it doesn't really affect anyone that's not him. Except the losers that cry over it, because they're losers. Crybaby losers. With poor hygiene and ugly glasses.

So, why do people care, you may find yourself asking. But if you're not dumb, you won't. I'm still going answer. People care because they think when Han Solo pulled the trigger severely alters his character. Because they don't realize that it doesn't.

I guess they don't realize that Han had his firearm prepared to fire well before Greedo shoots. That right there indicates his intentions. He's going to shoot this dude that's out to cause him harm. Who cares which person actually got a shot off first. Stupid babies. And if that doesn't work for you, because you're a whiner, then just pretend that Han is shooting first, you know, like you pretend that you have friends.

I think the biggest problem with what Lucas has done to the films is super-imposing that Whiny Anakin Kid (no, he doesn't deserve an actual name, the actor is crappy) over the one that wasn't necessarily annoying in episode six. Why are there not more people in an uproar about that? I can only hope it's because they didn't watch to the end.


The End: In conclusion, it's a pointless argument because Han shoots first. Also, Ewoks are cool. And sorry, but no tasty kittens today. Maybe next time. In the mean time, here's a picture of birds killing each other:

Shard: One

Precursor: So, now I'm one of the rest of you. Looks like I should type something in here, something important that lots of people will want or need to read to make their days complete. Maybe It should be deep and meaningful or something.

But it probably won't be. So read at your own risk. Or don't. It's all good to me.

Body: Last night I had a dream. Not really a strange one, but one that I remember. Before I go on allow me to relate my opinions on dreams. They aren't magical, or prophetic. They can have meaning, if only to help you figure out what's been weighing on your mind heavily.

But last night, I don't think my mind was doing that. I hope not.

See, lately I've had a few things going on in my life that have all but driven me insane. I won't go into them because they are my business, not yours. Suffice it to say that these things are majorly life-changing (and not necessarily in a good way) things.

But last night my mind felt like playing basketball. In a well-known if low class store. With some people I haven't seen or talked to in years. Which would have been alright, if odd, except how my mind portrayed everyone.

Every single person looked like we used to except in our eyes. The eyes showed a gleam of experience. Some good, some bad. I could tell that we had moved on with our lives since we used to hang out. It was weird, because it showed that everyone else had experiences to draw upon to figure out what to do. They knew, with a confidence what they were planning.

And then there were the voices. Do you know what a teen sounds like when you remove the innocence of youth and the passion of ignorance? That voice sounds an awful lot like an adult. It sounds like something important was lost.

And my mind also made sure to push a few of my more recent and embarrassing shortcomings into it. Just for good measure. So, my mind felt a need to remind me of all the good times past, and how lost I am.

No wonder I don't like sleeping and never trust dreams. They twist me up.

The End: I figure that's enough rambling for a first post. Maybe the next one will involve kittens! Tasty, tasty kittens.