Ask Me Anything

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:20:00 +0000

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for a new decade. Although the last decade is arguably the best one of my life, it's been a bitch of a time for many around the country and around the world. I offer my hopes that things improve drastically for everyone.

One recommendation I have, for those who have the time or money, is seeing Avatar. I don't often review movies, though I love movies. Truly, I have very specific things I'm after and what I'm looking for doesn't mesh, necessarily, with what others are looking for.

With Avatar, I'm at a loss to put my finger on what people could be looking for that they'd miss. Admittedly, I like James Cameron and have since the beginning. If I didn't personally like Titanic as much as some of his other work, I did like it and I could appreciate the broad appeal (and, if you're one of those that said it didn't have any, you're blind to the facts).

If you like adventure, it's in there.
If you like action, it's in there.
If you like a little romance, but not too much, you're covered.
If you like a story with a meaning, it's in there.
I doubt you need me to tell you that the CGI and effects set new standards, the type of movie that, if possible should be watched on the real movie screen (I saw it on Imax 3D, twice. Not sure how much the 3D really helps. I'm going to have to stop myself from watching again to find out.).
There are some critics who found the plot "stupid" but the reasons they quoted showed, in my opinion, a lack of understanding of science, space travel, history and reality. The same things that I found bolstered the plot and made it real for me are the things those critics are caviling at.
There are some critics who hated the dialog; clearly, they don't spend much time around military types.

I loved the world envisioned, admired the eye to detail and the biologically sound critters. I loved all the allusions to all the things people love about video games and science fiction, and space travel. I love the old time adventure and the message about the value of people and nature.

If you love that stuff, too, I can't recommend it enough. I brought two different people to the movie, neither of which expected to enjoy it all. One admitted to enjoying it, getting swept up in the story (isn't that what movies are for?) and one described it as the "best movie EVER."

As a rocket scientist and a science fiction writer, I was inspired and entranced.

Just sayin'.

Update: Well, pooh, I meant to put this on Rocket Scientist, and answer Aron Sora's question today, but I messed up. Guess I'll duplicate and get Aron tomorrow.

For Anastasia: How About My Love Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Anastasia asked: Can you pleas give me a reading about the prospect of my love life? Thx.

I can and just in time for the new year.

Past - Coins X - This is a card the talks about establishing financial security, the kind of thing you might have with retirement. Given that your question had to do with your love life, I'd interpret this card as an indication that your first priority in the past has been career, rather than love. It also argues that you have reached a certain level of success.

Present - Ace of Cups (reversed) - This card in the reversed position is often associated with poverty, which, despite the last card, might not be impossible in the economy. However, it doesn't have to be financial, but also the sense of longing, of dreams and wishes unfulfilled, of a life that's devoid of something necessary. I'd say this card says you're feeling that, along with struggling to start any meaningful relationship.

Future - Coins IV (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card is not hopeful for future relationships (your question). It's a card that speaks of suspicion and greed, the potential for being swindled and dissatisfied. To me, it argues that you move forward on a fine line, one where you either become so desperate for companionship you let a potential lover use and cheat you and/or you become so suspicious someone is planning to use you that you push them away. And, yes, it could be both, particularly if you are badly burned.

You're in a challenging position, driven by loneliness and dissatisfaction to find love and yet having a lifetime accomplishment at risk if someone betrays your trust. I can't tell you who to trust. I can tell you that, if anyone's love comes with a price tag, you are better off lonely (or, more appropriately, waiting). I can also say that, if you are open with your heart (if not your wallet), there are people out there worth trusting with it. If you find one, when you find one, your trust will be the key to having a healthy relationship. Likely, it will be tricky.

Good luck.

For RavenLeeDraconis: Gun talk

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:58:00 +0000

RavenLeeDraconis asked: What do you think the most influential firearm of all time is and why? What do you think are the most important qualities in a firearm? The reason I ask this is that I know you don't really care about firearms, but I know you take your questions very seriously. If I ask this here, you'll give it the research and credence to really give my question serious thought. I know you're excellent at research and I think, if you answered this, I'd learn something I hadn't thought of before.

Leave it to my husband to leave me a humdinger. He's not wrong about guns, or, in this case firearms, which is sort of a subset of guns, those that can be carried about by a single person.. They're noisy and destructive. They serve no purpose but to kill other living things. That isn't to say that such things aren't necessary, but it's hard for me to love a unitasker in spite of (or because of) it's success at performing its task: killing.

I struggled with the answer to your question quite a bit. My first thought was that the most important and influential item regarding firearms was really a change in ammunition, but that didn't fit your question. Turns out, after more research, that my second choice, the Colt revolver, had a profound influence on ammunition as well.

Why a revolver? There were pistols before that and, of course, rifles and muskets before that. Even more primitive eastern and western weapons before that, but, in my opinion, the revolver did something very important that changed firearms forever - it enabled shooting several shots without reloading. That may sound minor, but, even during that same time frame, most guns were still muzzle loaders though breech loaders with paper cartridges taking over for the old powder and ball method, reloading and the vulnerability while doing so, were huge issues. There were other multi-shot weapons previously, but most involved multiple barrels and were cumbersome and largely impractical. There was already a flintlock revolver patented, but the interchangeable parts and machining processes Colt would introduce would make guns easier to obtain and more reliable than before.

Colts revolvers (and the many repeating handguns that followed) would allow "anyone" to have a gun, a reliable gun, without requiring a great deal of know-how, would allow a single person to carry about, in a convenient package, enough firepower to kill several people without ever being made vulnerable by reloading (a real issue with most muzzle loaders and even breech loaders at the time). The Colt's popularity did much to solidify the metal cartridge as the standard for ammunition.

Since then, of course, we've had many many weapons that shoot more and shoot them faster, with bigger and nastier bullets. But, in my opinion, Colt set the new bar where we weren't going to ever be satisfied with single shot weapons again, not when we could have many. It set the tone and standard (along with standard practices) that have carried forward into today. Revolvers are far less commonly used than they used to be, but they're still out there. And in use. That says a great deal about their staying power.

I can't give you a single attribute for a firearm. In general, key factors are (a) accuracy, (b) range, (c) firing speed, (d) magazine size/reloadability and, not least, (e) stopping power. That last, stopping power has to do with muzzle velocity (firearm and cartridge related), bullet size as well as bullet design. The ammunition can be as important as the gun in stopping power (if not more so), but there can be many other considerations for a firearm. For soldiers, weight, maintainability, reliability, and the ability to withstand different and harsh environments may be as important as the rest. Cops want guns that are accurate and won't leave them stranded while they reload, while a criminal might prefer a gun that shoots. A lot. Accuracy not withstanding.

Firearms can be very specialized and have been from the beginning. Ammunition has become so, too. Does this answer your question?

Video Break

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Something I never do is put in videos. One reason is that I rarely watch other people's other people's videos. Well, I'm having to take a hypocrisy break and embed some videos. Why? Because these are so cool.

You may or or may not know but I have a real fondness for vocal music, particularly well harmonized music. Well, my mother-in-law pointed me to this group called Straight no Chaser, a men's A Capella ground from Indiana University. Wow!

I'm starting with one they apparently sang in a random Hardy's, but there's some lovely staged stuff, too. Then, I'll be going to figure out how I can buy some of this. Incredible. Kudo's, gentlemen. Lovely!

Stand By Me

Carol of the Bells (and I never thought I'd admire an all-male rendition - I love the soprano part)

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

And this is my favorite version EVER of 12 Days of Christmas

For Katrina: Tell Me About El Nino and La Nina

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Katrina asked: Explain the difference between El Nino and El Nina and how are they different within each region of the USA?

Pretend I have ~ on top of the n's throughout, would you? El Nino and La Nina represent two aspects of the same phenomena, an oscillation in the Pacific Ocean characterized by pressure differences between Darwin, Australia and Tahiti and surface water cooling or heating in the Central and Eastern Pacific. It affects both the atmosphere and the ocean, and, to date, no one has entirely pinned down why it happens.

The aren't really two different things, but the same thing. It's called El Nino when the temperature goes up, the warm phase of the oscillation. It's called La Nina when the temperature drops, the cool phase of the oscillation. Although it is a periodic oscillation, it does not have a regular period and tends to manifest every two to seven years.

So what? Well, these heating and cooling patterns can have a profound effect on tropical storms, rainfall, and drought all around the rim of the Pacific. However, the effects are seen all over the world as a corresponding effect on Atlantic often occurs 12-18 months after the Pacific anomaly. The normal trade winds slow or flow backwards and other currents and weather patterns are disrupted.

In general and most directly, El Nino makes the Southern portion of the East Pacific wetter and warmer and the Northern and Western Pacific colder and dryer, as well as sending tropical storms in different directions, but there can be effects on Europe as well, and the number of Atlantic tropical storms is reduced because of wind shear. Fishing, as currents are disrupted and water temperatures (and nutrients) are anomalous, can be severely impacted.

For La Nina, the effects are kind of opposite. Where El Nino makes it dryer, La Nina makes it wetter and vice versa. I've included some graphical representations of the effects for the interested.

For Patricia Rockwell: Have I Been Visited By Martians?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Patricia Rockwell said: Flit suggested that you might have an answer about the Martians that landed on the frozen lake behind my house yesterday. There were three perfect circles in the snow, set as if at corners of an imaginary equilateral triangle. That would be flying saucers, right?

I don't like to give definitive answers when the possibilities are so diverse (and the data so sparse). I actually thought you received some fine answers when you posted your question, including, particularly, the pipes delivering air to keep fish alive.

Here's the thing, the tidy rings sound man-made. Not sure what the mechanism is though some unknown heating or water agitation seems logical.

So, why, with all the possibilities am I not saying Martians? First of all, I don't have any reason to believe there are Martians. Mars has an atmosphere less than 1/100 as dense as our own as well as being way colder. It's much like a world atop Mount Everest except perhaps a bit colder and with less atmosphere. Life *might* exist there, but I wouldn't bet on it, even though there are signs of water on Mars. There is absolutely no sign of the kind of technology that would make a civilization that could support space travel from the planet possible (let alone likely).

Now, if not Martians, could it be some other alien craft? Technically possible (though our radar system mean they must have some pretty sneaky craft). The thing is, though, why would they land on a lake? Surely, if they have such sophisticated technology as to evade our radar, they can pick a landing surface intelligently. A frozen lake sounds like a bad bet.

In my opinion.

For Jeff King: The Limits of Time and Space

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Jeff King asked: If space has no ending, how is it believed that our universe is the only one in existence?

Who says there is? I don't and don't believe there is (depending on how one defines "universe") only one or that the term "ending" or "limits" means anything with regards to it. The universe is effectively the extent of existence that we see and believe exists. We don't know what, if any, boundaries there are to it.

There are several ways of tackling this question, which would actually demand multiple posts, not the least of which is the extent and meaning of "infinity." If you want that, ask about infinity and I'll go through it in its own post. There's also the whole concept of multiverses and that also deserves it's own post.

Today, I'm going to talk about what we know, what we surmise about the "universe." Merriam-Webster's first definition of "universe" is: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated. That's an important distinction. The universe is everything we can detect/see/etc. and everything we can surmise exists.

What does that mean? Well, first, it means that what we think of as the universe is based on the parts of the universe we can see or detect and then, added to that, what we surmise exists. That means that we are (a) limited in our view of the universe by our observational abilities, limits that may not exist in the actual reality (which we can't see all of) and (b) what we surmise to be beyond the bounds of our detecting ability is based on the part we can see, which, again, may not exist in the actual reality. The universe as we "perceive" it, in other words, may not have much or anything to do with the actual "universe."

Confused? Let me try an analogy. Let's say, someone is a clown fish in an anemone in a coral reef. For such a creature, the "universe" is limited to the small area of the coral reef around him. Even if his reef sits on the edge of the Pacific and looks out over the huge expanse of the ocean, he has no way of imagining the huge and diverse spots with dark arctic depths beneath the ice to the north and south or lava heated vents in the darkest corners of the ocean's depths, the huge monstrous creatures that swim in other areas of the ocean. Nor does he have a frame of reference for rivers and lakes and other freshwater ecologies. His idea of the world/universe is limited by the extent he can see and understand. Even if his anemone is in a big aquarium and people wander by, he is still limited.

He has no real way of understanding that the world outside his little world has air, even if he sees us breathing air and walking about. His world is water so that's his presumption about the rest of the universe. His world is warm and salty and filled with light. It also looks like something without limits as, indeed, the ocean would be for a wee fish.

We have huge telescopes and detectors and know a great deal about things thousands, even millions of light-years away. It's infinity as far as we are concerned. But, we have no way of knowing if there are rivers and lakes and vents and trenches and islands and whatever beyond the extent of our detection ability.

What I'm saying is, we don't know the extents of reality or the nature of its extents. Does it have boundaries? We haven't found them so far. Is there only one universe? Well, universe is as much a part of our minds as it is reality and, far across the expanses of space, there might be other intelligent dreamers imagining a universe as different from ours as the top of Mount Everest is from the coral reef (if not more). Reality likely includes both of these pockets of universe and who knows what else besides.

Did that help?

For Krys: What About Bryan's Career?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Krys asked: hi stephanie... i hav a question regarding bryan's career life, is he heading the correct path? or is he goin thru struggles?

Something that would help. If you're asking a question for someone else, let me know your relationship. If I'm confused, it doesn't seem like my cards would be much help. Still, I'll see what I get.

Past - Coins V (reversed) - From this card, I would say that Bryan has had some stressful times in the past, where prospects looked bleak and worry over money was overwhelming.

Present - Cups I - Although this card is often associated with emotions, it still fits here as abundance and fulfillment, especially after a time of anxiety and need. Hopefully, this is a card of finding the right path after stumbling, but let's see what the next card says.

Future - Swords I- There are some aspects of this card that can denote dark shadows, but, overall, this is a card of triumph and success, usually through one's own abilities (especially smarts). From this card, I'd deduce that he was indeed on a path that can lead to success particularly suited to him.

Here's hoping that the cards I've pulled are pertinent to whomever Bryan is.

I'll Get to the Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:37:00 +0000

Several of you have given me questions and I'll get to them but I'm swamped this week work work (day job) until the evening and writing novel at night. So, no working out and no blogging. Hopefully, I can get to them starting this weekend and some next week. Don't stop asking, just be patient on the answers.

Please.

Hey, Check Out MY Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

How's this for a kick in the teeth? Ages and ages ago, I answered a question on Ba Zi, aka Chinese astrology, and *lynne* from Answers Without, Answers Within, offered to give me a reading.

Well, life imposes and interferes with the best intentions and things were somewhat delayed. However, dear *lynne* never forgot me and has put up my readings here, here and here. Way to go *lynne* and a huge thank you for your time, talent and hard work!

Thing is, my old stomping grounds, today.com has apparently forbidden me even to see today.com blogs any more. I click on one of the many still on my bloglists, I'm sent to a "you are forbidden" screen. This is independent of browser or which of my home computers I use. I have to, literally use someone else's computer. To read my own reading.

Aside from the stupidity in restricting viewers, this kind of petty crap makes me more and more glad I left today.com long long ago.

Katrina asked: Is My Love Requited

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Katrina asked: Can you do a reading? I think I'm in love with someone but am not sure if he's feeling what I am feeling. Curiosity has gotten the best of me, couldn't resist asking this.

Hopefully, you know the drill. Bear in mind that long distance readings should always been taken with a grain of salt.

Past - Swords X - This card speaks of short term and unfulfilling relationships, particularly those that are not remembered fondly. Taken at face value, this card would indicate an unsuccessful past love life, either because of unrequited love, unhealthy relationships or relationships that ended prematurely. It does not appear to be a lack of intelligence - intelligence is highlighted, nor does it negate hope. In fact, a modest hope can be part of this.

Present - Swords IX (reversed) - This is a card (when in the reversed position) that speaks of worry, anxiety and fear. Fretting, obsessing, stressing over what might be or go wrong. If my sense of this is right, your worries may be part of the problem. I know from experience that it's hard not to react to a current relationship with baggage from a previous one, but it's hard on the "new love."

Future - Knight of Cups - However, if this card is any indication, any issues you're dealing with can be overcome and worked through. This card is all about romantic (and creative) love, and fulfillment of same. Clearly, if this card is any indication, there is real potential for a long term relationship and even true love.

When I fret about how much my lover loves me, I usually go with honest and just ask. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Poetry Seed - Winter Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Because, hey, I don't have any questions (and Jeff mentioned the top ten inventions of all time, but how to choose?). So, for entertainment value, I thought I'd start a poem and see if someone else wants to add their bit. One rule - try to keep with the same rhyme/rhythm scheme. 'Cause I'm OCD that way.

Listen to the winter wind, that blows along the lane,
Reminding me of wishful thoughts that I had dreamed in vain:
Adventures I would never have, loves that came to naught,
Knowing how to do things that I was never taught.

The wind, it sings of might-have-beens, of paths I never tread,
Of sports I never learned to play and teams I never led
It sings of lost potential and things I'd never do.
Listen to the winter wind and what it means to you...

What Would I Do If...I Found Out I Was Dying - Shakespeare's Idea #2

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Shakespeare gave me two award-winning ideas and so we're trying the second one, now. There was actually more interaction on the first idea than I expected, so I'm off on idea number two. Her idea, verbatim, was...

Do a "What Would You Do When..." blog... and tell us what to do when something unusual happens: winning the lottery, surviving nuclear disaster, getting lost in the woods, crashing our vehicle, having a heart attack, filing for divorce, losing the family pet, planning our own funeral, etc. It all sounds depressing, but it doesn't have to be, and you know how to think outside nearly every established social box there is...

Well, of course, the temptation is to do something cool, the kind of thing one daydreams about, but that didn't sit right for me for a first one, so I'm going go down a logical path, given that I'm the oldest person in my household (by at least fifteen years), overweight, etc.

So, what would happen if I discovered I were going to die, say from some sort of disease?

First, let me say, it's easy, in the comfort of my current health, to speculate and assume I'd handle everything stoically. In truth, however, no one really knows how they'd react to something like this (or, in fact, one of their daydreams) - or so I assume. The best I can do is speculate.

So, now that we're clear this is speculation, let me, um, speculate.

My first reaction would probably be shock. I'm forty-two, I have small children and a husband I'd really like to live a full life with. And I'm not terribly fond of pain. I don't know many diseases that don't involve a substantial quantity of pain.

I'd like to think the second order of business once I came to grips with the notion of dying is what can I do to best protect my family. What are my options, if any, to avoid death, and do they put my family's well-being at risk. If trying to buy me an extra six months of life is going to sacrifice any chance my children have for college or put my husband in debt for the rest of his life, I'd rather not.

Truth is, I'm not particularly worried about the dying part. I would like to live longer, but death doesn't frighten me much. So, if I'm going to go, what I'm really worried about is leaving my family in the best possible state.

That means working until the end, if possible. I have excellent life and health insurance with work and, if I can keep working, my family can take advantage of them. If the end is inevitable, better not to waste precious resources on treatments to prolong the discomfort at my family's expense. I'd update my will, explain the situation to my children (in detail proportionate to their age and ability to understand), do what I could to arrange as many details for after I was gone as I could so that a grieving family won't have additional heart-wrenching details to worry about. It's OK. I'm not particularly sentimental.

And, if I start to feel sorry for myself (and it will happen), I can remember how lucky I am not to be having to do all this for one of my children or my husband instead of myself. As hard as dying would be, it would be better than losing a child.

I'd contact family members outside my household and make sure my husband and children have a support network. I'd work with my husband to devise a post-death strategy to help him with education so he could take care of our children most effectively. If possible, I'd take care of selling the house, etc.

And then I'd do everything I could to enjoy the time I had remaining with the people I love most in all the world. I'd treasure each of my baby's giggles, each flash of my son's dimples, each sarcastic comeback from my teenager, each embrace from my husband.

I'm a very lucky woman to be loved, to have people with me I love so much. I can't imagine a better way to go than in their company.

Story Seed Challenge - Shakespeare's idea

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:57:00 +0000

I remember reading about the story circle in a book when I was a kid. Someone would start a story and pass it to someone else to continue. Unfortunately, the attempts I've done before at "writing exercises" haven't gone well. However, I'm always ready to try again. I know I enjoy doing them.

So, here goes. I have no plan. I'm just going to start writing and see what happens...See what you can do with it.

Lotha didn't know this place. Even before he opened his eyes, he sensed the difference, the scents, burning his nostrils with unfamiliar fumes that covered the smells he was used to like earth and plants and the animals, even himself. Beneath his back, the ground felt unnatural: cold, smooth, hard. Nor did the air feel right. The air flowed, but not as he was used to and there was a staleness to it.

He opened his eyes to the stillness, the blackness. This was a new darkness - no moons, no stars, just the emptiness of all he knew. His hands searched the ground. No dirt, no plants, no roots. It was unbroken and smooth like a river worn pebble, only flat. And it seemed to go on and on until he found another surface the same standing from it, like a tree, only with the same lack of texture, the same flatness.

There were no smells except the foreign ones that filled his head and choked his throat. Tears flowed unnoticed down as his cheeks as he searched for an escape from the unassailable smoothness, the featureless sameness, the absolute emptiness of where he was. In desperation, his hands scrabbled over his own face, to ensure it's known features were his own, were the ones he knew.

They felt like his features, felt like what he knew as himself, what he'd seen in the reflecting pool, only the hair he knew was gone, his chin strangely smooth like the space around him. And his hands and body smelled different, as if his odor had been covered by the strange smells.

Was he done, gone to the land of the Gods? Was this horror the afterlife, one that not even the greatest elders had predicted? He threw back his head and cried, only to hear his voice echo unnaturally in this strange place.

And then there was light.

Tell Us What You Think About the Large Hadron Collider.

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:50:00 +0000

I asked for ideas on my other blog, Rocket Scientist, and I got a number of great ideas. Given that I'm dependent on reader input on this blog, this is where I'm going to use them.

So, I'm going to start with Patricia Rockwell, who asked about the Hadron Collider. She'd asked about Hadron before here when she asked about the end of the world. And I've talked about here here, too.

Truth is, I don't really think about it much at all. I'm not a theoretical physicist. I mean it's cool beans, interesting to me like any technical marvel that doesn't necessarily have a practical use. I used to work with the former chief engineer of the never quite completed Super Collider.

Do I worry about it making black holes? Nope. That's not my understanding of how they are created and what they are.

Will it bring the end of the world? I find it highly unlikely.

Will it change the world for regular people? Probably not. It's for theoretical physicists to try to test theories, but the practical applications, if any, aren't exactly forthcoming. Fun stuff but more academic than useful for the short term.

At least, that's what I think. And, truthfully, I've been wrong before.

For Aisha: What about Marko?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Aisha said: Hey Stephanie, i have a tarot question for you too. What is the cards advice' regarding Marko?Can you pleas do one card reading only. Thank you a lot!

I don't know who Marko is, but, hey, I'm here for you.

And the card, pulled by my gorgeous daughter Roxanne, is Cups IX! A very propitious card.

Cups IX is all about pleasure, fulfillment and the realization of a treasured wish. So, that's good news for Marko (or you if you were asking if Marko was your heart's desire). Sometimes, dreams really do come true.

Best of luck!

For Jeff King: Chapter Headings

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Jeff asked: When you write, do you add chapters and name them as you go? or go back and add them later?

Good question. I tend to break things up in chapters as I go, though, with rewrites, I might break them up in different places, add a chapter here, cut sections from one chapter to somewhere else, etc. It's only as I'm getting to a fairly final form that I do two things to the chapters:

I name them with something key
I add something witty and pertinent beforehand.

Why? Not sure why I name them though I like that better. Perhaps it's to remind myself what's about to happen because I like my own stuff.

But the "wise saying" at the head of each chapter is a more serious take on the habit by the Myth Adventures by Robert Lynn Asprin where he heads off every chapter with a hilarious pseudo-quote like "Is everybody happy?" - Marquis de Sade.

Mine are rarely funny like that, but they're meant to come across as ancient wisdom and proverbs that fit with what's going on in my book.

Here are some examples from Curse of the Jenri (Sword and Sorcery)

One should never make an enemy for gold. Gold will eventually disappear, but an enemy can be forever. Chapter 1 - Introductions
One covets nothing so much as something lost. Chapter 12 - Inauspicious Beginning
Prison is a state of mind. The means of escape are always there; you must only have the mindset to notice them. Chapter 14 - Another Rude Awakening
Humiliation can be salutary, but only if taken in small doses, else it leads to self-doubt. Chapter 15 - Relative Hardships
Dangerous individuals make better friends than enemies. Chapter 18 - Truce and Enlightenment
In your efforts to overcome your greatest obstacles, do not forget the smaller ones. Many a would-be hero has triumphed over impossible odds only to be destroyed by the slightest mischance. Whatever may be your primary problem; it is not likely to be your only one. Chapter 27 - Escape and Rescue
It is not the moments of greatest danger that one remembers best or finds most exciting, but those moments when one’s world opens up. Chapter 38 - Jenri, the Next Generation

Ditto for Beast Within (Science Fiction/Fantasy)

If the bridge burns behind one, it is a sign the fates have chosen your path. Chapter 1 - Slight Detour
Many of the deadliest plants are beautiful. Chapter 6 - New World Anyone who craves power but forgoes responsibility is a danger to the tribe. Chapter 9 - Fly in the Ointment
The worst thing a parent can do is teach a child to question has his sense of self. Chapter 16 - Xander
Nothing is impossible to believe if you have no choice. Chapter 20 - Explanations
Those who control via fear always feel vulnerable. Epilogue - External Threats

So, now you know.

For Krys: What About My Relationship?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Krys asked: hi there,, i am having some troubles in my relationship. it's hanging halfway, can i know where this is heading to? i will do watever it takes to save this relationship. can u do a tarot spread for me? thanks

and

hi ther.. can u pls do a spread for me about my relationship? its rather urgent. thanks a lot:)

Given Krys' urgency, Jeff, I'm going to answer your question tomorrow, but I haven't forgotten it. I look forward to it, in fact.

Krys, I'm going to pull out my old tried and true tarot cards (Tarot of the Cat People) rather than my new but still unfamiliar new tarot cards - given the weight you're giving this. However, before I start, I feel I need to say two things before I pull a single card.

First, as I've said before, these are cards pulled by a stranger remotely. Even if tarot card reading has any relationship to real life (and I'm not saying they do or don't), you should never hinge real life decisions on the turn of a card under these circumstances, or any circumstances. You need to use your best judgment regardless of the cards.

Secondly, you need to understand that not every relationship can or should be saved. Relationships that are abusive, destructive or miserable serve no purpose being dragged forward, no matter how much one or the other wants them to continue. Sometimes one person cares deeply and the other not so much - been in one of those myself - they can't work either. A relationship needs a commitment from both sides. And, even if you have that commitment on both sides, sometimes the problems are more than can be withstood, whether personality mismatch, overwhelming outside force, or a betrayal of trust. I'm not saying that's true of your relationship, just reminding you that there is no magic wand that solves all things.

With the disclaimers out of the way, let's see what we can see.

I'm going with a five card spread.

Far past - Cups X (reversed) - This card is often the sign of romantic bliss, particularly harmony. However, in the reversed position, it denotes stagnation, neglect, carelessness, and suffering. I would surmise this was either a former relationship that went badly or that your current relationship had a rocky start or patch in the back.

Recent past - XI Strength - If the last card denoted an unhealthy relationship, this card might indicate liberation from it and finding your own strength. If the first card reflected the early part of the relationship you have now, this would indicate working one's way through those early challenges through determinism, optimism, the triumph of love over hate.

Present - Cups IV - This is a card that speaks of a stagnant relationship, one marked by depression, disillusion or unexpected resentment. However, it can also signal maturity, a realistic attitude toward love as you and/or your loved one grows and realize that the rosy fantasies of youth don't reflect reality.

Near future - XX Rejuvenation - Again, this is a card with more than one meaning (actually that often happens). It can mean liberation and life-altering change, as if the end of a relationship, but for the good. However, given the trend of past cards, I'm thinking it might mean forgiveness and readjustment, an improvement and a recovery of what once was lost. If so, your relationship may be in recoverable and lead to something better in the end.

Far Future - Pentacles (Coins) V - Following the trend of the other cards (and what feels right to me), I think the end result I'm seeing here is success after hard work. At least that's the answer that comes to me.

One of the telling things about all the cards (but the first) I pulled is that they almost all have dual meanings, often polar opposites. What I'd glean from that is that you relationship is salvageable, even satisfying but that it will involve work on your part. You can't wait for it to solve itself. If you have done something that needs forgiveness, make amends, come clean, take responsibility. If you are faced with a betrayal of trust, you will have to forgive and open your heart for it to work.

Good luck.

for AJ: What About My Love Life

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:06:00 +0000

AJ said: I’m glad that I came across your blog, i found some very useful and interesting posts. I'd like to ask you what is the tarot cards' advice for my love life.

Past - Coins VIII - This is a card of prudence. Quiet success through dililgence and moderation. I can't tell if this is representative of your past love life, per se, or just that romance has not been your priority as you've been working on other aspects of your life.

Present - XIV Temperence (reversed) - In the nominal position, this card would be a continuation of the previous card, moderation and hard work making a healthy satisfying life. In the reversed position, however, it denotes dissatisfaction and discord, as if either you're not finding life satisfying or that your relationships with others are not going as well as you want them to. Or perhaps changes in your life have undermined your previous success and satisfaction so that you're no longer happy with it. If this is related to romance, it would seem to indicate a relationship that was comfortable has become unsatisfying or is changing in ways that aren't working for you.

Future - Swords VIII - Unfortunately, this card does not argue an improvement for your current situation. It's a card that speaks of imbalance, crisis, conflict, and even a need to escape. If you are in a relationship you were hoping to preserve, this card does not bode well for it's future. I'm sorry.

Best of luck.

For Flemlisa: What's Next in My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Flemlisa asked: I've been thinking about asking you a question so this seems like a good time. Retired a number of years ago and working part-time now and I am not sure how long this stage of my life is going to last. Would appreciate any insight you can offer.

So, let's try my new birthday cards (Dream Tarot) - what fun! Everyone should know the drill by now...

Past - Cups X - From this card, I'd read that your past appears to be dominated by family and home, perhaps with some emotional strain and challenges as a result, but you'd found your peace, your balance, your harmony. Or that's what I'd take away from this.

Present - XII The Hanging Man - From this, I'd presume that you feel you're in limbo, at a type of crossroads, between the life you once made and whatever else your life has in store. But you've been here a while and you're starting to feel stagnant, suspended, without direction.
Future - Wands III - So, what's next? That is, after all, your question. This is a card with interesting aspects. This card can indicate opportunities, enterprising initiatives, productivity. There is a possibility of travel or even a marriage (or other relationship) based on mutual interests. Perhaps an opportunity to teach something you love.

Wands III is a card that speaks of opportunities, not by way of limiting, but of opening them. From this, I would presume that opportunities do or will exist for you, if you keep your mind and eyes open. Pursuing them can bring another new chapter to your life.

Best of luck.

Also, note that there is a contest to win a deck of tarot cards going on on Rocket Scientist. For those interested...

For Jeff: Said I or I said?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Jeff King asked: When should I use Jeff said or said Jeff? I use Jeff said when adding an adverb after, like so. "I am right" Jeff said reassuringly. And when I am not I use this “I am right” said Jeff. Does it matter either way? Is there a rule of thumb to follow?

Jeff, I have no idea. Fortunately, there's at least one wonderful copy editor who follows this blog who might chime in.

However, here's what I do. Generally, I use XXX said (and, yes, I use saidisms if I think they work better). For some reason, it generally works for me better. However, there are times when it doesn't, when it doesn't flow right.

To date, this has often corresponded to times when someone is speaking a bit more formally or, if someone consistently speaks formally, I might make it the norm for that particular characters. It feels more traditional to me, a little more distanced.

But I don't do it consciously, I don't think, and I don't know about a hard and fast rule.

Anyone else have some input on this?

I'm Out of Questions...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

I'm out of questions again I'm not doing another on metrication (unless asked) because it's too distracting. The topic is literally too much fun for me (hey, I'm a geek!).

So, in the interest of getting back to my novel, I won't be posting here until someone asks me some more questions.

Have a good weekend!

For Relax Max: Metric Arrogance

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Relax Max didn't ask me anything, per se, but we've been going back and forth about the metric system (or more appropriately, SI) . See, I'm a scientist so I'm for it. And Relax Max doesn't agree with me. There's nothing unusual about the latter, I might add, but this happens to be one of my pet subjects, so I'm doing a double header on this today, here and on Rocket Scientist (which is fielding an oldie but a goodie).

So, I'm going to use this question he posed in a comment: Why is it so wrong to just slip in and out of whatever system a person wants to use, or NEEDS to use for a particular job?

That's a wonderful question, Relax Max. Let's see if I can't give you the answers you were looking for in my tyrannic and smug way. 'Cause, hey, it's the only way I know. :)

Below are the sources I used on my paper two years ago. Hopefully some of the links are still good and can help you with more detail if I don't provide enough, or actual examples. As I mentioned earlier, I'm also going into why I think standard units are needlessly complex and ambiguous on Rocket Scientist, so feel free to check it out, but, here, I'll focus on your question.

The simplest way to answer is to ask what units of measure are for. I would say (and you're welcome to provide your own definition, but I'd be surprised if it didn't boil down to the same thing) that units of measure do two things. They enable one to convey the magnitude of some amount/size/distance, etc. They enable you to use those values to figure out important things about an object without having to test it. What do I mean?

A measuring device can let me know I have six cups of flour (or perhaps a half kilo - I have no idea what flour masses and, as it's compressible, it's variable). Knowing that, I can figure out how many batches of cookies I can make before I must go to the store for more. If I know the fuel economy of my car on the highway, I can figure out how much gasoline (or how often) I will need to stop for gas to fill my tank of 16 gallons (~60 l).

Now, if I never had to worry about anyone else or conveying things to anyone else or do any sorts of calculations, I could have a truly independent unit of measurement system, as many a chef does, with dashes and pinches and smidges and handfuls or whatever. As long as I knew what the amount referred to, I'd be fine. But, if I'm going to pass my famous recipe for molasses cookies to my niece, Charlotte, I'm going to have to units that she can identify so that she can reproduce my quantities or, at least, proportions. I already know what I want, why I want it, and in what proportions. Units allow me to communicate or convey those quantities to someone else. Hopefully reliably or why use them at all?

And that's the answer for the first part of your question. Changing/switching/using whatever unit system you want defeats the purpose of having a unit of measurement: to reliably convey the quantity to someone else (or yourself, say, so you can figure out how much carpet you need, for instance). Now, if all "standard units" were actually standard, there wouldn't be an inherent issue with using units as long as we didn't have to do any calculations with them or convert them (like figuring out how many inches of wire I get from my 75 yards of beading wire, so I can make how many 25 inch necklaces). But, for just conveying an amount, no unit is better than another as long as what is meant by that unit is clear.

And that's where non-metric units already start to lose their lustre. Did you know that there are at least 7 different types of "foot", all close to the length the US calls a foot (although that's actually a slightly different length than a survey foot), but the variance is as much as 27%. For pounds (of which there are at least three) NOT counting pounds-mass, the variance is also 10-20%. There are ten different versions of mile and, yeah, they vary even more. Let's not forget fluid vs. weight vs. mass ounces, all of which are different and, can vary in comparison. Yikes!

Therefore, the value of the unit, because there are multiple definitions out there, is inherently ambiguous--which kind of defeats the purpose. Get into the nightmare of determining whether a pound is a mass or a weight (only 32X difference) and it gets more ambiguous. Even things that are generally well known, like pounds per square inch (psi) can be ambiguous. When people read a pressure gauge, for instance, what they are really reading is "psig" or the amount of pressure above atmospheric pressure (which can vary by quite a bit). But there is also psia - absolute pressure - or psid - differential pressure. These can all be quite close (relatively) or they can be drastically different depending on the circumstances, but, quite often, they are all described with the same term: psi.

Guess how many kg there are? Yep. Just one. If you force, though, it's Newton (1 kg m/s^2), but you can calculate force, kinetic energy, inertia, and handfuls of other things without having to change any units, not a single conversion.

Then, there are the jillions of non-standard units included in the standard system: yards, mils, microinches (don't get me started), rods, leagues, furlongs, acres, bushels, hogsheads, barrels (not all the same size, of course), acres, hectares, well, I think you get the point. For a unit of measure to be of use, it must be clear and consistent.

But, that's only half what you need a unit for. The other half is using that unit to calculate what you need and how you need it, stress margins or sufficient building materials, anything. How do I convert inches to feet? Divide by twelve, you might say, so what? How about inches to yards? (72 inches= 1 yard). So, how many inches in 9 3/4 feet? Or how many feet in 189 inches? Don't worry, I'll wait. How many feet in a quarter mile? Um, which mile did you have in mind? How many linear feet of cable would you mean to get electricity down a 2 mile street?

But, I know how many meters of wire I need to get electricity down a three km street? 3000

I've got quite a bit of examples of calculation differences described in Rocket Scientist so I won't do it here.

But, it's more than just clumsiness and ungainliness on conversion. Physics in "standard" units is problematic, for instance. If I want to calculate the kinetic energy of a moving train, I can write it up in Newtons (or megaNewtons) by multiplying the mass of the train by the velocity in m/s squared. No problem. The units are unambiguous and each unit has one and only one meaning. No "conversion" is required.

But pounds-force (weight of the train) means nothing when it comes kinetic energy unless gravity's a factor (which it isn't here), you can't just multiply weight by miles/hour - there is no energy unit that corresponds to pounds-force-miles^2/s^2. You'll have to change miles/hour to feet per s (Doh, that's why you need to know how many feet in a mile!) and find some unit of mass because, if you use pounds-force, it will be wrong (by a factor of 32) - perhaps slugs (which is an ugly horrible little unit of mass that's as ugly and ungainly as its name). And you'll still have to change the units into something else because, hey, who uses slugs-ft^2/s^2? (Is that even a unit? There are so many "standard" units) You'll either be converting to joules or you'll be using something like horsepower, ironically enough, converting it back to pounds-force-feet (although you can't just use pounds force for the calculation) and neither go smoothly into that good night.

Go into space where inertia and mass matter but "weight" means something different depending on where you are, and English units make even less sense. However, in space, a Newton is always a Newton, a kg is always a kg and the combine nicely into Joules (=1 N-m).

So what? Let's be "individuals" and conform to the way we've always done it since dark ages!

Except, if all this complexity and opportunity for error means that your seat belt can handle 1/32 of the force it was supposed to handle because those distinctions weren't clear, or someone made an error because, hey, a pound's a pound (and if you think that can't happen, you don't know enough engineers), someone's kid can die. It won't happen, of course, because

Meanwhile, our children are taught, year after year, to convert fractional values of ambiguous measurement units into others, to perform twenty complex calculations to figure out what can be easily deduced with one or two in SI, to teach themselves what literally hundreds of units are, sort of. Why? Because, apparently, you must conform if you want to be a rugged individualist, no matter how painful it is.

United States Metric Association Homepage - http://lamar.colostate.edu/~hillger/#metric.
Metric Conversion Act of 1975. (http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Metric/pub814.cfm)
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988.
Executive Order 12270 signed by President Bush in 1991. (http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Metric/pub814.cfm#president)
Savings in Construction Act of 1996.
ES, G-00-21 NASA Public Affairs Policy on NASA’s Use of the Metric System, 2001. (http://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/displayDir.cfm?Internal_ID=N_PD_8010_002D_&page_name=main)
Le Système International d'Unités (SI), 2006: The International System of Units (SI), 8th Edition, Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), Pavillon de Breteuil, F-92310, Sèvres, France. (http://www.bipm.org/en/si/si_brochure/)
Eyles, Don. Tales From The Lunar Module Guidance Computer: Apollo 11, AAS 04-064. (http://www.doneyles.com/LM/Tales.html)
Kverneland, Knut. ANSI Metric Standards for Worldwide Manufacturing 2005, 5th Edition.
Lobrano, Barbara and James B. McCracken. U.S. Manufacturers with Products Conforming to Metric Standards: An Analysis, NIST GCR 99-783. (http://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Metric/upload/thomas2.pdf)
13. NASA Problem Reporting and Corrective Action database, JSC, March 2006.
14. Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), 2002 and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives. (http://www.rohs.gov.uk/content.aspx?id=9)
15. Webb, Ted, “General Motors Goes Metric,” Elements of Technology, Winter 1976.
16. Naughtin, Pat, “What is the Cost of Not Going Metric?” Metrication Matters website (www.metricationmatters.com), 2005. (http://www.metricationmatters.com/docs/CostOfNonMetrication.pdf )
17. Reif, Rita, “The Quiet Revolution: The United States Goes Metric,” New York Times, December 7, 1975.

For Angela: Should I Try Love Again?

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Angela asked: i have a question for your tarot cards. I've just met someone i like a lot, but i've been hurt so many times and i don't want to be hurt again. Can you pleas ask your tarot cards what they have to say about us? Should i give him a chance?

Hooray! I worked out today so I can blog and I got brand new tarot cards (Legacy of the Divine - gorgeous!) for me to play with, so your question is timely.

Unsolicited advice (don't read if you don't want it): Before I do the reading, however, I'm going to butt in with one of my own thoughts. The reason that love can be so painful is because, in my opinion, it matters so much. If past failures cause you to close off your heart, those who have hurt you have done double damage. And, it should be noted, that there are many good people out there. When you "give someone a chance," remember that he or she has no responsibility for the actions of others - give him or her a real chance by looking at them with an open mind.

OK, on to the reading:

Past - Knight of Swords (reversed) - From your question, it will likely not surprise you that rupture relationships and quarrels are represented by this card in the reversed position. The gamut of reasons include selfishness, unreliability, immaturity, egoism, pushiness, obsessiveness... It speaks of strife with someone unreasonable or unhealthy for anyone wanting a lasting relationship.

Present - XIV Temperance - this card seems to argue you are in a state of healing and regeneration, that you are growing in self-acceptance with good influences and friendship. It's a very propitious card for beginning healthy relationships and finding a real comrades (which a long-term love should be).

Future - Wands X (reversed) - Wands X is a card about burdens and, in the reversed position, can show at least two paths for this question. One is that you have not let go your burdens, your pain, your damage from your previous relationships. Unless you can do so, even the healthiest relationship can be twisted and poisoned under the strain. But, there is also the possibility that someone in your future is again overbearing, pushy, oppressive. If that's the case, this is not a relationship that bodes well.

If you are indeed looking at another unhealthy relationship, it might be worth asking what attacts you to such individuals and if those things that attract you are actually symptoms of not-so-wonderful characteristics.

If, however, your baggage is the burden that stands in the way, you can only move forward when you've healed enough or you'll never be a healthy companion for someone else.

Good luck!

Update: Angela asked for another card, so I'm pulling one.

XVIII The Moon (reversed) - The moon is an interesting card, often as mysterious as it is helpful. It is also a very female card. In the reversed position, it talks about fear, misunderstandings, insecurities and misunderstandings. However, there is also the possibility of an era coming to a close and an uneasy peace after paying the price.

To me, this card reinforces my own impression. If you are not ready to regard someone without looking at him through a filter of past pain, his nature isn't the problem. He owes nothing for your past disappointments. Even the term "giving him a chance" seems to say you treat him with suspicion and mistrust - which is no way to start any relationship.

Maybe the question isn't should you give him a chance but can you give him a chance, which can only be done by looking at him on his own merits and not by comparing him to everything that's come before. According to the cards, you're at a place in your life where harmony and companionship are yours for the taking, but you have to be open enough to see them clearly.

For Shakespeare: Career Direction

noreply@blogger.com (Stephanie B) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +0000

Shakespeare asked: I have a Tarot Queene question for you. My husband has the option of applying for two different new jobs, one halfway across the country, one all the way. He's not sure whether he should even apply for them, or should just hold out here for a few more years. What do the tarot cards say?

Let's give it a whirl. Given the type of question, I'm going to try something a little different. I'm going to pull four cards, one to represent "husband", one for the the job halfway across the nation, one all the way, and one for staying put. Depending on the results, I might pull more for clarification.

Husband - XX Rejuvenation aka Judgement (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card indicates that, with regards to this question, your husband is, er, dithering. Procrastination and indecision can readily lead to frustration and stagnation. I'd take from this that your husband, perhaps unknowingly, is approaching a crossroads where he'll have to decide what he really wants.

Halfway across the nation - XI Strength (reversed) - With regards to a position, this is not a propitious card in this position. It speaks of tyranny, discord and abuse of power. From this card, I'd get the sense that this is a very political position, one where the caliber of work is less important that the political infighting.

Across the nation - Cups III - This card, however, is full of promise and fulfillment, contentment and emotional satisfaction. If the cards are any indication, this may be a job worth pursuing.

Staying put - XII The Hanged Man (reversed - this is a card (in the reversed position) where I can see the answer one of two ways, more that it's a choice. If one fails to make the necessary sacrifice, one will reap a commiserate lack of success. However, a sacrifice made will lead to success...eventually. It's not a card that speaks to me of amazing success but the potential for a quiet hard-won success.

I think the cards were pretty clear, but I'd do more research. At least one card seems to argue that there is a good alternative in the offing. Good luck.