Writing a Substantive Book Review
The review is our ticket to writing more for you to read. Take a peek and see how you can help your favorite author or the author of a book you liked.
Columbia: 14 years ago today.
From a true believer, Star Trek Author Dayton Ward.
Goodreads Giveaway
Starts today! runs through the end of January – enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Paradox: The Alien Genome. Share with those who love Hard Science Fiction, this will take you from the vastness of our galaxy to the microcosm of molecules! Castaway astronauts may never see Earth again, which is a shame since what humanity needs most is all around them.
#amwriting #sciencefiction #startrek
5 Free Ways to Live Long and Prosper
It’s the beginning of a new year, at least as far as the calendar is concerned. Actually, every day is the beginning of a new year if you stop to think about it, so I say don’t make another resolution you won’t keep. Just consider these five easy peasy things you can do to help yourself live a longer, healthier, wealthier life.
- Breathe. Take five minutes daily to breathe using your diaphragm instead of your ribs. By in
haling “through your belly button” you bring air into the depths of your lungs where it has a chance to enter your circulatory system. It also does something very important: it retrains your brain, over time, to function more efficiently with your nervous system. Do it. It’s free. - Screen Time. Turn off your phones, pads, computers, and televisions at least 30 minutes before retiring.
Our vid screens induce an Alpha Wave state of mind, somewhat like staring out into space. Brainwaves that you need for optimum sleep efficiency are Theta Waves. By turning off your video screens, your pineal gland will perceive the darkness, produce melatonin, change the Hz of the nervous system and you will benefit from a better night’s sleep. Do it. It’s free. - Save Money. It’s easier than you think to save money. The benefits you reap from saving money include the peace of mind that you are not a victim, a passenger in
your future.
You don’t need to save much to feel the endorphin kick when your bank statement arrives, either. Next time you want that high priced coffee drink, a box of candy, or a magazine, tell yourself “no” and set that money aside, at least in your mind, until the end of the week. Aim for $10, transfer that money from your operating account to a savings account. In a year you’ll have $500 staring back at you. Do it. It’s better than free. - Wear Seat Belts. This is a no brainer. Besides this action being a law in most states, these things save l
ives. Airbags
are good, but airbags are not good without seat belts first. In a collision you hit an airbag too hard and it can cause real damage. Don’t like wrinkled clothes? Blood is worse. Feel like it’s choking you? Adjust the frame attachment point lower, or use a belt cushion. Afraid you’ll be trapped by it? First responders will cut you out. If you’re unconscious, you won’t be able to let yourself out anyway.
Do it. It’s free. - Drink More Water. No matter how much water you think you’re drinking, it’s probably not enough.
The adult body is 60% water on average. Eight glasses a day is the old standard, but it doesn’t have to be pure water to count. A glass of milk counts as 7 ounces, and some juice is nearly 8 ounces. On the other hand, drinks with caffeine reduce your water intake despite their lack of nutrients. Caffeine is a natural diuretic that removes water from your body. A cup of tea may have 8 ounces of water, but you’re going to lose a couple, so it only counts as about 5-6 ounces. Do it. It’s practically free.
So five easy, guiltless, scientifically supported actions you can take every day, starting today, that will cost almost nothing and most likely save you money when you look at the reduced electricity costs and the health benefits. Of course, the old traditional “eat better, exercise, and stop smoking” are in there, but start out slow. If you can do those five things, you’ll be starting out 2017 five steps ahead, and on your way to a long life of prosperity.
What are you waiting for? GO!
Peace on Solstice
Astronomically speaking, we have reached the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. I for one hail the return of the light as we pass around the sun. It means the pineal glands inside my animals’ heads will detect more light through the optic nerve, letting them know that Spring is 90 days away. It’s time to prepare for babies and shed their winter coats. It helps lift depression in humans as well; I know it does for me.
And from this basic celebration hundreds, maybe thousands of different rituals and ceremonies have arisen, from Saturnalia to Santa Claus. It happens every 365.25 days, without fail, since the Earth cooled and settled into orbit. It happens if no one cares, if every life form alive went extinct, or if we find life on Mars. It is such a such a steady, never changing phenomenon that we have based our lives around it – this thing we call time. 
I just want to remind you all that our lives are short, most less than a single century. Go out of your way this solstice, and say “what can I do to make things better for ______” and that can be anything from your cat to the environment.
Here’s a really cool link if you want more information on the winter solstice. In the meantime, Captain Jackson’s dear wife, Rianya, has been living in artificial lighting for years now, and if you’ve been paying attention, you might be able to guess what happens when she finds herself back on Beta Hydri IV.
