Columns

The Writer’s Toolbox – Special Effects

The CGI wizards discussed effecting some special effects that would affect each viewer’s affect. Tongue tied in knots? Try spelling it! Effect and affect are commonly confused and misspelled even by grammar gurus. This week’s Toolbox will sort the two words and their various usages and meanings. The Verb Effect Does Not Mean Influence This… Read more »

Primal Numbers – Holodecks on Holiday, Part II

Welcome back to the USS Enterprise, where the next big thing in travel awaits you: a holiday on the holodeck. No need to pack, buy insurance, or get inoculated. Soon, you can take the entire family to Europe from the comfort of your couch. The only question is, who will control what you see when… Read more »

From Where I Sit – Rest In Peace

Like the rest of the world I was shocked and saddened by the death of Robin Williams. The first reaction is disbelief?how could this be true? Then to hear the early reports that he died by his own hand seemed to make the story doubly tragic. It’s one thing to die suddenly or after a… Read more »

Dear Barb – Privacy and Libido

Dear Barb: I read your column a few weeks back from Matt who deactivated his face book account. I can relate, as I’ve been considering doing the same thing. Every time I begin dating a new girl and we become Facebook friends, she goes through my pictures and asks me about all my previous girlfriends…. Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Vipassana

Album: Vipassana Artists: Eric Harland – Voyager “The deepest secret is that life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.” – Eric Harland “E-Land in the house Layin? down tracks Tryin? to promote consciousness Come on . . . It’s about you. ” – Eric Harland on “Relax” Eric Harland’s roster… Read more »

Gregor’s Bed – Nebraska

Film: Nebraska Director: Alexander Payne Writer: Bob Nelson DAVID: Hey, Dad, how about we go see Mount Rushmore? WOODROW: We don’t have time to see that! DAVID: It’s just 30 minutes off the interstate. And we’re right here. WOODROW: It’s just a bunch of rocks! – Dialogue from Nebraska Woody wants to go to Nebraska… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?

Film: Is the Man Who is Tall Happy? Director: Michel Gondry “Reality is simple and it’s our task to show that.” – Noam Chomsky in Is the Man Who is Tall Happy? Once upon a time a little donkey was turned into a stone. When some children told the donkey’s parents that the stone was… Read more »

From Where I Sit – Job One

My name is Hazel and I’m a recovering workaholic. An insightful reading of these From Where I Sit columns over the past ten years or so would have revealed that I have a challenge striking a reasonable balance between work and play. In some columns I’ve stated my dilemma candidly along with whatever trick I… Read more »

Primal Numbers – Holodecks on Holiday, Part I

If you’ve taken a trip lately, you know how frustrating travel can be. From cancelled flights to lost luggage and bad resort food, it’s not uncommon for people to return from vacation more exhausted than when they left. Soon, technology could put an end to travel woes and let you choose a virtual vacation. But… Read more »