Healthcare Reform Upheld by the Supreme Court

This is a hotbed issue that needs a lot more understanding than is being pushed by the media and political groups.

Here's my take on the ruling:

It's interesting. Five of the judges interpreted the individual mandate as a "tax" which is the only constitutional rational for upholding the law. The legislative branch could have mitigated this issue if they would have instituted the individual mandate as a tax in the first place, but the negative fallout from creating a new "tax" would have effectively been political suicide for the proponents of the law. I personally think that the law as it is written is literally unconstitutional, but its spirit IS certainly constitutional. Tough job for the Supreme Court to view the law through the scope of the political landscape and come to a decision based on the "directive" of the law as opposed to the "nuanced language". Of course, this creates an ambiguity of interpretation on the judicial side. I'm abivalent on the decision because there's negative fallout either way.

Regardless, the healthcare issue needs to result in greater awareness of the consumer. Medical providers cannot simply charge whatever they want for services, or perform unnecessary services in order to create more revenue. Insurance companies cannot shortchange medical providers in order to keep rates low. Individuals cannot missuse the insurance companies and go to a medical provider everytime they or their children get a sniffle. The more aware the consumer becomes, the better the system will become. The dollars spent on medical services need to be real and palpable to the consumer in a marketplace where medical services are NOT provided by the federal government, as they are in many other countries around the world.

The US health services systems are generally considered to the be the best in the world. There is cost associated with that. It's necessary for the people of this nation to understand that cost. The perception that going to the doctor for care should be "free" is poisoning the free market system within which the healthcare services industry operates. If healthcare were provided as a function of government and paid for with tax dollars as is Medicare for our senior citizens, then the perception that healthcare is "free" would be acceptable and we'd all have to live with a decline in the quality of basic services as has been evidenced by the state of healthcare in countries like England, France and Canada, where a person might have to wait a week for a broken bone to be set in a cast.

Consumer education is key. If the consumer is aware of the dollars being spent, then the consumer can positively affect the financial situation for himself. This is most easily demonstrated when the doctor asks: "Do you have good insurance?" before writing a prescription. If the answer is "Yes", then the prescription is for a brand name drug that a pharmacuetical company is pushing with gifts to the doctor's office. If the answer is "No", then the presciption is for a generic drug that will likely cost less than $5 as the local grocery pharmacy. The difference is that the insurance company picks up the tab on the expensive drug, thus necessitating the rise of insurance premiums and we continue the cycle of rising costs.

The real solution to the problem: know the value of your medical service! Price shop. Be an educated consumer and start thinking about healthcare in the same way you think about other necessary expenses.

Why I Write Fantasy

I was recently pointed to an article talking about the reasons people write and read Fantasy: http://mythicscribes.com/inspiration/the-power-of-the-genre-why-write-fantasy/

While I agree with most of the ideas presented, there is an aspect of Fantasy (even separate from Science Fiction) that is unique to the genre.

I have found that Fantasy is more about the conceptualization of the human condition than it is about the potentiality. Even Science Fiction deals with real possibilities or the perception of real possibilities, whereas Fantasy is rooted in the impossible. It flexes the imagination as it spins us back into the myths that enchanted us as children and protected us when we lacked understanding.

Normal fiction and even some Science Fiction is definite, unitary and subservient to the laws which codify the human experience. Alter those laws and you give birth to a whole new possibility--an ideational structure that takes us beyond limitations.

The potential in Fantasy isn't to define or redefine, it's highest form is pure creation.

Fantasy lets us be god.

Good Friday Drama

I wrote a three-part drama sequence for my church's Good Friday service. It dramatized the confusion of Christ's followers over the events of Thursday evening and early Friday morning, the denials by Peter, and finally the sorrow of Judas and the attitude of the High Priest.

Jennifer Matas updated the drama into a modern-day setting and directed each of the three pieces. Other than some audio issues in the first scene, I thought it really went well.

Script:

Scene 1:

In hushed voices with street noises in the background. Every time F1 or F2 hears footsteps, s/he looks around furtively. It’s all very clandestine.

Friend 2: (Talking on a cell phone while glancing around):  Ok. Thanks. If you hear anything at all, at any time, call me right away. (Slaps phone shut.)

Friend 1: Hey. Have you seen Peter?

Friend 2: No… He must have followed them into the courtyard.

F1: If he’s not careful, they’ll arrest him too. What about Jesus? Did you get any news?

F2: I couldn’t get close enough. There were too many security guards. And the person I just talked to hoped I knew something. How could we know what’s going on?

F1: We should know…

F2: Say what?

F1: Jesus predicted exactly what was going to happen. And he told us! Don’t you remember when he talked about his blood and broken body? Then he told us to stay awake and pray? He was trying to prepare us for this very night!

F2: I remember. We all heard what he said. Matthew thought he was maybe taking a trip. It was confusing, but they wouldn’t… He can’t die, can he?

F1: He said he was leaving…that he was returning to his Father… What else could that mean?

F2: But he’s Christ! He’s supposed to save us! He can’t do that if he’s dead! You’ve seen the things he’s done. If he can walk on water, he has the power to beat this. Remember how he cruised through all those people who were trying to stone him? That situation was even worse!

F1: I remember that, but he was different tonight.

F2: OK, fine. But if he wasn’t sure of himself, then why did he fix that guy’s ear back in Gethsemane?

F1: That’s what he does! He heals people.

F2: Exactly. It points to the fact that he’s obviously God’s son. The Judge will see that. He’ll be fine, trust me.

F1: He did say that our sorrow would turn to joy. That he would be gone for a while, but then he’d return. You really think it’s that simple?

F2: Yeah. He’s Jesus. What could happen to him?

F1: You’re right. Hey…we better get out of here. Let’s go.

 Scene 2

(Scene is around a beat-up trash can with candles on top resembling a fire. Peter ambles over. They warm their hands over the flames. It’s obvious they do not know each other.)

Peter: You look tired.

Citizen 1: I’m exhausted. I should have been in bed hours ago, but Caiaphus hasn’t adjourned the meeting yet. It looks like it could go on all night.

Peter: Sooo…do you know what’s happening?

C1: The whole council is listening to testimony about this Jesus guy. I don’t understand why it can’t wait until morning.

P: Who are they bringing in? Who’s testifying?

C1: I didn’t recognize anyone... (with dawning awareness)  Wait… You were with him, weren’t you? I know I saw you with Jesus earlier today.

P: No way. Not me. I saw him for the first time this week. I don’t even know the guy.

C1: But you’re Galilean. You must know him!

P: There are a lot of people from Galilee here in town. I don’t know him, personally. I’m just…curious. People are saying he might be the Messiah?

C1: I’ve heard that too…

[Citizen 2 enters and warms himself by the fire.]

C1: Any new developments?

C 2: I hope he starts talking soon…for his own sake. He shouts, yells and overturns carts in the temple. He preaches so loudly people two cities away can hear. Now? He hardly says anything. It’s really disturbing to the Council.

P: He’s not defending himself?

C2: [shakes head] Not a word—silent as a lamb. He doesn’t even scream when they hit him.

P: They’re HITTING him?

C2: What’s it to you? Be glad it’s not you in there.

C1: [Points at Peter] Hey…he’s a Galilean, too. I think I saw him with Jesus.

P: I told you once already, I don’t know Jesus!

C2: Are you kidding? Oh…I recognize you! You sliced off my cousin’s ear in Gethsemane!

P: God strike me dead if I’m lying! I swear I was not at Gethsemane tonight. I didn’t cut anyone’s ear and I don’t know Jesus!

[The citizens look skeptical as a rooster crows. Peter hears the rooster, buries his face in his hands and runs.]

 Scene 3

(At the temple.)

Judas: No, you don’t understand; he’s innocent. How can you punish him when he didn’t commit a crime?

Priest: It’s out of your hands now, Judas. We appreciate the help, but there’s no more to be said or done.

J: But he’s innocent! I betrayed an innocent man!

P: Oh no; he’s not innocent—THAT much we know.

J: I can give testimony in his defense! I know others who can. We have the right to be heard…

P: Ha ha! We heard you and we heard him.  (Leans down, motions Judas over and loudly whispers each word) He thinks he’s God! He lied to you and to so many others; we have no need of your testimony.

J: (frantic): What about all the miracles? He healed the sick! He raised the dead. He cast out demons…No fraud would have that kind of power.

P: We’ve been over all this. It was some kind of occult power that allowed him to perform those miracles. Besides, your argument is flawed; if he really was God, how would we be able to convict him? It’s simple really.

J: Please, you have to listen to me… I’ve…sinned… Jesus is telling the truth. I’m finally telling the truth!

P: If you think you’ve sinned that is between you and God. It doesn’t change anything here. Be grateful for the money we paid you!

J: No! You can keep your money! I don’t want it!

P: Enough! What’s done is done. The money is yours. Today, Jesus pays for his crimes.

March Madness 2012

Every year I send a message to all my friends that prepares them for the coming of March Madness. It’s one part poetic, one part apocalyptic and 100% self-aggrandizing nonsense. In lieu of the same this year, I instead submit a top-ten list of the compiled excuses to leave work on these most epic of sporting days.

10. My child is staring in a play at school.

9. I have a dentist appointment to fill an abscessed tooth.

8. I have to renew my cell phone contract.

7. My nephew is training me in how to use Excel.

6. I’ll be on a long list of sales calls all day.

5. The transmission fell out of my wife’s car.

4. This is the Jewish holiday of Yomashana. You didn’t know I was Jewish?

3. The dog swallowed my son’s Beyblade.

2. The pipes burst in my basement.

And the number one reason for missing work to watch March Madness…

1. I’m getting a vasectomy—I’ll be out all week!

Just Say "No" to Trading

Every year after the NFL season has come to an end, along with the Sunday afternoon malaise, we get lots of media coverage of the NFL draft. I have paid careful attention to the NFL draft since 2000 when the Cleveland Browns did the stupidest thing they could have done and drafted Tim Couch number 1 overall. With Ditka as coach of New Orleans, he was offering a king's ransom in draft picks for the right to draft Ricky Williams. An extra 3-5 early round draft picks would have been exactly what the doctor ordered for a starting franchise. Alas, it was not to be.

Fast forward 12 years and we're at it again.

Should the Browns give up several early round draft picks for the right to select Robert Griffin III?

The answer is categorically: NO.

The reason the would say yes is born out of a skewed perception of value, the reason they should say no is simple math. In December, before the bowl games, most scouts listed RG3 as the third best QB in the NCAA, well behind Andrew Luck. Pundits reasoned that he would go in the late first or early second round. Since that time, RG3 has played exactly one game, and suddenly he's vying for the top pick alongside Andrew Luck.

What a league!

RG3 needs to thank Cam Newton for having such a great year, because that's the guy to whom he draws comparisons.

Physical talent is measurable. Gameday ability is not. Bottom line is this: an NFL prospects height, strength, speed and athletic ability matter only to a small degree. All the players are fast, big, strong and athletic. The only thing that matters is how they played. RG3 played well in college and won the Heisman trophy, but in the end, he's just another prospect. I'd rather have three or four good prospects than just one.

Lebron is listening!

About a year ago I posted this blog to Lebron James: http://leftsideofnowhere.blogspot.com/2010/12/another-love-letter-to-lebron.html

In it I outlined how Lebron could fix his shattered image after dumping Cleveland for the glitzy shores of South Beach. At this point he's done just about all of the items I outlined. This past week he emphatically embraced point 7.

He made such a strong suggestion that he might one day return to the Cleveland Cavaliers that fans of his current Miami team felt suddenly worried. Even his current teammates weren't laughing off the statement. Lebron was forced to make another statement saying he was focused on helping Miami win a championship. It was exactly the same statement he made many times during the last couple of years he played in Cleveland.

Then there's this article: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_lebron_james_opt_out_cavaliers_gilbert_021712

One thing we know is that Lebron loves the spotlight, so it's no surprise that he wants to repair the burned bridges and look to regain his status as most loved NBA player.

As the Miami Heat thunderwumped the Cavs on Friday, the boos for Lebron weren't quite as loud. The hatred not as palpable.

So would Cleveland take him back. Absolutely. There might be a faction that says, "No. We don't want that traitor back!" But once he drapes the Cavs jersey back over his shoulders, 95% of the Cleveland fans will be screaming with delight.

Two years Cleveland fans...two more years...

Artwork for my book!

My cousin Michael Robinson crafted this excellent cover for the beta reader version of First Act of War.

This is a  scene from the book. Stephen Blackstorm is the character in the front. Melia Strindshiere is flying behind him.

I'm still going to be submitting the book to regular publishers, but it's great to know that I have an outstanding cover if I go the self publishing route. Michael is also one of the beta readers and is looking for another scene that he feels he can capture.

The image is painted in photoshop from nothing more than a few descriptions that I gave him. He captured my thoughts perfectly. More of Michael's work can be seen on his website: www.mikerobinsonart.com

Review of: Chronicle

After seeing the advertisements for the movie Chronicle, I admit, I was intrigued. I was further intrigued when many reviewers said it was a movie worth watching.

A few friends were going this past Saturday, so I latched on.

The positive reviews are all categorically wrong. Chronicle was not a good movie. It was a great idea, with a very poor delivery.

Why?

1. The hand-cam filming was quaint at first, but it quickly became difficult to manage as the action scenes ramped up. This is evidenced most severely when the camera angle cuts to that of a grainy black and white security video with no sound, then back to a camera being held by a news crew.

2. I don't know what high school you went to, but my high school was nothing like that depicted in Chronicle. Now I understand that Hollywood will glorify certain aspects to such a degree that thousand-year-old vampires will want to spend their time going through high school again (shame on you, Twilight for assuming ANYONE would want to spend an extra week in high school, let alone decades!), but with hand-camera filming providing realism, 30-year-old "seniors" really stole the authenticity.

3. I get that an adolescent with repressed anger issues could go berserk, especially if pressed with too much negative stimulus, but that also assumes that same adolescent would remain in his crummy condition upon discovery and mastery of a ridiculous power. From the commercials, you can see that the boys learn how to fly and crush cars with their minds. This opens all kinds of doors that are quite thoroughly (and I think accurately) explored in the movie Jumper. Not so much in Chronicle.

4. The movie dragged. No excuse for this one. It was not a long movie, and it felt like it lasted forever.

In summary: the movie tries too hard to hard to give realism to the awkward nature of adolescent boys, and doesn't catch the imagination of what super powers of this magnitude would generate. It ended up a cute/sad story, and it should have been much more. Skip it.

Quality: 2
Watchability: 2

Book Review: A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge

I haven't reviewed a book in awhile, but I just finished an interesting one, and thought I'd update you all. In case you're unfamiliar with my rating scale, here it is: http://leftsideofnowhere.blogspot.com/2010/11/is-there-scale-for-that.html

There were many things that I liked about the book. First, it was well written. The prose didn't feel labored, nor did he bore me with lots of speculative science. I liked the POV of the spiders, that was interesting. I also enjoyed some of the concepts of space-fairing cultures that he explores. His idea that all human planetary cultures eventually fail and are reduced to a middle-ages state of technology is a little unbelievable, but reasonably acceptable for the sake of the story. "Focus" was a very interesting form of slavery.

There were some technical aspects of the book that I felt showed some flaws. First, I thought the book was far too long. The beginning and ending were snappy, but there was a long trek through the middle that I almost didn't make it through. His action sequences were very non-visual. He didn't successfully lay out the action. I had a difficult time figuring out what was happening, and had to reread sections. Action scenes are not my strong suit either. I had to really work hard to bring my action scenes up to par in the 7th revision of my book, so Vinge's short suit in that area was really obvious to me. The big surprise at the end came off flat in my opinion because he went too far in disguising it. I felt like he was purposefully misleading, and as a result I figured out the big reveal . I didn't think the surprise was good enough to warrant the story being told from secondary sources. I would have rather had some direct insight from more main characters near the end of the book.

There weren't too many things I just flat out didn't like. The biggest thing was Vinge's penchant to repeat himself. He gives the same personal insight from the characters several times, and I felt like there were a lot of wasted words as a result.  

All in all, it  was a good read when it wasn't a slog. The characters were vibrant, even if the villains were a bit too perfect. Brughel in particular is a psychopath and would have demonstrated further shortcomings I feel, but he wasn't on screen  as much and he did have Nau holding him back. Nau was delightfully evil, all the way to the end.

I would have liked to learn more about the on-off star and why it was an on-off. I would have liked to see the humans try to uncover the truth about Arachna's past. I think there were some archaeological things that the humans would have been quick to start uncovering. They are hinted at twice, and there's an untapped goldmine there. Probably enough for me to want to read a sequel!

Bottom Line: Readability - 5, Quality - 6

Revision 7 is Done

I had to make a quick post to celebrate the completion of Revision 7 of First Act of War. The book is almost ready to go out to publishers and I'm ready to send to beta readers for a final pass before we start hitting up the major publishers for a big advance!

So, if you're a serious reader and would like to review a fantasy novel before it hits shelves, please leave a comment and let me know.

I feel like I'm starting to really move forward.

Thanks to everyone who has helped so far, and thanks to everyone (in advance) that I'm going to lean on as I get things rolling toward publication.

The Evil that is Cityville

I must admit, I enjoy a good game. My favorite games of all time are older ones from the glory days of the console stations. Warsong and Final Fantasy IV and VII have a special place in my heart. I will even bust out my DOS Box application every now and then to play Master of Magic.

Ah, those were good days!

Unfortunately, we now have mass click games on phones and Facebook that have permeated every aspect of our social media lives. I cannot escape Cityville, and thanks to me, many of you can't either. Sometimes it seems like we Cityville players are doing nothing more than hemorrhaging meaningless posts. Please realize that this is not the case!

Each seemingly meaningless post through Cityville is actually a chance for the poster to gain essential items whereby continuing the self perpetuating nonsense. Each quest completed leads to another and in case you want to skip a few, every week Zynga comes out with a few more just to make sure you always have something to do in your city.

As a result of Cityville, I am now "Facebook Friends" with people I have never met in my life. Truly a remarkable occurrence. My wife plays Cityville as well, or at least, she has a Facebook account and I maintain her city for her (she has never actually logged on). This leads to interesting situations when people IM her through Facebook while I'm updating her city in Cityville. Most of the time I just pretend to be her, and hope I remember to tell her what she said to whomever it was she wasn't actually speaking with...

Several people I "friended" because of Cityville have some rather strong political ideas, so now my Facebook page is splashed with equal parts Republican and Democrat haters. What's interesting is that none of them excitedly talk about what their party is doing. They ALL just talk about how the other party is evil. The other funny thing is that both sides blame the other for causing the exact same problems. Then there's the Snooki updates...

I'm now the target for hourly ads from Zynga promoting other massive wastes of time carefully disguised as addicting games, while the side panel of my Facebook page is littered with ads for games from other companies. How do they know I play Cityville? Could it be they're watching my posts?

Well... all out of time... I need to go harvest some crops and upgrade my police station. At this next level I get a Superhero and I don't need to worry about donuts anymore!

Hm... It occurs to me that most of you will not understand that last sentence.

Count yourselves lucky.

Where He At?

It's been awhile, and I feel I owe you all some explanations.

I've been working diligently on First Act of War, and I'm coming up on the end of revision 7. This is huge because R7 has witnessed some wholesale changes and improvements. I'm excited about the changes and I owe great gobs of gratitude to my agent: Paul Muller for teaching me how to edit.

Editing is not the same as writing. It is a different art form altogether. (See previous posts for more details.)

Bottom line, I will be done with the major rewrite by the end of the month, and we will be submitting the book next month to publishers. If we can't get a publisher to bite, then I'll most likely self publish it in ebook format on Amazon and B&N.

I'll keep you posted.