Archive for January, 2011

Introduction to Science Fiction

Science fiction is simply a story that is based on speculative or plausible scientific ideas. Good examples of science fiction in pop culture include Transformers, Terminator Salvation, Jurassic Park,  A.I., Star Trek, and Resident Evil. All of these films deal with technologies that make seemingly amazing things possible. Notice that Lord of Rings and Nightmare on Elmstreet do not fall under the Sci-Fi category. Although amazing things happen in these movies, they are not scientifically based. Instead, they rely on supernatural ideas. Science fiction does not have to be purely scientific in terms of accuracy; however, it must at least have a scientific theme. For example, if someone wrote a story about how a kid made a type a goo out of toxic waste and paint and then stuck electricity in it to produce a super hot woman, that would be sooooo unscientific for obvious reasons, but it is playfully a scientific theme, so that would be a sci-fi story  – probably a comedy. Now that we know what science fiction is, let’s explore its history briefly and talk about its resulting genres. The genres may overlap in some cases where there is more than one theme. We will talk mostly about science fiction cinema (movies science fiction take place) because it is something more people can relate to. First, there is hard Sci-Fi, which is about hardcore emphasis on science. It is also very strict on scientific detail to make the story as real as possible. All theories, even if unconfirmed, are carefully thought out based on what we know. Arthur C Clarke is one such famous writer of hard SF. He wrote A Fall Of Moondust. Soft Sci-Fi on the other hand does not really mean lack of scientific accuracy. It actually means a lighter focus on science. The focus instead is usually exploring the aspects of the human condition in terms of psychology, economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology. V for Vendetta is a good example of soft Sci-Fi with its look into political science, sociology, biological warfare, futuristic electronic media/surveillance, and psychology. Cyberpunk emerged in the 80′s and was especially popular around that time with films such as Blade Runner and Robocop. It features a pessimistic outlook on future society as corporations or an authoritative organization takes over society. Themes usually include a full reliance or immersion into information technologies, artificial intelligence, and prosthetics. The reason why the word punk is in it is because there is usually some kind of punk-attitude rebellion against such evil authoritative forces. This is shown especially in the 1995 film Hackers. Time travel is also another Sci-Fi theme that is very popular. The Butterfly Effect and The Time Traveler come to mind. It is simply the exploration about the possibly of time travel as a central theme in the movie. Often, the question of the past affecting the future is explored. It also deals with the ethics of changing the past if indeed it were possible. Alternative Sci-Fi is a very interesting subcategory in which time travel or alternate universe themes are used to ask what if history as we know it was changed. For example, in The Man In the High Castle, it explored the idea of what if the Allies had lost WWII and the Germans and Japs won. An intriguing thought indeed! Military Sci-Fi explores conflicts between national, interplanetary, or interstellar armed forces. The details of the armed forces are seen in great detail usually from the perspectives of the soldiers themselves. Although Star Trek has overlapping themes in it, it can be considered a military Sci-Fi. Superhuman is another sci-fi genre that has become very popular recently. It is about humans with exceptionally great strength. Examples are found in Superman, The Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Spider Man. These figures usually find themselves in alienation from the rest of society because they are different. Finally, the last popular genre of Sci-Fi is the apocalyptic theme of the world ending. Apocalyptic films include Armageddon and of course 2012. It deals with mankind’s reaction to all that he knows coming to an end. It forces people to find meaning in something greater than themselves – whether it be about love or religion. Other genres in Sci-Fi worth mentioning are Space Westerns, Space Operas(super-dramatic in space), Feminist SF(gender role exploration), New Wave(experimental crazy ideas), and Steam Punk(steam machines theme). As you can see, science fiction genres are very broad in terms of their variety. These ideas should help you structure your ideas for your own original science fiction if you are going to write one. Remember, it’s not about whether the theme has been done a billion times. It’s the execution that tells whether you have bought your own depth to it. If you are serious about writing science fiction, then you should also get some science fiction reading in as opposed to just watching science fiction cinema.

Five Tips That Men Should Know for Writing an Outstanding Online Dating Profile

When dating online, you must go through the process of writing a profile. Most questions are multiple choice, but there is always a section where you can pretty much write anything you want about yourself and about who you would like to date. This section is very popular, and serious women who really want to find someone special in their lives do spend time reading it before contacting a prospect. When dating online, it is very important to write a good essay about yourself and about who you are looking for. Those men who spend the time to come up with an essay that stands out from the crowd do get better results, more responses to their ads, and also more interesting women contacting them. The key to getting women to make the first step toward contacting you online is to have an outstanding profile ad. Here are five tips any man should follow to ensure the success of his online dating profile. Have a good recent photo of yourself. Lots of women online do not even look at profiles or respond to ads that do not have photos. One reason for this is that women more than men are often solicited first by their admirers. That gives them the choice to respond to a lot of people. Why respond to a profile without a photo, an unknown, if you have three other messages in your in-box with photos? Make sure the photo shows only you and is of good quality. Use a photo in which you can be seen clearly, one that makes you look your best. Most important, make sure it is recent and not a 10-year-old photo. Find out who you are. Think about it. What kind of person are you? How do people perceive you? How do your friends describe you? Look at yourself through somebody else’s eyes. Ask your friends why they enjoy being your friends and how they perceive you. You might be surprised at their answers. You can use all this information when describing yourself in your profile essay. Find out what you want. Do you want to get married and raise a family, or are you looking for a casual date at the moment? What kind of women do you like: extroverted or introverted? independent? professional? family-oriented or party-oriented? Take some time to figure this out before writing your profile. That will increase the quality of the women who reply to your ad, since only those who see themselves in your description will contact you. In return, you will be happier knowing that the prospect who is contacting you corresponds to what you want. Be honest. This is one reason why you should be sure to put a recent picture on your profile. It is all about honesty. Don’t lie about your age, body type, status, or anything else. You don’t want to end up in a situation later where you have to clarify and justify one or several lies you put in your profile ad. That may just turn off your date and get you back to square one. Be specific. Don’t be general when writing your profile. For example, don’t write: “I like to watch movies.” That does not say anything about you, and pretty much everyone likes to watch movies anyway. Instead, be more specific and creative. You could, for example, write: “I am a fan of westerns, so I have seen almost all the old classic western movies featuring Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.” You see the difference? The first statement can apply to anyone, while the second reveals something about you (and is also more interesting to read). You could also write: “Being a typical geek, a nerdy type of man, I sometimes slither up from the darkness of my basement to go watch science-fiction movies.” Since humor and creativity are often a huge turn-on for women, it is always good to laugh at yourself and be original when writing your profile essay. Follow these five important tips when writing a profile and you will surely increase your chances of success when dating online.

Plenty Of Cheap Used Books In Used Bookstores

Occasionally it seems that to avoid wasting funds one has to stop certain enjoyed interests or pursuits that are deemed as non-essentials. Although, if your obsession is reading this is simply not true. For folks who enjoy reading, they’re able to simply borrow books from their local library or maybe they might buy them with notably lower prices from online bookstores which offer secondhand books. A web search should show a great number of websites in which someone can find previously owned books, a large number of which are still in good condition. The reality is, cheap used books provide a lot more value. Students, for instance, can save serious money by purchasing secondhand textbooks online, where free delivery may also be offered. As opposed to buying brand-new books, the savings can go to other needs such as food, vehicles or even school tuition. Moreover, people struggling to find older titles can have far better luck with second hand stores in comparison to a conventional bookstore, especially when they may be seeking out a title to finish a collection. A great many classics are out of print, however occasionally, people get lucky and purchase them on an online bookstores focusing on hard-to-find titles and cheap used books. This is since it is not out of the ordinary for a few individuals to purchase books brand new, read them once or twice, then render them to a second hand bookstore. If truth be told, you’d be stunned how many people acquire brand new books just to to read while waiting around at bus stops, riding the train or simply waiting around at the doctor’s office and then just forget about them soon after, not even finishing them. It’s a waste of money on their behalf but can benefit those of us who favor our books used. Yet, cheap books don’t invariably require used or secondhand. A few stores overstock books and subsequently resell unsold stock at discounted prices. As a rule, the less well-known a title is, the better the price reduction is. People have various preferences in books, and what might not be a well known success right now could be a success with discount buyers down the road. For some people, there might be a special wonder within books located inside thrift shops. Notes, highlights, together with additional markings are usually like clues to a secret and provide books personality which is independent from the story. A number individuals enjoy speculating about what type of person last held the book in addition to where it has been. This is exactly what helps make secondhand books fascinating to own. Individuals donating used books to thrift stores for reselling is also great for the environment. Even should they go unsold they can be delivered directly to recycling plants where they’re transformed into post consumer paper which you can use to produce different paper goods like grocery bags, stationery, labels, and the like.Still, an even better option would be to contribute used books to community libraries or maybe non profit organizations for their particular reading and writing courses. Reselling, donating and recycling are certainly more environment-friendly choices to sending unwanted books to a landfill. Though people will always be drawn to clean, latest and vibrant things there exists a special joy in coming across almost new titles that are a lot less pricey. Formerly owned books quite often possess a certain appeal to them which speaks of character and history. They convey a story of their own that’s not in the printed pages within them. And that is exactly what ensures they are so special.

The Crawling Chaos

Product DescriptionThe Crawling Chaos is a short story by H. P. Lovecraft and Winifred V. Jackson (aka Elizabeth Berkeley), first published April 1921 in the United Cooperative. The story begins with the narrator describing the effects of opium and the fantastical vistas it can inspire. The narrator then tells of his sole experience with opium in which he was administered an overdose during the “year of the plague”. After a disembodied sensation of falling, the narrator … More >> The Crawling Chaos

How to Sell Used Cars for Sale on the Web

You might be a person thinking of purchasing a brand new car or you just want to get rid of that old vehicle that sits in your drive way for some extra doe. Trying to sell used cars for sale can be tough, so there are several things you need to take into account before you decide to place an ad online to several different websites. Below are a few things you should do before you list your car or truck online.   1-      You need to find out what the right price to sell your used car or truck is going for. Most used cars for sale by people who are selling their first vehicle tend to be too high in price.  So it’s important to find the right price and not to scare away potential buyers. My suggestion is to get the Kelley Blue Book private party value and this will help you set a reasonable price to sell your vehicle online. 2-      Make sure to spiff up your vehicle. Clean out all your junk and garbage from the car or truck and then give it a vacuum clean. Try cleaning your mats with soap and water to give it that new look. Add air freshener to give it a new car smell. Other things to do before used cars for salecan go online is to take it to a car wash and get it clean and if you have some extra money pay for some detailing. 3-      Get all the papers in order for potential buyers. Have the registration and a car history report of the automobile ready. People really like to see a complete report on the vehicles history and this is important when selling used cars for sale. 4-      After all the above is done, you now can craft an ad for your vehicle online. For an effective marketing campaign one of the most important things when selling anything is either have a video or picture of the product. Make sure to take different pictures of the vehicle from front, to back, to side and make sure you have some pictures of the interior. There are also many free web portals to place your ad on, so I suggest you do some investigating on google to find the best suited website for you. Selling used cars for sale online can be tricky, but if you follow some of the steps above it should make your job easier.

COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS ? BOOKS ARE EVEN AT DISCOUNTS

They might be said to be meant for the children but the fun in them make the youngsters and elders also crazy. At the present date as the Christmas is approaching they are at discounted rates and many of them are at half rate. So they can be said to be cheap books but the fun and the joy that comes reading them is a precious one. The graphics help the reader to more co relate and imagine the things as if happening in real. They are so well painted and the words add jewel to those graphics. Those children who don’t know well to read they can also get to understand the books because of the graphics. These are war like, comedy, story telling, cartoons, fun (school type), horror, mystery, and many more. The list of these is long but few of the famous examples are -  from hell, the walking dead, marvel, Buffy, batman, superman, siege, x men, dark tower, etc. these all games are fun to read and when one can make out through the graphic pictures then there is more fun but if you wont read them then you would miss the fun of mystery and suspense. All these books are in many series and there are many comics that are having many other comic books and stories in one they all are graphics. These cheap books are there since long so if you are denied from all these features of the comic novels then have one for you buy your copy and get equipped with all time fun.        

Thriller Books: All Time Favorite For People

The story and plot are are awesome. Characters are portrayed in a way that they look real. Thriller books are best example of such readables. They are widely read and enjoyed in the world. They are easily available with online and offline stores. It is rightly said that reading a book means transforming the information or knowledge directly into mind and heart. If you read thriller books, you can really develop good sense of humor, get know the power of suspense, romance, horror and thrill. They are must read for getting relaxation, excitement, adventure and entertainment. They are not only popular among kids and youngsters, but are very useful for those who want to spend their quality time by reading. Over the years with the introduction of online books, the reading has become a passionate hobby for them. In the present market, there are various kinds of Thriller Books such as legal thriller, spy thriller, historical thriller, political thriller, religious thriller, romantic thriller, high-tech thriller, military thriller and so many other thriller books. It means such brooks are available on almost every topic and you can choose any which you like the most. There are amazing readables in this genre for children and youngsters coming form well-know American and UK authors. So, if reading is your hobby and are looking for some amazing texts, you have numerous choice in this booming book industry of today. As the new year is just to knock our doors, we can find a plethora of offers on latest thriller books. We can get lucrative discounts on buying Online Books from leading web portals. Thus, those who are in search of best thriller books, they can visit some of the most reliable websites and find themselves study materials which will provide them unmatched thrill, action and excitement.

Mystery Babylon: The Origins of Saturn

Frank Abagnale, Jr. will likely go down in history as the greatest con artist that ever lived.  The strength of all frauds and counterfeits lies in their ability to deceive.  Frank knew this and he was the best.  He began his life of crime by impersonating a Pan American airlines pilot.  Flying over 1,000,000 miles, he visited 26 different countries and lived in various hotels, charging food and lodging to the airline.  After nearly being caught while leaving a flight in New Orleans, Frank looked elsewhere for “work.”  With no college education, Frank successfully passed himself off as a chief resident pediatrician in a Georgia hospital for nearly a year.  His career posing as a doctor also included working as resident supervisor of interns for 25 months.  Later, he forged a Harvard University law school transcript, although he never attended law school, and passed the Louisiana state bar exam.  For eight months he worked in the office of the state attorney general.  During his career in crime, he also stole millions of dollars by brilliantly forged checks.  The most incredible fact to his story is that all these exploits occurred while he was still a teenager!  When he was finally caught, 12 countries clamored for his extradition.  After escaping prison by posing as an undercover prison inspector, Frank was arrested for the final time when two policemen sitting in an unmarked police car recognized him.   Frank’s skill was so great that, after a short stint in prison, the FBI offered him a job, helping them catch other forgers.(1) Genuine time measurementhas counterfeits as well.  While most people are aware that the origins of Sunday began with sun worship, they assume that Saturday is the Biblical seventh-day Sabbath.  Saturday is the seventh day of the week.  However, the calendar used to calculate Saturday is a pagan counterfeit that establishes the worship times of pagan gods.  The origins of Saturday reveal it to be a counterfeit of the genuine seventh-day Sabbath of Creation.  Lending authenticity to its bold claim of being the true Sabbath of the Bible is its age.  The length of time Saturday has been in existence has increased its deceptive power by giving it a legitimacy which newer counterfeits, Sunday among them, do not possess.  To understand the fraudulent nature of Saturday, it is important to trace it back to its roots.  The word “Saturday” means “Saturn’s day” or the day belonging to the god, Saturn.  Most, if not all, of the ancient religions had Saturn in their pantheon of gods.  As “Saturn” to the Romans, he was “Kronos/Chronos” to the Greeks.  To the Egyptians, he was alternately “Khons” (2) and “Osiris.” (3)  The Babylonians named him “Ninus” while to the Assyrians he was Bel, Bal or Belus. (4)  The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Canaanites referred to Saturn as Baal or Baalim. (5) The person from whom these various legends extend is none other than Nimrod, that “mighty hunter before [against] the Lord.” (6)  Nimrod, grandson of Ham and great-grandson of Noah, was the first deified Babylonian king. (7)  Nimrod’s reestablishment of idolatry in the post-flood world came down in the legends and pantheons of the various idolatrous nations which did not retain a knowledge of the true God.  Under differing names, Nimrod/Saturn appeared in all ancient idolatry.  Rome itself was originally the city of Saturn!  “Tradition related that Saturn, the earliest god of agriculture worshipped in Italy . . . dwelt on the hill afterward called the Capitoline, and introduced the golden age into Italy whilst reigning there; whence [come the terms:] the Saturnian reign, mountain, land and city.” (8)  In common with all the earth, Rome at a very early prehistoric period, had drunk deep of Babylon’s “golden cup.”  But above and beyond all other nations, it had had a connection with the idolatry of Babylon that put it in a position peculiar and alone.  Long before the days of Romulus [the founder of Rome, with his brother Remus] a representative of the Babylonian Messiah, called by his name, had fixed his temple as a god, and his palace as a king, on one of those very heights which came to be included within the walls of that city which Remus and his brother were destined to found.  On the Capitoline hill, so famed in after-days as the great high place of Roman worship, Saturnia, or the city of Saturn, the great Chaldean god, had in the days of dim and distant antiquity been erected. (9) The possibility that Nimrod built Saturnia and was worshipped there as a god, is intriguing.  According to Annius of Viterbo and Richard Lynche.(10) Noah himself traveled to Italy to visit his grandson, Gomer (eldest son of Japheth).  Upon arrival, Noah learned that Gomer had died and Ham had usurped the kingdom.  Noah then cast out Ham and restored order to the kingdom which had been morally corrupted under Ham. In Revelation, Rome with its idolatrous worship is symbolized as a woman named “Mystery Babylon,” sitting on a beast with seven heads.(11)   The seven heads of the beast are identified as the “seven mountains” on which she sits.(12)   This is a direct reference to Rome, long known as “the city of seven hills.”  “To call Rome the city ‘of the seven hills’ was by its citizens held to be as descriptive as to call it by its own proper name.” (13)   The Capitoline Hill, the smallest of Rome’s seven hills and the site of Saturnia was long considered the most sacred and became the seat of civil government. While the mists of time veil much of antiquity, Saturnia’s Babylonian link is particularly fascinating in light of the various ancient accounts (14) which state that Shem, Nimrod’s great-uncle, slew Nimrod for idolatry.  Ancient accounts of Saturnia indicate that idolatry was indeed held in check for a long time after some calamitous event: On the Capitoline hill, so famed in after-days as the great high place of Roman worship, Saturnia, or the [...]

India Travel books

If you are things of travelling to India for any length of time then books are something that you are going to want to think about seriously. In fact, if you are travelling anywhere then books are definitely something that you are going to want to take with you. There are shed loads of India travel books out there, most of which carry roughly the same amount of information.. of course here I am talking about guides and, despite their usefulness, they can offer only so much entertainment. You are also going to want to think about books to read before you go, to get you in the mood and of course books when you’re out there to keep you entertained and to help you see deeper into Indian culture and the Indian way of life. In this article I would like to recommend to you some classic India travel books both to help you with your journey and to keep you entertained. Travel Guides If you’re heading out to India with intentions of travelling bits of both the North and the South then I would suggest taking the ‘Lonely Planet India’ travel guide. Despite being the size and weight of a small child the books has become known as the travellers bible as it really does give you everything you need.. Information, inspiration, safety advice and warnings. The same goes for all the lonely planet books; Lonely planet South India, North India, Mumbai, Rajasthan, Kerala, etc. Top be honest, where ever you are thinking of travelling in India there is a travel guide for it. Follow the link for more information on India travel books. The ‘Rough Guide’ range also offer a fantastic selection of books covering India with little difference in the quality of the information bar the minor fact that usually the lonely plane range is often more up to date. Travel Literature Reading both fiction and no fiction books is a great way to get yourself motivated before you travel to India. ‘Shantaram’ is favourite amongst India first timers as follows the true story of an a fugitives life in the mecca of Mumbai, run by Mafia and warlords. The entertainment factor is priceless and reading the books goes a long way into understanding the delicate fabric of such a this magical place. Other books might include the ‘A Fine Balance’ by Rohinton Mistry. Perhaps one to read while you are out there, the books follows the separate lives of a woman struggling with the backward laws and customs of Indian family life and then the story of two brothers struggling to survive and make their way in the Mumbai slums. The book is enthralling, uplifting and heartbreaking all at the same time. ‘ Eat Pray Love ‘ is another classic India read, recently made into a film, the book encompasses many of the reasons why people travel to India in the first place as it follows one woman’s journey through Italy, India and Indonesia over the course of a year in search of her soul. If you have ever been anywhere before then you will know that reading is a great way to pass the time, get involved and stay calm. When you are India these three things become all to prominent as you travel without air conditioning, on uncomfortable seats with mosquitoes on an overcrowded bus for 15 hours. Choosing the right selection of India travel books is vital to survival! Follow the link for more information on a selection of the best India Travel Books www.all-about-India.com – The most complete India resource.

Science Fiction Book Review Index, V. 9, 1978

Science Fiction Book Review Index, V. 9, 1978