Wednesday, April 24, 2024
A Fresh Perspective on Prostate Cancer
Monday, April 22, 2024
South Park Story-Telling
How can the words 'but' and 'therefore' propel storymaking? Find out in a little over two minutes. (Note: I'm experimenting with these words now on a short story. I'll let you know how it goes.)
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Lester Dent Rocked the Pulp House
Fun with Fiction Formula
Craig McDonald | |
You break down a 6k word short story into four 1500 word segments. Add an antagonist, the bad guy's goal, a good guy determined to stop him, but seemingly overwhelmed by the villain's resources.
But the doomed hero wins out. Toss in a plot twist at the very end, sending the reader away with the warm feeling of not having squandered his time.
In a way, the Dent formula is like constructing IKEA furniture. First assemble all the parts, follow directions, and gaze with pride upon the finished item.
James Bama |
Monday, April 15, 2024
Prostate Cancer Affects the Miind and Heart
How Could It Not?
Lot's of manly health areas take an ugly hit from the ravages of prostate cancer. Listen in and find out how to cope with the changes. As I can attest, life goes on and so can you.
Friday, April 12, 2024
A 10k in May
Forgot about this one. Originally slated for late January, the race was cancelled when the state decided to cease all events at the original campground/start line. Naturally, they gave the race organizers little notice.
Now shoved along the Ventura coast a mile or so, this 6.2 mile beach run will be a nice fun event for my wife Joy and I. I've been busy as of late with health issues—like high blood pressure—and have fallen out of shape.
Seven weeks to snap out of my lethargy and prepare.
More soon.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
A Pulp Title to Cherish
A Golden Story Prompt
guto |
Monday, April 08, 2024
Not Short Stories Again!
Yes
Reedsy.com |
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Happy Easter 2024!
Wallpaper.com |
A beautiful wind-swept day after another storm. We're enjoying coffee and lemon cake. May your day be blessed plus or minus lemon cake.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
What's So Funny About Prostate Cancer?
Microfiction: Post-Op Blues
The doctors call constantly. Or, I should say, their assistants call and ask when I'll return for the rest of the procedure. My wife ferries a cell phone to me outside in the yard, as I now spend hours concealed in the ivy.
In a high-pitched rapid voice, I inform the doctor's assistants that I feel used, a pawn of the health insurance agencies, since my post-op treatments will require decades of expensive medications and operations. All the pre-op love bombs and encouragement I received from TikTok are meaningless now.
My wife grows distant. She spends hours in the garage watching YouTube videos, then building something long and wooden with steel coils and a large metal bar.
I can't be tricked. I'm more cunning than ever. But if peanut butter is placed on this device, I'll go it.
Monday, March 25, 2024
Putting the Write Back in Write Enough!
Since When?
If you're wrestling with wordsmithing, you could do a lot worse. Westwood details his own struggles, his mistakes, what he did to correct him, sloppy writing habits and ways to rectify those flaws. Westwood also offers his own editing and critique service for short fiction and novel extracts.
No kickback for me, other than sound, straight-forward writing advice. Below is Westwood demonstrating ways to add depth to your fiction.
Friday, March 22, 2024
Running and Robots Update
Read the comments below for the original post and witness silly complacency from 13 years ago. AI couldn't possibly be a threat. Big smart humans would be charge just like with Google AI or this.
The Sun |
Feb. 24, 2011
I made such a big deal out of running. Look at the Japanese! They've transcended actual marathons by inventing robots to do it for them. The robots are programmed to grow increasingly cranky from mile 20 onwards and to shuffle post-event for several days.
via Drudge Report
9 comments:
- Armando Torre said...
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Damn those dirty robots! They are taking our jobs!
But seriously, I've often wondered what will happen when we have artificial intelligence and robots doing all our tasks. I can't help but think "Wall-Eeeee". - 8:40 PM
- JP Mac said...
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That darn machine on Jeopardy is leading the charge.
- 10:24 AM
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I happened to catch a report about that from the Daily Show. The take over is beginning, haha.
- 11:47 AM
- JP Mac said...
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Skynet has become aware.
- 12:58 PM
- Luke said...
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Yeah, but who uses sky net?
- 1:40 PM
- JP Mac said...
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Nerd machines—the worst kind.
- 2:30 PM
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How often do you get people saying to you "you should write a story about that", John? Hehe.
- 6:21 PM
- JP Mac said...
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We must construct a new generation of machines but build in a lack of ambition.
- 6:40 PM
- Keeper said...
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Sounds like Marvin, the Paranoid Android.
- 10:48 PM
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Crazy Wrong Number Ends in Vintage Kubrick
The following was presented to me free of charge by an unknown woman, engulfed with anger and frustration. After wrapping the audio in video, I present the finished product here for your consideration.
Monday, March 18, 2024
Pooky Park Puppets Pursue
Friday, March 15, 2024
Escape from New York Listed as Documentary
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Dien Bien Phu 70th Anniversary
(A repost from 2006, noting the battle which marked the start of America's journey into the Vietnam War.)
Today marks the 52nd anniversary of the Viet Minh attack on the French garrison at Dienbienphu — a remote valley in northern Vietnam near the border with Laos. The Viet Minh were an umbrella group of Vietnamese nationalists under the leadership of communist Ho Chi Minh. They had been fighting the colonial French, and other Vietnamese nationalist groups, since 1946.
The French viewed their position in a flat valley surrounded by hills as an offensive base. From there they would venture out and cut the Viet Minh supply lines, preempting an attack on Laos. As a result of this outlook, the garrison never out-posted the hills. They'd be attacking and, besides, it was impossible for the Vietnamese to haul any significant artillery up there.
Unaware of French opinion, the Vietnameses went ahead and hauled heavy artillery up onto the hills along with daunting amounts of anti-aircraft guns. On March 13, they let loose a barrage, followed by a human wave attack that engulfed a French strong point manned by crack Foreign Legionnaires. The fight was on.
For the next several months, while peace talks droned on in Geneva, the Vietnamese strangled the French. All French supplies had to come by parachute. The planes—many flown by American contract pilots— braved intense flak dropping their cargo. As the garrison was compressed, the drop zone grew smaller. Food and ammunition ran short. Meanwhile, generous supplies from nearby communist China—including American ordinance captured in Korea— enabled the Viet Minh to bombard their opponents at will.
Despite horrendous casualties, the Viet Minh seized one French strongpoint after another. Finally, on May 7, 1954, it ended. The French surrendered. Over 10,000 men marched into captivity, many of whom died in Viet Minh prison camps. French colonial rule in Vietnam and Laos ended. In 1955, Vietnam was partitioned into a communist north and a non-communist south along the 17th parallel.
Now back to running and writing stuff.
Monday, March 11, 2024
Shingle Shot Reaction and More
Stopped by the pharmacy last Thursday, received my injection and a warning about possible side effects. My arm ached pretty bad, but nothing life-hampering. But Friday I was tagged with a sharp headache, flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Most of the day was spent rising to go pee, then returning to bed for more restless sleep. Saturday, though better, still found me a bit down.
Today, I'm just fine. But losing another two running days pushed me over a ledge. Despite my glittering optimism from a week ago, I'm passing on the LA Marathon.
The "quitting stench" is absent this time. Too little distance running the last five weeks left me feeling that I'd be trashing my bodyfor another medal. I 'm fat with running medals, but not years left in which to run.
A load was lifted when I withdrew. I've been training since September for the Pasadena Half, then jumped into training for the full. I over-trained for the half and under-trained for the full. Now I've got a little time to rest and plan my new marathon move. (Sub-five, is what I'm thinking.)
So that's that. I learned a lot this go around and I'm looking forward to easing back into running once again, grateful I still can
Friday, March 08, 2024
Blacks at Higher Risk for Prostate Cancer
Wednesday, March 06, 2024
Monday, March 04, 2024
Maudlin Marathon Update
Last week, I bemoaned the obstacles placed between myself and marathon training. Well, the most difficult is past. Now all that remains to be seen is whether I waited too long, ran too far, in too long a time and tired out my legs.
Friday, I completed 17.5 miles. That is the farthest I'll venture in training. With the race less than two weeks off, I'm now in my taper phase, lowering long run and weekly mileage and preparing mentally for 26.2. The temperature was cool and windy, perfect for a 10k. Unfortunately, I ran several hours and was chilled to the bone. Possibly, I'll face these conditions again on race day.
And while my finishing time may not glitter, I overcame one of the worst cases of the quits in 46 years. That's when I under-trained for the Chicago Marathon, then blew it off. And while I eventually ran Chicago, the stench of quitting lingered long after the event.
So I made myself run on Friday. Having done so, there's no reason not to complete the LA Marathon. Damn the street sweepters!
More soon. 👈
Friday, March 01, 2024
Maudlin Marathon Musings
Illness Takes Its Toll
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
The Saga of Paul Rugg
Once he was here, now he is there, traveling from sea to shining sea. Gone from the Once-Golden State to a peninsula with water on three sides (as peninsula's are known for). And yet, there is a quiet pride in Paul's decampment. Watch and learn more.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Friday, February 23, 2024
Screenwriter Talks on Orwellian DEIA Rules
Yes, DEI with an A added.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
My Writing Schedule. v2
What now, big talker?
Eleven years ago, I was working this hard to build an ebook empire. So where is it? Still in boxes and boxes of first drafts, waiting for the author to stop screwing around and finish.
A few points: I didn't break each project into small enough pieces, so that completing it in bite-sized chunks wouldn't feel so daunting.
Also, I failed to periodically assess my progress. Too much time on outlines? Not enough? Why did I allow procrastination to torpedo such excellent headway?
A finished first draft is an accomplishment, but only an initial step in the final product. I took the easy path of parking the draft "just for a bit" and starting on new projects, then "allowing them to simmer."
When it comes to writing, I excel at conning myself to avoid the hard work of pressing on.
I'll do it again if I'm not careful.
CBT Psychology |
Monday, February 19, 2024
Disney and Mossad Interrogate Hamas
War Forges Strange Partnerships
If the Mouse is determined to make woke flops, then someone, somewhere will spot a hidden advantage in such films.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Plump Info-Rich Author Blog
Publishing . . . and Other Forms of Insanity
Since I'm hot this week on author stuff, here's a great trove of writerly information. Erica Verillo's super blog answers the questions on most author's minds: whose buying and how much do they pay per word? That said, there are links for agents looking for writers, literary contests, resources and more. And Erica updates this every month. Every month! I'm lucky to post twice a week.
Swing by Publishing . . and Other Forms of Insanity and sup from a bottomless cup of gratis info for authors, poets, and those eager to join their ranks. You could do worse, so don't.
Reedsy |
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Ash Wednesday Meets Valentine's Day
Curious
Monday, February 12, 2024
Joining the Rebel Alliance
The Force is Strongish With This One
The only force here is the force of knowledge. Having allowed my membership to lapse, I've just rejoined the Alliance for Independent Authors. If you're self-publishing—like me when I stop surfing crime videos—starting out as a poet or author, or a seasoned pro looking for a little love, then the Alliance can help. Free info on writing, marketing, agents and contracts.
I receive nary a cent for my advocacy, but I wish I did.
There are different levels of membership. Give it a look.
Monday, February 05, 2024
'Male and Pale is Stale' Leads to 'Flop Busters'
Dream Factory Now a Nightmare for Some
The letter speaks of a climate of fear smothering Hollywood as the top-down push for DEI is resulting in discrimination against white males and the hiring of writers for no other reason than the color of their skin or sexual preferences. This leads to the production of expensive 'flop busters' such as The Marvels or the latest Indiana Jones.
Sadly, animation—South Park excepted—was gobbled up by DEI years ago.
There's more in the open letter. Also, if you must watch video, check out YouTube Channel Film Threat's take on the subject.
The clash between enforced DEI and productivity is being waged across many industries. Now Hollywood must choose between the illusion of fairness and product quality, in addition to appeasing the Chinese.
South Park best summed up the effects of DEI on creativity:
Sunday, February 04, 2024
Congrats to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team
Screwy Qualifying System Leaves Men's Third in Doubt
Yesterday, Olympic hopefuls crowded the start line in Orlando, Fla. for a shot at being one of six American runners representing the nation at this summer's games in Paris. And the winners are:
Men
- Connor Mantz - 2:09:05
- Clayton Young - 2:09:06
- Leonard Korir - 2:09:57
Imagine you apply for a job, go through a tough selection process, then get told: "You're hired. Welcome aboard, unless we find someone better."
Such is the case with Leonard Korir. Mantz and Young already ran automatic qualifying times under the magic number 2:08:10, begging the question of why bother with marathon trials if somebody somewhere else who didn't compete against the same field can just wander in with the correct time and snap up your spot. (Granted, you won't find many 2:08 marathoners wandering around the 50 states, but it's the principle of the thing.)
Leonard Korir hoping no 2:08's show up.
O'Keeffe Breaks U.S. Women's Record
Women
- Fiona O'Keeffe - 2:22:10
- Emily Sisson - 2:22:47
- Dakotah Lindwurm - 2:25:31
In the corny simplistic women's race where the first three finishers go to Paris, O'Keeffe rocked the house in her marathon debut. A debut, an Olympic qualifying record, and summer in Paris.
My Circle Story |
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Another Marathon Looms on the Horizon
L.A. at Last!
Monday, January 29, 2024
SCTV Yellowbelly Still Delivers the Laughs
Monday, January 22, 2024
Pasadena Half-Marathon 2024 Race Report
In past Rose Bowl races, I've been caught in traffic jams, sometimes spending 40 minutes inching toward parking, then scrambling to the start line. Today, I left home at 4:30 AM and was parked by 4:56. Then I napped for an hour and twenty minutes. Around 6:15, I ambled over to gear check, figuring I had plenty of time to hit the bathroom then warm-up. But gear check took longer than expected, and the usually long Port-a-Potty lines seemed even longer. I emerged with enough time to loosen up my joints, but not enough to squeeze a few surges.
Gun Time
To the 10k Mark
Last Half
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Half-Marathon Fever Grips Me
Enough complaining about my sad preparation. The race is upon me. On Sunday I will run my first half-marathon since, oh, 2007? I reject all my negative thoughts and embrace the challenge. The Rose Bowl has been my training ground for over 20 years. I'll be on home turf.
My goal: break 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Make that 2 hours and 45 minutes. I double-checked my times. There's no way I could hold the above pace for 13.1. That's a half-marathon fever error
Monday, January 15, 2024
Central Florida ComicCon Invites Old Friends
RUEGGER, RUGG TO CFCC
The Ultimate Animaniacs and Freakazoid Panel
Sunday, January 14, 2024
MCRD 52 Years Later v.6
USMC League |
MCRD San Diego Back in the Day
Everything must begin somewhere. And in the United States Marine Corps, my enlisted tour commenced with yellow footprints. Drawn on the asphalt of the recruit depot with heels close together and toes angled out to 45 degrees, they are where I, along with seven other guys from our suburban Chicago neighborhood, stood to begin military service. Then we marched somewhere, boxed up our clothes and mailed them home, coming to the realization that our new life would be different from drinking beer behind a bowling alley.The Vietnam War was winding down, at least for the United States, though the North Vietnamese would launch a huge attack against South Vietnam toward the end of March as we conducted infantry training at Camp Pendlelton. (In September, now a Private First Class, I would find myself in an Army hospital called Camp Kue on Okinawa, sharing a ward with American advisors who'd been wounded helping the South Vietnamese forces stop the communists.)
In 1991, I visited the footprints on a vacation to San Diego with my girlfriend. (Now My Fine Wife or MFW.)
In 2002, I stood on a hill in Vietnam called Con Thien with a Vietnamese guide who told me about the obliteration of his village by B52s, bombing the NVA advance.
In 2008, I was back at MCRD finishing up a marathon with Team in Training.
But on a Friday night, January 14, 1972, I stood on yellow footprints. Oh, right before we boxed up our clothes, this happened:
(The following scene is rather accurate, except there's no C&W music. Just buzzzzzzz.)
Note 2020:
On this 48th anniversary of my enlistment, I pay my respects to Tom Poto and Steve Lovell, two of my comrades who are no longer with us. RIP, bros. Hard to believe we were once young together.
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Running 14 Miles on a Sunny Day
My last long run before the half-marathon. A slight breeze with temperatures in the 60s eased the burden of yesterday's slog up into the Angeles foothills. A hard work-out the day before meant tired legs and a slow pace. Overall, my training has been erratic. Very little speed work, lackluster tempo runs, and hardly any cross-training. I'll be fortunate to complete the half under 3 hours.
I'm prepared to skip the L.A. Marathon in March. My focus will be to regroup, pick a marathon for late spring, early summer, and apply all the same training lessons used in ramping up for the 2022 California International Marathon.
Enough whining. Time to cross-train.
The Bald Brothers |
Monday, January 08, 2024
Friday, January 05, 2024
Wednesday, January 03, 2024
Monday, January 01, 2024
Happy New Year 2024!
ixpap.com |
Cleaning up my office for the upcoming year, I found some old journals and Day-Runners. Odd to read my thoughts from decades back. Seems like I battled many of the same issues, overcame a few defects, and acquired fresh ones. The improvement process on John P. McCann continues.
A pleasant new year's day to all!
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John P. McCann Sizzle Page
'Twas suggested I post a few episodes of my work in a pleasant spot. I've chosen here. Sadly, not everything I've written has y...
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Twice in the last eight years I've run the Santa Clarita 5k on Independence Day. Back in 2007 it was sizzling hot. Three years late...
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'Twas suggested I post a few episodes of my work in a pleasant spot. I've chosen here. Sadly, not everything I've written has y...