SciFiMonthly No. 10
The Science-Fiction-Create monthly newsletter
In this month's issue:
Welcome | Science-Fiction-Create Recap | More in SciFiNews | The Goods
Welcome
The holidays are upon us! I hope those of you in the US enjoyed Thanksgiving. And if elsewhere? Well, wherever you are celebrating, may there be a reason for joy.
Finding that zest for life is hard right now, though. It's an odd bag of good and bad in 2020, with the pandemic fully raging. Everyone's life is disrupted somehow, and for some, tragically. Please keep those less fortunate in your thoughts. And do continue to take care, make informed decisions, and be good to one another.
November was a huge month here at Science-Fiction-Create. Finally - after a long wait - I launched J ROBERT CLARK - Science-Fiction-Create on YouTube. My first episode premiered as planned on November 12th. And I've kept up with my twice-weekly stories. I very much appreciate all the feedback - positive, constructive, and otherwise. Any wisdom or insights you are willing to share are most welcome. This is all new territory for me. Having you along for the ride makes this all possible.
In this December's SciFiMonthly, I re-cap November content, including written stories and now video. And I share a few happenings in science, as always. "The Goods" are extra delicious this time around, so be sure and read through to the end.
Okay. Let's go.
Science-Fiction-Create Recap
Increasingly, my stories - and now videos - cover a wide range of material. In everything, I try and insert a little nugget of science-based wisdom. Mind you - this isn't stuff I've known all that long. Often, I'm discovering it on the fly, and what I learn, I try and share with you too.
Here are details on a few this last month.
November kicked off with me taking the quarter-twenty bolt for a spin. The do-all machine screw, the quarter-twenty is the perfect size for almost any project. It has the heft of a real bolt without the excess of larger hardware. Best of all, these fasteners are commonly available and easy to use. Not sure a whole essay could be written about a bolt? Read it and decide for yourself. Problem - are you not a paid subscriber? No problem! Send me a note, and I'll share this story with you for free.
Bias plagues us all. It's inherent in our thinking and stems from our unique experiences. Perspective can be a positive quality allowing individual expression. But bias prevents us from seeing things as they are. In this story, I consider how bias in making creeps into our work - and what can be done to address it.
And now for the big show! I officially launched my YouTube Channel with a two-parter - The Evil Dead Chainsaw Build. Part 1 aired on November 12th, and I shared Part 2 the following week, on November 19th. The build turned out to be quite elaborate. And distilling a week of footage into two 30-minute episodes was challenging. I had to dig deep, and learn a few new things, to pull it all off. But it worked out well. I'm proud of my creation, and I hope you enjoyed watching.
This first major build sets the stage for things to come on Science-Fiction-Create. Not everything will be so elaborate, though. I have several "shop builds" that will air as 15-minute videos. And I am creating even shorter segments called Space-Time 5. These quick educational shorts will be more like "tips and tricks." Please have a look, subscribe, and share. I'm going to need all the help I can get!
Mid-month, I paused to say "thank you" in this essay. Gratitude is essential. And sharing it widely - and honestly - can never be overdone. I have had to search hard for the strength to keep at all this. Whatever comes next, I know that I have the friendships and love to keep at it. If not this, perhaps something else. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Heading into the winter holidays, I shared this story titled, "I wish I could too." It was an acknowledgment of how difficult everything is right now with the pandemic. Our lives are so disconnected. And it's completely overwhelming. But for now, virtually has to be the new reality. And until I can serve you a drink and meal in person, here's a toast and bon appétit through the aether of the internet.
November had so much more, but I'll leave it to you to check out my Substack archive and my YouTube Channel for the rest. Do take a moment to read and watch. And, as always, please share with others.
More in SciFiNews
November 15th marked the second crewed mission for Space-X's Crew Dragon Capsule. The four-person crew included three Americans and Soichi Noguchi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). With this launch, the four began their six-month-long mission in low-Earth orbit. From NASA's official press release: "The astronauts named the Crew Dragon spacecraft Resilience, highlighting the dedication teams involved with the mission have displayed and to demonstrate that when we work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. They named it in honor of their families, colleagues, and fellow citizens." That sounds like good news for all of us.
Some more good news: we now have not one, not two, but SEVERAL viable vaccines for COVID-19 on the way. This is a reason to celebrate. But don't gather a big party to rejoice - not yet, anyway. It's still months away before we can get the shot and move on with our lives. Until then, be careful, everyone. And be mindful of your responsibility to others.
Concerning the global pandemic, this last month in Scientific American, Tanya Lewis reported on "Eight Persistent COVID-19 Myths and Why People Believe Them." This article, in plain English, addresses much of the nonsense floating about. It's about science, not politics. Get the facts.
The Goods
Here are a few of my likes as a fan of all things science and making.
TV Shows - James May: Oh Cook (2020; 7 episodes), available on Amazon. From the show's synopsis: "James May is not a chef. But that's the whole point: you don't need to be a brilliant cook to make delicious food. Transporting us to the Far East, the Med, and the local pub – all from the comfort of a home economist's kitchen – he'll knock up delicious recipes that you can actually make yourself, with ingredients you can actually buy. And all without the usual television cooking format trickery." Why I like it: James May is one of my modern-day role models. A maker, tech enthusiast, and TV personality, he's best known for his long stint as co-host of BBC's Top Gear. May is somewhat of a Renaissance Man, as is evident in his latest venture - his cooking show. Down to Earth, and always self-deprecating, May navigates the kitchen well. We learn as he learns, and it's all so fun to watch. He has a scientist's clear mind, a child's kind heart, and the soul of a pub regular. These combine for a good time, no matter what James May is cooking up.
YouTube - Shaun's Bar & Gill - hosted by Shaun Freuden. From the show's about page: "Shaun loves food and drink. He's a world-class cook with a great palate for wine, beer, and spirits. His passions are grilled meats, beer, wine, and bourbon, but that doesn't even scratch the surface. COVID 19 has seriously cramped his style, so he's been making little beer videos to share with his pals." Why I like it: Full disclosure - Shaun, a fellow maker, is one of my best friends. But that is almost incidental. I dig his style, and you will too. Shaun doesn't just love food and drink - he lives for it. And that passion comes through in his videos. Watch this beer tasting first - Shaun skips the pretentious dronings on what makes a good beer (although he's a certified winemaker/brewer). Instead, he sets out a frosty glass, opens, pours, tastes, and - wait for it - enjoys. That's it. Shaun's deep exultation and expressive hand gestures say it all. Check this out for a little unbridled tasting pleasure. And subscribe, like, and share - the more the merrier at Shaun’s Bar & Grill!
That's it for this December's SciFiMonthly. Next month - a new year! Lot's more on the way here at Science-Fiction-Create. Thanks for following along.
Be well. And be good to one another.