GUBS is just such a card game. It's not complicated in any way, so it takes no time to learn (unlike Magic). It is fun, immersive and cute. I had a great time playing it and it left me wanting to go look under mushrooms for Gub colonies.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Free the Gubs!
GUBS is just such a card game. It's not complicated in any way, so it takes no time to learn (unlike Magic). It is fun, immersive and cute. I had a great time playing it and it left me wanting to go look under mushrooms for Gub colonies.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Damn you 2012!
2012 has been a real bitch to me thus far! Professionally she kicked me right in the stones at the first of the year. Sure, the Giants won the Super Bowl, which was AWESOME! And I cranked up my running again, which is also awesome.
Writing though? not a bit!
I need to get the website updated, have a contract signed for the first GGE published work and I need to write some on our new horror novel which even scares me!
Then I need to edit Return To Glory and edit The Forsaken and edit Warchitect and about a hundred other things.
So far though I have just been stressed, spun my wheels and been a giant grouch! Let's change that!
So confession is good for the soul. Let's start a new day!
Writing though? not a bit!
I need to get the website updated, have a contract signed for the first GGE published work and I need to write some on our new horror novel which even scares me!
Then I need to edit Return To Glory and edit The Forsaken and edit Warchitect and about a hundred other things.
So far though I have just been stressed, spun my wheels and been a giant grouch! Let's change that!
So confession is good for the soul. Let's start a new day!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Unlimited Power!
Having said that, ever since I saw an interview with him about 20 years ago, I have wanted to read his books or listen to his tapes. I mean, why knock it if you haven't tried it?
So, I finally bought "Unlimited Power", which I think was his first book.
So, the thing is, it makes a ton of sense. I love what I am reading so far. I can't give a lot of specifics because I am only partway into it, but I think I know where we are headed.
I think the book is going to show me how to
- Define (specifically) what I want to achieve
- Believe that thing is achievable
- Alter my thoughts, demeanor and physical presence to better help me achieve that goal
- Model the steps others have taken to achieve similar goals
- Finally - diligently work to achieve my goal
There is much more to it than that, but I have already learned a couple of things. For example, with Green Gates, I haven't quite defined what I specifically want to achieve. Are we Publishers? Writers? Artists? Producers? Directors? All of that?
In actuality, we are probably all of that...think Walt Disney or George Lucas or even Stan Lee (at least that's my vision). So I need to model that behavior. I need to write everyday, develop scripts, or screenplays or work on short films. The right steps are out there, I just need to discover them...then I need to perform that work day after day after day.
"We are what we repeatedly do" - that's not a new quote. That's age-old stuff.
One of my problems is I get a bit fractured. I am a runner, I lift weights, I play music, I am an amateur mixologist, I am an artist, I am a scientist (day job). I need to focus with laser like intensity on an area. I know that and now I need to do it. I am hoping that as I gain more knowledge (like reading "Unlimited Power") I will continue making progress towards my goals...I just need to be very, very specific about what that goal is.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Plan for 2012?
Here's some GGE Plans:
- Finish reviewing the proof of "The Battle of Caerlon" - the first in our Pendragon Chronicles, being published by Double Dragon Press.
- Work through the editing of "The Forsaken" with Wild Child Publishing
- Continue polishing "Return to Glory" with Floyd Largent - an absolutely fantastic editor.
- Working towards launching Green Gates Publishing with the publication of a new work from Walter Rhein (more details to follow)
- Work towards lettering and finishing up the Danger Guild Comic.
- Finish up the rough draft of our newest horror story
- Begin polishing "The Warchitect" now that its been rejected by most of our standard publishers.
- Revamp our website - it's past time for a little upgrade
So that's our 2012 plan in broad terms. What are some of your goals for 2012?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Last Stand
I have read a few books about Custer...ok, more than a few. Why would I read about George Armstrong Custer? I don't know. I guess one of the reasons is because of all of the American icons of the past, so many of them have been almost deified by history so that they are infallible paragons. Custer is not that way at all. He strides through history warts and all.
He did not drink and he did not curse. He did have several lovers, he was brutal to his men, he desecrated Native American burial grounds. He was also brave, dashing, charismatic and an ass kicker in a fight. Of course he was brash, reckless, a climber and very, very vengeful. Lots of real characteristics here. Custer is just a great character. He was already a national hero before The Little Big Horn.
Of course the epic Last Stand always looms large in history and I'm sure that adds a lot to it.
I know more than I should about Custer, but I can still learn things that fascinate me.
I just read "The Last Stand" by Nathanial Philbrick. It was amazing. He presented facts that I had not read before. He wove together his sources into a fantastic narrative and I learned a whole host of new facts about Custer, the 7th Cavalry and the battle at The Little Big Horn. I also learned a lot about the Sioux people, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
I have been a bit pensive after reading the book because of how well he makes you feel what these people felt. Like characters in a great novel, I wish the ending could have been different for all of them.
He did not drink and he did not curse. He did have several lovers, he was brutal to his men, he desecrated Native American burial grounds. He was also brave, dashing, charismatic and an ass kicker in a fight. Of course he was brash, reckless, a climber and very, very vengeful. Lots of real characteristics here. Custer is just a great character. He was already a national hero before The Little Big Horn.
Of course the epic Last Stand always looms large in history and I'm sure that adds a lot to it.
I know more than I should about Custer, but I can still learn things that fascinate me.
I just read "The Last Stand" by Nathanial Philbrick. It was amazing. He presented facts that I had not read before. He wove together his sources into a fantastic narrative and I learned a whole host of new facts about Custer, the 7th Cavalry and the battle at The Little Big Horn. I also learned a lot about the Sioux people, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
I have been a bit pensive after reading the book because of how well he makes you feel what these people felt. Like characters in a great novel, I wish the ending could have been different for all of them.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Bob Lefsetz
I don't know if you subscribe to Bob Lefsetz or not. He writes about the music industry and MAN does he know the music industry!
Sometimes, he writes about something that crosses more than just the music industry though. Sometimes he writes about stuff that just makes damn good sense. He did that today in his newsletter about the magic "10,000 hours".
I don't know what you may know about the 10,000 hours, but the thought is that if you spend 10,000 hours at something then you should have it mastered. So, the corollary is "overnight success" takes 10,000 hours...but sometimes it takes more! Or sometimes, you are in the wrong gig...Bob says it better than I can. I could not link to the newsletter so I am just re-posting it below, but I highly suggest it as a subscription.
Here's what Bob says about "10,000 hours"
"I'm sick and fucking tired of people telling me they've put in their 10,000 hours, so they should be rich and famous.
It's 10,000 hours of HARD PRACTICE!
Let me put it to you this way... If you spend 10,000 hours on the bunny slope, you're never going to win the World Cup. You've got to challenge yourself, ski the double blacks, go out when it's blowin' and snowin' as well as when it's sunny and smooth.
So you can play the riffs on the record, good for you. But can you play the riffs on the records you don't like, that aren't in your genre? Mutt Lange, the best record producer in the world, honed his chops, learned his craft by making soundalike records in South Africa. Speak to anybody who's worked with him, Mutt can make the records himself, can you?
Can you play the drums as well as the guitar? Jeff Beck plays without a pick, have you mastered his technique? It's only when you've got all the basics down that you can fly.
Have you written a thousand songs?
No, let me refocus this so you get it. Have you worked on your craft to the point of frustration? Instead of telling everybody how fucking great you are have you gone to bed thinking you're dog shit, that you just can't get it right?
If you haven't had this feeling, you're never going to make it.
Get off your self-satisfied soapbox and realize that all the masters slogged through shit to get to where they are. Don't look at Justin Bieber and the TV wonders, they're flashes in the pan, celebrities du jour barely different from the kids in the "Real World" house.
Do you want a doctor with no education to cut you open?
Better yet, if you've got cancer do you want to see the guy you play golf with or the world class surgeon who went to the best schools, had the best residency, killing himself to be number one in the class to get such opportunities?
You don't want the second-class M.D., why do you think people want the second-class musician?
Anybody can write a book, anybody can record a record, that doesn't mean the rest of the public should care.
But you keep telling them they should, like you're entitled.
You're entitled to work at McDonald's, as an unskilled laborer.
If you want to make it in music, you've got to be incredibly skilled. Better than all the rest. Ever play sports? Do they allow the lame-o to pitch just because he showed up for all the practices, wears his uniform right?
Better yet, is the most productive President the one who campaigns best? Sure, campaigning is crucial to winning, but that has little impact on your ability to analyze problems and govern.
So you're a whiz at Facebook, you've got a ton of followers on Twitter. Congratufuckinglations, you've done what any middle schooler can do. It's like thinking the roadie can sing, can step in and play lead guitar because he's slept on the bus and been close to the equipment.
Then again, the lead singer probably can't rig the stage.
But that's not the point. The point is you want to be a successful musician, you want everybody to pay attention. If that's so, then you've got to believe you suck before you'll ever be great. You have to be willing to work where no one pays attention. Sweating hours in your bedroom, practicing leads until your fingers bleed.
I'm not saying this younger generation with a trophy for everything can't make quality music, I'm just saying that too many of these so-called winners think they can be successful, when what's always been true is still true, just a thin layer of incredibly dedicated artists will ever make it, will ever be known, will ever be able to make a living.
And being able to play is not enough. To truly make it in music, you've got to write. And that's a whole 'nother skill. You don't see the wannabes performing their own compositions on "American Idol", ratings would sink to zero, it'd be godawful.
There are only a couple of hundred professional basketball players. Even the stars from the Final Four often don't make it to the pros.
But you sat in your bedroom and decided the world needed your music. Your mom and your significant other agreed with you. And you spam the universe believing if you just get enough attention, people will realize how great you are.
But it don't really happen that way at all. Especially in today's world.
Today, grazers find you and then spread the word on you if you're great. And with so much at their fingertips, listeners only have time for the great, mediocre, even really good, won't do.
So stop complaining. Stop fighting to win a Grammy no one cares about. Forget about getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Play to the public. They know what's good.
And if you haven't made it, chances are you suck.
Or you're just not good enough yet.
Instead of complaining, go back into your bedroom and PRACTICE!"
Sometimes, he writes about something that crosses more than just the music industry though. Sometimes he writes about stuff that just makes damn good sense. He did that today in his newsletter about the magic "10,000 hours".
I don't know what you may know about the 10,000 hours, but the thought is that if you spend 10,000 hours at something then you should have it mastered. So, the corollary is "overnight success" takes 10,000 hours...but sometimes it takes more! Or sometimes, you are in the wrong gig...Bob says it better than I can. I could not link to the newsletter so I am just re-posting it below, but I highly suggest it as a subscription.
Here's what Bob says about "10,000 hours"
"I'm sick and fucking tired of people telling me they've put in their 10,000 hours, so they should be rich and famous.
It's 10,000 hours of HARD PRACTICE!
Let me put it to you this way... If you spend 10,000 hours on the bunny slope, you're never going to win the World Cup. You've got to challenge yourself, ski the double blacks, go out when it's blowin' and snowin' as well as when it's sunny and smooth.
So you can play the riffs on the record, good for you. But can you play the riffs on the records you don't like, that aren't in your genre? Mutt Lange, the best record producer in the world, honed his chops, learned his craft by making soundalike records in South Africa. Speak to anybody who's worked with him, Mutt can make the records himself, can you?
Can you play the drums as well as the guitar? Jeff Beck plays without a pick, have you mastered his technique? It's only when you've got all the basics down that you can fly.
Have you written a thousand songs?
No, let me refocus this so you get it. Have you worked on your craft to the point of frustration? Instead of telling everybody how fucking great you are have you gone to bed thinking you're dog shit, that you just can't get it right?
If you haven't had this feeling, you're never going to make it.
Get off your self-satisfied soapbox and realize that all the masters slogged through shit to get to where they are. Don't look at Justin Bieber and the TV wonders, they're flashes in the pan, celebrities du jour barely different from the kids in the "Real World" house.
Do you want a doctor with no education to cut you open?
Better yet, if you've got cancer do you want to see the guy you play golf with or the world class surgeon who went to the best schools, had the best residency, killing himself to be number one in the class to get such opportunities?
You don't want the second-class M.D., why do you think people want the second-class musician?
Anybody can write a book, anybody can record a record, that doesn't mean the rest of the public should care.
But you keep telling them they should, like you're entitled.
You're entitled to work at McDonald's, as an unskilled laborer.
If you want to make it in music, you've got to be incredibly skilled. Better than all the rest. Ever play sports? Do they allow the lame-o to pitch just because he showed up for all the practices, wears his uniform right?
Better yet, is the most productive President the one who campaigns best? Sure, campaigning is crucial to winning, but that has little impact on your ability to analyze problems and govern.
So you're a whiz at Facebook, you've got a ton of followers on Twitter. Congratufuckinglations, you've done what any middle schooler can do. It's like thinking the roadie can sing, can step in and play lead guitar because he's slept on the bus and been close to the equipment.
Then again, the lead singer probably can't rig the stage.
But that's not the point. The point is you want to be a successful musician, you want everybody to pay attention. If that's so, then you've got to believe you suck before you'll ever be great. You have to be willing to work where no one pays attention. Sweating hours in your bedroom, practicing leads until your fingers bleed.
I'm not saying this younger generation with a trophy for everything can't make quality music, I'm just saying that too many of these so-called winners think they can be successful, when what's always been true is still true, just a thin layer of incredibly dedicated artists will ever make it, will ever be known, will ever be able to make a living.
And being able to play is not enough. To truly make it in music, you've got to write. And that's a whole 'nother skill. You don't see the wannabes performing their own compositions on "American Idol", ratings would sink to zero, it'd be godawful.
There are only a couple of hundred professional basketball players. Even the stars from the Final Four often don't make it to the pros.
But you sat in your bedroom and decided the world needed your music. Your mom and your significant other agreed with you. And you spam the universe believing if you just get enough attention, people will realize how great you are.
But it don't really happen that way at all. Especially in today's world.
Today, grazers find you and then spread the word on you if you're great. And with so much at their fingertips, listeners only have time for the great, mediocre, even really good, won't do.
So stop complaining. Stop fighting to win a Grammy no one cares about. Forget about getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Play to the public. They know what's good.
And if you haven't made it, chances are you suck.
Or you're just not good enough yet.
Instead of complaining, go back into your bedroom and PRACTICE!"
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