What I’m Reading

This week is a recap of last week’s because I have finished neither. Some weeks it’s a breeze to finish 2 or more books, while others I struggle to finish one. This is an odd case of reading two at the same time, but they’re very different in content, even beyond the non-fiction to fiction, simply because one is philosophy and one is physics…though they end up having a lot in common at times. Usually, this reading speed difference has to do with how much the particular book asks of me. If it’s thought provoking, I tend to read more slowly to make sure I absorb every possible aspect. If it’s brain candy, I just dive in head first and plow through to the end, enjoying the ride but ultimately sad when it comes to an end. Both of these book fall into the thought provoking category, and with a big programming push as well, they’re taking their time getting read. I have not stopped, nor do I have any intention of, stopping, because I’m enjoying both book, albeit slowly.

As a reminder:

• Judge by Karen Traviss
• How to Teach Physics to Your Dog by Chad Orzel (http://dogphysics.com/)
  
  Science

Humans may soon have to accept that we’re not the only intelligent species, but I find this article confusing considering John C. Lilly’s work back in the 80s which included teaching dolphins to speak English warrants no mention. This article seems to be reinventing a wheel in the hopes of a better reception.
http://www.physorg.com/news181981904.html

Maybe it’s just because I’m reading about quantum physics, but tying light into knots? Sweet!
http://www.livescience.com/technology/tying-light-knots-100117.html

This is just incredible. It’s Superman’s crystal fortress come to the real world:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8466493.stm

And I thought nano technology was all work and no play:
http://www.livescience.com/technology/nano-dragster-100119.html

Cadavers that blink? Advancements in artificial muscles (tested on cadavers) may open whole worlds to people with non-functioning facial muscles.
http://www.livescience.com/health/muscle-eyeblink-100121.html

Writing

A nice breakdown of common issues along with examples both of how to resolve them (though I wouldn’t have chosen some of these), and when that “issue” is actually necessary, an addition I appreciated:
http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/2009/03/revision-reference.html?spref=tw

What to focus on when constructing a scene:
http://www.aboutascreenplay.com/storytelling-techniques/6-ways-to-ensure-all-your-scenes-play/

An evaluation of the Harry Potter series with regards to setting up beginning, middle, and end that has some solid points:
http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/01/19/StoryStructureBeginningsMiddlesAndEnds.aspx

Submitting

One author’s journey to finding her agent (part of a week-long series):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7-k3ZFXUdE&feature=youtu.be&a

Promoting

How to make a book trailer
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/01/guest-blog-week-how-to-make-book.html

Life

Email protocol
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/01/email-protocol.html