Piece # 33 - Science Fiction

Other than superheroes, the one thing that has stuck with me my entire life has been Science Fiction. You've probably noticed me making different references to many different Sci-Fi shows in my previous blogs. The earliest thing I can remember that first captivated my love of science fiction has to be Doctor Who. It was one of the first shows I got to see on television...aside from Star Trek (original). Tom Baker was the actor who played the title role at the time and he was so quirky and funny, I naturally got sucked in. I guess in many ways, I could identify with the Doctor because he seemed to be a lot like me. (The Doctor with Asperger's? That might explain a lot!) Growing up, I would join in on fan clubs from America and Canada; then every once in a while, I'd get to go to a convention. I have to tip my cap to Doctor Who because it was that series that got me reading books. I was never a big fan of all-print books, but when I found out that they had printed Dr. Who books; I really started reading...a lot! I'm not saying this sealed the deal with my wife, but she did watch Dr. Who as well and that really impressed me. (I thought...'Oh yeah, I marrying this chick now!')

Of course, other science fiction stories came rolling in, but nothing prepared me for the most magical one of all...Star Wars. There was something very special about that movie. I seemed like it captivated me in a way I've never experienced before. Let me tell you something, I was about eight years old when I saw this movie and with a kid that has OCD, I dove in head first. I bought everything from the shirts, toys...ey-humm, I mean action figures, lunch boxes, cards, cups...if it had Star Wars on it...I owned it! I remember watching all three of the movies and strangely, I happen to remember an interview that George Lucas had given where he told everyone that he had written the first three movies, but he wasn't able to do them. He even said that he had more episodes after the Return of the Jedi. Of course everyone knows he did in fact make those first three films, but I still wonder what more he had in store. [I know what you're thinking; Yes...I did think Carrie Fisher looked really hot in her slave outfit!] I still have most of my original Star Wars things today...most of it is in storage however. *[Okay, as I'm writing this, the news came out that Star Wars was sold to Disney! I'm not sure about the move.]*

As an avid writer, when I was young, I would come up with a lot of different stories for both Dr. Who and Star Wars. I think I still would love to write a story, but I'm quite feeling the motivation like I used to. I tried the drawing angle, but I had a hard time struggling with it. My problem as a child with OCD, I had a bad habit of jumping from one thing to another in a matter of weeks or days. My mom had a really rough time trying to keep up with me, especially during my birthday and Christmas. There were several other Science Fiction shows I did get into like The Six Million Dollar Man and Star Trek. I think for Star Trek, it started a lot later for me. I think I liked it more when the Next Generation series came on the air.

SPACEBALLS...now where do I start with this? When you grow up on Star Wars and Star Trek, the jokes in this Mel Brook's classic just make me want to laugh until I barf (get it?...No? Go see the movie!) There have been several parodies of science fiction movies, but none can hold a candle to Spaceballs. I actually write a book called: "Life is like Spaceballs." I'm not sure how Mel Brooks would feel, but it would work. Let me just say when Spaceball One goes to Ludicrous Speed, truly a classic moment. "May the Schwartz Be With You!"

Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:

Song: "Galaxies"

Artist: Owl City

Album: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Here's a picture of me, my daughter Christen, my bro, his wife and Kaden. This will probably be the only time I get the Sci-Fi experience. Ooooo.

Piece #75 - My Directing Method

Being a director like I have for several years, there are things that I've had to deal with in this business. This isn't the professional method of directing, but this is my perspective on how to be a director in any medium. I will probably address the proper method of how to treat actors, but that is not the sole focus on what I'm going to share. As a director you will have to deal with people who think they know it all and you can't say anything that will benefit me. The problem that most amateur actors forget is that acting is an art form, but it's also an occupation. I think people tend to forget that acting is work...hard work. One of the things that I try to let the kids know is that it's a very difficult business to get into. I feel like they need to hear the truth about the world of entertainment. I tell them that they have to 'want' it very badly and do almost anything to get in. An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door, bu

Piece #103 - I.Q.

I have, in some form or fashion, addressed this topic on intelligence, but I thought I'd hit this head on. One of the big things that people with Asperger's gets tied with is having a high intelligence. I have to admit that I've had a hard time finding solid evidence on all people with Asperger's having a high intelligence. I guess this a bit of a piggy back to my earlier posting #78 No Talent Required. The difference between these two is I'm going to address the intelligence in general versus the talents from Asperger's (or Savants). When it comes to the topic of intelligence, I get a similar feeling like in high school when the class decides on 'the most successful' label. I say this because I've always questioned what is successful? In turn I would also ask in the same breath what is intelligent? Testing the intelligence of someone used to seem like either a brainiac, just an average person or an idiot...depending on the score which is reall

Piece #28 - Puzzles

I realize autism is symbolized by a puzzles piece and I've noticed that some people have taken some offense to that, but this doesn't deal directly with that topic. This is a straight observation on puzzles and how they affect me and the twins. With the new age of electronic devices, it has changed to way we do pretty much everything! In this case I want to focus on puzzles because there are lots of computer game companies that are betting on us to buy their own special puzzle game, whether it is on the iPad, iTouch or smart phone. I will say that I do own an iTouch and yes, I do love it! Unfortunately, I can get sucked into several good puzzle games. So far the top ones I love to play are Chuzzle, Bejeweled, Tiki Totems and of course...Angry Birds. To be honest, I also will go 'old school' and play Solitaire, Mahjong, Sudoku and even Tetris because they still have a place in my heart. Sometimes the simpler games I would rather play because they are quick and easier

Pressing Puzzles

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