The J ROBERT CLARK - Makes newsletter (formerly blog) is now exclusively on Substack

Dear All,

For some time now I have been publishing my newsletter both here (on my website) and on Substack. Increasingly though, readers have been going over there for this content and I am getting fewer and fewer readers here. It makes sense to discontinue posting these duplicate stories on two sites. Instead, I’ll spend that extra energy in other productive ways - like creating more original content for you to enjoy.

Never fear - the fun continues as before, it’s just the newsletter is only on Substack. I will continue to use this site for lots of other things, and it remains my home base online. So don’t forget to check in regularly for updates and news on all things SciFiCreate.

Here’s that link again for JRC-Makes newsletter on Substack.

Thanks for being a loyal reader.

JRC

Major change requires leaning into the fear, not away from it

How facing my mistakes helped me find purpose again in creating.

Approx. 1200 words; five minutes read time

I always knew creating things was special. But I, like many, came to believe that creativity was a side-pursuit, not a profession. Be it lack of confidence, denial, or veering off course, I decided somewhere along the way that work was just that, work. And the fun things - for me, making and writing - were, at best, a hobby. Now in mid-career, I've taken the leap to put creating back where it belongs - front and center in my life. But getting there has been a challenge greater than I could have ever imagined.

***

I was a creative kid and loved more than anything making things with my hands. But like many, I feared I wasn't good enough to build it into a profession. Channeling my work-ethic into academics instead, I filled my head with knowledge and padded my resume with degrees. Creative fulfillment became secondary to all else.

The career I built wasn't all bad. I became a scientist, a botanist to be precise, and enjoyed the early stages of this work. I loved exploring and took several epic adventures around the world, collecting and studying plants in far-off jungles. These romantic exploits shaped who I am and will always be part of how I think. But throughout my career, I felt empty and not myself. It all lacked the creativity that I thrived on. 

Over time, I realized that the problem was not the science, but rather, it was what I was doing in science that left me wanting. But I was too entrenched by then, so I kept climbing, gaining more and more responsibility. I was always hoping that the next step - the next rung on the ladder - would help me emerge from discontent. After several hops and a few leaps, I found myself in charge of a national organization. But by then, I was no longer even a scientist - I had become an administrator.

***

For creative types, I can't imagine a more soul-sucking endeavor than administration. Granted, I know some phenomenal managers who build vibrant careers in administration. These natural leaders find fulfillment and express their creativity by orchestrating teams. But this kind of creation is no substitute for hands-on making that people like me need to feel whole.

Administration was turning into a death sentence. Saddled with loads of responsibility and little reward, the passion I once held was long gone. I felt small and more powerless than ever, despite being "the boss."

Where had I gone so wrong? And was there anything I could do to get back on track? My inclination was to stay at it and keep climbing. And most others advised me to do just that. But it turns out that in climbing this career ladder, I was burying myself deeper the higher I went. There was no salvaging my happiness and health from within. I had to get out.

***

I'm not alone in this mid-life reconning; many of us find ourselves off course, stuck on the wrong path. But instead of making needed change, we persevere, we entrench, or we climb. All to avoid rather than face what ails us. Almost instinctively, we shy away from the pain of our choices. We cover it, mask it in other successes. Worst of all, we let anxiety and fear keep us from trying something else.

Funny thing though - when a strong wind blows, we lean in, not away - to keep from being blown over. I heard once that we should do the same with pain and fear. And it makes sense - lean into what sucks. Don't let the bad push us over. Embrace what hurts, as much or even more than what doesn't. It's the only way to overcome it.

If I was going to turn my life around, I had to quit climbing away, and instead, start leaning in.

***

It was about a year ago now that I made the radical decision to change my career. In ladder climbing, I had found the bottom, not the top. And that abyss I stared into terrified me. So, I took one last look, turned, and leaned as hard as I could into the suck. I believe it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

What I found was that I had been running from my doubts all along. My reluctance to follow my passions and to start anew was all based on a fear of failure. I was afraid to fail at creating. I was also worried about the money and losing the little I had saved up and invested - a very real mid-career concern. Worst of all, I feared what others thought and what they would say, mainly if I failed. 

But when I leaned into these fears and accepted them, all became manageable. The alternative meant eventual failure anyway; I was dying in my administrative role. Leaning in helped me let go of the fear, and freed me to make the change.

***

The initial chaos that ensued was challenging. But it all worked out. Real friends surfaced and supported me, and my family expressed their unwavering love and devotion. The sky did not fall, and I was still standing when the dust cleared. 

Of all the revelations this process brought, I am most humbled by one: I've discovered how good being small is. Before this, I had defined myself by my degrees and career achievements. I earned a Ph.D.; I was a CEO. Neither made me big, of course, but they certainly sounded superior. Now, I measure myself by what fulfills me - I write, and I make things. It's honest and straightforward. It's me.

In creating, joy has returned to my life, and I am back on course. I am no longer crippled by issues, although many remain. Writing and making pull me into a better world, one where purpose is all-encompassing. Life again is fulfilling and has meaning. And I can lean into all else that sucks, ready to face it rather than shying - or climbing - away.

***

Some say it's crazy to start up a new career in mid-life. After all, many of us have spent decades building an identity around another set of pursuits. But when we make mistakes, no matter how big or longstanding, we have two choices:

• staying the course and burying ourselves in mounting errors;

• or leaning in, acknowledging our faults, and charting a new path.

I choose the latter. For me, it would be crazy not to lean in.

Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

The right tool for the job

An ideal tool makes creating all the better.

Approx. 1000 words; five minutes read time

I've been on an organizing kick lately, getting The Lab (my shop) in order. It's a small space, and optimizing it requires judicious selection of what to retain and what to discard. Tool choice is paramount - from hammers to chop saws, I put a lot of thought into what I buy, keep, and use. If something is going to take up space in the limited real estate of my life, it needs to be worth its three dimensions. 

Learning to pick and employ the right tool for the job is an essential skill in making. Sometimes the situation calls for a screwdriver and other times a hammer. But never, ever shall the two switch. Using the wrong tool invites mistakes, and worse, it's an excellent way to get hurt. The proper tool makes a difficult job easier and safer. And having quality tools increases both the efficacy of what we do and the joy of doing it. 

***

Tools, from excellent to terrible, fall loosely into three categories: ideal, workable, and gimmicks. 

Ideal tools - now that's a statement. The word "ideal" conjures up images of Plato's Forms. There is no such thing as a perfect anything, but ideal tools approach perfection for the user. It's a subjective set of qualities. A tool doesn't have to be the best of the best to be ideal. It need only fulfill the needs and wants of the user. 

Subjectivity aside, most ideal tools hold three qualities in common: good design, solid build, and fit for purpose. In this way, these tools are well thought out and well-executed. And they feel good when used.

I have a handful of tools in my collection that I would say are truly ideal. For example, I very much enjoy using my Xcelite flush cutters and pliers. These are precision quality instruments marketed under various names (I believe the parent company is Apex Tool Group; they are often co-branded Weller, another Apex company). Both the cutters and pliers are smooth, exact, and dependable. I also love the mint green color of the rubberized grips. 

Workable tools will do the job when a job needs doing, although something is just not right about them. I include junk and cheap tools here, but sometimes an instrument can be made fine but still feel "off" to the user. Be it unbalanced or otherwise ergonomically compromised, workable tools don't conjure that same feeling of joy as an ideal tool. And the worst of the lot can be dangerous - a loose hammerhead can fly off, and a weak screwdriver can break under force, creating a stabbing hazard.

My current chop saw, a big-box hardware store brand, I would say is workable. I bought it in a pinch as I needed a new one but couldn't afford a better quality saw at the time. Now that I have it, I use it often, and it's safe - but I don't like it. The saw's blade guard is loosely attached and rattles. And its adjustments feel sloppy; I often have to triple-check settings before I cut. Most unfortunate, it's bulky. Better saws are usually more robust in a smaller package - qualities I want and need, given my limited workspace.

I’m not totally dismissing workable tools. In fact, most of my tools I would say are in this category. They get the job done, as I said, and I am thankful to have them. In a perfect world I’d swap most out for better quality replacements, but I don’t have the dough. Besides, tools I only use occasionally need not be ideal, if they do what they are supposed to do. Having them also helps me appreciate the truly great tools in my kit.

Gimmicks are those one-off, often cheaply made contraptions espoused as making life better, but all they do is take up space. These include anything advertised between midnight and five AM on TV. Overly specialized tools, as well as "do-it-all" devices, fall into this category. I saw one of these last Saturday at a local hardware store; it was a giant hammer-sized multitool marketed under a famous home-improvement specialist's name. The thing seemed to have it all, but how do you use a screwdriver when it's attached to a full-size claw hammer?

I don't like gimmicks. At all. They feel like an insult to intelligence. If it requires a 90 minute paid advertisement to sell, it's probably not worth the metal it's made from. Over the years, gimmicky contraptions have made their way into my life, usually as well-meaning gifts. But these invariably find a new home quickly (the recycle bin or thrift store).

Please don't confuse my critique of gimmicks with an aversion to innovation. The latter is something that genuinely revolutionizes how we do things. Innovation is the foundation of technical progress and something I admire and strive to emulate. But gimmicks are not innovation. They are junk with one purpose and one purpose only - making its inventor and distributors money. Don't buy or gift gimmicks. Discerning friends will thank you.

Ideal tools are the opposite of gimmicks - they don’t need a sales pitch to justify their utility. It's as if they were pre-ordained to exist from the get-go.

***

In New York City, a couple of decades ago, I went to the Museum of Modern Art's then-new exhibit on "Good Design." There, the curators had displayed various tools, products, and innovations that manifested near-perfect form and function. I recall seeing an Eames Chair, a Zippo Lighter, and even a Korean War-Era Willys Jeep. All these objects were purpose-built and did their jobs exceedingly well. My Xcelite cutters were not on display, but they would have been right at home among these other icons of good design. Oddly enough, I didn't see that claw-hammer-multitool either.

***

Ideal tools help make creating the joy it should be. 'Ideal" is subjective, but when a user finds something that works, the connection is almost magic. Here, tool and hand come together as one, freeing the maker to create. Sure, inspiration can rise above the limits of inadequate tools, or even no tools at all. But the right tool can make all the difference. When you find one that is ideal for you, hang on to it with all your might. Your hands will thank you, and your creations will shine.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create. 

JRC

It feels so good to make - I need to do it more

Creating things with our hands makes us whole.

Approx. 1000 words; 4 minutes read time

Not everyone identifies as an artist, craftsman, or maker. But each of us has at one time made something, and most of us make things regularly. Even if it's just dinner, the act of creation fulfills a fundamental human need.

When we make, we feel accomplished and satisfied. We feel whole.

***

I grew up in a family of do-it-yourselfers. My dad is a skilled cabinet maker, carpenter, and fixer, and my mom is a gardener, baker, and resourceful fixer as well. They built our childhood home, for example. And auto repair was another one we did ourselves as much as possible. Sure, making and fixing were cost-effective, and they served a vital function on a limited budget back then. But saving money was secondary to the satisfaction "DIY" brought to our lives. Making was a way of life in my family, and to our good health, it would seem.

Psychologists have identified making as an essential action most if not all humans need to be happy and fulfilled. The connection between mental health and physical health is obvious, and in many ways, inseparable. And making ties mind and body together in ways that other actions do not. Any maker can tell you this already - it's the act of seeing an outcome in your head, then using your hands to realize that dream. Making is absorbing and fulfilling like no other human endeavor. 

***

I grew up making. Some of my earliest memories involve creating things with my hands. Over the years, I've tried my skills at almost anything you can imagine - from carpentry to mechanics; baking to sculpting; painting to electronics. Both my parents were very supportive, regardless of what I picked up. And they tolerated an incredible amount of mess and noise from me in the process. 

As an early teen, I took up wood carving. But I didn't use knives and chisels; instead, I used a Dremel motorized tool. If you are not familiar with it, think of a dentist's drill. A Dremel is roughly the same thing - a high RPM rotary tool - except the much cheaper, hobbyist version. The device made that same whirring noise like a dentist's drill too. Using it any chance I got, I filled my bedroom with wood dust and debris. 

My parents rarely complained, and instead, supported me while they dusted. I had a hard time as a kid for many reasons. But regardless of what bothered me, I could always get emersed in making. My parents knew this and knew that creativity was essential for my growth and happiness. That's true love, to be sure.

***

The recent uptick in bread making is an excellent example of how even "non-makers" create to cope. I am amazed at all the beautiful pics of homemade bread people are posting online right now. And those who sew have been making masks for family, friends, and even medical workers. Making fills vital needs, of course, as we make things that nourish, protect, and heal. But creating is also a place of solace. Using our hands heals our heads and hearts in ways nothing else can.

***

Writing is undoubtedly a way of creating as well - when I write, I make stories. It's an art and a skill all its own and one that I have been honing with regular practice. But it is different from other making in many respects.

The distinction between writing and making is in the "words." In writing, the words quite literally are the story. But in making, it's as if abstract thoughts manifest as a real, physical object, almost like magic - no written instructions, or narrative, needed. 

Of course, it's vital to describe what we do and why we do it. So honing both skills is a goal of mine with Science-Fiction-Create. Writing and making become one, and it is here that I am most satisfied with what I create. 

***

I recently went back and read my first blog post from February 2nd. It feels like an eternity ago, even though it has been less than five months. In the post, I articulated my intentions:

"What will I be writing and creating? Lots of things. As a scientist, I tend to see the world through a technical lens. And I like writing about the science behind everyday experiences. I also love science fiction and appreciate pushing the boundaries. That's the thinking behind Science. Fiction. Create. - a bunch of sciency stuff mixed in with a good dose of "what if?" and let's see what comes out."

I'm pleased to say that my intentions remain largely the same.

Writing has been all-consuming as I've worked hard, turning out multiple posts weekly. I'm also working on various creative writing projects behind the scenes. Time out in my shop has suffered as a result. But I aim to change that.

Yesterday, I set aside some time to ready The Lab for some upcoming projects. It's a small space, a one-car garage that can no longer fit a car because of all my workbenches and tools. I have to be creative about using that limited space to create. For example, I have a "woodworking cabinet" on wheels that I roll out on my drive to do any of the dirty work. And one side is mostly storage, a Tetris-stacked assortment of boxes and things. These are packed away for easy retrieval and practical storage. I've organized it well, but I'm always striving to remove friction points that slow or encumber my work.

With The Lab newly refreshed, I'm inspired to jump in and do some more making. And it's high time I do. My mind and heart could use the connection with my hands again. Hopefully, I'll have more tangible things to share with you soon.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Would aliens be the same size as us?

Sci-fi films often portray aliens as basically human-sized. This assumption might be reasonably accurate, given a loose interpretation of what human-sized means.

A smuggler, a Wookie, and two Jedi meetup at the bar. Disney - Lucas Films Limited

Approx. 1400 words; 6 minutes read time

The Mos Eisley cantina in the original Star Wars is my favorite scene in any film ever. Ever. I love it because here we first see how diverse this fictional universe actually is. All manner of creatures co-exist, and most seem relatively at ease around one another, despite their apparent differences. But as diverse as the beings of Star Wars are, they are all about the same size. Sure there are big ones, like eight-foot-tall Chewbacca the Wookie and small ones like the three-foot-tall Jawas. Generally, though, the sentient creatures in Star Wars are within the size extremes of humans. But this need not be a biological expectation.

***

First things first: there are myriad implausibilities in Star Wars. This article is not another attempt at shooting holes in the logic of everyone's favorite space franchise. That's been done countless times already. No, I am curious if something about intelligent life mandates it to be about the same size as us. The cantina scene is simply a classic example of alien portrayals, giving a foundation to explore this intriguing question.

***

To begin addressing what size we can expect aliens to be, we have to make a big assumption: carbon-based life. There are some compelling theories out there proposing alternative lifeforms, including silicon-based. But these alternative chemistries open up a universe full of possible body plans and sizes. No, let's stick to carbon. Star Wars characters are mostly portrayed as carbon-based anyway. And we know how carbon-based life behaves in our real world. So assuming carbon will help keep this as simple as possible (and will also keep this story under 1500 words).

***

Biologically speaking, there doesn't seem to be any reason intelligent life needs to be human-sized. Neuroscientists have studied for decades how and why humans appear to be smarter than all other animals on Earth. Factors such as brain size and neurological makeup do not alone determine this intelligence. For example, male human brains are larger than female brains, but there is no difference between male and female IQs. And elephants have larger brains than humans, but no evidence supports that they are smarter than us overall. And small minds can be super bright too; ravens show an incredible intelligence, despite having tiny "bird" brains. 

Intelligence is challenging to pin down in terms of how and why, even after years of study. Scientists have concluded that many factors beyond size and neurology dictate smarts, and these can come together in vastly different ways depending on the species and its environment. So at least biologically speaking, intelligent sentient life need not be the same size as us.

Given what we know about brains and intelligence on Earth, this is a qualified “no” to the cantina scene. But there’s more to this question than biology alone.

***

There are planetary-scale factors involved in body size: gravity and environment, being the most influential. Life here on Earth has evolved as it has because of the size and position of our planet as well as it's geology and atmosphere. Species that are fit for these conditions go on to survive, and successfully reproduce and prosper. The same will be valid for species that evolve elsewhere, potentially under vastly different circumstances. 

Biological features fit for Earth might not be so good on another planet, opening up all kinds of possibilities for body size and other attributes. Gravity, in particular, can change things drastically: the more of it, the smaller we expect creatures to be. Bigger body plans need stronger bones, more muscle mass, and increased metabolic capacity. As gravity increases (as planets get bigger), so do these requirements. Smaller creatures are less affected by gravity and would have a competitive advantage on big worlds. So it stands to reason that more massive planets will favor smaller creatures, and lesser planets will support larger ones.

The environment, too, affects body size by limiting available resources. Smaller planets will have fewer resources restricting how many larger creatures they can sustain. Here on Earth, smaller animals often occur in higher numbers than bigger ones for the same reason. There are 7.5 billion humans on Earth, but there are ten quintillion insects, for example. And generally speaking, the total numbers of any-sized creatures will be fewer on smaller planets and greater on larger ones.

In many ways, planet-size dictates these two competing forces - gravity and environment. And, in turn, these influence the size of a world's creatures. Evolutionary biologists study these and related factors to understand how they affect the evolution of life on Earth. And the algorithms used to predict how life came to be here can be applied to other planets.

Recently, a study was conducted using Bayesian statistics or "game theory" to hypothesize what the size of intelligent aliens would be on average. According to this research, there is a 26% chance an alien would be human-sized or smaller (0-100 kg; 0-220 lbs), and a 74% chance it would be larger (100-100,000 kg; 220-220,500 lbs). These results suggest that the median size for an intelligent alien would be about 310 kg (684 lbs) - over four times bigger than an average human (70 kg; 140 lbs). 

This study seems to support the cantina scenario loosely. The median size for an alien is roughly that of a large grizzly bear - and not far off from the mighty Chewbacca. But the results don't preclude smaller or larger aliens; they only support that, statistically, aliens will be bigger than humans on average. The little guys - and massive guys - could exist too. So given enough time, all manner of creatures could still make it to the galactic watering hole, human-sized and otherwise.

But not so fast, space cowboys. There's one more challenge. How do these creatures leave their home worlds and get to the cantina at all?

***

It's one thing to evolve into an intelligent being. Given the billions upon billions of planets, everything from bird-sized brainiacs to whale-sized scholars might exist. But this doesn't mean all could manage to leave their home planet in the first place. Yes, the universe might be teeming with eager bar-goers, but many might not have a ride to the pub.

Disney - Lucas films Limited

Tiny Babu Frik from Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker is a species that might not make it to the party. While Frik and his kind perhaps evolved on some super-Earth favoring their small stature, the extreme gravity there might keep them trapped at home - it would be too energy demanding to escape the planet's gravitational grip. As for a giant genius species of some kind? Such a being could have evolved on a smaller world with less gravity, but with limited resources. So limited that the big fellas would run out of stuff before they became interstellar and headed off to the bar.

These limits on both small and large body sizes might weed out all but those lifeforms in the vicinity of human-sized beings. This, of course, brings us back to a qualified "yes" in support of the Mos Eisley cantina scenario. 

***

Disney - Lucas films Limited

I find this outcome somewhat surprising. Think about it - the cantina scene, and the Star Wars universe overall, were designed to accommodate human actors on human sets. This was not an effort to mirror potential reality in a galaxy far away. But at least from a superficial viewpoint, it does just that - a case of art portraying reality in a rather unexpected way. Yes, it's not a wrong assumption to think aliens will be at least close in size to us.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

The invisible book on my bookshelf - Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison's quintessential American novel is a good start for White people like me to understand racial injustice. But it's only a start.

Preface: In this post on racial inequality, I have chosen to capitalize "Black" and "White" as recommended by some social justice organizations. You can read more about one such standard here.

Approx 900 words; 3.5 minutes read time

I like books and have a nice collection of them. These cover a variety of subjects, including science, fiction, culture, philosophy, and religion. And while I have a diversity of authors in my stacks, I have only a single book by a Black author - Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. And I only have this book because I had to read it in college. 

It's a striking omission, given all the volumes in my collection. These include many stories by women and historically marginalized groups. In my attempt to be well-read, a glaring prejudice still exists. I don't read stuff Black people write.

It's hard for me to admit this. 

***

I guess if I or anyone was to read anything by a Black person, reading Invisible Man is a good start. Published in 1952, Ellison's masterwork received the National Book Award for Fiction in 1953. The story follows a southern Black man as he matures, educates himself, and makes his way to Harlem. There he realizes, despite his best efforts to overcome, racial discrimination dictates his experience. As a Black man in America, he is invisible. 

The story is a stark account of race, identity, and prejudice in early and mid-Twentieth-Century America. In its relevant message that speaks to all of us, Invisible Man is the quintessential American novel. Unfortunately, its relevance even today illustrates the persistence of racism in America.

***

Yes, reading Invisible Man is a good start. When I studied it years ago, I appreciated and identified with the protagonist. Mind you that I was a 19-year-old White country boy from rural Ohio. Invisible Man is that powerful - the story captures the essence of discrimination for all to share. Ellison himself acknowledged this was a goal:

"When I was a kid, I read the English novels. I read Russian translations and so on. And always, I was the hero. I identified with the hero. Literature is integrated. And I'm not just talking about color, race. I'm talking about the power of literature to make us recognize again and again the wholeness of the human experience." - Ralph Ellison, quoted in a story by NPR.

***

Today, I am listening to the Black voices out there right now calling for change. Many are rightfully telling me, as a White person, that I can never understand what it's like to be Black. And these same voices are asking me to feel more and do more - all with the understanding that I will never get it. That's a tall order.

But one thing White people like me can do is draw on our own experiences, imagining as best we can what it is like to be summarily, and institutionally discriminated against. Even if we can't ever know, we must continue to try and understand.

Reading Invisible Man can help.

***

But reading a book on racial injustice - even an excellent book like Invisible Man - is barely a start. We all have to do so much more.

This, of course, is easier said than done.

There was a time when I would have jumped at the chance to speak up. I was a loud-mouthed activist in my twenties, and back then, I made many waves standing up for what I believed. But in the process, I hurt a lot of people, including my family, making them feel small with my "big ideas" and beliefs. I think I did more harm than good then, as I beat my ideals into anyone who would listen.

Over time I learned that being an angry progressive did not work for me. So I ratcheted back the rhetoric, started listening more, and worked to live by example. I still hold progressive ideals, but I temper these with far more understanding. 

I'm ever mindful of what I say and am always fearful of hurting others. 

Another fear I have is, as a middle-aged White man, speaking out on race can be an invitation for ridicule. I am afraid of saying the wrong thing. And I am worried about the backlash and what could happen to me if I do. Yes, I am terrified of proving my ignorance about issues of racial inequality.

Finally, I am afraid this is not my place. My goal in writing is not social activism. Instead, I write to share my thoughts on science and science fiction. Publicly declaring my stance on racial inequality seems like a tangent.

Except it's not. I've alluded to the power of science fiction in addressing social injustice. And events right now are a striking example of where I should speak up. Moreover, all my concerns seem trivial in comparison to the fears Black people face each day. My reservations pale in contrast to George Floyd's plight, a Black man killed by police on May 25th, 2020.

***

Yes, I should say something. And do something. No one should ever be invisible.

I am listening.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

***

Have thoughts on what I should be reading, writing, or sharing on Black culture and experience? I'm all ears.

What this world needs is more [artificial] empathy

Approx 800 words; 3 minutes read time

Empathy is the ability to imagine another's feelings and react accordingly. We have the capacity for it hardwired into us from birth - it's part of our nature. But empathy is mostly learned - nurtured into us over time. In this way, empathy is like language - we are capable of both, but we must learn and practice to master either. And because empathy is learnable, we can teach machines to do it too.

They might even be better at it than us one day soon.

***

We hear a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) these days. AI is programing that assesses situations and takes action much like natural or human intelligence. AI - is not a future technology waiting to happen. Instead, it is here now, in TVs and smartphones and many other devices. Speech recognition and self-driving cars are two prominent examples. But AI is also used in tracking consumerism and even in "contact tracing" for COVID-19. It's everywhere, and it's growing. And learning.

AI, as we know and use it, is not yet like human intelligence. Most AI remains mechanical and logic-based, whereas human intelligence uses logic and emotions. These interact in complex ways achieving generalized intelligence. 

Logic alone is cold and binary. Zero and one. Yes and no. This path or the other. We've all confronted an automated phone system that bewilders with unnecessary questions, taking forever to get anywhere. Now, contrast that with a real person who listens and connects right away. That's the distinction in generalized intelligence. Logic gets you from A to B without considering the ride. But generalized intelligence - with both logic and empathy - gets you there and cares how the trip was. 

Empathy in generalized intelligence allows social groups to function and thrive. As we empathize, we see different viewpoints and care about what others think and feel. Effective social networks depend on this empathy to self-govern. In turn, communities form around these networks of trust and understanding. And the community supports the individual while the individual buys into the community. For intelligent machines to enhance society, they must care like we do (or rather, like we should). 

***

Advancing AI requires making artificial generalized intelligence (AGI) more feeling to make it smarter. And at the core of enhancing AGI this way is artificial empathy. As discussed, empathy is learnable. And we can distill it into component thoughts and actions to program machines with it. 

Programming empathy is possible even now and is an active area of AI research. Artificial empathy involves distinguishing social cues and programming actions around these to make emotional sense. But even if we can design machines to care, is it real? After all, in programming a computer to act with empathy, we aren't making it feel like a human. We are only teaching it the nuances of empathic action. That's not the same as caring. Or is it?

When we empathize, we imagine what it would be like to be another person. But we don't know for sure. Instead, we relate to their feelings and believe it as if it was our own. We then act to comfort and support that person as best we can. We can only approximate and care, knowing another is feeling. If a machine can do the same thing, without having to feel, the difference is moot. After all, we need only the result - empathetic action - in times of need. If it walks and talks as genuine, maybe then it is. 

***

Machines might not only be good at empathy soon, but they could also be superior at it. As humans, we are susceptible to all kinds of bias that prevents us from connecting with others. Prejudice clouds our judgment and keeps us from acting as we should. With machines, these biases would not be present.

Unencumbered, machines might be even better at empathetic tasks than humans. Emotional support robots would always be available and in tune with their human, for example. And emergency call bots could handle even the most nuanced situations. Even mundane tasks like tech support would live up to expectations. 

***

Yes, artificial empathy holds promise. But all this begs the question: if we are remarkably close to programming AI to empathize well, why do we fall so short ourselves? Is all that bias we own too high a burden to overcome? Or is it that humans need this next step - outside ourselves and into the machine - to become fully human?

As we trend towards empathetic machines, maybe they will soon take the lead. Hand in hand, man and machine, both trending towards being more human together than either ever could be alone.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Help Wanted: AI to fix broken supply chains

Orion Pictures

Evil robots need not apply.

Approx. 1000 words; 4.5 minutes read time

The current COVID-19 pandemic has revealed excessive weaknesses in our supply chains. Everyday services have buckled under the pressure. Once well-stocked store shelves are empty. And speedy at-home delivery has slowed in this time of need. But Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to help organize the chaotic world of global supply chains. And no, this does not mean machines will soon take over the planet. Hopefully not, anyway.

***

If you started making bread at home since the COVID-19 pandemic began, you are not alone. Millions of people lately have taken up this centuries-old baking tradition. All this goodness rising in American kitchens comes at a cost, though. Home bread-making has decimated grocery stocks of flour and yeast. It seems all that leavening has leveled the baking aisles in our neighborhood markets. 

The reason for the shortages: demand has outpaced availability. There's plenty of flour and yeast out there, so it's not a strict supply and demand issue. Instead, there is not enough flour and yeast directed to the consumer market. The same was true of toilet paper back when this pandemic began. There was plenty of TP then as there is now. But it wasn't packaged and shipped for the consumer to buy. 

These aren't supply issues. These are supply chain issues.

***

Supply chain weaknesses are not new. Challenges with getting stuff to those who want and need it are universal. 

Here's an absurd example: there's a global sand shortage. Yes, sand. We use sand in everything from concrete to computer chips, and we don't have access to enough globally. No, we aren't running out of it. A trip to the beach or desert will illustrate there is plenty of sand to be had. But the global sand supply chains that feed demand are inadequate.

Sometimes these problems are not only absurd like with sand, but also dire, as with food. Right now, over 800 million people are suffering from malnutrition and hunger. The problem is not about producing enough good food. We've got so much already that 1.3 billion tons go to waste each year. Instead, it's about getting the available food to the millions of hungry mouths. Yes, global hunger is a supply chain issue too.

These issues are happening right now, every day, not because of some global crisis. Instead, they are happening because we don't address demands as they arise. And we are not preparing for scenarios where needs will shift, as in times of global crisis like now.

But disasters do indeed make matters worse.

COVID-19 has given us a taste of this, even though we saw it coming. Now, imagine if something globally cataclysmic - without warning - hit us.

Almost all disaster scenarios foretell failed supply chains with humanity running amuck. In these tales, aliens, asteroids, zombies, or viruses don't kill us off. Instead, we destroy ourselves as we run out of things we need to survive.

Any doomsday prepper will tell you: it's not the attack; it's the aftermath.

***

So why are there supply chain issues anyway? Most, if not all, persist because of archaic systems encumbered by bureaucracies. Yes, people getting in the way of other people. Supply chain limits are rarely technical problems outside our control. Instead, a lack of imagination seems to be the most significant limiting factor. 

Could AI help us solve the supply chain problem?

Several big-name companies are betting on it. Amazon, for example, is using AI to collect data about existing supply systems right now. Drone deliveries we hear a lot about. But Amazon is also researching everything from autonomous vehicles to AI-managed distribution. And they are also collecting heaps of data on what we, the consumers, are consuming. Hopefully for good, right?

It makes economic sense for them, of course, to make things more efficient. But in the ideal, all humanity could benefit. If it goes well (a big if, to be sure), tomorrow's automated world will free humans to do other things.

***

Supply chains could be so well-automated one day that machines could build themselves. It takes thousands of people to develop, source materials, and create computers. But advances in AI could streamline all this. Limiting processes, like extracting rare-earth elements (REEs) used in electronics, could be automated. AI could also control the supply and shipping of REEs for manufacturing. From start to finish - raw materials to the finished robot - could be done without humans. 

If we could enable machines to build themselves, everything after that would be easy.

This all sounds a little scary, though. If we help machines overcome the limits that people present, what stops them from eliminating us? After all, limits in REE supply chains are the main reasons "evil robots" wouldn't take over the world. It takes too many people to get the stuff needed to make robots into robots in the first place. So why would we remove this obstacle?

We'd do so because a better scenario exists. 

AI in the future will be beneficial, as it is now. AI affords us "superhuman" processing ability, where we create solutions for many very human problems. With AI, we can see workflow inefficiencies and use this knowledge to smooth things out. People will remain part of the chain, but we will use humans wisely and more humanely. Automation will increase, and things like packaging and delivery will be autonomous. Resource extraction and allocation will also be improved. Removing humans from these dangerous tasks is the most significant promise of technology, after all.

Best of all, AI will create intricate supply chains that favor local sourcing. Large scale systems cannot do this fine-scale tuning right now. Instead of the one size fits all model we have now, AI could account for localized opportunities. We'll thus ramp up small-scale production regionally, negating global long supply chain weaknesses. This means more people are getting essentials they need for a good life while reducing emissions and waste.

***

Supply chains are inadequate and cause untold waste and suffering. Knowing this tells me we need to be smarter about distribution. AI can help us be just that - more intelligent about how we move stuff around. As we approach this utopian AI-enhanced world, events like flour, yeast, and TP shortages will become a thing of the past. So too will hunger and suffering, in the ideal. Getting there is, of course, the challenge. And a lot of pitfalls exist between here and utopia - pitfalls like evil machines taking over.

But let's hope not.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

So long Soyuz - Hello Dragon! #LaunchAmerica

Here's why the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft Demo-2 launch is so exciting, plus everything you need to know to watch.

Approx. 775 words; 3 minutes read time

This coming Wednesday, May 27th, 2020, history happens.

SpaceX and NASA will launch the first US-based crewed mission since the Shuttle retired in 2011. In the nine years since we've relied on the Russian Space Program to carry US astronauts back and forth. These trips aboard the Soyuz spacecraft cost the US $86 million per flight. With Wednesday's launch, we bid farewell to US dependence on Russia in space. And we say hello to a new era in space exploration.

***

Lifting off from Kenedy Space Center in Florida - from US soil - astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken will blast into history. They do so aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft; the first-ever commercial crewed spaceflight.

Having the US return to crewed space travel signals our best chance back to the moon, on to Mars, and beyond. The idea is to let commercial ventures take care of the trip to and from orbit; NASA will then focus on getting us into deep space. Yes, the New Space Race is upon us, and SpaceX is way out front.

***

Wednesday’s launch is a big deal for the US. And it's a massive deal for humanity too. I, for one, couldn't be more excited. 

I love space exploration. The US has been in orbit my entire life, having been born after the Apollo missions in the 60s and 70s. But the stories are such a part of US History that I feel as if I was there. And I was there for many of the Space Shuttle launches as an 80s kid.

We'd stop everything in school to watch the Space Shuttle blast off or land. So when the last Shuttle retired in 2011, I was sad. And I also felt a little trapped. For the first time, we had to rely on Russia to get into and out of space. The idea of it made me uncomfortable, and I'm only a bystander.

To recap why Demo-2 is such a monumental event:

1. It's a return to US-based crewed space missions.

2. It's the first-ever commercial crewed space mission.

3. The event signals a new era of US space exploration.

4. Прощай россия (Goodbye Russia). 

***

Have I convinced you to clear your calendars to watch all the happenings on May 27th? If so, then here's my simple guide to follow and appreciate this historic event.

Who: America, that's who! The launch is a joint US Government (NASA) - SpaceX mission. Astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken, chosen by NASA, will crew this sortie. Hurley and Behnken are longtime friends, colleagues, and accomplished US astronauts. Each has been on three separate missions to space. Hurley was the pilot of the final shuttle mission in July 2011, so it's fitting to have him lead this next chapter.

What: Years of SpaceX/NASA research and development culminate this Wednesday. Known as Demo-2, SpaceX will launch it's first crewed mission aboard Crew Dragon. SpaceX has already conducted several cargo missions to the ISS via Dragon. Now it's time to ferry people. The Crew Dragon will dock with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the mission.

When: Launch is at 4:33 PM ET, Wednesday, May 27th, 2020. Countdown coverage begins at noon ET.

Where: Demo-2 blasts off from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, at historic Launch Complex 39A (where the Apollo program and many Shuttle missions originated).

Why: Demo-2 is technically a "test mission." As stated, it's the first crewed mission aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon-Falcon 9 system. The two-person crew will examine operations throughout the launch, orbit, docking, and reentry. This last part, the safe return, will be when we all have a sigh of relief.

How (to watch): NASA TV, how else? The free app is available for Android, iOS, and smart TV/streaming devices. Check with your preferred service for details. You can also watch from your computer at nasa.gov.

NASA and SpaceX are using the hashtag #LaunchAmerica to promote the upcoming mission. You can use this hashtag to follow along on Twitter and other social media on launch day. 

***

Will you be watching and Tweeting along with others this Wednesday? If so, remember to tweet #LaunchAmerica. And let me know @SciFiCreate.

T minus five days and counting. Godspeed Crew Dragon Demo-2. And Happy Launch Day, everyone. 

Enjoy history in the making! Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Lost colors, forbidden colors, colorful universe

I thought I lost some colors but instead gained some insight.

Approx. 800 words; 3 minutes read time

Over the last few years, I've had this reoccurring sensation that some colors had vanished. No, I'm not experiencing a form of color blindness. And this is not a metaphor for life losing its brilliance, nor is it a plea for help. I mean this at face value - I've had at least three episodes where I felt like colors I'd known had disappeared.

When I say "colors," I'm referring to the visible light spectrum - between 380 and 740 nanometers (nm) wavelength. You might recall from science class the human eye can detect light within this range. While many other animals can see wavelengths in the infrared (>740 nm) or ultraviolet (<380 nm), we generally cannot.

My most recent "lost colors" event was a year ago while I was trying to pick an appropriate color for a booklet cover. I was feeling uninspired and a bit down while working. And then it hit me - like an electric jolt. Despite having the complete rainbow at my disposal, something was missing. It was distressing, like misplacing my keys or losing sight of my son in a crowd. I wanted a different color, one I had known before, but now I couldn't find it.

The sensation was fleeting, lasting only a few seconds. But it was so intense the thought of it lingered for some time. As I said, I had this same feeling a couple of times before, and each time it made me take pause and notice.

***

It occurred to me that my brain could be acting up. Psychological quirks of many kinds can be precursors to disease. Hallucinations might be a prelude to Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, for example. And with COVID-19, some people experience losing their sense of smell. Having perception "irregularities" of any kind are notable.

Since the last episode, I've searched to see if there are any known correlations. The research turned up nothing. I also took a few of those color blindness tests to be sure. All clear there. Beguiled, I reached out to a friend and vision expert, ophthalmologist Dr. Tom Ott. 

"I don't know of any disease or disorder with your symptoms," he responded. "I wouldn't worry about it." 

"Look, I'm not worried...not much anyway," I replied. "But, I am curious. Could it be more? Something indicative of a larger phenomenon...since I'm not going crazy."

"Hey, you might be going crazy," he interrupted. "But feeling as if you lost some colors is not symptomatic of any disease I know." 

Geeze. Thanks, Dr. Ott.

Crazy or not, the experience felt real. So I decided to do some further sleuthing. 

***

Here's a curiosity I uncovered: "forbidden colors." These are color combinations our brains cannot decode. Our eyes have neurons that are on/off switches, ones for red-green, and ones for yellow-blue. Red light hitting the red-green neurons turns them "on." And green light inhibits these, turning them "off." A switch is never both on and off; neither can these neurons sense red and green at once. Likewise, for yellow-blue neurons: yellow turns them on, and blue turns them off. 

While red-green and yellow-blue are real colors, we don't "see" them because of the limits of our eyes and brain. 

Human perception is an active field of study. What is typical for all doesn't cover all that some individuals might detect. For example, a few investigations propose some humans can see infrared and ultraviolet. In some circumstances, that is. Other studies point to receptors for magnetism in people. These proteins are akin to those in magnetoreception species like birds. What these extremes mean for us is unclear. But we do know there is more than meets the eye when it comes to human perception.

***

I desire to think my lost colors were indicative of some transient hyper-perception. As if I did see more colors once upon a time, but lost the ability. Yet, the scientist in me immediately dismisses this as wishful thinking. Whatever is going on with me, it's not a superpower. It is more likely a brain glitch. 

My explanation: I tried spicing up a dull project by only changing the color, leaving me wanting. I somehow equated this feeling with misplacing something I once had. Coupled with my general malaise at the time, and poof - I felt as if some colors had disappeared from existence.

That said, it was an illuminating experience. The episodes have caused me to think a great deal about what I see…and cannot see. There is so much out there beyond our perception. It's comforting in a way, knowing that the universe is more colorful than we see.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

***

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The perfect pair of sci-fi-horror films for Mother's Day

20th Century Fox

Life can be terrifying. But don't worry, Mom's here.

Approx. 765 words; 3 minutes read time

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday, May 10th. For movie fan moms, there are many great films to celebrate the joy and beauty of the occasion. Heartwarming tearjerkers and uplifting rom-coms are often the go-to films for this day. And rightfully so - being a mom is the best job on Earth. If a feel-good movie is your thing, then go for it. I like 2010's The Kids Are All Right, starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. 

But motherhood is not all tears-of-joy and happy endings. It is hard work. Life can be terrifying, and moms have to deal with it all. Want to watch something that captures this terror while celebrating the saving grace of motherhood? If you answered yes, then I have a rather unorthodox recommendation for you.

*****

Be forewarned: these two films will have you digging deep to make it to the end. They are bone-chilling fright-fests. But if you can stick it out, the experience will leave you drained but inspired, just like motherhood. Yes, I'm referring to my two favorite sci-fi-horror movies of all time, Alien and Aliens. And yes, you read that correctly, I recommend you watch both this Mother's Day Weekend.

*****

Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, burst onto the silver screen in 1979. And Aliens, the sequel by James Cameron, escaped around the world in 1986. These two films, the first and best in the franchise, tell of a species of aliens that violate and prey on humans. At the heart of these flicks is Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. Ripley is the reluctant protagonist, leading the defense against the ravenous space monsters. She survives and even grows throughout the two films. By the end, Ripley undergoes a surprising and moving transformation. 

Critics and fans alike extol Alien and Aliens for Weaver's portrayal of Ripley. We often think of her character as a battle-hardened warrior. But Ripley isn't one, not at first anyway. She is a regular person, forced into extraordinary circumstances by the alien menace. Fear and hatred of this enemy overwhelm many. But through it all, Ripley somehow musters immense courage. She will stop at nothing to rid the universe of the species, to save her own.

To see Ripley change entirely, you must watch both Alien and Aliens together. They are different movies owing to the styles and choices of Scott vs. Cameron. But Ripley doesn't feel like Frankenstein's monster, pieced together from two creators' visions. Instead, she is a single, cohesive, fleshed-out person. Her struggles feel real, and we admire her as she grows, adapts, and overcomes. It's believable storytelling. And she's a believable character with whom we can relate.

When first confronted by the lifeform in Alien, Ripley is by the book. She insists on following protocol at all costs. But mistakes are made, and soon danger - and the body count - rises. Ripley must forego formality and scramble to save her life and the dwindling crew. In the process, we learn how deep Ripley's fortitude runs. And we recognize her for what she has become - a hero. 

But her metamorphosis is not yet complete. It is in the second film, Aliens, that Ripley matures into her true self. 

After her return to Earth, Ripley is asked to go back and help investigate a potential alien resurgence. At first, she refuses. But her concern for humanity overrides - a maternal instinct in many ways - and she agrees to go back. But only on the condition that they destroy the aliens for good.

Of course, the aliens are waiting and in higher numbers than expected. But this is only part of the challenge for Ripley. Not long into the mission, they find an orphaned child named Newt. Abandoned and alone, Ripley must now protect Newt amidst the crushing onslaught. In so doing, Ripley reveals herself this time as more than a hero. She is a mother at heart, willing to stop at nothing to protect a human child. 

The Ripley we see in the final scenes of Aliens is not the same woman we met at the beginning of the first film, Alien. Changed by violence and shaped by evil, Ripley could have crumbled like those around her. Or become hardened like so many who face such difficulties. But instead, her inner spark, her true self, finds a reason to fight and to live. That spark we learn is the bond of motherhood - the ultimate connection of humankind with itself.

*****

Happy Mother's Day, everyone. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Watch Party Curious? Get your feet wet and join me April 29th for The Twilight Zone Watch Party

The party is virtual but the fun is real!

Approx. 1200 words; six minutes read time

Hello, Sci-fi Friends. I'm writing to you mid-week to let you know about a fun upcoming event I'm hosting: The Twilight Zone Watch Party. More on this in a moment. First, let me talk watch parties.

Many people are turning to watch parties for social interaction and entertainment. Particularly now, as we all socially isolate at home. It's what it sounds like – people getting together to watch a favorite show, movie, or event.

We've all been to in-person watch parties for The Oscars or to see a big game like the Super Bowl. But these days when someone says "watch party" they mean virtual. It's safe to assume a party is online unless someone sends you a home address.

If you've never participated in a virtual watch party, have no fear. It's easy. Simply follow these three steps, and you'll be joining in on all the fun.

First, get your show

You'll need to have the featured show/movie/whatever and a way to play it. It doesn't matter how you watch so long as you are viewing the same thing as everyone else.

Watch parties are BYOC - bring your own copy. If it's a broadcast show or special, tune in and watch when it's on. But for anything else, you'll need the media and a way to play it. Many watch parties involve digital media that is available to stream. You can watch these on Amazon, Apple, Hulu, Netflix or other services. If it's a movie or show that you already have on disk or tape, that works too. Make sure your media player is working, and you're all set.

Next, get synced with everyone else

If it's broadcast, easy: tune in when it's on. For your media, that's also super easy - press play at the specified time. That's it. Pro Tip: If you are late to the party, don’t fear. We all know that finding your old VHS copy of Slumber Party Massacre II takes time. So if you don't get the tape loaded until 8:21, but the party started at 8, simply fast forward to 21 minutes into the movie. Genius, right?

Finally, socialize. It’s a party after all.

How you socialize virtually depends on the party. If it's a small group, the host might specify video conferencing like FaceTime or Zoom and send you a link. Live video conferencing works well with two or three people and even small groups. Others host events on their YouTube channels. There are even watch party-specific apps now. Netfix and others are getting in on the action with watch party-specific features. If invited to a party using one of these apps, don't hesitate to learn how.

---

One of the easiest ways to socialize during a watch party is hashtagging on Twitter

Hashtags ("#FollowedByWords") are links that unite comments on Twitter into a single conversation. They allow users to follow along with all the talk, much like you would in person. Someone writes something, and others chime in. Unless, of course, someone says something awkward. Then it's silence - again, like in person.

In the search field on Twitter, type in the hashtag for your watch party to see what everyone else is saying. Make sure you are looking at "latest" and refresh your screen every so often. And when you comment, don't forget to add the hashtag, so it becomes part of the conversation too.

A note to the tech averse out there

I know – some of my GenX friends and many of my Boomer followers just hit the brakes. I can hear it already – "I don't tweeter." Look, you don't have to be a serious Twitter user to have an account for watch parties. Using it for only one purpose is quite common. Many people use Twitter only to engage with a specific group, kind of like a fan club.

My parents are even on Twitter and follow me (and you should follow them @JohnJennyClark1, they'd love it). It's easy to set up an account. You don't have to use your real name as they did. I'm @SciFiCreate. Once set up, you can see as little or as much of Twitter as you want. And no, you don't have to see tweets from @KimKardashian or @realDonaldTrump unless you want to. However, I would recommend following @SirPatStew (Patrick Stewart, a.k.a. Captain Picard). Lately, he's been reading Shakespeare sonnets each day, and his voice is so soothing. Yes, he has a hashtag for it. Pro Tip: Click on this hashtag - #ASonnetADay - and you can see what a live Twitter feed looks like without even signing up.

Have I convinced you to go on Twitter? If so, then you are ready to party – virtually! The day of the event, have Twitter ready and follow along with the hashtag as described above. It's a low-cost commitment, and you'll learn Twitter is not that scary after all. Well, let's be honest – Twitter is that scary. Much of what people say and do there is frankly terrifying. Don't look at that stuff. Follow your watch party hashtag and then get out.

---

Now, for The Twilight Zone Watch Party – join me!

Full details are on my website here.

The Twilight Zone Watch Party is a three-week event, happening on Wednesday evenings April 29th, May 6th, and May 13th, all beginning at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. Why then? We will be watching episodes 29, 30, and 31 exactly 60 years from the date and time they first aired. Cool, right? To flesh it out and make it an event, we will also be watching a "best of" episode as well.

For the first party, we're watching Episode 29 "Nightmare as a Child" (original air date April 29th, 1960 - 60 YEARS AGO TO THE DAY) and Episode 64 "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?" (original air date May 26th, 1961).

The Twilight Zone is available in several formats. Streaming: CBS All Access (recommended; all episodes available with subscription); Amazon and Hulu (all episodes available to rent or buy). Check your preferred provider for more options. Physical media: Several Blue Ray, DVD, and VHS sets are out there.

For all dates, our party begins at 10:00 PM Eastern for the first episode and 11:00 PM Eastern for the second. Between there will be an intermission with other entertainment, TBD.

#TwilightZoneWatchParty

That's it. But not quite. I've enlisted some help with the party from my friends over at Monster Movie happy Hour (MMHH). These monster mixologists have fun talking scary movies and making videos about drinks. They post these shenanigans on their website and on YouTube. Definitely check them out. They are pulling together a special mid-century cocktail recipe specifically for this party. It'll be debuting on YouTube on April 29th - more details to follow.

Okay, I hope this post has encouraged you to join in on a watch party or two over the coming weeks. And I hope you'll join me this next Wednesday for the first Twilight Zone Watch Party. Our dimension is kind of lonely right now, so why not travel to another one together? Next stop – The Twilight Zone!

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

The Twilight Zone – timeless stories with a message

CBS

At the core of this sci-fi classic is a creator’s heart.

Approx. 500 words; 2 minutes read time.

The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling helped define science fiction as we know it today. It first aired over sixty years ago, but the stories are as relevant now as ever. Using mystery, suspense, and a twist ending, Serling told tales on the edge of reality. This simple formula helped make The Twilight Zone fun and accessible. But each story has a message and often a warning about the dangers we pose to ourselves. Even when about futuristic or even alien subjects, The Twilight Zone at its heart is about us.

One of my favorite episodes is Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?

On a snowy winter night, two state troopers investigate a UFO that has crashed into a frozen pond. Footprints from the pond lead the troopers to a nearby café. There they find a cook tending to a bus driver and his six passengers. The troopers inform the party they’ll have to wait until crews clear an iced-in bridge before they can leave. But wait - the officers count seven besides the driver and cook. Unclear who among them is the intruder, paranoia engulfs the small café. Tensions flare as each accuses the other of being an alien invader.

Serling wrote The Real Martian as an allegory of Cold War paranoia. The communist threat gripped the nation in the fifties and sixties, and panic was rampant. Anyone could be a spy – a coworker, a neighbor, even a spouse. Or so we thought. Trust eroded. People shuttered doors, wary of what might come in.

Sounds familiar. And it is. Serling’s stories are about fundamental challenges we all face – in any time.

At its core, science fiction is a powerful means to share stories that matter. Serling knew this and knew how to get to the heart of the human condition. The Twilight Zone was always about making heavy subjects watchable. Yes, Serling wrote stories about time travel, miraculous events, the future, and aliens. But he never forgot to put the human heart at the center of these stories.

I won’t give away what happens in Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up? But some of those riders do get back on the bus. As for Serling’s message, take heed. If you find yourself headed down a treacherous road – or any dark path – be sure and trust who you are with. To do otherwise could leave you careening off an icy bridge alone, and strait into the The Twilight Zone.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Want to watch Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up? It’s Episode 64 (Season 2, Episode 28) and first aired on CBS May 26, 1961. All episodes of The Twilight Zone are available to stream now on CBS All Access. You can also rent or buy episodes on Amazon.

Hoping for first contact like me? Understanding the numbers gives reason to believe

With enough space and time, anything is possible. Even aliens.

Approx. 700 words; 3 minutes read time

The universe is big. It's so big that extraterrestrial life seems possible. But like two ships passing in the night, how will we ever meet up with an alien in all that space? The thing is, the universe is not only big, but it's also old. Both the size and age of the universe increase our odds that alien life is out there…and will contact us.

We know the universe is big. But we also know how big because we can measure it. We use "standard candles" - space signposts - to calculate interstellar distances. Standard candles include pulsating stars, their relative positions, and changes in light wavelengths. These allow us to infer distances between Earth and other star systems. As for the size of the universe: it's 93 billion light-years across. One light-year is 5.88 trillion miles, so the universe is 546.8 sextillion miles wide. That's a lot of space for aliens to happen.

Here are some other astronomical figures that give me hope:

• There are 2 trillion galaxies or more in the visible universe, each with billions of stars.
• Most if not all stars have planets. Many of these are Earth-like, being the right distance from their star to be habitable.
• The Milky Way, our home galaxy, contains 400 billion stars. As many as 40 billion Earth-like planets could exist here.

One major caveat: all these planets outside our solar system are super far from Earth. Even the closest star, Proxima Centauri, is 4.2 light-years away. That's 24.7 trillion miles. And most stars are much further away than that. Even if intelligent life exists elsewhere in our universe, we could not visit it. At least not yet.

Here is where we factor in time.

Yes, it would take a long time to travel interstellar distances. But that's given our current limited ability and knowledge. Odds are civilizations far more advanced than ours have figured out how to do it faster.

The universe is about 13 billion years old. Earth is only 4.5 billion and is young by comparison. Many habitable planets are much older, even billions of years more than Earth. That's a crazy amount of time for advanced civilizations to evolve. These aliens, if they exist, have a head-start on us by millions or even billions of years. Conceivably they have overcome the significant limits of space by now. They've gone interstellar.

Even if they haven't ventured out towards us, their signals likely have. First contact may in fact be radio communication, not an in-person visit. Radio like all electromagnetic radiation travels at the speed of light. It's the fastest means we know to communicate.

Given the universe's age, countless civilizations could have broadcasted at some point. That's the bet we're making with SETI – the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. We've set up vast arrays of radio antennas in the hopes of intercepting a transmission. No luck yet. But I like many, remain hopeful.

There are those among us who don't believe. These nonbelievers postulate we haven't heard anything because there isn't anyone out there. That's a sad thought to me. Sadder still is the idea civilizations collapse shortly after they begin transmitting radio. And long before they become interstellar.

I find these hypotheses too bleak to accept. While that's not scientific, neither is taking no proof as disproof. Instead, I prefer to keep waiting for that call or visit from space.

I'm not alone in hoping for aliens. Many scientists, artists, writers, and filmmakers share this lifelong dream. Hope keeps us all imagining, studying and searching. And if hope keeps us going, then the numbers give us reason to believe.

There's a whole lot of space out there and a whole lot of time. Given enough of each, amazing things can happen.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

The simple joy of an outdated VCR

Approx. 450 words; 2.5 minutes read time

It must be some kind of vintage movie time machine.

Small confession: I am one of those guys who has a working VCR. While I certainly stream my share of films these days, I enjoy the tangible aspects of VHS video. I’m slowly growing my collection of classic sci-fi, action-adventure, and horror on VHS and watch something on tape at least once a week. Anyway, I was a bit surprised when this last Sunday morning I discovered my VCR’s clock had mysteriously changed. It was precisely one hour ahead.

My first thought: it advanced the time for Daylight Saving Time (DST) on this Sunday by mistake. Maybe I had the date entered wrong. The thing was, I set the time and date back on March 8th for Daylight Savings and had also toggled the DST option to “on.” It shouldn’t have changed time again until the fall.

Although certain I had set everything up properly, I opened up the Date and Time menu to double-check. Sure enough, all was correct. That’s when it dawned on me. The “problem” was not my VCR at all. Instead, the world around it had changed.

A quick Google search confirmed it – The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time in the United States by several weeks. My VCR was made in 2002.

The “DST Act” went into effect in 2007 and moved the start date for DST from the first Sunday of April to the second Sunday of March. The end was changed too, moved from the last Sunday of October to the first Sunday in November. My VCR from 2002 predated the act and changed the time according to the old dates for DST. For 2020, that would have been this last Sunday, April 3rd.

My VCR was working as it should.

Maybe you remember this federal act going into effect back in ‘07, now thirteen years ago. I have to admit that I had forgotten all about it. That is until my VCR decided to act like some kind of vintage movie time machine. I do recall now all the hubbub back then, but only vaguely. In reality, the change just became a part of my life, like so many other things.

That’s all this post is. Initially, I thought I’d draw some parallels with our current situation, maybe bring in a few time travel references and try and pull together some prophetic statements on change.

But it’s just a VCR with outdated programming. I’m thankful it works and happy to have the simple joy it brings to my life.

I hope you are finding time for simple joys as well.

Until next time, Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Watch out! Kids on bikes

Universal

Nothing signals adventure for a kid better than a bike.

Approx. 850 words; four minutes read time

Growing up in the late 1970s and 1980s, I, along with my older brother and two cousins, palled around like four feral dogs, getting into mischief inspired by what we saw on T.V. and film. We called ourselves “The Packrats” and had lots of secret club stuff like I.D. cards, walkie-talkies, maps to hidden caches, and a clubhouse in the woods behind our house. We even had codenames. Together we developed the “hawk call” – imagine a sound like a loud, dying crow - that we used to signal each other when separated. I can only imagine what others thought when they heard us. Anyway, our escapades were often epic (by 12-year-old standards), and we imagined ourselves like the kids in great adventure movies such as The Goonies (1985) and, of course, E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial (1982). Both films incidentally featured one of my favorite plot elements – kids on bikes.

The final act of E.T. has to be one of the best bicycle chase scenes ever. Eliot with E.T. in his handlebar basket, and his brother and friends on their bikes, all flee from authorities as they try and get their alien friend back to rendezvous with his spaceship. It’s exhilarating seeing them dodge in and out of traffic, up and over cars, and down steep suburban California streets. This film undoubtedly secured the bicycle in our minds as the proverbial ticket to adventure.

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My first bike was just about as groovy as a 1970s bike could be. It was a hand-me-down 20” Schwinn that a distant cousin had given up. Pearlescent blue with a rather striking white vinyl banana seat, there was some expected wear and tear on it. But to me, this didn’t matter. It was the finest looking bike around. Best of all, it was mine.

Learning to ride was painful, and there were a lot of bloody knees involved. But what I remember most about this time was not the pain but rather the sweet freedom it brought. Bike riding, I discovered, opened up seemingly limitless possibilities. Great distances that were once impossible – like up the street to a friend’s house or down the road to a local store – all were suddenly within reach. Bikes were a means to explore – a way to expand my horizons as far as I could pedal (as long as I was back by supper time).

Our club The Packrats turned into an adolescent biker gang when we mounted our bicycles, terrorizing the countryside on our two-wheeled freedom machines. We rode all over, getting into adventures and testing our abilities (we also tested our mothers who undoubtedly feared the worst each time we rode off). Helmets were nonexistent at the time, so it’s a wonder any of us survived. But survive we did, along with so many fond memories from those days. Now, when I hop on a bicycle and head out for a ride, I feel that same sense of freedom (although with a helmet, of course).

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The Duffer Brothers have tapped into this nostalgia full-on in their Netflix series Stranger Things (three seasons, 2016, 2017, 2019). This coming of age sci-fi series is about a group of friends who uncover a government plot to open a portal to another dimension. They get sucked into fighting for their lives against the evil unwittingly unleashed. Stranger Things has been universally praised for its well-executed tribute to 1980s science fiction. Of course, there is a heavy dose of kids on bikes throughout.

Netflix

In one of the early episodes, a main character’s bicycle is found, but without its kid. It’s chilling to see, knowing how important bikes are to a 12 year old boy. It’s like seeing a lone saddled horse without a rider. This eerie scene helped set the stage for the entire, ground-breaking first season.

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Today, having a young son is a vivid reminder of the exhilaration childhood brings. He’s now seven and we share a lot of common interests, particularly sci-fi and bikes (go figure). Being locked down at home as part of the COVID-19 response, we have more time together than before and that has been a real blessing. We are now almost daily going on father-son rides, mostly in and around our own suburban California neighbored that is not unlike the one in E.T. As we ride, I can’t help but imagine him getting into his own adventures soon, probably with his own mischievous friends and who knows, maybe even an alien or two.

It’s funny how it all ties together between us – the sci-fi, the bikes, the adventure. As much as I love reminiscing about my own good ol’ days and watching classic movies that take me back to those adventurous times – real life, right now, with my son, is the best adventure ever. No doubt we are building great ‘kids on bikes’ memories for him too.

Until next time, Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Editorial note: Yes, this is like the third post in a row where I mention E.T. I’ll try and lay off it for next time. ~JRC

Enough with the doom and gloom - here's a top ten list of feel good sci-fi flicks to brighten things up

Approx. 2000 words; 10 minutes read time (In a hurry? Read the intro then skim to the bottom for my top picks. Don’t forget to like and comment too! ~JRC)

Science fiction films are my go-to escape of choice. And I am certainly watching my fill as of late. The thing is, sci-fi movies are often dark and frequently apocalyptic. Post-nuclear worlds, maniacal machine takeovers, and hostile alien invasions are all standard fare in science fiction. Good stuff if your idea of escapism also includes a bunker in the backyard.

As much as I like these tales of Armageddon, some of it is hitting close to home. Between daily White House press briefings and these nightly apocalyptic movies, I am starting to consider that backyard bunker seriously. Alas, Home Depot is closed like everything else, so building it will have to wait. For now, another escape plan is in order.

What I need is some feel-good sci-fi.

To keep from going full-on doomsday prepper, I’ve compiled a top ten list of science fiction movies that aren’t afraid to make us laugh. Best of all, the selections here are liable to put a little cheer in everyone’s heart, not just those sci-fi fanatics out there. All are available to stream right now too, so you don’t have to break home isolation protocols to watch them. Another perk with this list is that most are kid-friendly, making them watchable in primetime, not just after the space cadets go to bed.

Here we go. Grab a snack, cue up one of these gems, and get set to enjoy a little fun sci-fi escapism.

10. Galaxy Quest (1999) Rated PG. Stream now on Amazon and Apple. Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver star as lead cast members from a fictional TV series Galaxy Quest who are contacted by aliens that believe the show is a real-life documentary from Earth. Impressed, the aliens enlist the crew (cast) of Galaxy Quest to help stop an intergalactic meltdown.

Dreamworks

The film, a loving comedic homage to Star Trek, is so well-acted that you can’t help but empathize with the crew as they grow into genuine space heroes. Better still, the portrayal of Galaxy Quest fans in a parody of real-life “Trekkies” is admirable. Star Trek fans have embraced Galaxy Quest for this adoring portrayal of their sci-fi fandom.

9. Super 8 (2011) Rated PG-13. Stream now on Amazon (free with Prime), Apple and Hulu. For a healthy dose of feel-good sci-fi nostalgia, mixed in loving tribute to Steven Spielberg, look no further than Super 8, written and directed by J.J. Abrams (the director behind both the Star Trek and Star Wars reboots of the last decade). This film focuses on a group of young teenagers making their own Super 8 film when they witness a cataclysmic event that unleashes an otherworldly danger.

Paramount

The kids band together in classic Spielberg style, working to save each other and their small town despite the mishandlings by every adult around them. This film is darker than others in this top ten list, but the energy and heart-felt emotion generated by the young cast is sure to lift spirits.

8. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) Rated G. Stream now on Amazon and Disney+. Aloof college chemistry teacher Professor Brainard (played by Fred MacMurray) invents a rubbery substance, dubbed “flubber,” that gains energy as it bounces. Professor Brainard is so excited with this discovery that he misses his wedding – something he has done a couple of times already.

Disney

Madcap antics ensue as the professor attempts to share flubber with others while another professor woos his dejected bride-to-be. As Brainard tests his surprising discovery, with increasingly comical outcomes, still others become interested in stealing it for their gain. The antics spiral out of control, but – this shouldn’t be a spoiler since this is a formulaic Disney classic – all works out in the end for the endearing professor. The movie is an excellent example of what made old-school Disney films so famous. Short on real substance, being a series of repeated gags, The Absent-Minded Professor is not a deep film by any measure. But it is a pure joy to watch with a great cast and nostalgic sets and effects. Best of all, The Absent-Minded Professor brings back memories of a simpler time. Gather even the youngest sci-fi fans to watch this fun little escape from reality.

7. Men in Black (1997) Rated PG-13. Stream now on Amazon and Apple. Surprise - aliens from all over the Milky Way have been here on Earth since 1961. A secret supra-governmental agency known as the Men in Black governs these extraterrestrial visitors, working to keep them a secret from Earth’s human population while preventing the ever-possible outbreak of interstellar war.

Universal

Such is the premise of Men in Black, a hilarious shout-out to Mid-20^th Century science fiction. Starring the wonderfully paired duo Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, the film shines for its comedic comradery between the two, as well as for the excellent special effects throughout. MIB is one of those films that entertains audiences of all ages, having plenty of gross-out creature effects for the kids while interspersing subtle adult humor to keep everyone chuckling.

6. The Fifth Element (1997) Rated PG-13. Stream now on Amazon and Apple. Bruce Willis stars in this sci-fi action comedy as Korben Dallas, a 23^rd Century ex-military taxi-cab driver, who unwittingly must fight for Earth’s survival after a mysterious young woman falls into his cab. The woman named LeeLoo, played by Milla Jovovich, is the “fifth element” who, along with four mystical stones, is the only thing standing between Earth and total annihilation by a “Great Evil.”

Gaumont Buena Vista International

Whoever controls the stones controls the galaxy, so the Great Evil enlists the morally corrupt Zorg (portrayed pleasingly by Gary Oldman) to acquire them. Dallas and LeeLoo venture into space to get the stones before Zorg. The film's plot is challenging to follow at times, but this weakness is overcome by (or perhaps caused by) dazzling effects and extravagant costumes that are worth watching. Best of all, Willis plays his Diehard character John McClain, this time in space. Yippie-ki-yay, evil-from-space.

5. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) Rated PG. Stream now on Amazon, Apple and Disney+. This third installment of George Lucas' original trilogy ("ROTJ"; Episode VI in the Star Wars timeline) is an action-packed space opera with heart. The film has been criticized by some as being too soft and cuddly, particularly in comparison with the decidedly dark Empire Strikes Back. But I find ROTJ to be a well-crafted tale of loyalty, honor, love, and redemption.

Lucas Films Ltd - Disney

There is just the right amount of levity, particularly between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), as well as the droids Artoo-Detoo and See-Threepio (Anthony Daniels). These lighter aspects balance well with the serious themes surrounding Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his father Darth Vader (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones). New characters like the lovable Ewoks and the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt keep the story fresh and engaging. And the excellent sets and special effects, industry-leading at the time, make this a must-see film just for the worlds created. A personal note: this Star Wars film was the first I went see in theaters as a kid, being too young for the previous two films. I’ve seriously watched it a hundred times since then. Chances are you’ve seen it at least once too, but watch it again to regain that childhood sense of wonder.

4. Ghostbusters (1984) Rated PG. Stream now on Amazon and Apple. Directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Ghostbusters is technically a horror film. But the premise revolves around the “science” of ghosts, so I think it is fair to include here. Regardless, this critically acclaimed film has plenty of otherworldly laughs and sci-fi spoofs, owing to the hilarious antics of Bill Murray as Peter Venkman along with Aykroyd as Ray Stantz and Ramis as Egon Spengler.

Columbia

The story follows the misadventures of these three parapsychologists as they run a business catching ghosts in New York City. Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore later joins the crew. Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, and Annie Potts flesh out the fantastic cast. The film is creative, allowing ghosts to “exist” as a kind of pest within the city, and our friendly neighborhood Ghostbusters thus provide an essential city service. Things turn terrible, but our heroes come together and do battle with some dark forces to save the day. When things get rough, and you need an escape, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters, of course.

3. Wall-E (2008) Rated G. Stream now on Amazon, Apple and Disney+. Wall-E is a superbly animated feature about a trash cleanup robot (Wall-E) stationed on 29th Century Earth, working to rehabilitate this now-uninhabited wasteland. Humanity has spent the last seven centuries in space, getting lazy and fat while aboard huge interstellar luxury spaceliners.

Disney - Pixar

Back on Earth, our little robot friend meets another droid (EVE), sent to Earth to check for life. The two get swept back into space, where they uncover a plot meant to keep humans out there forever. Amid the story’s blatant social criticism on human consumption and waste, love blossoms between our robot friends as they battle ignorance and evil, all the while learning to understand each other and their human creators. What makes the film so successful is the heart and compassion Wall-E elicits and the genuine emotion this little robot conjures within us. It’s a real tear-jerker and feel-good story all the same, recognized as not only the best animated film of 2008 but also as one of the best movies that year - period.

2. E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Rated PG. Stream now on Amazon and Apple. E.T. is the inspiring tale of an alien castaway on Earth who befriends a young boy Eliot (Henry Thomas) who eventually helps E.T. return home. Easily one of the greatest films of all time, E.T.’s message of friendship, love, family, and hope has inspired generations of moviegoers to believe in more than themselves.

Universal

The film has served as inspiration for countless other stories, both sci-fi and not, and has set the bar for what a Hollywood blockbuster should be. Stephen Spielberg directed this masterpiece after long-ago dreaming up the premise based on his childhood experience as the son of divorced parents. Of all the messaging in E.T., tolerance is perhaps the most relevant for times like these. The story reminds us that in overcoming our differences, we are truly exceptional. Keep the tissues handy during this one and be ready to hug your viewing partners profusely after.

1. Back to the Future (1985) Rated PG. Stream now on Apple and Amazon. Great Scott! Of course, this film is in the number one spot on my list. And why not? This hilarious time travel saga focuses on a friendship that transcends generations. Robert Zemeckis co-wrote and directed this film (and its two sequels) about professor Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and his teenage friend Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox). They experiment with time travel and end up affecting future events in the process.

Universal

In the first film, Marty is accidentally sent back from 1985 to 1955 where he meets his parents and jeopardizes his future existence. Doc Brown of 1955 is enlisted by Marty to get him back to 1985 but not before they ensure Marty’s parents fall in love. The story is entertaining on so many fronts owing to the expertly crafted script, fine performances, and non-stop laughs. Fox is a riot in the film as Marty, and Lloyd’s portrayal as the aloof scientist has become the new archetype for absent-minded professors everywhere. The take-home message of the film: your future is what you make of it. In troubling times like these, this is a notion worth remembering.

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Have thoughts on your favorite sci-fi escapes? Please share in the comments.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Editorial note: This article was edited on 2020.03.27 to correct an unconscionable number of mistakes made by its creator - me. ~JRC

The aliens within us

Wikimedia commons

Aliens help us imagine what is out there and personify what is within.

Approx. 550 words; 3 minutes read time

As a sci-fi fanatic, I love aliens. There's something about a creature from another world - the novelty, the spectacle – that never ceases to amaze me. And I'm not alone. Science fiction aliens have left an indelible mark on our collective psyche. These imagined creatures help us envision possible extraterrestrial life. They are also effective at illustrating aspects of our very human nature.

Here are three reasons why I love fictional aliens, along with a few examples of my favorite space beings.

Aliens are unreal. Aliens are appealing – even the ugly ones – because they are so otherworldly. While some are human-like such as the pointy-eared Vulcans from Star Trek, the extreme aliens make the biggest impression. Take for example the xenomorph in Alien; it is exotic, being a mosaic that borrows elements from insects, reptiles, phalluses (yes, it's true) and machines, combined in humanoid form. Still more foreign, the shape-shifting creature in The Thing assimilates and morphs into other lifeforms as it terrorizes. But perhaps the most alien aliens are the amorphous ones. In The Abyss, the explorers of a deep-sea crevasse discover a fluid, metallic creature that shapelessly flows through the depths.

Aliens are also very real. In saying this, I don't mean I believe little green men are visiting Earth right now. No, what I mean is that while the concept of the space alien – the extraterrestrial – is about the "other," in reality these creations portray very human qualities. For example, ET, that castaway alien in ET – The Extraterrestrial, exhibits the kindness, empathy and friendship that characterizes the best of humanity. It's hard to watch ET and not want to be a better person. Conversely, The Predator features a planet-hopping trophy hunter alien that exemplifies the selfish and ruthless side of man. Fictional aliens, being a product of human imagination, feature the best and worst of us, providing an ideal personification of our extremes.

Aliens are creativity at its best. Whatever real aliens are like, chances are they are nothing like what we have dreamed up thus far. And that's okay. Writers bring these creatures to life in ways that make them seem as human, or more human, than us. And artists illustrate, paint and sculpt aliens into existence, portraying wonderful lifeforms never before seen. This creativity inspires imagination in others. As a kid, for every hour I spent watching or reading a story on aliens, I would spend countless more time dreaming up and drawing my own. I see my son doing the same thing today. Aliens make us all think and imagine, inspiring us to dream.

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As much as we'd like to know what life exists beyond Earth, we don't. So what we imagine to be "out there" must come from within us. What materializes is a uniquely human quality – artistic expression. That's the wonder of sci-fi aliens. All this creativity serves to show us how amazingly diverse we are inside.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Sci-fi is not just good story – it’s also good medicine

Science fiction is surprisingly effective for presenting challenging social issues.

Approx. 350 words; 2 minutes read time

When portraying things like discrimination and persecution as “real life” drama, these stories only reach a limited demographic. But immerse these themes in a sci-fi world and they become easier to swallow, like sugar-coating a pill. Lessons cloaked in sci-fi are particularly accessible for younger audiences.

For a great example, look to the 1980-1990s television series LA Law (8 seasons, 172 episodes from 1986-1994) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (known to fans as “TNG”; 7 seasons, 178 episodes from 1987-1994). Both covered similar hot-topic issues, including alienation, discrimination, and persecution. In LA Law, the most critically acclaimed crime drama of the time portrayed these stories in the streets and courts of late 20^th Century Los Angeles. TNG, on the other hand, took many of these same themes and depicted them amidst the awe and wonder of the 23^rd Century. Just a kid when both aired, I never watched a single episode of LA Law. But I watched every installment of TNG.

Of the two, LA Law had higher ratings at the time. But TNG remains wildly popular today – now thirty years on – and is arguably more popular than ever. This sci-fi series holds a much higher rating on IMDb (8.6/10 with nearly 100,000 reviews) when compared to LA Law (6.9/10 with only 4100 reviews). And TNG is available to stream on many primary services right now, including Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, HULU, and Netflix. LA Law is not possible to stream at all.

TNG’s enduring appeal has exposed many more viewers to its relevant messaging than LA Law ever did. I would say this is a testament to the power of science fiction. By attracting younger audiences, sci-fi is not just good entertainment but also socially responsible storytelling.

That’s good medicine to be sure.

How do you take your medicine? Have a favorite sci-fi story with a message? Please share in the comments section.

Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.

JRC

Science fiction is reality-bending, genre-defying, storytelling

Science Fiction explores far more than outer space…although it does that too.

Approx. 700 words; 3.5 minutes read time

What is science fiction? This genre, commonly called sci-fi, is hard to define, given the diversity of ideas covered. Most sci-fi stories are at least partially based on real science, and many address themes in technology, the future, outer space, extraterrestrials, alternate realities, and the extremes of human ability. While defining science fiction is difficult, countless examples abound in books, film, and television. Here are just a few that help flesh out what this reality-bending genre is all about.

Yes, a lot of sci-fi is concerned with outer space. A classic example is Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek (1966, first appearance) that follows the crew of the starship Enterprise as they explore the far reaches of the galaxy – where no [human] has gone before. Closer to Earth but still very much space sci-fi, the stories of Kim Stanley Robinson are about future sociopolitical events unfolding as humans conquer the moon, Mars, and beyond (e.g., Red Moon, 2018).

But sci-fi is not limited to space. Jules Verne's classic science fiction tales Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) both tell adventures of traveling into the depths right here on planet Earth. And one of my favorite sci-fi movie trilogies of all time, Back to the Future I, II and III (1985, 1989, 1990; directed and co-written by Robert Zemeckis) explores larger-than-life themes of time travel – and the enduring power of friendship – all without leaving our home planet.

Science fiction can be loud and bold or quietly thought-provoking. James Cameron’s Avatar (2008) is a dazzling blockbuster film. Set in the 22^nd Century, humans are colonizing a distant planet’s moon at the cost of its native inhabitants, the Na’vi. While the grandiose CGI overshadows the film's social and environmental messaging, that's okay. Avatar is a visually stunning sci-fi spectacle worth seeing. Far less flamboyant is Rod Serling's television series The Twilight Zone (1959-1964; with several spin-offs and reboots). A superbly understated and surreal series, The Twilight Zone examines the human response to fantastical circumstances (in an allegory of Serling's personal experience with the horrors of war).

Oftentimes science fiction is a window into what the future might hold. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick (1968; movie adaptation in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, 1982) depicts a dystopian future where human-like androids compete with humans and become persecuted. Michael Crichton's instant sci-fi classic Jurassic Park (1990; Spielberg's ground-breaking film adaptation, 1992) explores the promise and danger of genetic engineering – with dinosaurs running amuck.

Science fiction resists easy categorization. Plots in sci-fi often blend aspects from multiple genres, such as George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977, first appearance) that is as much fantasy as it is science fiction. The Force? Force ghosts? A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away? Yep, pure fantasy – with aliens, space ships, and blasters – classic sci-fi fare. Similarly, one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, Ridley Scott's Alien (1979, sequels after that), is also one of the best horror movies of all time. The first part of the movie feels like Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – but then the alien literally busts out, and it all delightfully goes to Hell…in space.

These and countless other examples illustrate that science fiction is not only reality-bending but also genre-defying.

As diverse and limitless as science fiction stories can be, they all seek in some way to address what is unknown. And therein lies the beauty of sci-fi. Humans are hardwired to explore and discover. But this desire often outpaces our abilities. Science fiction serves to answer the question of "what if" even when we cannot yet know. In this way, science fiction not only explores what is "out there" but also addresses many of the most profound questions we have within. That's a powerful concept, no matter how you define it.