Spec the Halls

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

Season’s Greetings, y’all!

I don’t know if any of you, my loyal readers (all 2.7 of you), remember this or not but last year I posted a bit of flash fiction on the site in celebration of the season. The item was called “Gift of the Magi” and I was a little proud of it.

Well, this year, I’m submitting this little jewel to Spec the Halls. Part of the deal is that I need to link their site. But it is really no chore because their anthology looks pretty interesting.

Spec the Halls is an annual short story anthology of speculative fiction stories focused on the winter holiday season (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Stoat Floating Day, etc.). The best part is that the proceeds of the eBook sales go to Heifer International, a very worthy cause.

This year’s anthology sports some mighty fine authors: Kelly Swails, Alethea Kontis, T. Lee Harris, Laura Resnick, Steven Saus, Chanté McCoy, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Kerrie Hughes, Marian Allen, Patrick M. Tracy, Risa Wolf, Jess Hartley, Graham Storrs, Donald J. Bingle, R.T. Kaelin, and Sue Penkivech.

Now it’s up to you. Just follow the links to…

…read “Gift of the Magi“

…learn more about Spec the Halls

…learn more about Alliteration Ink (the publisher of Spec the Halls)

…learn more about Heifer International

…buy the 2011 edition of the eBook from Alliteration Ink (ordering directly from Alliteration Ink ensures more of the proceeds go to charity) or from Amazon or Barnes & Noble

 

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Book Review Extravaganza

Posted on November 28, 2011 by

I have actually managed to read a metric butt-ton* of books over the past few weeks. So, as a result, I have a ton of stuff to write reviews for. I’m way, way, behind. In an effort to make my life…and thus your life…much easier, I’m going to give you some rapid-fire reviews of these books that I think you, my readership (all 2.7 of you) will enjoy.

A Princess of MarsA Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs (9781610420105 : Nook set) : 1917, 2010

This classic “pulp” adventure from the creator of Tarzan of the Apes is a lot of fun. John Carter, a Civil War veteran and treasure hunter, travels to Mars (what the locals call Barsoom) via astral projection. Here the Manly Man™ becomes a hero and chieftain amongst the strange Red and Green Martians while navigating their equally bizarre cultures.  A tried and true plot that no one does quite like Burroughs. It helps that the world of Barsoom is interesting and obviously designed with its own history and original logic. It’s no wonder that these stories inspired much of the science fiction that came after. There are some “quaint” notions involving race and gender in the book, as there are in many works of the time this was published (1917). I won’t apologize for them–they are irksome at best and abhorrent at worst. But they are not central to the plot and can be safely ignored with no cost to the story. Overall, it was a good, and instructive, read. Also, look out for the upcoming John Carter movie, based on this book, coming out in 2012.

Wild Cards IWild Cards I edited by George R. R. Martin (9781429926454 : Nook) : 1986, 2010

Just after the end of WWII, the world is beset by a strange alien virus, one which rewrites human DNA in varied radical ways. This “wild card” virus can deal its victims an “ace”–endowing them with superhuman powers and abilities. But it can also deal out “jokers”, creating bizarre monsters and freaks that inhabit the lower echelons of society. There are heroes and there are villains–but most are folks just trying to get by and make the best of their situation.

This is the first in a now-classic anthology of short superhero fiction, an anthology series in which each of the writers takes a piece of a shared universe. Each story illuminates in unique ways a character or event that inhabits that universe. And when the stories are delivered by such talents as Roger Zelazny, George R. R. Martin, Walter Jon Williams, Howard Waldrop, Michael Cassutt, David D. Levine, John J. Miller, and Carrie Vaughn–you know you are in for a treat. All of which makes for a very eclectic and decidedly not-boring read. And the good news? The rest of the dozen or more anthologies are being released over the next few months!

250 Things You Should Know About Writing250 Things You Should Know About Writing by Chuck Windig (2940012790170 : Nook) : 2011

Here gonzo penmonkey Chuck Windig lays out 250…no, 275 (I’ll let him explain) things that anyone who puts virtual or actual ink to virtual or actual paper should…no needs…to know about this wild distemper known as the writing life. If you’ve followed his excellent blog “TERRIBLEMINDS” then you’re familiar with Chuck’s no-holds-barred approach to discourse. This book is a roller-coaster ride of great advice that has been collected from the blog–advice delivered with profane wit and lapel-grabbing rants. I can’t recommend this one enough.

The Hunger GamesThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (9780545229937 : Nook) : 2008

My wife had been telling me I “needed” to read this book for a long time, but I finally got around to it. And am I glad I did. This is a great post-apocalyptic adventure story. The powerful of nation of Panem controls most of what used to be North America by pitting the regions against each other in games that are a mixture of gladiator sports and reality television (think “The Running Man” but without the punkish “Mad Max” vibe. And no Ah-nold) . Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in the games in place of her young sister. In order to win food and resources for her home, she must be the last participant alive at the end of the annual Hunger Games. Collins had me glued not only with the action inherent in such a story but by making me care about the characters. Her realistic depiction of the emotional trauma wrought upon young people placed in such a monstrous and barbaric situation–a true “kill or be killed” scenario–completely hooked me. An excellent, excellent read. I’m looking forward to the movie coming out in 2012.

Chasing the MoonChasing the Moon by A. Lee Martinez (9780316134170 : Nook) : 2011

I’ve been a fan of Martinez’s work since his first novel, Gil’s All Fright Diner, back in ought-six. All of his books are smart, funny, and have an underlying layer of heart that really draws the reader in and makes them want to stay with the characters. The books are comic–but the plots are far more than a series of gags. He deals with “big picture” issues but just from a slightly skewed point of view. But first and foremost, his books are fun to read. Chasing the Moon is no exception–and probably his best book to date. Diana takes a “too good to be true” apartment–and has her perceptions opened to the monstrous underbelly of the universe. She finds that the monster trapped in her closet, Vom the Hungering, is the epitome of Hunger (with the big-H). Other ancient and deadly entities populate the universes–some with designs on ending the world as we know it. This funny and original take on Lovecraftian themes and the nature of deity is highly readable and highly recommended.

The Devil in the White CityThe Devil in the White City by Eric Larson (9781400076314 : Nook) 2004

The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (the “Columbian Exposition”) was a pivotal point in history. In many ways, it marks the pinnacle of the Industrial Revolution and the shift into the modern age. Larson explores the incredible events that took place in and around the fair by following the lives of two very different men. David H. Burnham, the lead architect of the fair, follows his vision of creating “The White City” in an unbelievably short amount of time and having to overcome many unprecedented obstacles. At the same time, H. H. Holmes–a con artist and serial killer–works to create a monument to his dark vision in the form of his World’s Fair Hotel (aka “the murder castle”) near the fair’s site in Chicago.

This book is one of those rare works of nonfiction that reads like a novel. Larson’s tight style lends itself well to its subject matter. Further, his depiction of historical events is far from dry–you’ll find no rote recitation of facts here but a delving into the humanity and emotions of his subjects. The framing of the story, in which the lives of the two subjects are shown in parallel, is brilliant and illustrative. Holmes’ story is as chilling as Burnham’s is inspiring. This is probably one of the best books that I’ve read all year.

First Lord's FuryFirst Lord’s Fury : Book 6 of the Codex Alera by Jim Butcher (9780441017690) : 2009

I have absolutely loved this series since book one (Furies of Calderon). I finally got around to reading my paperback of the final book in the series. Gaius Octavian (“Tavi” to his friends) has returned to Alera with a host of the wolf-like Canim from across the sea to do final battle with the fungal/insectoid Vord. The fate of all Alera lies in his very capable hands. While Butcher could obviously return and write more in this setting, the story arc falls neatly into place with a very satisfying end. This one also has plenty of that snappy dialog that really makes me love his characters all the more deeply. The repartee between Tavi and his lover Kitai is brilliant. While this is, in fact, the best “lost Roman legion meets Pokemon” series in existence–it is also a fine epic fantasy in its own right.

Whew! That’s it for now. I’m sure these deserved a little more attention and comment, but hopefully you enjoyed this whirlwind tour through my reading shelf of late regardless of its brevity (or maybe even because of it).

Now, if you’ll excuse me –I have a book that needs reading…

*Which is a decidedly different measurement than older “Imperial” butt-ton. The metric butt-ton holds exactly 10 crap-loads whereas the Imperial holds approximately 8.7 crap-loads. You’re welcome.
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Being Thankful: My Mom

Posted on November 24, 2011 by

Today is Thanksgiving and it also happens to be my mom’s birthday. Coincidentally, it is also my mother-in-law’s birthday as well. Isn’t that vierd?

I am extremely thankful for my mom. Not just for having me but for putting up with me as a little kid. I know I was extremely annoying. I was a smart-ass (though, to be fair, some of that is genetic). One of my favorite things to do was sit around and make noises with my voice. Or drum on things. Did I also mention being a smart-ass?

She had me when she was pretty young. Only now, as I’m older, do I realize just how young she was as I grew up. And I think she did a pretty good job. Then again, I guess I’m a bit biased.

When my dad passed away, she was like 30-31 years old with a 15 year-old, a 13 year-old, and a 7-year-old to raise alone. And she did so admirably.

My mom is tough–ask anybody in my family and nobody can name anyone tougher. She’s usually referred to as a “samurai warrior”. She strikes when you least expect it. When it comes to her family, she doesn’t put up with anything. She’s the Chuck Norris of moms. When I was a kid, she was usually the disciplinarian. And for good reason. Just the thought of getting on her bad side was enough to keep the peace. I still remember the times I demonstrated the questionable judgment of running from her. Who knew she could run so fast?

But she’s also kind and generous. And has a sense of humor dryer than West Texas and sharper than a mesquite tree. And I’m glad I inherited a bit of that from her as well. One summer when I was in like 4th grade, every time me or my brother came by “her chair” (everyone in my family had their place to sit), she’d flick her fly swatter at us. We’d ask why and she’d say “I see a fly”, the picture of innocence. It wasn’t until late that evening that I finally caught on that she was referring to our zipper–and its need to be used properly. Slow on the uptake, was I.

To this day, one of my litmus tests on how to treat people is “would Mama put up with this crap?” If not, then I’m probably on the wrong path. I remember once when someone was describing, with pride no less, their ability to turn their wife’s anger around on her by manipulation or sheer pigheadedness, I thought to myself “my Mom would never have put up with that…and woe to the man who tried. Because I’d smack him myself–after she was done with him.” She’s my measure of personal strength–be it man, woman, child, or adult.

So, I’m thankful to my mom. For being an example to me. And for being everything a kid like me needed.

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NaNoWriMo: Throwing in the Towel

Posted on November 23, 2011 by
Towel

I'm throwing in the towel, but still looking toward the stars...

I’ve gotten about 28,000 words into my NaNoWriMo project…but I think I’m done. Put a fork in me. [Insert various quitter's cliches here].

I could attribute my failure to a number of factors. I got ill for a couple of days and got way behind on my word counts. I’m behind…and getting more so every day. And with the upcoming holiday and a wedding to attend, I know I’m not going to hit the mark in time.

But the biggest, number one factor is that I’m just not feeling it. The joy has left Mudville. This has been a long slog on a project that I’ve ceased to care about. I’m pouring a lot of energy and angst into something that I’m just plain not enjoying. I probably should have planned out the project better before starting…maybe then I wouldn’t have gotten stuck for plot points. Maybe the idea just isn’t a novel. Maybe I’m not ready, as a writer, to tackle this idea.

Regardless…I just don’t want to. Life is too short for me to pour my energies into something I just don’t care about anymore.

So I’m going to stop.

Let only those who have typed a mile of print in my fingers judge me.

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Being Thankful: Cassette Tapes

Posted on November 23, 2011 by

When I first went to college, I lived in the dorms at a school that was about an hour’s drive from my friends and about a two hour drive from my family. I would make those drives every single weekend and every single holiday for about two years.

Cassette TapeThat stretch of highway was long and boring. There is absolutely nothing of interest on Highway 287 between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls. Nothing. And many times I was driving at night, with the windows down, my tunes cranked up and singing into the wind. Or listening to the music, letting it wash over my mind as I contemplated things both sacred and profane. Mostly profane.

My company on these long drives were my cassette tapes. Ninety minute Memorex cassettes onto which I could usually record a complete 45 minute album on each side. I probably had about 25-30 of them. Different artists, different styles, all in my beat-up faux-leather tape case that I would take with me wherever I went. Steppenwolf, Elton John, Steve Miller, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Metallica, The Beatles, Queen, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Phil Collins, Huey Lewis and the News, and much more! (I sound kind of like an old K-Tel ad…).

I recorded the albums from friends and family that had CD collections. Later, I would end up getting rid of the cassettes in favor of upgrading to disc. But those tapes kept me sane and happy during a very lonely time.

They were my friends and companions. And I miss them.

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Being Thankful: No Really, I’m Trying Edition

Posted on November 22, 2011 by

Sweet baby gherkins! I have gotten way behind on the whole “Being Thankful” thing. This is a lot harder than I thought.

Part of it is my participation in NaNoWriMo this month–I say participation though I am way behind on that project as well. Part of it is has been the malaise of sharp weather changes–my sinus cavities are natural barometers. I can literally feel fronts moving in and gauge their force by the power of my headaches. I’m a natural wonder. Fun at parties.

Part of it is that as a naturally reticent, easy going kind of guy–I’m having trouble coming up with topics. Not that I’m not aware that I have plenty to be thankful for (I do! I really do! Stop staring at me!)–the question is just whether or not anyone else would find them interesting.

So, at any rate, here’s me trying to catch-up (again). Enjoy!

Being Thankful: Books

Books have been a big part of my life for a long time. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t read. I remember being complemented a lot as a little kid because I could read so well, I was so smart, etc. Books have always been my companions.

To all the books I've loved before...When I was a kid, my family was not exactly rich. We got by. Looking back, I’m amazed at just how well we did get by. During the school year I would get most of my reading from the school library. We seldom lived anywhere near the public library and both my parents worked most of the time so getting there was often not an option. Sometimes the schools would have book sales and I would actually get to buy some books to keep–it was a real treat. During the summers I would devour every bit of reading in the house–rereading what books I had and anything else I could get my hands on. I even read the TV Guide from cover-to-cover every week. My allowance often went to a Slurpee and the latest Mad or Cracked magazine.

In high school I did most of my book buying on field trips. For some reason we usually ended up lunching at a local mall whenever we’d leave town. I’d spend some of my lunch funds on a paperback in whatever bookstore the mall had. I also borrowed books from my friends and would devour them in short order (nom nom nom…).

So, basically, I didn’t have a lot but I read the snot out of everything I could get my hands on.

When I graduated high school, I had some idle thoughts of being a Writer™. But, until then, I thought working in a bookstore or in a library would be pretty nice. Think of all the books! And since then I have both worked in a bookstore (Barnes & Noble for a year and half) and in libraries (in various capacities for the past 15 years).

So, books. Yeah–you could say I dig them.

Being Thankful: Joss Whedon

Joss Whedon Is My Master NowI didn’t get onto the Buffy the Vampire Slayer bandwagon until all of the seasons were out on DVD. Sure, I thought the movie was goofy fun, but I wasn’t sure about a whole TV series. While it was on the air I wasn’t really in a position to watch a lot of TV–college work, pizza delivery job, no cable access, etc. Later I was in my full-time job, no cable access, going to graduate school mode. But I’m so glad I got into later.

I LOVE that show. I think I’ve watched every single episode at least 4-5 times. The universe Joss created, the snappy dialog, the comedy/pathos combination, the wit…all of it. It completely sucked me in–still does.

Then Firefly. Once again, I didn’t get on board until the DVD set came out (I haven’t watched television with any regularity in about 15 years). Man, but I was blown away. Still am.What he did with 12 episodes lesser writers dream about doing with a complete season. Then Serenity came out and I was just ecstatic! Mal and Company on the Big Screen! Yes! Science fiction was actually made fun again! Now I have a “Browncoat” sticker on my car, various Firefly paraphernalia around my house and have been running a fairly successful Serenity RPG campaign for about the past year now. You can’t take the sky from me, dohn ma?

I dug Dollhouse, but didn’t get as into it as Buffy or Firefly. Still good stuff though. Love, love, LOVED Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (I even dressed up as Captain Hammer for Halloween).

I love his creativity, his ideas, the way his writing is as hook-heavy as a great rock band. I love the way he creates interesting characters that you care deeply about and isn’t afraid to break conventions. So thanks, Joss Whedon. For all the joy and inspiration you’ve brought to this fanboy’s life.

Being Thankful:Starbucks Dipstick

Starbucks DipstickAnd no…I’m not referring to myself. Or to that hipster/douche that hangs out there all the time with his laptop, pretending to be a writer. Oh, wait a minute. That is me…

You know that little green dipstick they stick in the hole of your Starbucks cup? The plug that keeps the overfilled cup from sloshing onto the console of your car as you tear out of the drive-thru? I don’t know who invented that but they were a friggin GENIUS. I thank you and my car’s console thanks you.

Being Thankful: Denton

I love my new hometown. It’s got that weird college town vibe, like Austin and Portland but also that purely Texan vibe that can only come from a rural town. It’s little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll, and whole lot of unique.

Home of HappinessI love the Jupiter House coffee shop, with all its bohemian charm. The square with its nightly entertainments. Abbey Inn and its selection of foreign beers. TWU and UNT–I took the Denton two-fer and got a BA in English at the latter and a Masters of Library Science at the former. I also love how it is connected to the Dallas-Fort Worth “metroplex” but without being a part of it.

So I’m thankful for my little piece of home in the fabled “Home of Happiness”.

Being Thankful: Libraries

I’m a professional librarian–have been since I got my shiny degree to prove it in 2003. I have worked in libraries since 1996. So I guess it’s a no-brainer that I think they are important.

Conan the LibrarianMy first love in LibraryWorld™ is the public library. That’s where I got my start and I truly believe that they are intrinsic thread to the fabric of democracy. See–if it weren’t for libraries I wouldn’t have access to dictionaries to learn all this high-falutin’ talk.

But in all seriousness, the library as a public institution is so important to individuals, to communities, and to the country as a whole. People can learn valuable skills. Look for jobs. Research opportunities. Learn for learning’s sake. Make informed decisions about political issues and candidates. Bolster their own beliefs or challenge them. Draw from the collected inspiration of hundreds of different authors and ideas. And, heaven forfend, escape a little bit into a fantasy, for just a little while, and let the mind roam free for a time.

All of this is made possible to anyone–ANYONE–who walks in the door of their local public library. Regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, fashion sense, socioeconomic class, sports affiliation, or stance on the use of racoons as a fuel source. ANYONE.

Which is why it makes me angry when politicians want to “make libraries more like a business”. Or they want to cut vital services, thinking that the services a library provides are indulgent luxuries. They shortsightedly forget that it is these services that are so important to revitalizing a sagging economy. That it is the fact that there are libraries providing these services that ensure that our foundations do not crack under the burden of hard times. That “privatizing” library services, or letting businesses do the work of a public institution, ensure that the services are not provided with equality of access but only to those that can afford them. The point of a public library is that it is public; it is the great equalizer in our society. Its sacred duty of providing equitable access should never, ever be impeded.

And for that I am thankful.

Being Thankful: Bacon

BaconThanks, well, for being so full of bacony goodness. Baconocity. Profoundly baconalian. Everything is just better with bacon. It’s not just me saying it…it’s science! If I have to explain this one, you’ll never understand….

Being Thankful: Freedom

I find it hard to be patriotic these days in America, mostly because the adherents of one particular political ideology seem to think they have the monopoly on love of country, equating that love with fervent demonstration. So if I were to be overly demonstrative of my love of country, I fear that it will be assumed that I adhere to their ideology–and I do not. Especially when my dissent from that ideology is my demonstration of that love.

FreedomAnd I think that’s a shame, because I do love my country. I love the freedom I have to get on my blog and say what I want without worry that someone is going to come along and pull the plug on it based on what I say about whom and when (damn you anti-racoon-fuel activists!). The ability I have to express my opinion on subjects–or to not express my opinion on subjects–as I see fit. To not practice any religion and to not have one yoked upon me (At least, not by my government at any rate. Society has yet to catch up…).

This past year we’ve seen several nations rise up and seize such freedoms–and at great cost to themselves and their families, neighbors, and friends. They seized what we take for granted as our birthright. So I am eternally thankful that freedom is my birthright, though I must still stand up and use it in order to keep it.  I must always bear in mind that while I am born to it, it can never be a foregone conclusion that I will always have it.

Whew! This was a long one. But I believe I am finally caught up on the thankfulness–at least until tomorrow.

Thanks for hanging around on this one…I’ll try not to go on so long next time!

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Being Thankful: Ketchup Edition

Posted on November 15, 2011 by

When I started this whole “Being Thankful” series, I had no idea how difficult it would be for me to blog every day. Speaking of which, I’m about three entries in the hole right now so I better get stepping…

Being Thankful: Music

I’ve always appreciated music. I enjoy country, rock, R&B, “oldies”, classical, big band swing, ska, rockabilly, jazz–you name it. Even the dreaded “r” word (Rap) has some examples that I’ve gotten a kick out of. I’ve mellowed so much in my old age that I even don’t mind “sampling” as much as I used to. Yep, I’m a hep old cat, alright.

I’ve also enjoyed playing music. As a kid I was always banging away on things, kicking out the back beats on seats, cans, my siblings, etc. I played the “flutophone” in elementary school. I got to learn a little bit of guitar and piano from grandmother–very little–but I thought it was pretty cool. In junior high I played around on my Casio keyboard, having a grand old time with my delusions of becoming a musician.

I did play trumpet in high school (and later in college) band. I wasn’t half bad and really enjoyed it–especially Jazz Band. But, I got older and transferred to bigger, more musically competitive college, and decided to hone in on my major (English) and finish up my schooling sooner rather than later.

But I still love music. All music. It is truly the universal language of emotion, encapsulated in sound. I miss performing but still love listening. And I’m thankful that it has been such an integral part of my life.

Being Thankful: RPGs

Role playing games have been a big part of my life for a long time. I’ve spoken about my experiences fairly recently on my “geek out” post. I think I expressed all the things that my hobby has done for me pretty well there, so at the risk of cranking my Douchemeter™ up a couple of notches, I’m not going to reinvent the wheel and just go ahead and quote myself:

I really started playing RPGs when I was in high school. I had dabbled a bit with the original red box Dungeons and Dragons, running scenarios for my siblings, but really got hooked when I moved to a new town and played regularly with my new friends. Our game of choice was Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (1st Edition represent, yo!). Then we moved on to Second Edition and eventually even some home-brewed games. I started off as a player but then started running games myself. Not only AD&D but our home-brews and later Vampire: The Masquerade, Star Frontiers, and little DC Heroes action. Now I’m a running a Serenity RPG campaign (rather intermittently with my group’s schedules and such).

Table-top RPGs have been a huge part of my social life since I was teenager. I’ve played with the same group of friends now for over ten years (a couple of these guys for closer to twenty). By running various games, I’ve learned how to be a better manager of both time and people. I’ve learned to be a fair judge and make better decisions. I’ve learned to think critically. I’ve also learned when to remember that this is all a game and the point is to have fun: stop sweating the petty stuff (or petting the sweaty stuff).

I was also roleplaying during the big “D&D is going to cause to you worship Satan and commit suicide” scare during the 80s through early 90s. During my junior year in high school, I wrote a research paper about how ridiculous this phenomenon was.  I had been playing D&D pretty regularly for a few years by then and had zero suicidal or satanic tendencies…well, at least not any more than your average 14-16 year old.  I was also given, with the best of intentions, a copy of Pat Pulling’s “The Devil’s Web“.  So I learned, through my exposure to roleplaying games, how to think for myself. To look beyond what was so-called “normal” and to trust my own instincts and my rationality.

Being Thankful: Modern Medical Science

I may have mentioned it before but I have been diagnosed with a malady known as Marfan Syndrome. I was diagnosed back when I was about 18 or 19. My father died of a massive heart attack due to complications with Marfan’s. When I was 20 I underwent open heart surgery to treat my leaking aorta (aka aortic root replacement).

So now I have a hunk of plastic in my heart and a pacemaker. I’m also on various medications to maintain myself in perfect health. Plus I get loving-but-firm pat-downs at every airport in the country.

But I’m thankful. Because if it was not for the various miracles of modern science (and those practitioners of it), I probably wouldn’t be here today. From what I understand from my various doctors, if I hadn’t had these things done I would have probably met the same fate as my dad–possibly dying even younger than he did.

So “thank you”, science. Thanks for saving my scrawny butt.

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