Science, Books, and Random Thoughts

 Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted anything here. Lots of craziness in my world the past few weeks. I will try to get back on track with more regular posts again.. Anyway, I just spent a fun, and profitable, weekend at the Denver Fan Expo (formerly Denver Comic Con). I met lots of fun and interesting people and saw just how popular cosplay still is here in the Denver area. A lot of people stopped by my author table to learn about my books. Even if they didn't buy any right there, we had some fun conversations about science fiction and other random stuff. If you ever have a chance to attend one of these conventions, they are actually a lot of fun. People are friendly and happy, something we all need to immerse ourselves in these days.

 Sorry, it has been a while since I wrote anything here. Lots has been going on around here over the past few weeks and time got away from me. Anyway, I thought I would let y'all know about a book series I have begun and am enjoying tremendously. The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher, is a bit of a departure from my normal fare of reading, but it still has a strong element of science fiction and fantasy in it. For those of you not familiar with the story, it follows the life and adventures of a detective Harry Dresden, who solves bizarre crimes using magic. He is a powerful wizard who uses his abilities to help the Chicago police department solve crimes committed by other magic users of both this world and the supernatural. Along the way, he must deal with many, even his closest allies in the department, who are serious doubters of magic. He is also hampered by the fact that he is not allowed to admit the existence of magic to any who are not already aware of it. A choice made in his p

       Hello everyone. I am starting a new project in my writing endeavors. As a former science teacher, I know how difficult it is to get students to read anything in a textbook. I don't blame them. Textbooks are dull, dry, and not all that interesting to read unless you are super invested in the information already. It occurred to me that if I could write a few short stories to give a bit of fun and flavor to a set of science content facts, it might be something teachers could use to get students to buy into reading. And just maybe get them to have some investment into reading their textbooks as a follow-up to the short stories.      Anyway, I have begun a few of the stories on a variety of science content topics and would like your help. I have added a link below to take you to one of these stories. If you would like to participate, All I ask is that you read the story, and comment about it here on this blog page. Let me know what you think. Does this help add interest to the sc

 As a retired science teacher, I learned that, while most teachers are powerful, dedicated, and inspiring individuals, far too many educators in traditional school settings kill the joy of learning. Now this is, to a great deal, not their fault. Curriculum requirements, testing needs, overwork and overcrowding in a stressful environment, and many other factors force the teachers to limit what they would love to do with their subject matter. Such is the nature of teaching.  At the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, we make learning fun! It also helps to have a bunch of very unusual and creative educators to pull it off so well. This is a testament to how the love of learning can be made fun and accessible to everyone when many of the traditional restrictions are removed. What are your thoughts?

 Today I would like to introduce you to the very first of my guest authors. Maria DeVivo has written eight dark fantasy and apocalyptic books you need to check out. The book we are featuring today is Witch of the Black Circle: Book One of the Dawn of the Black Witch series. Book Two is slated to arrive in June of this year. You can find more information about Maria and her books here:  Maria Devivo Maria has two more series for you to enjoy as well. The Altered, an apocalyptic tale in three parts, and The Coal Elf Chronicles, a fantasy series with a great twist on the story of Santa Claus. Plus the added fun of a coloring book! To get to know Maria a little better here are her answers to a set of questions I asked. I hope you enjoy her Q&A. Hopefully I will have insights into more authors in the future.   Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? I think it’s a little bit of both. In the realm of literature, it’s kind of hard to be “original” p

 A large part of my job at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science involves performing various programs for our guests and talking to them, answering any questions they may have. Here are some interesting tidbits that frequently come up: 1. The winds on the planet Mars can travel upwards of 100 mph. However, the atmosphere is so thin, even winds of that speed can only pick up very fine dust particles, more like smoke than dust here on Earth. As great as the movie The Martian was, the ability of Martian winds to blow hard enough to tip over a spaceship or rip up antennae or large rocks just cannot happen. Learn more here:  Martian dust storms 2. There is only one reported account of a meteorite hitting a person. This was the Sylacauga meteorite, sometimes called the Hodges meteorite after the woman it struck, in November of 1954. It struck a woman in Alabama who did survive the encounter. Read more about it here:. Sylacauga Meteorite   We do have on display at our museum a meteorite and