LegendaryLife Blog

I have discovered something while writing my next book, 2847AD… writing science fiction is really hard!

Imagining the uninvented

Creating a whole future civilization across multiple colonies is a challenge in itself, trying to imagine technology that doesn’t exist, hasn’t been seen or experienced first-hand is quite a task. Describing how things work, describing how one machine affects another or trying to keep things consistent “feel wise” is also a very tough challenge. When I first started writing 2847AD, my third book, I thought naively that it would go as smoothly as my first two books but saying you will do something and actually doing something are very different.

Creating merchandise

I am both writing this book and creating a merchandise line for it at the same time within my other company, WoodMarvels.com. This may seem like doing twice the work but it actually helps me to create visuals in order to establish the unique characteristics and hence, attitudes of the various civilizations involved in 2847AD. Here is an example of a Ruskian Fortress.

I like trying new things that I have never done before, creating a world is fun and associated physical items that fit within the storyline is also an enjoyable experience. Being able to multi-task is a great ability that I have been able to develop in strides and so far, it has become very handy on this project.

Time lines

Unlike my other books, this one deals with such fun tasks as character development, time lines and leaving small breadcrumbs that won’t be revealed until the very end of the book. I have so far about 20 pages down, which isn’t a lot but it has been re-writen so many times that things are starting to be in sharper focus. You can’t hope to start something that will be good based on a weak foundation, so it’s critical to get the first few chapters down and most of the stories dynamics realized before proceeding with the rest of the story. Science fiction, I don’t think, can be something you are in a rush to complete as the complexity involved can quickly become overwhelming.

My general goal is to have the first draft of my book done sometime in the summer, then let it get some dust before doing another review a few months later.

My second book, which is a motivational self-help book, is being reviewed now by editors, I hope to have it published in a month or so depending on how many changes are required.

The Bottom Line

Unlike a biography or other pieces of writen work, science fiction has a host of challenges that are only apparent once you begin working on it.

Mannatech sells sugar pills (yes, they admit it) or “heavenly” Tensa water and it seems I have irked their legal department (letter below). What I find ironic is their own letter is basically stating that their own products aren’t a cure, only good for general health (which is what I have been essentially saying from the beginning). They apparently don’t like the fact that their sales, distribution and marketing people are saying how much Mannatech cured, saved and improved their health. So, they come after me who is basically stating the opposite. Ironic.

————————
TO: Jonathan

RE: Impermissible Use of Health Claims Attributed to Mannatech Products
1.36.1027

http://blog.legendarylife.com/mannatech-strikes-again-with-holy-water/comment-page-1

Dear Jonathan:

We previously contacted you requesting your assistance on a critical issue concerning your website. We have requested and made formal demand that you immediately remove any statements from your website which are or could be construed to be unauthorized health claims which go beyond stating that Mannatech nutritional products promote the maintenance of health and general well-being. The statements made on your website are contrary to Mannatech policy.

Demand is hereby made that you immediately remove from your website any statement or reference which (i) states, suggests or implies that Mannatech nutritional products prevent, treat or cure disease, (ii) states, suggests or implies that Mannatech nutritional products are a substitute for a doctor’s standard of care, and/or (iii) is in any manner in contradiction with Mannatech’s existing policies and procedures. Demand is further made that you refrain from engaging in this activity in the future.

We remain confident you understand our concerns and also appreciate that it is imperative that you promptly comply with the demand to cease and desist, and to document your compliance in writing within five (5) business days of the receipt of this letter. If you have already complied with this demand, we thank you and appreciate your cooperation.

Nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver of any rights Mannatech has at law or in equity, all of which are expressly reserved.

Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Mannatech Legal, Ethics & Compliance Department
————————

My answer to them is very straight forward, learn how to read. Each of my article states that their products are no different than a sugar pill or water. What they need to do is send this letter to their sales people who are doing the exact opposite, stating that it helps cure cancer and every other disease or ailment out there… again, I didn’t write any of this, Mannatech distributors and sellers have and continue to do so.

Background Articles

I really get annoyed at companies out there that promote garbage as science, especially when they use religion as their “handle”. I do not hate Mannatech, I just wished these companies, like many others, actually performed a double-blind clinical study proving or disproving the effects of their products. If there is something in their product that actually does cure diseases, then the world should know about it but their entire approach of “corporate” saying one thing and “marketing” saying another just irks me.

• Mannatech: Overpriced Sugar Pills
• Mannatech Strikes again with Holy Water!
• Herbal Remedies’ aren’t without risks

Tensa Water?

What I find funny is that if you do a search for Tensa Water, all the result, other than my blog article, sell the “merits” of Tensa Water while I am the lonely one doing otherwise (though with heresay from their representatives stating how wonderful their product is within the comment section). (image below)

Google Tensa Water results

If you want to explore the high-seas or just build your own ship... go for it!

I may be 32 but I already feel like I have lived the lives of several people, each year is so different and when looking back, it’s astonishing how much I have yet to learn and do! So, here are the top 10 truths that life has taught me so far.

10. I am NOT important

I am happy I discovered this one early, I don’t take myself seriously at all but I do take what I do in it very much so. I can’t think of a time where I have ever put myself ahead or above anybody else. If our entire Milky Way Galaxy were to blow-up tomorrow, the universe, with still trillions upon trillions of others to chose from, wouldn’t even blink an eye. We are insignificant and unimportant so I “try” not to let my ego out unless it can help or improve something.

9. Some people hate success

As soon as you achieve something in life, by no fault of your own, some people will automatically hate you. I still don’t understand the mechanism behind it nor why humans are so prone to it but I guess it’s one step up from indifference, which is a good thing I think. Some people just cannot accept that other people may have more life than them, just accept it and move-on.

8. Life is too short to be bored

I’ve never been bored in my life, as soon as something becomes un-interesting, I jump into something else, we already live far too short a lifespan considering all the opportunities to learn and explore that are around us, don’t waste a second of it “not knowing what to do”.

7. Embrace Chaos

Fighting chaos is simply impossible, it’s the natural state of matter and hence, our lives. Learn to grow and prosper when things go to shit and you will quickly gain the wit and strength required to overcome even the most powerful of setbacks.

6. Health is #1

Constantly improve your health, there is no excuse for letting it go nor taking it for advantage. Don’t smoke, take drugs or do unhealthy things as, at the end of the day, it will come back and hit you big time, especially as you age.

5. Become your own role model

Set yourself as an example of what IS possible and what CAN be done with life before you attempt to do this for others. I would never follow health advice from a chain smoking obese doctor no matter how smart they were, I hope you wouldn’t either.

4. NEVER stop learning

There is always something new to learn, a new place to explore or a new relationship to enter in, take advantage of these opportunities, never allow your mind (or body) to stagnate!

3. Become your own boss

Take control over your life, every aspect of it, and don’t let others try to influence you into directions that you don’t find comfortable. You are YOU and nobody else should have any power over what or how you become as a person. Follow your nature, your passions and your dreams.

2. Passion is the zest of life!

If you haven’t found your passion(s) in life, you need to keep searching hard and wide. Life is about living and this is very difficult if you don’t know what you life or have something to wake-up to in the morning.

1. Dreams can become reality

If you focus your energies, nothing in this world is impossible, NOTHING! There is no reason at all why you, regardless of where or how you have come into being, cannot achieve a legendary life. You are unique and special… just like every other organisms on this planet and it’s up to you to make something of it. Dreams shouldn’t be considered anything but a possibility.

The Bottom Line

If you want it, go for it, if you don’t, no big deal… move onto something else!

I really love the speeches given by the TED organization, you learn about huge advances in new technologies and a lot about what makes thing tick. I don’t know why they aren’t required watching for every man, woman and child on this planet as the more we know, the more we can do to help one another solve the world’s issues.

Bacteria

We all know that bacteria play a vital role in our lives, without them, we would starve and die rather quickly as they help with food digestion and play a pivotal role in just about every aspect of our lives. Sure, they can be bad, very bad, but usually, the little bacteria that inhabit our bodies are good.

Interesting bacterial facts

• there are a trillion human cells that make-up a human body
• there are 10 trillion bacterial cells on or in the human body
• humans have 30 000 genes
• 3 000 000 bacterial genes playing a direct role in your life
• bacteria talk to one another to co-ordinate “attacks”
• bacteria are able to quickly adapt to new environments that would normally kill them
• bacteria are the oldest living creatures on Earth
• bacteria can be our best friend and worst enemy, so they need to be respected
• bacteria work for free!

The Bottom Line

Humans are like the Earth, they can be confused as being alive but are really homes for other organisms to live on.

Buzvia: Bonnie Bassler: Discovering bacteria’s amazing communication system

An interesting and unique situation hits me every week or so with my woodworking site, WoodMarvels.com,is when ever I launch something really cool… that was fun… what do I do next?

It can always be better

One thing I really hate doing is going back on old work because once something is done, in my mind, it stays DONE! That being said, as soon as something is produced, whether it’s a book, model or soundtrack or even animation and launched… a few weeks later you look back and what you though was amazing just isn’t as much anymore. Call it a perfectionists attitude but it has always been there since I was a child. Luckily, I can easily take the lessons learned from my “almost perfect” projects and apply it to completely different projects so progress happens at a far quicker pace as a result.

Example of learning

I built a medieval castle wall model a little over a year go (animation below) and it looked ok but I though afterwards that it was simply too complicated and assembly could be far better improved… it was also way too small!

Within a week of launching this product which I thought was amazing, I already started an a major refresh that just collected dust for almost a year, during that time, I got into on-demand manufacturing, developed close to 100 wooden marvels for my site and worked with several other designers… all teaching me very valuable lessons. The result of this is that two weeks ago I realized this was just sitting there and needed to get finished.

Yes, much better! A dramatic improvement in every way except one, it seems a little lonely, so now I got to give this medieval castle walls B model some other things like homes to go into the courtyard and a few other accessories to turn it from cool to amazing. I have ideas for a Medieval Castle that fits right inside but right now, I will just sit on the sidelines and see what kind of reception this model gets.

Striving for success!

One trait that I have both experienced myself and seen or read in other successful people is that they seem to have this attitude that things can always be better. From Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos who meticulously oversees every aspect of his company to Sir Richard Brandson who hasn’t met a crazy idea he wasn’t willing to at least give a go for… once they are done something cool… they start again on the path of finding that next cool thing while carefully watching what they had built previously.

The Bottom Line

Reaching success is an exercise in futility as the journey never really ends.