This entry is a little long, so the short version is this: the people–especially the bullies–we encounter in our youth can greatly affect our confidence and our thinking years after we are free of them. I’ve had enough of that sort of foolishness, and this is my long-delayed, Declaration of Independence: I’ve had enough of you, and you are no longer going to live rent-free in my head. Continue reading “Declaration of Independence”
Author: Bart Leahy
Freelance instructional design, proposal, and aerospace engineering technical writer and an all-around nice guy. Here to help.
Movie Review: Solo: A Star Wars Story
As has become my habit in the new Star Wars era, I went to see Solo: A Star Wars Story the morning after it opened. The big difference this year was that I had the lady friend along as well. Rather than write a spoiler-free review of the movie now, then one with spoilers later, I’ll cover them both. If you haven’t seen the movie and don’t want a lot of details about the fates of various characters or who ends up doing what to whom, you can skip that part when it comes up. I’m friendly that way. Continue reading “Movie Review: Solo: A Star Wars Story”
Movie Review: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi
I decided to take on both of these films simultaneously because I didn’t have much to say when the first sequel came out. I wanted to see where the writers would go with it. Having now seen The Last Jedi and (unlike some of my friends) enjoyed it, I thought I’d share the thoughts of a 41-year fan. Fair warning: Major plot spoilers ahead. If you haven’t seen either film yet and plan to, you might want to punt on reading this blog.
Continue reading “Movie Review: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi”
Why I Write Fiction
From time to time I mention that I have written or am writing fiction (usually of the science fictional variety), yet I never have said works published. One might wonder, if I have some skill as a writer, why I have not tried to get my work into print for others to see. I had cause to examine that very question this week. I’ll share some of those thoughts now. Continue reading “Why I Write Fiction”
Letter to My Younger Self
Currently reading What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self as part of my nonfiction book’s competitive research. The book is on my list because my blog has been a lot of advice I wish I’d gotten when I was a younger person (and, ideally, been willing to listen). The letter I’m writing here is for a much younger Bart, the kid who hit rock-bottom emotionally when he was 12 or 13 years old and wanted to die rather than go back to school and face his peers. Continue reading “Letter to My Younger Self”
Old Friends and Movie Reviews
A long time ago, I had a friend who was into films big-time–she was a film and videography major, in fact–and it was a pleasure to talk with her about movies because we had similar tastes and appreciated filmmaking from very different perspectives. I really wish we were still friends sometimes because I’d love to pick her brain about Blade Runner 2049, a sequel to a film we both loved. Continue reading “Old Friends and Movie Reviews”
Reflections on Jerry Pournelle
I saw in the midst of all the hurricane-related news this morning that science fiction author, technologist, and political advocate Jerry Pournelle has passed away. I am saddened by this, though not greatly surprised, as Dr. Pournelle has been in ill health for a while now. Still, he shaped a great deal of my thinking and post-formal education, and so I’d like to take a few minutes to share my thoughts on the man. Continue reading “Reflections on Jerry Pournelle”
What’s the Matter With These Kids Today?
If you believe a recent article in The Atlantic, kids born 1995-2012 (in other words, kids my niece and nephew’s age) are going to be “destroyed” by their mobile-technology-driven lifestyles. I am not going to respond directly to all of the article’s points, but for a change, I’m going to stand up for the younger folks. They might be doomed by some future cataclysm we cannot imagine yet, but I don’t think smartphones are going to be the direct cause of it. Continue reading “What’s the Matter With These Kids Today?”
Introvert Reading Habits
Like many introverts, I absorb a lot through reading, mostly because it’s quiet. Also like many introverts, I often immerse myself in one particular topic and read as much as I can about it. In this way, I find myself way behind on my “books I’d like to read” list. Fortunately, I have a plan. Continue reading “Introvert Reading Habits”
48
I’m a few days late posting this, but it’s taken me awhile to conjure up some words to reflect my latest orbit around the sun. Partly it’s because I thought of myself as 48 a few months back. Still, I think it’s good to take my mental/emotional temperature to see how I’m doing and sort things out in literary form. Enjoy (or not) as you see fit. Continue reading “48”
The Real Bart Leahy 