THE STORY SO FAR: PART 211

A NEW HOME, SETTLING-IN—AND EASTER SUNDAY

Thanks to a completely marvelous family, the Sammons, the move was conducted with impressive speed and efficiency. Two cars and a truck arrived—and I was loaded and out of there. These guys (and one is very much a gal) are singularly impressive on a host of fronts.

I’d got up at 4.00 am to try and make sure I was on top of things, but ended up practically catatonic with fatigue. I sat in my chair in the middle of the chaos that is moving—felt hugely happy—and then fell asleep. Later, I wrapped myself in my duvet and fell asleep on the carpet. There was stuff I could have used to soften the experience, but I was too tired.

I don’t yet have a bed. I awoke somewhat stiff and store, feeling a little old for this kind of caper. Nonetheless, I am completely thrilled. I am delighted with my new home.

The Sammons invited me to dinner that evening—Easter Sunday. It was one of most enjoyable few hours I have ever experienced.

I will write more about this some other time. Right now I’m just more thrilled than I know how to express.

 

 

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 210

ONE OF MY HOBBIES IS COLLECTING ECONOMISTS—AND ONE OF MY FAVORITES IS BEING ATTACKED

I’M IN SHOCK!

“Collecting economists” sounds rather as if I have a bunch of them, stuffed and mounted, in my trophy room.

While the concept is not without appeal as far as some economists are concerned, my approach is rather more benign.

Instead, I list and track economists (I include economic commentators) who seem to get it right much of the time—or who present arguments which seem worth exploring even if they are not yet proven. I do this because I’m interested in discovering an economic system which works for the benefit of an entire population—such as this one—not merely a privileged elite. Here, I’m not looking for perfection, but more for one that is good enough. I expect it will have to be assembled from the carcasses of other economic systems so I guess you could regard my goal as ‘Frankenstein Capitalism.’ Not sure a more appealing title might not be an idea.

But the U.S. economic system, based on free market capitalism, is the best in the world, I hear you cry.

I respectfully disagree. Aspects of it work brilliantly, but others do not. Let me list a few of its flaws:

• Massive debt from personal to federal.
• A decline in the earning power of the majority of the population.
• An economy which favors only the few.
• Where children are concerned, hunger (food insufficiency) on a massive scale.
• An alarming number of people withdrawing from the workforce because they can’t find jobs.
• Pervasive unemployment.

But this not the time to debate this particular argument. Instead, I’m in shock—in the manner of the movie, CASABLANCA—because  economist Paul Krugman, who mostly seems to get it right (or has for the period I have been reading him) is being attacked by a social commentator, William Greider, whom I hold in high regard.

Woe is me! My loyalties are divided.

The focus of Greider’s attack is that Krugman was an unquestioning advocate of globalization while refusing to address the issues of the dark side (which were, and are, many—and include massive job losses, the destruction of communities, the exporting of expertise, and the depression of wage rates. One might also add the exploitation of foreign labor, and massive tax avoidance under frequently dubious circumstances).

The trouble with labels like “Free Trade” is that they disguise all kinds of deals made on behalf of corporate interests—and which never see the light of day because who reads all the fine print in a trade treaty. Should the media do this? Of course they should, but such research is hard work and time consuming, so they seldom do. Beyond that, editors frown on such work because it may result in criticism of specific corporations—and corporate advertising is what pays for the media.

Here, one might ask the question: Do we have a free press? If media owners self-censor as much as they do—just look at the Wall street Journal under Rupert Murdoch—no, we do not.

But, I digress. Back to Greider versus Krugman. Frankly, I haven’t read enough of Krugman on globalization to have an informed opinion, but I guess the moral of the story is to read much from a variety of sources, to read critically, and—above all—to form your own opinions.

You know, “Frankenstein Capitalism” has a certain ring to it.

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 209

A CONFESSION: I HATE MOVING—BUT I LOVE NEW ADVENTURES…

According to my creed, a writer should be open to—and learn from—every new experience (within reason). “Everything is material” is, pretty much, the writer’s gospel.

To that end I should embrace change. Instead, I have found myself remarkably reluctant to face change. At heart, I seem to be a homebody.

In truth, I don’t need a great deal—I am not that interested in physical possessions—but I do like a quiet place where I can write, and otherwise potter around.

Thanks to the efforts of others—of which more anon—I seem to have found another one, so I am in the process of moving. I have transitioned from reluctance to enthusiasm.

This is a great adventure—but then most of life is.

You know I craved adventure when I was a child—after reading innumerable adventure stories—and life has not disappointed.

I’m pretty thrilled.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 208

EIGHT YEARS OF YOUR LIFE ARE GOING TO BE MISSING—AND SOCIETY DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN

Without question, there is a fatalistic aspect to the U.S. way of life which I absolutely do not understand.

Somehow the indignation factor seems to be missing. Truly terrible things are uncovered, and yet virtually nothing seems to be done.

A recent example concerns the 98108 ZIP code in Seattle. Just read the following taken from a Seattle Times article of March 28 2013—and feel free to be appalled. Better still, do something!

One might think this should be headline news, and yet the piece is positioned as just another feature. Where are society’s values if the loss of eight years of one’s life through preventable pollution are considered to be of scant consequence?

I confess I am completely stunned:

Some Duwamish Valley residents are sicker and die younger than their neighbors just a scant 10 miles away, a new EPA-funded study has found. Residents of ZIP code 98108, in Seattle’s South Park, Georgetown and parts of Beacon Hill in the Duwamish Valley, are most likely to get sick and be exposed to environmental stresses, from pollution to lack of green space, the study found.

In the neighborhoods of South Park and Georgetown in particular, the cumulative effect was a shorter life — eight years shorter than other residents on average in Seattle and King County and 13 years shorter than the well-off neighborhood of Laurelhurst, according to the study.

The assessment took into account a wide range of factors, from exposure to diesel particulates and benzene in the air to childhood-asthma hospitalization rates.

“This should have been done years ago. We have always believed there was an unfair burden on the communities of South Park and Georgetown,” said James Rasmussen, coordinator of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, one of two Seattle nonprofits that released the $50,000 study.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 207

DEFINITELY A ROCK-STAR—AS FAR AS HER FAMILY IS CONCERNED

I have talked about my much loved sister Lucy on various occasions, but haven’t yet shown a photo of her. Well, it is time I remedied that deficiency. I have chosen this photo because it brings out Lucy’s sense of fun. Let me stress that she is dressed up for an event; she does not normally present herself in this way.

The photo was posted by her daughter, Victoria—who is drop-dead gorgeous. I have to wonder about the genes in my family. Lucy and family seem to have been disproportionately blessed,

But there is more: Not only is Lucy the youngest member of the family—no less than 12 siblings are involved and I am the eldest—but she also has five truly gorgeous children of her own (and most are grown up). How does she do this—and still look so ridiculously young?

It’s unfair, I tell you!

I have absolutely no clear idea—though her positive attitude may give some clue—but am lost in admiration. Leaving her physical attributes aside (Lucy won’t thank me for saying this) the essence of Lucy is an extraordinary cast of mind.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 206

TO WRITE IS TO LEARN—WHICH IS ONE OF ITS PLEASURES

MIND YOU, I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SAY THAT ABOUT PUNCTUATION

I learned most of my punctuation nearly 60 years ago—a sobering thought—and didn’t enjoy the process. Still, I must have been taught fairly well because my essays ceased being returned looking as if they had been savaged by a maniac with a red pencil, though my spelling still left a lot to be desired. Frankly, it still does; but, fortunately the gods invented spell-checkers so my inadequacies in that area are largely hidden.

Recently—somewhat to my amazement—I have become interested in punctuation, and actually enjoy it because Jane Strauss teaches it in such a cool way. Yes, that is her below—and I cannot recommend her too highly. Somehow she makes sense out of her arcane area, and she writes with a light touch.

Still, I had never heard of the term ‘Oxford Comma’ until her mailing arrived today. I am now enlightened.

Are grammar and punctuation important for a writer to master? Many young writers seem to think their raw writing talent will compensate for any deficiencies in that area.

The masters—like James Joyce—can break the rules and get away with it; but as far as the rest of us are concerned, let me give you a simple answer: Yes.

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 205

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS—WHO ARE NO LONGER STRANGERS

THEY HAVE BECOME FRIENDS

Over the years, I have found one of the best ways to make a friend is to give him or her a book—one of my books. Here, I am not suggesting 100 percent success, because not everyone reads—and even those who do may not like my style—but I will say that the batting average has been high.

Most people, who have actually read one of my books, seem to regard me as a friend—even though we have never met. That says a great deal about the power of writing and reading. If properly deployed, the written word has an extraordinary ability to break down barriers—to reach out and touch in a positive way.

Given that my thrillers are fairly violent—albeit laced with humor—I am agreeably surprised by this. Evidently my writing has some quality which appeals widely. Do I know what it is? I blush to admit this, but do you know, I don’t!

But surely a writer knows what works, much as a musician knows what chords will arouse an audience?

All I can say is that if I do, I don’t know I do—which is a somewhat embarrassing admission. On the other hand, maybe it makes some sense because if I did know, I would probably be self-conscious—and my writing would go to hell in a hand-basket.

Quite deliberately, I don’t normally think about how I write, but since I am focused on that subject right now, the thought has occurred to me that perhaps one of my strengths is accessibility. I tend to drop all barriers when I write, though quite why, I don’t know. I think of myself as a fairly private person, yet I seem to be willing to step into the literary world with my barriers down. When writing, I truly, madly and desperately want to communicate—to reach a certain truth which tends to be obscured during much of our normal interaction when we are primarily concerned to keep up appearances.

That said, I’m exaggerating.  I do try and write with truth, but desperation is not part of the equation. Communication has its own volition.

Enough introspection. Let me quote from a fan letter that I ran across today. It moved me greatly. What a handsome way to compliment an author. Such thoughtfulness gives one hope. In a troubled world, there are nice people out there.

Dear Mr. O'Reilly
I have a couple of your books, and am always looking for more.
You don't write down, and it's a joy not to have to struggle with an author who is trying to write for an audience which cannot read for long at any speed. I think you could probably write about onions or aligning the tires on a car, and make it interesting. Fortunately, you write about things that I like reading about.

Thank you!

Bruce Clark

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 204

MY STEP-FATHER, ALFRED LYONS—A TRULY MARVELOUS MAN WHO HAD A PROFOUND AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON MY LIFE

I have written about Alfred before but, for some reason, couldn’t lay my hands on this photo—my favorite one of him. To be precise, I had it on the computer, but it refused to cut and paste—computers can be obstinate sometimes. Then my sister, Lucy, came up with a version—and here it is.

I was about eight when I heard my mother was getting married again. I took to Alfred immediately and, as the eldest child, made the decision to call him “Daddy” rather than by his name. This was something that I hoped he would appreciate—and I was to learn, over many years, that he did. We became very close.

I had never known my own father so rather the liked idea of having one—someone I could talk to, learn from, and love. In fact, Alfred never quite became a father. Somehow, he stepped back from the role--even where his own children were concerned. My mother was too strong-willed and dominant—and she controlled the money—so Alfred, who was ten years her junior, became more like an extraordinarily talented big brother. He was witty, intelligent, widely read, hugely entertaining—and could seemingly do just about anything. He was an accomplished artist, he had an eye for antiques, he drove superbly, he knew a great deal about the theatre, he was a delightful dinner companion—and so it went for a very long list. He was a deeply cultured man. Did his talent extend to business? Though he certainly understood business, and was tasked with looking after the family money for quite some time,  I suspect not. Fundamentally, Alfred had an artistic temperament.

Women adored him—which did not please my mother. My girlfriends also adored him which did not exactly please me. However, he was such fun that it was hard to take offense—even when he flirted outrageously.

For more than a decade he was a positive influence at home—and then the relationship broke him, as I feared it must.

He died far too young under decidedly unhappy circumstances—and I was absolutely devastated. I found it near impossible to imagine that all that humor, talent and energy was just gone. I was living in my thatched Irish cottage at the time, and recall going into into shock.

I adored and admired the man, and feel fortunate to have known him—albeit for such a relatively short time. I don’t think I have ever met anyone else who encompassed all his talents. Was he flawed? Of course—he was human—and his wit could sometimes be cruel; but the good far outweighed the bad.

One should be able to take death in one’s stride. It is both natural and certain. Nonetheless, I have never been able to become entirely reconciled to the deaths of either my grandmother or Alfred—and the sight of his photo makes my heart ache. Such a loss; such a waste; such a tragedy.

Then I remember the good times—and there were so many—and have to smile. Above all, I associate Alfred with laughter.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 203

“ONE CAN NEVER BE ALONE ENOUGH TO WRITE.”

SUSAN SONTAG

I’m indebted to that consistently stimulating web site Brain Pickings for the above quotation—as well as for quoting Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech in full. I have used an extract on loneliness towards the end of this piece.

Maria Popova (the talented author and editor of Brain Pickings) then comments:

Solitude, in fact, seems central to many great writers’ daily routines — so much so, it appears, that part of the writer’s curse might be the ineffable struggle to submit to the spell of solitude and escape the grip of loneliness at the same time.

Though she is certainly right about solitude being fundamental to the daily routine of most writers, I take issue with her comment about “the grip of loneliness”—at least as far as I am concerned. God knows, I have other problems, but loneliness is not one of them.

In fact, I regard writing, because my mind is necessarily so active during the creative process, as it sifts and sorts ideas, characters, locations and situations—and endeavors to distil the jumble into a clear and entertaining narrative—as the ultimate antidote to loneliness. Indeed, it is rare that I don’t feel much invigorated after a writing session—even if also exhausted.

Let me put it another way: Typically, after a writing session, I feel rather as if I had just spent a fascinating few hours (frequently more) with particularly entertaining and stimulating friends. Better yet, the effects last, so that although I currently live alone, I rarely feel lonely.

This isn’t to say that writing cannot be difficult, demanding, frustrating, and sometimes pure hell, but more to comment that loneliness does not happen to be my particular demon. I feel truly fortunate in that regard.

For others, it is clearly an issue. Hemingway seems to have fallen into that category. The following is the relevant extract from his Nobel acceptance speech.

Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer’s loneliness but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his loneliness and often his work deteriorates. For he does his work alone and if he is a good enough writer he must face eternity, or the lack of it, each day.

For a true writer each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment. He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed. Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed.

How simple the writing of literature would be if it were only necessary to write in another way what has been well written. It is because we have had such great writers in the past that a writer is driven far out past where he can go, out to where no one can help him.

I have spoken too long for a writer. A writer should write what he has to say and not speak it. Again I thank you.

Hemingway has long fascinated me, though more for his lifestyle than for his writing—though here I should add the qualification that A MOVABLE FEAST remains one of my favorite books. It is about his time in Paris and supposedly a work of non-fiction though some would say it has been somewhat embroidered. I won’t comment on that. It remains a beautiful and moving book.

But I have never regarded him as a role model in writing terms—particularly where fiction is concerned. In fact, I have never tried to emulate any particular author’s style. I just felt that if I wrote enough, eventually my own style would evolve. I live in hopes that it has, but that is really for others to judge. What I can say is that I set up certain principles quite early on: (1) Be clear. (2) Be entertaining. (3) Be unpredictable. (4) Blend humor into your work. (5) Develop your inner voice, and then listen to it.

Your inner voice develops in line with your expertise as a writer. It is extraordinarily important, because you will discover over time that you cannot rely on “the experts” as a writer—no matter what professional reputations they have cultivated. This should scarcely be a surprise because “the experts” are fundamentally focused on what has worked in the past, whereas genuinely creative talent is focused on pushing the envelope, on doing things which are risky, unpredictable and unproven.

My complicated mother—who was never a supporter of my writing, though she wrote and painted herself—used to call me “Hemingway,” though more as a jibe than as a compliment. I took it in good part and remember thinking that if I could have as adventurous a life as Hemingway, and leave behind a few works of merit, I would die content.

I retain that goal.

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 202

THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MATTIS—A MARINE WITH A WAY WITH WORDS

One of my Army friends sent me an e-mail today containing quotes from General Mattis.

Now I mostly know Army generals—who are typically fairly judicious in their choice of language. They know that a poor choice of words can kill a career faster and more certainly than incompetence in command—even in time of war. As Tom Ricks pointed out in his excellent book, THE GENERALS, generals who don’t perform used to be relieved at a fairly rapid rate—especially during WW II—whereas since then the club of generals looks after its own; and the club does not approve of colleagues who are too outrageous, or grab the headlines. Would General Mattis have achieved four star rank if he been in the Army? Probably not—but he is a Marine.

This isn’t to say that the Army doesn’t produce some truly outstanding general officers—fortunately it does—and some are refreshingly candid (here General Jack Keane comes to mind) but I can’t think of any who come close to matching Mattis’s sheer verbal dynamism and ingenuity. What is more General Mattis fights like he talks.

The following is an extract from today’s e-mail.

Gen. James Mattis, known to his troops as “Mad Dog Mattis,” is retiring after 41 years of military service. The Marine Corps Times is calling Mattis the “most revered Marine in a generation.”

Mattis has been commander of the United States Central Command since 2010 and led the 1st Marine Division into Iraq in 2003. According to reports, President Barack Obama decided to force the Marine Corps legend out early because he rubbed civilian officials the wrong way, and forced them to answer tough questions regarding Iran.

Mattis was an inspirational leader of men and his powerful words will go down in history.

Here are some of the best words that the “Mad Dog” has had to offer:

1. “I don’t lose any sleep at night over the potential for failure. I cannot even spell the word.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

2. “The first time you blow someone away is not an insignificant event. That said, there are some assholes in the world that just need to be shot.”

(Business Insider)

3. “I come in peace. I didn’t bring artillery. But I’m pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you fuck with me, I’ll kill you all.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

4. “Find the enemy that wants to end this experiment (in American democracy) and kill every one of them until they’re so sick of the killing that they leave us and our freedoms intact.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

5. “Marines don’t know how to spell the word defeat.”

(Business Insider)

6. “Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

7. “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

8. “You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.”

(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

9. “There are hunters and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.”

(Business Insider)

10. “No war is over until the enemy says it’s over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.”

(Defense News)

11. “There is nothing better than getting shot at and missed. It’s really great.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

12. “You cannot allow any of your people to avoid the brutal facts. If they start living in a dream world, it’s going to be bad.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

13. “You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn’t wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain’t got no manhood left anyway. So it’s a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them. Actually it’s quite fun to fight them, you know. It’s a hell of a hoot. It’s fun to shoot some people. I’ll be right up there with you. I like brawling.”

(CNN)

14. “I’m going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years.”

(San Diego Union Tribune)

15. “Demonstrate to the world there is ‘No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy’ than a U.S. Marine.”

(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

16. “Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit”

(Mattis’ Letter To 1st Marine Division)

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 201

IF YOU ARE HIT WITH THE SUDDEN IMPULSE TO CHEER ME UP—BECAUSE, FOR INSTANCE, YOU HAVE INSOMNIA, OR WANT TO FEEL WARM AND FUZZY FOR DOING A GOOD DEED—SEND ME (OR ANY WRITER YOU LIKE) A FAN LETTER

Yes, I freely confess, I love my fan mail—especially when it arrives on one of those days when life doesn’t seem to be working out too well.

Here I don’t mean my writing life which seems to in commendably good form—it appears to have declared near independence and have something close to an existence of its own—but  all the rest of the stuff we clutter up our existence with.

What do I mean by that? I mean everything from out-of-control consumerism to the Social Media, from keeping up appearances—to stressing about the traffic. 

I would give more examples, but I am conscious that I am in danger of wandering into controversial territory. Do I really think that granny should be left to starve because the writer is obsessed with finishing a chapter.

No, I’m not that bad—and, as it happens I was devoted to my grandmother—but I will admit that I find coping with life outside writing extremely difficult at times. I am a writer not an administrator and find dealing with such matters—the guts of normal life, if you will, stressful in the extreme.

But then another e-mail arrives from a fan, and my sense of wellbeing is restored.

The following was sent by reader Cassie Hill via Facebook—and is utterly charming.

"I saw where you've been writing e-books. Where are they available? Not on Amazon that I've been able to find. Missed your writing muchly."

I would never have the nerve to write: “Missed your writing muchly.” It is not correct English, apart from anything else—but it works perfectly (which is the whole idea of really good writing).

Thank you Cassie. I am deeply touched.

And now you are wondering when my new books will appear on Amazon. Very soon now is the answer – so keep checking this blog. The whole story is a saga—which will appear in my memoirs—but the immediate delay is caused by my having to move. The reasons are all good, but it is proving to be decidedly disruptive.

I’ll get over it. As I have remarked before, given the vicissitudes of life, it is important to appreciate that a writer’s life demands fortitude. But—if you take the long view—it is worth it.

If you take the shorter view, frankly, life can suck.

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 200

CYPRUS—THE ONLY PLACE WHERE, SO FAR, I HAVE SAT ON A SNAKE

IT DID NOT APPEAR TO ENJOY THE ENCOUNTER—AND, FRANKLY, NEITHER DID I

Cyprus—a beautiful island with an extraordinary history, by the way—rarely hits the news, so it is strange indeed to see it as the focus of a financial scandal which may well threaten the stability of the European Union. Apart from anything else, the Greek Cypriot population is not much larger than 1.1 million—scarcely significant in an EU population of about 500 million. But the Greek Cypriots have long had a reputation as hustlers, and they certainly seem to have lived up to it when it comes to banking.

Before getting into the details of my very brief personal story, let me quote Wikipedia on the island in general.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia (both in terms of area and population). It is also the world's 81st largest by area and world's 49th largest by population. It measures 240 kilometres (149 mi) long from end to end and 100 kilometres (62 mi) wide at its widest point, with Turkey 75 kilometres (47 mi) to the north. It lies between latitudes 34° and 36° N, and longitudes 32° and 35° E.

Other neighbouring territories include Syria and Lebanon to the east (105 kilometres (65 mi) and 108 kilometres (67 mi), respectively), Israel 200 kilometres (124 mi) to the southeast, Egypt 380 kilometres (236 mi) to the south, and Greece to the northwest: 280 kilometres (174 mi) to the small Dodecanesian island of Kastelorizo (Megisti), 400 kilometres (249 mi) toRhodes, and 800 kilometres (497 mi) to the Greek mainland.

I went to Cyprus because it was degenerating into a civil war—and I wanted to get a sense of such a dangerous environment without actually getting shot. For some strange reason, I felt that if I was going to write thrillers, I should experience danger at first hand. If that sounds pretty damn foolish, you will get no disagreement from me. I am now older and wiser and have learned that violence is both unpredictable and unpleasant.

At the time—1974—the Greek Cypriots were gunning for the Turkish Cypriots and there was a definite sense that the island was about to explode. My main recollection is of Greek irregular forces, bristling with weapons, rushing around in long wheelbase Landrovers, and of Turkish villagers not quite knowing what to do. The Turks, who comprise less than a fifth of the population, were totally outgunned. What was absolutely clear is that something bad was going to happen.

In fact, after numerous incidents—normally resulting from Greek Cypriot aggression against the Turks—it did. Turkey invaded to save the local Turkish population—in what was something of a textbook military operation spearheaded by paratroops—and Cyprus remains divided to this day, though no country recognizes Turkish Cyprus except Turkey—which is rather sad. 

My sympathies, at the time, were with the Turks—probably because they were the underdogs—and I spent some time with a Turkish Army battalion stationed in Famagusta under some arcane U.N. agreement. Though they were hopelessly outnumbered by the Greek Cypriots—and knew they were going to be attacked—they were remarkably sanguine about the situation, and impressed me greatly. That said, I liked the Greek Cypriots—apart from the armed thugs—too.

All in all, it was a complicated situation with U.N. troops—who were trying to keep the peace—caught in the middle. In fact, one of my favorite memories is of an Irish U.N. soldier, leaning back on a spindly kitchen chair—at some risk to his welfare if the chair had collapsed—reading a book as if oblivious to the fact that he was stationed between decidedly edgy armed Greeks and Turks who were, quite clearly, spoiling for a fight.

This was insouciance elevated to high art. Later I was to learn that the Irish troops were highly regarded as peace-keepers. They could, and would, talk their way out of any confrontation.

The snake incident happened because I was rather fond of cross-country walking in those days, and, and after seeing a comfortable looking rock out of the corner of my eye, just didn’t look whether it was occupied or not. Careless of me. Of course it was—by a snake dozing away in the sun.

Hard to know which of us was more scared by the encounter. Fortunately, we both headed in opposite directions. I am left with two vivid memories: The feel of the snake’s surprisingly robust body as I sat on it; and the sight of its considerable length as it skedaddled away.

The British still have two sovereign bases on Cyprus. I only visited one—and was stopped at the perimeter—but vividly recall the largest array of aerials and other radio interception equipment I have ever seen. The display seemed to be endless. The reason is simple. Cyprus is conveniently located near most of the hot spots of the Middle East, so the British vacuum up anything and everything from the airwaves that they can.

 

 

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 199

DO WE REALLY HAVE A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM—OR IS IT MISNAMED?

For some time I have been subscribing to a free newsletter on health matters put out by a Dr. Mercola. Reportedly, nearly two million others do the same thing.

His main business seems to be marketing supplements of various kinds—which I have never bought, (as yet)—but but I do read his mailings and have long thought they, mostly, make a great deal of sense—though I debate his views on vaccinations.

Is he controversial? Of course. Anyone who is so opposed to the status quo could scarcely be otherwise. But, fundamentally, he seems sound; and he backs his opinions with a great deal of data.

I speak, as a layman, of course—albeit I have researched the healthcare area for my book, TITANIC NATION: HOW TO AVOID ICEBERGS—so take my opinions as no more than that.

Here are Dr. Mercola’s beliefs in his own words:

• The US does not have a health care system; we have a disease-management system that is dependent on expensive drugs and invasive surgeries. It’s a system rooted in an ideal of maximized profits, opposed to helping people maintain or regain their health
• The US spends more on health care than the next 10 biggest spenders combined: Japan, Germany, France, China, the U.K., Italy, Canada, Brazil, Spain and Australia, yet the US ranks last in health and mortality analysis of 17 developed nations
• Integrative medicine (IM) is a better alternative to the current system, as it offers a combination of conventional medical therapies and complementary or alternative therapies "for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness"
• The Affordable Health Care Act is likely to make matters far worse rather than better, as the Act does not include any strategies to prevent illness. Nor does it contain any measures to rein in or reduce out-of-control health care costs related to overcharges. Instead it expands an already flawed model of “care” that has been and continues to be one of the leading causes of both death and bankruptcy in the US.

Harsh words—but look at the evidence. You’ll find him at www.mercola.com

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 198

THE BOOK BUSINESS IS BEING TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AT A TRULY ASTONISHING SPEED

IN NOVEMBER 2012, 28 PERCENT OF ALL BOOK PURCHASES IN THE U.S. WERE IN E-BOOK FORMAT—A DRAMATIC RISE FROM SIX PERCENT IN NOVEMBER 2010

When I was first published back in 1991—which doesn’t seem that long ago, as far as I am concerned, but is pre-history to many people—the book chains ruled the earth, and Barnes & Noble dominated the book chains.

Just over two decades later, the second largest book chain, Borders, is gone, and Barnes and Noble is looking sickly. What is more is that e-books—scarcely heard about until Amazon introduced the Kindle in 2007—have seized a truly significant market share.

Let me quote from mediabistro which is, in turn, quoting from Bowkers:

According to a new report from Bowker Market Research, U.S. chain bookstores lost 13 percent of their share of book purchases in 2012.

Overall, chain booksellers saw their share decrease from 32 percent to 19 percent of volume. At the same time, Bowker recorded some dramatic gains in U.S. eReatailers and digital book growth. Check it out:

In the U.S., e-retailers accounted for 44 percent of book purchases by volume in 2012, up from 25 percent in 2010. In the U.K. the rise has been somewhat less dramatic but still significant, up from 25 percent in January-November 2010, to 38 percent in the same period in 2012 … In November 2012, 28 percent of all book purchases in the U.S. were in e-book format — a dramatic rise from six percent in November 2010.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 197

IT IS QUITE A PARADOX. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE TO WRITE ABOUT—YET THE NUMBER OF NEWSROOM STAFF IS IN RAPID DECLINE

Without a well informed public, you can’t have democracy—and you certainly cannot have a well informed public without sufficient active members of the media. How many is sufficient? I have absolutely no idea, but a reduction of 30 percent over twelve years—as we increasingly become an information age—seems drastic by any standards.

But surely 40.6 thousand is sufficient? Not necessarily. That figure refers to newsroom staff which includes editors and all kinds of people who support the process of producing the news—and this is a very big country.

Realize also that although  the national news is what has a tendency to dominate, what really counts is local news—and if the Fourth Estate is to keep a skeptical eye on what is happening locally, lots of bodies are needed to do the job.

One of the great weaknesses of U.S. media—in my opinion—is that the profit motive dominates all. In Europe, most stations have to devote time to the news as a condition for having their license in the first place. In the U.S., no such obligation seems to exist, and a license holder can do pretty much as he or she wants.

As a consequence, you have vast numbers of radio stations—to give just one example—operated from a single central location in the interests of efficiency—and the local element ignored completely.

That may be the most profitable way to do things, but I doubt it serves the public interest—and I’m far from sure it is even good business.

 

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 196

ONE OF THE MANY GREAT THINGS ABOUT WRITING IS THAT ITS POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS.

I find it somewhat sobering to realize that most of my peers have now retired—and some have been in that status for several years.

I will be 69 in a couple of months—my 70th year—and am very far from retired.

Am I jealous? Certainly not. I wish them all well. However, though I have been gifted (and cursed) with a vivid imagination, I cannot conceive not working pretty much as I do now.

As my faculties age, I will probably have to slow down a bit—I have considered trying out a four day week—but that will be more psychological than real. I write anyway at weekends, but rather enjoy the feeling that I don’t have to; and that I am outmaneuvering my work ethic.

Good grief! Writing is my life. Why on earth would I want to retire from it? As far as I am am concerned, it is what gives my existence meaning. And, though it is uncommonly difficult, it is fun—because you never quite know how things will turn out; what words will appear; what punch-line you will close with; whether you can do the deed at all.

It’s a constant challenge to the death—quite literally. I find that vastly cheering.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 195

I HAVE YET TO MEET ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED COMBAT, WHO IS NOT AFFECTED BY IT

THIS IS A MANIFEST TRUTH—AND YET WE IGNORE IT

The media tells us that the current backlog of veterans’ applications for care is a stunning 900, 000—and that some VA locations are running two years in arrears. Good grief! This is beyond outrage.

Well, one might rant against the media except for the fact that the VA have confirmed such figures in hearings. Despite a major attempt to make the VA paperless—and thus theoretically more efficient—the current situation is a disaster.

Just imagine coming back from a war zone with PTSD—and having to wait a year or two for treatment. At such a point, words fail.

What is so wrong with our culture that we cannot understand that combat is intrinsically harmful to all of those who serve? We train people to do terrible things—which do happen—and then we largely ignore the consequences. This is neglect on an epic scale.

It is even more harmful when those who serve are forced to debate the moral integrity of their actions. On the one hand, they have done the right thing by serving their country. On the other hand, some of their actions could be—and have been—interpreted as war crimes.

We seem to have developed the facility to go to war on a whim—as in our invasion of Iraq—yet to walk away from the terrible consequences while disclaiming any, and all, responsibility.

What are the right words? I have no idea.

 

THE STORY SO FAR. PART 194

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF DROPPING OUT AND GOING TO LIVE IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE?

THE MEMORABLE ‘THE OLIVE GARDEN’ BY ACTRESS CAROL DRINKWATER TELLS JUST SUCH A STORY IN A HIGHLY PERSONAL, EVOCATIVE, AND SENSUAL WAY

http://www.caroldrinkwater.com

I don’t know how I missed THE OLIVE GARDEN when it was first published in 2001—I tend to be fairly alert to key words or phrases like “South of France” but somehow I missed the book completely. Fortunately Jo, who I had the honor of helping to nurse as she was dying of cancer, had the book in her collection—and though most of her books were donated to worthy institutions before I moved into this apartment, somehow THE OLIVE GARDEN remained.

Let me confess that I picked it up reluctantly. I was looking for a thriller to relax with. Nonetheless, I was soon gripped by Carol Drinkwater’s vivid tale—and finished it with great regret. I know the area she was writing about and have great affection for it.

The story is not complicated. She and her lover, Michel, find a house set on ten acres not far from Cannes—which they can’t really afford—buy it (a saga in itself) and gradually restore the property despite numerous setbacks.

The author, Carol Drinkwater, is arguably best known for her role in ALL CREATURES, GREAT AND SMALL—a TV series which was widely popular, but which I do not recall having seen. What I can say, is that whatever about her talent as an actress (and I gather she is highly regarded) she writes beautifully—with energy, empathy and a senusality that is entirely appropriate to her subject.

This is a must read book.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 193

THEMOTH.ORG—TALES OF THE MOTH—REPRESENTS THE HUMAN CONDITION, AND THE POWER OF RADIO, AT THEIR FINEST.

IF YOU ARE NOT MOVED BY SUCH TRUE STORIES, YOU ARE MADE OF STONE

I commented some time ago that, as I have been getting older—within the limits of being a member of a different sex—I have been turning into my much loved grandmother in terms of beliefs and lifestyle. Would it were so, in many ways, because she was an admirable human being with a big heart, but I fear my flaws exceed hers.

Nonetheless, there are similarities to our lifestyles—quite a few, in fact—apart from the fact that we both lived, or live, alone. One of them is that we both share (or shared) a passion for the radio. It’s informative, companionable, thoroughly entertaining, and remarkably inexpensive. Here I am referring to NPR in its various forms—not corporate radio (which has pretty much trashed a great medium).

One of the most impressive programs is TALES OF THE MOTH. These consist of nothing more that a single person telling a true story from their own experiences to a small audience—which is then recorded and transmitted. Many are extremely funny. Some are desperately sad. All are moving.

Stories are innate to the human condition. They give us identity, make us laugh—and give us hope. TALES OF THE MOTH represents the zenith of storytelling.

They make me proud to be a teller of stories, part of a fraternity that may just be—though the competition is formidable—the oldest profession.

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 192

DEFEATING TERRORISM—WHAT WORKS BEST, AND WHAT WORKS RARELY

Note well the above sobering figures: Terrorists have only been defeated militarily in 7 percent out of 268 cases reviewed. But surely U.S. military might is different?

Well, it might be nice to think so, but America’s track record does not support such a view.

But what rotten Leftist organization did the research? Actually, it was RAND, who were set up by the Air Force, and who can scarcely be described as liberal. Could it be that that they are merely reporting the facts?

I first encountered terrorism in the Fifties while staying with a friend who lived near the Curragh in Ireland. We were both about twelve at the time.The Curragh is a large area of flat-ish heathland which not only boasts a rather famous race course, but also housed a substantial force of the British Army when they occupied Ireland. Now the Irish Army hold sway, and have since the British withdrew from most of Ireland in 1921—though they, the British, have remained in the North (Six counties out of Ireland’s 32).

My friend and I decided to go to the movies, and since the fastest way there was to cross the Army’s lands, that is exactly what we decided to do. We doubted we would be seen. It was dark, and we prided ourselves in being able to cross country undetected. We were, so to speak, not only going to a movie—but in a movie.  Such is the power of a child’s imagination.

All went well until we came face to face with what looked exactly like a prisoner of war camp straight out of the movies. There were barbed wire fences, watch-towers, a brilliantly lit perimeter, and armed guards. If their weren’t mines and machine-guns, our imaginations painted them in. Frankly, I doubt there were mines—or we would have been blown up. We were crossing the area where such devices are normally placed. As for machine-guns, yes, there were there in all their lethal reality. If a small number of guards has to contain large numbers of prisoners, such are the tools of the trade.

We crouched in the shadows. The weakness of a brightly-lit perimeter is the darkness beyond. This was before the days of night vision.

A POW camp in Ireland! Why?

The sight left an indelible impression on me. It was a graphic demonstration of the power of a government—and I wasn’t entirely relieved when I learned that the camp’s occupants were suspected IRA terrorists who hadn’t actually been convicted of anything, but had merely been interned on the word of a police officer. So much for due process.

Since that time, I had a great deal to do with terrorism and its consequences—sometimes merely though reading, sometimes as a byproduct of living in Ireland and the UK during the decades of the Troubles, and sometimes in places like Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Italy where I suppose I went looking for trouble to get material for my books. When I look back, I shudder—but I was lucky despite quite a number of experiences I would prefer not to repeat.

Have I learned anything about terrorism from my research and experiences? We are talking over 50 years here, so I would like to think so. What I will stress—with some emphasis—is that I don’t think it is good enough to regard terrorists as a bunch of bad guys whose sole fate is to be killed.

• There are normally good reasons why terrorists do what they do. You might not agree with them, but it is vital to understand them.
• If terrorists have valid grievances—and they often do—then remedying those grievances is a good place to start.
• A major terrorist goal is almost always to cause their enemies to over-react.
• One of the best ways of making sure terrorist targets over-react is to make it inevitable that the military will be brought in. Soldiers are trained to kill people and break things—and have never been renowned for their patience or subtlety. They positively excel at alienating the local population. Reflect that soldiers and marines are mostly young, ignorant of the context, and trained to kill without hesitation. As a consequence, they do kill—and then have to live with the consequences the rest of their lives. Society pays.
• As mature people learn in normal life, in most confrontational situations, one of the best courses of action is to refuse to be provoked. Self-righteous is not a substitute for brainpower.
• Once initiated, violence has a momentum of its own—and is extraordinarily hard to stop.
• Neither governments nor terrorists tell the truth, and never all the truth. Typically, such conflicts are supported by a positive flood of propaganda and lies.
• The consequences of such carnage are horrendous beyond our ability to grasp the meaning of that word. They effect every aspect of life, and frequently translate into death. Such consequences can last for generations—and frequently do.

So, what are my conclusions? Have our numerous conflicts in Vietnam, Latin America, the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan really served the National Interest?

Personally, I think it is about time we got to work re-building the United States of America. From education to infrastructure to Middle Class earning power, we are losing ground under more headings than I care to mention. And yet, there seems to be no sense of outrage. The general view seems to be that we remain the richest and most powerful country in the world—so what is the problem?

The problem is that Middle Class earnings have been in decline for about 40 years and that two people are now needed to maintain a reasonable Middle Class life style—whereas one could have coped before. In short, the standard of living of most Americans is in decline.

I have no answers except one: Conditioning—in the sense of dumbing a population down through a combination of distraction and outright lies—works.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 191

PTSD—POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER—SOMETHING WE NEED TO TAKE MUCH MORE SERIOUSLY

Personally, I don’t think PTSD is confined to combat veterans. Instead, it is a cognitive consequence of extreme stress in virtually any situation which has a semi-permanent to permanent effect of significant proportions. It can manifest itself in numerous ways, but essentially it distorts our ability to cope with life in a calm and positive manner. The consequences are severe and span the gamut—everything from flashbacks and nightmares, to marital discord and alcoholism. They can and do wreck lives.

Yes, I know that is not the medical definition, but I am writing more as a concerned layman.

The point about combat, or even a combat environment, is that everyone is affected to a greater or lesser extent because to live in a world of near constant threat is an assault on all one’s fundamental survival instincts. In addition, those who experience actual combat can be—it varies— exposed to situations and events which are truly horrific and life changing.

But here is the thing: Despite the fact that we have been at war since 2001, we don’t seem to be coping with PTSD very well. The sheer number of sufferers is way too large for the resources that have been committed and the Veterans Administration seems to be bogged down in a bureaucratic morass.

I’m prompted to write about this because I recently met a remarkable woman who has been helping PTSD sufferers. She has no medical qualifications, but her empathy and understanding of the core issues are impressive.

This piece is merely a placeholder. I’ll return to this important subject when I am more up to speed.

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 190

TRYING TO EXPLAIN THE LURE OF A WRITING CAREER—WITH ALL IT’S INSECURITIES—TO PEOPLE WHO MOSTLY HAVE REGULAR JOBS—IS AKIN TO TRYING TO DEFY GRAVITY

LIVE WITH IT

THE PLEASURE OF WRITING IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE COMPENSATION

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 189

THIS REMARKABLY STYLISH AIRCRAFT IS ACTUALLY A TILT ROTOR—AND IT IS ELECTRIC

If you examine this picture carefully, you will notice two shrouded rotors positioned horizontally to the rear of the extremely elegant wings. This is not a conventional fixed-wing airplane. The rotors allow it to take off and land vertically—just like a helicopter—but then rotate 90 degrees to provide forward thrust. At that point, the wings, and not the rotors, provide most of the lift.

But can Project Zero—yes, it really is called that—hover? It can do that too.

This aircraft has been designed with unusual style and flair. Yes, it is only a technology demonstrator, but most great aircraft technology breakthroughs originate in just such a manner. Beyond that, the reports are that Project Zero works—which is why it is finally being shown. Previously, for over a year and a half, it has been kept secret. This is scarcely surprising. It demonstrates some remarkably original thinking—yet, reportedly, it was designed and built in a little more than six months.

I have long believed in the concept of an electric aircraft—starting with a hybrid electric version. There are good reasons for this:

• Conventional fuel is a major cost component.
• The use of conventional fuel is decidedly detrimental to the environment.
• Hybrid electric power is becoming well proven in automobiles.
• Hybrid electric power is significantly less expensive.
• Hybrid electric power is vastly quieter.
• Electric motors are constantly being improved and are innately simpler and less bulky than the alternatives.

In the case of Project Zero, the aircraft’s control systems, flight controls and landing gear actuators are all electrically powered—which means no hydraulics are needed—and the aircraft does not require a transmission. This all adds up to a significant decrease in mechanical complexity and cost—and an increase in reliability. It also saves a great deal of weight, which has all kinds of positive implications.

Currently, the aircraft is battery powered—which, given the limitations of existing battery technology—allows for only limited flight duration. But a hybrid electric version is being considered using diesel to power a generator.

Conventional helicopters are wonderful things, and extremely useful, but they are also slow, noisy, expensive to buy and maintain—and spend their time trying to vibrate themselves to pieces (vibration is in a major problem). Could it be that Augusta Westland—a particularly interesting company—have come up with a viable new approach to rotary flight?

It would seem to be a decided possibility.

Augusta Westland’s management have stated publicly that they believe the future of rotary flight lies with tilt rotor aircraft. Given the cost and complexity of the V-22 Osprey—which is currently in service with various branches of the military—I would have doubted that, but Project Zero is such an original conception, they may well be right.

The company already has considerable experience of tilt rotor aircraft. It has recently developed the AW609 (see below) which is, in effect, a civilian derivation of the V-22 Osprey. Project Zero, with its emphasis on simplicity, would suggest they have learned a great deal from this exercise.

 

 

 

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 188

WHAT IS CURIOSITY—AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT FOR A WRITER—OR IS IT?

My much loved sister, Lucy, has a habit of coming up with provocative illustrations which she features on Facebook—so, once again, I am using her as a source of inspiration.

When Lucy was a baby, she was described by my mother as: Lucy the boosy—milky and juicy.

My mother was a difficult woman, but she had her tender moments. She loved Lucy—we all did—and we still do. Lucy is the matriarch of the family—yet the youngest. Yes, I know that is not logical. Humans are not logical. It is a matter of respect. It is an honor which has been earned.

The first question I asked myself was: Can you be a writer if you are not curious? Well, clearly you can in a mechanical sense—in that you can string words together—but the word writer to me implies much more.

It suggests an observer of life whose work helps to illuminate and advance the human condition. Yes, that does sound like a lofty goal, but I am not being that arrogant. One can achieve such desirable objectives in small ways—by entertaining, by contributing a little perspective, by stimulating the reader’s mind, by simply distracting him or her. Frankly, if I can do all that, I am vastly pleased. Do I have higher objectives? Of course—but I will settle for the practical.

But can you do that if you aren’t curious—if you are not remotely concerned about the behavior of your fellow human beings?

In effect, you are the ultimate disinterested observer. Perhaps, you observe; and perhaps you take notes—but since you are not remotely curious about motivation, or indeed any detail, your involvement is less dispassionate than inhuman.

Roll on flawed human beings. Curiosity may well be your primary redeeming feature.

My conclusion: curiosity is endemic to the role of a writer. Nothing matters more than a simple word: Why?

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 187

IF IT’S NOT A BIRD, OR A BEE—COULD IT BE A DUTCH APACHE?

Yes, is the short answer—though from the angle of the aircraft in the photo, it is rather hard to be sure. Also, that spectacular paint job is decidedly different, and not something we are used to here. More is the pity! It is extraordinarily effective.

Just in case you haven’t discovered the fact already, I am an Apache AH-64 fan and follow the aircraft with the enthusiasm of a sports fan.

“AH” stands for  “Attack Helicopter;” and though other attack helicopters certainly do exist, the AH-64, which has been significantly upgraded over the years, is widely considered to be superior to the competition.

For a great deal of the time, weapons procurement is little more than money flow for the MICC—the Military Industrial Congressional Complex—but every now and then the Pentagon gets it right, and produces a completely superb weapons system; and the Boeing manufactured Apache AH-64 is such an example. Arguably, it is over-priced—that is not my fight—but I do believe that excellence deserves a premium.

This all stems from my researching the XVIII Airborne Corps of the U.S. Army back in the mid Nineties and the Corps Commander, General Jack Keane—as he now is—insisting that I fly in an Apache in order to gain a greater understanding of the 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division. When generals insist—and Jack Keane was, and remains, much more than your average general—action tends to follow.

I was a civilian, but a very willing victim—I love helicopters—and I don’t think I have ever had a more enjoyable time, though I confess to feeling decidedly queasy when my rather awesome pilot, CW Ron Thompson, said: “Let’s try a few Gs”—and did just that. In fact, he didn’t do anything too outrageous—losing guests is frowned upon—but he certainly got my attention.

Later on in that flight—when I was beginning to feel cocky as opposed to plain terrified—I asked Ron would he loop the loop? He, sensibly, drew the line at that.

Incidentally, the correct way to address a warrant officer is as “Mr.” so I really should refer to Ron as “Mr. Thompson.” Warrant officers are the specialists and problem solvers of the Army. It’s an intriguing rank and extraordinary talent lies within it. I suspect much of it is untapped.

Aerobatics in a real, live helicopter are both thrilling—and absolutely terrifying. Appreciate that a fixed wing aircraft can glide even if it loses power, whereas an unpowered  helicopter has a tendency to drop like—an unpowered helicopter. Such a descent is not conducive to human survival. Hold that thought, but suspend it while you are flying.

True, you can auto-rotate if you react fast enough, but since helicopters normally fly low, you may well not have enough time to trim your speed back; or you may not be positioned correctly for your blades to have any lift. Sometimes a writer’s imagination can be a disadvantage.

But, the good news is that nothing disastrous happened—and I fell in love with the aircraft; and I have remained in love ever since. I say “in love” with both respect and irony. Can one really be in love with a machine? I’m not sure of the answer to that. Brilliant design and execution have a tendency to evoke strong feelings.

I also developed an understanding of the integration of ground and air warfare which has remained with me. Soldiers tend to be trained to stay in their lane—to do only what they are trained to do—but commonsense suggests a more holistic approach. As with being under fire, sometimes you have to experience it to understand it. Were my Apache experiences a “life event”—as a friend suggested recently? Yes, they were.

But enough of my adventures—which included flying at night, a completely surreal experience. Night is when the Apache is at its absolute deadliest. Here is the blurb on the Dutch Apache, the HAWK.

For 2013 the Apache demo helicopter received a new design. The prints can be removed quickly, so that the helicopter can be deployed to operational missions when required.

The Q-17 is a standard Dutch Apache dedicated to the demonstrations calendars for the coming 2 years. This relieves the squadron from the difficult task of finding a spare aircraft for each show.
The Hellfire racks and rocket pods are removed from the helicopter. This saves weight, enabling the Apache to speed up faster in between the individual maneuvers.

The aircraft also flies the show with a minimum amount of fuel on board. This also saves weight and allows the helicopter to accelerate faster between individual maneuvers.

For 2013 the HAWK is also equipped with AMASE pods. These are used to fire the flares during the show. These pods are normally used in Afghanistan to deceive heat-seeking missiles.

NOTE: AMASE stands for Apache Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment.

 

THE STORY SO FAR: PART 186

WHAT IS IT LIKE—TO BLOG EVERY DAY?

The good friend who encouraged me to write this blog did not expect me to commit to a blog-a-day schedule. He merely requested and insisted on consistency—and was right to do so. He is a very persuasive man.

Not unreasonably, people like their routines. If an author decides to write but once a week, his readers will accept that fact—providing that the end result is worthy, and delivered on time. If Saturday is the chosen day, then each and every blog should be delivered on Saturday.

That sounds reasonable, but it is a tougher discipline than it seems, because creativity isn’t something you can turn on and off like a tap. Or so one might think. The truth is that one’s creativity does vary—we all have bad days—but all of this is underpinned by discipline.

I decided to write a daily blog, because I wasn’t sure I would remember to write a weekly one—ridiculous but true—and because my instincts said it would improve my writing. Above all, it would be a discipline—and writing is hugely about discipline. After all, mostly we write alone without supervision—so who is to know whether we are dozing or working?

The reality is that a professional writer knows, and every instinct screams if he is not delivering—because that is the way he (or she) has conditioned himself. The trick is ferocious self-discipline over more years than I care to think about.

It is easy to describe, but hard to achieve, because we humans, by definition, are flawed, lazy, and easy to distract. And yet, for all our faults—the list is long—the evidence is clear that professional writers are impressively self-disciplined. We face a blank screen and we deliver—normally regardless of our personal circumstances—because that is what we do.

There are all kinds of skills in the world—from plumbing to flying drones from several thousand miles away.

Writing happens to be mine—and, much to my surprise, I have found writing a daily blog to be an invaluable assist. In truth, it is ferociously demanding—but it is consistently rewarding.

In terms of words, assuming one averages 500 words a blog a day—and I tend to average rather more—the end result over a year equates to 182,500 words a year. Impose some editing (editors love to cut) and that equates to about one Big Thriller a year. Think 150,000 words—and keep cutting. Word has it that the optimum size of a book in today’s market is 90,000 words. I find that a pity. I like a really good Big Read.

But readers want books not blogs? Actually, you guys—and I say this with all due respect—want both. The reality is that it doesn’t work that way. Fundamentally, my blog is both a way of communicating to you, my readers—and a way of getting up momentum for the serious writing that has to follow. It is a rigorous discipline—broadly akin to the exercises a musician goes through—but it is not the end result.

You exercise; and then you get really serious—and I say that with humor. Here is the thing: Seriousness in work—contrary to popular opinion—is positively NOT incompatible with humor, however counter-intuitive that sounds.