Snowboarding
The Things I Don’t Know (aka Weird Research)
Writing books has been the most humbling experience of my life for so many reasons. SO. MANY. But today, I’ll just talk about one: The things I don’t know!
Oh, the things are vast, and many.
Silly things.
Important things.
Interesting things.
Things I SHOULD know.
Things I know I learned once upon a time.
Some of these things can be easily researched online. Some require experts (Hellooo Dr. Husband, you have been a life saver!). Sometimes I find a book on the subject. Some things require good hard study and mathematical equations (and then I’m back to seeking expert help . . . hellooo Father and Sister Mathematicians!! You’re the best!).
So before I bore you to death, here are some of the things I have had to research in the name of writing, though I won’t tell you why (bwahaha!):
- The shortest number of moves with which you can win at chess
- The history of cameras (Brownie’s, etc.)
- The history of Peanut Butter
- Pirate clothing
- Names and types of knives/swords
- Regional names (first and last, for various regions)
- How 911 dispatchers answer the phone (and no, I DID NOT call 911 to find out)
- What EMT’s do when they arrive on the scene
- What substances on the periodic table are most unstable
- Weird science experiments
- Science experiments/substance combinations that might cause explosions (And everytime I did a search, I worried the NSA would be after me! Book research, I swear!)
- How to qualify for a Nobel Prize (including nomination process and timeframe)
- The Randall Sundrum model of string theory (it’s actually pretty fascinating!)
- Horse grooming techniques
- Names of horse parts and wagon/carriage parts
- Time it would take to travel to the moon/mars
- Calculating rocket paths for meeting an object in space
- How tasers work
- Substances that are bad for dogs
- Methods for extracting the essence of something
- Snowboarding terms/skills
- Famous snowboarders
- How to qualify for the Olympics as a snowboarder
- Official rules of croquet
Anyway, I could go on for a good long while. So many things I don’t know! And fascinating to discover that writing isn’t only about English and Grammar. Wasn’t I wishing I’d taken a few more math classes?
So how about you? Are you an expert in any of the above (And if so, please inform me so I can pick your brain!)? Do you want to learn about any of these things? What is the weirdest research you’ve ever done?
Speak up:
3 comments| TAGS:
chess, croquet, horse-grooming, math, periodic table, randall-sundrum model, research, Snowboarding, space travel, tasersThis vs. That: Snowboarding vs. Skiing
So I haven’t done this in forever, but I’m feeling in the mood for something light and fun, so here we go. Drumroll, please!
Skiing? Snowboarding? What did the masses choose? . . .
Total votes: 13
Snowboarding: 5 votes; 38%
Skiing: 8 votes; 62%
I voted skiing because I have never been snowboarding, but I’m kindof curious to try it. And at the same time, maybe not interested enough to give up my skis. Because I’m pretty good on skis. So why give up proficiency to learn something new, right? Okay, not right, but there we are.
How about you? If given the chance, would you try something new, or go with the tried and true? Gee, maybe that should be the next This vs. That! (Except I have a better one . . .)
Speak up:
3 comments| TAGS:
Orioles, Royals, Skiing, Snowboarding, This vs. That, trying new thingsThis vs. That: Pancakes vs. Cereal
As I tallied the votes on this debate, I suppose I was not surprised. Disappointed would be a better word for it. But here, I’ll let you see for yourself:
Total votes: 15
Pancakes: 9 votes; 60%
Cereal: 5 votes; 33%
Smoothie: 1 vote; 7%
Cereal, people! Cereal. How could you not choose it? So quick to fix. So many different flavors! Good at all hours, night or day. In fact, just typing this up is making me want some.
But you. With your fixation on steamy, butter-melting, syrupy gooey pancakes. Sheer disappointment, that. And a smoothie? I just can’t even. (You know I’m teasing, right Amy?)
On the bright side? More cereal for me! Because I want all the cereal. All of it!
And now, in the spirit of the Olympics, on to the next debate:
Snowboarding
vs.
Skiing