On the First Space Traveller

Last month was the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of Sputnik I, which propelled humanity into the Space Age. Today, November 3rd, is the fiftieth anniversary of the launch of Sputnik II, the first space craft to carry a living creature — the dog, Laika. Laika died a few hours into her flight due toContinue reading “On the First Space Traveller”

On Writing Screenplays

Yesterday I mentioned some of the top search phrases for the month of October. But I’ve noticed, just through the search phrases WordPress reports to me, that people are looking for ways of writing screenplays using Microsoft Word. Fortunately, the BBC is a big help here. They offer a free template download, Script Smart, thatContinue reading “On Writing Screenplays”

On the Month-End Round-Up

Things I’ve discovered. I have a lot of readers in Indiana. This surprises me, as I’ve only ever driven through Indiana, yet I have more regular readers in Indiana than I do in, say, Utah. Other popular tourist destinations for allyngibson.com are Florida, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Norway. Also, China and Saudi Arabia. No, thisContinue reading “On the Month-End Round-Up”

On Stephen Colbert’s Presidential Bid

Comedian Stephen Colbert had announced his intention to run President. Not so fast, says the South Carolina Democratic Party. They’ve decided that Colbert isn’t a serious candidate, and have rejected his application to get on the ballot. I have no opinion on this, really. The Atlantic Monthly had a good article on what his campaignContinue reading “On Stephen Colbert’s Presidential Bid”

On Talking Star Trek: Voyager

Yesterday at work I found myself talking Star Trek: Voyager with one of the other writers in the department. No reason why — it’s just where the conversation went. Oh, wait. I remember now. It was the “T’Pau/T’Pol” problem — why was the planned use of T’Pau changed to a new character named T’Pol? NothingContinue reading “On Talking Star Trek: Voyager”

On Halloweens Past

Years ago I lived in Amish country, a little east of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There were some Amish farms on my road, and there were kids in the neighborhood. As Halloween approached, I felt a bit giddy inside — there were kids in the neighborhood! Halloween! Amish kids! Halloween! I’d never really lived anywhere that trick-or-treatingContinue reading “On Halloweens Past”