*UPDATE* SATURDAY OCT. 20/2012

  Yesterday is beautiful.  Not because it was any more or less perfect than today is, but because it is easier to see the beauty in something that has gone away.  The gifts are easier to spot when they are laced in memory.  In the wake of everything that will happen today, today will eventually be lost to us all.  The past has the power to inspire or cripple.  To nourish or diminish.  Only the best and worst memories will live on inside us, and our choices today only seem important once it is too late to make them.

Nothing makes the heart mourn like regret does.
Nothing speaks more truth than silence does.
Nothing brings more joy than innocence does.
Nothing creates a sense of belonging like home does.
Nothing is more humbling than a child.
Nothing is more perfect than a mistake.
Nothing is needed more than hope.

 Do me a favor.  Live today.  Today is not a day that is meant for sitting in front of the TV, or doing homework, or doing chores.  Today is a day of friendship, love, discovery and joy.  Do something that makes a difference.  Do something you enjoyed as a kid, and rediscover how important it is for you to become that child again.  Hug your partner long enough to remember just what it is that you need them for.  Show your kids something amazing that they will never forget.

Today is rare, and it will never be here again. 

*UPDATE* June 12/12

  Welcome back to Logan's Letter.  Thank you so much for being a reader, without you it would be much harder to reach the milestones like the one we just hit!  We have now cleared 400 hits, which is quite thrilling.  At least my ego thinks so.  My ego likes many things.  One of the things that it likes is the fact that Logan's Letter has a new logo.  The picture above is the handywork of Mark P, and I have to say I like how snazzy it looks.  But I digress...

  It's been quite the adventure this last month.  At the end of May I went down to Las Vegas to compete in my second World Series, hoping to overcome my strong run last year.  In a field of roughly 860 last season, I finished just shy of the money around 120th.  My most notable achievement was the fact that I was chip leader after two hours of play.  Needless to say, it was going to be tough.

   I did finally see Men in Black 3...so expect that review later on.  The next installment of the Shannara series is on deck, as well as the newest song that runs my life and the shreds of philosophy that I've gleaned from it.  By the way, you know that song "Sexy and I Know It"?  The one that is really catchy and annoying?  Well, you really need to check out this video, and try not to judge this kid....I have to say that I judged the guy, and I was taught a lesson.  What a humbling moment.

Did you click on the link?  Well do it dammit, I don't recommend things like this because it makes me young.  It's normally for good reason.  Click!  Don't make me come over there. It was good wasn't it?

WASN'T IT!? 
(if you want a great second serving, him and another viral sensation do a great rendition of Somebody That I Used To Know)...what chemistry.

 Well, here we go.

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Back into the World of Shannara.

 So, I received a comment amongst the others in my facebook messages the other day that asked why I always talk about these books.  Now, I try to review many things on this page, but the Shannara series has been a large focus lately.  I understand that people have different have different tastes and that, but my life has been inexplicably changed by these books.  My stories are primarily influenced by Terry Brooks, and if I finish by books one day, I will still refer readers to read his books over my own.  Well..they can still buy mine hehehe. 

  "The Druid of Shannara" is a CLASSIC example of how his writing has changed since his early books.  It follows the story that was set in "Scions of Shannara".  The book starts in a different fashion, introducing you to a very enigmatic character, an elemental named "Quickening".  Between the dark contrasts of Walker Boh and the purity of Quickening, this book really swings with new momentum.  The story revolves around the Black Elfstone, a magic that absorbs other magic and converts it to it's own use.  With new characters and unique challenges, this story is truly a great read and has more of an emotional pull than some of the others.

Read it.  And if you don't want to, then go back and click the above links.

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Back In Black

 You know what the difference between you and me is? 

  If you grew up in the 90's, you'd probably be able to finish this famous movie line.  Men in Black was truly one of the first movies of it's kind with great action, funny lines and Will Smith.  Let's face it...Will Smith just makes good movies.  Men in Black 2 would have flopped if Will wasn't in it.  That's not saying Tommy Lee Jones isn't great, but I'm just stating facts. 

  Men in Black 3 takes us back to 1969.  I was a little apprehensive, as time travel movies are a dime a dozen.  Now, the plot was fairly ragged and the movie did kinda look thrown together in some parts, but the movie made up for it by diving into Tommy Lee Jones' past.  Cue Josh Brolin, who is acting as Jones' younger self, and does a truly remarkable job. With a formidable adversary in Boris, and of course Will Smith, the movie does achieve "satisfactory" status.  It may even be worth "See in theatres" status.

Final thought:  It probably won't blow your mind, but that's because you've likely looked into too many neuralyzers. 

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 There I am, standing in the middle of the famous Amazon room of the Rio Hotel.  It is empty and quiet, save for a few people wandering about.  The event was less than half an hour away, but I was giving myself time to absorb the surroundings.  Last year, the Casino Employees event was held in the Pavilion, a room much larger than the Amazon.  This year, however, we get to play in the room that has a history.

  The World Series of Poker is legendary.  Started in 1970 by Benny Binion, the World Series has grown into a worldwide national event.  Back then, 7 players were invited to the main event.  Now, it attracts thousands.  The 2012 WSOP will run 61 events this year, and I am there to play the very first one. 

  I find my table.  It has green felt.  They all do.  My table is nothing special.  One in many.  It reminds me just how many people are here to get in my way of besting last year. My success last year means nothing.  I am one unknown who will have to prove himself all over again. 

  On the WSOP website, it says "Logan Robbins, 0 cashes".  Since it doesn't have a near miss column from last year, I am stuck with a goose egg.  If I win, I'll tell you right now, I don't care about the $70,000 prize or the championship bracelet.  I just want that 0 gone.  I want to be in the black.  I want something saying success, not failure.

  People are now flowing in, preparing for the long, tiring process of sitting at a cramped table playing cards for 14 hours.  If you succeed in lasting that, you are rewarded by having to return the next day to continue playing.  For me, it isn't an issue.  I can stay my focus like a madman.  I take my chair early, trying to find rhythm before the dealer even arrives.  At this moment, I look up to see that the Amazon room has tapestries of notable main event winners hanging all around.  I look to the far side of the room and I get chills.  All the pictures were taken when the event gets won, and everyone is clearly recognizable.  Yet on the west side of the room, one of the pictures is an old black and white photo.  And it was the picture I was looking for. 

  The picture above makes my skin crawl.  If your not a poker player, this would be likely meaningless.  If you like to play poker but do not recognize this man, take the time to read about him.  Stu "the Kid" Ungar passed before I knew about him, and while he is an unlikely role model, I find myself thinking about him constantly when I play.  To see the ghostly image hanging there amongst the colored photos, I find myself filled with new life.  Stu had walked into the 1980 WSOP not having much poker experience.  In truth, he was a hell of a gin player.  He ran out of victims, and switched to poker.  He was nicknamed "the Kid" and wholly embarassed the large Texan crowd that played the events every year.  Winning back to back, while much more possible back then, was still incredible. 

  The problem was that this incredible talent had a huge problem spending money.  Unfortunatly, his money also went to feed the demons that plagued him.  He was hard into cocaine even at that age.  It got so bad that in 1990 there was an incident where he didn't show up for a consecutive day of play, and the World Series staff found him, overdosed in a hotel room.  The funny thing is, he had such a commanding chip lead that even though he wasn't playing, he managed to still make ninth place and cash in from inside the hospital. 

  Once I started really looking at poker as somewhat of a passion rather than a casual game, I remember this story that I read, which still inspires me. 

  In 1997, the World Series of Poker had grown.  The entry fee was still $10,000, just as it was in 1980.  Stu Ungar was broke and in debt, and looking at him often made people queasy.  So bent from years of drug abuse, his nasal cavities had collapsed.  He had begged his friend Billy Baxter to loan him the money for the Main Event, who eventually gave in, admitting that Stu was desperate.  It was almost if Stu would die if he couldn't play, and Billy didn't have the heart to tell him no.    Stu played that year, and at times was so spent that he started to fade out at the table.  In a game that requires such focus and meticulous attention to detail, Stu rallied.  Holding a picture of his daughter, he muscled onward.  Just before the final table, he wielded a huge commanding chip lead.  Bookies even put Stu as the odds favorite over the rest of the field.  If you didn't already notice, the picture above has 1997 below it.  Stu won the tournament, and still relapsed to his demons with his money, and it finally overcame him.

  Stu Ungar, while definitely embattled, really lights a spark with me.  My favorite story of his was when he played heads up with a pro named Mansour Matloubi (who won the 1990 main event).  They tangled in a hand on a rainbow board that read 3-3-7-K-Q.  Every single street had betting and raising, and onlookers prepared for some monster hands.  On the river, Matloubi shoves his entire stack All In.  It only takes Stu mere seconds before lifting his cards.  He says "You have either 4-5 or 5-6, I'm going to call you with this" and flips over ten high.  TEN HIGH.  WITH $80,000 IN THE POT.  Look at the board...he couldn't beat really anything else! He was so sure of his read that he risked his entire tournament chance on an incredibly weak hand. Matloubi mucked, and Stu scooped the pot. 

 The tables break down towards that wall, and I make a note that I want to end up down at that far end, playing for the money under the photo of Stu Ungar. 

 Shuffle up and deal.  Four words that signal the tournament, and a round of applause from excited participant.  First, the now-full room is silent, as players begin the road to the championship bracelet.  After ten seconds, just like last year, the chips begin to clack all at once.  Slow murmers are passed rather than conversation, and the cards are pitched. 

  As I tell many people, this event is definitely favored for me.  I'm not dangerous at this stage, and I know this.  If people want me gone, they should take me out now. This is when I am most vulnerable. Everyone has a starting stack of $3000, miniscule to any other tournament.  With the blinds starting at 25-50, this has to be my action time.
  For the longest time, nothing much happened.  I stole tiny pots, but most people were too afraid to play. 

  Think about it, if you work in a casino, chances are you are not filthy rich.  You also, since being a casino employee, are not a poker professional.  So if you are paying $500 for a tournament, it may seem like a lot of money.  Therefore you play less hands, and not get too crazy, unlike your cousin Jerry's house game where you throw chips around like frisbees. 
  I know this.  I know this because it is dire to my success.  I have to choose my hands carefully.  When someone represents a good hand, natural instinct is to run away or avoid strength. If a guy who almost never raises finally looks at his hand and then reaches for chips, chances are he's got a solid hand.  Chances are also good that I'm calling that raise with my 3-4 of hearts. 

 ?!?!?!?

  Yes.  3-4.  I don't know what was more satisfactory, flopping the small straight, or living up to my nickname.  You see, when I was just starting out, I had a hand that I panicked on.  I had no clue what to do.  There was about $300 in the pot, and I ended up rivering the nuts.  (for non-poker players, the nuts refers to the best possible hand at that moment, given the two cards in your hand coupled with the board.  The term comes from the vision that if you were unbeatable, you would be willing to bet the solid gold hubcap nuts on your wagon.)  Anyways, I panicked.  I had no clue how to play a hand of such magnitude.  So I threw in the smallest bet possible. Two Bucks. The table erupted with laughter, including the dealer, who tried without success to stifle herself.  The result was amazing.  I managed to sit there, pretending like this was my entire battle plan.  My intelligent adversary finally stops laughing, and then immediately stiffened up.  He had never encountered this.  He finally must have thought I was trying to stall because I was weak, and pushed all in.  I called instantly, and I managed to have my first chip stack that was worth more than $1000. I cashed out an hour later, and he caught up with me outside, and in a weird way congratulated me on the hand, in particular the $2 play.  He told me he never felt more lost, it reminded him of the fish that lives in the dark reaches of the ocean that lures prey with the light on it's antenna.  He said his brain stopped working, all he could think about was the $2 and he was lost to everything else. I now incorporate a version of that into my current play. 

  The fish is called an Anglerfish.  It lures prey to it, and doesn't move a muscle until it has the prey completely under it's control.  I try to emulate that, trying to leave opponents bewildered until I can manipulate them into shipping me their stack.  Yes that was a super roundabout way of putting it (but if you have read this far, I guess I dont have to worry) but we come to the point that buddy had no clue I was lying in wait with an odd little dumpy card straight, and HE felt like his one pair of Kings should be huge.  Unfortunately, compassion is of little use on the poker table, and he left the Amazon room deflated.  If kings were that good, we'd still have a monarchy.

  Then, about an hour later, it happened.  There is a moment in my style of play where my game takes over.  Then it's bad news bears for opponents. Take Emo Kid for example.  I don't know who or what he is, but my table breaks and I get sent to his table.  He has a good stack.  I also have a good stack.  Since we started with $3000, I assume in this case I have about $6500, and he is about $6000.  For twenty minutes, I hear nothing but Emo Kid telling people how to play their hands.  Frankly, I am looking at his chips and thinking that it would be nice to take his stack.  But alas, I cannot force miracles.  Often people discuss the debate of determinism vs. free--DAMMIT...only when I join weight watchers does the dicky-dee ice cream truck actually pull into my apartment parking lot outside my door...I lost five pounds....SUPPRESS THE TEMPTATION! 

  SUCCESS!  Anyways, long story short, Fate deals the cards, and free will chooses how to play them.  Therefore, I make a mental note not to force a confrontation with Alexisnowhereclosetobeingonfire.  His time will come....in the meantime though, I must endure his constant..as Mr.T would put it..."Jibba Jabba!"

  After winning a couple of small pots, I pick up a pair of black sevens.  Not great. But I'm in position.  Lo and Behold, Emo Kid enters the pot voluntarily with a raise.  He has now shut his mouth, which is an added bonus.  Now...without trying to toot my own horn, but I've got a heavy read on this kid.   Poker is not a game of cards.  Poker is a game of people.  I know from ten minutes of being here that this kid plays a very small amount of hands, only playing the good ones.  I know his arrogance is mostly a show, and it is to hide the fact that he is nervous.  Yet, he still seems willing to invest in this pot.  I call his raise, and he slowly starts counting chips so he can shove them in when the flop comes.  I now put him on one of four hands.  A-A, K-K, Q-Q, or A-K.  There are two sevens in the deck, and by calling this primary raise, I will see three cards. If a seven comes, and he has one of the first three, chances are I will get his whole stack.  If not, I can get away without a care in the world.  That's the true beauty of this strategy, it's low risk but high reward when it comes. 

  Flop comes out.  I'm not looking at the cards, but more at the face of the young weezer with aviators, beats by dre. and a hoodie thats 4 sizes too big.  He's like Eminem, except its unlikely that hes a good rapper, given the fact that his last speech was crap.  So I notice that he is now concerned, but trying to hide it.  Yet he still looks like he's planning a shove.  ?!?! I look at the board and grimace. 

Ace King Jack...ALL CLUBS.

  My brain as usual goes to instafold. I had prepared to let this go since putting him on the hands. Even a seven now likely won't help since two of the four hands I put him on could already have a better three of a kind.  Since he is betting, I nix Q-Q.  So now I can rule it down to him having either Top two pair with A-K, or 3 of a kind of either aces or kings. 

  He shoves all-in.  Damn.  Oh well..I guess I fo-wait.  I don't just have two sevens that could help. Since I know his three possible hands, I can 100% guarantee that he does not have a flush...nor does he have a club!  He couldn't possibly since his paired clubs are on the board.   My intuition bubbles. I feel a familiar sensation.  The anglerfish wants out.  It wants to send this kid home.  I can take those chips.  But...a price must be paid, and if my move fails, I must live with it.

VS.  A-K.  I have 9 outs of clubs, plus 2 sevens = surprisingly gives me about 45% chance to hit.  (Not win, as even if I hit, he could technically still get a full house)
VS. A-A or K-K  9 club outs = 37% chance. 

 So realistically, I have slightly more than a 1 in 3 chance.  Good news, if I call, I will be around $5000 in chips if things don't go well.  Not to mention, I'm likely looking at 37% chance, which is my lucky number.  AND my favorite card, the mighty Professor Kool, the Holy One of Poker, the King of clubs is right in the middle of the board, telling me that he is preparing a little surprise for mr. mouth.  AND New Kids on the Block comes on my Ipod, although that really has no bearing. 

 I call and show my 7's.  Not quite 10 high, but dammit Stu, I'm trying.  He laughs, calling me a donkey.  I just smile.  I don't necessarily believe in Karma, but I do believe he deserves to be slapped, and that's not a reasonable option. 

 Turn: 4 of diamonds.  D'oh.  Funny thjing, he just notices I have a club.  I guess he was so busy being poker god he forgot to read the writing on the wall.

 River...2...of clubs.  Retribution.  Kid flips out, calling me a supreme donkey and takes off swearing before the tournament officials can remove him.  Now, I try to be sportsmanlike on the outside....but on the inside, I allow the dark, twisted side to come to life.  It enjoys the chips...they are my precious...

  On the outside, I call after him, saying I'm sorry about the call.  He glares at me, and I permit a smile to creep onto my face, and this pisses him off more.  Sometimes the Logan giveth, sometimes he taketh away.  Next time, don't be dumb.

  From here, everything sets in motion.  The antes kick in, and for most peoplewho don't play many hands, it's bad news bears.  For Logan, it's like Christmas!  I swear, I was so glad I had a workable stack for the start of ante's, because it quickly became the Logan show.  I raise my wide variety of hands from 3-4 to 6-8...all those low risk hands that yield big reward.  Funny thing, I got hardly any callers.  I did this for 3 hours until dinner and I had 5 callers in that stretch.  5 callers, for realistically about 50 raises. Now I have a mountain of little $25 dollar chips that are used for the antes. 
 
  My game has now kicked into high gear.  I own my table.  They all make their decisions based on what I am going to do.  Mike Caro would be so proud of me.  I am a fluid, moneymaking machine.  They didn't take me down when I had a reasonable stack, and they will suffer.  As I said, the hour long blinds really help my style.  For most people though, $3000 starting stack seems small.  I would rather start there.  Since I have succeeded in now getting a big stack, all these scaredy cats are still floating around with stacks around $3000 to $5000 because they dont play much.  My stack is now about $40,000, and that's good news, since if I do want to go after someone, I just raise.  They have to make a decision for their tournament life, whereas if I lose, it's an insignificant percentage of my stack.  I love this game.

 For many people, it gets intimidating being so close to the money.  They start locking down in hopes to preserve their stacks until we reach the money.  Not to quote Gus Hansen, but I have adopted his mantra.  ATTACK!  REPEAT!  ATTACK!  REPEAT! BE DISTRACTED BY THE GREAT LOOKING GIRL WHO JUST SAT DOWN AT MY TABLE!  ATTACK!

  Now we are at the bubble.  This means when one more person gets eliminated, we are in the money.  It's exciting, since I am still leading my table and will not allow myself to become bubble boy.  It doesn't take too long, we cruise through and settle down for some nice poker. 

  *Interesting note..I did receive a bad hit somewhere around here when someone sucked out an ace on the river, and it brought me to about even with the guy beside me.  It's amazing.  I instantly counted my stack as normal, and proceeded to plan my target of where I want to finish in the standings based on my new lower chip count.  I am calculating rates of play and observing stacks when I realize.  I lost half my stack and I am still very formidable.  Why does one beat mean I am on the downward spiral?  Interesting observation, it's like my entire mental process had instantly switched to, "Well we had a good run, good game, lets go out with a bang" mode.  I had to take a walk and kick my own ass.  I actually went outside and had to speak out loud to myself, saying "I'm still here to win, dammit."  There's no coaches in poker.  I really wish I could have had one to point this out many times in the past when I've fallen into the same trap.

 Finally, my table gets broken, and for the sixth or so time I am moving.  I am assigned table five.  Right beside the wall.  Right under....the Stu Ungar picture.  I give pause to remind myself of what I came here for.
Here's the thing guys...I'm going to level with you.  I am by far the biggest critic of myself.  I weigh myself so heavily that I can't always feel the joy of success.  I've had a long history of quitting things when I become good at them.  I have never been good enough for my own eyes, let alone anyone elses.  So as I look at the picture at the man who conquered the poker world, and still couldn't find enough strength to beat his own issues, I feel ashamed.  I fight back a surge of emotions and before seating myself, I promise to myself not to have any ties to the outcome from here on in.  If I bust, I bust.  If I make a crucial mistake, I forgive myself.  Winning isn't enough.  I'm a person who constantly needs more.  Needs more money, needs more chips, needs more peace, needs more friends.  Enough. 

  Day one is almost done.  I've been continuing my attacking and avoiding my fellow bigstack, who is on my right and content with avoiding me too.  He doesn't play much, so it's easy enough. 

  Suddenly, I'm in the small blind and he raises his button. Wtf.  He must have a hand. I should probably give it to him.  Let's make sure I got a weak hand and...ah crap.  Ace Four of hearts.  It sounds weak...and it is.  But it has so much potential in my hands.  I decide that even though we have chatted and he is a nice guy, he still should donate his chips.  Now granted, he probably has a legitimate hand since he hasn't ever raised me yet, so proceed with caution...and likely fold if I miss the flop.  Another dude comes along, and it's now a 3 player party. 

 Flop:  2 clubs 8 hearts 9 hearts.

 Shityahoo.  I like it and I don't.  At this point I normally bet my flush draw and hope to take it.  If he calls, I still got flush outs.  Big blind folds.  He thinks, then raises.  Problem:  This is a sign of strength.  I don't know how this guy plays, but I think he knows what he's doing.  So, he gets some credit.  Bad news, I`ve just crunched the numbers and my hand still merits a call. He likely has an overpair, meaning my ace could be good if one hits.  If he has a set it`s just bad luck, but I still got the flush outs.  I call. 

  Turn: 3 of spades.  Oh goodee.  I now can hit a five for a straight.  He`d love that.  I prepare to fire a larger bet, roughly a third of my stack.  I need him to get the memo that I`m dangerous.  He stacks his chips and says ``I only got one move``.    Oh goodee. I still think overpair.  He wouldn`t do that with a set.  Well...I believe he actually will shove if he wants to.  He isn`t sc-DAMMIT DICKIE DEE!  I DON`T WANT ANY ICE CREAM!  yea...he`ll shove if he wants.  Perhaps I should check and maybe I can see a free river.  Or maybe he`ll bet some and I can call at a lower price than all of his- Oh damn he went all in.

Questions:  Does he want a caller? Doesn't look like it.  It looks like he's trying to scare me out.  He must have only one pair.

How much damage will this be?  Well he has more than me, so I have to go allin to call.

How many outs do I have if I put him on an overpair?  (I've now deduced he does not have aces)
 3 aces, 9 hearts and 4 fives = 33% chance.  This means I need to get roughly 3 to 1 on my money.

What am I getting?  My stack is 28,800...pot is...oh wow 140,000.  That got big quick.  That's just shy of  5 to 1.  Well I don't like it but here goes.  Call!

I show my Ace Four of hearts.
Just as I suspected, he shows 6-8 offsuit.

?!?!?!?!?!? WHAT!?

He grins sheepishly.  I misplayed it, "I thought you would fold". 
Now I realize...oh shit...he did only have one move...it was fold when I bet the turn...OH WHY DIDN'T I BET THE TURN?


Fun fact: the winner of this hand will become chip leader of the tournament.  Here we are, me and the best player I've seen all day, and we both were the big stacks and goofed our way allin.  We ought to be ashamed of ourselves.

Well I'm sure you know what's coming.

River:  3 of diamonds.  It almost even looked like the heart.  He fist pumps before shaking my hand, I bid him good luck, and my run lands me in 56th place, netting $1083 for my trouble. 
I am led to the cashier room and paid promptly.  I have done well on my promise, not regretting the call. I didn't punish myself for the missed bet on the turn, although I would have probably final tabled it if I went at the continued pace. 

 The real funny thing?  The buddy who busted me won the tournament.

 Well congrats...I'll get you next year. 

In the meantime...RIP Stu.

Oh yea...wanna see something?

It now says  "Logan Robbins, 1 Cash"

And click the damn video from way back when if you haven't yet.  Jesus.  Don't tell me you don't have time.

*UPDATE* MONDAY APRIL 23/12

                              A NOTE TO MY AUDIENCE:

 Over the past few months, many of you readers have been diligently following my column and it's many topics.  Whether those articles are political reviews or farcical musings, I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you.  I have received more viewers on this page than I expected by a long shot. 

 The month of May brings new challenges and opportunities to my life.  I accept them all, and am thrilled to undergo this new phase in my life.  For the past two years, I have committed to working 7 days a week at two jobs.  While I love aspects of both jobs, my term at the Chinook Bowladrome will not be renewed.  My term ends here at the end of April, and I wish to thank all the bowlers there for many fond memories.

  So where to from here?  I have all but forgotten what a social life is, and it will be weird to have some days off again.  I have started this column to rekindle my passion for writing, and it has done just that.
From my early days of writing simple poetry to the book I have had swirling through my mind for the past 10 years, it is safe to say that I belong in the world of words.

  Here is what to expect with the upcoming season: I still plan on writing in this column. Perhaps it will be more check-in based, or maybe I'll feel more apt to write in it frequently, but needless to say, Logan's Letter will still go strong.

  In the meantime, I will have a weekly time reserved for writing.  Apart from this letter, I have three current projects I am working on.
-The "Legacy" series-The book series I have been developing since I was Eleven.
-"Rewind" - A book to follow the Legacy series
-Freelance writing-I write for anyone who wishes to hire me.  Poetry, Formal Writing, Eulogies, Song Lyrics, Reviews, etc.  As with all previous clients, will gladly write for a low price.
*Please Note*  Essays for school purposes will most likely be refused, unless you are giving me a certain percentage of your paycheck when you become successful.


  During this period I will be strictly devoting myself to writing, and I strongly encourage anyone to reach out and not only touch, but actually join in on this adventure.  Certain characters in my stories are characters created through the imagination of others.  If you have an idea, it may be a piece I am looking for.  The mind can both produce wonderful ideas and keep them prisoner.  I will gladly and respectfully discuss any forward progress. Obviously you will be compensated accordingly, especially if the piece of writing takes off.  Also, in "Rewind" I will be touching on a few important pieces of my personal life, in which I will be asking permission from anyone directly involved. 

  Also, apart from the writing, since I now have more free time, I will gladly also free up time for friends, exercise, tennis, poker, street hockey and other wonderful things.  Definitely looking forward to being outside.


  I will leave you with the words to the song  "Maybe" by the Sick Puppies.  I feel this is the perfect song to get your life out of a rut and into the groove.  Hopefully this will get you "Unstuck" as it did for me.  Grab your dreams, people, before they get away.

Maybe I'm a dreamer
Maybe I'm misunderstood
Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should
Maybe I'm crazy
(Maybe I'm crazy)
Maybe I'm the only one
(Maybe I'm the only one)
Maybe I'm just out of touch
Maybe I've just had enough

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

Maybe it's hopeless
(Maybe it's hopeless)
Maybe I should just give up
(Maybe I should just give up)
What if I can't trust myself?
What if I just need some help?

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try

And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change

*UPDATE* Monday, February 20/2012

Schrodinger's Cat: Obtaining Power Through Choice

  Up until two hours ago, I really had no clue what today's topics would be based on.  The usual routine consists of this during a Sunday Evening/Monday:
-Get up around Midnight after a 5 hour or so nap from working my First Job
-Shower, Eat, Prepare for Work at my Second Job.
-Get to work for 1:30 AM
-Proceed to work.  Or at the very least...Pretend to work.  (In case my boss reads this, I actually did do work..honest...)
-Wage war against my eyelids, which become heavier by the minute.
-Go home when game dies.


Today was a little different.  Having the unexpected day off from Job #1, I got to sleep a little earlier in the afternoon.  I awoke around 11:30 in the evening, and could not return to sleep.  So I got ready, and in the last half our before taking the usual trip to work, I popped in a DVD from the first season of Big Bang Theory. 

 "But Logan, you told me you hated that show."

  Alas, it's true.  While I did find the show somewhat annoying at the beginning, I would like to try and be open-minded in my approach to things.  Therefor, I have given the show until the end of the first season.  While it is humorous at times, and surprisingly witty, it had yet to inspire me.  Here we are, just a couple episodes from the end of the first season, when this scene happens.  (If you haven't seen it, here's the fastest rundown ever.  4 nerds and a hot chick are main show stars.  Main Nerd has crush on Hot Chick, who like most scenarios, keeps falling for bad boys and gets heart broken, while nerd hopelessly tries to get girl.  Throw in other nerds with their own peculiar personalities, and some humor that the viewer doesn't understand due to the use of really big words, and you have a show.)

  In this scene, we finally get to the point where Nerd #1 (Leonard) is on the couch talking to Hot Chick (Penny).
She starts going on with the usual "Where can I find a nice guy...yada yada..."  and Leonard, in a very awkward and cheesy way, asks "what about me".  Sure enough, the two of them begin to go out at the end of the series, which is good in a way, since it opens up room for comedy and it will be nice to finally have Leonard stop pining after Penny.

 In the final episode of the season, which was the episode that I watched at 11:30 this evening, Penny is trying to make a choice between staying friends with Leonard, or risking her friendship and dating him.  She resorts to asking Sheldon for help, and he brings up a theory that I haven't thought of since high school days. 

  Schrodinger's cat is an example of Superposition, which is pretty much useless unless you like to play around with Quantum Theories for fun.  But I digress... Superposition (dumbed down) states that if we cannot see the state of something, it exists in all possible states so long as we do not confirm it.  While this obviously can be argued, it is shown in the crude experiment of "Shrodinger's Cat."  A cat is placed in a box along with a container of hydrocyanic acid.  If an atom of the hydrocyanic acid decays, a device will break the container and thus, sadly, kill the cat.  We cannot tell from the outside of the box whether or not the cat is alive or dead, so we would be forced to open the box in order to see.  Since we cannot know the state of the cat at that moment, the cat is said to be in Superposition of states, existing in both possibilities.   Unless it is observed, there is no outcome. 

  Stupid? Definitely.

  Regardless, this can be tied into useful situations.  How many of us have moments in our lives where we take neutrality and indecision, and allow those moments to remain untouched?  Perhaps there is a cute someone in your biology class and you have yet to say hello.  Or maybe you are deciding whether or not to venture out and get a new job.  Whatever the case, this experiment has got me thinking about just how important it actually is.

  As a human, I believe it is so important to not become a victim of circumstance.  Life is a pitcher who loves to throw curveballs. In my leadership training that I've done in the past few years, I have learned the tools to change crisis into opportunity.  While events occur in my life, it is not these events that shape me, it is how I react that shapes me.  Therefor, I take responsibility for the path I've walked, knowing that I have the ability for walking a proper path in the future.  I can see my choices clearer and I am not bound by the weight that others carry.

  For example, when I was a younger boy, I had a small mole on my shoulder that was changing.  While I'm not familiar with medical terminology, the mole had something called "Melanocytes", and skin cancer often grows in them.  After a surgical procedure to remove the mole, I was informed they did not succeed in getting all of them.  I went back for a second procedure, where they took a large chunk from my shoulder.  I didn't know much about cancer at that time, other than the fact that it has a habit of taking people I care very much about.

 I grew up thinking I was flawed, carrying the disease that would one day kill me.  I was scared to talk about it, like I already had the cancer and it was waiting to surface.  I made choices based on my views of the disease, and for some time feared it.

  I now realize something.  By allowing myself to fear this disease, I have unknowingly given it power.  I have based my life in response to it, and have robbed myself of certain joys because of it (like skipping out on going to the beach because I didn't want to go out in the sun).

  Bottom line, we choose to live the way we do.  Rather than giving power to the things we believe control us, we instead should focus on creating the results we desire. If you yearn for contact with someone you lost it with years ago, reach out. If you are unsure as to whether or not you want to go back to school, ask yourself what it is you really want.  Sitting on the fence serves No Purpose.  By not acting, we are choosing that course of action.  In the Big Bang Theory predicament, Penny must decide what she wants her relationship with Leonard to be. She must choose to look in the box.

  I have been slowly working on my first novel series, and have serious commitment issues with finishing it. I feel that because it represents my own life, I am not ready to finish it.  Yet in it's own way, that too is the same thing.  I am not fulfilling anything by letting the ideas sit on the shelf.  So my choice is to begin seriously writing it.  If it flops due to inexperience, than I shall find the opportunity within that.  I hate looking back and seeing that I haven't achieved anything after all this waiting.

   So, regardless of who you are, look at the situations in your life that need addressing.  The possibilities are all there, and they all await your decision.  One thing is clear, by not choosing, you gain nothing more than you already have.

  Until next week,
                Logan


P.S.   "Logan's Letter" has reached 200 views.  Thank you to everyone who reads loyally, your support is highly appreciated. You can always become a member, or choose to send me a message on my facebook page if you wish.  Thanks again!

*UPDATE* December 5/2011

Game....Not Over

 

  Our feature story tonight comes from Montreal, where two young boys are being credited for saving a young boy's life, simply from playing a video game.  While their names will not be posted to help protect identities, the heartwarming story can be read about in newspapers and online columns alike.  

                                         

 The young boys in the story had often played the same video games.  They became facebook friends and grew closer.  The other boy, who lives across the Atlantic Ocean in the small country of Belgium, began to mutilate his wrists and admitted to have swallowed a toxic substance. All of this supposedly had happened after his girlfriend left him.  The two boys had spoken with one of their mothers and proceeded to inform the Montreal Police.  Authorities in Belgium were notified, and were able to reach the young man in time.  One of the young heroes had written these words on the other's facebook page, "You might hate me now, but maybe one day you will thank me."  

Also included in this issue: 

MELTDOWN!(Life Section)

Trilogy song from Chris De Burgh under review (Little Ditties)

Flames burn out Oilers in battle of Alberta (Sports)

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 Life: Meltdowns and Meaning

  Our feature story will influence the further parts of this column, as the world will need stories like this to spark another Christmas season.  As Christmas looms closer, pull your families close.  Remind friends of their importance to you.  Reflect on the past year and the treasures and lessons it brought you.  

 Give yourself a gift this Christmas.  Take some time to address yourself.  What is it that is blessed in your life at this moment?  What is working for you?  What problems do you currently have that need fixing?  What is missing in your life?  

 This past week has been challenging.  Normally I do not want my personal life intertwined with this column, but this will be one exception.  For everyone that knows me, I am currently working two jobs.  I work every day of the week, sometimes at both jobs in a day.  This has been my life for over a year.  It is not a lifestyle I regret, as it brings me a life I enjoy.  I have my own place, a cat who is both lovely and irritating, and an abundance of things that improve my standard of living. I love and enjoy both of my jobs. While days off are few and far between, I have grown accustomed to this lifestyle. While it may not always be in perfect balance, I am content with my life.

 Or at least, I was.  My list of things to do with Christmas approaching is growing rapidly.  My apartment still lacks a tree, presents are awaiting my purchase in a multitude of stores, and free time to accomplish these feats is definitely not a limited supply. Now, believe me, I am not naive enough to believe I am the only one with a busy month ahead.  Yet this past weekend has brought a new perspective to the oncoming Holiday.

  This weekend was incredibly different.  Having been short-staffed at one place of work, and having a really busy day at the other,I was definitely not in the cheeriest of moods.  I was tired, emotionally drained, behind on everything, and grumpy. Dear world, it would be best to avoid me in this state.  Having finished at one job for the day, my night would be spent at the other job.  I rushed over in a flurry of frustration and snow, and got settled for another busy night.

  Apparently my expression must have shown what I was feeling, because a good friend and co-worker of mine stopped and asked me if everything was alright.  Now, I'm going to say that emotions do not make me uncomfortable.  I believe honesty and truth to be important, and do not view tears from anyone as weakness.  However, I was as surprised as anyone as everything let go in that moment.  I teared up in the middle of work, pressed from everything going on.  I could not even think as to why it all was coming out.  Only one thing was for certain: I was not in good shape, and my body was telling me whether or not I had time to listen.  I couldn't fight the tears at all.  I was having my first official meltdown.  Wonderful.

  Since then I've given myself both time to rest and time to reflect.  This pace has been my life for so long.  I've kept myself so busy for so long that it all seems normal.  So what now?  I have now realized with a disgusting amount of clarity that a change is needed.  My life needs some attention, and no small amount is going to be enough.  It is not enough to get caught up on chores.  It is not enough to get my to-do list done.  It is not enough to be ahead of the game. Work is work. My apartment is only that. All of those things in my life are superficial and lack true purpose. Accomplishing all of that accomplishes nothing if I look at it hard enough. 

What I really need is to integrate purpose into my life.  What I need is a plan. 

  So this week, I will be formulating that said plan.  Writing to you all about it helps to solidify that.  My plan will be how to enrich my own life, and will allow me to bring forth the brilliance I am desiring.  I wish to create and inspire.  So while I am designing and reshaping my life, you are welcome to join as well. 

 Does your life contain passion? Are you caught on a ride that in both incredible and breathtaking?  Can you recognize the blessings in your life with ease?  Or, perhaps, are you also caught in the hectic cycle of December? Do you need to slow down and let things sink in? 

Does it even feel like Christmas?  Not for me so far.  Christmas is a time for Miracles.  So, I'm going to provide a miracle for someone else.  That would create both spirit and that purpose that I'm striving for.

 To be alive is one thing.  To Live is another.  What will it take?

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Sports

Burn-out: Oilers lose to Flames in Battle Of Alberta 

 The Calgary Flames have tremendous success when playing rival Alberta team, the Edmonton Oilers.  Kiprusoff alone has won against Edmonton eleven out of the past twelve times.  They put yet another tally up with this past game, a 5-3 win.  While the struggle of the Flames is no secret, they continue to dominate against our northern Alberta brethren.

Rafael Nafal wins Davis Cup 

Canada beats U.S.A. at the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Championships

 Well, other than that, nothing really shines through as notable for sports, other than Bisping totally destroying Miller, much to my delight.

Here Comes the Hockey ranks for the week:

 

1. Wild (+6) Last week was 7th place, large climb this week. Congrats to the surprise team of the year thus far!

2. Penguins (-1) Crosby is back.  Whoopdy-doo.

3. Blackhawks (-1) No surprise that they are still dominating games.

4. Rangers (+7) Like the Wild, huge climb as well. But they are the Rangers....

5. Bruins - No change.  Bruins still playing an offensively sound game.

6. Wings (-2) Small setback only.  Expect the wings to rise again.

7. Flyers (-1) Still good to see Jagr.  This team is still good despite losing big scores to other teams last year.

8. Panthers (+1) Kudos to Florida.  Somehow beat my Sharks.

9. Canucks (+4) Sigh...I preferred them when they were not top ten.

10.Blues (-2) David Perron will be returning shortly.  Good news for Blues.

11.Stars (+4) Nystrom is really heating up.  He deserves the credit.

12.Kings (+5) Thank you for changing up the mediocre performance as of late.

13.Leafs (-10) Yes it is minus TEN. Lost division lead as well as a couple games.

14.Sharks(-4) Grr.  Not good enough.  Signed, your fan Logan.

15.Coyotes(-3) Vrbata and Whitney tied for points. Any bets as to who wins?

16.Sabres (-2) For such a talented team, these guys are really doing nothing.

17.Oilers (-7) Hall is injured.  I'm sure a buddy of mine likes that.

18.Predators(+2) Rinne pulled twice in one week. Wow.

19.Capitals (-1) Caps...you suck.

20.Senators (+2) Line of Alfie Foligno and Michalek looking pretty sharp.

21.Canadiens(+2) Markov injured....yet again.

22.Avalanche(+3) Insert Sacco Joke Here.

23.Jets (+1) They beat the good teams and lose to crap teams.  What the heck.

24.Devils (-5) Remember when they were Stanley Cup Champs?  They may not.

25.Lightning(-4) You know what...let's just ditto the last comment.

26.Flames (+1) Got owned by Canucks, but don't worry. They beat Edmonton.

27.Islanders(+1) Parenteau to top line. Dipietro Injured...again.  It's a new goalie trend in Long Island.  Beware Montoya, you are next.

28.Hurricanes (-2) These guys come to Calgary soon. It will be on TV, but nobody really cares.

29.Ducks - So Bobby Ryan is off the Trade Block.  In other words, look for him to be traded soon.

30.Blue Jackets - You make me want to cry.

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Judging by the Cover:

Terry Brooks

 I was going to be nice for the first few weeks, but here comes the Terry Brooks tribute.  I highly believe Brooks is the King of the Fantasy World.  For many aspiring authors, such as Christopher Paolini (Eragon Series) and Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass), Terry has done more than just inspired them to write.  He has taught them what it takes to truly create a new world. 

 If you have not read Terry Brooks, drop what you are reading.  I will be covering one book a week until both the "Shannara" and "Word and the Void" series are done. Next week I will debut the Terry Brooks Tribute with his initial release, "The Sword of Shannara".

  If you decide to pick up the story, be forewarned.  The first couple books were written a while back.  The writing eventually becomes capturing and mesmerizing, but the first book lacks the full magic of the series.  "Oh Logan, but I liked the first one."  So did I, so prepare for awesomeness.  DO NOT READ THE PREQUEL FIRST.  THE PREQUEL WAS WRITTEN AFTERWARD, AND SHOULD BE READ AFTER THE THIRD INSTALLMENT, "The Wishsong of Shannara".  

I'm excited.  You should be too.

P.S. DAD! Jean M. Auel came out with another sequel to "Clan of the Cave Bear."

It's called "Land of the Painted Caves"

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Views Under Review

"Tangled"

  Anyone who knows me, knows I hold Disney Movies in high regard.  Lately, it would seem that many of the newer films do not have the same "Disney Magic" as the ones from my childhood.

  Tangled does not share this trait.  Disney's version of the tale of Rapunzel is the first movie in how long that makes me feel like a child again.  Classic musicals mixed with new-age comedy can be found throughout the movie. Characters are both dynamic and interesting.  The thing that grabs my attention the most, however, is the concept.  Rapunzel is fascinated with these glowing lanterns that hang in the sky once a year.  Looking out over the theater, that same fascination could be found in any one of us. Something very innocent and spiritual was at work for this movie.

Creativity- 10/10

Originality-9/10

Entertaining-10/10

Inspiring-8/10

Purpose-8/10

"Tangled" is rated at 90%.  This movie is highly recommended.

"Tower Heist"

 This movie was somewhat disappointing.  While Tea Leoni is otherworldly good-looking, Ben Stiller fails to light the stage with this one.  It has funny moments and interesting scenarios, but Eddie Murphy should have played a much bigger role. 

Creativity 7/10

Originality 7/10

Entertaining 8/10

Inspiring 5/10
Purpose 4/10

"Tower Heist" is rated at 62%.  While not terrible, definitely a renter. 

"Stargate"

 Amazing movie.  Not just because it launches a supremely good TV series, but also because the concept is groundbreaking.  Historic views get challenged, culture gets reviewed and critiqued, and all in the name of entertainment.  The movie itself starts out slow, but mysteriously.  Then you find yourself with the team traversing an unknown planet.  As soon as you start to realize what is going on, another spin occurs, and you find yourself face to face with "Ra", the Egyptian Sun God. Coupled with the series, you do not want to miss this one.

Creativity 10/10
Originality 9/10

Entertaining 10/10

Inspiring 8/10

Purpose 9/10

"Stargate" is rated at 92%.  You need to give the series a chance.

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Track Attack

  Yes the article title changed.  So sue me. I'm almost out of time, so here goes!

  I promised you three songs a week.  This week features three songs, all by Chris De Burgh.  Most famously known for the "Lady in Red", Chris De Burgh is a storyteller musician who is truly captivating.

  Under review is his song trilogy containing three songs, "Revolution" "Light a Fire" and "Liberty".  The three are separate songs, but have intense meaning when played together.

 "Revolution" begins as a song laced with rumors about a rebellion forming.  Quiet and simple, it begins to build until finally at songs' end comes the passion.  As soon as the rally cry begins, the song ends.  Throughout the song, you as the listener, starts to feel the rebellion within you.

 "Light a Fire"  The revolt begins! An intense song begins with the passion and heat that songs just do not have anymore.  Throughout the chorus, Chris De Burgh's immense vocal range and passion form the entire fight. He truly sounds as though he is rallying and leading the men.  

 "Liberty" The fight is over, and the questions begin.  Was it all worth it, or were we swayed by a feeling of something that does not exist?  I believe the most beautiful part is the fact that after 2 verses, this song becomes an instrumental.  This is an instrumental that both builds and allows the song to close.  Closing one's eyes would allow the music to truly let that person's mind to fill in a story. 

Revolution/Light a Fire/Liberty is worth at least one listen.  Even if your not a big fan of storytelling music, the power in this song is formidable.

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I'm out of time. Thank you so much to everyone reading this column. 
For a small, private project that started just a couple weeks ago, we are nearly at 100 views already.  Many thanks!