Author: KokkieH

On Imagining the Future

I have long been a fan of Science Fiction.  I can recall watching Star Trek: The Next Generation series and movies as a kid with my dad (who now denies ever having watched SF in his entire life).  I also recall watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the lesser-known The Last Star Fighter from my childhood years.  I was reading Jules Verne and HG Wells while most of my class mates were still struggling with Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.  Then I discovered Foundation by Isaac Asimov in the public library in the town where I went to college and I knew I had found one of my favourite authors (though I like the Robot novels and short stories best).

I have also long been a fan of science.  Between the ages of 10 and 12 I received a microscope, chemistry set and electronics kit for birthdays and I did every experiment in their instructions.  I’ve been working on a computer daily since I got my dad’s old IBM 386 for my thirteenth birthday.  I read books on geology, astronomy and natural sciences.  I watch documentaries for fun. Continue reading “On Imagining the Future” →

On Resolutions and Intentions (good or otherwise)

Happy New Year.  Don’t you think it is very fitting that I write my first post of 2013 on the seventh day of the year?  Especially since my one New Year’s resolution was to write every day this year.  And sure, I could have written the post and then set it to be published on the first, but honestly, then I’d have had nothing to write about.  Now at least I get to write about not writing.

I wonder where this whole thing of New Year’s Resolutions got started.  (No, I’m not going to check Wikipedia.  That’s a distraction and a writer’s worst enemy.)  In any event, I think the term is a misnomer. Continue reading “On Resolutions and Intentions (good or otherwise)” →

KokkieH Reviews The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey

the_hobbit_movie_wallpaperI finally got to see The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey and I’m glad to say it was as brilliant as I had expected it to be. There are still two more films to go, but I think it’s safe to say that Peter Jackson and his team have once again succeeded in creating something that should rake in at least as many awards as The Lord Of the Rings.

Now for those who haven’t read Tolkien’s books yet, why on earth not? But seriously, if your only experience of Middle Earth has been the LOTR films, you have to realise something right off the bat going in to see The Hobbit: Bilbo’s tale is not the same a Frodo’s. Continue reading “KokkieH Reviews The Hobbit, An Unexpected Journey“ →

The Great River Rescue

As everywhere else on earth, Christmastime had also come to the watering hole, not that any of the animals knew this.  However, Elephant always felt as if things were a little different this time of the year.  The Prickly Pear Boys were quiet, the Pride hadn’t been seen in days and even Brick and Brack seemed to be getting along.  There was a general feeling of good will around the watering hole and even if he didn’t understand what had brought it all about, Elephant was glad for a respite from the usual problem solving.

It was the longest day of the year and it was incredibly hot.  The whole croc-squad was passed out on a sand bank, so most of the animals stood in the cool water while drinking.  Elephant was playing with Brenda’s kids, spraying the little meerkats with water from his trunk, making them squeal and giggle with delight, while Otto and his boys put on a superb display of synchronised swimming to entertain those who were still conscious.

Perry the field mouse came hopping through the grass.  Elephant sighed.  Of course peace like this could never last.

Continue reading “The Great River Rescue” →