Growing up Analog

Recently a colleague of mine told me that technology is defined as "anything that was invented after you were born." The idea behind this is that “new inventions” are different from the “technology” we always had access to. Simply put, we often take older technologies for granted; where as new technologies seem quite different. At the time, I thought about this idea and wondered if I agree with the definition.

Well… it is a few months later and I am still not sure if I agree with this definition of technology. Subsequently, I continued to think about this idea a bit more and recalled the technology I interacted with as a child.

My first memory of “new technology” was the color television.  I believe the introduction of the color TV occurred sometime in the 1970s. I remember we were all talking about how different TV will look in color. During the early 1980s, we were introduced to the Commodore 64. I remember playing some kind of knockoff version of Frogger, Pac Man, and Donkey Kong. In fact, I think Jump Man Junior was the Donkey Kong knockoff. I also remember the programs were loaded either through a Floppy Disk or a Tape Drive. In retrospect the graphics were of course tacky. However, at the time it was new and exciting and was greeted with much enthusiasm.

Similarly, I remember creating mock radio shows and ultimate radio mixes with a Tape Recorder and a tape-dubbing machine. At the time, the tape recorders came with an external microphone. At the same time comic books were all the rage. Prior to the discovery of comic books you couldn’t get my brothers and I to read books.  In many ways, this genre of fantasy and adventure opened us to the wonderful world of reading. Soon enough, we would seek books similar to our comic story lines and would draw our own comic book series.

So… where am I going with this “Jacob recalls the past yet again blog?” Could it be a lesson for us all to reflect on? Well you figured it out. Anyhow… these anecdotes remind me of what excited me about reading and how as a parent I should be looking for these teachable moments with my own children. Furthermore, one should not try to force the teachable moment; just let it happen. For example, at the time the Commodore 64 did not have a profound impact on me. While the games were entertaining, I am fairly certain it did not change how I learned. On the other hand, comic books did. Not only did I read these periodicals on a regular basis, I was inspired to create my own comic book characters along with their continuing adventures.

As I reflect on this further, I have come to believe these fantastic stories from my youth gave me the spark to write grants, create programs, and pursue other endeavors as it helped me find my creativity. With this in mind, I am very thankful for the day my Mom bought us a stack of comic books as it helped me discover my creative side.

 

 

Finding the Light

Chapter 1- Finding the Light

It was a beautiful day in 1959. At the time, I was working for a scientist involved with involved with learning the origins of life. A number of variables including solar energy were used in this experiment. Along the way, an unavoidable accident turned me into a human lightning rod. I cannot divulge the details of this error as it may help one of my enemies uncover personal details of my life. 

At the time, I did not think much of my accidental encounter. However, in a few short days, it would soon become clear; this was no run of the mill scientific accident. My body started to heat up with temperatures as great as 112 Fahrenheit; yet I did not feel ill. The doctors did not know what to make of it either. Subsequently, I continued to conduct my regular daily task.

Several weeks passed, and things only became stranger. My hear beat seemed to beating at a much faster pace and my temperature was now peaking at 120 Fahrenheit. Additionally, I lost close to 15 pounds in a period of 4 weeks. This seemed very bizarre as I was making no attempt to lose weight yet low and behold I was dropping pounds weekly. Fortunately, I previously weighed 330 pounds and did not feel ill at all. In fact, I had never felt better before. Therefore, the weight loss seemed harmless.

Several more weeks passed and my temperature change and weight loss continued to be progressing. Then, something really strange happened. I was talking on the phone with a friend while holding a slab of uncooked beef in my hand. I know what you’re thinking. Why was I holding a slab of beef in my hand? For the moment let’s not go there. In any case, I was talking on the phone for probably about 10 minutes and noticed that my hand cooked the meat.  This did not sit well with me. I knew it was time to find out just what happened to me when “the accident” occurred 2 months ago. Over the next few days, I tried to inquire specific details about the nature of our electrical experiments. My boss did not seem willing to disclose this information. I suppose that should not come as a big surprise.

This left me with no recourse and led me to doing a little undercover work. After work, I discretely snooped around and uncovered several classified files. It seems that the so called electrical experiments were only one part of their design. In fact, the experiments were primarily focusing on creating super humans through DNA manipulation. Simply put, the accident was no accident; we were guinea pigs. A further review of their files revealed that their earlier experiments resulted in the death of several former employees. Additionally, it appeared that two of their “volunteers” achieved a limited measure of success but also suffered dangerous side effects.

I continued to peruse the files, when suddenly I heard several foot steps. Naturally, I quickly put the files away and hid in one of the closets. The foot steps continued and became increasingly louder. A moment later, two gentlemen and my boss were having a conversation about their plans. During this conversation, they discussed the need to obtain certain rare chemicals and their plans to rob a bank as a means to raise the capital needed for the acquisition of the rare chemicals. Several moments later, they left the room. I waited approximately 15 minutes and then proceeded to check if they left the building. Afterwards, I continued to review their files and discovered they were involved in the smuggling of illegal weapons as well as other businesses.

Needless to say, I was angry and concerned about the information I uncovered. I wanted to alert the police of their upcoming heist but wasn’t sure how to approach this problem. It was clear to me, that it would be unwise to report this information under my name. It was also clear that my boss and his group of thugs were pretty well organized. At the same time, they were performing inhumane activities and posed a threat to our fair city. It then occurred to me that perhaps I should establish an alter ego who would try to stop their wrong doings. With this, I figured it was time to find out what new abilities I acquired. I started to focus on emanating heat from my hands.

After practicing for several hours, I managed to shoot a bolt of lightning. OK, so it wasn’t quite a bolt of lightning. It was more like a quick flash of lightning. Still, it was pretty cool. I did not really have much control of this ability. I knew if I focused my aggression through my hands, they would become heated and even emit lightning. However, the intensity of heat was kind of unpredictable. A little later that day, I attempted to fly. I started this process by starting to run and attempting to jump. Unfortunately, this effort proved to be fruitless. After several attempts it became clear that I could not fly. On the lighter side, I was able to run at the top speed of 30 miles an hour.

In the meantime, I continued my snooping adventures at work. It seemed that my boss was in the middle of putting together some kind of deal involving illegal arms. At this point, I gathered enough evidence to expose him to the authorities. With this in mind, I used an anonymous identity to speak to the FBI and sent them reams of incriminating evidence. Soon enough, the FBI planned a raid and put a stop to their actions. Obviously, there is more to this story. However, for the usual reasons I cannot divulge state secrets. However, this experience changed me as a person. I could never go back to my daily routines. It was also clear the world was becoming a more dangerous place. Although, I did not don the costume yet, Lightning Man would soon emerge.

Editor’s Note: Chapter 1 is reconstructed from several print and audio interviews taken over period of 30 years with Lightning Man.

Editor’s Note 2: Lightning Man discovers his power of flight and other powers several years later.

 

 

 

Behind the Light; The Unauthorized Biography of Lightning Man

Introduction- Light Reflections

For as long as we can remember he was always there to protect our fair city. They say, “Lightning doesn’t strike twice.” Be that as it were, he struck against crime an infinite number of times. For 40 years he was a thorn to every criminal and a savior to our fair citizens. In his later years, his powers seemed to have weakened. It has been said that his powers were solar based and that the lightning emblem on his chest was both a conductor for his abilities and a storage component. This is mostly conjecture as no reliable source has verified the validity of this as well as other theories posted on the Internet. Still… in those later years, his appearances were less frequent.

His last known appearance was in 1999. During this time, he fought a group of bandits known as the “Cookie Syndicate”.  This group would terrorize local business owners with open acts of violence. Most owners paid protection money to the syndicate. Needless to say, Lightning Man put a stop to these thugs. However, this battle was not easily won. There are several witness accounts that believe he took 3 bullets during the struggle. There are other accounts that believe 6 bullets were involved and that at least one hit his head. No one is sure if this caused internal bleeding. It is clear that he sustained life threatening injuries from this incident. In fact, one informant has told us he saw him limp away. To this end, our book attempts to uncover the man, the mystery, the legend, and what became of him.

After the “Cookie Syndicate” incident, he was never seen in public again. Some say, he still fights crime quietly. It would explain a number of unusual circumstances. However, no one can be sure. After all, much of his origins and personal life still remains a mystery. Naturally, this made the task of writing this book that much more difficult. We interviewed key friends and colleagues that worked with him during the 40-year span of his crime-fighting career. This includes Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Price, reporter James Ciandra, Mayor Jill Winston, Sergeant Millie Brown, Dr. Arthur Windell, and Dr. Alice Randall. Additionally, several villains and acquaintances were interviewed thus providing a broader perspective of the man and the myth. Finally, archived interviews and news stories were used to piece together his story including several interviews never seen in print.

With this, we begin our journey almost 50 years ago to what seemed a simpler time… 

With Gratitude for my Mom

Its that time of the year; Happy Mother’s Day!!! Unfortunately, my Mom passed away more than 18 years ago and so I celebrate this holiday with a little emptiness in my heart. I remember celebrating Mother’s Day in the 1980s and would always try to surprise my Mom. During the 1980s, I was either a kid or teenager so I could only imagine that the gifts I purchased or created must have been tacky. My Mom would never let me know that of course. As far as I knew, she loved the gifts.  

Having said that, words alone cannot express the undying and everlasting gratitude I have for my Mom. In the short time she was with us she accomplished a tremendous amount. Her accomplishments in itself probably should be the focus of another blog posting.

In short, this was a person always on the go helping her patients she worked with. In spite of it all, she not only made time for her children; it was always her number one priority. I remember her “breaking teeth” (figuratively speaking of course) as she made sure that all of us were on top of our academic studies. At the same time, she took care of her mother, mother in-law, all of her children’s needs, and a host of other responsibilities.

One would think she would complain about “all of this work”. Interestingly enough, she never did, as caring for people was a “labor of love” for her.  Even at the very end of her life she kept on caring for everyone; especially her children. Although, she is no longer with us, I do believe her example still lives on as I see how each of my brothers committed themselves to some form of public service and show an endless love to their spouses and children. With this in mind… Happy Mother’s Day!! We all miss and love you. 

Spidey Does it Again

As a youngster I used to follow the Spiderman periodical; also known as a comic book. Spidey was always fun to follow as he was the original underdog superhero. Imagine if you will, the following nightmare scenario; You are an under appreciated superhero fighting crime wanted by  the police for just being at the scene of a crime. Your boss is an angry tyrant who lives to make you miserable. Your girl friend, well lets not even go there. 

This was the Spiderman I grew up with. I always wondered what predicament the poor bastard would face next. Along the way Spidey got married and even received some respect from his peers and boss. This of course became boring. So... Marvel comics did a reboot; well sort of. In this quasi reboot, Spidey no longer knows he is married. What? Talk about selective amnesia. Needless to say, this angered many fans. After all,  the rags had him married sometime in the mid 1980s. As an old school Spidey fan, I was disappointed. Then this past April, it happened; a great story from the boys at Marvel. 

It started with a plot which seemed convoluted. Spiderman and the Fantastic Four on a mission in the macroverse. Apparently, in this universe time moves out of sync with our universe. Subsequently, for every hour that occurred in the macroverse, roughly 5 days of activity took place on earth. The adventures taking place in the macroverse were not very interesting. However, the time displacement allowed the writers to move through a series of events which in turn proved to be very interesting. 

For example, during the past 2 months, several candidates running for the position of NYC mayor are forced to drop the race due to various earth shattering scandals. This in turn creates an unprecedented situation as there is no clear front runner. In any case, upon Spidey's return to earth, the new mayor is elected. (By the way, here comes a spoiler alert.) OK, you have been warned. J. Jonah Jameson, is the new mayor of NYC!!! All I can say is wow!!! Talk about the element of surprise. Spidey simply cannot catch a break and I'm loving rooting for the underdog.