"THE UNVEILING: 1.0" unveiled - Part 3 (an excerpt)

The following excerpt is a portion of "The Unveiling: 1.0" that involves a real life artifact referred to as the Antikythera Mechanism. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Antikythera Device [let's just call it Anti-k], it was discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek isle of Antikythera.

When discussing this find with a friend, she mentioned her familiarity with the artifact. She found it intriguing because the device, in her words, is "historically out of order." But what did she mean by this exactly? Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines the word history as follows:

a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes.

As history tells it, the technology that would become the clock was invented somewhere around 966, but would not become accurately sophisticated for several more centuries. Cathedral clocks would make their appearance around the year 1344, but such devices would not be considered elaborate until the early 1400's. The technology used to build the Anti-k Device resembles the intricate workings of a clock, but archeologists estimate that the Anti-k Artifact was built around 100 BC. So, as my friend eloquently stated, it is chronologically out of order, since in theory, the technology used in its manufacture did not exist at the time of its construction. This is just one of several real-life mysteries that I have tried to incorporate into "The Unveiling." Who really built the Antikythera Mechanism? Could it be alien technology as some surmise?

To see a video on the Antikythera Mechanism, please click here.

Here is a portion of THE UNVEILING: 1.0 in excerpt. It can be found in chapter 3 of the first book, 1.0. I hope you will enjoy it:

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   “So, this is it?” Max said as Miklos turned around.

   If Miklos had seemed annoyed earlier, he was smiling now. “Voilà the mechanism, Monsieur Battenberg. Normally, it is housed in the fourth floor exhibit they call Gods, Myths and Mortals. Today, however, it is being cleaned.”

   Max reached out and touched the Plexiglas box protecting the mechanism. He gazed more closely at the strange symbols. “Some of those are zodiac signs, aren’t they?”
   Nodding his head, Miklos continued, “Are they not phenomenal?” Miklos may not have been enthused to cross the Atlantic for a Battenberg, but the Antikythera Mechanism clearly rejuvenated him. “As you can see the device is quite unique, in particular because it dates back thousands of years, certainly before any such technology ever existed. So they say.”
   Max hated to admit it, but, up close, he was just as mesmerized as Miklos by the device. “Who do they think built it?”
   The doctor frowned, but it quickly morphed into a laugh. “There is quite a bit of speculation on that, Monsieur Battenberg. Certainly, we Greeks have taken responsibility for its manufacture. It was found off the coast of Greece, after all. But then there are those who suggest alien technology was used to construct it.”
   Max laughed at the notion. “Okay.” He was strangely drawn to the device, and actually felt electrified by its presence. He peered more closely, nearly pressing his face against the Plexiglas. “How does it work?”
    “Certainly, you are aware it doesn’t work, Monsieur?”
   Max stood at attention, taken aback by the comment. “What do you mean it doesn’t work?”
   “Well, everyone is aware, the mechanism is missing a crucial piece. A gear essential for its function.”

   “But, Doctor Miklos, I would hardly have arranged for you to come all this way to show me a device which serves no purpose. This is useless then?”
   A smile twisted onto the doctor’s lips. “Hardly, Monsieur, hardly. The device, the Antikythera Mechanism, is one of our world’s most important finds. Surprisingly, there are only a few who know this. I figured you to be one of them when I was told you wanted to meet.”
   Max was still dumbfounded by the news. “So, how do we find the missing piece?”

   “If only we knew the answer to this question,” Miklos explained. “If the mechanism were operational, I promise it would change the face of the world as we know it. Some presume it capable of unlocking cosmic knowing.”
   Max could feel his spirits waning. He had no idea what “cosmic knowing” even meant. “And no one’s tried to manufacture the missing piece?”
   “Sadly, today’s technology barely makes a scratch at understanding a device thousands of years old. I’m afraid building this piece is out of the realm of anyone’s expertise. Alien theory doesn’t seem so fantastical now, does it?”
   Max and Miklos had switched places in their disposition. Now, it was Max who was annoyed.
   “Well, you’re the expert. What do you suggest we do?”
   “There are rumors. Stories of the Illuminati or the Knights Templar. Some even say the piece lies hidden in an alternate dimension, so as to prevent the device’s misuse. The Bermuda Triangle and other such nonsense.” Dr. Miklos toyed with Max, teasing him with his knowledge. “Others say the Knights Templar were as careful in hiding this piece as they were in secreting away Christianity’s beloved Ark of the Covenant. A theory that I suspect is quite more likely is the element is buried deep within the earth. Are you familiar with Oak Island, Monsieur Battenberg? It’s a small land mass off the coast of Nova Scotia. If I had to bet, I would say this is the location of the missing piece. In the Money Pit.”
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The Money Pit is yet another real life mystery that I have incorporated into the story of "The Unveiling," but there will be more on that later. I hope you enjoyed this excerpt. Until next time, I wish you all well.

To learn more or to purchase a copy of "The Unveiling: 1.0," please visit the website at TheUnveilingSeries.com. "The Unveiling" is available in paperback, Nook, Kindle and iBook.

"THE UNVEILING: 1.0" unveiled - Part 1

Welcome to the first installment of “The Unveiling: 1.0 ” unveiled. You should know "The Unveiling" is a novel series and that “1.0” refers to the first book of an epic story.

NAMING THE SERIES
At one point, I did try to figure out if I would come up with different names for each individual book like Tolkien did with the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy: “The Fellowship of the Ring;” “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King.” After toying with several options, I decided 1.0 was the best designation. I am currently working on “2.0,” the follow up to this first book and I am developing a story for “3.0” to round out a nice full-bodied trilogy.

THE STORY BEHIND "THE UNVEILING"
So, what is “The Unveiling” you might ask. The tale of “The Unveiling” is a blend of fact and fiction that holds Sumerian Mythology at its core. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this mythology, its origin is Sumer, Earth’s oldest known civilization (fact). The mythology from this region recounts a phenomenal story of how modern man was created. But here’s where it gets interesting. Sumer’s mythology reads quite a bit like the Old Testament, only it's a much older story. Where the Old Testament refers to God as our creator, Sumerian Mythology instead proposes that an advanced alien race genetically engineered us. Is this too fantastic to believe? Perhaps not. Could the Old Testament possibly be a derivative story of this ancient Sumerian tale?

I must admit I was perplexed by the Sumerian account of humanity's origins. By tradition, I had been taught to believe in the Old and New Testaments which only made Sumerian Mythology that much more compelling. Today, the ancient civilization of Sumer is largely known as Iraq (along with portions of Turkey and Syria). A segment of this region is believed by many to be the legendary location of Eden in the Bible’s Genesis.

Bible excerpt – Genesis 2:10
“Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden;
and from there it divided and became four rivers...”

Of those four rivers mentioned, only two still exist, the Tigris and the Euphrates, both located in Iraq, or what used to be Sumer.

Upon learning this, my brain immediately began a balancing act. If I had been taught that the Bible is truth, why am I not meant to believe a story that emerges from the very region that the Bible speaks of? I admit I found this difficult to reconcile. Here I had two stories before me with incredible similarities, but one was meant to be believed (according to religion) and the other, even though it was the older of the two stories, was intended to be fantasy or myth. Whether or not you believe in religion is not really the point. The tale of Sumerian Mythology is so compelling that many scholars believe in it, as you can witness on shows like the History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens,” or in books like those written by Erich Von Däniken or Zecharia Sitchin.

SO, WHAT IS "THE UNVEILING" SERIES?
"The Unveiling" novels recount an epic sci-fi/fantasy/adventure tale that chronicles the creation of man. If you enjoy stories by authors like Dan Brown, Whitley Strieber or Stephen King, "The Unveiling: 1.0" is sure to please.

In the meantime, please keep an eye out for Part 2 of “The Unveiling” unveiled. Next time, I’ll discuss more specifics of “1.0” and how it relates to the Bilderberg Group.

"The Unveiling: 1.0" is available in paperback, Kindle, Nook or iBook. To learn more or to get your copy, please visit TheUnveilingSeries.com.

PRACTICE BREEDS EXCELLENCE

It’s a little disturbing that I am now old enough to refer to “young people.” I guess I have reached that age where “young people” no longer see me as part of their pack (and vice versa). I remember quite clearly being a college student, but I am now a college professor. I remember taking finals, but now I write them. Because I am currently perceived as someone with a little wisdom, I feel a sense of responsibility to live up to the part.

TIGER WOODS, AGED 2, ON THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW
As an educator, I encourage my students to figure out their professional interests sooner than later. The earlier you can determine what you like in life, the sooner you can begin building expertise. There is an extremely old video of Tiger Woods on the Mike Douglas Show hitting a golf ball at the age of two. Essentially, Tiger has been playing golf since he learned to walk. For most of us to develop a true expertise, decades are required. This is the reason we need to begin delving into our craft the moment we take note of what that craft is.

THE ART OF WRITING SCREENPLAYS
It’s hard to believe that I first began writing screenplays in the 90’s. At that time, I didn’t know what I do now, so I naturally thought I would become a great screenwriter with my first effort. I remember someone once telling me that most screenwriters write ten screenplays before they sell one. This not only seemed crazy, it seemed impossible. Certainly no one would reach success if that kind of effort was required. Now that I’m older and wiser, I know this isn’t so farfetched. Writers write and with each project they become stronger, faster and better. The greats like Amadeus Mozart and Johann Sebastian Bach were known for obsessing over their music, as I’m sure many athletic greats have been known to do. “Practice makes perfect” is cliché, but there is truth in every cliché.

WHEN IT SPEAKS TO YOU, YOU'VE ARRIVED
Last year, as I was finishing my first novel, “The Unveiling,” I became aware that I was stuck in a loop. I had completed the first draft and was continuing with rewrites. With each pass, I became a better writer, and the draft improved, but it was still never good enough for my liking. It took a while before I realized what was going on. By the time I got to the end of each pass, I had become a better writer, so nothing I’d written before was good enough. It occurred to me that this cycle could continue indefinitely. The more I wrote, the more I would improve, so I’d never be satisfied with anything I’d written in the past. Somewhere in the midst of all of that, my expertise as a writer transitioned. My skill crossed the line into professional level prose.

It probably sounds strange, but after I made that realization, certain words began speaking to me. While editing, I would stumble across a word that would trouble me in a way I didn’t immediately understand. Finally, I took note that these words were speaking to me, telling me, “I am not the right choice for the idea you’re trying to convey.” It took me really quieting down to listen to what these words were saying. Sadly, they hardly ever suggested what the right words were, but they would announce to me that I needed to keep looking until I found what best expressed my idea. I believe when your craft begins to speak to you in this way, you can truly say you have developed expertise. But the amount of work you’ll need to achieve this will likely be equivalent to finishing 10 screenplays before you sell one. For this reason, the best advice I can offer is to enjoy what you do, stay patient and keep at it.

TO LEARN MORE OR TO READ AN EXCERPT
of my sci-fi/fantasy/adventure novel, “The Unveiling: 1.0,” please visit TheUnveilingSeries.com.

I'm Baaaack!

If I mull it over it’s hard to believe I haven’t blogged in nearly a year (how is this possible?).

For months now I have been telling myself I need to at least write an entry explaining why I’ve been away. While it was not intended I suppose there’s a peculiar irony in the title of my most recent entry from December of last year -- “To See A Disappearing Act” -- especially since immediately after I proceeded to disappear.

So, here’s what’s going on... About two years ago, I started my first novel. Writing a book is something I hadn’t contemplated or attempted since I always endeavored to write screenplays or teleplays. To be honest, in my innocence (or dare I say ignorance?) I didn’t really change my story development process. Probably, this is why some of my preliminary readers have said, “It reads like a movie.”

When I finally started the first chapter, I have to admit it was liberating. Writing screenplays is extremely rigid since you can only put on the page what you expect your audience to see on the screen. Such rules do not apply in books where you can more easily jump back and forth in time or delve into a character’s inner thoughts.

About a year ago, I laid down my first draft (with quite a bit of blood, sweat and tears). Some days I would write and believe my work was brilliant. But there were also dreadful days when I composed chapters that really weren’t working at all. My only solace was that I had something concrete. A sculptor must start with a large block of stone and craft it into something intentional like Michelangelo’s David or the Pieta. When I completed my first draft I was ecstatic to have something on paper. In reality all I had was a block of stone. I had this mass of words and chapters -- all of it put together into a huge mass of something that would eventually, hopefully become my book. But it wasn’t a book yet. During this phase I was still blogging quite regularly. In this last year, however, while I have been absent, I have been chipping away at that first draft, working to create what I hope will be an enjoyable, perhaps informative story.

In any event, this is the reason for my absence. While I haven’t been blogging, I have been writing. In the next weeks and months, I hope to share more thoughts and experiences on this journey we call life. And I’ll certainly keep you posted on my progress with the book (and my search for a publisher).... Until then, HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!

TO SEE A DISAPPEARING ACT

It was already 10 pm and I was fighting sleep. I knew I wouldn’t last more than an hour in the dead of the night’s deep cold so I hesitantly set the alarm on my phone for 2 am. Within minutes I was asleep and then the alarm sounded jarring me from my slumber. I felt groggy and disoriented fumbling with my phone whose only alarm sound was shrill and grating. My house was chilly, as I’d lowered the heat before getting cozy beneath my blankets. I contemplated returning to sleep and abandoning my mission to witness the full lunar eclipse of this winter solstice but then I considered the rarity of the event and dragged myself from bed. I slipped on some shoes and my warmest down jacket then descended the stairs.

IT'S SHOWTIME, FOLKS!
At 2 am I didn’t know where I would find the best view of the moon so I flipped a mental coin and decided to start with my back patio. Once outside the cold air nipped at my hands and quickly wrapped around my legs, which were badly insulated with thin pajamas. The hooded jacket was efficient and my torso and head felt as if I were still beneath my sheets. I looked to the left and right, but the moon was nowhere to be found. Just as I was resigning to move to the front of the house, I looked directly overhead and there it was the full moon shining brightly like a huge pendant lamp dangling in the sky. The lunar eclipse had begun and a third of the moon was already obscured. I felt terribly lucky. There was a huge cloud bank in the east, but the skies over my house were clear allowing a perfect view of the occurrence.

After several minutes of watching the eclipse my neck began to hurt. I realized the moon’s coordinates had necessitated me craning my neck into an extremely uncomfortable position. To gain relief I bent forward and touched my toes allowing gravity to soothe my fatigued muscles. About fifteen minutes in, new clouds began arriving, thin and mist-like, traveling rapidly across the skies. Fortunately, I was still able to see the moon like a lighthouse beacon illuminating the skies through a veil of fog. I was in awe of how fast the clouds were moving especially since I didn’t feel a breeze. Every so often, an opening clearly revealed the moon’s disappearing act.

About thirty minutes in the moon was seventy-five percent obscured, but the cumulus clouds were growing thicker. For moments the moon seemed to blink out as if the eclipse had completed but then its brightness would return. I wondered if the clouds were causing my eyes to play tricks on me. And then suddenly, the swift moving clouds slowed to a crawl as if the moon had demanded their attention. For nearly a half hour they had been traveling east, but they were changing course inching more toward the south. I waited patiently for an opening so I could witness the moon slipping on its veil like a skilled belly dancer. Finally, an aperture appeared and the eclipse, nearly complete, had transformed the white, shining moon almost as if a crimson filter had been slipped over its entirety. The various shades of red dazzled me for a fleeting moment until the moon vanished again behind the clouds. I patiently waited but the moon or the clouds or both had decided to tease with their show. For only seconds at a time I could catch a glimpse. I had expected the moon to vanish during the eclipse as if hiding behind some black curtain of night, but this was not the case. Upon the eclipse’s completion the moon had certainly dimmed but its prominence was hardly diminished as it shined like a red ruby hanging in the sky.

THE FINAL ACT
By now I had been standing in the cold for nearly forty minutes at which point the blanket of clouds closed in like the final curtain call at a play. I massaged my sore neck and slipped back into the house, which now seemed warm and cozy. I have to admit it was difficult getting back to sleep. I awoke tired the next morning but was somehow energized by the show I’d witnessed in the cold of the night.

I WROTE A BOOK!
To learn more about Volume One of my Sci-Fi/Fantasy/
Action-adventure series, “The Unveiling,”
please visit the website at TheUnveilingSeries.com.