With each generation come the challenges to meet the changing demands of a continually developing world. It wasn't long ago that children grew up in homes without computers, VCRs or perhaps even more than one television.

The majority of today's children are growing up in environments almost seamlessly connected to an interactive world of technology. Rapid developments in mobile electronics have provided numerous opportunities to stay connected with family members, friends and even play some impressive games almost anywhere in the world.

Such connectedness does not come without genuine and devoted effort by leading companies devoted to pushing technology of entertainment to the next level. Among such companies is AppGear.

AppGear is dedicated to developing fun, interactive applications that are compatible with numerous mobile communications devices. Among the great titles created by AppGear are:

• Foam Fighters: An immersive fighter plane experience for gamers with the ability to interact and compete against  up to 8 additional players. Fight in the cockpit of your favorite fighter in single missions, or take to the skies in engaging campaigns and earn acheivement points along your career as a video game aviator
• ZombieBurbz: Play as Ed, a self-realized member of Zombie "society" and learn how to fight against the growing menace of the living while trying to stay alive with the sustaining energy of garbage.

AppGear has several different theaters and arenas withing which to share new experiences in the growing realm of augmented reality.

Characteristics of The Enchanter:

• Charismatic
  

Although a male Enchanter is often very attractive, this is not not always the case. Physical appearance often signals the entrance of the enchanter, but some writers have a talented way of creating this influential character as a subtle, unremarkable man. The audience may not feel the draw towards this man that the characters in the story do. Whether or not the enchanter is physically attractive, there is something about this particular type of man that draws people to him. He is always the center of someone’s attention. The male enchanter does have some measure of guiding light within him, but it is ultimately his choice whether he channels that energy for good or for evil purposes.

• Calculating

Whether his intentions are meant for good or for harm, the enchanter is continually calculating his gains and losses. His greatest desire is to remain at the center of whatever he is doing and as such is always counting heads. There is almost certainly a specific number of people he seeks to maintain in his “inner-circle,” but he must always be wary of those among that number who may secretly envy his popularity.

• Logical

Some may question the choices made by the male enchanter, but as he sees it, his choices are made almost solely upon sound logic. His sense of self-preservation drive the tone of his every conversation and action.

• Cool Under Pressure

Except for extreme circumstances, the male enchanter rarely loses his cool. This single trait is perhaps what draws so many people towards him. When others seem to struggle with decisions or panic under pressure, the enchanter seems completely collected and knows exactly what to do to get through to the other side of the present challenge.

Perceived Weaknesses of The Pundit

• Narcissist Tunnel Vision

Not all enchanters consider themselves to be the “center of the universe,” but most of them do. The narcissist enchanter lives and breathes for themselves alone. Emotional attachments are shallow at best and physical relationships last only so long as they feed the enchanter’s personal ego. This character tends to wonder at times why his relationships fail, but eventually his conclusions tell him that the people in his life are weak or somehow lack what it takes to understand him.

• Arrogance

Male Enchanters, because of their narcissistic tendencies, often believe they have risen above the masses on their merits alone. If they forget about the people who have carried them to the top, that failure of insight will ultimately lead to their undoing.

Examples of The Male Enchanter in History, Print and Film

History

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Adolf Hitler

Print

Gandalf in JRR Tolkien’s, The Lord of the Rings
Rhett Butler in Margaret Mitchell’s, Gone with the Wind

Film

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

In the coming weeks we will explore the remaining  male archetypes. As always, your opinions and comments are welcomed!

The whole purpose for the trip was to attend the wedding of my wife’s sister and I can say although we didn’t get the opportunity to speak with her very much, she made a truly beautiful bride! The wedding location and ceremony were as good as any bride could hope or dream for. The food and entertainment afterward was equally top notch. We celebrated into mid evening and just as the sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean, the party wound down and we said good-bye to her new husband’s wonderful family and headed back to the hotel.

The next morning we hurried down to the Pacific Coast Highway and settled down on the cool sands of Zuma Beach for a couple hours of needed rest and relaxation. Then it was back into the car and 1400 miles of I10 “bliss.” It always amazes me the sheer amount of barely inhabited desert land we have in this country and we were only on one small isolated route through it.

We managed to make it home in one piece and I even followed up the trip with a visit to my dentist and a root canal. It is now back to business-as-usual, so look for Its the Write Time to “Spring” back into action!

Among the Piney Woods:  A Civil War short story that examines the difference between our perception of patience and time and that of our Creator.

Whisper Creek: A Civil War short story about a single day in the life of Chaplain Joseph Meyers. Unsatisfied with the spiritual decisions of the men in his charge, Joseph plans to give the sermon of his life. In his singular focus to inspire, he fails to recognize the opportunities he has from moment-to-moment. What will it take for Chaplain Meyers to realize his lost opportunities?

Scrolls of Nordaan – A New Dawn: Love settles over the land of Nordaan, a peaceful conglomeration of settlements ruled by noble kings. Beyond the shadows of Castle Paradran a darker force is rising. As cooperation turns to greed and rulers turn to force, the balance between brute force and enduring faith hangs by a single strand.

If you do download one of my books from SmashWords, I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave feedback on them. Ratings and comments go a long way to help promote future sales.

The fourth of the seven male archetypes we will be discussing is The Pundit.   In dictionary terms, a pundit is, “a person who makes comments or judgments, especially in an authoritative manner; critic or commentator.” In essence, this broad definition covers anyone with an opinion, and is willing to share it, such as myself. With the evolution of the social media experience, there is a growing number of people who proclaim themselves to be an expert of some thing or another, and they aren’t afraid to share their views.In a narrower sense, which we are talking about here, the Pundit is a man whose main characteristic is real and true authority or expertise. Not to be confused with a self-determined opinion, the Pundit is publicly recognized as knowledgeable in a given field.

Characteristics of The Pundit:

• Deep Thinker

The Pundit spends a much greater amount of time contemplating ideas and concepts than most other people. Education an understanding are the primary characteristics that drive the actions of the Pundit.

• Honest

In regards to honesty, the Pundit does not approach this subject with a primary concern for public opinion. The pure Pundit speaks from what they know and give differing degrees of concern to the opinions of their hearers.

• Logical

Because the Pundit views education and information as the primary motivator, they tend to organize their lives and actions around a logical and predictable set of rules and practices.

• Technically Savvy

The Pundit often knows much more about the operations of technical devices or systems. As such, the Pundit can play an important part on any team that utilizes technology as a means to solve their issues.

Perceived Weaknesses of The Pundit

• Too Systematic or Completely Oblivious

Pundits are often seen as disconnected from reality because their views and opinions are based more upon facts and science rather than experience and opinion. Their logical thought processes are their strength and any attempt to pull him from his predictable routine are often met with much resistance.

• Physically Weak

Most Pundits spend more time in quiet libraries, laboratories or other private spaces rather than in the gym or similar active pursuits. They perceive mental strength as a much greater asset than physical abilities. But don’t count out the Pundit in the larger scheme of a conflict. Where they may lack physical abilities, they make up for it with strategy.

Examples of The Male Pundit in History, Print and Film

History

Socrates
Jesus

Print

Sherlock Holmes
Professor Charles Xavier

Film

Leonard Nimoy as Spock, in Star Trek

Jeff Goldblume as David Levinson in Independence Day

In the coming weeks we will explore the remaining four male archetypes. As always, your opinions and comments are welcomed!

Of course you can bring up your favorite search engine to try to find it again, but let’s face it, with the vastness of the  World Wide Web, even the best search engines may have difficulty in finding the exact item you are looking for. Life would be so much simpler if you could save anything you find and have access to that information no matter where you are, even if you’re using a mobile device. Well you’re in luck!
Clipix has come to the rescue for everyone interested in finding a better way to organize your online adventures and be able to share them at the touch of a button, no matter where you are. This great new feature can help you with saving:

• Real Estate Planning and Resotration
• Family Activities and Meal Planning
• (Private!) Gift Ideas
• Clothes
• Health Research
• Vacation Planning
• Crafting Ideas
• Romantic Inspiration
• Much, Much MORE!

The power of clipix isn’t for web consumers only either! If you are a publisher of online content, you can incorporate clipix buttons into your content so that readers can save your information quickly and easily!
Whether you are a provider or consumer, you will find great new uses for clipix the more you use it!

Want see what to you can expect? Here is a screenshot of one of my Clipix panels:

Still want to learn more? Here’s a promotional video by the great people at Clipix!

Promoted Post

The third of these seven male archetypes is The Scrapper. This type of individual is usually a dominant character, but is also somewhat codependent upon those around him. The cause for which they fight often centers around people they consider important. The enemies attacks on the Scrappers friends are what fuels his actions. While the Scrapper may appear very similar to the Warrior, the Scrapper often seems like a somewhat reluctant player in the course of events. They don’t want to fight, but he is not content simply to just exist among the wrongs that affect his life and his loved ones.

Characteristics of The Scrapper:

• Determination

The Scrapper seems to thrive on antagonism. The harder they get pushed, the harder they push back. The length to which the Scrapper will go is dependent upon their ability to maintain their mental and physical health.

• Loyal

The Scrapper’s sole existence is dependent upon a driving force that compels them forward. The scrapper may act independently and very much resemble the Warrior, but typically is among the Warrior’s inner circle. The Scrapper has a close circle of friends that he is devoted to.

• Inspirational

The devotion to people or to a cause is what attracts people to the Scrapper. No matter the resistance to his efforts, the Scrapper will fight against it. Those who lack the courage, fortitude, or endurance for the fight draw their inspiration to continue on because of the actions of the Scrapper.

• Resilient

Nothing motivates the Scrapper more than competition and conflict. When a scrapper gets knocked down, he will jump back up as long as there is still life in him.

• Skillful

This actions of the Scrapper are not always physical. While many Scrappers do resort to their physical ability to break their opponents down, many others resort to intellectual warfare. Such Scrappers are the moral crusaders intent on promoting such things as freedom and liberty.

Perceived Weaknesses of The Scrapper

Self Defeatism

Scrappers will “fight to the death” in support of their beliefs or cause, but only so far. Without a balancing relationship they will wear themselves out until there is no energy left with which to fight the battle. If they are not in a healthy relationship with people willing to recharge them, the Scrapper will last only so long as they possibly can. A weakened Scrapper can turn on the people closest to him if he perceives they are not helping him in the fight. In the same way, other people can manipulate a Scrapper to fight for the wrong cause or beyond their own endurance.

Examples of The Male Warrior in History, Print and Film

History

George Washington
Ulysses S. Grant

Print

Samwise Gamgee in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
Chris Claremont’s Wolverine

Film

Tom Cruise as Joseph Donnelly in Far and Away
Rayford Steele in Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins’ Left Behind

James (Jimmie) Stewart as Jefferson Smith in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

In the coming weeks we will explore the remaining four male archetypes. As always, your opinions and comments are welcomed!

Over the past few months I have been deliberating what I would ultimately do with Uncommon History and was left with two options.

1. I could register a unique domain name for the site and move it there. The main issue I had with doing this is that I have made a concerted effort not to try to profit too heavily from my history blog because I feel it cheapens the message. I probably make enough from the site that it would pay for itself, but right now the “hassle” seemed to overshadow the need to get it back up and running.
2. Move it back to my home page. I didn’t want to dissolve my writing blog and past experience proved to me that doing a wring and a history blog in the same location was confusing to my readers.

The decision finally came to me yesterday and I chose to move Uncommon History back to my home page, but under a sub directory. I think that doing so will benefit both my writing site and my history site. These kind of things are experimental in nature and I may find it necessary again some time in the future to make additional changes, but for now, Uncommon History can be found at: http://patrickgwhalen.com/uncommonhistory

The first and most prevalent concern I have seen is the growth in the efforts of scammers wanting to separate uninformed readers AND writers from their dollars. There is a rapid growth in the number of rapidly deployed sales pages cropping up online offering any number of great ideas and secrets in the form of eBooks. I have seen a great number of these get rich quick schemes in my research of this market and it is concerning. But the threat isn’t only coming from unknown parties.

I have seen a number of prominent writers, including many in the Christian marketplace, rushing books to the market that have little to offer in the way of real and tangible information. There are a growing number of writers throwing together ambiguous strings of text and offering their meager products at premium prices. I’ve even taken a few online courses about compiling my own eBook in order to garner quick sales and the advice from these sites comes off as disingenuous, especially those in the Christian market. While profits and a living wage are an important factor to consider when writing and publishing eBooks, I believe wholeheartedly that Christian writers should hold themselves to a higher moral ground.

This leads to the second concern I have been seeing in the growing eBook market. The freedom that is offered by this market is also one of its greatest weaknesses. In the not-so-distant past when authors had to submit manuscripts to the scrutiny of a publisher, the resulting quality was for the benefit of the reader. Now, with so many writers now bypassing editors, agents and publishers, the quality of reading material does appear to be suffering. The benefits have increased for the reader in the form of cost, but the benefits for writers in the way of profits have grown exponentially higher.

The temptation to dump quick, unreasearched, unedited manuscripts on an unsuspecting audience is difficult for writers to defend against. The best advice I can give any reader wanting to find eBooks worth reading would be to not make blind purchases. Many eBook markets allow readers to view a certain percentage of a book before buying it. If you don’t take advantage of this free opportunity, you may end up with buyers remorse more often than you would desire. This is concerning as too many disgruntled readers will hurt the overall marketplace. As a writer, if you do bypass editors, agents and publishers, please make every effort to write the very best manuscript possible. Happy readers make happy writers and vice-a-versa!

Characteristics of The Male Nomad:

• Passive-Aggression

The male nomad may experience periods of passionate drive, but will most often swing between feeling either betrayed, depressed or somehow dissatisfied. These negative emotions often surface as contempt for the nearest target.

• Codependent

The nomad often feels a strong desire to be loved or trusted, but their inability to return that love and affection causes them to rely solely on the other people in their relationships. There typical negative behavior often pushes the very people they care about away which causes an increased level of distrust within themselves, not realizing they are the cause.

• Intelligence

Not all nomads are gifted with great intelligence, but many of them are. This high level of intellect causes arrogance, selfishness and a general distrust of anyone perceived to be less intelligent. The nomad can harness this intelligence for the greatest good, or evil, depending upon their individual leaning. Nomads spend much of their time thinking and this type of lifestyle can lead to incredible products of thought.

• Manipulator

A Nomad is an expert at manipulating people and circumstances for their own gain or purposes. Without the ability to form coherent relationships, the Nomad uses people and opportunity to further their agenda.

• Gullible

The Nomad tries so hard to get people into relationship with them, they often fall victim to other manipulators and schemers. Their guard is almost always up, but when it is down there is ample opportunity to be taken advantage of. It is this primary trait that often causes the Nomad to move from place to place and relationship to relationship.

Perceived Weaknesses of The Nomad

Loyalty

Loyalty of the nomad is often in question, especially by the Warrior. A nomad rarely creates strong ties to people or ideals. The nomad can be an expert at developing a network of people around him that are loyal to him, but this is only a defense against the world outside.

Examples of The Male Warrior in History, Print and Film

History

Machiavelli
William H. Bonney, aka, “Billy the Kid”

Print

William Shakespear’s Hamlet
Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe

Film

Lee Ingleby as Hollum in Master and Commander

Nicolas Cage as ddd in Moonstruck

In the coming weeks we will explore the remaining five male archetypes. As always, your opinions and comments are welcomed!