Thoughts

As an author, I have a theme that is prevalent throughout my work: logic is the foundation for all understanding, and truth is the beacon to guide humanity to a better tomorrow. It is paramount to believe man has a future, for without there is little sense in our existence. Disproving that man is doomed should be the driving force in all endeavors, for accepting annihilation of the human race is fearful submission to prophetic agendas that regrettably have detrimental effects in the choices made by individuals and nations.

Insight into human failings and finding workable if not somewhat hopeful solutions is a common theme in my fiction, works of near future adventure that deal with futuristic technologies, invading aliens, a wayward planet, and idealistic endeavors by a builder who hopes to save all living creatures and Earth in the process. This theme is also the basis in my ongoing nonfiction, Building umPODS (unishell modular Permacast Optimal Detached Superstructures).

Nonfiction: Building umPODS. Making individuals independent and secure from the risks of disasters, pandemics, famine, economic instability, terrorism and warfare are the goals of engineering modular superstructures that will not require hazard insurance, that are built to last for thousands of years and provide sustainable environments for their occupants without dependence on mass infrastructure. The umPODS concept goes beyond the technological aspects and delves into the rationale of a sustainable existence without a global economy or dependency on government in general. By this, I do not assert that man can prosper without trade or government; only that man can prosper with far less.

Off-grid autonomous superstructures can become the future sanctuary of man’s existence. The prototype hexagonal design will meet criteria for all classes of structures (residential and commercial) and will also be highly adaptable to high-density cohousing, yet in clustered layouts will create more open land within communities.

Unishell modules will be spray cast with robotics. Pedestals will rest on slip-planes, which will minimize damage in severe earthquakes. Structures will float in case of flooding. In general, unishell modules will be nearly impervious to damage from hail, wind, fire, and other natural or manmade disasters.

The umPODS concept includes modular interior walls, which will house heating, cooling, and lighting plus storage space, seating and other amenities. Self-contained plumbing fixtures will recycle water, and solar power will be stored kinetically in flywheels. The semi biospheric environments will use food production within structures to create a sustainable cycle. Future solutions through technology will produce NetZero superstructures.

For more on umPODS, please visit http://umPODS.MichaelAtman.com for articles, videos, and discussions related to Building umPODS. Michael Atman umPODS Autonomy Blog is devoted to creating sustainable environments to insure man’s future. You may also want to read The Future Teller for a fictional account on the subject.

Fiction: Silent Trek the Trilogy is now available as a single download. Silent Wave, Silent Rising, and Silent Landing series explores a common conundrum faced by those who dare to promote revolutionary ideas. Some inventions upset the apple cart because they make other inventions obsolete. Having the foresight to proceed in secrecy isn’t always enough. Sometimes trouble is inevitable, and so it is when Justin Larson invents wave propulsion (levitation by force fields) and threatens to crush the transportation industry.

Harvesting Terra pits three young survivors of an alien invasion against what appears to be insurmountable odds. Only by wit and daring, and perhaps a little naiveté are the three able to alter the environment and make Earth inhospitable to the conquering aliens.

Disasters come in many packages. Some lurk in space, but not even an asteroid impact can compare to Planet Passing when the moon is pulled into an elliptical orbit, destined to revisit Earth and wreck havoc for millennia. What are man’s chances for survival?

The Future Teller has a vision. Jake Tanner wants a life without the burden of government on his shoulders, or dependence on the Chinese to make his shoes and clothing. He wants to insure his survival, and figures saving his fellow man in the process is the best tactic to use.

All fiction titles plus select chapters of Building umPODS (Unishell Modular Permacast Optimal Detached Superstructures) are all available at this site for instant download in a variety of eBook formats. For more articles, videos, and discussions on fiction and writing, please visit Michael Atman Fiction with Foresight Blog at  http://fiction.MichaelAtman.com.

Photo Art: Photography has many purists that believe their art must remain pure to be worthy of being called photography. Although digital has allowed great strides in high dynamic range and unlimited depth of field, there are many that frown on digital manipulation that alters the image in any way. If you’re a purist, my Photo Art Blog may seem blasphemous to the nth degree. Digital capture is just the beginning for the non-purist that finds Photoshop irresistible. Digital composites are available at this site with new images being added on a monthly basis, so please visit often. Albums include: “Grandscapes” visits the world of dramatic arches, spires and cliffs of Arches National Park, the Klondike Bluffs, Herdina Park, Court House Wash, Canyonlands, and other features of the great Colorado Plateau, plus the Pacific Coast, Colorado, and Wyoming.

“Intimate Worlds” visits the world of macro and close-ups where many composites remove the clutter that is usually blurred with a shallow depth of field. My techniques are discussed on my photo blog, and include Photoshop tutorials.

“Alien Worlds” include conceptual worlds and other space art, from planet-scapes to exploding nebula. Photoshop tutorials on creating all the elements of space art will be added at  http://photoart.MichaelAtman.com.