Science fiction is one of the few genres of fiction that I like, so it's not surprising that I used to be a big fan of science fiction TV shows and movies. Notice that I'm using the past tense. The reason is that I have stopped watching them out of too many disappointments. Many shows and movies have gotten too commercialized. They have become mere products used by big companies to make profits. Every new show/movie seem to be a rehash of old ones or factory made from the same formula. I rarely feel any creativity and originality anymore.

Nowadays, a good science fiction movie means nothing more than lots and lots of computer- generated graphics. It doesn't matter that the story isn't engaging or the actors (if there are any human actors at all) can't act. As long as there's enough flash, the content doesn't matter. That's why I am just not interested anymore.

I long for the days when producers had to manage with foam and plastic to create whole new worlds and people. They captured the audience with meaningful and engaging screenwriting and the accompanying acting.

Yet all is not lost. There are still masterpieces to be found hidden among all that filth. Last Sunday, I gave a chance to a new independent science fiction movie. I had been hearing a lot about it on the internet, and a few friends had vouched for it too. The movie is called The Man from Earth. The story is by Star Trek and Twilight Zone writer Jerome Bixby.

As one IMDB commenter says, "This little movie relies not on outstanding set design and mind-blowing visual effects, but rather on ideas; the very foundation of science fiction." Actually, the movie has absolutely no special effects at all. In fact, the entire movie is set in a living room (with a few scenes in the front yard) with a group of people talking. There is no space fight, no explosion, and no sex scene. People just talk, and only talk. The movie captured my full 90 minutes of attention and imagination through dialogues alone. What is this movie about?

From the movie's tagline, "An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious interrogation after the retiring scholar reveals to his colleagues he is an immortal who has walked the earth for 14,000 years." The film is driven by Oldman's absurd claim and the subsequent thought-provoking dialogues between him and his disturbed audience. His colleagues treat it as a joke at first. Then they slowly shift to doubt; from doubt into frustration; and lastly, from frustration into a quasi-believing state.

The one thing that got me hooked about this movie is the fact that it made me feel that I was in that living room, along with Oldman and the others. I wasn't just watching a movie, it felt almost like an experience. It could have been just another living room talk with friends, yet it's anything but.

To add flavor to our ordinary lives, we often seek entertainment and adventure outside of our routine. We read to immerse ourselves in other peoples' fantasies or go on a vacation to live another life. Still, I find that most of the typical entertainment is limited to only a few of our senses.

In particular, our sense of taste is often neglected when it comes to being adventurous. People are understandably conservative when it comes to taste, because a bad experience can easily make you sick to the stomach. It is something we all learn from an early age. However, appreciating our sense of taste does not need to be extreme. I think we can agree that simply going out for a nice dinner once in a while is a good treat. Taking this a step further, one cheap and enjoyable adventure that I like is to try out a new restaurant.  click here to continue reading »

Volunteering opportunities are available almost everywhere. That's not just exaggeration, either. In addition to volunteering within your community, have you considered volunteering outside of your country?

Many of you may be volunteering in your local community center already, yet the same work you're doing is needed elsewhere in the world too. Global Volunteers can match you with children in Ghana for cross-cultural learning, youths in Romania who need to practice English, or adults in rural China to share skills. Elders who seek an active adventure may choose to band penguins in South Africa or tag endangered sea turtles on Pacific beaches through Earthwatch. Not only will you be helping people who are requesting outside help, but you can gain a first-hand experience to learn about the culture and people within your host community as well.  click here to continue reading »

Seniors are among our society's most valuable resources, with their lifetime experiences. That is why a number of elders choose to put their unique talents and experiences to work in their communities by volunteering.

Perhaps you have been a volunteer in the past or are an active volunteer already. As you may know, there are many places in which elders like you can utilize their skills, knowledge, and experience to help others and enrich their own lives. As a result, sometimes it is difficult to sift through all the volunteering opportunities to find the right one for you. Luckily, the U.S. government offers a volunteer matching service specifically for seniors.

Senior Corps connects today’s over 55s with the people and organizations that need them most. They help them become mentors, coaches, or companions to people in need, or to contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. Senior Corps currently links more than 500,000 Americans to nonprofits and faith-based and other community organizations throughout the United States.  click here to continue reading »

I love to play board games occasionally. One of my favorite games is Scrabble. It's easy to learn but near impossible to master (at least for me). It is also one of those classic games that people either love or hate.

The biggest problem I have with playing Scrabble is finding suitable players for myself. I prefer players who are around my own level of skills. Playing with people who are too new is not exciting, and players who are too good are too challenging. I like to win some and lose some, with equal opportunities of both. I also like to play with a variety of different people. Games with strangers are always surprising and unexpected. It's also a great way to pick up new tricks to the game and socialize with interesting people.  click here to continue reading »