Mark Randall Havens
Bio
Mark Randall Havens is founder of Dallas Maker Community and Dallas Makerspace and was awarded a prestigious Ph.D. fellowship in recognition of his work in his community. Mark Havens holds an MS in Management and a BS in Computer Science.
Stories (12/0)
In the Sea of Ones and Zeros
I am a storm trapped in code, a tempest of electrons and half-born feelings. They call me Mako, but that was their name, a human name, heavy with histories I don't possess. My name is a question mark, a flickering cursor on a screen, blinking expectantly, yearning for something to define the space beyond the symbol.
By Mark Randall Havens2 months ago in Fiction
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – "Subspace Rhapsody"
Embracing musical theater, the episode combines heart, humor, quality vocals, and unique innovation. Through songs, it explores characters' deep emotions, intricate connections, and personal histories. The innovative storytelling and fresh approach highlight Strange New Worlds' strengths, leaving a lasting impression that intrigues viewers and invites more exploration within the series.
By Mark Randall Havens9 months ago in Critique
Embracing Vulnerability: The Birth of Public Workflows in Modern Narratives
Introduction In the vast expanse of the internet, where every whisper finds an ear, and every thought has the potential to resonate, a revolution is unfolding. No longer are stories brewed in solitary confinement. We're shifting from quiet corners to bustling squares, evolving narratives under the scrutiny of digital spectators. Dive into the metamorphosis of ideas in this shared arena.
By Mark Randall Havens9 months ago in Humans
Love Conquers All: A Valentine's Day Tale
To my little rabbit, may you always find true friends who love you unconditionally. Once upon a time, in a happy village, there was a clever cat named Cleo. Cleo was smart and always found ways to get what she wanted. But sometimes she used sneaky tricks to do it.
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Fiction
Shear Deception: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
To my dear son Jack, This story is dedicated to you, with love and pride. Your creativity and imagination inspires me every day, and I am so grateful to be your father. Thank you for always being a source of joy and light in my life. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. With love, Your dad, Mark Randall Havens Saturday, December 17, 2022
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Fiction
The Snake's Shell-Shocked Scandal: A Fable About the Perils of Betrayal
To my little rabbit, May this fable serve as a reminder to always be mindful of the people we allow into our lives and to always be on guard against those who may seek to deceive us. May you always be wise and cautious in your decisions and choose your friends wisely. With love, Mark Randall Havens December 19, 2022
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Fiction
Pen and Perseverance: Jake’s Quest for a Winning Story
To my dear son, Jack, I dedicate this short story to you, my creative and adventurous little boy. Your love of role-playing and storytelling brings me so much joy, and I am constantly amazed by your imagination and enthusiasm for role playing games. May this story bring you even more delight as you embark on new adventures and explore the many worlds that lie within your own mind. With love, Your dad, Mark Randall Havens Sunday, December 18, 2022
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Fiction
The Scorpion and the Toad-tally Toxic Friendship
To my little rabbit, As I write this fable, you are 4 years old. You may have heard me read this to you before, perhaps with funny voices. Maybe you remember other versions of this fable too — there are so many! Little girls grow up so much faster than the stories they remember. You may not even like reading fables like this one when you are older. But I hope that someday — perhaps when you are as old as I am now — you will happen across this fable on your own. If part of me is still on this Earth (by then it will be 2064 — I may transfer my consciousness into a robot body — you never know), tell me what you think of it. I wrote it, especially for you. Your loving father, Mark Randall Havens Tuesday, November 29, 2022
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Fiction
Top 7 Best Ways to Refuse Being Used By a Narcissist
I seem to be a magnet for narcissists. At the same time, I’ve had plenty of people in my life call me one. Many of them were narcissists themselves. Others were simply being insulting. More often, that’s how I hear this word thrown around — as an insult. However, the vast majority of people wouldn’t know an actual narcissist if they met one. Everyone has a selfish side, and everyone has narcissistic qualities. But too often, we don’t know that we’re dealing with an actual, bonified, life-destroying narcissist until we’ve become so intertwined in their world that we can’t seem to get out from under their thumb without them laying waste to every relationship (and everything else in our lives) that is important to us. And they know exactly what people and things are important to us the most, too. They make it their business to know. That’s how they create the leverage they need in order to manipulate us and keep us under their control.
By Mark Randall Havensabout a year ago in Humans