I've always referred to myself as The Philosophy Child- philosophy being defined as "why we do what we do." It's been my ongoing passion to discover the reasons and motivations that drive people and then determine their worth; only then can true improvement be attained.

I've lived in Chicago since I was six. I'm a writer by trade and a musician by accident. I've written poetry, novels and stage plays. My band, The WaLL JuMPeRs have recorded a number of albums and performed across the country. Music is my hobby, but writing is my life.

In the future I hope to launch my website "Kevin Olsen: Author" where you'll be able find more of my articles, editorials crafted specifically for my website, an in-depth autobiography, and the opportunity to read sample chapters of my new book. Until then I do have a blog; you can find it at http://kevinolsen.wordpress.com.

Lastly, I'm a huge fan of criticism. We grow by being fertilized, weeded, watered, and occasionally pruned. I love to hear what my readers think, so if you desire to applaud me, encourage me, question me, or correct me . . . please do. Hopefully I'll have a chance to write you back.

My passion is ...

writing.

I know too much about ...

extreme frisbee.

My parents always told me ...

"If it's not yours, don't touch it. If it's not a toy, don't play with it."

My childhood ambition ...

to do exactly what I'm doing.

Why I write ...

Storytelling is the best way to communicate ideas and shape a world.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Michael Crichton and J.K. Rowling.

My first job ...

Boston Market

My inspiration ...

Life.

Parenting & Pregnancy > Pregnancy Is safe to ride rollercoasters while pregnant?

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A very dear friend of mine and his wife went to Universal Studios when she was five months pregnant. They rode JAWS, went to Jurassic Park, shot aliens in Men in Black, and swung with Spiderman . . . but they also rode all three rollercoasters on the Island of Adventure. The Hulk sent them catapulting out of the gate right before twirling and spinning their rage-filled, sage-green heads. Dueling Dragons had two separate coasters: the first fire-breathing lizard flew them very fast, while the second pulled their bodies through far more G's.

The Hulk and Dueling Dragons are formidable, de...

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