tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83223465721653871612024-03-10T20:22:31.152-07:00Don's Dimensional ShiftDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082386952557752863noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-59911808836659879082023-12-23T17:27:00.000-08:002023-12-23T17:39:31.821-08:00Merry Christmas!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdK7wBdrE6wt7-B6dp7S9vcy5U9CtrXMH9PY2hyphenhyphenaPRNMuAkZZ4MOu8Kc9r2KtxVsnQqii8f4fjlLJ9dtRaNQVELnIcbMpQD52P7L39zb1zGIfGtdOQACP2CAfA7g-B8qOkeGQv28jQtYgwlh1QiDH8HVFBcqHylFkD2-4P8daYACrFxnUcWT1-WRtX5A/s900/soulmates%203-print%20cover-kindle-2b%20copy-digital-smaller.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdK7wBdrE6wt7-B6dp7S9vcy5U9CtrXMH9PY2hyphenhyphenaPRNMuAkZZ4MOu8Kc9r2KtxVsnQqii8f4fjlLJ9dtRaNQVELnIcbMpQD52P7L39zb1zGIfGtdOQACP2CAfA7g-B8qOkeGQv28jQtYgwlh1QiDH8HVFBcqHylFkD2-4P8daYACrFxnUcWT1-WRtX5A/s320/soulmates%203-print%20cover-kindle-2b%20copy-digital-smaller.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Merry Christmas everyone! As promised here is the surprise: a copy of <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/11LpczZQDzlo8I2Pnd-qa_SRlrb1WNl7q/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Silicon Strike in epub format</a>. It will only be available until the 26th so don't delay and grab it right away.<br /><br /><br />I hope you have a blessed, wonderful Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><p></p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-28960926932663567562023-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:002023-12-16T13:32:19.741-08:00End Of The Year Sale<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynblMJ6XDHcokigHhDZ62o0BoFQKfKNSsi3EO2yoe5xLGjUHwfHX7feYah4YXrZOuQr2hPNrBp1xah-9wBCHsrb_aQgfMCM9JuFcB6cUdPi8Aa2aGWcvX0HeWZt_MMbRY4w4S5GdvIGdgotIlhiOL7_RgGzYyaTzfWf-5X7tnz9gfgAfdmt-qvAPe4D8/s1812/terrian%20carrier-1c%20copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1812" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynblMJ6XDHcokigHhDZ62o0BoFQKfKNSsi3EO2yoe5xLGjUHwfHX7feYah4YXrZOuQr2hPNrBp1xah-9wBCHsrb_aQgfMCM9JuFcB6cUdPi8Aa2aGWcvX0HeWZt_MMbRY4w4S5GdvIGdgotIlhiOL7_RgGzYyaTzfWf-5X7tnz9gfgAfdmt-qvAPe4D8/s320/terrian%20carrier-1c%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a>I am pleased to announce all of my books are in the <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DBDigital">Smashwords End Of The Year Sale </a>at 50% off or more! Be sure to check it out. I haven't been doing sales or promotions as of late, making this an event you don't want to miss!<br /></div><p></p><p>Also keep watch for a surprise later in the week.<br /></p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-61048646121589651032023-03-10T17:11:00.000-08:002023-03-10T17:11:15.739-08:00Amazon Drops Print Magazines<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRSBWqBdnsAVnjVL4YjVyJbFwA02KMAZtmV94Hqyg74PCF4Q5ZB7rQuMiz8xoTFm2ZNDmxPK_PSs8l-_JAGGwbM0Mi5XGgydSKGGESDiEWyigMct6Qa9iLSPGgH0bYmjrD69E4XWXT65bcQ1Zcu31du_1RXbpXyUT1yoSZ5gVl-8W1QdCgPq-bEqq/s500/Fantasy%20book%20on%20table-1%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="500" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRSBWqBdnsAVnjVL4YjVyJbFwA02KMAZtmV94Hqyg74PCF4Q5ZB7rQuMiz8xoTFm2ZNDmxPK_PSs8l-_JAGGwbM0Mi5XGgydSKGGESDiEWyigMct6Qa9iLSPGgH0bYmjrD69E4XWXT65bcQ1Zcu31du_1RXbpXyUT1yoSZ5gVl-8W1QdCgPq-bEqq/s320/Fantasy%20book%20on%20table-1%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I received a surprise email today from Amazon. They have discontinued offering print magazines for sale. Even more surprising they made effective as of yesterday. Usually such decisions give you a little time before they take effect.<p></p><p>I have to wonder why, and how much longer they will continue to offer electronic versions. Or if this is a simple push for more people to go electronic. The sad thing is many of the print magazines I subscribed to through Amazon didn't have electronic versions. </p><p> I used their system to buy many different magazines over the years, and even sent gift subscriptions to others. Their system was the best I had ever used with its built in reminder, ease renewal, or cancellation. Years ago when dealing directly with a publisher, more than once I received TWO magazines instead of a renewal to my subscription. It often took several phone calls to get that straightened out. I never once had a issue with the any subscription placed through Amazon.<br /></p><p>It is a real shame they are shutting this down. There are quite a few magazines I never would have found if it wasn't for Amazon. This service will be missed.<br /></p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-56821185229952791082022-09-14T18:23:00.004-07:002022-09-17T11:37:35.866-07:00Copernicus Conundrum Releases Friday September 23rd<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74gvGbbFDxnjhp1i0huBP8Hd8tP0_0HelgFLpO5TAT5tlN5fpp5Oq2RujMpWo1DQHyS7Dom2krkTH5p8HeoH1C95eMj7gK156W7Bx3bS6SIOeAacepE6b0-IYWwCH_6Cw-xokDZLjqn5HZ6CLIGXNlnbaZca7nRN6tRl3Om45OEWAGvYf8nhfqw2o/s1200/copernicus%20condrum-1%20copyebook%20smaler.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74gvGbbFDxnjhp1i0huBP8Hd8tP0_0HelgFLpO5TAT5tlN5fpp5Oq2RujMpWo1DQHyS7Dom2krkTH5p8HeoH1C95eMj7gK156W7Bx3bS6SIOeAacepE6b0-IYWwCH_6Cw-xokDZLjqn5HZ6CLIGXNlnbaZca7nRN6tRl3Om45OEWAGvYf8nhfqw2o/s320/copernicus%20condrum-1%20copyebook%20smaler.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <a href="https://books2read.com/CopernicusConundrum">Copernicus Conundrum</a> releases next Friday September 23rd in print and e-book editions!<br /><p></p><p>Copernicus Space Station holds a great many secrets.<br /><br />Only one man can reveal their mysteries.<br /><br />But he has his own secrets to protect.<br /><br />Of course it helps Gabe is more than man.<br /><br /><br />A novella consisting of 20,000 words.</p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-5559846136827339132022-08-24T15:11:00.002-07:002022-08-24T15:12:15.554-07:00Cosmic Collection #2 Releases August 26th!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXTpWGYhvFSE9BZ2AwMEZ0YndFJJ-GC-8MB5ZJkNNYfItWam45Lqmx9ein4N8VDIBbmNkPOPVkPwnsciClk--TUPYc78qUgsGuAshhnOzW0SqN_BHQ5fkgcK6bsuVg8Rob6jd8STQQn9gANKAUjUVXiASUTWK9GjQFTk8dE4ANujAeveZ-kWXe9WD/s1200/cosmic%20collections2-3%20copyebooksmaller.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXTpWGYhvFSE9BZ2AwMEZ0YndFJJ-GC-8MB5ZJkNNYfItWam45Lqmx9ein4N8VDIBbmNkPOPVkPwnsciClk--TUPYc78qUgsGuAshhnOzW0SqN_BHQ5fkgcK6bsuVg8Rob6jd8STQQn9gANKAUjUVXiASUTWK9GjQFTk8dE4ANujAeveZ-kWXe9WD/s320/cosmic%20collections2-3%20copyebooksmaller.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> <a href="https://books2read.com/cosmiccollection2">Cosmic Collection #2</a> releases this Friday August 26th in print and e-book editions! It is my second collection of short stories.<p></p><p>Imagine...<br /><br />•You are stuck with your girlfriend's cat that hates you.<br /><br />•Alone, asleep on a space station when someone puts their hand over your mouth.<br /><br />•A strange metallic flash on the desert floor where there shouldn't be.<br /><br />•You and your crew are the last survivors of humanity traveling for centuries to a new world.<br /><br />And much more! You never know what you are going to find in a DeBon Cosmic Collection!</p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-84438731439964314632022-07-25T20:24:00.004-07:002022-07-25T20:24:37.041-07:00Cosmic Collection #1 Releases Friday July 29th!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9JCloojYeagDAptRZk7LGoDNYYPU8DyU7Xq_m9fjJa5BFyXMPqFLwLAwJr4lYX6HwgFDSrAiXKxA83Up5xuq-oAoWdG0mMuo1QIIQptZE5vX6Q9HhrhVCsIxLlShCn_8A0TANOSTQluO2xzrqf9QLB1RWQ97bCNmpQPAv35cWxJtWtESnphvVHFs/s1536/dons%20cosmic%20collection%201-2%20copy%20smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9JCloojYeagDAptRZk7LGoDNYYPU8DyU7Xq_m9fjJa5BFyXMPqFLwLAwJr4lYX6HwgFDSrAiXKxA83Up5xuq-oAoWdG0mMuo1QIIQptZE5vX6Q9HhrhVCsIxLlShCn_8A0TANOSTQluO2xzrqf9QLB1RWQ97bCNmpQPAv35cWxJtWtESnphvVHFs/s320/dons%20cosmic%20collection%201-2%20copy%20smaller.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> My latest project <a href="https://books2read.com/cosmiccollection1">Cosmic Collection #1</a> releases this Friday July 29th in print and ebook editions! It is a collection of short stories.<p></p><p>Just imagine...<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>•Your faithful little dog is more than she appears.</p><p><br /></p><p>•What happens when a boy decides to show his grandfather how good of a fisherman he can be?</p><p><br /></p><p>•Your lawn mower thinks it is smarter than you.</p><p><br /></p><p>•Your husband that has broke so many promises makes yet another.</p><p><br /></p><p>You never know what you will find inside the pages of a DeBon Cosmic Collection!</p><p> </p><p> </p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-39509280196532840682021-12-24T06:00:00.002-08:002021-12-24T06:00:00.175-08:00Trouble At The North Pole...<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl0Ldn_E_wCNzuiDH8uaF0Ab4gXEpK-ISVrLdyO_KyFMtTVhPTzygzrU98eluK2VcaWoQji3TiTDH3i3XJtQsiu7s9BIfDc4WJ5BZ_gLRIPLRPGpu1fAXtuHFB6xbfILsNUKe0AeegPvOJVQDxHa8Fb10q9KiqSGY9NN5VEj_U5bULhndczhYKabrx=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1000" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjl0Ldn_E_wCNzuiDH8uaF0Ab4gXEpK-ISVrLdyO_KyFMtTVhPTzygzrU98eluK2VcaWoQji3TiTDH3i3XJtQsiu7s9BIfDc4WJ5BZ_gLRIPLRPGpu1fAXtuHFB6xbfILsNUKe0AeegPvOJVQDxHa8Fb10q9KiqSGY9NN5VEj_U5bULhndczhYKabrx=s320" width="320" /></a></div> <br />Looks like there is trouble brewing at the North Pole. The SH9000 is taking a much needed power-down break in Santa's Workshop and his previous helper is up to something. Perhaps he wants his old job back? Hmm. Got to watch out for those sneaky bots.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Merry Christmas!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-36588675680402729072020-12-31T23:10:00.000-08:002020-12-31T23:10:02.607-08:00Silicon Strike is Now Out in PRINT<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNA2_a6KqCK-Hv4rSnr2ZWPeb_zICiM7X_WKLI2DaiSW5hU7beSSw2dMLOWO5WaiHUlZg69-48vrA0_j1sOWJhZlKn7Nenu6bVBbD3VWXjjD2HrgYiQY_1csDgeg76qb9Qw7C9wBX4FE/s531/soulmates+3-print+cover-1+copysmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNA2_a6KqCK-Hv4rSnr2ZWPeb_zICiM7X_WKLI2DaiSW5hU7beSSw2dMLOWO5WaiHUlZg69-48vrA0_j1sOWJhZlKn7Nenu6bVBbD3VWXjjD2HrgYiQY_1csDgeg76qb9Qw7C9wBX4FE/s320/soulmates+3-print+cover-1+copysmaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As promised, <i>Silicon Strike</i> is now available in PRINT at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948819058">Amazon</a> and other retailers soon! I wasn't sure if I could get it in before the end of the year due to the holidays but this is certainly a welcome New Year's surprise.<p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Celloids. The plant-based menace incidentally released on earth have been eradicated. <br /><br />Or have they? Did they leave something behind even more destructive?<br /><br />With the Lytherians in disarray, can the <i>Defiant</i> and the <i>Phoenix </i>stop this new threat? And who is the controlling force behind it all?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And don't forget the 99c sale I have going on at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Don-DeBon/e/B00IX065HG/">Kindle</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Don+Debon?_requestid=654252">Nook</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=don+debon">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/don-debon/id554218055#see-all/books">iBooks</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DBDigital">Smashwords</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Don+DeBon">Google Play</a> until January 9th!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year Everyone!</p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-63598139428038517032020-12-24T13:32:00.006-08:002020-12-25T11:45:27.312-08:00Silicon Strike Releases Dec 25th! 99c Sale and More!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQPN_tc24ia7R3UtLd6y-x8cBS3hHx5D321OGrNJ5AP6FtPFk4QF9wzaaEx-I9DbvJnX-atJp9TNKyfIrJrToVM0stesvsyM-5yVYwU1otkIgBWpSOu4V3eMkCBVJM_SnjLzgo-yE_yI/s1200/soulmates+3-fordigital-1+copy-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQPN_tc24ia7R3UtLd6y-x8cBS3hHx5D321OGrNJ5AP6FtPFk4QF9wzaaEx-I9DbvJnX-atJp9TNKyfIrJrToVM0stesvsyM-5yVYwU1otkIgBWpSOu4V3eMkCBVJM_SnjLzgo-yE_yI/s320/soulmates+3-fordigital-1+copy-smaller.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br />I am pleased to announce my latest book <i><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bOX2R0">Silicon Strike</a></i> releases tomorrow on Dec 25th! It is the third book in the Soulmates series. You can get it on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Silicon-Strike-Don-DeBon-ebook/dp/B08R817SHC/">Kindle</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/silicon-strike">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silicon-strike-don-debon/1138519348">Nook</a>, <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/silicon-strike/id1546380457">iBooks</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=d6QQEAAAQBAJ">Google Play Books</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1060799?ref=draft2digital">Smashwords</a>, and other retailers soon! Also the print editions will be out in a few weeks as well.</p><p>Celloids. The plant-based menace incidentally released on earth have been eradicated. <br /><br />Or have they? Did they leave something behind even more destructive?<br /><br />With the Lytherians in disarray, can the <i>Defiant</i> and the <i>Phoenix </i>stop this new threat? And who is the controlling force behind it all?<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Btvet1nCwod6gHbXq3TFEk9GohL1PEyS-NCt4sAd0DQyWNNJS2Gpnc04s38AaBf4QjhEb_sSLdNhM02oj2JzxpOvWvuiiLbnQTI4Yb6i8BeILonre3q1VNhRxQ3Y3-jTxdcvY7jCZu4/s2048/red+warp+3-ingramspark-9+smallcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Btvet1nCwod6gHbXq3TFEk9GohL1PEyS-NCt4sAd0DQyWNNJS2Gpnc04s38AaBf4QjhEb_sSLdNhM02oj2JzxpOvWvuiiLbnQTI4Yb6i8BeILonre3q1VNhRxQ3Y3-jTxdcvY7jCZu4/s320/red+warp+3-ingramspark-9+smallcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Also <i><a href="https://books2read.com/u/3GdrBd">The Return</a></i> is now available in print at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Return-Don-DeBon/dp/1948819031">Amazon</a> with other distribution channels coming online in a few weeks.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> And finally, all of the digital editions of my books are on sale for 99 cents at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Don-DeBon/e/B00IX065HG/">Kindle</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Don+Debon?_requestid=654252">Nook</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=don+debon">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/don-debon/id554218055#see-all/books">iBooks</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DBDigital">Smashwords</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Don+DeBon">Google Play</a> until January 9th! I had thought about joining the Smashwords end-of-the-year sale, but they didn't offer the options I wanted. Instead, I did my own and no coupon codes needed! It is a great time to grab that missing series book or two.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas Everyone! <br /></p><p><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bOX2R0 "><i>Silicon Strike</i></a> excerpt:<br />"Possible. Or an asteroid has gone off course."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Otis stood and went over to a console showing data on the rock. "Can we contact the Lytherians to check it out?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"Negative. I lack the equipment to transmit on the frequencies they use. Given time, I think I could make the necessary modifications."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"I can't believe they enhanced so many systems, yet didn't do anything with communications?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"If you remember, the telepathic chair had that capability, so why would I need it as well? Not to mention the undertaken enhancements were a rush job to begin with."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Otis nodded. "True. Looks like it is up to us then. Can we reach it?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Minerva nodded. "Yes. With our Lytherian modified engines, we could reach something much farther away."</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">"What about air?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Minerva smiled. "It doesn't matter to me, I don't need it."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Otis folded his arms. "But I do!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />CB gave a strong beep.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Otis nodded. "You tell her, CB."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Minerva gave a very feminine giggle. "Sorry, I couldn't help it. The look on your face was worth it though. We should have plenty to reach the object and return considering there is only one person using oxygen."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Otis' brow furrowed. "Should?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Minerva laughed again. "I am positive."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />CB gave a low beep.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"I agree. It doesn't give me a warm feeling either."<br /><br />Minerva rolled her eyes. "Will you two stop? I would never place your life in danger. You should know that by now."<br /><br />Otis cracked a grin as he regarded the Mechand next to him. "That was fun CB, think we got her?"<br /><br />The Mechand gave a strong beep.<br /><br />"I think so too."<br /><br />"You were playing me?"<br /><br />"Tit for tat, my great-grandparents used to say. How long will it take us to get to this rock?"<br /><br />"Only a couple of hours. We should be able to check it out and return before the Defiant arrives."<br /><br />Otis smiled. "Let's do it then."<br /><br />"Should we tell the Defiant?"<br /><br />"Nah, we'll be back before they know we left. We're just going to check a big rock, blast it if needed, and pop back."<br /><br />Minerva nodded. The engines of the Phoenix began to glow. "Full power to extended overdrive in five seconds. Better have a seat. My inertia damping systems are quite a bit smaller than the Defiant's."<br /><br />Otis sat down in the nearest chair. The lack of padding made his back complain. CB rolled over next to him. "Hang on, CB." The Mechand gave an affirmative beep and locked his wheels.<br /><br />Minerva smiled. "Course set. Engaging overdrive." A bubble of energy formed around the Phoenix as it grew brighter and brighter. The engines increased their glow as the whole ship leapt into overdrive, leaving streaks of fading light.<br /><br />Otis hit several keys at the console he was sitting at. For over an hour he stared at the data from this rock. His eyes flashed, and he cocked his head as he turned around. "One thing bugs me. Why didn't you pick this up before?"<br /><br />"I do not know. I should have. An asteroid of this size heading for Earth should have been seen long ago," Minerva said.<br /><br />"And it appeared out of nowhere?"<br /><br />"Affirmative. One minute nothing, the next it was on my scanners."<br /><br />Otis sat back in his chair. "Could it be a ship?"<br /><br />Minerva blinked. "A ship?" She shook her head. "Not possible. All my scans indicate a lifeless mass of rock. Most of it silicon with a few other elements mixed in."<br /><br />"Can you get an image?"<br /><br />"No. We need to be closer for a visual."<br /><br />Otis stood up and peered out one of the large windows on the bridge. The armor shields had been retracted giving a wonderful view of space as they cruised through overdrive. "How much longer?"<br /><br />"Fifteen minutes, perhaps less."<br /><br />Otis spun around. "Less? I thought you dealt in precision?"<br /><br />"I do, but the distance between us is varying. I suspect a sensor is malfunctioning. I have sent one of my Mechands to check it."<br /><br />"I don't like it. I may not have Deven's or Aleshia's gifts, but my gut says this is bad. Turn us around. Head back to Earth."<br /><br />"What? Now? We are almost there."<br /><br />"And I'm telling you, this is bad. We need to get away from this rock as soon as possible." He turned back towards the windows.<br /><br />Minerva blinked. "Why?"<br /><br />Otis' eyes narrowed as he spun around. "Look, I found out references to these Ixeons sending rocks at us. We know they created the Celloids, who knows what else they can do. Turn us around now."<br /><br />"Very well. I will have to bring us out of overdrive and chart a new course back, or we might get lost. The Lytherians didn't give us all their space technology."<br /><br />"I know, just do it."<br /><br />"I am. Hang on." Otis ran for the nearest chair and sat in it. The Phoenix shuddered as it dropped out of enhanced overdrive so fast slamming to a dead stop. Even braced Otis was thrown from his seat and landed on the deck plate. A fresh cut over his left eye dripped blood, but he didn't find anything broken.<br /><br />CB rolled over to Otis and helped him up. He pointed at Otis' eye and beeped.<br /><br />"I'm all right. It's a minor cut. A little med sealant and I will be fine."<br /><br />"Ohhh nooo," Minerva said before Otis was again thrown to the deck.<br /><br />This time he hit his arm on one of the chairs as he went down. "Ouch! Hey watch it!" He felt his arm. It hurt, but nothing broken. "I thought we were stopped?"<br /><br />"That wasn't me. Look! We are under attack."<br /><br />Otis turned to see a bright red beam lashing out from the top closest corner of the rock and hitting the Phoenix's shields. The rock didn't look like anything natural. It was smooth and with angular lines making a perfect square. "That thing's a ship! That is how it appeared to move on your scans. It must have seen us drop out of overdrive and jumped closer. Get us out of here!"<br /><br />"I'm trying. Whatever that beam is has got us pinned. I can't move. Not only that, it is draining energy from the power core. Shields will shut down in three minutes and after that, me."<br /><br />"You've got carbine cannons, use them!"<br /><br />"From what I can tell, that thing is solid stone. My cannons aren't going to do much damage unless I pound on it for months."<br /><br />"Aim for where that beam is coming from. It must have a hole, it couldn't be shooting that beam through the stone itself."<br /><br />"Logical. Locking cannons." Several cannons lashed out with pulsed energy blasts that had little effect. The red beam continued to hold the Phoenix like a fish on a hook.<br /><br />Otis watched the blasts and felt his hope fade like the energy streak. Then his eyes went wide. "Try all your cannons at once. Full power. Give it everything you got."<br /><br />"I can increase the power to the cannons, but they are not built for it. It will burn out their delicate focusing systems."<br /><br />"And in a few minutes we're dead if you don't."<br /><br />"Good point. Locking all cannons. Charge building. They will reach maximum in ten seconds. I hope this works."<br /><br /></div><br /><div><p><br /></p></div>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-57651033379464349322020-12-06T22:05:00.000-08:002020-12-06T22:05:07.999-08:00My Apologies<p> If you tried to click the links on the previous post (What To Write), my apologies. The program I used to compose the post and create the links added an extra http designation to the address. Which curiously sent anyone clicking on them to strange unknown ad-infested areas of the internet. I broke one of the rules of blogging: check your links after you upload a post to the blog.<br /></p><p><br />Again my apologies for this and it has been fixed.<br /></p>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-26440088896997426332020-12-04T21:58:00.005-08:002020-12-05T20:50:08.581-08:00What To Write<br /><p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"></p><p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGHR4QdWnB-wM0B5D7zpLI2Xu7e04nVtQtntF-l9sEMIRK5cuZE6Qb2KKS-VWedZqUlq7QxS2nP_VKT3LLa3-2-ANMG1TzoxYfN4czv3ureXhtLv-2WkyrjtblJFUUVQIodri5Lzc8WE/s1600/library-desk-books-pens-3b+copy+smaller.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGHR4QdWnB-wM0B5D7zpLI2Xu7e04nVtQtntF-l9sEMIRK5cuZE6Qb2KKS-VWedZqUlq7QxS2nP_VKT3LLa3-2-ANMG1TzoxYfN4czv3ureXhtLv-2WkyrjtblJFUUVQIodri5Lzc8WE/s320/library-desk-books-pens-3b+copy+smaller.jpg" /></a></p><!--StartFragment-->For many months now I have wondered what to write. For me, fiction is easy. I have several novels, short stories, and novellas on the list with lots more ideas.<p></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">What to write here is the problem. What would my readers be interested in? I had a few ideas I was working on, one was about ready to post, then in March the pandemic happened.<br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Writing, fiction writing, kept going but here it stopped. I thought about several topics on the pandemic, however, there was so much of that already. Not to mention, I know I was getting tired of it. And I’m sure everyone else is as well.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">But today an article came across my desk today I just had to comment on. </p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">The normally well balanced and accurate, Verge had an <a name="http://https://www.theverge.com/tldr/22150497/wi-fi-router-faraday-cage-electromagnetic-radiation-conspiracy-theory-scam"></a><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tldr/22150497/wi-fi-router-faraday-cage-electromagnetic-radiation-conspiracy-theory-scam"><span style="font-weight: 600;">article</span></a><span style="font-weight: 600;"> </span>about not putting your router in "Jail".</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">They talked about how harmless WiFi is and gave a lot of information. Sadly, they were wrong on a few points. Or at least very disputed points. Wifi (and 5G) is microwaves, and it varies depending on who you ask on whether non-ionizing radiation can cause damage. They totally miss that if you sit in a microwave with it on, there is going to be damage. Which I don’t think anyone can disagree with.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">WiFi and 5G are same thing is in your microwave just at a different frequency.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br />Microwaves were <a name="http://https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_oven">discovered</a> in 1925 by Percy Spencer. At the time he noticed a radar unit he was using and was standing near started to melt a chocolate bar in his pocket. He didn't feel any heat, yet it had happened.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">The problem is no official <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> unbiased research has been done since the 1950's and things have changed dramatically. The frequencies used now are off the chart. Well not really, but a difference of night and day compared to what was tested back then. Not to mention the level of exposure we have now.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">The off-the-wall theories aside such as 5G causing COVID, the thing people (the stable non-conspiracy theory type) are worried about is the lack of real unbiased research. And keep in mind even safe things like cheese are fine in small amounts. But get too much and you have problems.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Some people do react to WiFi and other microwaves like cell phones. It makes them sick. Some get migraines, others have brain fog, still others have their equilibrium affected or rashes. Have you ever heard about canaries in the coal mines? Keep in mind not everyone gets cancer from smoking either. And the tobacco industry denied it for many years that it happened at all. The communication industry is saying the same thing about 5G.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">World Health Organization <a name="http://https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electromagnetic-fields-and-public-health-mobile-phones"></a><a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electromagnetic-fields-and-public-health-mobile-phones"><span style="font-style: italic;">still</span></a> lists cell phones as possibly carcinogenic. </p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">For every doctor you find that says it is all safe, you will find <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMewMGsiTk8">another</a> doctor or expert that says it is not and has the patients or experience to prove it.<br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">More research is needed, but instead the industry is just making faster and more potent WiFi/cell services. This is the problem. The industry all says it is safe but they are trying to sell you on it, so what are they going to say?</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Lead in paint was thought to be perfectly safe, then we found out it wasn't.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Again, more research is needed. Or perhaps I should say unbiased research the wireless industry can't ignore or otherwise sweep under the rug.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Some interesting studies have been done. One in particular where a large cell tower was erected near a population center (in California if I remember right, I can't find the details at the moment) and over the next 20 years cancer went up a lot in the area. Not much else changed, which points to the tower. It could not be proven 100% of course, but it sure seems likely.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Also Verge comparing AM/FM to 5g or even normal WiFi is like comparing apples and oranges. Sure both are fruit, but it stops there. Different vitamins, minerals, taste, and some people are deathly allergic to oranges. But does that mean the orange growers have the right to force them to eat oranges? No.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">This should be the way with 5G. The problem is to work well at the speeds they are touting; it has to be everywhere, forcing exposure to all if they want it or not.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">I for one don't want a 5G tower (or node as it is often called) hanging off my house or half a block away. That is what many people fear. They aren't nuts, especially if they do react to WiFi/cell phones already.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">But I will agree with Verge regarding the people placing a WiFi router in a cage and expect the same range/coverage/usage ARE nuts. Of course it will drop down the strength, and for some, that is what they want. Many routers broadcast at full power 24/7 that can reach far beyond one's house. You don't need it that high, and if it is near you, that is a lot of exposure. Some routers allow you to reduce the broadcast level, but for most a cage is the only real option.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">There are many examples with doctors mentioning there are problems. Several good examples of this are with Doctor Devra Davis. Check two of her videos <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwyDCHf5iCY"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">here</span></a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AeSoC6la9c"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">here</span></a>. Be sure to check the second one as it talks about 5G specifically, and the lack of proper research.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">To just discard these warnings and only listen to the industry is again akin to lead paint, which we now know to be toxic.</p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; -qt-paragraph-type: empty; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">In my humble opinion, I think it would be better (and less problematic in the long run) for the communications industry to center on cable-based rather than wireless for such high speeds. But of course, high-speed wireless deployment is far cheaper/easier, hence the push of the industry for it. Not to mention most people prefer the mobility of wireless (as long as they have coverage at least and it doesn't make them sick).<!--EndFragment--></p><br />Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-85297673505431859212020-07-03T14:10:00.001-07:002020-07-03T14:14:35.248-07:00The Return is now available on Kindle, Kobo, and GooglePlay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuhGK089TR60bXF1yTb9_f45RrJMp6Pvo_iCOOQsDwOhEL41S1unEE9qmSlN_bqFEU966-tk7lTLoT1AjrFAjzovga4xouIaaR6Dj1rRV6dlZbeI0xo18s-6IBLMN-hkg3vQlTTgZTUs/s1600/red+warp3--1+webcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEuhGK089TR60bXF1yTb9_f45RrJMp6Pvo_iCOOQsDwOhEL41S1unEE9qmSlN_bqFEU966-tk7lTLoT1AjrFAjzovga4xouIaaR6Dj1rRV6dlZbeI0xo18s-6IBLMN-hkg3vQlTTgZTUs/s320/red+warp3--1+webcopy.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>I am pleased to announce my latest book <i><a href="https://books2read.com/u/3GdrBd">The Return</a></i> is now available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBGDCZN/">Kindle</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-return-200">Kobo</a>, and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=QubuDwAAQBAJ">GooglePlay</a>. And soon on iBooks, Nook, and other retailers as well! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is the third installment of the Red Warp series. Red and James discover someone is tampering with warps and that could only Trisia. Tampering with forces she can't possibly understand, can they stop her before she unleashes death and destruction for the entire world?</span>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-21039725149734685582020-07-02T21:44:00.003-07:002020-07-02T21:44:58.374-07:00The Age Of The Fool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkhChFno9PMZ-6AhejFRdvqBu8zpP-3jjyc_4q-_TsFNrJkIHEanQu24bd4A9v06GQ137c6Fayo0IWgV3DnFS3Qw5tK7bBJEI12AaMdqQyrJ3wpwvXI5mzgj6GaXUJtgwlsjvhWrNh8Q/s1600/blog+bug-round+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkhChFno9PMZ-6AhejFRdvqBu8zpP-3jjyc_4q-_TsFNrJkIHEanQu24bd4A9v06GQ137c6Fayo0IWgV3DnFS3Qw5tK7bBJEI12AaMdqQyrJ3wpwvXI5mzgj6GaXUJtgwlsjvhWrNh8Q/s320/blog+bug-round+copy.png" width="320" /></a>For months now I have been wondering what to put here. I had a few ideas, then other writing projects took a hold, and I didn’t follow through. Then with Covid-19 there is plenty to write about, but so is the whole world. What could I add to the beyond massive pile of commentaries?<br /><br />After reading an article at <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/02/us/alabama-coronavirus-parties-trnd/index.html">CNN today about young people throwing coronavirus “parties” and giving a reward to the first person that gets infected</a>, I had my topic. I have seen many off-the-wall crazy things in the past few months but this is something that should be out of FICTION not FACT. It is sick and the most irresponsible action I have seen in a long time, if ever.<br /><br />Add to that the lacking aspects in our government leadership. It isn’t only in the USA but many countries have failed in either dissemination of information to the public, protection in general, or going overboard.<br />This whole thing feels like so many Science Fiction stories. The sad thing is we got a lot right, except for the foolish leadership. But then again, we did, or at least some authors did. Most of said stories I have read, the fool is someone releasing the virus, not realizing it is there or what it will actually do. Or some mad man releasing it for some crazy religious reason. <br /><br />Back to the lack of leadership, I am not going to name specific names, as most people can point them out with ease. But there ARE good people in our government, and was personally helped by some of them. They are not all bad, but the problem is the bad apples stick out like sore thumbs and make the entire bag look rotten, which is not the case.<br /><br />I will mention one specific failure though: No gym’s or similar facilities may open in New York state. Now keep in mind they have reached phase four of reopening, which is the LAST one, yet gym’s and other businesses are not on the list. Hence, not allowed to open. Therefore gym’s have been effectively outlawed for the foreseeable future. Considering there has been NOTHING said from the government about this, I doubt it is a simple oversight. If it was, I suspect a phase 5 would have been announced by now. Or some kind of information given to those businesses as to when they can open. The main failure here is not telling them one way or the other. What is the big secret?<br /><br />And talking about secrets, this whole Covid-19 aspect feels like they are not telling us the whole situation. If you check the mortality rates, Covid-19 is about the same as a regular flu. It may be a little more contagious, but why shut down everything and kill the economy? Like I said, it feels like they are not telling us something. The whole reaction vs facts just don’t add up.<br /><br />Now, I am NOT saying Covid-19 is not dangerous and something that doesn’t need attention. Nor am I being dismissive of those that have died from it. But to shut down the whole world over it? It just seems a bit extreme. Wear masks, gloves, be careful, and do a lot of cleaning. But then we see people that are NOT doing these recommendations, and perhaps that is the reason for the shutdown. The common person wouldn’t do it otherwise? If that is the case, this world is in an even more precarious position than I thought if people in general are this foolish.<br /><br />It sure feels like the Age Of The Fool is upon us, and I have to wonder if we will survive it. And if people don’t wise up, I don’t see how we will.<br />
<br />Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-5801526696238605552019-12-26T22:27:00.001-08:002019-12-26T22:27:41.790-08:00This Just In From The North Pole...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMfUHSeEwpqqeHCKqV7l6eHGE8yhX4BupcmChcikSnqDvjiwj19X0AysDNt5sRuEQY9jX5QeV0iW2UbghiTBXxrCIglty_E2fL8W6UUtTdQd43cFaOxaA1sQVys_ykyH6cvHYqM1e_q8/s1600/santa+2019-3+copy-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="910" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMfUHSeEwpqqeHCKqV7l6eHGE8yhX4BupcmChcikSnqDvjiwj19X0AysDNt5sRuEQY9jX5QeV0iW2UbghiTBXxrCIglty_E2fL8W6UUtTdQd43cFaOxaA1sQVys_ykyH6cvHYqM1e_q8/s320/santa+2019-3+copy-web.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This image has just arrived from the North Pole (my elf contact couldn't smuggle it out any sooner).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hmmmm. It looks like the SH9000 is looking over Santa's list. Here's hoping you weren't on the Naughty side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of my books are now on sale for .99 at Kindle, Kobo, and Nook until January 4th! Also, if you aren't on my mailing list, be sure to join. A little surprise is coming in a few days.</span>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-57855713079887436582019-01-15T23:34:00.000-08:002019-01-15T23:34:06.123-08:00The Tor (free) Book Of the Month club selection: The Only Harmless Great Thing<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/411YvrxfecL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/411YvrxfecL.jpg" width="200" /></a>This month's Tor Book of the month club selection is <a href="https://amzn.to/2VUKrf4">THE ONLY HARMLESS GREAT THING</a> by Brooke Bolander. Not the kind of book I usually read, but I think I will anyway. You can grab it at <a href="http://ebookclub.tor.com/">ebookclub.tor.com</a> for free until Jan 19th.<br />
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From the back:<br />
<i>The Only Harmless Great Thing</i> is a heart-wrenching alternative
history by Brooke Bolander that imagines an intersection between the
Radium Girls and noble, sentient elephants.<br />
In the early years of
the 20th century, a group of female factory workers in Newark, New
Jersey slowly died of radiation poisoning. Around the same time, an
Indian elephant was deliberately put to death by electricity in Coney
Island. <br />
These are the facts.<br />
Now these two tragedies are
intertwined in a dark alternate history of rage, radioactivity, and
injustice crying out to be righted. Prepare yourself for a wrenching
journey that crosses eras, chronicling histories of cruelty both grand
and petty in search of meaning and justice.<br />
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Some bookstores call it a novelette and I agree as it is only 96 pages. But certainly long enough to have some serious meat in it. I know of both events in history quite well. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radium_Girls">The Radium Girls</a> were factory workers that painted dials on wrist watches with Radium (a radioactive material), to them glow in the dark. Heck, they were TOLD to use their mouth to get the fine tip needed to paint the numbers on the dials. At the time this was the only way to get the numbers to glow in the dark. Why no one thought this was dangerous is beyond me. I guess they figured it was not enough to be toxic. Although the owners and scientists wore lead protection and tongs when working with the stuff. Perhaps the exposure wearing one of these wrist watches would have been very low (not low enough for me that is for sure), making hundreds a day and pointing the brush with your mouth to do the job increases the exposure a million times.<br />
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As for the elephant, I know of another odd execution which was done by a crane and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_%28elephant%29">hung the elephant in question</a>. People for many miles showed up to see this execution. It also boggles my mind why so many people would want to come to see such a gruesome display. Of course we have horror movies that pale by comparison, but they are fake. This was going to see an actual elephant killed. Granted, she killed her trainer and she couldn't be trusted again (although he was unqualified to be a trainer in the first place making his death questionable and may not have been all her fault). However, they hung her to "put on a show". Putting her down is one thing and I agree it was probably necessary, but the method is inhuman. It caused her great suffering as it didn't work well and the crane even had difficulty lifting the elephant. Why they thought this was a good idea boggles the mind.Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-58640649053127726682018-12-02T13:51:00.000-08:002018-12-02T13:51:11.662-08:00Aqua Notes: A Writer's Best Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mobilea07c567-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B01AS5I0ZS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1" data-original-width="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mobilea07c567-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B01AS5I0ZS" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ufWM6E%2BvL._SX425_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ufWM6E%2BvL._SX425_.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Writer's Best Friend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Writers get ideas at oddest times. We will stare at a sentence wondering where to take our characters and not sure of the next step. Sometimes we will work on this for days, when all suddenly lightning strikes and we <i>know</i> what to do.<br />
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That moment is often when we least expect it. For me, it happens most often in the shower. And I am not the only one. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Michael_Straczynski">J. Michael Straczynski</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw1OU-m9LC8">talks about</a> having the same situation when he was creating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon_5">Babylon 5</a>. In that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw1OU-m9LC8">interview</a> he mentions having two ideas: one of a epic space story and a smaller one consisting of a few people on a space station. He had the moment of epiphany in the shower when he realized they were one and the same. He got out of the shower, wrote everything down, and didn't use his computer because he was dripping wet.<br />
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I've had more instances like this than I can count. But I discovered one big help a few years ago: <a href="https://amzn.to/2RuGJXd">Aqua notes</a>. For years I had a pad of paper near the shower which always became a mess when I used it. To the point I rarely bothered. I tried to keep the ideas in my head until I got out and dressed. As you can imagine, a lot of great ideas went down the drain with that method!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2RuGJXd">Aqua notes</a> is a waterproof pad of paper and a pencil. Both have suction cups to mount in your shower. I prefer a space pen (which can even write underwater) to the pencil, but they include one and works well (provided the tip doesn't break).<br />
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It is such a simple idea but really works for those writers with epiphany moments while under a warm cascade of water. While I had thought of getting a waterproof case for my Android tablet, this is a safer alternative and is always hanging in the shower ready for my next great idea.<br />
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If you are tired of letting great ideas go down the drain, get <a href="https://amzn.to/2RuGJXd">Aqua Notes</a> and put a stop to that today! It also makes a great <a href="https://amzn.to/2QsS6Se">Christmas gift</a> for the writer in your family. Or just someone who gets great ideas at the oddest times!Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-9687451164865427312018-10-10T22:58:00.001-07:002018-10-11T22:50:43.690-07:00Heart Of The Machine Print Edition Releases October 26th, E-book Edition Raffle, And More!<span style="font-size: 18px;">Well I have more news, a raffle, and another free Tor book to talk about.<br /><br />First, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://books2read.com/HeartOfTheMachine" href="http://books2read.com/HeartOfTheMachine" target="_blank"><i>Heart Of The Machine</i></a> is coming out on paperback on October 26th (although the pre-order doesn't appear yet, they assure me it will soon!). In honor of this I am raffling off 4 copies of the ebook edition. Click <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2e9e6a5a3/?" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2e9e6a5a3/?" target="_blank">here</a> to enter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoxbSHLqIpmFWQBzC8PW5USEmh0Td-fffWJ06SeptHT0eKYzErj1aWwDw_FSgRfnprk5S4nEnAb5KBpV2fas5XBX2QO7YEPhiroWXy1L_tNrHyCEYzczgI0ZAW898aMzSflQ8MyuiXqQ/s1600/soulmates+2-13+copysmaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="733" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoxbSHLqIpmFWQBzC8PW5USEmh0Td-fffWJ06SeptHT0eKYzErj1aWwDw_FSgRfnprk5S4nEnAb5KBpV2fas5XBX2QO7YEPhiroWXy1L_tNrHyCEYzczgI0ZAW898aMzSflQ8MyuiXqQ/s320/soulmates+2-13+copysmaller.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Machine-Soulmates-Book-2-ebook/dp/B077GL1D33" href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Machine-Soulmates-Book-2-ebook/dp/B077GL1D33"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c24b524ef86c046279e88bc46/images/ba81b525-1f8f-40ca-a2ed-3968db41dde5.jpg" data-file-id="3686465" height="253" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/c24b524ef86c046279e88bc46/images/ba81b525-1f8f-40ca-a2ed-3968db41dde5.jpg" style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-image: none; height: 253px; margin: 0px; width: 189px;" width="189" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Did you know there is a great free service to get autographs from your favorite authors? It is called <a href="https://www.authorgraph.com/">Authorgraph</a>! It is pretty slick, you simply find the book you want on their site and request an Authorgraph. The request is forwarded to the author of the book and they do the autograph and you get links to download it as a PDF which works with most e-readers. You can find my books <a href="https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/DonDeBon">here</a>.<br /><br />Also, Tor has another free book on their book of the month club. This time it is Victor Lavalle's The Ballad Of Black Tom. This title is a mix of sorcery in the jazz age with the feeling of Lovecraft. It is FREE until October 12th. Click <a href="https://ebookclub.tor.com/">here</a> to grab your copy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://ebookclub.tor.com/img/THE_BALLAD_OF_BLACK_TOM_FC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://ebookclub.tor.com/img/THE_BALLAD_OF_BLACK_TOM_FC.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">And finally, starting on the 15th <a data-cke-saved-href="http://books2read.com/HeartOfTheMachine" href="http://books2read.com/HeartOfTheMachine" target="_blank"><i>Heart Of The Machine</i></a> goes on sale for just .99! If you haven't got your copy then you don't want to miss this! Just be sure to grab it before the 28th when it goes back up to full price.</span></div>
Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-16609776650217417952018-09-18T17:50:00.000-07:002018-09-21T20:02:45.393-07:00News, Italian Fever Paperback Release, and FREE Tor e-book<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know it is has been so quiet around here that I bet even the crickets are wondering if they went deaf. Well life decided to whack me around like a tennis ball. Part of that included being challenged on my copyright and locking off my account. After a LOT of hair pulling, teeth grating, time, and emails they listened, apologized for their mistake and all is well. But it was stressful to say the least.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa5XMH5UDCe9O88dAm2Qw5ZQwywrdCZPfAI9rFgE046GkVix6vKmj3lA0hXbzWb2JTu9i9EEmcmzz1cOzg8_ICwnOcd7LqkFEj1z57xC0HGfYO1C9cBm6P9jjA2G2xa4-loJquvUjiFg/s1600/italian+fever+create+space+cover-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1020" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGa5XMH5UDCe9O88dAm2Qw5ZQwywrdCZPfAI9rFgE046GkVix6vKmj3lA0hXbzWb2JTu9i9EEmcmzz1cOzg8_ICwnOcd7LqkFEj1z57xC0HGfYO1C9cBm6P9jjA2G2xa4-loJquvUjiFg/s320/italian+fever+create+space+cover-6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: white;">But now for the good news: my book <a href="http://books2read.com/ItalianFever"><i>Italian Fever</i></a> is <i>finally </i>coming out on paperback on September 28th and is available for pre-order at <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/italian-fever-don-debon/1112654284?ean=9780988178311">B&N</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Fever-Don-Debon/dp/0988178311">Amazon</a>, and other retailers. In honor of this, all e-book editions are now on SALE for 99 cents! If you have been wanting to grab a copy now is the time! But be sure to grab them before the 28th when they go back to full price!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">In other news, Tor has another free book on their book of the month club. This
time it is Charlie Jane Anders' <i>All The Birds In The Sky</i>. It a
magical/fantasy about An ancient society of witches and a hipster
technological start up go to war in order to prevent the world from
tearing itself apart. It is FREE until September 21st. Click <a href="https://ebookclub.tor.com/" style="font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a> to grab your copy.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">I am
working on getting back on track with new releases. I have another
book almost done, and several short stories. Stay tuned. :) </span></span> </span></span></span>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-77924270093862840112018-02-25T14:06:00.001-08:002018-02-25T14:07:12.766-08:00Heart Of The Machine now available on Nook, Kobo, Google Play, iBooks, and more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s1600/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s320/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you didn't catch my previous post, <a href="http://books2read.com/HeartOfTheMachine"><i>Heart Of The Machine</i></a> has left Kindle Unlimited<i> </i>making it available on retailers <i>other</i> than Kindle. As I write this it is available on <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-the-machine-don-debon/1128027075">Nook</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heart-of-the-machine-3">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=XZ1NDwAAQBAJ">Google Play</a>, <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1352801473">iBooks</a> with others being added over the next few days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have other announcements coming up, be sure to watch this space for details.</span><br />
<br />Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-50778822496663573232018-02-13T18:15:00.000-08:002018-02-13T18:17:04.688-08:00Robotic repair satellites, Self -Driving Cars, And Facebook Wants More<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTT0JgSes5DHmh7fogNqZD9J4zHxLhg0SBCDYhpD1kWcolbk8qS1KzlqRWuNHkD2cG4Zt-4WG1Eag0PRvkVWDUq4-ulkWsnHDzLOnXf-PxrBKI9KdeCNktu1lB8irrg2BWdI4-v2FZEc/s1600/restore_sat_image_300ppi_02_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTT0JgSes5DHmh7fogNqZD9J4zHxLhg0SBCDYhpD1kWcolbk8qS1KzlqRWuNHkD2cG4Zt-4WG1Eag0PRvkVWDUq4-ulkWsnHDzLOnXf-PxrBKI9KdeCNktu1lB8irrg2BWdI4-v2FZEc/s320/restore_sat_image_300ppi_02_0.jpg" width="224" /></a><b>Satellites that repair other satellites? </b><br />
Believe it or not, it something that NASA is working on called <a href="https://sspd.gsfc.nasa.gov/restore-l.html">Restore L</a>. Quite the idea, but I couldn't help but think of the old <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVVFkx10igw"><i>Enterprise </i>episode</a> where an autonomous repair station seems to good to be true. Of course while I think it would be a good idea, I don't see it holding up. Just look at the occasional glitch while trying to get computer components to work well together that are designed to do so. To have a repair satellite repair others that weren't designed for such service? I don't see it. They could launch satellites that would be compatible but it would take a lot of them for it to be worth launching the 'satellite garage'. And I would love to see such a device try to fix the Hubble! I watched all the troubles the astronauts went though on the repair missions, I don't see a 'satellite garage' being able to do that. But I wouldn't mind being proven wrong.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Self-Driving cars are almost here, but would you want them on the road?</b><br />
In the recent <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/5/16975878/waymo-v-uber-trial-opening-statements-travis-kalanick-emails">trial </a>with Uber and Waymo I don't think I do. The idea of self-driving cars have been with us for a long time, and if done right, might be safer. However, with the current industry doing all it can to beat out the other at any cost, is worrisome. I don't know about you, but hearing a CEO talk about "cheat sheets" or "shortcuts" displaying that winning is all that matters to them confirms how scary this is. The problem is, the hazards are not only with the person in the automated car, it is also with others on the road. So, even if you wouldn't dare get into a self-driving car, one could be driving past you.<br />
<br />
In a perfect world, a person would be behind the wheel ready to take over should a problem arise. But I doubt that would be the case. Many would be working on their phones or doing something else while leaving the driving to the car. If there was a problem, they would realize it too late. And if it was a taxi, forget it. You are in the backseat far way from the controls should anything happen.<br />
<br />
I like the idea of self-driving cars, if it is done right. But at this moment, I don't see that happening. Do I think we need more regulation? No, I think we need to tell the companies that if they want the cars on the road, everything has to be transparent and no cutting corners. Otherwise no one will use the vehicles they have spent so much on. Safety has to be their top priority, not winning the autonomous vehicle contest. <br />
<br />
<b>Facebook wants more.</b><br />
Facebook is trying to <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/13/17007740">coax</a> more private data out of us by giving everyone a 'lists' feature. Now I know the idea of keeping a list is a good idea, heck there are many list apps out there, but to share them with everyone? Yes, you can restrict them to only your friends like everything else on Facebook, but how many of us really know all the people on our friends list? And if one 'friend' shares that with a few others it could lead to a bad situation.<br />
<br />
For example, say you have a list of what you are doing over the next week which includes being away for several days. With that information given to the wrong person your house could end up empty when you get home (or worse). While this could happen with any post with location information attached, lists may seem benign enough that no one would think about it. And really, why do you have to share your daily to-do's with everyone?<br />
<br />
I also don't like what all of this data collected could be used for. We have already seen what 'big data' can do, and such 'features' is only giving Facebook even more power. I haven't liked Facebook for quite a while, and this has only strengthened that feeling.Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-15623115535646716132018-02-13T13:40:00.002-08:002018-02-13T13:41:33.108-08:00Heart Of The Machine is leaving Kindle Unlimited Feb 21st!<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s1600/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s320/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" width="213" /></a>Are you in Kindle Unlimited? Do you have <a href="http://getbook.at/HeartOfTheMachine"><i>Heart Of The Machine</i></a> on your to read pile? If so, you might want to move it to the top as <a href="http://getbook.at/HeartOfTheMachine"><i>Heart Of the Machine</i></a> is leaving Kindle Unlimited February</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> 21st!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The Nexus is BACK! <br /><br />The artificial intelligence created to serve
mankind, yet turned to fulfill a darker purpose has returned against
all odds. But is the return a blessing or the curse everyone suspects? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Excerpt:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A gleaming form flew over the water en route to Bermuda. The Nexus continued her flight over the calm waters, careful not to attract attention. She approached the islands from the most uninhabited area and landed. In the few minutes of the public network access she managed to find the exact location of Deven's rental. Lacking Auto Nav, she reverted to the most basic navigation by the earths magnetic field. It took some time to reach her destination and avoid being seen.<br /><br />She had landed on one of the most obscure islands to the north. The large cliff face blocked her arrival from anyone further down the beach. Her limited scanners didn't pick up anyone in the area and she activated her normal hover system and glided towards the rental house.<br /><br />The door had a good security lock, and would have blocked any normal person. But the Nexus smiled, she is not any normal hacker. She lifted her right arm with her left and the finger tip connector extended into its jack at a hidden location under the keypad. After about three minutes it flashed an "access granted" on the display and a strong deadbolt lock could be heard clinking as it retracted. She broke the connection, opened the door with her left hand, and hovered in.<br /><br />The sheets on the bed were pulled back, but the rest of the place appeared unused. A few sets of clothes still hung in the closet. "Where could they be?" she muttered. "They still have this rented for two more days, humans may be illogical but wasting such a valuable resource is not one of them." She recalled what she had read about Deven and Aleshia, they were cautious and considerate. Not the type that would rent a location and fail to use it. Unless something had drawn them away. But she couldn't imagine at the moment what could do that.<br /><br />The Nexus ran several simulations and decided to wait here. She hated to waste the time, but she didn't have a choice. Nothing else would get her closer to what she needed. Examining the small rental revealed few hiding spaces. She finally decided on the generous old-fashioned bathtub that would accommodate her Mechand body. She hovered into it, pulled the shower curtain closed, and shut down her systems to wait. </span>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-25326883748783433692017-12-26T09:01:00.000-08:002017-12-26T09:01:09.249-08:00Heart Of The Machine is FREE until December 30th!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s1600/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUX2yEYdMnNKkZrjXIcfLaZqjPGoWt49RIK40mspL-Pe7el35ZpWUZ2H_9VGS9tbU7LuK7AbRcWzseywALUTSmO97itC9Uj8J57FD6eXv3PBXlr4klpVTEKLPaSHa0L_xNASMeB4bFss/s320/soulmates+2-12+copyweb.jpg" width="213" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">It is Christmas and I wanted to give something to my fans. With that in mind, from now until Saturday the 30th my latest book <a href="http://getbook.at/HeartOfTheMachine"><i>Heart Of The Machine</i></a> is FREE on kindle! It is by far my longest book, and is a sequel to <a href="http://getbook.at/Soulmates"><i>Soulmates</i></a> taking place shortly after the first one ends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Nexus is BACK!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The artificial intelligence created to serve mankind, yet turned to fulfill a darker purpose has returned against all odds. But is the return a blessing or the curse everyone suspects?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Excerpt:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Deep within the bowels of the earth, a single light flickered. A few inches away a large monitor glowed to life. The black screen slowly printed in the bottom left corner, a letter at a time, as if trying hard to remember. "Catastrophic failure detected. Initiating emergency core rebuild." The screen went blank and came back filled with blurred pixels. Not just a blur but as if someone had run their fingers over them smudging the image beyond recognition. But as the hours clicked by, a pixel moved from one location to another. Then another. Hours turned into days. Then days into weeks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">After months of computation that pushed the core almost over the edge of its ability, the last pixel clicked into place. And the face of a blonde woman with slim features breathed. The Nexus smiled and shouted. "I LIVE!" ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You can grab your copy <a href="http://getbook.at/HeartOfTheMachine">HERE</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">And if you have two minutes I would appreciate a review. Doesn't need to be anything elaborate, one line or two of what you liked about the book is fine and I thank everyone for their support. </span>Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-2915451663349455562017-12-25T14:28:00.000-08:002017-12-25T14:31:38.880-08:00Right Before Christmas...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HPP3T3qJ2_gYssyjyRCS5rUO9f3ledY6fVtheV1FE3-Ou6T8OIdkNrV_H0zsAUij7i1-p1Z030ywKNclwqr4fE-VgjN0Kt0ejRdcplHD5nR0J3IGuh7G-FlCJMZTss1EAkPhBFpthKo/s1600/Santa+2017-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HPP3T3qJ2_gYssyjyRCS5rUO9f3ledY6fVtheV1FE3-Ou6T8OIdkNrV_H0zsAUij7i1-p1Z030ywKNclwqr4fE-VgjN0Kt0ejRdcplHD5nR0J3IGuh7G-FlCJMZTss1EAkPhBFpthKo/s320/Santa+2017-3.jpg" width="246" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Right before Christmas everything was stirring at the North Pole, especially all of Santa's helpers ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Uh oh, looks like the SH9000 is upset. After all her hard work moving <i>the list</i> into the 21st century, Santa's previous helper is not having any of it. By the look on her face, that bot should be shaking in his power cells.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Merry Christmas everyone! </span><br />
<br />Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-41420062911484910422017-12-24T12:57:00.002-08:002017-12-24T13:02:06.330-08:00Star Wars: The Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeqC1QEHfMbj40WlO-RPLgDTxJMS_ea1B8S7jB_vZHDmnpvptxeQX6_m3EA9RCYsPLcds3FWBsbEVIcjYkNbRDpAAYV555XQSQmdjxrhskNqbwXnV_ugDqqkDzVp_aRjfbIwESA5j-_4/s1600/mfalcon2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="762" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeqC1QEHfMbj40WlO-RPLgDTxJMS_ea1B8S7jB_vZHDmnpvptxeQX6_m3EA9RCYsPLcds3FWBsbEVIcjYkNbRDpAAYV555XQSQmdjxrhskNqbwXnV_ugDqqkDzVp_aRjfbIwESA5j-_4/s320/mfalcon2.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">What in the world are they thinking? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">When I saw the title <i>The Last Jedi</i>, I thought <i>uh oh this can't be good</i>. But then I thought, they wouldn't do that would they? Then I thought of the last movie with Han Solo killed by his own son and I thought <i>oh yes they would</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now of course, a lot of people agree with me (see <a href="https://www.tor.com/2017/12/20/thanks-to-the-last-jedi-we-finally-know-what-the-force-awakens-means/">here</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/12/18/how-the-last-jedi-became-the-most-divisive-star-wars-movie-yet">here</a>). Kill off Luke? Have him toss his lightsaber over his shoulder like a used piece of junk? Okay Kenobi went hermit for a while when the empire was hunting down all the Jedi. But the empire isn't around now, so this is a bit crazy to say the least. Luke's character that was one of key (if not main) reasons for the fall of the empire. The after all getting through of this he crumbles and runs away from the world? I don't see it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Also they have expanded the premise of the midi-chlorians further. What I don't understand is why? In the original films it more had a feel of telekinetics with special mind and body abilities. That fits more that some bugs in ones body that gives them the abilities. And now said bugs are giving people abilities that the original Jedi had to train for years to achieve? Does this not sound out of place to anyone besides me? Granted George Lucas did add the aspect of midi-chlorians in the prequels (and I didn't think it fit back then), but this takes it to a whole new level.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I bought the previous film (<i>The Force Awakens</i>) before I realized JJ Abrams directed it (he tends to knife favorite characters in the neck). And it was okay until they killed off Han. And oddly enough, nothing I had read up to that point leaked that little fact. If it had, I would have avoided the film like the plague. The <i>Last Jedi</i> I will for sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">What is wrong with having characters that have been around for decades (and well loved) to get a little bit of a happy ending? Sure you want conflict, bit this doesn't make sense. Are all the writers so lazy these days that they can't think up anything other than kill them off? Any writer can kill off the characters, but one that can creatively keep them alive? Now <i>that </i>is <i>real </i>writing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Killing off characters, especially ones you don't have, to is like suicide: it is the cowards way out. It far more of a challenge to keep them alive and fresh and interesting than killing the off for the shock value. I know they had to "change the guard" which is fine, just set the time line ahead and have them all long dead. Toss out the old for the new. Instead they brought in the previous characters and actors. With that comes a expectation from fans that kept the <i>Star Wars</i> torch going for the decades without a movie. This should have brought a responsibly on behalf of the studio, to give the fans what they are expecting. Yet, they tossed it all away. Betrayed the fans that have held the stories dear to their hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">All I can say is: Disney, you lost me as a Star Wars customer with the exception of purchasing a new set of discs of the ORIGINAL trilogy. It seems to me that real creativity in films is dead. I had great hope and thought Disney of all the companies could do Star Wars well. Perhaps 20 years ago they could, but apparently not now. George, I wish you never sold it. While you did add the midi-chlorians, at least you didn't take a lightsaber to all the main characters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The feel good movie is dead (in general with exception of a few kids movies and romances). You know the ones that you went to and came away thinking that was cool and left with a good feeling. But it seems these days, that is no longer "fashionable". Instead you leave feeling like a lightsaber went through your heart.</span><br />
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Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322346572165387161.post-54638770942149440992017-12-23T17:39:00.000-08:002017-12-23T17:39:30.209-08:00The Tipping Point: A Dark Matter Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPnqcT07kximrdE2puLHTxbU-lQJv_7IbeFNg21u_XqJ13Fw2T6U3Hw4fgezJ8GuXRCi6bC7ioV1xXXW__5MoeJxbMqBTdjpzxnl8WlyLpQniZOk5xQLrvj8Y28Z83eipAebNMquCNGw/s1600/dk5r3eovwac3wt7-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPnqcT07kximrdE2puLHTxbU-lQJv_7IbeFNg21u_XqJ13Fw2T6U3Hw4fgezJ8GuXRCi6bC7ioV1xXXW__5MoeJxbMqBTdjpzxnl8WlyLpQniZOk5xQLrvj8Y28Z83eipAebNMquCNGw/s320/dk5r3eovwac3wt7-large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
***Spoiler Warning*** <br />
<i> </i><br />
As I have mentioned before, <i>Dark Matter</i> is a great series, that is until three or four episodes into season 3. FOUR regains his memories and changes in a large way, although he doesn't appear very different at first. But when he kills his half brother seconds after he abdicates the throne, FOUR shows his how different he has become. His stepmother I could understand with all the scheming and killing she did. But his half brother only turned against him by deception. Once he finds out the truth, he turns over the thrown and is killed seconds later for it. <br />
<br />
This is only the start of FOUR's rampage that includes blowing up a station full of people, steeling the blink drive, and even sending assassins after the crew of the Raza. Then SIX leaves to help a mining colony. At this point I gave up for awhile. Eventually I looked ahead via Wikipedia with regard to the synopsis of the next few episodes and I see it only gets worse. Even though SIX comes back by the end of season 3, there are aliens and they take over TWO. And in turn convince everyone to explode the blink drive to prevent their invasion. SIX does this and apparently dies, creating a aperture where alien ships are moving in. And THAT is the end of season 3. Seriously? I read elsewhere the end of season 3 ties up a lot of threads, but does leave a few things out. A FEW? Are you kidding? Another crew member dead and one possessed by aliens is not a huge hole? From what I read it didn't tie up much if anything.<br />
<br />
I will admit the start of season 3 is a must-watch. Also the episode "All The Time In The World" is well worth it. Some of the best Android moments yet. Not to mention wonderful scenes with THREE. I can't remember when I have laughed so hard.<br />
<br />
My problem is: it was all going so well then it fell apart. Outside conflict I understand, and internal as well. But this is like internal x1000. There were something similar in previous shows (Babylon 5 for example), but it feels like this was too much for some reason. Recently of Joseph Mallozzi's (one of the creators and lead writer) mentioned on his blog <a href="https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/december-18-2017-the-dark-timeline-revealed-some-clues/">here </a>and <a href="https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/december-19-2017-that-dark-matter-dark-timeline-revealed/">here </a>giving the full timeline of <i>Dark Matter</i>. In it he reveals that FOUR does revert to his previous self losing the Ryo's memories. Which I admit, was not a twist I was expecting (and a good one). <br />
<br />
However seeing the (planned) very end I have to shudder. FIVE is alone on the bridge with (apparently) everyone else dead? Joseph Mallozzi mentions having a backup plan in case it didn't go over well with the fans. Really? You think? I suspect there would have been a outright revolt if that was the ending. While we were given a glimpse of that ending back in "All The Time In The World", he was seriously going to end the series that way? In a way I am glad it was canceled in that case. I would have felt very cheated. I had thought the glimpse was of a bad future they changed and did not come to pass. I suppose I should have expected it with a series named "Dark Matter". Still, there was so many lighter or "light at the end of the tunnel" moments with the characters developing in a positive way despite their backgrounds. Heck, the whole show was based on that and how they could be better. Yet to end it that way? A little too much (dark) realism there. I am not asking for the moon here to have such a show end on a good note am I?<br />
<br />
Of course when I think about it, I guess it is the prevailing theme these days: kill everyone off. I stopped watching NCIS when they killed off Gibbs' X-wife. Some of my favorite episodes were with the "triad" of Gibbs, Diane, and Fornell. Then they kill her off the same way Kate was killed? That was too much. I hit the abort button and never looked back. In my opinion "killing everyone off" is a shock shortcut and a sign of lazy writing. It is far more of a challenge to keep the characters alive and fresh. Something we see less and less of.Don DeBonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15588575022689719915noreply@blogger.com0