#APC #Spotlight: James: Witch-Hunter By KS Marsden!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Kelly S. Marsden in my APC spotlight, today! Kelly is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and her young adult, paranormal, urban fantasy novel, James:Witch-Hunter, looks great! Here's the description:

~Prequel to the Witch-Hunter trilogy~

James Bennett is a Yorkshire lad, making the big move to Oxford to start university.
His ambitions involve getting a good education; impressing the Rugby Club; and not throttling his roommate. All perfectly normal drama, until Hallowe'en.

A girl's murder throws James into the dangerous world of witches, and those that hunt them.

If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 764

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth discusses more of the trials and tribulations associated with living with hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day Seven-Hundred-Sixty-Four:

My hominid-servant has acquired a new device that contains a laser that projects a spot of light from one end. She uses this gadget to taunt the adolescent felid; flicking the wand around and causing the spot of light to dance and swirl over various surfaces in my domicile until the little idiot chases the light and exhausts himself in a futile attempt to capture it. Her efforts to engage me in this absurd pastime have, of course, been wasted. In spite of the fact that she tries to bait me into reacting by unjustly labeling me "lazy" and "fat." I am neither unduly rotund nor slothful, as my dedication to my research provides ample evidence; I simply see no point in expending energy in such a useless pursuit. Hopefully, the novelty of her toy will soon lapse and my hominid-servant will find less irritating activities in which to engage.

Those silly hominids! ;-) You may have noticed that Agent Thoth has a new look. I hope you like his new picture as much as I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, either way. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. ;-) Happy reading, everyone!

#Feature #Announcement: Indie Publishing News #April2018 Issue!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

My friend, Claire Plaisted, has a new issue of her Indie Publishing News eMag out. So, click on the link below and enjoy a free journal full of interviews, reviews, stories, and much, much more! :-)

April 2018 Issue of Indie Publishing News

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share.  This one has some good news and I wanted to share it because it highlights the importance of voting in primary elections. There are still a lot more primaries coming over the next couple of months and wins like this are why we all need to get out and vote in those primaries. So, please take a few minutes to watch this video and enjoy the fact that we're making some headway against the establishment. And, then, go ahead and do a quick Google search to find out when your primaries are being held and check with your local elections office to confirm that you're registered to vote and that you're eligible to vote in the primaries. If not, don't you think it's time you do something about that? ;-) Peace!

Delicious, Easy Grilled Cheese #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a quick, easy meal that you can throw together in a few minutes, but never fails to satisfy. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
2 slices rye bread
1 1 inch thick slice of mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup homemade cranberry sauce (not the gelatinized kind you get in a can)
1 tbsp butter

Butter both sides of both slices of bread and melt the remaining butter in a skillet. Put one slice of bread down in the melted butter and put the cheese on top of it. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the cheese and spread in an even layer. Put the other slice of bread on top of the cranberry sauce and cook until the cheese begins to melt and the first side is golden brown. Flip over and cook until the second side is golden brown. Remove from heat and cut in half. Serve warm with a simple green salad on the side.

Bon Appetit!

#Spring Into #Reading #Giveaway! $120 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Spring!  Please take a moment to check out the Spring Into Reading Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 40 prizes, and the grand prize is $120 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

A Fun Way To Work Out Some Frustration... ;-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I thought I'd share a little something to help brighten up your day. Enjoy!! :-)

Excerpt from Intrinsic Connections (Petri Dish Chronicles book 2):

"Fuck me," she demanded.

It was Daji's turn to blink. "What?"

"Fuck me! Now!" Leaning forward against his hold, she kissed him hard. Crushing his lips back against his teeth.

Jerking his head back, he glared at her in astonishment. He clenched his jaw and shook her a little. "I am in no mood to be gentle or submit to you."

She laughed and yanked at her wrists, twisting in his grip. "I didn't fucking ask you to! Just fuck me, already." Using the leverage her legs gave her, Petri ground her core against the front of his body, feeling his growing interest.

Growling, he leaned in close to her and bared his fangs. "Do you remember the safeword?"

Petri nodded. "Kuacha."

Closing his eyes, he let out a breath and paused.

Petri waited silently, watching him.

When he opened his eyes, his expression sharpened. "I will try not to hurt you."

Tightening her thighs around his waist, Petri drew him closer and gave him a hard smile. "Do your worst. I will," she whispered.

Daji's eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed. Growling, he tightened his hold on her wrists, grinding them together. He grabbed her hair with his other hand and tilted her head to the side so that he could trail his fangs down her throat. A sharp sting came when he nipped her where her neck met her shoulder, and Petri felt a warm trickle against her skin that told her he had drawn blood.

Pulling back a little, Daji held her eyes as he pointedly licked her blood from his lips. He cocked an eyebrow at her, and she laughed. Using her power, she healed the tiny wound he had made, and said, "Come on, you can do better than that."

With a wicked grin, Daji released her and spun her around with one movement. He tore the overall she wore down the back and pushed the shredded material from her body. Picking her up out of the pool the ruined garment made at her feet, he pushed her face down over the table and used his thigh to spread her legs, jamming two fingers into her pussy all at once.

Petri gasped and squirmed against the sudden invasion. His fingers burned her tight channel, but the small pain turned to pleasure almost instantly as her body warmed for him. Twisting against his hold, she forced one of her legs between them and pushed him away.

She leapt from the table and rushed at him. He tried to catch her, but she ducked under his reaching arms and pushed him back again until his back hit the wall. Reaching out, she snatched his breechclout off his body and pressed herself against him, digging her fingernails into his side.

Growling, Daji picked her up and spun her around, pinning her between his body and the wall. Grabbing her hair, he leaned in and kissed her hard. Petri kissed him back and bit his lip, drawing blood. When he jerked away, she slid her arms around his neck and over the back of his head. Using his ears for leverage, she tilted his head back and pulled against his hold on her hair to lean forward and nip his throat.

Daji gasped and she felt his cock jerk against her body. Leaning back, she met his eyes and bared her teeth. "Get on with it, Paka," she demanded.

If you'd like to find out what happens next, you get your copy of Intrinsic Connections at the link below. Happy reading! :-)

#APC #Spotlight: If Truth Be Told (TRUTH Series Book 2) By Ronald Feldman!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Ronald Feldman in my APC spotlight, today! Ronald is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and his mystery, thriller, suspense novel, If Truth Be Told, looks great! Here's the description:

Not everything is at it seems for NYC Detective Karl Dieter.

Lindsay Riccardi, PhD and Detective Karl Dieter are reunited in a murder case that began on the NYC street adjoining The Twin Towers at the moment of the attack on September 11th. One traumatic event in the life of the victim causes dominoes to fall creating a trail of deceit, extortion, and murder that makes innocent lives crumble.

They step into a world that is covered by curtains of secrecy. As each curtain is removed another hides the truth leading to darker, murkier circumstances.

Will the truth ever be uncovered? Will the truth be told? What are the consequences if truth be told?

 If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 759

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth discusses more of the trials and tribulations associated with living with hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day Seven-Hundred-Fifty-Nine:

The strange felid has begun taunting adolescent felid through the simple method of digging at the clear glass that fills the portal with its paws and making chirping sounds reminiscent of the small avians that frequent the area outside my domicile. The idiot youngling responds by beating his paws, and at times his head, against the glass and screeching as though his tail was on fire. This generally results in the stranger staring at the small annoyance with bemusement until something more interesting catches its attention, and it wanders off leaving my young companion seething with impotent fury. Frankly, I despair of ever finding true intelligence on this planet.

The absurdities of Earthlings! ;-) You may have noticed that Agent Thoth has a new look. I hope you like his new picture as much as I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, either way. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. ;-) Happy reading, everyone!

The Irrationally Sane

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got a little more of Alyce's adventure to share with you, today! Enjoy! :-)

Excerpt from sci-fi satire novel:
"But words have meaning! You can't just decide something means something that it doesn't or that it doesn't mean something that it does. Facts are facts. They exist independently of belief or approval."

I shrugged. "Sure. But just because something is true and you can prove it to an objectively measurable standard, that doesn't mean that another person can't refuse to look at your evidence or believe that it's real."

"But that's insane!"

"No, it's irrational. But, then, I never claimed that human beings are rational creatures, did I?"

"I think what my colleague is trying to say is that it often seems as if your people argue that reality isn't reality."

I nodded. "Yep, they do. And they argue over what constitutes reality, as well."

The big alien gave me an incredulous expression. "How has your species ever managed to accomplish anything?" he exclaimed.

I laughed. "In fits and starts, mostly."

Now Out:

Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2J40wLq

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2UODFWv

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/answers-from-alyce-mistral-dawn/1131322789

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/answers-from-alyce/id1460728769

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/answers-from-alyce

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/935471?ref=MistralDawn

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. This one has some good news, for a change. Or, at least, some optimistic news mixed with some harsh reality. Still, at least it's a step in the right direction. It's up to us to rally together and make our voices heard to bring it home the rest of the way. So, please take a few minutes to watch this video, and then call or write to your House representative and tell them you want this passed in the House as well. Peace!

Breakfast In A Blender #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

A smoothie is a great way to throw together a quick, filling breakfast that you can take on the go. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen fruit (your favorite fruit blend)
1 cup unflavored Greek yogurt
2-6 tbsp orange juice or milk (amount depends on how thin you like your smoothies)
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1/8 tsp vanilla (optional)
1/4 cup granola (optional)

Put all the ingredients except the granola (optional) in the blender and turn on high. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass or travel mug. Top with granola, if you like, and serve chilled.

Bon appetit!

#Spring Into #Reading #Giveaway! $120 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Spring!  Please take a moment to check out the Spring Into Reading Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 40 prizes, and the grand prize is $120 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

#May2018 #IndieBooksBeSeen #Indie #Author #Books #Monthly #BookReview!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

It's the 18th again, so time for my #IndieBooksBeSeen monthly indie author book review!! Enjoy! :-)

The Millionaire Next Door by Cheryl Phipps:

Neither Sacha nor Lucas were looking for a relationship. Sacha is recovering from a messy divorce and Lucas's life is consumed with caring for his dying sister, and they simply don't have the time or inclination for love. But when Lucas sees his stunning, new neighbor, suddenly his calendar opens up. Unfortunately for him, Sacha still doesn't trust men, and it's only through a work project that he can get her to spend time with him. Will the determined millionaire find a way to help the lady mend her broken heart? You'll have to read to find out!

I thought this story had a lot of potential, but it bogged down at times and there were several instances where I thought the character's actions defied belief...even for a romance fantasy. Still, it was a cute story and a fun and sexy read, so four stars!

#APC #Spotlight: The Coven Princess (The Coven Series Book 1) By Lily Luchesi!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Lily Luchesi in my APC spotlight, today! Lily is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and her young adult, horror, fantasy novel, The Coven Princess, looks great! Here's the description:

Your blood does not define you.

Harley Torrance's parents were killed in a home invasion when she was three. Adopted by a nice couple, Harley begins to develop strange powers. At fourteen she brews a potion so strong it gains the attention of the Coven King, and changes her world forever.

She's not human, she's a witch.

Now a part of the magical community, Harley must learn to control her powers lest the Darkness already in her blood overcomes her. Can she dampen her lust for power in order to stop the Dark from taking over the Coven and killing everyone in their way?

If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 754

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth discusses more of the trials and tribulations associated with living with hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day Seven-Hundred-Fifty-Four:

My hominid-servant's behavior has degenerated from dismissive to mocking! Instead of taking seriously my repeated entreaties to address the disturbance caused by the adolescent felid's distress over the unknown felid, she has instead continued to ignore the situation! And, to add insult to injury, she has begun to make fun of my attempts to seek peace by retreating to the space under her sleeping platform by accusing me of sulking! The unmitigated gall has left me speechless on more than one occasion.

For the record, I would like it noted that DPCIL Agents don't sulk! We brood. And then only when we have been pushed beyond all endurance by the irrational conduct that those who lack true intelligence often indulge in.

I am not certain how much more of this disrespect and chaos I will be able to tolerate without losing my own reason, but I will endeavor to persevere for the sake of my mission. Naturally, I will continue to report on any further developments.

Hominid-servants and their teasing! Humpf! ;-) You may have noticed that Agent Thoth has a new look. I hope you like his new picture as much as I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, either way. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. ;-) Happy reading, everyone!

The Perils Of Being Different...

Hey Everyone!! :-)

It's been a while since I shared an excerpt from Chessie's story, so I thought this would be a good opportunity. If you like what you read and want the rest of the story, you can find Childish Things and a bunch of other amazing short stories featuring strong women in the Gems of Strength Anthology at the link below. Happy reading!! :-)

Excerpt from Childish Things:

Settling back in her seat on the train to the transfer station, Chessie closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall beside her. It had been a long day, and it was about to get longer. But, hopefully, with the pass Nax had gotten for her, she at least wouldn't have any trouble with the guards at the transfer station.

Just before the train reached the next station, a loud noise filled the car. Once the train pulled up to the platform, Chessie discovered the source of the racket. A group of angry people swarmed the platform of the train going in the opposite direction. She stared through the window at the mob, noting the weapons they carried and the sharp gestures they were making. The words they were saying escaped her, but she could tell that their tone was angry. Were all these people here to catch Petri? She shivered.

As the tone sounded indicating the doors were about to close, two men stepped into the car. One of them stayed by the door, holding it open. The other moved through the car, peering into the faces of all the passengers. Chessie looked back at him with a calm expression, but her heart pounded in her chest.

Once they had checked the entire train, the two men left and the doors closed. Moments later, the train continued on its way towards Upworld, and Chessie learned to breathe again. A flash of anger moved through her, nothing Petri had done warranted this! Yeah, she had accidentally hurt a man, but not badly. He would live and be just fine. Worse things happened to Upworld citizens in Under City all the time, and no one freaked out like this! Her friend was being hunted simply because of what she was, not because of what she had done. And the injustice of it made Chessie furious.

Sighing, Chessie forced herself to calm down. This was far from the first evidence she'd ever found that life wasn't fair, and she'd need her wits about her. For Petri's sake, if nothing else. If anyone suspected her connection to Petri, they would follow her to find her friend. And that would mean Petri's death.

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. This video discusses some of the consequences of the US's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. There are the obvious deleterious effects on the climate, but there are also other ripples that we'll end up dealing with and this video talks about some of them. So, please take a few minutes to watch and then think about what this may mean in the coming years.

Quick Pesto #Pasta #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a really quick pasta dish that's perfect for spring. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
6 cups angel hair spaghetti cooked and drained
4 12oz cans chickpeas drained
2 cups pistacio nuts shelled
4 cups fresh basil leaves
3 cups pecorino romano shredded
4 large tomatoes chopped
1 large onion chopped
8 cloves garlic minced
4 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups olive oil
2 cups white wine (your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste

Add the nuts, basil, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 5 cloves of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste to a food processor and turn on high. As the ingredients are being processed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the consistency is sauce-like. Turn off the food processor and set the pesto aside.

In a large skillet, add the rest of the olive oil and the onion and cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the tomatoes, remaining garlic, pepper flakes (optional), wine, and chickpeas and cook until the wine bubbles and starts to reduce. Add the pesto and stir to combine and heat (you can add a little water if the sauce becomes too thick). Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Stir in the pasta, toss to coat, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread.

Buon appetito!

#Spring Into #Reading #Giveaway! $120 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Spring!  Please take a moment to check out the Spring Into Reading Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 40 prizes, and the grand prize is $120 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

#Feature #Announcement: The Long Lost Future By Ian Cattell

Hey Everyone!! :-)

My friend, Claire Plaisted, is here today to tell us all about one of her favorite authors! Claire, take it away! :-)

Claire:

The Long Lost Future 

Randall didn't know he had a destiny until it interrupted his lunch one day; and it was bigger than he could possibly have imagined (his destiny, not his lunch).

That's when he met the mysterious Marcus Han - brainier than a clumsy butcher's floor, and secretly the richest man in the world, he would be Randall's companion and mentor through the challenges they must face in their struggle to stop the entire Galaxy from vanishing.

With a supporting cast of talking trees, mutant psychics, bungling cops, extremely refined resistance operatives, military trained birds, enlightened mushrooms, hallucinating AI units, cutlery collecting crabs, and his definitely EX-girlfriend to help him, he must travel back in time to the twenty-first century and begin again in a new, less tyrannical timeline.

If his departed dad, the World Police, the Planimals, or the ancient aliens don’t stop him first that is…




About the author:

Ian Cattell is a software developer who wanted a change from staring blankly at a computer screen all day. So he decided to write a book.

Yeah, I know…

Over the next six months he learned that there are many advantages to writing a book compared to writing software, the main one being that he doesn't have to re-write it whenever Microsoft decides it's “time”. 

Some reviews of The Long Lost Future from Amazon.co.uk 

If you are a fan of Pratchett and Adams then look no further than this book. A wonderful array of characters from an eccentric very British submarine crew to a malevolent talking Raven with the added bonus of time travel for good measure. I loved it.
____________


A really fun Romp through space and time. I laughed out loud in some places and started my own game of 'get the reference'. More than a sci-fi parody, more than a nerd's accumulation of snippets from almost every tv, radio, film and book involving space or time ever made in the history of the universe ever. A really good story and a good read.

____________



Thoroughly enjoyed this marvellous tale. Well written, full of excitement, lots of great jokes and a big dose of proper old fashioned sci-fi. Looking forward to more.

A wonderfully eccentric take on time-travel and saving the universe. A real page turner, I enjoyed every second. First class.

____________



Fantastic read. Both intelligent and laugh out loud funny. Great plot from beginning to end, with humorous footnotes.

____________



If you want an adventure, sci fi, spy story with a twist? This ones for you, I laughed, felt sad, felt clever, you name it. The must read of 2017 by a fantastic new writer.....Go on give it a read, you know it makes sense!!!

____________



Funny and intelligent laughing out loud from the beginning

He best be quick writing the sequel!

____________

Bought this on a recommendation. So much better than I expected! Take the DNA of Adams and Pratchett, mix with a cutting cornucopia of modern issues, and add a huge dose of humour, and you not even close to how good The Long Lost Future is. Amazing and thoroughly engaging book, read it!

____________



A thoroughly enjoyable piece of modern literature. Witty, funny and very well told, this author is one to watch out for

____________



Really enjoyed this especially the twist in then end. Can't wait for the sequel

Contact details:
Website : iancattell.online
Email : ian@iancattell.online
Twitter : @IanDCattell
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Lost-Future-Ian-Cattell-ebook/dp/B07C9M9NPQ/

#APC #Spotlight: Fitful Head: A Ghost Story By CJ Harter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got C.J. Harter in my APC spotlight, today! C.J. is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and her paranormal, mystery, thriller, suspense horror novel, Fitful Head, looks great! Here's the description:

Imagine you lose your mind... and something’s waiting to take its place.

Isobel Hickey’s husband, Richard, was intense, exciting and crazy, and she wants him back. The problem is she can’t have him: he died two years ago in circumstances too painful to remember. Now, she must keep going on for teenage children, Ben and Melissa, and her dog, Brodie. But how can she when nothing makes sense anymore? When she’s haunted by ghostly footprints in the snow, and a sinister stranger who knows too much about her?

When a mute old woman speaks from her death-bed, she plunges Isobel into terrifying danger, a nightmare chain of frightening events where Richard’s secrets lurk and threaten Isobel’s sanity. Now she has to fight to save her children from an insidious evil she doesn’t understand. She must uncover who, or what, is haunting her. But is she strong enough or will she succumb to its malevolent desire?

 If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 752

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth discusses more of the trials and tribulations associated with living with hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day Seven-Hundred-Fifty-Two:

A strange felid has taken to basking in the rays of the local star while perched on the ledge outside one of the transparent portals in the walls of my domicile. The presence of this interloper causes great distress to the adolescent felid. Whenever the stranger appears, the young nuisance resorts to showy threat displays and incessant yowling.

The unknown felid, naturally, ignores these performances, as my youthful companion cannot possibly reach the invader on the other side of the portal. Unfortunately, my hominid-servant seems to find the small beast's behavior amusing, and so does nothing to ameliorate the situation. When I attempt to explain to her that I need quiet in order to fulfill my mission, she just scratches my head and tells me, "It's okay."

It is not "okay!" The random disturbances to my concentration make it nearly impossible for me to work and, no matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to make my hominid-servant comprehend this fact! If my environment becomes more conducive to research, I will resume my work and report accordingly. In the meantime, I believe I will retreat to the relative tranquility of the space under my hominid-servant's sleeping platform and reflect on the events that have brought me to such circumstances.

Argh! Recalcitrant hominids and felids! ;-) You may have noticed that Agent Thoth has a new look. I hope you like his new picture as much as I do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts, either way. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments. ;-) Happy reading, everyone!

Talking Without Speaking; Hearing Without Listening...

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got a little more of Alyce's adventure to share with you, today! Enjoy! :-)

Excerpt from sci-fi satire novel:
"That's a good question, darlin', but the answer is…"

"Complicated," the two aliens chorused.

I shrugged. "Yep."

"Does it have anything to do with this next exhibit?" asked Squid-boy as he pointed off towards the far end of the hall.

I followed him over to the display he was talking about. It took me a few minutes of looking at it, but I was finally able to figure out what it was supposed to be. There was a woman robot sitting at a keyboard typing and, periodically, a definition or equation would appear on a screen over her head. These were all obvious truths; things like the equation for how to calculate the radius of a circle given its circumference and the definition of electrical current. Things no sane person could argue with. And yet, there was a group of both male and female robots sitting opposite the woman robot who had their own keyboards. No matter what the woman robot typed or how blindingly obvious it was that it was indisputable fact, the group of robots would invariably respond by typing furiously into their keyboards and the words "Fake News!" would appear on the screen over their heads.

"Err… Sort of. It's kind of related, but not directly."

"Can you explain?" asked Yax.

"Well, this," I gestured at the exhibit, "is one of the ways those in power try to keep regular people divided. They use propaganda to make people believe that the truth isn't the truth and that the people who try to tell them the truth ̶ like teachers, scientists, and journalists ̶ are trying to trick them. Educated people are often portrayed in such propaganda as people who are cold, socially awkward, detached from and unsympathetic towards the problems of 'real people', and impractical. This type of propaganda makes some people, mostly those who aren't well-educated themselves, distrust education and those who have it. And it dissuades them from trying to educate themselves."

"And people who are ignorant are easier to control," said Yax.

I nodded. "Exactly. And when people who are well-educated are confronted with people who aren't, and who are suspicious of truths that educated people consider obvious, the educated people tend to regard their less-educated counterparts with derision and even contempt, at times."

"And so it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

"Yep. And everybody ends up talking and nobody is listening."

"But how can your people argue about provable facts?" objected Squid-boy.

I snorted. "Sugar, I think you'll find that humans can argue about just about anything."

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share.  I just wanted to remind everyone what "Good Christians" all those "pro-life" Republicans in Congress and the White House are.  Which isn't to say that the Democrats are without blame, as the video makes clear. But, since it's the Republicans who seem to believe it's okay to take people's (women's) rights away in order to "protect life" (as they bomb millions of innocent people into oblivion in the Middle East), it's awfully funny how they're always so ready to block American citizens' ability to get life-saving medical care. Smells rather like hypocrisy, to me.

Quick And Easy Pasta Salad #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is an easy pasta salad recipe that's great for work lunches or picnics because it has no mayo in it to spoil. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
2 cups lentils cooked and cooled
4 cups bowtie pasta cooked and cooled
1 cup carrots shredded
1 cup pepperoncini peppers diced
1 cup broccoli chopped
1 cup cauliflower chopped
1/2 cup black olives sliced
1/2 cup onion chopped fine
4 cloves garlic minced
4 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cups extra virgin olive oil

In a large bowl, toss together the lentils, pasta, carrots, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, and onion until they are completely mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and then pour over the contents of the first bowl and toss until all the ingredients are completely coated. Serve chilled.

Buon appetito!

#Spring Into #Reading #Giveaway! $120 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Spring!  Please take a moment to check out the Spring Into Reading Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 40 prizes, and the grand prize is $120 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

#Animal #Rescuer's #Guide To #Staying ( #Relatively ) #Sane! #Free! :-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Just a reminder, for those who haven't checked it out yet, I've collected all my animal rescue/care posts together and published them as a small book.  If you'd like, you can download the book for free from Amazon, Smashwords, B&N, Kobo, and iTunes.

Amazon

Smashwords

iTunes

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Thanks for stopping in today, and don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

#APC #Spotlight: Hedge King In Winter: First Tale In The Matter Of Manred By Michael E Dellert!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Michael E. Dellert in my APC spotlight, today! Michael is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and his sword and sorcery, dark fantasy novel, Hedge King In Winter, looks great! Here's the description:

The king is crippled. Can his brother hold the kingdom together against the machinations of their rival uncle?

If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, go ahead and grab your copy here:

Thank you all so much for stopping by! Happy reading! :-)