Kicking A Hornet's Nest

Hey Everyone!! :-)

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

Excerpt from sci-fi satire novel:
There was a building in the background with a fence in front of it. The robots on the inside of the fence were standing by the gate and letting some of the robots who approached in, but keeping many out. There was a crowd of other robots holding signs and with their mouths open, as if they had been frozen just as they were in the middle of shouting something. The robots who were being allowed through the gate were all female. They walked with their heads down and their shoulders hunched, as if in a futile effort to protect themselves from the cruel words about to be hurled by the angry mob. The recreation was so realistic I could almost hear the vile cacophony of hate and bigotry that should have accompanied such a scene.

"Oh, sugar," I breathed. "This is a serious hornet's nest, where I come from. Are you sure you want to be kicking it?"

Squid-boy blinked at me and snapped his beak at the robots on display. "I don't see why this issue should be any more emotionally charged than some of the others we have discussed."

I groaned and rubbed my eyes with the heels of my hands. "More emotionally charge? No, probably not. We've talked about some of the deepest wounds in my society, so there're a lot of emotions running high with some of them. But, this…" I gestured at the scene before us. "Well, let's just say there can be good people on both sides of it."

Yax stepped up and crossed his arms over his chest. "Isn't that often true of most social debates?"

Sighing, I shook my head. "No. Not like this."

"Please explain."

"Look, when you're talking about racism, or homophobia, or even corrupt politicians selling out the electorate to their corporate masters, there's a clear line between the 'good guys' and the 'bad guys'. There's no real gray area with those issues. It's wrong to hate other people because of what they are. It's wrong not to treat everyone equally under the law. And it's wrong for people who have been hired by the public to work in the public's interest to instead work for their own interests and the interests of private corporations that have bribed them. There's no rational argument to be made in those cases, no legitimate debate to be had."

"But in this case… Well, there can be good, well-intentioned people on both sides. One side is still wrong, but their error isn't due to greed, selfishness, irrational hatred, or dishonesty. At least, not with all of the people on that side, it isn't. Some people use the controversy created by this issue for their own, selfish ends, but there are many people who sincerely are trying to act in a way that they consider moral and ethical. Which makes the whole thing…"

"Complicated," chorused my hosts.

I shrugged. "Yeah."

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. I was listening to this podcast and they made an interesting point. Obviously, there will be exceptions, but the point they made in the podcast is that a lot of Trump supporters still support him because, to them, he is fighting "the elite" the way he said he would. Most rational people are talking about the economic elite -- millionaires and billionaires and multinational corporations -- when they say "the elite." That's certainly what Bernie is talking about when he says it. But Trump and his diehard supporters are talking about the cultural elite. They're people who honestly don't believe people of color should be treated with respect and granted the same rights as white people. Or that LGBTQ+ people aren't inherently evil and deserving of persecution. Or that women are actually people capable of thinking for themselves and making their own decisions. So they're thrilled with the racism, xenophobia, and Christian sharia Trump is promoting. And trying to appeal to their sense of decency is pointless because we don't share a common moral code.

Likewise, it's futile to try to point out the fact that Trump has done nothing but support the establishment with his tax cuts for the ultra-rich and attacks on civil rights because that's not the establishment his supporters have a problem with. The establishment elite they hate is the cultural establishment elite that promotes racial, gender, and religious equality, economic justice, intersectionalism, and tolerance towards those who don't conform to the cultural norms we each happen to be most familiar with. Which means everything we consider the biggest atrocities of Trump's presidency, his supporters consider its greatest achievements. We're dealing with fundamentally different worldviews and value systems.

It was a lightbulb moment for me because I've spent months trying to figure out how so many people could be blind and stupid enough to continue to buy into Trump's obvious bullshit and scam artistry. And hearing this point being made helped me realize that it's actually worse than that. I realized that, at least for some of his supporters, it isn't that they're willing to overlook the horrible things Trump and his swamp monsters are doing because they think he'll also do good things that will actually help regular people, it's that they actually like the horrible things that are being done. They want to see brown children locked in dog cages and unarmed people of color being gunned down in cold blood by police and LGBTQ+ people and women being deprived of basic human rights. Those things aren't the bug for some of his supporters, they're the feature.

I mean, I knew that some people supported Trump because of his bigotry, but I thought the number of people who thought that way was much smaller than it apparently is. Because if you listen to Trump supporters explain why they support Trump, a lot of them will say it's because he's against the elite. And I always thought the elite they were talking about was the economic elite who are making it almost impossible for regular people to survive in this country. And it seemed to me that at some point even the most willfully blind and self-deluded Trump supporters would have to finally realize that everything Trump has done has only strengthened the stranglehold the economic elite have on our society.

But listening to them talk about this issue in the podcast below, and hearing them discuss why so many of Trump's supporters still stubbornly maintain that he's against the elite after everything he has done, I realized my mistake. People who support Trump because he's against the elite won't suddenly realize that they've been wrong because the elite they're concerned with isn't the same elite I've been assuming they're concerned with. And that realization made my blood run cold.

Because how do you reason with the unreasonable? How do you explain to someone that other people should matter to them? How do you convince someone who hates others so deeply they're willing to suffer themselves just to make sure the people they hate suffer more that it's not necessary for anyone to suffer? That it is, in fact, possible for everyone to have the things they need?

I don't know the answers to these questions. The only bright side I can think of is that people who think that way are still in the minority. If the rest of us work together, we can use our superior numbers to take back control of our government and bring sanity back to the national discourse.

At any rate, if you'd like to hear the rest of the conversation where this point was made, go ahead and listen to the podcast below. It's an interesting discussion and several other good points were also made. Peace!

Roasted Vegetable And Quinoa Salad #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a healthy salad recipe that can be served hot or cold, perfect for summertime. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
4 cups water
2 cups quinoa
1 large tomato chopped
1 large onion chopped fine
1 cup broccoli florets
1 ear corn cleaned
1 bell pepper chopped (your choice of color)
1 eggplant cut into small cubes
8 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup fresh basil chopped fine
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped fine
1/4 cup pecorino romano grated
1.5 cups olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste

Put the water and quinoa in your favorite quinoa cooking device and cook as long as your device requires quinoa to be cooked. Don't forget to salt the water. When the quinoa is cooked, set aside to cool.

On a grill or grill pan, give the corn, onion, broccoli, pepper, and eggplant a quick char. Transfer the vegetables to a baking sheet (or use a folded sheet of aluminum foil to create a sealed pocket if cooking on a grill), brush liberally with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until the eggplant is fork tender. Cut the corn off of the cobb and mix the roasted vegetables, tomatoes, and quinoa together in a large bowl. Toss to distribute evenly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and then pour the dressing over the vegetables and quinoa. Toss to coat evenly. Serve warm or chilled.

Bon appetit!

#Summer Lovin' #Readers #Giveaway! $80 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Summer!  Please take a moment to check out the Summer Lovin' Readers Multi Author/Blogger Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 27 prizes, and the grand prize is $80 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! :-)

#NewRelease #Announcement: Tantalizing Tales of the Horrific and Fantastic By Marie Krepps!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

My good friend, Marie Krepps, is here today to tell you all about her awesome new book! Marie, take it away! :-)

Marie:

Hollow Hills is a brand-new publishing company specializing in fantasy works, and its first publication is Tantalizing Tales of the Horrific and Fantastic by Marie Krepps. Prepare yourself for a collection of short stories that will leave you craving more. The collection features fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and horror stories that will strike a chord with readers on an emotional level. Each tale gives a view of the world (or worlds) from a unique perspective and happily-ever-afters are not always guaranteed. Here is the synopsis:

Sink your teeth into this book of fantastical short stories that will leave you wanting more. This collection mixes fantasy, science fiction, horror, and more into one big boiling pot of tastiness. Stories may include princesses, talking birds, alien species, magical items, terrifying creatures, cyborgs, or assassins. You’ll get your fill of thrills and chills.

The release date is July 27th and it is available on Amazon and Books2Read sites. Be sure to add it to your want-to-read list on Goodreads.

Book Links:
Amazon – https://amzn.to/2JJswWn
Books2Read – https://www.books2read.com/u/meAgpr
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40494730

Marie Krepps Links:

Marie Krepps
Blog – http://thesilverchamberpot.blogspot.com
Twitter – www.twitter.com/authormkrepps
Amazon author page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HQLSDWS
Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/author/show/5822667.Marie_Krepps
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/u/0/105641297547679247932
Wattpad - https://www.wattpad.com/user/naturechild02

Hollow Hills Links:
Website/blog – https://hollowhillsbooks.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hollow.hills.10
Twitter – https://twitter.com/hollowhills2018
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/u/3/115298526928077397635
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTzMKKPkPJXD-P4kUWU8fQg

#APC #Spotlight: The Keeper Of The Wind By Mark Shaw!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Mark Shaw in my APC spotlight, today! Mark is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and originator of the #IndieBooksBeSeen hashtag, and his young adult, mythological fantasy, action-adventure novel, Keeper of the Wind, looks great! Here's the description:

When a trio of high school seniors list three ancient artifacts for sale on eBay, professor and archeologist of native artifacts, Mitch Waters, believes he hit the jackpot. But is he concerned more with historical preservation or his own fame and fortune?

Author Mark A. Shaw brings together an unlikely yet entertaining trio of high school seniors, each of a different race and upbringing, who are separated from their senior class during a high school camping trip. On their own in the wilderness, they come across three authentic artifacts in a hidden cave.

The events that unfold once they return to safety and attempt to sell their newfound treasures on eBay intersect modern with ancient worlds, superstition with truth, and trust with trickery. In the tradition of children’s literature classics, The Keeper of the Wind takes readers on a magical and enthralling journey, along which three best friends learn the true meaning of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.

This page-turning read introduces Mark A. Shaw as a powerful up-and-coming young adult fiction novelist, leaving readers to wonder: Will there be a sequel?

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 789

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-Eighty-Nine:

After more than a quarter of a lunar cycle, my hominid-servant has finally returned the trinket offerings to the adolescent felid. I'm not certain exactly what prompted her to grant him a reprieve at this time; unless it was the fact that he had given up on his more active protests and had taken to staring wistfully at the closet in which they were contained whenever my hominid-servant was in the vicinity. I must confess, the occasional mournful sighs he managed to produce even had me wondering if his depression was authentic.

Fortunately, real or not, young annoyance's dejection disappeared the moment his trinkets were once more in his possession. He spent several hours moving the baubles to his preferred storage place, under my hominid-servant's sleeping platform, and then he seemed to arrange them in a specific configuration known only to him. To be honest, I still have yet to divine any rational system or pattern that fits the locations he designated for each trinket. But, he seems to be happy with their arrangement and has spent most of the rest of the day lying on top of them to ensure that they are not moved.

Frankly, I consider the behavior of both my hominid-servant and the small beast to be beyond comprehension on this matter, and I'm simply relieved that they have reached a peaceful resolution on the issue. Though, once again, I find myself despairing of ever identifying any true intelligence on this planet.

Crazy 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!

#NewRelease #Announcement: Fools Of Parody By Scott Moses!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

The lovely and talented Karina Kantas is here today to tell you all about a new book by a friend of hers. Karina, take it away! :-)

Karina: 

FOOLS OF PARODY

Book release

Book Blurb:
Given the choice to wipe-out humanity and turn the world over to Earth’s higher life forms or give humans one last chance, what would you do?

Aliens Anu and Matrona are pissed. Since their last visit to Earth 2000 years ago the world is more intent on destroying itself then ever before. Teaching seven ordinary people the tools to save their world they give humanity nine months to clean up their act. There will be opposition but good must prevail over evil or else! Can the human race learn to love each other and appreciate life? Or will dolphins become the predominant life on Earth? 

Author Bio:

The Laughing Warrior Scott Moses is the author of the reviewer acclaimed novel “Between Truth and Eternity”. His turn-ons include taking long hikes with his dogs, jello wrestling, and homemade chili. Turn-offs include mean people and driving behind someone with their blinker on for five miles. He lives among the majesty and clean air of the San Francisco Peaks.

Excerpt:
Hundreds continued to arrive into the sacred grounds each day. Communities of like-minded pilgrims sprang up sharing their tents and food with anyone who asked.

Cable channels catering to science and science-fiction lovers canceled their programs in favor of broadcasting 24-7 from the site. Interviews with scientists, authors, spectators, and former abductees interspersed the actionless action. The continuous TV coverage kept many would-be trekkers at home.

Two of the more memorable interviews happened at the beginning of the week. The first occurred when a reporter spotted the owner of a national fast food chain. A social network video of him and his family killing an elephant while on safari in Africa elevated him to a loathed anti-hero. Asked why he was there, the owner replied, “God made man superior to all other life. Plus, I got some bad press when I killed that dumb animal. Let’s see what they think of me when I kill these space people.”

The second came when a local TV station interviewed Miss Twyla Faye Barrow of Van Buren, Missouri about details of her abduction. An over-sized woman with bright, multi-colored makeup and a good humored smile recounted her story. She ended with a plea to the aliens. “If you can hear me, please let me know what you used for the anal probe. I have not found anything on earth that comes close and I would like to manufacture them here. Of course, I’ll split the royalties with you, say 20 percent?”

Traditional news stations battled for the best positions to view the gleaming space vehicle. Finance TV told their viewers 100 different ways they could make money from the event. By the end of the week, the State of Kansas made U.S. Route 281 a toll road between the city of Lebanon and the landing spot. Proclaiming the ship a state landmark, they charged fees for entering and camping in the park.

Interest among TV viewers started to decline. Stations devised new ways to keep their audiences interested, but the lack of action made the broadcasts as exciting as airline food. Losing viewers by the score, the news outlets had to think of ways to keep the interest before their ratings dropped further and exploded on the sidewalk like a bag of soup thrown from the Empire State Building. As one producer put it, “It ain’t doing nothing. It just fuckin’ sits there.”

The media’s long-time solution of making stuff up and presenting their fecal matter as truth served them well. Throwing their crap into a yard spreader known as “the news,” they continued to fertilize the seeds of fear and ignorance continuing their quest of splitting the world into separate but equal hate groups.

Aliens, Dolphins and the human race - what could go wrong?

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. With our political system drowning in corporate money and corruption, this probably won't surprise you. But I still think it's something that should be getting more coverage. So, please take a few moments to watch the video, and then consider maybe calling your elected representatives and telling them what you think about it. Yeah, the policy comes from the Treasury Department, but the Secretary of the Treasury is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. At the very least, these crooks should know that we know what they're up to and that we'll be thinking about this kind of dishonest dealing on Election Day. Peace!

Don't Forget The Sides #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a quick and easy side that goes with most meals and can easily be adapted to being made on the grill. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
20 fingerling potatoes
1/4 cup pecorino romano grated
3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped fine
8 cloves garlic minced
1 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Clean the potatoes by scrubbing their outsides under cold, running water and then boil them in salted water until fork tender. Drain and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Place the boiled potatoes on a baking tray (or on a large piece of aluminum foil if cooking on a grill) and use a fork to smash them into disks. Brush both sides of each of the smashed potatoes with the oil mixture and pour any remaining mixture over the top of the potatoes. Bake the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or fold the aluminum foil over and crimp the edges to form a sealed pocket and place on a heated grill) for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown. Serve piping hot as a side dish or mix with other roasted veggies as part of a main course.

Bon appetit!

#Summer Lovin' #Readers #Giveaway! $80 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Summer!  Please take a moment to check out the Summer Lovin' Readers Multi Author/Blogger Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 27 prizes, and the grand prize is $80 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! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 784

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-Eighty-Four:

Since my hominid-servant confiscated the trinket offerings, the adolescent felid has taken every possible opportunity to attempt to trip her as she passes the closet where she has sequestered them. The young irritant has also made it a practice to moan, chirp, trill, and howl at the closet door for extended periods of time. In spite of this aggressive campaign on the part of the small beast to regain possession of his trinkets, my hominid-servant has remained steadfast in her refusal to return them.

Instead, she has taken to squirting the tiny annoyance with the hated H2O delivery device, scolding him, and periodically chasing him with a rolled up periodical that she uses to smack the walls and make loud noises. Thus far, I have observed no obvious signs of surrender from either party; a fact that is fast becoming tiresome as the commotion they both create makes it impossible for me to focus on my research. I will, as always, report back on any changes in the situation on the ground, as they occur.


Those implacable 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!

#APC #Spotlight: ...In One Basket (Time Will Tell Book 3) By Les Lynam!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Les Lynam in my APC spotlight, today! Les is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and his young adult, time travel, sci-fi, fantasy novel, ...In One Basket, looks great! Here's the description:

After her relocation from 1969, Jane joins LX and Sean in an attempt to kidnap a clone from the Schattenwelt space station in the year 2169. Sean is shocked to find that he has already been there twice, but even more surprised by the team leader.

 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! :-)

#July2018 #IndieBooksBeSeen #Indie #Author #Books #Monthly #BookReview!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

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

Taken By The Dragon God by A.C. Greenlee:

Risa Vance is a practical lady who knows what she wants. After a car accident near a small village in China leaves her colleagues dead and her alone, she seeks shelter in an ancient temple. But that's just the start of her adventures. When she drinks from a well that holds more than the water she was hoping for, she finds herself confronted with a shape-shifting dragon...and at his dubious mercy.

I really enjoyed this story. As the description stipulates, it's an erotic short and part of a four-part series, which makes it perfect for before bed reading. ;-) Five stars and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

A Right For One Is A Right For All

Hey Everyone!! :-)

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

Excerpt from sci-fi satire novel:
I gestured at the recreation of a Nazi rally on display. "Remember how I told you there are some people who protest for causes that are diametrically opposed to the causes others are protesting for? Well, these are some of those people. The people who march in protests like this don't want progress. They want to prevent and reverse progress. The whole premise of their ideology is that some people are inherently superior to other and that those they deem to be inferior should be denied basic human rights. And sometimes even their lives. They march in protests like this to pressure lawmakers to pass legislation that will keep people from having equal rights under the law. And to try to frighten the decent people who disagree with them into silence."

"Is that why they carry firearms? To attempt to intimidate those who do not support their agenda?" asked Squid-boy

I nodded. "Yep. People who are weak and cowardly often try to hide their deficiencies behind weaponry. As if the rest of us can't see through the fact that they're incapable of earning the respect they seek through their own merits, and so are reduced to trying to command it by force."

"Are they weak and cowardly?" asked Yax.

I crossed my arms over my chest and cocked my head to the side. "What would you call people who admit upfront that they're incapable of competing with other people on a level playing field, and so they want to cheat by slanting all the rules in their favor, and then use violence to beat those who oppose them into submission when they still can't win?"

He nodded. "You're correct. I would also deem such people to be weak cowards."

I grunt. "Darn tootin'"

"But, then, why allow people who promote such a reprehensible philosophy to display their ideas so publicly? Why not simply ban them from marching?"

I felt the pressure crawling up the back of my skull and pinched the bridge of my nose to try to push it back. Sighing at how ineffectual my efforts were, I squinted at Squid-boy. "You're awful big on banning things, aren't you, sugar?"

He sputtered, but I waved away his objection before he found the words he was looking for. "We don't ban them from marching because they have the right to express their opinions. No matter how disgusting those opinions are. Now, personally, I don't think they should be allowed to wave guns around and threaten people. But a lot of our police forces seem to have a suspicious amount of sympathy for the Nazi groups. And they'll allow them to get away with a lot of things that they would arrest protestors for other causes over. Maybe it's because the people who march in these protests are the same people who have traditionally held most of the power in our society and the police almost always default to upholding the power structure. Or maybe there's another reason, I don't know. But I'm not the only person who has noticed the trend."

"But, even absent the firearms, do you think it's a good idea to allow such extremists to promote their ideology?" asked Yax.

I snorted. "It's better than the alternative."

"Which is?"

"Forcing them to hide their beliefs and promote them clandestinely. At least if their hatemongering and nonsensical notions are out in the open, they can be challenged and countered with facts and evidence. If they're kept to the shadows, their claims go uncontested and unanswered. Much better to drag their lies into the light where they can be exposed. It's called the free marketplace of ideas. Differing and competing ideologies can be compared and examined and those that don't measure up are shown to be lacking where everyone can see. Besides, if a right is taken away from one person, it can be taken away from anyone. If these people were denied their right to speak, then no one's right to free speech would be safe. It's only by ensuring the same rights for everyone that anyone's rights are safe."

The big alien sighed and shrugged. "A truism that transcends species. Though, it does seem ironic that the people whose rights are protected by such a principle advocate so strongly against it."

I shrugged. "People so blinded by their own hatred and insecurities miss a lot of things. But that doesn't change the fact that the rest of us protect our own rights by allowing them theirs."

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. Yeah, it's about the member of the corporately owned Christian Taliban that our tangerine study in moral turpitude is trying to slime onto the Supreme Court, in order to better strip the rest of us of our rights. Honestly, why we're even having a debate about who to appoint is beyond me when it's absurdly obvious that no one should be considered until the criminal investigation of 45 is completed. Considering that the SCOTUS will almost certainly be ruling on whether or not charges can be brought and how such a proceeding might be allowed to be conducted. The conflict of interest is breathtaking, but that seems to be something no one wants to talk about.  At any rate, please take a look at the video, and then consider making a few phone calls to perhaps head off this latest advancement of creeping fascism. Peace!

Cool Garlic And Dill Salad #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a cool, refreshing salad that's a perfect meal on a hot summer day. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
2 cucumbers chopped
1 head cauliflower chopped
1 bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 head purple cabbage chopped
1 carrot peeled and shredded
1 chayote squash chopped
2 onions chopped fine
2 cups chickpeas cooked
1/2 cup chives minced
1/2 cup fresh dill weed chopped
8 cloves garlic minced
2 cups sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste.

In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, buttermilk, vinegar, salt and pepper, garlic, chives, and dill. In a separate, larger bowl, toss the vegetables and beans together until thoroughly mixed. Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Serve chilled.

Bon Appetit!

#Summer Lovin' #Readers #Giveaway! $80 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for Summer!  Please take a moment to check out the Summer Lovin' Readers Multi Author/Blogger Giveaway!!  There are lots of awesome books and prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 27 prizes, and the grand prize is $80 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! :-)

Indie Publishing News Latest Edition!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

My good friend, the multi-talented Claire Plaisted, has released the latest edition of her free indie books eMag!! So, if you enjoy free short stories, reviews, poems, videos, interviews, and so much more, go ahead and click on the link below and see what's new in the indie publishing world! :-)

Indie Publishing News Link

#APC #Spotlight: Bryony (BryonySeries Book 1) By Denise M. Baran-Unland!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got Denise M. Baran-Unland in my APC spotlight, today! Denise is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group and her young adult, paranormal, vampire novel, Bryony, looks great! Here's the description:

After her father’s sudden death, seventeen-year-old Melissa Marchellis moves onto the former estate of nineteenth century composer and pianist John Simons, where a mysterious mist stalks her, ghostly piano music plays in her bedroom, and visions of John Simons’ young wife Bryony, who died in childbirth, invade her dreams. Those dreams, Melissa discovers, are simply a distraction for the midnight feedings of John Simons, now a vampire. So, John proposes a trade: Melissa may visit the past as Bryony in exchange for minute samples of her blood to neutralize his vampire state. For a time, Melissa happily seesaws between her adolescent routine of school, slumber parties, and cute boys to dancing at balls, attending formal dinner parties, and hosting garden fetes. But fantasy and reality blur when her eccentric, middle-aged English teacher penetrates her dreams as Melissa’s dashing, young vampire chaperone; her brother Brian adopts a peculiar stray cat after a friend disappears in a midnight exploration of the dilapidated mansion; and another girl with a similar vampire pact is gruesomely murdered. Caught between the danger of her agreement and her escalating infatuation with John Simons, Melissa contends with other vampires and their agendas, while struggling with her feelings for an undead musician.

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 779

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-Seventy-Nine:

Though it took an unreasonable number of planetary rotations, the random explosions have finally stopped. Now that his attention is no longer focused on the obnoxious sound of the mixture of sulfur, carbon, and potassium nitrate being set ablaze for no apparent reason, the adolescent felid has returned to his obsession with the trinket offerings from my hominid-servant. His fixation on these objects has grown so strong, that he actually assaulted my hominid-servant with his teeth when she attempted to move them in order to clean under her sleeping platform.

Naturally, my hominid-servant did not appreciate being attacked by the small beast when she had done nothing to provoke it, and she proceeded to chase him from one end of my domicile to the other. When she finally cornered the young annoyance, she took hold of his scruff and used this grip to maneuver him into the box she uses to punish us when we have displeased her. I must admit, I do admire the resistance the tiny irritant was able to mount against this expression of my hominid-servant's ire. But, in the end, she prevailed and he spent nearly half an hour expressing his dissatisfaction at the absolute maximum decibel level his vocal cords are capable of producing.

Once he had ceased caterwauling, my hominid-servant released the little pest. But, by that time, she had gathered up all the trinket offerings and contained them in a box, which she has placed inside a locked closet. Of course, it didn't take long for my youthful compatriot to determine the location of his treasures; all he needed to do was follow their scent. But, being as how he has the same lack of opposable digits that I suffer from, he is unable to rescue his baubles from their confinement.

Since my hominid-servant merely confiscated the offerings, instead of discarding them, I can only imagine she intends to return them at some point. However, she seems determined that there should be a waiting period because, despite the infantile idiot's repeated entreaties at the door of the closet, she has thus far remained unmoved. I look forward to observing this battle of wills and seeing who will surrender first.


A trinket confiscation! ;-) 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!

#Interview With Bonita Gutierrez!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Bonita Gutierrez is here with us, today. Bonita, can you tell us a bit bout yourself and how many books you've written?

Bonita: I'm an actor/producer turned author. Over the years, I've worked in film and television, produced and acted in plays and wrote an award-winning short film — Cantar. In addition, I manage my entertainment company, Nemesis Kitten Entertainment. I'm also a martial artist, with a background in Jeet Kune Do (Bruce Lee's martial art), Kenpo MMA and Kali Escrima (stick and knife fighting). I'm an avid runner, film buff and Star Wars geek. Together with my writing partner, Camilla Ochlan, I've written five books in The Werewolf Whisperer series, with a sixth — Blood & Bones— due out later this year.

Me: Sounds like you're a busy lady! What's the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Bonita: Camilla came up with The Werewolf Whisperer after being inspired by the on-set dog trainer of her short film, Dog Breath. We were both coming off of film shoots when she pitched me the idea about a "werewolf apocalypse" and a cop with a special knack for training dogs that turns into an even more bizarre knack for commanding werewolves. I thought it was an awesome idea. Originally, The Werewolf Whisperer was conceived as a webseries. We even wrote the first thirteen episodes of season one. We had every intention of shooting the series, but as The Werewolf Whisperer world grew, so did the budget. As is often the case in Show Biz, our imaginations had exceeded our means. But we didn't let that get in our way. We knew we had a great story, and we wanted to tell it. So, we got to work translating the webseries into a novel series.

Me: Yeah, I've found my imagination often does a better job than low-budget special effects. ;-) What are you working on now?

Bonita: Under our newly formed Empyrean Press banner, Camilla and I are feverishly working on Blood & Bones – The Werewolf Whisperer Book 3, while simultaneously releasing a serialized novella about one of our favorite characters — KAI. Right now, the episodes are exclusive to our Beasty Bites newsletter subscribers, but we have plans to eventually release it as a book. On top of all that, we're developing a new urban fantasy series. So, stay tuned!

Me: Cool! What authors, or books, have influenced you?

Bonita: Writers of all mediums (film, television, comics, books) have influenced me at one point or another. I'm especially drawn to writers who create deeply flawed characters. I love anti-heroes. Humans are imperfect creatures. It's what makes us interesting. So of course, I love Joss Whedon. His characters are chock full of flaws. I’m also a huge fan of Greg Rucka's (his Queen & Country series is one of my favs). I'm also into Chuck Wendig, Maggie Stiefvater, Delilah S. Dawson, and indie author Meg Collett. But my all-time favorite writer is Shakespeare. No one writes an anti-hero like the Bard. That being said, the greatest influence on my writing would have to be my husband. He's a professional screenwriter and has taught me so much about the process — of the all-consuming need to get the story out on the page. And that good writing starts with a good story. If you don't have a good story, you've got nothing.

Me: So true! What are you reading now?

Bonita: I read a lot. I often read two or three books at a time. I also love to listen to audiobooks (especially in the car while stuck in L.A. traffic). I just finished four amazing Star Wars novels (you can read my review on my Bonita's Geeky Blog-FU! site). And in the spirit of supporting my fellow indie others, I try to read as much of their work as I can. I just finished an awesome dark epic fantasy called The Blighted City by Scott Kaelen. And I'm about to start two more books: Penllyn by Troy A. Hill and Suckers by Jackie Dahlhaus. I'm also digging Greg Rucka's comic series, Lazarus, and Kieron Gillen's The Wicked + Divine.

Me: Yeah, there are some fabulous indie reads out there. :-) For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Bonita: The Werewolf Whisperer is an emotionally grounded, action-packed genre bender told from multiple points of view and in dual timelines. It's about two women joining forces to help (and sometimes hunt) individuals afflicted by a mysterious virus that's turned them into werewolf-like creatures. But all is not as it seems. Not for the women. Not for the Afflicted. And not for a society coming to grips with a new world order. This ain't your grandma's werewolf tale.

Me: Sounds interesting! What's your favorite part of being an author?

Bonita: As an actor/director/producer, I've always been a storyteller. But, I never thought I'd be writer let alone an author. It wasn't until my husband encouraged me to write my own scripts and get my work out into the world that I entertained the idea. I'm so glad I did. Otherwise, I'd have never found this new creative side of myself. The Werewolf Whisperer gave me the confidence to grow in new ways as an artist. So for me, that's the best part of being an author.

Me: That's awesome! Do you have day job as well?

Bonita: In addition to building Empyrean Press, I run my entertainment business (which is more of a twenty-four/seven job). And even though I've been away from acting for a while, I do plan to return to the film and television arena eventually.

Me: Break a leg! ;-) What are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Bonita: Lately, the hardest part about being a writer for me is finding the time to write. Creating awareness for my books and getting them into readers' hands (or Kindles) is a full-time job. The world of marketing is always evolving, and I have to evolve with it. Be constantly learning. But the fun comes when I get a great review or a reader tells me how much he/she loved my work. That's the best (and easiest) part about being a writer.

Me: I agree, it can be hard to convince people to give your books a try when you're an indie author. What genre do you place your books in?

Bonita: The Werewolf Whisperer is an urban fantasy series with elements of science fiction that's laced with biting humor. Think Shaun of the Dead meets Supernatural with a healthy dose of Planet of the Apes. There are currently two novels and three novellas in The Werewolf Whisperer series.

Me: Wonderful! Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Bonita: I'm a huge Sci-fi and Fantasy fan. Buffy and Star Wars are my jam. Mix in a little Kung Fu and you've got my blog — Bonita's Geeky Blog-Fu! I write regular movie recommendations, highlight my favorite books and feature a little butt kicking for good measure. If you're into all things geek-a-licious, you can find me at: https://bonitasgeekyblogfu.wordpress.com

Me: Sounds like a geek's paradise? :-) And, so all these fine folks can find your amazing series, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Bonita:
The Werewolf Whisperer series:
Website: http://www.werewolfwhisperer.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/werewolfwhisperer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wwwhisperer

Connect with Bonita Gutierrez:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BonitzMG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonitamg/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+BonitaGutierrez
Bonita's Geeky Blog-Fu! Blog: https://bonitasgeekyblogfu.wordpress.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Bonita-Gutierrez/e/B00OFB9ZVK/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/angelcakes88

The Werewolf Whisperer series is available on Amazon. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.)

The Werewolf Whisperer (Book 1)
US: https://www.amazon.com/Werewolf-Whisperer-Book-ebook/dp/B00OAKIPX0
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OAKIPX0/

The Alpha & Omega (Book 2)
US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016PIZWXA/
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Omega-Werewolf-Whisperer-Book-ebook/dp/B016PIZWXA/

Novellas
Beast Navidad
US: https://www.amazon.com/Beast-Navidad-Werewolf-Whisperer-Novella-ebook/dp/B00QEJAP60/
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-Navidad-Werewolf-Whisperer-Novella-ebook/dp/B00QEJAP60/

Beast Out of Hell
US: https://www.amazon.com/Beast-Out-Hell-Werewolf-Whisperer-ebook/dp/B01II8CJDG
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beast-Hell-Werewolf-Whisperer-Novella-ebook/dp/B01II8CJDG/

Sign up for the Beasty Bites Newsletter and get a free Werewolf Whisperer novella: https://mailchi.mp/60e8dc19ce80/beasty-bites

Me: Perfect! Thank you so much for stopping by, today, Bonita. And thank you to the rest of you who joined us, as well. Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the latest in Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

Something Worth Watching?

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back today with another video I wanted to share. This one is about a woman who I think should be an inspiration to us all. The way things are going in the US, we need people like her who find creative, but non-violent, ways to bring attention to the atrocities our government is committing. Yes, she has been arrested and charged with crimes, so was Martin Luther King Jr., but that doesn't mean what she did was wrong. A corrupt, fascist government is always going to consider protests that have a chance of being effective to be illegal. That's why we need to protest.

So, please take a few minutes to watch this video. And then think about if there's anything you can do that might make a difference or right a few wrongs. I know that's what I'll be thinking about, going forward. We can't all be as bold as Therese Patricia Okoumou, but she can be an inspiration to us all. And we can all do something, however small, which is always going to be better than doing nothing. Peace!

Sweet And Spicy #Snack #Recipe!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

This is a really easy side dish or snack that you can throw together in just a couple of minutes, but that never fails to hit the spot. Enjoy! :-)

Ingredients:
4 large carrots peeled and cut into sticks
4 tbsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp chili powder
4 tbsp honey
1 cup apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste.

In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, chili powder, salt and pepper, and half the caraway seeds. Once the marinade is combined, toss the carrot sticks in it and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and pour the entire contents into a saute pan. Sprinkle the remaining seeds over the carrot sticks and saute until the carrots start to soften and the seeds are toasted. Serve warm or cold.

For a variation, you can chop up an onion and mince a couple of garlic cloves and add them to the marinade. Toss in some chickpeas and serve this over rice to make a complete meal.

Bon Appetit!