Flawed is flawed

Every once in a while you see something on the news that is just a head-scratcher. It was reported on the evening news that a group in California has filed suit so that coffee is labelled as a product that causes cancer.

Now on the surface of that, I suppose that it is good that someone is looking out for the rest of us. Apparently everything in the State California seems to cause cancer. Now, I'm not the smartest bean in the hopper but I'm not an idiot either. The report stated that there is an ingredient in coffee that is also found in many other plant based common foods including such things as bread. (I apologize that I don't remember the actual name of the chemical). That is actually immaterial.

But even to the idiot bean the study is flawed beyond belief. Mice were given doses of 1000 to 100,000 times the doses that a person would consume. I would hazard a guess that nearly everything on the planet given to an organism at that dosage would cause cancer. In my view the science is bad and therefore does not warrant a lawsuit.

I understand one can not monitor every possible thing over time to determine if it is a health risk. Entire generations would or could fall victim to a true health hazard, but to continue to do this type of study is nothing but a hoax. I'm not a scientist, nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but this type of research simply cannot continue. The scientific world needs to look at itself and come up with another method of determining carcinogens.

I for one am glad I don't live in the Land of Fruit and Nuts. They might as well just put a label on everything in that state and say it causes cancer. Buyer beware.

Back at it

As most who follow this blog know, I am a writer. Gee Robert T., how could I have known that? Golly, not that all the book covers on the sides of the blog told me anything.

After the release of Ghost Fleet and the upcoming holiday season, I thought it was time for me to take a couple months off from writing. Well, the season is over and I have had time to clear my thoughts and relax, relax at least from the creative perspective. But it is time to get back to it.

Here are the opening paragraphs of Battlewagon, book three of the sci-fi Home World series. I hope you enjoy the offering and get your hopes up for another release in a few months.

Prologue

Captain’s journal: Theta 10- 5

“We have begun our trek home as ordered by Admiral Duley Connor, Fleet Main. We have both succeeded and failed in our tasks. Though we did not discover the origin of the Lorilon weapon, we believe we destroyed one of its major components, alas, at the loss of the destroyer Valiant. With that we are reduced by a third of our original number. Our success is not noted in the official orders as we have recovered Captain Joseph from the Lorilon.”

“This mission has given me a new insight into what it takes to command a starship, to command a fleet. As the second in command of the Parras under Captain Joseph I was confident that all my decisions were always correct, that my advice to Captain Joseph was the first to be heard. I would become infuriated if my suggestions did not measure up to his actions. I was headstrong. I had experience, more than nearly any other first officer in the fleet, in most of the nine Home World fleets.”

“What I have found is, I know nothing. Everything I thought I knew about command pales in the face of reality. The daily routine of life on a starship, of life aboard any ship is not command. Most crew go about their business because it has been drilled into them. Many could sleepwalk through their routines and at the end of the cycle, nothing would be the worse for wear.”

“No, that is not command. Command is the pinnacle, where there is nowhere else to look, no shoulder to turn to, no sage wisdom to rely on, it looks back at you with eyes that can pierce your soul. You are the final word when it comes to life or death, life of a crewman or death of a starship. It is a decision made in the blink of an eye. Right or wrong, it is your fate. Command is the single most lonely place in the universe. It is a place I have been, it is a place I want nothing to do with. It is a place I long for.”

“Close journal.”

Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?

We live in a culture, in a world our parents, well, maybe at least my parents, wouldn't recognize. Long gone are the romantic decades where one looks backward with reminiscent memories of bygone days. To be fair, no decade or generation is bereft of their own sins or misdeeds. What has changed drastically are three things: we now live in a 24/7 up to the minute information world, social media and the internet give everyone an opinion they can express immediately whether it is valid or not (including the author of this blog) and, we are truly governed by the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.

Say what? Fictional rules of a fictional people?

Sure. Think about it.
   1.  Once you have their money, never give it back.
   4.  Sex and profit are the two things that never last long enough.
   5.  If you can't break a contract, bend it.
 13.  Anything worth doing is worth doing for money.
 26.  The vast majority of the rich in this galaxy did not inherit their wealth; they stole it.
 27.  The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down.
 28.  Morality is always defined by those in power.
 51.   Never admit a mistake if there's someone else to blame.
 61.   Never buy what can be stolen.
 76.  Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies.
105.  Wise men don't lie, they just bend the truth
115.  Greed is eternal.
135.  The only value of a collectible is what you can get somebody else to pay for it.
144.  There's nothing wrong with charity ... as long as it winds up in your pocket.
154.  The difference between manure and Latinum is commerce.
166.  Never give away for free what can be sold
219.  A friend is not a friend if he asks for a discount

In told there are 286 Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. These are just a selected few. Tell me these don't whole-heartedly apply to the society we now live in. If you just listen to the world around you, politics, the entertainment industry and the business world in general, this is what we have wrought for ourselves. They cross all geographical and social divides. Though commerce has driven nearly every aspect of our civilization from the first cavemen trading a piece of meat for a stone knife, these are the undertones of our everyday life.

♫ How much is that doggy in the window? ♪   😏

Thanks to Treknologic.com for the complete list of the Rules of Acquisition.

Happy New Year

Welcome 2018

This past year was one of challenges, one of new experiences, one of joy and disappointment. But then, isn't every year? What changes for most of us year in and year out? Usually not too much. Most of us have the same job, love and dislike most of the same people we always have, live in the same place. What truly new challenges do most of us experience?

I begin a new year with new hope and new insights from a year ago. Last year I began 2017 with a single partner, My beloved. We had just moved into a new home began our lives were adjusting. I had just changed assignments at work and took over the challenge of rebuilding a store location that was in a shambles. It was a lot of work both home and away.

What is different this year is beginning 2018 with a second partner at home, our grandson Ragin' Cage. As 2017 began he was not part of the mix. He came to us a month later. The challenges and struggles of beginning to raise a small child at my age was not something we had planned. It was a jolt to our lives. But, it was a jolt we had to take on. For us, we wouldn't have it any other way.

The work front was another challenge. It took me away from home too often, but that is the way of things. We made tremendous strides but all we did was right the ship. This year it is time to stride forward and set ourselves to the top of the heap.

My writing stalled as a result of all the above. The one book I was able to publish, Ghost Fleet was six months later than I had originally planned. I was happy with the result however. I had put my fantasy series on the back burner to write Ghost Fleet sure that I would again pick the fantasy back up afterwards. But sometimes a writer just can't let go of the recent characters that have filled his thoughts. With that being said, I plan to put forth the third book in the sci-fi Home World series with book three, Battle Wagon. We'll see how that goes.

So what does all this mean, this new year stuff? It means several things. As fallible beings, this day gives us a chance to reset ourselves, to put the challenges behind us and to look forward. Those who truly want to make a difference in their lives will take on the coming year with excitement and dedication to change their circumstances and challenge themselves to fulfill their aspirations. What dreams did they have in the days of their youth? What dreams did they have in their early adult lives? This is the time to take stock and see where you've planted your feet. Either way, it's time to step into the new year.

One final thought.
A fellow author I've spoken of in past posts is still struggling with the determination of cancer. Things are not going well. Brandon Hale is an extremely talented author whose Day Soldiers series is well worth reading for anyone who enjoys post apocalyptic books. Myself and a group of fellow authors are putting the word out to help support him and his family in the coming days. I hope everyone who has the ability to help by purchasing any of the books of this series reaches into their hearts and wallets to help make a difference.

May everyone face the challenges and joys of the coming year with dignity and determination, joy and hope. I look forward to the coming of 2018 and all that it holds. I hope all those who follow me do as well.

Happy New Year

Turin's face

I know it has only been a few days since I last posted an excerpt from White Staff. Well guess what, here's another.

Two of our main characters, Aethan and Falton have ventured far beyond their own lands. They have ventured across the winter wastelands as they work to evade those hunting for them as they strive to solve the riddle placed before them. An unexpected encounter gives them a clue. 

     Eldridge took a seat across from Aethan and began the tale of Turin’s face.

     Long ago in times before history was recorded, before the times of men, before the sires of Euwold and Locland were at hand, before Eorath the Great came from the mountain world to live upon the plains there were an ancient people who dwelt in this land. For whatever reason they are known as Turins. Thought to be a hearty and noble people, they believed in the religion of the earth. Life for them flowed from all things. They worshiped plants and animals, water and sky, earth and moon. They dwelt in a range they called Noran Dur, very likely the oldest place known in all the world. Their most sacred ground lay to the north, very near the waters edge of the Ice Sea. To this day it is unnamed.

     To that end so lore has it, they constructed a great temple hewn of the very rock and stone. Massive by any measure, mountains were single rooms unto themselves. Within it they planted a garden filled with the roots and plants they worshiped and used in everyday life. The very waters of the sea were funneled into the landscape and used to feed it. Huge clefts were carved into the mountains and they became the waterfalls, the life’s blood of the greenery. Those gardens it is said are the very forests we walk this day. Long did they dwell in those lands until time passed them by and they fell into nothing more than memory and tall tales, rumors and ghost stories to tell round the fire to scared little children. All that is left of them is a single marker, a ghostly face carved into the mountains, weathered nearly beyond recognition over the ages. It looks to their temple and lush gardens that they would never forget their lineage.

     “Why do men fear it?” Falton slugged back a drink and felt the warmth rush down his throat. He closed his eyes tightly.

     “It is forbidden to go there. The garrison has truly one task at hand and that is to keep all away.”

     “What garrison? I have seen no soldiers here.”

     “They pulled out near a week ago. Why I do not know. It has never happened before.” Falton and Aethan looked at each other. Perhaps they knew the answer. “Our masters are superstitious. They fear the old ways. Long have their subjects been unhappy with their lot in life. It is said the ways of the old kingdoms were enlightened and men were free, though that was so long ago perhaps it is merely wishful thinking.” At that, Eldridge sent a drink down his own throat.

The riddle of Turin's face. 

White Staff is available at Amazon and other major ebook sellers. White Staff is also available in paperback. One of the best things you can do for an author is leave a good review for books you have enjoyed.

I hope the holidays are warm and welcoming to one and all. 

Merry Christmas

A brief paragraph or two ... or three

My first published novel was an epic fantasy titled White Staff. As I go through and tighten it up a bit, as all writers grow and enhance their talents, we have this urge to go back and rework and re-edit their early works. It is just something we all do. 

A brief excerpt from White Staff.

   “What would you have of us Hafram? There are things we desperately need to know. What dangers follow us?”

   “What have you told them to this point Aethan?”

   “I have told them most everything I know, Hafram.” Aethan leaned back on his elbows, the small fire beginning to make his face sweat. “I do not know everything. There is much you have not told me.”

   “There has not been time. I am gaining strength again, out from under that which has kept me prisoner all these years.”

   “And what would that be? Who has kept you, Hafram?” Eston was becoming intrigued. Perhaps he could finally get some answers to what had been happening.

   “Then I will start at the beginning. My name is SaHaframanallara. I am the Chief Advisor and Protector to the ancient throne of Euwold. I remain in service of the throne and the peoples of the land. Long have they suffered under the rule of Darthune. The Empire has been cruel and vigilant and the history of the true kings have been vanquished from the memory of the living. My charge is to restore the line of kings and drive the Empire back across the waters to the foul lands from which they come.”

   “That is a heavy weight to bear, SaHafr, SaHafram...” Falton struggled with his name.

   “Please Falton, do not even try. Hafram will do. I have become accustomed to it.”

   “As you wish, Hafram. I do not think my mouth works that way.”

   “It does not for many.” 

   “Who has imprisoned you Hafram? And for what reason?”

   “I have always been imprisoned, in a manner of speaking. For several centuries I have dwelt in the citadel of Saer under guard. A full garrison to keep me there, if it be told.”

   “In all that time, you could not escape?”

   “No Falton, until now. Over the citadel, a powerful shield has kept my powers in check. The Empire has long feared my magics. It is the only thing that could drive them from the continent. Now I have escaped from my dungeon and with your help, I can perform my duties once again.”

That drew stares from the others. They looked blankly at each other. A silence fell over the camp for several moments. In Hafram’s mind it seemed an eternity. He had laid himself open for them. His fate was in their hands.

   “Why us Hafram?” Aethan sat back up as Cirah came over and lay beside him. He reached out and put his hand on her thick coat. He could feel the warmth embedded by the fire.

   “As I have told you Aethan, in all the long years yours is the only mind I have been able to touch. Perhaps now that the shield no longer hinders me, there may be others who will receive my thoughts. Surely your friends are proof of that.”

   “And what of Cirah?”

   “Cirah is yours, or you are hers, till the day you die. She will listen to no other. She is your guardian and protector.”

   “What would you have of us, Hafram?”

   “If you so decide and it is a decision I shall not force upon you, I would ask your help in my quest.” Hafram let those words hang for a moment, letting them sink into their thoughts. “I will leave you now. I grow tired and need rest. Come the morning sun I will return for your answer.”

   “That is not much time to make a decision of this magnitude.”

   “I apologize Eston, but I have no more time to give. The challenge before me is grave and the task shall be arduous. My time draws near. I can wait no longer. If your answer is no, you may go on with your lives and I must look for other allies.”

   “Then we will give you our answer in the morning. Farewell for now, Hafram.”

With those words, he faded from their thoughts and they were left with nothing but the cold night airs and the heat of the fire before them.

Intriguing, huh? 

What's this Thanksgiving thing?

As Americans we have a holiday the seems to be unique to our culture, our way of life. I'm sure that there are other countries and cultures that do have something similar, however I just don't know about them. I do know various people who live elsewhere in the world and each one I have asked shares the same tale; they have no Thanksgiving type tradition.

So what are we to do with this holiday? Apparently we are to do useless things with it. At one point in time it was truly about giving thanks for the bounty that has graced this land. This country isn't perfect. We all suffer through the slings and arrows of everyday life. The world isn't fair but we must strive to make the best with what we have. Sharing that day with family has always been of prime importance. Not everyone stands on an equal footing with what they have, with what they have struggled against in their lives. But having family about and celebrating what we do have is the spirit of this day. I remember the days of my childhood. We didn't have much but we had love of family and faith.

Unfortunately this holiday has turned into just another day for many people. Years ago all the restaurants and retail stores were closed. You see, those people have families too. The only ones that had to go to work were those who protected us and kept us alive; doctors, nurses, police and firemen. With the proliferation of the all-encompassing consumerism, those times have passed. Too many are forced to leave their family gatherings early or not attend at all to go wait on others as they shop for stuff they don't really need at prices they think are too good to be true.

The Christmas season is upon us with the passing of this day. The coming season and all it stands for is something I still love to this day. It more than any time of the year is for family, for celebration, for prayer. It's time we get back to the spirit of Thanksgiving and let everyone share the day away from work and with their families. One more day won't kill anyone, will it?