The Mysterious Dog Virus – Should we be scared?

Typically a non pet owner, doesn’t think twice about an illness infecting dogs. We may glance at the news and go, ‘Oh that’s a shame,’ but if we don’t have a pet, it doesn’t affect us .. right? Or should I say ‘infect’.

When I first heard of this mysterious virus, I immediately thought of the movie, ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. Where pets are apes because there are no cats and dogs.  Ricardo Montalban’s characters tells Caesar, the ape. "They all died. Within a few months. Eight years ago. Every single dog and cat in the world. It was like a plague. The disease that killed them was a mysterious virus.”

Sound familiar?  Almost eerily prophetic.

A ‘form’ of this mystery virus has surfaced in the past. But this one, this new one, killing dogs within days if not hours of infection, is bold and brash. New and mutated. It hits, infects, devastates and kills. The pets suffers so much that the only recourse is euthanasia to stop their misery.

This has species extinction level potential.

Not much is being said, because no one really is standing up and paying attention to the vets. After all, they’re just dogs, right? They are yelling out and no one hears.

We should.

This mystery illness is being called an evolved form of Circovirus.  But even samples aren’t matching anything they knew. Post Mortem tissue samples of the dogs … breed nothing recognizable. No sign of the virus at all in some cases.

This form of virus, or something very similar,  is typically seen in two species. Pigs and birds. (Got the swine flu willies don’t ya).

A virus mutates and evolves when it jumps from one species to another, start with a bird one way, hit a pig another, and infect a human a whole other way.

Did this jump from pig to dog? How? It is speculated via humans. Speculated by the vets. Many are saying that pet owners are showing flu symptoms when they bring in the dogs, and sequentially, Vet Clinic workers are falling ill after dealing with the sick dogs. Not deathly ill, and hopefully, not yetl.

But is this an act of nature of a lab mishap.  Oddly enough, Michigan is an infected state not long after they initiated the Invasive Species Order.  Which is described by the farming consumer site as:  The order was issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in December 2010 to prohibit “feral” swine which are identified by such ubiquitous characteristics that most any swine, especially heritage breeds raised on family farms, are unjustly threatened with eradication.

Tossing out a conspiracy theory, could this be the way to eradicate the Invasive Species and it just got out of control? After all, the Mystery dog virus is airborne.

But should we, as people be concerned? Yes. Why? This is being labeled as a zoonotic infection. Simply, that is a virus or infection that can jump and spread between vertebrae species. If it can jump, it can mutate, if it jumps from your neighbors pet fido, it could mutate when it hits you. Those suspected as being infected by their dogs are merely sniffling and coughing now, but its possible it won’t always be like that.

History has shown it.

Sponge Bob - You sinner!

Let me start out by saying I am not some nut crazed right wing conservative fanatic. Although my kids may argue that fact because of my love of Ronald Reagan, John Wayne and Charlton Heston. I defend that by saying I just love macho men.

The other day, while watching yet, another episode of Sponge Bob, I decided to ‘fib’ to my oldest daughter and tell her she was in luck, they were removing Sponge Bob for good because he was a negative influence. My daughter who never believes anything I say, wholeheartedly bought my tale and even applauded the idea. “That makes perfect sense, it really isn’t a good influence.”

She then started spewing off examples. I was kinda taken aback, I mean, how often do we as caregivers watch the show? We see the bouncing yellow guy and the happiness (Not to mention hypnotic) effect it brings to the kids and we just let them love Sponge Bob. I love Sponge Bob, annoying as he is, the yellow sponge is a bartering tool, and a distraction for a half hour.

But is it a good distraction? No. He’s not. And I know I don’t have to convince anyone. Let’s be clear, I am not petitioning or calling for a ban on the Bob. I am a firm believer that we control what our kids watch, not the TV. If there is something bad our young ones are watching, it is our fault, not the networks.

That being said, as my daughter started pointing out specifics from episodes that depicted violence, rude behavior, bullying, it dawned on me that the creators of Sponge Bob must have the Seven Deadly sins hanging on the writing wall as a guide to follow. Each episode clearly commits 6 out of 7.

Sloth and Gluttony – Patrick is our culprit, he eats like a horse doesn’t care if anyone else has any, not to mention, he’s a slob who doesn’t work.

Pride – Sandy, who annoys me is always full of herself, along with Larry the Lobster and let’s not forget Squigward.

Envy – Well, that’s easy. Plankton is always chasing the secret formula.

Greed – Mr. Crabs is motivated and lives by the dollar.

Lust – Who can forget the episode when Patrick dressed as a girl and Mr. Crabs and Squigward were chasing after him.

Anger – Squigward is the meanest person on the show. How many times does he call Patrick and SB an idiot or moron. Not to mention all the beach bullies.

In all fairness though, while Sponge Bob depicts the seven sins , Tom and Jerry weren’t any better. They chased each other, fought, beat each other up and let’s not forget how many episodes they just got drunk. Drunk? Yeah. Drunk.

While Sponge Bob is basically teaching the youth to be greedy and mean, is at any worse than the cartoons that taught us to be violent drunks?

It’s all in what we view it as. A guide or entertainment and it is all in how the adults aid the child in understanding what they watch. 

Eight Mistakes Indie Authors Should Avoid Making

Every author wants to have a bestselling novel. They have that daydream of collecting royalty checks, doing a spot on Good Morning America or Jay Leno, while sipping a fancy cocktail and writing by a pool. Truth is with the ease of the publishing now, good writers with great stories not only have to wade their way to the top through one hitters they now have to fight the stigma and the bad reputations given to Indie Authors.

I get asked quite a bit about how I do it. It’s not easy making a living as an Indie writer, it takes a lot of hard work, and there are times where I just want to chuck it all, trust me. But it’s my passion and my dream and I don’t give those up very easily. At least without a fight.

So, to be helpful, I have compiled a list of eight mistakes newbie and Indie authors make that should be avoided. It excludes the over advised grammar, book covers, etc ... It might be harsh, but it’s honest. I’m positive I have been guilty of a few of them at one time, early on. But as any established Indie will tell you, you learn. And the best way to learn is the first item on my list.

Eight Mistakes Often Made That Should Be Avoided

They ask but they don’t listen – Many times, in a state of confusion or loss at what to do, an author will reach out to a veteran author for advice. We give it. I know I spend time explaining why I am advising what I am. When we give the advice, we aren’t doing it to steer you in the wrong way, we do it because we have ‘been there, done that’ and paid the price. We honestly want to spare you. But I have learned, as many others, that 90% of the advice we give is not followed. I get so many emails stating, “UG, why didn’t I listen” to which I WANT to reply, ‘Why did you ask.”. But I don’t. The advice isn’t followed because it isn’t what they want to hear. I don't expect my advise to always be followed, but I hate hearing I was right and they didn't listen.  If you ask for advice and don’t follow it, do not express regret to the person who gave it to you. They’ll never help you again.

I’m a Writer but I don’t Write – This will be argued. Too many writers call themselves writers and are either not writing or working on multiple projects at once. I can’t tell you how many times I hear an author say they are working on three or four books and yet not one is near completion. Focus. Finish.  In this age of Instant books, no one wants to wait a year for your next project. They’ll forget you too easily, because are quick to take your place.  

Expectations and Laziness – Too many time Indies want instant recognition or sales and don’t want to work for it. They don’t seize every avenue or opportunity presented to them.  Big or small, if an opportunity is there to get one person to read … take it. You never know what that one person will do.  An example is, I posted on a big writers forum, about an opportunity to promote your work for free. A new opportunity. 10,000 plus members on the forum and I had 3 views. Pushed to the fifth page in a heartbeat, and replaced with threads griping about low sales and ….

They pimp their work to other authors – What is this? I don’t get this? Yet, authors continuously do it.  I kid you not, on that author board,  65,000 views 22,000 replies under a thread called “Authors Promote your work here’ To who? Other authors promoting their work. Really? How much sense does that make? I’d rather promote my work to five readers than 22,000 authors who will never look at my post. Insane. I guess it’s the lack of wanting to leave the comfort zone of one place. And on that …

They spend too much time on forums – If a writer wants bad reviews, torpedoes reviews, the best way to get them is too spend time on a writer’s forum. Try it, post about the success of a book and I can guarantee you’ll get a torpedo, negative review from a reviewer who never reviewed a book in their life. More so, they go to these forums and gripe about reviewers. I can bet reviewers are there.  Hit the readers not the writers unless you need advice and you can get that, one on one, on Facebook.

Loss of Marketing Tact – How many times have you seen this happen? You’re engaging in a  nice conversation about something on a forum or thread and suddenly some author posts ‘buy my book’.  Out of the blue, nothing to do with topic. Too often authors get pushy and post randomly about their work. It doesn’t get them noticed, it gets them ignored. Once I was watching a thread on Autism and a woman asking advice on how to handle her son and some author posted ‘Buy my book it has an autistic boy in it’. Grrr.

Hobby not a career – If you want to be a successful writer and make it your dream living then you have to work at it just like any other career. You wouldn’t tell your boss you can’t work because you have to sleep or watch a TV show. Writing shouldn’t play second fiddle to free time. I know how hard it is to write and work a full time job, while raising a family, but there is always time. Give up an hour sleep, a TV show. But work on it.

Readers Not Fans  - I love my readers but I would never call them fans. Me calling them ‘my fans’ lessens the importance they hold in my life. A good readership, like a friendship is built. It requires a building of trust. They trust you’ll deliver a good story, you’ll keep them reading, and trust you’ll appreciate them.  The best way to get readers is to stop being the author with a book, and be a person whose story they want to know.

21 and Counting. Some of the Best Undiscovered in the Literary World

Publishing has come a long way since the days of paper submissions and multitudes of rejections. Readers were at the mercy of the publishers on what they had to read. Ten years ago, Post Apocalypse fiction was considered non marketable. Although e-readers have been around a while, they only recently gained popularity and thus, have launched a new way to read. Readers can discover that gem at a good price, and can snuggle up with a good book without it breaking their wallet.

This is all due to Indie Authors and authors who dared to break the mold. They set the price, have free days and give you the opportunity to say yes or no to the book the big houses would consider a risk.

However, as long as it took for e-devices to catch on, that is how I long I believe it will take before a lot of Indy’s and small house writers to get the media recognition they deserve.

So after careful deliberation and lots of reading, I have compiled four lists. The 99 Cent Genius, Great Indies to check out,  the list of my Top Ten Authors who are excelling in the field and/or deserve the recognition,, but first the list....

Achievement - List of her Own

C. Dulaney - This woman doesn't need a list, she is a list of her own. Witty, dark and funny, she is the reason for this article. I was inspired because she is a best selling horror/zombie author, yet, in my opinion doesn't get the recognition she deserves. So here's to Ms. Dulaney. May her tales scare you as much as they scare me.

TOP TEN

10.

RG Porter  - Author of the Dragon’s Legacy series, this author needs attention and some reviews. His story angles are highly original and thought out. All I am gonna say is Dragon by day, man by night.

9.

Jeff Bracket – Only because I am a sucker for ‘end of the world’ tales, Half Past Midnight is a must. Jeff has a knack for characterization and storytelling. This is a truly an edge of your seat book.

8.

Carmen Amato – One of the hardest genres to break into and get good reviews is Mystery and Carmen has done just that. With hard work and pushing, her books are finally getting noticed. If you like Mystery I was super impressed by what she had to offer.

7.

Denise Streiner – This lady will make you laugh, cry and most of all … think. No, wait, more than that, you read her work and get heart warming moments that scream, ‘I get this!’ especially in her book, What Love Can Do. And it’s only 99 cents.

6.

Miranda Doerfler – This is quite an exceptional young lady and talented. She is prolific and her works in horror/zombie are amazing. This young woman will be the next big thing.

5.

TR Nowry – Never have I read and/or met a more dedicated writer. He is so humble, yet his writing is masterful. Give his series a look, and the first book is FREE.  What do you have to lose?

4.

Timothy Long – Oh my goodness does this author have a vision and his vision is so much better when not bracketed by publishing standard. Zombie Wilson Diaries still makes me giggle to think about it.

3.

Lucy Carol – I don’t need to ‘think’ she is excelling, she is showing many of us the way. Exceeding a 1,000 sales in less than a month on her self published book, Lucy was awarded the Certificate of Recognition at the Emerald City Writers conference. Way to go, Lucy!

2.

Jesse V Coffey – This woman is by far one of the best writers I have ever known. If determination alone was worth gold, she would be a millionaire. She has pursued her dream and works in her craft every moment she can. Check out her Amazon page and especially, Salt of the Earth.

Number one ….

Bowie V Ibarra – Not only can this man create dark and horrific filled worlds, he works hard for Indie writers. He’s a genuine human being and I give him the J. Druga Ernest Hemingway Award 2013, because he writes like a darker Ernest and not just because he drinks like him.

Some other Indies to check out, please …

Kris Austen Radcliffe – Dragons, pirates and Shifters  ... oh, my. Visit her homepage and just take a look at her high rated books.

Edwin Stark – Not to be confused with Tony.  If you like Zombies and humor Check to his book, The Karaoke Duo VS the karaoke Zombies.  A chuckle by the page! Give him a try.

Vickie Johnstone – From across the pond, this writer brings us the delightful Kiwi Series. All of her books (And there are many) Garnish great reviews!

Karen Myers – If Science Fiction and Fantasy are your cup of tea, her series, The Hounds of Annwn is catching on.

LV Sage – Is diligent about getting it right in Red, White & Blue, a ‘coming of age’ novel set in the Vietnam era.

Jennifer Slater – Getting some rave reviews on Contemporary Fiction, give Jennifer a shout and look. Her website is a great.

Roger Emile Stouff – Set in 1936, A Divide Beyond Reason takes a look choices we make and how they don’t always go as planned. If the cover alone doesn't grab you, the writing style will as soon as you open the sample.

99 cent Genius

Steve Griffiths – Charming, debut novel, Return From the Grave

Jean Marie Bauhaus – for fantasy meets fright at a Halloween price!

Kellee Gimore – If you like Thrillers with a romantic and hot twist check out Mahogany Sin

Lazarusinfinity – Who doesn’t want to buy a book by an author named Lazarusinfinity? Check out this deal of Exodus: A Requiem for Jacob Forlom 

I truly hope you bookmark this page so you can reference these great artists.

Is FEMA Prepping for American Invasion Post Debt Default?

Things have been hushed but the fact remains, FEMA has been stocking up District 3. The big question is why. Now, some places tell us that the actual event just so happens to coincide with yearly FEMA restocking. But then there are rumors that far more is behind this stockpiling than meets the eye.

One such source, credible, has reached out to me and will be opening up to me on things we may or may not want to know. Until then, I continue to theorize on what can be happening in the US before the end of the year.

Two weeks ago, I spoke of possible disaster scenarios on my blog. I brought up a meteor, which coincidentally, my theoretical meteor is the same size as the real comet ISON that is expected in November. Eerie, huh?

Today, I talk about something real. Something factually scary. As Sci Fi as it sounds.

Could FEMA be preparing for an East Coast Invasion? It makes sense, the coffins in Puerto Rico are merely there for holding.

But let’s go to the possibility. As outlandish as it sounds, it’s possible. As a writer, I have come up with many scenarios. Invasion of America is my favorite subject. In two of my novels, Then Came War and Dust, I deal with American invasion. One the biggest complaints that reviewers had was ‘why’, and complained that America would never be invaded. Oddly enough, the reason for invasion in Then Came War was … American debt default.

It is possible. And more so now, how? Oddly enough FEMA preparations called for completion by October 1^st, the exact date our government shut down. In one day, the US defaults on its debt. 1.28 Trillion of that Debt is owned by China.

I don’t believe we’ll feel the effects of that default right away, but we will. Perhaps FEMA is prepping for an Invasion by China, or a call on the debt by China which could put us under their ‘ownership’.

If China or Japan ignite in their ownership of the US, because both hold most of our debt. This could breed World War III, and the war could be fought on American soil.

Okay, yes, it’s highly unlikely, but a scenario I am presenting. It makes total sense. FEMA prepares, the Government shuts down, the government defaults, China orders pay up. Let’s remember they have one soldier in China for every American.

They wouldn’t come from the east, but invasion comes from the west coast, everyone moves East. Just like the Rent to Own places come and claim their cars and computers upon default, they can come and claim America.  

I don’t claim to be a psychic, but my novels and screenplays hold some scary prophetic truth. In 1999, I wore a screenplay called, Destination New York. About Terrorist who hijack planes and crash them into New York City. Hell, I have numerous rejections ridiculing the concept. Two years later … it happened. The FBI contacted me and everything.  In 2011 I penned a novel about America being invaded due to other countries collecting their debt (Then Came War) Readers and reviewers ridiculed the reasoning. It is now two years later and ironically, America faces a default of their debts.

I remember when this video came out. I immediately thought of my books, but is this group off their rocker or somehow prophetic.

If China Collects or Japan. What would happen. Americans panic, riot, go into a mode (hey we saw what they did at Walmart). People don’t go to work, the economy collapses … Armageddon without destruction. We don’t need bombs to end America, we only need the two biggest debt holders to foreclose.

EBT Error Breeds Nothing More Than Thieves and Looters at Walmart

Rarely if ever do I write anything political, but this just baffles me.

First, let’s establish that 83% of those who are on foodstamps work full time. They are not unemployed or lazy, they just need help to get food because despite the fact that they work, they just don’t earn enough to pay bills and buy groceries. If you are honest, it’s not easy to receive them, nor is the amount a lot.

But just because you lack funds does not give anyone the right to take what isn’t theirs. To take what they aren’t supposed to.

Now …. This past weekend, the system was down. But it wasn’t down, there was a glitch that lifted spending limits on all EBT (foodstamp) cards. Most stores just didn’t take them. Apparently two Walmarts in Louisiana didn’t get the memo, still took the EBT card, and people just went nuts. It looked like they were bracing for the Apocalypse.

They purchase on their EBT card, as it was put, ‘more food than one family can store.’ Obscene amounts. Some bought cart after cart of food, wiping the shelves clean. How embarrassing that people behaved like this.

When the store caught on, people just left their carts.

But hundreds and hundreds of people walked away with food they didn’t pay for nor were they entitled to.

Who flips the bill, not the government, not the recipient of the EBT card, but Walmart. Is that right, no?

These select few out of millions, just made every EBT recipient look greedy. We’re poor, we’re entitled. Walmart screwed up., Sorry, my bad. My food.

Wrong.

I know what it is like to not have enough money for groceries, I know, but the amount they took was far more than they needed. It was greed. To me, and this is my opinion, was a complete crime. Yeah, I said it .. crime. They stole the food. They knew they didn’t have the available balance, yet they shopped and took advantage.

Stealing. The definition of the word ‘Steal’ - take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.

Receiving public assistance of any kind is not a given, no recipient is entitled to take advantage of an error to benefit themselves further.  No one for that matter is. Having an EBT card does not give one the right to buy as much food as they want. That is why there is a monthly allowance.

Before you say, “oh, well, I would.’ Think about it. Let’s say all Citibank credit cards had the credit limit lifted by accident, and you went out and bought 500 worth of groceries, a new TV, and all sorts of stuff. When the system returned, who would be responsible? Not the store … you.

But the people that took the food do not have to return it, do not have to pay for it, it’s theirs free and clear. Wal-Mart pays and that’s a hefty price tag. Why is that right?

Apparently, they can track every purchase. I fully believe they should trace these folks and make them pay back the cost of the food. Period.

What a sad state we live in when people lack the morals and decency and feel they must take advantage of an error to benefit themselves. What makes it worse is they did so, fully knowing they wouldn’t get in trouble.

It was a milder form of looting, and by all intents and purposes a crime.

Walking Dead: Eight Reasons They May Be Missing the Mark

The Walking Dead is back and, like church, it will become a ritual for people on Sundays. That is if it can sustain the audience for one more season. The season premiere was a let down to a lot of people and the critics aren’t being kind either. I enjoyed it, but I also saw it as the proverbial rock and a hard spot for the show’s creators. They want to take it one place, but feel forced to stick to the roots that bound them.

So, I compiled a list of Mark Misses or Potential Jump the Sharks.

***WARNING SPOILERS***

If it Ain’t Broke:  Understandable some things from the comics had to be changed, but they started to stray off course. They had solid foundation in which to follow. They weren’t going to lose the diehard graphic novels fans if they stayed true to the books. But they stand a chance of losing those who haven’t read, because they miss storyline marks.

Show me, Don’t Tell me: I can only hope the dialogue gets better. They want to establish what all has been going on, that’s great. But forced dialogue is the worst. Daryl and Carol, for example and Carol explaining how the walkers have been gathering. We see that, why we were subject to forced dialogue. The gathering of Walkers could have been explained when Karen was clearing the fence, in frustration, she simply could have said, “What the hell. It wasn’t like this last week.”. Instead we had to hear, “Daryl, It’s been good for a while, but they’ve been gathering blah blah blah.” Uh, duh, I’m sure Daryl knows this. It was like that through the whole show. No to mention, Beth’s boyfriend, reiterating Daryl’s traits. Forced to remind us how cool he is? Please, we know.

Great Characters so Use Them:  They live in an apocalypse, there is so much potential for character driven storylines. Take advantage of what the PA world has to offer or lacks in offering.

Scenes That Have No Bearing:  Yes, we get it, there are zombies. For some reason the writers believe if we aren’t subject to tons of Walkers we’ll stop watching. The Big Spots scene. Really? Nearly two years walkers are on the roof and it took that exact moment to collapse. Not to mention, nearly a year they’ve been in the area and Daryl, the tracker just found the huge Big Spots. And …. What was the point of that scene, they left with nothing. Just to have a cool Walker scene. Hmm.

Suspension of Disbelief: In order to enjoy any fiction, especially horror, the viewer has to suspend their disbelief. I feel that the writers are relying more on cognitive estrangement, which is relying on viewers’ lack of knowledge to suspend disbelief. The very first Walker that Rick sees in the series is decomposed. If the walkers have taken over and survivors are nil, why are there still so many Walkers? We are organic and will break down.  A Walker baking on a hot Georgia roof for two years, if … if still standing, will not burst like a red water balloon of blood. It will break, yeah, but no blood.

They Need A Science Teacher to Advice:  Yes, the special effects are really cool. But let’s force the suspension of disbelief again. I research, every writer I know researches, so why can’t the FX team.  Every time I see a horribly decomposed Walker get killed and see blood splash out, I get irritated. If a person dies if a bite, the body will empty of blood. If not, the blood will pool because of gravity. To the feet. There will be no blood in the upper torso. If there is, it won’t be red. Dead means no heart, no pumping, no breathing. The blood thing just gets to me. Make it thick like tar or gooey all the time.

Predictability: Ever notice that Walking Dead focuses on a character early in the show if they are going to die. This season’s predictably will be killing off all the new characters. Show them so you know them and kill them. IE: Beth’s Boyfriend and Phineas. “hi here we are”. Whoops we’re walker bait.

Long Walks in the Park: Walking Dead has this habit of taking an entire episode to walk across the street. Rick took this really boring walk with this woman and I barely paid attention to her because I was trying to determine if she is a Talking Walking Dead. A new type of Zombie. She looked it and didn’t eat the sandwich. She said she was starving and hadn’t eaten in two days, so why didn’t she eat the sandwich. Surely she would have chowed into it.  And while we’re on it, why did Rick pack a lunch?

But on a Positive …

Phineas and Ferb: Poor Phineas (the guy who does the voice) bit the dust without warning, just after Violet the pig bit it. After long drawn out looks at the water, combined with the pig. Are they trying to steer us to Swine Flu? The bleeding eyes isn’t symptomatic of H1N1. So don’t be fooled. Bleeding eyes are consistent with Hemorrhagic Fever.  I’m thinking they are going in a new, virus makes a smarter zombie, storyline. Hence the crazy woman.

But if by some chance the new virus is caused by a leak in a Bio Lab, Flu 2 covered that.

Okay, so I griped, I’ll still watch.  Even if only for it to be my favorite show to complain about. However, if American Horror Story is anything like its Premiere, that may be next.