Leon Stevens's Blog, page 9
July 7, 2025
“Music” Monday: AI-AI-Oh My…
You may not have heard of them, but a new band, The Velvet Sundown, has racked up 100s of thousands of streams on Spotify.
Wait. Let me rephrase that.
A new “band”, The Velvet Sundown, which does not exist, racked up 100s of thousands of streams on Spotify.
I’m not surprised that someone created—wait, I mean asked an AI program to do this. When ChatGPT came out, there was a flood of AI generated books being listed on Amazon. Then came all the AI “art” and pictures showing up on social media, followed by AI videos.
So how did music lovers not know? Traditional recording has come a long way over the last 60 years and does rely a lot on digital technology to create the music we listen to. Sounds are crisp and clear, well blended, and unfortunately littered with effects like auto-tune.
I was curious (so you don’t have to be) about what “they” sounded like.
The verdict? Shit.
I searched YouTube and found the album, Echoes and Archives:
Boring pastel art, and the eyeball made me think of The Alan Parsons Project, but when I saw a “picture” of the “band”, I could tell that was AI generated. The “bass player” looks like the pawnshop owner in the movie, Men in Black.
So, you’re asking,. “Are the songs any good?”
No. Of course not. Generic, with each track sounding much like the last, lyrics filled with standard themes and tropes. I skipped through them so I wouldn’t be stuck with am AI earworm, although nothing was catchy enough.
Is this where music is going now? I sure hope not.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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July 6, 2025
Songs for a Sunday: Ayra Starr
I listen to music from all over the world. It’s much easier now than it was 20 years ago. I remember finding an internet radio station site that had streams from all over the globe.
At that time, lag was the norm. You’d be listening to a song and it would stop for a few seconds (or minutes) before resuming the broadcast. Some of the most interesting sounds came from groups in the Caribbean, Madagascar, and other African nations.
Global music is now readily accessible and more importantly has had influence in North American music. Not as much as the other way around, though. As the Eurovision Song Contest showed, hip hip, R&B, and pop has infiltrated many if not all countries music.
Music is universal. A melody, a beat, or the rhythm of the words can evoke emotion in the listener, regardless of the language it is sung in, or the accent. I did a post on some of the Latin Reggaetón bands two years ago.
Music Monday June 5: I don’t understand the words but it doesn’t matter, does it?
I remember my parents saying about my taste in music as a teenager (heavy metal), “You can’t understand a word they’re saying, it’s just screaming.” In a lot of cases they were right, but it didn’t affect our enjoyment of it.
“Get to the music already, Leon.“
Oh, okay…
Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born in Benin Republic.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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July 5, 2025
Weekend Wrap-up July 5
I had a busy day yesterday. Three posts in one day? Who does that?
It was also a busy week with Canada Day and Independence Day, so it gave me lots to write about.
Then, someone decided to buy both books of my Orion Arm Alliance series a the same time. It’s always a good feeling when that happens.
Last month, Amazon decided to cut author’s paperback royalties (for books under $9.99) from 60% to 50%. I don’t sell a lot of paperbacks but it does hurt a bit. I guess Jeff needed to pay for his Venice wedding.
In response to this, I might combine the three books in my trilogy into one volume and charge $9.99. I might reformat it and decrease to font size which will lower my printing cost.
Take that, Bezos.
In case you missed my blog:Weekend Wrap-up July 5Just for Fun Friday: Independence Day (the movie)Just for Fun Friday: Independence Day (not the movie)Just for Fun Friday: In Conversation with Author Jon McBrineCan I get Franc? (Cabernet, that is.)Hope you enjoyed the recap! Feel free to share it with others.
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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July 4, 2025
Just for Fun Friday: Independence Day (the movie)
Four score and seven months ago—
“It came out in 1996.“
Not everyone likes a sci-fi movie, but I do. Independence Day (directed by Roland Emmerich) delivers on many levels. As good as special effects are these days, this movie’s still holds up today, from the spaceships, to the aliens, to the explosions.
The plot is the typical alien invasion trope with the humans emerging victorious in the end (after the mandated “Rah, rah, Americans are soooo great” speech), but still has enough uniqueness to keep it interesting.
Will Smith, who is always funny (when he’s not slapping people) in his delivery is the star of the show, but his partner played by Jeff Goldblum also turns in an entertaining performance. Lt. Commander Data (yes, but Brett Spiner will always be Data to me) plays a slightly batty scientist holed up in Area 51, and Randy Quaid is perfect as a drunken army vet before he went all conspiracy theory on us. Finally, Judd Hirsch, as Goldblum’s father is the voice of reason thought the chaos.
Oh, yeah. Bill Pulman is…well, Bill Pulman. Slightly dry and bland.
And in the time honored tradition of taking a great movie and sullying it with a sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence was released on June 24, 2016.
-Leon
Euphrates Vanished (Kindle/KU)A Matter of Sabotage (Kindle/KU)Don’t feel like buying the book? How about reviewing for free?
Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign to review A Matter of SabotageSci-fi not your thing?
Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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Just for Fun Friday: Independence Day (not the movie)
Four score and seven months ago—
“It’s only been six months.“
If you are an American, you either like the situation that your country is in or you are embarrassed by the guy in the White House (and probably a little worried too).
Back in 1776, a bunch of white men got together to make a list of things they disliked about being British.
Paying taxes.Having one person make all the rulesAnd that was pretty much it so they decided to cut ties with the monarchy and go at it on their own. They stated that all men were created equal except for the black men and the Indigenous men. As for women, well…
“How hard can it be to run a country?” said Elbridge Gerry (Look him up. He signed it). “Let’s create three levels of government, all separate and bi-partisan, so that each can keep the others in check and avoid oligarchy.”
“Yeah! That sounds perfect,” said Button Gwinnett (I didn’t make him up either). “How about we hold elections every 4 years and the people can decide how will make the next set of rules?”
“That’s a great idea, ” said George Clymer. “But can we make the process complicated and confusing?”
“Yeah, yeah,” said Joseph Hewes. “How about we make it so one state gets votes that are heavily weighted and can decide the outcome regardless how any other state votes?”
Oliver Wolcott shook his head. “You mean your state, right? Nice try.”
After several hours of bickering and arguing about who had the best penmanship, Timothy Matlack sat down, grabbed a feather quill, and promptly knocked over the ink jar, prompting Abraham Clark to exclaim:
“Nice going, Poindexter!”
-Leon
Euphrates Vanished (Kindle/KU)A Matter of Sabotage (Kindle/KU)Don’t feel like buying the book? How about reviewing for free?
Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign to review A Matter of SabotageSci-fi not your thing?
Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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Just for Fun Friday: In Conversation with Author Jon McBrine
As an author drawn to superhero sci-fi aimed at young adult readers, Jon McBrine adds a unique spin on coming-of-age stories – by adding superpowers, snarky villains, and big robot fights. Focused on pure fun and adventure, Jon also showcases the people under the mask (and spandex).
In Conversation With Jon McBrine
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Jon McBrine. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?
I’m good, I don’t need anything, but thank you, though. and thank you for having me!
I read that you live in Texas. Is everything really that big there or is it just a way to dupe tourist into coming?
What I can say is that a lot of people drive large trucks and there are plenty of restaurants that serve large portions. Saying that, though, a recent trip to Philadelphia saw some way bigger meals than I’ve seen here.
How are you finding the Substack experience? I started one but haven’t been able to get much traction.
It’s like any other app, it’s yet another thing to manage and nurture. It’s a grind unto itself, but I do like how easy it is to use and how recognizable it is. I’ve considered only having my blog on my site, but Substack at least provides the chance of a wider outreach.
What got you into science fiction?
I’m the youngest of three siblings and we, of course, love all things sci-fi, and my parents were fans of different sci-fi films and television, so in a way, I feel like I was born into it. Science fiction has been a presence throughout my entire life in numerous forms.
What authors influenced you?
In middle school and high school I read some superhero novelizations written by Greg Cox, as well as Elliot S! Maggin, Chuck Dixon, a lot of the comic book guys.
What was the first book you published?
The first ever release was a short story eBook called The Supervillain’s Oath. What’s neat about that is that it was written as a prequel to my full-length novel, which I had completed writing some time before. So, to me, “Oath” feels like the prequel it was designed to be, but it is “officially” my very first publication.
Did you plan on Eric Icarus being a series?
Eric Icarus books one and two are out now and it is planned as a five book series.
I see that you do your own cover art? Have you always been an artist?
I have been drawing since I was a kid and much later as an adult, I earned my degree in graphic design. Creating the books has been an amazing way to focus my creative interests in one project.
What music do you like to listen to and do you have any favorite bands/artists?
As I get a little older, I can appreciate more genres, but metal will always be what I gravitate back to. From thrash bands like Megadeth, hardcore like Terror, and so many others like Lamb of God. For newer acts, I’ve been enjoying the likes of Turnstile and Sweet Pill.
Many great bands has come out of Texas. Which ones are your favorites and which ones do you wish never made it out?
There is no shortage of country music bands from here, and there are a lot I like, but some of the more contemporary more R&B/dance/Hip Hop country fusion bands aren’t my favorites. If more of those sounded like the opening credits of the show Justified, then that’s a different story because that song is a banger.
Get ready for the lightning round!
Ever been told you look like someone and is so, who?
When I was a bit younger people would say I looked like the “Can You Hear Me Now?” commercial guy.
Best river that’s not the Rio Grande?
The Brazos, of course.
Armadillo. Fan or not?
I can’t say I’m a “fan” of armadillos, but I have nothing against them.
Favorite city?
Dallas because it’s the general area where I live.
Move beautiful place you have stood?
White Sands, NM
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Snakes of any kind.
This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?
-Leon
Euphrates Vanished (Kindle/KU)A Matter of Sabotage (Kindle/KU)Don’t feel like buying the book? How about reviewing for free?
Sign up to review Euphrates VanishedSign to review A Matter of SabotageSci-fi not your thing?
Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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July 3, 2025
Can I get Franc? (Cabernet, that is.)
What is the most common grape you have never heard of?
That would be the Cabernet Franc. According to the internet:
Cabernet Franc is a grape variety that is responsible for, and contributes to, some of the greatest wines in the world. Whether it’s being used on its own or playing a supporting role as a blending component, Cabernet Franc tends to contribute brambly berry and wild strawberry notes, as well as distinctive bell pepper and herbal qualities that run the gamut from mint and chamomile to cigar tobacco and beyond.
According to facts:
Cabernet Franc is one of those grape varieties that, despite its lack of widespread popular acclaim, is extremely important in the wine world. Its role as a blending partner is virtually unparalleled, and it has been growing in popularity as a single-varietal wine, as well.
Why do I like it? The sommelier in me says because this lighter body red has notes of brambly berry and wild strawberry, as well as distinctive bell pepper and herbal qualities that run the gamut from mint and chamomile to cigar tobacco and beyond.
The wine enjoyer in me says because it’s yummy.
I first discovered this wine on a trip through Niagara wine country. Canada produces some excellent wines, a far cry from the 70s and 80s choices of Lonesome Charlie, Moody Blue, and Baby Duck.
There are over 800 wineries in Canada, producing almost 60 million liters per year.
It’s been a long time since I’ve bought a bottle of American wine but the nice thing is…
I don’t have to.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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July 2, 2025
Weird Facts About Canada
Saskatchewan looks like a trapezoid but the eastern border is not straight:
Why? The western border follows the longitudinal line, but the eastern border follows the Dominion Land Survey system which has to shift or jog to adjust for the curvature of the earth, otherwise land lots would not be square.
Bay of Fundy: Tidal bore
The Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia has some of the highest tides in the world. You can watch the tide push its way up rivers and narrow inlets in what is called a tidal bore.
Not boring at all…
Rising lands: The land around Hudson’s Bay is slowly rising. After being pushed down by the weight of ice during the last ice age, it has been rebounding by 1 meter every hundred years.
You can see the different beaches that were formed as the land rises:
The town of Alert, Nunavut is the most northern settlement in the world.
I could go on but i can’t think of anymore right now.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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July 1, 2025
Happy Canada Day!: Canada Becomes a Country
If you missed yesterday, you can get caught up here before reading on:
The Beginnings of Canada
In the year 1867, a bunch of men—
“A bunch of white men you mean.“
Yeah, that is a lot of white men, but I can’t change history.
As I was sayin’, a bunch of men got together on the small island of Epekwitk, the original name the Mi’kmaq people called Prince Edward Island meaning “cradle on the waves”. This was misinterpreted to mean “Anne of Green Gables” which they thought was a silly name and I quote, “No one will want to come here if it has a name like that.”
The leaders of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick all decided they would become their own country with no input from the indigenous people, even though they had been instrumental in the survival of the settlers in the early years, and supplied them with furs to sell at the new European outlet malls.
When asked by reporters if they should have consulted the First Nations people, they shrugged their shoulders and mumbled, “I dunno.”
Manitoba followed 3 years later spearheaded by Louis Riel who wanted in on the action and a homeland for the Metis people. The new Canadian government said, “Sure. But we can’t guarantee we won’t hang you for treason some day.”
British Columbia saw that Canada was building a railway and made a deal that if made it across all that flat, boring stuff, and through the hard, pokey-up mountains, that they would join and supply the country with hippies.
Quebec developed a ravenous appetite for poutine, and petitioned the government to invite Prince Edward Island into the fold. When the islanders (not the hockey team) said they would join if a bridge built to the mainland, the Canadian government said, “Suuure…we’ll get right on that.”
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan and Albert were a bit miffed that there were trains going back and forth without stopping and said “We’ll give you wheat and oil if you let us in.”
While all of this was going on, the First Nations people were signing land treaties which didn’t do them much good in the end because the government told them that the fine print was just, “boilerplate stuff.”
Finally, 40 years later, after Newfoundlanders got tired of waiting for stuff to be shipped from England, they decided to join up with Canada because, and I quote, “Look. It’s righ dere b’y.”
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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June 30, 2025
The Beginnings of Canada
In the year 1100 (or around there) the Viking Leif Erikson sailed west from Greenland to look for a land that was actually green—or in his words, “Greener than this place. It’s nice and all, but the sheep are running out of places to graze, and we really could use a few more trees.”
Finding the coast of what is now Labrador, and the island of Newfoundland—which he named “New Founde Lande” (he was quite fond of extra e’s as they made it look old-timey), he returned to tell of a land of trees and grapevines.
Several expeditions were sent to colonize and set up a settlement which only lasted a few years because the indigenous people who lived there—the Beothuks—and I quote, “Scared the bejeezus out of us.”
Hundreds of years later, Europeans came because they heard the fishing was half decent, and eventually settled along the coast pushing the Beothuks inland and cutting them off from the resources that had sustained them, leading to their extinction.
Nice going, Europeans. I hope you learn your lesson and treat the First Nations people on the mainland better…
No?
Anyway, in 16something, a whole bunch of Europeans came and decided that they wanted North America and divided it into two parts, the warm part and the cold part.
The Americans, being overbearing and feeling self-important said, and I quote, “We’ll take this southern part and fight over it amongst ourselves for a few decades,” while the Canadians, being an amiable and polite bunch said, and I quote, “Umm, I guess we’ll just head up into that snowstorm.”
Stay tuned for more tomorrow!
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
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