Java Davis's Blog, page 19
September 21, 2015
Definition: Diaspora
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Definition: Diaspora
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “diaspora” thusly: “a group of people who live outside the area in which they had lived for a long time or in which their ancestors lived.”
Historically, the word “diaspora” has been most closely associated with the scattering of Jews around the world during and after World War II, but I see the desperation of the Syrian refugees in such large numbers, and the word “diaspora” comes to mind. My heart goes out to these people, especially when I see parents on television saying that they are searching for a better life for their children. On the other hand, it scares me to hear television pundits expostulating that terrorists might blend into a crowd of legitimate refugees, and the countries where Syrians have resettled might be harboring enemies in their midst, and considering the sheer number of displaced persons, it’s highly likely to be true.
So, ultimately, how do I feel? Both compassionate and scared.
September 18, 2015
A Campaign for Metal
My latest release, Metal: A Treasure Hunt, only had one review and the woman trashed it and gave away the ending. So I am appealing to my cyber-universe for help in counterbalancing that one, lone, evil review. I’ve scattered the note below all over the internet, but I also sent it to Amazon’s review team. I wanted them to know that there were no quid pro quo agreements, no 5-star promises. So far, Amazon has been cooperative about not flagging reviews. Herewith, the message:
ASKING FOR HELP!:
My latest book, Metal: A Treasure Hunt, only has one review on Amazon and she not only trashed it, she gave away the ending. I have every confidence in it, and I am asking people to agree to read it and review it honestly. Please let me know if anyone is interested in helping me out.
A Campaign for Metal
My latest release, Metal: A Treasure Hunt, only had one review and the woman trashed it and gave away the ending. So I am appealing to my cyber-universe for help in counterbalancing that one, lone, evil review. I’ve scattered the note below all over the internet, but I also sent it to Amazon’s review team. I wanted them to know that there were no quid pro quo agreements, no 5-star promises. So far, Amazon has been cooperative about not flagging reviews. Herewith, the message:
ASKING FOR HELP!:
My latest book, Metal: A Treasure Hunt, only has one review on Amazon and she not only trashed it, she gave away the ending. I have every confidence in it, and I am asking people to agree to read it and review it honestly. Please let me know if anyone is interested in helping me out.
September 14, 2015
Book Review: Ian Pemberton, by Steven Hugh
http://theroadtripwriter.com/book-rev...
Book Review: Ian Pemberton, by Steven Hugh (4 coffee beans)
In dreary, rainy England lived a couple with soul-sucking jobs, and that couple was Ian and Madeleine Pemberton. Madeleine had the stamina to keep working her job. She had family nearby, and when she was with family and friends, she was considered the life of the party, lively and funny. Ian, on the other hand, burnt out of his job as a driver. One day, he took off from work, and it felt so good, he never wanted to go back.
The premise of Ian Pemberton is that Ian talks Madeleine into putting their house up as a rental and moving to southern Spain. Ian’s vague plan is to open a garden décor center. Madeleine decided to be a good sport and share Ian’s dream.
This book covers the problems of moving to a new country with different money, different language, and no idea how to launch a business, or what paperwork is necessary, how taxes in Spain work, and on and on. Madeleine’s troubles start immediately, when her speech isn’t well understood and her witty banter is not seen as sparkling. She hates the food and eats processed food as much as possible. Ian, however, is captivated by the weather, the scenery, the food, and the rhythms of the lives of native Spaniards. Despite the steep learning curves, Ian is happier than he’s ever been.
As this couple experiences Spanish life and are tourists in new places, the reader is taken on a tour of what must be “the real Spain.” My emotions were tugged in many directions as the couple struggles, makes new friends, and takes tentative steps to a new future.
I recommend this book as a great travel book, especially if you’re considering an extended visit to Spain.
September 13, 2015
Autumn will be here soon
http://theroadtripwriter.com/autumn-w...
#roadtrip #fallinpa
Autumn Will Be Here Soon
Autumn in Pennsylvania
Autumn in Pennslvania
September 10, 2015
Update: Face Blindness
Just a quick update on my quest to be a prosopagnosia guinea pig. I’ve been contacted by the Dartmouth program. I would need to take tests to assess my usefulness. Then there would be a 2.5-hour test via ‘puter. So no road trip to Dartmouth for the research center, but I’m still hopeful that I’ll be part of their analyses.
Wish me luck!
September 8, 2015
Face Blindness
Face blindness has been on my mind this week. I have the neurological disorder officially called “prosopagnosia.” the internet is made for someone like me who has trouble either recognizing faces, or recognizing landmarks that should be familiar, or following a movie with a large cast of characters.
Prosopagnosia can be caused by brain trauma but also by heredity. Growing up, my father often didn’t recognize me. When he got old and his face changed significantly, I only recognized him by his distinctive voice.
There are two centers in the U.S. that do research on face blindness. One is at Harvard University, and the other is at Dartmouth College. I tried to volunteer to be a study subject for Harvard, but they had enough guinea pigs and didn’t want me. I’ve now tried to contact Dartmouth to see if they could use me as a subject. I’m still waiting to hear.
Does anyone out there have any experience with face blindness in their social circle?
