David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 30
November 9, 2016
Poetry 237 - Onsets
The meaning of the word 'onset' is the beginning of something, occasionally unpleasant. Well there is an element of the unpleasant in all of the poems I offer this week although it depends on personal points of view.
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Election
Remember, remember the eighth of November,for bombast Clinton and Trump,I see the world as a glowing ember,under either Clinton or Trump.© David L Atkinson November 2016
Whatever you think of the above the delight of first snow is an acknowledgement that the natural world rules.
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First Snow
Deep and crisp and even,the scene gladdens the eye,morning could see a first leavin’for folk travelling to work by.
Looking out from cozy homes,crisp, whiteness issues no warning,as it blurs outlines and alters forms,with no hint of extremities freezing.
Probably short-lived this early,a taster of more to come,as winter deepens bitterly,to which our world must succumb. © David L Atkinson November 2016
Finally, an introduction to the forthcoming Christmas season.
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Christmas Prologue
There’s gentle stirring in a great house,the time for work is near.They stir as quietly as a mouse,presaging the working atmosphere.
He can be heard clear as a bell,spreading his energy for the tasks,laughter peeling, telling all is well,reassuring all that nothing lacks.
This year’s season full of promise,approaches rapidly with winter’s chill,the toy factory making gifts with polish,all eager childish requests to fulfil.
Santa and elves performing in concert,teasing minds from young to old,with gifts, and surprise stocking insert,of red, green, silver and gold. © David L Atkinson November 2016
God Bless
[image error]
Election
Remember, remember the eighth of November,for bombast Clinton and Trump,I see the world as a glowing ember,under either Clinton or Trump.© David L Atkinson November 2016
Whatever you think of the above the delight of first snow is an acknowledgement that the natural world rules.
[image error]
First Snow
Deep and crisp and even,the scene gladdens the eye,morning could see a first leavin’for folk travelling to work by.
Looking out from cozy homes,crisp, whiteness issues no warning,as it blurs outlines and alters forms,with no hint of extremities freezing.
Probably short-lived this early,a taster of more to come,as winter deepens bitterly,to which our world must succumb. © David L Atkinson November 2016
Finally, an introduction to the forthcoming Christmas season.
[image error]
Christmas Prologue
There’s gentle stirring in a great house,the time for work is near.They stir as quietly as a mouse,presaging the working atmosphere.
He can be heard clear as a bell,spreading his energy for the tasks,laughter peeling, telling all is well,reassuring all that nothing lacks.
This year’s season full of promise,approaches rapidly with winter’s chill,the toy factory making gifts with polish,all eager childish requests to fulfil.
Santa and elves performing in concert,teasing minds from young to old,with gifts, and surprise stocking insert,of red, green, silver and gold. © David L Atkinson November 2016
God Bless
November 8, 2016
Writing - 7 Hours After - here it is.
So which candidate is in power? Well it doesn't really matter in the context of this new book but in a sense the political aspects of this story point towards the nature of US politics.
7 Hours After hints at some of the background that Trump (Drumpf) may have been connected to indirectly or directly, but whatever there is a level of dissatisfaction with the political classes.
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
7 Hours After hints at some of the background that Trump (Drumpf) may have been connected to indirectly or directly, but whatever there is a level of dissatisfaction with the political classes.
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
November 7, 2016
Tuesday Food Blog - Panacalty
This is a family recipe for traditional Mackem panacalty . . . think Lancashire hot-pot, but from Sunderland! It's cheap, easy to make and I don't know anyone who doesn't love it.
Panacalty
This dish is traditionally from the north east and even within that area there are many variations. Suffice it to say that most Thursdays in a village situated 3 miles south east of Sunderland it was on the menu.Usually it was made from layers of potatoes, onions and meat but there are as many variations as stars in the sky. I have made it previously with lamb but I decided to return to the more usual version for this week.
Ingredients2 large baking potatoes thinly sliced.1 onion, chopped1 large carrot, sliced1 pint vegetable stock4 slices of corned beef10 rashers of streaky bacon, fried1 tbsp flour2 bay leaves1 clove garlic, chopped2 teaspoons dried sagesalt and pepper
Method
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Fry the onions until soft, season and add the chopped garlic and fry for a further two minutes. Add the sliced carrots and flour and toss for a minute or two on a high heat until all of the vegetables are covered then set aside to build the dish.Line the base of an ovenproof casserole with slices of potato then cover with a layer of the carrot and onion mix, season and cover with half of the fried bacon and corned beef. Sprinkle with sage and add a bay leaf then cover with thinly sliced potato. Repeat finishing with a layer of potato. Pour over the vegetable stock. Cover and place in the oven for two hours.For the last half hour turn up the oven to hot, uncover and dot the potato with butter for a browned and crispy finish.
The above is a fairly standard recipe apart from the herbs. Some people would add Worcestershire sauce but I didn't on this occasion.
God Bless
Panacalty
This dish is traditionally from the north east and even within that area there are many variations. Suffice it to say that most Thursdays in a village situated 3 miles south east of Sunderland it was on the menu.Usually it was made from layers of potatoes, onions and meat but there are as many variations as stars in the sky. I have made it previously with lamb but I decided to return to the more usual version for this week.
Ingredients2 large baking potatoes thinly sliced.1 onion, chopped1 large carrot, sliced1 pint vegetable stock4 slices of corned beef10 rashers of streaky bacon, fried1 tbsp flour2 bay leaves1 clove garlic, chopped2 teaspoons dried sagesalt and pepper
Method
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Fry the onions until soft, season and add the chopped garlic and fry for a further two minutes. Add the sliced carrots and flour and toss for a minute or two on a high heat until all of the vegetables are covered then set aside to build the dish.Line the base of an ovenproof casserole with slices of potato then cover with a layer of the carrot and onion mix, season and cover with half of the fried bacon and corned beef. Sprinkle with sage and add a bay leaf then cover with thinly sliced potato. Repeat finishing with a layer of potato. Pour over the vegetable stock. Cover and place in the oven for two hours.For the last half hour turn up the oven to hot, uncover and dot the potato with butter for a browned and crispy finish.
The above is a fairly standard recipe apart from the herbs. Some people would add Worcestershire sauce but I didn't on this occasion.
God Bless
November 6, 2016
Writing - 7 Hours After - the future
So come Wednesday there will be a new incumbent gracing the hallowed corridors of power in Washington. Whether it is Clinton or Trump what will the future look like in the states and in the rest of the world? There are no doubt worries attached to both camps. 7 Hours After hints at some of the background that Trump (Drumpf) may have been connected to indirectly or directly, but whatever there is a level of dissatisfaction with the political classes.
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
November 5, 2016
Writing - 7 Hours After - current
I don't really consider my book as subversive as suggested by yesterday's post but it is certainly current and that is what writers produce. It is more difficult to identify that fact with so many types of media these days but many hundreds of thousands of us are writing books and we tend to write from where we are at the current time.
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
At the current time there is the presidential election in the USA and if you consider the electoral system there is undoubted connection back to the events of 9/11. There is the involvement of the security agencies, unexplained and precipitate actions by the US Government and a failure of security agencies to communicate knowledge with each other. Many of the same people are probably still in post 15 years later. So read 7 Hours After and allow your mind to wander freely and decide what is fact and what is fiction.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.
Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
November 4, 2016
Writing - 7 Hours After subversive!
Picture the playground of a 7 - 11 junior school in the north east of England in 1960. A gang of boys huddled round a book. Nervous glances keeping an eye out for teachers. Nervous giggles at the content of the book. The title causing so much attention - Lady Chatterley's Lover.
[image error]
D H Lawrence's book was banned joining the ranks of many such books. I even remember the cover being as it is above. The book was banned from 1928 till 1960 until Penguin Publishing brought a court case. Penguin won the right to publish after the famous court case.At the trial, the prosecution asked: "Is this a book you would wish your wife or servants to read?"
Giggling children aside there have been many books banned for a number of reasons, sex and politics being the main source of consternation. Ulysses by James Joyce and 1984 by George Orwell both banned for being politically subversive. Well I wonder about my latest Steele novel. It involves the happenings around 9/11 and the conspiracies that surround the tragic events of that day.
Writing tends to include a modicum of research, well one or two of the sites I have accessed are no longer available! When producing a novel of a slightly political nature it gives you the opportunity to express opinions that may cause discomfort in some areas of political life. I have already warned friends to be prepared for my unexplained disappearance!!!!
So now I have almost completed the uploading of the manuscript for 7 Hours After and is available at Amazon on the following link,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MD296UM/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478193304&sr=1-9&keywords=david+l+atkinson
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
[image error]
D H Lawrence's book was banned joining the ranks of many such books. I even remember the cover being as it is above. The book was banned from 1928 till 1960 until Penguin Publishing brought a court case. Penguin won the right to publish after the famous court case.At the trial, the prosecution asked: "Is this a book you would wish your wife or servants to read?"
Giggling children aside there have been many books banned for a number of reasons, sex and politics being the main source of consternation. Ulysses by James Joyce and 1984 by George Orwell both banned for being politically subversive. Well I wonder about my latest Steele novel. It involves the happenings around 9/11 and the conspiracies that surround the tragic events of that day.
Writing tends to include a modicum of research, well one or two of the sites I have accessed are no longer available! When producing a novel of a slightly political nature it gives you the opportunity to express opinions that may cause discomfort in some areas of political life. I have already warned friends to be prepared for my unexplained disappearance!!!!
So now I have almost completed the uploading of the manuscript for 7 Hours After and is available at Amazon on the following link,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MD296UM/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478193304&sr=1-9&keywords=david+l+atkinson
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
God Bless
November 3, 2016
Writing - Stage 2 for 7 Hours After
So now I have almost completed the uploading of the manuscript for 7 Hours After and is available at Amazon on the following link,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MD296UM/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478193304&sr=1-9&keywords=david+l+atkinson
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
Steele
My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
God Bless
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MD296UM/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478193304&sr=1-9&keywords=david+l+atkinson
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
The Kindle copy available from amazon.co.uk will upload to devices supporting the Kindle App as well as Kindle devices so you can get this an all of my books on your smartphone.
Steele
My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
God Bless
November 2, 2016
Poetry Thursday 236 - S.O.S.
People have always been concerned about 'who they are'. When I was in my late teens in the sixties people tried to find themselves and indulged in the flower power, free love, ban the bomb era. In many ways those activities defined them. In later years and nowadays people take 'a year out' and travel, but in fact you have to be fairly fortunate to have some financial backing to be able to do that. A minority of folk work their way round the planet. In the past this was not financially possible.
At that time in my life the Moody Blues were producing some thoughtful poetry set to music - I think, therefore I am, I think. As a student my fellow students and I used to philosophise in similar ways and I recall one conversation about what of the world exists when you are alone in a room and can neither hear or see any one else.
I Am
I amEven alone I am.They can detect meSo I must beBut I am just meAlone I know no-one else.I cannot detect others.But I feel that I exist,the chair, the floor exist.I am still here.But who is out there?I hear nothing.Has everything outside stopped?I still am.© David L Atkinson November 2016
As I write we are in the midst of All Souls' Day. A day when we remember our dead.
[image error]
All Souls
As the years continue to pass,the known souls increase,having gone to join the dead class,and hope to rest in peace.
A list that will continue to grow,of the familiar loved who have died,is the only way for us to go,no change, no matter what’s tried.
When we have reached our time,and are called to face journey’s end,no avoiding the pantomime,so accept the inevitable trend.
Oh no you can’tso face the judgement you deserveoh no I can’tdid I have enough good in reserve?
It is of no consequence,we have had our final chance,go to the maker with confidence and join the final dance. © David L Atkinson November 2016
A slightly sombre note but life is not all a bed of roses.
God Bless
At that time in my life the Moody Blues were producing some thoughtful poetry set to music - I think, therefore I am, I think. As a student my fellow students and I used to philosophise in similar ways and I recall one conversation about what of the world exists when you are alone in a room and can neither hear or see any one else.
I Am
I amEven alone I am.They can detect meSo I must beBut I am just meAlone I know no-one else.I cannot detect others.But I feel that I exist,the chair, the floor exist.I am still here.But who is out there?I hear nothing.Has everything outside stopped?I still am.© David L Atkinson November 2016
As I write we are in the midst of All Souls' Day. A day when we remember our dead.
[image error]
All Souls
As the years continue to pass,the known souls increase,having gone to join the dead class,and hope to rest in peace.
A list that will continue to grow,of the familiar loved who have died,is the only way for us to go,no change, no matter what’s tried.
When we have reached our time,and are called to face journey’s end,no avoiding the pantomime,so accept the inevitable trend.
Oh no you can’tso face the judgement you deserveoh no I can’tdid I have enough good in reserve?
It is of no consequence,we have had our final chance,go to the maker with confidence and join the final dance. © David L Atkinson November 2016
A slightly sombre note but life is not all a bed of roses.
God Bless
November 1, 2016
Writing - Stage 1 for 7 Hours After
A week today is the USA election and my latest Steele novel below has close links to the event. Read it!
So 7 Hours After is available in paperback from completelynovel.com from today. Search David L Atkinson or the book title.
It takes Completely Novel a couple of weeks to get the books out to distributors such as Amazon. Tomorrow I am hoping that it will be available from smashwords.com. Watch this space.
7 Hours After
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
Steele
My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
God Bless
So 7 Hours After is available in paperback from completelynovel.com from today. Search David L Atkinson or the book title.
It takes Completely Novel a couple of weeks to get the books out to distributors such as Amazon. Tomorrow I am hoping that it will be available from smashwords.com. Watch this space.
7 Hours After
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is off crusading once again with his sidekick, fiancée Naomi Kobayashi. This time he is risking life and limb by returning to the hostile shores of the USA. He has had brushes with the authorities in that vast country on previous occasions, but now has been stimulated to return because of apparent dodgy dealings over the World Trade Centre disaster of September 11th 2001.After discovering numerous ‘theories’ concerning 9/11 and who was behind it, Steele identifies possible links between large corporations with financial interests and political parties. In a presidential election year he is concerned that those vying for that prodigious post may have links with the disaster.Has Steele discovered underhand dealing by the US security services? Did one of the major political parties have a hand in the destruction of 9/11?Will Steele be caught by the CIA or can he escape back to the safety of the UK?
What was Building 7?
Where can the books be bought?
amazon.co.uk
completelynovel.com
smashwords.com
In each case search under David L Atkinson, don't forget the 'L', and search through the available options to see all 11 novels.Or click on the links below.
Steele
My hero was created post recession and so has no concept of how 'good' things were pre-2008. In 'I Have To Get It Right' when he began to flex his muscles he was working in an accountant's office. Then after the Gurentai took him under their wing and removed all of his financial worries, it was justice that was his major concern. He did become involved in international relations in 'The 51st State' but it was for the maintenance of a respectful distance between countries, rather than economic reasons. His trips into the USA had repercussions which can be read about in 'The Biter Bit' but then by the time things began to change in 2011 and the recession was really biting, Steele was trying to make sense of the state of the nation in 'A Changed Reality' and coming up against some really nasty people taking advantage of the shortage of money. By the time the USA are out of their recession Steele's steps are still being dogged by an unknown enemy from the same country. In 'Inceptus' we also find out more about what makes the man tick. The most recent Steele book 'Castled' where Steele is once again at risk from unseen enemies. It would seem that he has become quite recession proof!Then another addition to the Steele family is Earth plc in which our hero is concerned with political and emotional issues in this crime fighting adventure. This is followed by Grace and Favour which is a slightly cynical look into the lives of the landed gentry and the opportunity for crime. The ninth and most recent Steele novel is a look at the possible demise of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed almost two years ago and is entitled Flight into Secrecy.
God Bless
October 31, 2016
Tuesday Food Blog - Somerset pork with apple mash
I have made Somerset (or Normandy if you use white wine) Pork on numerous occasions but thought I would trawl through various sites to look for variations in their recipes for the same dish. I also wanted to try a variation on mashed potato.
[image error]
An unremarkable photograph of a casserole but a tasty dish nevertheless.
Ingredients
450g cubed pork1 onion, chopped2 carrots, sliced2 cloves garlic, chopped1 tpsp dried sage2 tbsp tomato puree4 mushrooms, chopped1 bottle dry cider1/2 pint of vegetable stockPotatoes1 dessert apple,butterpinch of nutmegsalt and pepper
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Fry off the onions with some salt and pepper until they begin to clarify then add the garlic and tomato puree. Add the pork and fry off quickly until the pieces are browned. Transfer to an ovenproof casserole and add the chopped carrots and mushrooms. Place in the oven for a couple of hours stirring occasionally. For the mash, boil the potatoes and sliced dessert apple together until soft. Drain, add butter and season then mash with a ricer or potato masher. Finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg.
Serve and enjoy.
God Bless
[image error]
An unremarkable photograph of a casserole but a tasty dish nevertheless.
Ingredients
450g cubed pork1 onion, chopped2 carrots, sliced2 cloves garlic, chopped1 tpsp dried sage2 tbsp tomato puree4 mushrooms, chopped1 bottle dry cider1/2 pint of vegetable stockPotatoes1 dessert apple,butterpinch of nutmegsalt and pepper
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Fry off the onions with some salt and pepper until they begin to clarify then add the garlic and tomato puree. Add the pork and fry off quickly until the pieces are browned. Transfer to an ovenproof casserole and add the chopped carrots and mushrooms. Place in the oven for a couple of hours stirring occasionally. For the mash, boil the potatoes and sliced dessert apple together until soft. Drain, add butter and season then mash with a ricer or potato masher. Finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg.
Serve and enjoy.
God Bless
