Jan Notzon's Blog, page 19
December 16, 2024
Book Review
Equality, the Third World, and Economic Delusion
by P.T. Bauer
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewDec 16, 2024 · edit
really liked it
One of the selling points of this book is that the average reader would be able to comprehend it. While I would say I was able to grasp 80-85% of it, I guess I'll have to accept that I have a distance to go to be an "average" reader.
I'd actually give it 3.5 stars, having found it full of interesting information, but the information presented in a rather dry, academic form. Perhaps the fact that PT Bauer is an English academic goes some distance toward explaining why I found it a bit ponderous.
However, if you have a background in economics, I think you would find this work quite fascinating. I do get his point that foreign aid doesn't actually foster but in fact impedes the development of underdeveloped nations.
I'd never be able to convince my brother of that as he government bureaucrat of the highest order. He is therefore certain that government does all good and private enterprise all evil.
by P.T. Bauer
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewDec 16, 2024 · edit
really liked it
One of the selling points of this book is that the average reader would be able to comprehend it. While I would say I was able to grasp 80-85% of it, I guess I'll have to accept that I have a distance to go to be an "average" reader.
I'd actually give it 3.5 stars, having found it full of interesting information, but the information presented in a rather dry, academic form. Perhaps the fact that PT Bauer is an English academic goes some distance toward explaining why I found it a bit ponderous.
However, if you have a background in economics, I think you would find this work quite fascinating. I do get his point that foreign aid doesn't actually foster but in fact impedes the development of underdeveloped nations.
I'd never be able to convince my brother of that as he government bureaucrat of the highest order. He is therefore certain that government does all good and private enterprise all evil.
December 8, 2024
Scammed Again?
About two months ago, I signed a contract with someone purporting to be Thomas Rathnow of Penguin/Random House Publishers.
This time, I ran the contract by a lawyer friend whose specialty is contract law. He said the contract was (or appeared to be) legitimate.
I also looked up Thomas Rathnow on the internet. It stated that he was the CEO of Penguin/Random House. (I later found out that he had moved to be head of the foreign language division of the company).
The first contract was for the Spanish version of my novel "The Id Paradox". The contract stated that I had to provide the translation. It ran me thousands of dollars, although the translation was first rate.
Now, the contract states that I would be paid $600K by November 11th.
So far, I have been paid nothing and while Thomas Rathnow was answering my texts promptly and offered another contract for audiobooks of all my novels.
Since November 11th, however, he has ignored my texts. It seems texts are the only means of communication these bigwigs will answer.
My question for any of my friends and followers is: Have I been scammed again?
This time, I ran the contract by a lawyer friend whose specialty is contract law. He said the contract was (or appeared to be) legitimate.
I also looked up Thomas Rathnow on the internet. It stated that he was the CEO of Penguin/Random House. (I later found out that he had moved to be head of the foreign language division of the company).
The first contract was for the Spanish version of my novel "The Id Paradox". The contract stated that I had to provide the translation. It ran me thousands of dollars, although the translation was first rate.
Now, the contract states that I would be paid $600K by November 11th.
So far, I have been paid nothing and while Thomas Rathnow was answering my texts promptly and offered another contract for audiobooks of all my novels.
Since November 11th, however, he has ignored my texts. It seems texts are the only means of communication these bigwigs will answer.
My question for any of my friends and followers is: Have I been scammed again?
December 5, 2024
Technology
Ah, the joys of technology.
Open Road Films, having expressed interest in making a film of my novel "Suffer Not the Mole People", had an affiliate make a video trailer for it.
It's been sent to me as an mp4, which I can neither open to review nor download successfully.
I'm aware that technology can make things easier. However, for this boomer, it can be downright frustrating!
Open Road Films, having expressed interest in making a film of my novel "Suffer Not the Mole People", had an affiliate make a video trailer for it.
It's been sent to me as an mp4, which I can neither open to review nor download successfully.
I'm aware that technology can make things easier. However, for this boomer, it can be downright frustrating!
November 11, 2024
Dismantling America
Dismantling America
by Thomas Sowell
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewNov 11, 2024 · edit
it was amazing
It's getting to be a habit, 5 star reviews for every book by Thomas Sowell I read. But the man's empirical evidence and reasoning I cannot find any flaw in.
If you are the least bit interested in sound analysis of sociopolitical policy and are willing to consider such impeccable reasoning and the facts plainly and cogently presented, I could not recommend this book more highly.
On the other hand, if those facts offend your ideological sensibilities, then you will find it extraordinarily annoying. Your choice.
by Thomas Sowell
12121037
Jan Notzon's reviewNov 11, 2024 · edit
it was amazing
It's getting to be a habit, 5 star reviews for every book by Thomas Sowell I read. But the man's empirical evidence and reasoning I cannot find any flaw in.
If you are the least bit interested in sound analysis of sociopolitical policy and are willing to consider such impeccable reasoning and the facts plainly and cogently presented, I could not recommend this book more highly.
On the other hand, if those facts offend your ideological sensibilities, then you will find it extraordinarily annoying. Your choice.
November 8, 2024
Coming soon
Legacy Author Jan Notzon- Sing Like a Mockingbird
Genre: F/Literary
5 Stars
Jan Notzon writes a magnificent literary tale with Sing Like a Mockingbird
In Sing Like a Mockingbird, the reader is introduced to various characters, with different lives and lifestyles, but something causes them a unique intertwined life that no expects. The teacher, a leader of a drug cartel, a corrupt sheriff, and that's just the beginning. I am a big fan of Jan Notzon and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. There are a lot of mix themes and mash ups of genres, but that's what makes this an enduring and intriguing story. I like the way the story is divided, and yet comes together. With loyalty and trust, there comes a price, and sometimes, idealism and dissolutions are what makes it interesting. The characters are strong, flawed, and perfectly real. Talk about realism. This story is amazing! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. As quoted in the book, What is it that we ultimately seek? What drives some to bloody conquest, others to the insatiable pursuit of wealth and still others to a voracious quest for fame or simple notoriety?. The reader is basically looking under the hood of humanity. Sing Like a Mockingbird is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
Genre: F/Literary
5 Stars
Jan Notzon writes a magnificent literary tale with Sing Like a Mockingbird
In Sing Like a Mockingbird, the reader is introduced to various characters, with different lives and lifestyles, but something causes them a unique intertwined life that no expects. The teacher, a leader of a drug cartel, a corrupt sheriff, and that's just the beginning. I am a big fan of Jan Notzon and read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. There are a lot of mix themes and mash ups of genres, but that's what makes this an enduring and intriguing story. I like the way the story is divided, and yet comes together. With loyalty and trust, there comes a price, and sometimes, idealism and dissolutions are what makes it interesting. The characters are strong, flawed, and perfectly real. Talk about realism. This story is amazing! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. As quoted in the book, What is it that we ultimately seek? What drives some to bloody conquest, others to the insatiable pursuit of wealth and still others to a voracious quest for fame or simple notoriety?. The reader is basically looking under the hood of humanity. Sing Like a Mockingbird is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
October 23, 2024
New Offer
I was surprised to find a film company interested in acquiring the rights to one of my novels that has gotten less attention than most. It's about a family's flight from Poland and their Prussian overlords in the 19th century.
It's called Suffer Not the Mole People. I tried to paste an image of the cover but was unable.
Oh, well. I managed it on facebook.
It's called Suffer Not the Mole People. I tried to paste an image of the cover but was unable.
Oh, well. I managed it on facebook.
September 28, 2024
The Capitalist Manifesto: Johann Norberg
An astoundingly thorough defense of free markets. The acuity of the reasoning, the evidence Norberg presents and the analysis of recent world economic history is unparalleled. If you are at all open to facts and reasoning, this will open your eyes to the truth of what works and what does not. I only wish leaders from both parties would give it a read.
Alas, I fear that most people are immune to empirical evidence and sound reasoning. I'm finding more and more that we have become rigid ideologues and believe what makes us comfortable to believe. Any facts to the contrary are ignored or dismissed as partisan propaganda.
I fear it will lead to the death of this country. And without United States leadership, we head toward Armageddon.
I hope with all my heart that I am wrong.
Alas, I fear that most people are immune to empirical evidence and sound reasoning. I'm finding more and more that we have become rigid ideologues and believe what makes us comfortable to believe. Any facts to the contrary are ignored or dismissed as partisan propaganda.
I fear it will lead to the death of this country. And without United States leadership, we head toward Armageddon.
I hope with all my heart that I am wrong.
August 27, 2024
Follow up
To add to my previous rant on the movie "Hell and High Water", I must also say that these types of movies encourage and foment crime. This is because the point they make is that banks, insurance companies, corporations, businesses of all stipes are all thieves so why shouldn't I steal from them?
This is also naked bigotry since such a conclusion is the product of a generalization about a whole class of people. Making generalization about store owners, bankers and successful people of all kinds is no different from generalizations about blacks, Jews, Hispanics, Muslims, gays, etc.
Hence, we have riots, burned down buildings, antisemitism, raids on jewelry and electronics stores, an explosion of shoplifting which we all pay for in increased prices.
Please people, understand that life is never fair--for anyone!
This is also naked bigotry since such a conclusion is the product of a generalization about a whole class of people. Making generalization about store owners, bankers and successful people of all kinds is no different from generalizations about blacks, Jews, Hispanics, Muslims, gays, etc.
Hence, we have riots, burned down buildings, antisemitism, raids on jewelry and electronics stores, an explosion of shoplifting which we all pay for in increased prices.
Please people, understand that life is never fair--for anyone!
August 25, 2024
Typical Hollywood
Yesterday I did a pitch to a Hollywood producer. She was quite complimentary and kept me on skype for a good 15 minutes after my pitch to ask questions and give advice.
I am greatly in her debt for a lot of wonderful suggestions including giving producers an idea of its visual content by mentioning what I assume would be the functional equivalent of "comp novels". i.e. "comp movies". She also suggested that I let the characters and what happens to them tell more of the story.
One suggestion I did not find appealing was to watch the movie "Hell and High Water". It was boiler-plate Hollywood. Two brothers rob banks because, of course, banks a full of evil greedy bankers who are themselves thieves. Hence, stealing for them is a blessed endeavor.
The truth is, you are not stealing from the bankers. You are stealing from individuals who have made deposits in order to try to put together a nest egg for themselves and their families, and perhaps have it grow over time. You are stealing from Mom and Pop stores who have taken out a loan to start their business or to expand one they already own.
You are stealing from companies that give people jobs, retirees, some of whom are poorer than you are.
It's amazing to me that people in Hollywood just don't get this.
I am greatly in her debt for a lot of wonderful suggestions including giving producers an idea of its visual content by mentioning what I assume would be the functional equivalent of "comp novels". i.e. "comp movies". She also suggested that I let the characters and what happens to them tell more of the story.
One suggestion I did not find appealing was to watch the movie "Hell and High Water". It was boiler-plate Hollywood. Two brothers rob banks because, of course, banks a full of evil greedy bankers who are themselves thieves. Hence, stealing for them is a blessed endeavor.
The truth is, you are not stealing from the bankers. You are stealing from individuals who have made deposits in order to try to put together a nest egg for themselves and their families, and perhaps have it grow over time. You are stealing from Mom and Pop stores who have taken out a loan to start their business or to expand one they already own.
You are stealing from companies that give people jobs, retirees, some of whom are poorer than you are.
It's amazing to me that people in Hollywood just don't get this.
August 7, 2024
Press Release
Renowned novelist and playwright Jan Notzon returns with his latest historical epic, "Only the Dead (Know the End of War)," a profound exploration of the births of the Mexican and Texas Republics in the 19th century, a period marked by severe conflict and the forging of new nations at a great human cost.
Set against the backdrop of brutal wars, political deceit, and societal upheaval, Notzon's novel intricately weaves the lives of three families—two Mexican and one Texan—through their struggles with external enemies and internal betrayals. The narrative delves
into the raw encounters with savage adversaries, the fierce ideological battles between idealists and cynics, and the personal sacrifices demanded by such tumultuous times.
This expansive tale not only highlights the violent confrontations and societal shifts but also portrays the individual stories of survival and moral conflict within a rigidly hierarchical society.
The characters' journeys through these adversities reveal the complex interplay between personal initiative and collective destiny that characterizes the historical narrative of Western expansion.
Critics have lauded the novel for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Publishers' Weekly praised Notzon for writing a "gripping and heartfelt 19th-century tale," while Literary Titan highlighted the "intricate ethical dilemmas" faced by the characters, particularly through José Necahuatl, whose internal conflicts embody the broader societal challenges of the era.
"Only The Dead (Know the End of War)" has already received critical acclaim, with a perfect
rating from early readers and reviewers who commend its evocative prose and impactful
storytelling. As one editor poignantly noted, "This is a masterful, epic tale, evocatively and
beautifully written... Rarely have I been assigned a book so eloquently written."
Jan Notzon's latest novel is available now on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this powerful narrative that not only recounts the past but also reflects on the timeless questions of morality, belonging, and the human cost of conflict.
Set against the backdrop of brutal wars, political deceit, and societal upheaval, Notzon's novel intricately weaves the lives of three families—two Mexican and one Texan—through their struggles with external enemies and internal betrayals. The narrative delves
into the raw encounters with savage adversaries, the fierce ideological battles between idealists and cynics, and the personal sacrifices demanded by such tumultuous times.
This expansive tale not only highlights the violent confrontations and societal shifts but also portrays the individual stories of survival and moral conflict within a rigidly hierarchical society.
The characters' journeys through these adversities reveal the complex interplay between personal initiative and collective destiny that characterizes the historical narrative of Western expansion.
Critics have lauded the novel for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Publishers' Weekly praised Notzon for writing a "gripping and heartfelt 19th-century tale," while Literary Titan highlighted the "intricate ethical dilemmas" faced by the characters, particularly through José Necahuatl, whose internal conflicts embody the broader societal challenges of the era.
"Only The Dead (Know the End of War)" has already received critical acclaim, with a perfect
rating from early readers and reviewers who commend its evocative prose and impactful
storytelling. As one editor poignantly noted, "This is a masterful, epic tale, evocatively and
beautifully written... Rarely have I been assigned a book so eloquently written."
Jan Notzon's latest novel is available now on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this powerful narrative that not only recounts the past but also reflects on the timeless questions of morality, belonging, and the human cost of conflict.
