Sally Ember's Blog, page 10

March 4, 2022

#SMASHWORDS is having its 13th Annual “Read An #Ebook Week” NOW! March 6 – 12, 2022! Many #sales and #discounts, some #free! #ebookweek22

#SMASHWORDS is having its 13th Annual “Read An #Ebook Week” NOW!
March 6 – 12, 2022!

Many #sales and #discounts, some #free, #ebookweek22
Get any ebook format you want on Smashwords!


The Story Behind “Read an Ebook Week” (RAEW): Read an Ebook Week was created by Canadian Smashwords author, Rita Toews. If you’re interested to learn the story behind her creation of Read an Ebook Week, read the 2010 interview with Rita over at The Huffington Post . Please note that the prior web address mentioned in the interview, www. ebookweek.com, is now controlled by a squatter and is not associated with this promotion, so please don’t link to or promote the old address.


The Smashwords’ RAEW page is: http://smashwords.com/ebookweek or
https://www.smashwords.com/books/category/1/newest/1


The official Read an Ebook Week Facebook page, operated by Rita, is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Read-an-E-Book-Week/193882590629749
Show your support for RAEW by “Liking” it on Facebook and sharing it.


All three published Volumes of the sci-fi/romance/multiverse/utopian/paranormal (psi) ebooks in The Spanners Series for adults/NA/YA are participating in this great sale! And, if you prefer or want also to have paperbacks, scroll to the end for the Amazon links to utilize Kindle Matchbook discounts to purchase those!

Volume I, This Changes Everything, The Spanners Series, by Sally Ember, Ed.D.
Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of  beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are. Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.
In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth? This Changes Everything begins the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series. Are you ready for the changes?

TSS v1

Vol I is PERMA-FREE!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, The Spanners Series, by Sally Ember, Ed.D.
COUPON CODE for 25% off is SA35V

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, The Spanners Series. Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II. How would you do with the changes?

TSS v2

Usually $3.99; “Read an Ebook Week” Promotional price: $2.99
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424969
Enter the code prior to completing checkout.
COUPON CODE for Vol II, 25% off is SA35V

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, The Spanners Series, by Sally Ember, Ed.D.
COUPON CODE for 50% off is SA35V

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is /Is Not The Way I Want Things to Change of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. To join, Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.
Clara, continuing as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi-Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them each to make difficult choices across multiple timelines while continuing to train and fight.
Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?
What do you do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Spannersvolume3coverfinal

Usually $3.99; “Read an Ebook Week” Promotional price, Vol III: $2.00
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588331
Enter the code prior to completing checkout.
COUPON CODE for 50% off is SA35V

Cover art and logo for The Spanners Series all by Aidana Willowraven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

 

BOOK TRAILERS for all three volumes, here:

Volume I, This Changes Everything
https://youtu.be/QJDEt1O8yQ8?list=PLPbfKicwk4dE_bsvzZO7X8-IIqqLY15uS
or
https://goo.gl/8OLVSr
AND
https://youtu.be/X_8ZFVY9BMg?list=PLPbfKicwk4dE_bsvzZO7X8-IIqqLY15uS
or
https://goo.gl/MvYFH3
AND
https://youtu.be/WL9lPK8IhRk?list=PLPbfKicwk4dE_bsvzZO7X8-IIqqLY15uS
or
https://goo.gl/APrn9P

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever
https://youtu.be/WenvYeasiik?list=PLPbfKicwk4dE_bsvzZO7X8-IIqqLY15uS
or
https://goo.gl/ERqLHY

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change
https://youtu.be/uINdFH0XS18?list=PLPbfKicwk4dE_bsvzZO7X8-IIqqLY15uS
or
https://goo.gl/q9NGsg
AND

Find ALL books participating in the Smashwords’ Read An Ebook Week sale and stock up on your favorite genres, authors and titles OR scout out some new talent! https://www.smashwords.com/books/category/1/newest/1

3 paperbacks

PAPERBACK LOVERS:
Kindle MatchBook includes all three Volumes of The Spanners Series!
Buy any ebook format and get a discount
on the paperback of the same Volume (or vice-versa).

Amazon’s paperbacks’ links:
Vol I: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8
Vol II: http://www.amzn.com/B00KU5Q7KC
Vol III: http://www.amzn.com/B0177Z1KRM

Amazon’s ebooks’ pages:
Vol I: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8
Vol II: http://www.amzn.com/B00KU5Q7KC
Vol III: http://www.amzn.com/B0177Z1KRM

All published by Timult Books

logo Timult Books

 

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Published on March 04, 2022 22:02

January 4, 2022

December 31, 2021

“Winter #Premiere Dates For New & Returning #Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming”


In case your viewing habits differ from ours, my mom and I offer this full list:



“As another calendar year draws to a close, it’s time again for #Deadline’s annual list of winter premiere dates for new and returning TV series. The list covers more than 250 broadcast, cable and streaming programs debuting from January 1 through March 31 and includes series and season/half-season debuts, shows’ return from hiatus and some…”


Winter Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
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Published on December 31, 2021 07:52

December 28, 2021

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales! #Free, 25 – 75% off! Only Three More Days, Through 1/1/22

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales! 
#Free, 25% – 75% off! Only Three More Days, Through 1/1/22

logoAuthorsDen
The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance
by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

Proud member of Clean Indie Reads #CR4U

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo are
by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is having its 5th Annual End-of-Year Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are on sale for 3 more days only!
free (Volume I)
only $2.99 (Volume II) COUPON CODE for Volume II, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22:
UP66L
only $2.00 (Volume III) COUPON CODE for Volume III, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22: UP66L

(usually $3.99 each for ebooks)! See below for links and more info.

And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales for this great sale!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give ebooks for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program at Amazon!
See below for links, details and coupon codes (on Smashwords, only) for each of the Volumes.

SpannersVolume1coverfinal
This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart (in this case, download Volume I for free), you get a discount for the total package. Vol I Amazon link: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8

Spannersvolume2coverfinal
This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE: UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol II Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B00KU5Q7KC

Spannersvolume3coverfinal
This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $2.00, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE: UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol III Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B0177Z1KRM

3 paperbacks
The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks.

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

logo Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, archived YouTube (Sally Sue Ember channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/SallySueEmber/videos) video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers and more: http://www.sallyember.com

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Published on December 28, 2021 23:00

December 22, 2021

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales! #Free, 25 – 75% off! 8 More Days: Through 1/1/22

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales!
#Free, 25 – 75% off! 8 More Days: Through January 1, 2022

logoAuthorsDen
The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance
by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

Proud member of Clean Indie Reads #CR4U

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo are
by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is having its 5th Annual End-of-Year Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are on sale for 8 more days only!
free (Volume I)
only $2.99 (Volume II) COUPON CODE for Volume II, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22: UP66L
only $2.00 (Volume III) COUPON CODE for Volume III, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22: UP66L

(usually $3.99 each for ebooks)! See below for links and more info.

And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales for this great sale!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give ebooks for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program at Amazon!
See below for links, details and coupon codes (on Smashwords, only) for each of the Volumes.

SpannersVolume1coverfinal
This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart (in this case, download Volume I for free), you get a discount for the total package. Vol I Amazon link: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8

Spannersvolume2coverfinal
This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE: UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol II Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B00KU5Q7KC

Spannersvolume3coverfinal
This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $2.00, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol III Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B0177Z1KRM

3 paperbacks
The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks.

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

logo Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, archived YouTube (Sally Sue Ember channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/SallySueEmber/videos) video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers and more: http://www.sallyember.com

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Published on December 22, 2021 23:00

December 18, 2021

What is #Christian about #Christmas? EVERYTHING!

What is #Christian about #Christmas? EVERYTHING!

So, every year, as a practicing Buddhist raised Jewish, I post something about this topic. This year, with about one week until Christmas Day, I posted this on FB, and the ensuing “dialogue” was… priceless.

“Once more, for the deniers and seemingly willfully ignorant: Symbols and activities of #Christmas ARE #CHRISTIAN.

“Doesn’t matter what you think, want or believe, what religion you usually belong to, or what you like to claim/say about your….

“The following are not ‘American,’ nor is the USA a ‘Christian nation’ (although the Constitution has been overruled and hijacked to make it appear true).

All Christian items/aspects associated with Christmas count, and must include (note the word ‘Christmas’ in each):
—Christmas trees
—Christmas indoor or outdoor decorations OF ALL KINDS, including wreaths, garlands, ornaments, angels, 5-pointed stars, lights of all kinds, inflatables (regardless of origins), audio or video recordings, IF displayed/ broadcast/hung for Christmas
—Christmas carols
—Christmas hymns, prayers, services, worship rituals
—Christmas cookies
—Christmas gingerbread houses and contests
—Christmas cards
—Christmas parties
—Christmas joy, cheer, greetings, piped-in public space music
—Christmas cakes, pies, pastries, puddings, etc.
—Christmas meals
—Christmas gifts, clothing, accessories, including pajamas
—Christmas-time films, TV or radio shows, podcasts, etc., that include anything on this list
—Christmas or Catholic imagery, e.g.: crosses, statues, mangers, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, books, stories, pageants, plays, costumes, fairs, sermons, letters, messages, birthday celebrations, anything else for and about Jesus’ birth, life, or death
—Christmas traditions OF ALL KINDS.

“Period.

“Anyone unclear? Ask a non-Christian. We are all certain.

“We non-Christians are also more comfortable and feel appropriately respected when the above are acknowledged rather than disputed.

“Happy Holidays.”

Someone I barely knew from high school (almost 50 years ago!) posted these responses, and our dialogue is included, below:

HER: “I am a Jew who has always LOVED the spirit of the holiday season including each and every item you outline on your grinch-like list…I am not a ‘denier’ nor ‘willfully ignorant,’ much less un-American…Rather, I look at it as a holiday for children, celebrating the spirit of giving, kindness and joy—nothing more, nothing less.”

ME: “My list was intended to get Christians to acknowledge the Christianity that permeates everything Christmas. People can enjoy, celebrate, believe whatever they want. Please just acknowledge, then, what it all is.”

HER: “Then I guess I’m not sure why the seemingly degradation of the season is even necessary…Why the need to enforce your personal perception of Christmas/Christians and the symbols people choose to celebrate the season, upon others?…Regardless of faith, each and everyone of us is entitled to celebrate in the manner they choose…I seriously doubt Christians need a lesson on your meaning of Christmas.”

ME: “It’s interesting to me that my presenting facts seems degrading to you, and you’re not even Christian. Strange, that.

“Meanwhile, in actual meaning-land, I was having conversations with people raised Christian who were denying the meaning or Christian-relatedness of ANYTHING to do with Christmas, calling it an ‘American’ holiday, and also saying: ‘it’s just a tree,’ ‘I like the lights,’ ‘everyone celebrates Christmas, don’t they?’ etc. I thought those sentiments and views were offensively, blindly privileged and absurd. That prompted my post.

“I am not ‘degrading’ anything. I am naming what is true and wish others would acknowledge it. It is injurious to those NOT Christian already made invisible at this time of year, especially, to be told that ‘a Christmas tree isn’t about Christmas’ and is ‘for everyone.’ Sheesh. That is all.

“Enjoy whatever you want, as I said. But, if you, ‘as a Jew’ (your words), want to ‘celebrate the season’ (winter? December? snow in LA?) with CHRISTIAN symbols, what about if you acknowledge that? Then, maybe try to understand yourself. Perhaps assimilation is your goal; many Jews have tried and some have sort of succeeded. The tactic of ‘blending in,’ thinking it would ‘save us’ from anti-Semitism, however well accomplished, has never worked, and I do not consider it a goal worth striving for, anyway.

“Asking/expecting/rewarding non-Christians to ‘celebrate’ Christian holidays is an oppressive tactic used by mainstream, privileged folks to undermine and degrade minorities. If you choose to go along with that and enjoy it, you have internalized that oppression and made it your own: they won. Still want to enjoy that? Go right ahead. SMH”

Also ME, quoting from this article: “https://www.nbcnews.com/…/secularization-christmas… ‘…secular Christmas is just religious Christmas with cuter clothes and better PR….disliking Christmas doesn’t mean I’m mean or a bad person. It means I’m not Christian and have no reason to celebrate a holiday that’s not significant to me.'”

and, still ME, still quoting, from another article: “https://theweek.com/articles/884660/no-christmas-not-secular ‘…There is nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas, or with finding deep personal joy in the Christmas season. Celebrating Christmas does not necessarily make one complicit in oppression. But expecting others to do the same, to erase our own experiences for the sake of preserving the magic of the season, is oppressive. Though many Americans can happily compartmentalize religious Christian observance and secularized Christmas cheer, not all of us have the luxury of doing so….'”

HER: “I didn’t say it was degrading to me, I said your “degradation of the season” was unnecessary—particularly coming from a Jew—and offensive to Christians or anyone who chooses to celebrate the spirit of the season…Have you ever observed the face of a child sitting on Santa’s lap?…Pure joy, wonder and amazement in all of their innocence…That is what Christmas is all about.”

Last, from ME: “Again, you completely misread and misconstrue my points and purposes. Let us end this useless miscommunication here.”
****************************************

I say, let’s celebrate SCIENCE and the Winter/Summer #Solstice!

from https://time.astrosage.com/holidays/common/winter-solstice

Winter/Summer Solstice commemorations are “secular” and inclusive, since we ALL live on this planet: December 21 or 22, and, June 21 or 22, every year.

If you’re in the mood to be “woke,” extend a hand to non-Christians by respecting our NON celebrations and enjoy your own however you want. Some non-Christians may even appreciate an invitation (with no pressure) to one of your celebrations: consider that.

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Published on December 18, 2021 07:17

December 15, 2021

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales! #Free, 25 – 75% off! December 17, 2021 through January 1, 2022

#Ebooks #Smashwords 5th Annual End-of-Year Sales!
#Free, 25 – 75% off! December 17, 2021 through January 1, 202
2

logoAuthorsDen
The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance
by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

Proud member of Clean Indie Reads #CR4U

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo are
by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is having its 5th Annual End-of-Year Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are on sale for 3 more days only!
free (Volume I)
only $2.99 (Volume II) COUPON CODE for Volume II, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22: UP66L
only $2.00 (Volume III) COUPON CODE for Volume III, good on Smashwords, only, 12/17/21–1/1/22: UP66L

(usually $3.99 each for ebooks)! See below for links and more info.

And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales for this great sale!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give ebooks for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program at Amazon!
See below for links, details and coupon codes (on Smashwords, only) for each of the Volumes.

SpannersVolume1coverfinal
This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart (in this case, download Volume I for free), you get a discount for the total package. Vol I Amazon link: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8

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This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE: UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol II Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B00KU5Q7KC

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This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $2.00, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, using COUPON CODE: UP66L
on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice).

These paperbacks are in the Kindle Match/Kindle Matchbook program on Amazon. This means that if you purchase both the ebook and its paperback counterpart, you get a discount for the total package. Vol III Amazon link:: http://www.amzn.com/B0177Z1KRM

3 paperbacks
The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks.

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

logo Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, archived YouTube (Sally Sue Ember channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/SallySueEmber/videos) video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers and more: http://www.sallyember.com

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Published on December 15, 2021 23:00

November 23, 2021

“Announcing the #BookLife #Prize Finalists”

Mazel Tov to these 5 authors!

Click on the link, below, then on each title to see who is being honored and learn more about each novel.

http://booklife.com/authors/11/17/2021/announcing-the-booklife-prize-finalists.html

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Published on November 23, 2021 01:42

October 5, 2021

October 4, 2021

#MacArthur Foundation 25 Newest Fellows 2021: #Scientists, #Filmmakers, #Artists, #Dancers, #Musicians, #Writers, #Activists and #Historians

#MacArthur Foundation 25 Newest Fellows 2021: #Scientists, #Filmmakers, #Artists, #Dancers, #Musicians, #Writers, #Activists and #Historians

“The MacArthur Fellowship is a $625,000, no-strings-attached award to extraordinarily talented and creative individuals as an investment in their potential….Recipients may be writers, scientists, artists, social scientists, humanists, teachers, entrepreneurs, or those in other fields, with or without institutional affiliations. They may use their fellowship to advance their expertise, engage in bold new work, or, if they wish, to change fields or alter the direction of their careers.”

There are three criteria for selection of Fellows:

Exceptional creativityPromise for important future advances based on a track record of significant accomplishmentsPotential for the Fellowship to facilitate subsequent creative work.

Meet the newest crop of very fortunate creative sorts, this year’s MacArthur Fellows, who will each receive $125,000/year for 5 years to do WHATEVER THEY WANT!

MacArthur Fellows 2021

For bios, specific info on each Fellow, and more about the Program and the Foundation, check out their website: https://www.macfound.org/programs/fellows/

Imagine: There are no outside or public applications or nominations. The process for selection is so secretive and unknown that very few people (no one outside the Foundation, supposedly) even knows who the nominating and selection committees’ members ARE each year!

“Although nominees are reviewed for their achievements, the fellowship is not a lifetime achievement award, but rather an investment in a person’s originality, insight, and potential. Indeed, the purpose of the MacArthur Fellows Program is to enable recipients to exercise their own creative instincts for the benefit of human society.

“The Foundation does not require or expect specific products or reports from MacArthur Fellows and does not evaluate recipients’ creativity during the term of the fellowship. The MacArthur Fellowship is a “no strings attached” award in support of people, not projects. Each fellowship comes with a stipend of $625,000 to the recipient, paid out in equal quarterly installments over five years.”

In the Foundation’s favor, this year—for the fourth time since I’ve been tracking it, which is many years—the female-appearing Fellows are about equal in number to the male-appearing Fellows: 13 seeming males, 11 seeming female and 1 nonbinary fellow. The Fellows process has been great on “diversity” and varying geographic locations for quite a while. This year, only about 3 appear to be Caucasian. You can check out the stats on their site any time.

Again, LOVE this!

I am unfamiliar with all of them for the first time, so my “most interested in getting to know” recipients this year are:

Marcella Alsan, Physician-Economist

Award is for “Investigating the role that legacies of discrimination and resulting mistrust play in perpetuating racial disparities in health….Her most influential work to date provides empirical evidence for the widely held hypothesis that mistrust of medical institutions contributes to poor health indicators experienced by Black men in the United States.”

She “holds a BA (1999) from Harvard University, an MPH (2005) from the Harvard School of Public Health, an MD (2005) from Loyola University, and a PhD in economics (2012) from Harvard University. Alsan served as an associate professor of medicine and, by courtesy, of economics and health research and policy at Stanford University prior to joining the faculty of the Harvard Kennedy School as a professor of public policy in 2019. Her work has been published in the American Economic Review, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Journal of Political Economy, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and Annals of Internal Medicine, among other journals.”

Ibrahim Cissé, Biological Physicist

Award for: “Developing microscopy tools to investigate the subcellular processes underlying genetic regulation and misfunction….[He] continues to push the limits of quantitative microscopy (a microscopic study that uses algorithmic analysis of digital images) … He is also advancing imaging methods to investigate the early stages of misfolded protein clustering, which may be critical to understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. His work revealed that the initial formation of misfolded protein clusters is akin to phase transitions that lead to condensates. Through his cutting-edge innovations in single-molecule microscopy and in-depth understanding of biophysical and cellular processes, Cissé is illuminating the dynamics of gene regulation and enabling further investigation of biological condensates.”

He “received a BS (2004) from North Carolina Central University and a PhD (2009) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He served as a postdoctoral fellow at École Normale Supérieure de Paris from 2010 to 2012. Cissé was an assistant professor of physics and biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology beginning in 2014, and he was tenured in 2020. He was a professor of physics at the California Institute of Technology in 2021 prior to taking up his current position as director of the Department of Biological Physics at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany. Cissé’s work has appeared in NatureScienceCell, and PNAS, among other scientific journals.”

Also glad to see so many more recipients NOT from either the West or East Coast of the USA.

You can view ALL recipients of this Genius Grant (all Fellows): https://www.macfound.org/fellows/search/all

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Published on October 04, 2021 13:00