E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 41
February 23, 2016
Quatum Foam - the matter of spacetime
This really nifty video from NASA discusses an attempt to 'prove' the existence of Quantum Foam - a material that may exist between stars and function in defiance of Einstein's theories. Or maybe not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-1Zc...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-1Zc...
February 17, 2016
Ocean inside the Earth
Remember the underground ocean in Jules Verne's
? It looks like Mr. Verne may have been on to something.
This article is annoying because of all the ads, but it's still really cool.
This article is a little annoying because of all the ads, but the story is pretty cool. Remember the big unground ocean Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'? Looks like Mr. Verne may have been on to something. http://news.discovery.com/earth/ocean...
? It looks like Mr. Verne may have been on to something.This article is annoying because of all the ads, but it's still really cool.
This article is a little annoying because of all the ads, but the story is pretty cool. Remember the big unground ocean Jules Verne's 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'? Looks like Mr. Verne may have been on to something. http://news.discovery.com/earth/ocean...
January 19, 2016
The Apprentice Vol 1& 2 Bundled at discount
Haven't read The Cartel or Bright Star?
Prefer to start a series at the beginning?
Now available at at 25% discount,
The Twelve Systems Bundle: The Cartel & Bright Star
Normally USD$8.99, it is discounted to USD$5.99
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QER85W8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-t...
Prefer to start a series at the beginning?
Now available at at 25% discount,
The Twelve Systems Bundle: The Cartel & Bright StarNormally USD$8.99, it is discounted to USD$5.99
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QER85W8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-t...
January 17, 2016
Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3 is available now!
It took a little longer than planned, but - thanks to my gifted story editor, Carolyn Manetti (Common Market Films); and brilliantly OCD copy editor, Elizabeth Nover (Razor Sharp Edting) -
Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3, is available at the special release price of $2.99 (regular price: $4.99)
Overall, the series is doing well with combined ratings of:
Amazon Ratings: 4.3-stars
Goodreads Ratings: 4-stars
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Transgressions-...
Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tran...
Nook and Kobo, coming soon.
Life within the Serengeti Cartel is perilous, riddled with malice and intrigue that can threaten the mightiest of warriors. For Lilian – brilliant, despised and one misstep away from execution for her father’s crimes – all that stands between her and destruction is the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio. In return for his protection, Lilian became Lucius' apprentice, yielding control of her body, will, and intellect. The desperate gamble has paid off. In defiance of all expectation, Lilian has survived nearly a third of her trial by ordeal, but it is far from over.
Determined to raise Serengeti to the pinnacle of power in the Twelve Systems, Lucius has ruthlessly exploited Lilian’s brilliance to achieve his ambitions. Within seasons, he will lead Serengeti to new heights with the launch of Bright Star, the first stellar exploration venture in over two centuries. With each new success, Lucius’ rivals multiply while a traitor stalks the halls of Serengeti, determined to thwart Lucius by any means. As the viciousness of her enemies escalates, Lilian is forced to confront the past and choose between betraying her oath of loyalty to Lucius and protecting the deadly secrets of her father's dark acts.
Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3, is available at the special release price of $2.99 (regular price: $4.99)Overall, the series is doing well with combined ratings of:
Amazon Ratings: 4.3-stars
Goodreads Ratings: 4-stars
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Transgressions-...
Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tran...
Nook and Kobo, coming soon.
Life within the Serengeti Cartel is perilous, riddled with malice and intrigue that can threaten the mightiest of warriors. For Lilian – brilliant, despised and one misstep away from execution for her father’s crimes – all that stands between her and destruction is the powerful warrior Lucius Mercio. In return for his protection, Lilian became Lucius' apprentice, yielding control of her body, will, and intellect. The desperate gamble has paid off. In defiance of all expectation, Lilian has survived nearly a third of her trial by ordeal, but it is far from over.
Determined to raise Serengeti to the pinnacle of power in the Twelve Systems, Lucius has ruthlessly exploited Lilian’s brilliance to achieve his ambitions. Within seasons, he will lead Serengeti to new heights with the launch of Bright Star, the first stellar exploration venture in over two centuries. With each new success, Lucius’ rivals multiply while a traitor stalks the halls of Serengeti, determined to thwart Lucius by any means. As the viciousness of her enemies escalates, Lilian is forced to confront the past and choose between betraying her oath of loyalty to Lucius and protecting the deadly secrets of her father's dark acts.
January 11, 2016
The Stars Look Very Different Today
Apollo, Star Trek, Robert Heinlein, and David Bowie, they made it so real, so possible.
Rest in peace Mr. Bowie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYRH...
Rest in peace Mr. Bowie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYRH...
December 18, 2015
Transgressions Cover Reveal
Transgressions: The Apprentice Volume 3 is scheduled for late January Release. More to come on the specific date.
It is the dawn of a new era of opportunity in the Twelve Systems as Serengeti and Bright Star prepare to lead the first stellar exploration voyage in over two centuries.
For Lilian, the great adventure is about to take on the aspects of a nightmare. The viciousness of those who despise her escalates as Lilian is torn between her oath of loyalty to Lucius and her fear that he will discover the hidden secrets of Remus Gariten’s dark acts.
Within Serengeti a traitor stalks the halls determined to thwart Lucius by any means possible including the destruction of his apprentice, Lilian. Beyond Serengeti Lucius finds new rivals and enemies are emerging. None of these will prove as dangerous to Lilian’s survival as one of those she calls ‘friend.’
Honor Endures.
It is the dawn of a new era of opportunity in the Twelve Systems as Serengeti and Bright Star prepare to lead the first stellar exploration voyage in over two centuries.
For Lilian, the great adventure is about to take on the aspects of a nightmare. The viciousness of those who despise her escalates as Lilian is torn between her oath of loyalty to Lucius and her fear that he will discover the hidden secrets of Remus Gariten’s dark acts.
Within Serengeti a traitor stalks the halls determined to thwart Lucius by any means possible including the destruction of his apprentice, Lilian. Beyond Serengeti Lucius finds new rivals and enemies are emerging. None of these will prove as dangerous to Lilian’s survival as one of those she calls ‘friend.’
Honor Endures.
December 8, 2015
The comforting smell of pine
Fresh Christmas Trees are expensive, messy, and a bit of a risk. I won't have Christmas without one. The fragrance of fresh pine in the house wraps me in a warm blanket of love and security. The scent of a time when Dad was strong and joyous and the giver of powerful hugs. When Mum was bright and beautiful and threw fantabulous parties.
A time not now. Now Dad is gone. Mum struggles to remember and keep her balance. It's really dark, only a few hours of light each day. Christmas is a chore.
Until, after another 'meh' day at work, the scent of fresh pine wraps in me in sense of wellbeing. Pine from the 'live' tree that, in the annual and profane ordeal, my DH battled into the tree-stand while I was at work. Gifting me with the comforting smell of pine. Cocooning me in safety and warmth and love.
In the dark hours there is light, in grief there is the comforting smell of pine.
A time not now. Now Dad is gone. Mum struggles to remember and keep her balance. It's really dark, only a few hours of light each day. Christmas is a chore.
Until, after another 'meh' day at work, the scent of fresh pine wraps in me in sense of wellbeing. Pine from the 'live' tree that, in the annual and profane ordeal, my DH battled into the tree-stand while I was at work. Gifting me with the comforting smell of pine. Cocooning me in safety and warmth and love.
In the dark hours there is light, in grief there is the comforting smell of pine.
October 23, 2015
Transgression Sneak Peek
Jim O'Connor Photography is hard at work on the cover for Transgressions. Razor Sharp Editing is lined up for mid-November proofreading and Commonmarket Films is working through the final story edits. We may make the 2015 release date afterall. In the meantime:
This is ill. I am the sum of my ancestors.
Milord, monsignors Sebastian and Elenora, Seigneur Trevelyan, and Seigneur Damocles are all seated at the judgment panel. Master Straus is at the podium and Archive Master Liger is seated at the techno console.
I am the the foundation of my family. Milord and Seigneur Trevelyan are angry, although it is well controlled. Monsignor Sebastian is as dyspeptic as ever and Seigneur Damocles, still bearing the marks of his failed challenge to Trevelyan, appears … hungry? Monsignor Elenora is annoyed.
Honor is my blade and shield. It is a formal Cartel judgment and Lilian is the accused. Tabitha? Lilian knew when she began her conspiracy to free Tabitha that it could be deemed ‘effrontery,’ a transgression against Grey Spear sovereignty. For such effrontery, Monsignor Sebastian could demand to see her belted or even caned. This day. Do not volunteer.
At a gesture from milord, Lilian addresses the author of her summons, “Associate Master, what is your wish of me?”
Straus’ stern expression is all the warning Lilian receives, “Monsignor Sebastian indicts you for interference in the bond of Mistress Tabitha.”
Adelaide defend me! Bond interference? This is completely unanticipated. Honor knows not fear. This is a far greater charge than effrontery. If Lilian is found guilty, the lightest penalty will be caning. The severest will be time added to Lilian’s bond to be served with Monsignor Sebastian.
“How do you respond to this indictment, Mistress Lilian?” Master Straus presses.
Honor endures. This day. Carefully feeling her way, uncertain of the protocol, Lilian relies on formality, “If you please, Associate Master, I most vehemently deny having behaved in such an egregious manner.”
Acknowledge it is a terrible crime and deny having committed it.
“Very well, you will answer to the evidence against you,” Straus accepts Lilian’s plea of innocence. His almost imperceptible nod of approval reduces Lilian’s fear and increases her confidence. She has done well.
Referring to his slate, the Associate Master cites. “It is charged that you willfully and knowingly assisted Mistress Tabitha in flouting her lord’s will and serving her own ambitions in defiance of Monsignor Sebastian’s requirements. In evidence, we have this record from the Archives monitors.”
With the summation of the charge, the reviewer presents a visual of Lilian explaining to Tabitha how to access and interpret a series of commerce analytics.
Five Warriors take it! There was naught in those interactions to trigger a monitor review. Someone went searching. Seigneur Damocles! The Security-Privilege Seigneur’s smug smile is all the confirmation Lilian needs.
“There are several other recordings of a similar nature,” concludes Straus.
Honor acts as duty commands. Seigneur Trevelyan assured her their actions were within stricture. Openly confused, Lilian confirms, “Yes Associate Master, I deny it not.”
At Lilian’s response Damocles and Sebastian radiate excitement.
Mitigation. Lilian was careful to make certain that were her actions discovered, there would be sufficient mitigation that milord could extract a minimal penalty. I will not fall. I will not fail. Without prompting, Lilian continues her confession, “Should Master Straus review any sevenday in the past year, there will be similar recordings. Apprentice requests are the lowest priority for Archive Master Liger and his associates. The apprentice staff often seeks my assistance when I am present and at liberty to respond.”
The Archive Master is nodding, “It is true. I witness it often. It is useful. The questions are basic and her assistance leaves my associates free to address more complex and higher priority requirements.”
Sebastian scowls, “You would have me believe that this doxy has sufficient knowledge of analytical archives to routinely act as an archivist?”
Ignoring the governor’s rising choler, Liger calmly responds, “Indeed monsignor, more than sufficient knowledge. Mistress Lilian has refined two of our standard analytical models and I am reviewing another.”
The Shades be praised. At Master Liger’s testimony, Lilian’s fear dissolves. She may yet be belted for effrontery, they cannot prove bond interference.
“Lilian, I knew naught of this,” milord’s harsh tones snap Lilian from her relief.
Milord is angered. By her Archives efforts? Minor revisions to what she considers routine algorithms barely registered in her workload. Lackwit. Milord has been surprised by his apprentice in front of Grey Spear. Lilian has erred, “I beg pardon, milord. I did not consider the effort worthy of milord’s notice.”
“Effrontery!” Monsignor Sebastian is almost purple with outrage as he glares at Lucius. “Your doxy has no business making such suggestions and Master Liger should be chastising her, not encouraging such behavior. I will see her caned for that alone.”
This is ill. I am the sum of my ancestors.
Milord, monsignors Sebastian and Elenora, Seigneur Trevelyan, and Seigneur Damocles are all seated at the judgment panel. Master Straus is at the podium and Archive Master Liger is seated at the techno console.
I am the the foundation of my family. Milord and Seigneur Trevelyan are angry, although it is well controlled. Monsignor Sebastian is as dyspeptic as ever and Seigneur Damocles, still bearing the marks of his failed challenge to Trevelyan, appears … hungry? Monsignor Elenora is annoyed.
Honor is my blade and shield. It is a formal Cartel judgment and Lilian is the accused. Tabitha? Lilian knew when she began her conspiracy to free Tabitha that it could be deemed ‘effrontery,’ a transgression against Grey Spear sovereignty. For such effrontery, Monsignor Sebastian could demand to see her belted or even caned. This day. Do not volunteer.
At a gesture from milord, Lilian addresses the author of her summons, “Associate Master, what is your wish of me?”
Straus’ stern expression is all the warning Lilian receives, “Monsignor Sebastian indicts you for interference in the bond of Mistress Tabitha.”
Adelaide defend me! Bond interference? This is completely unanticipated. Honor knows not fear. This is a far greater charge than effrontery. If Lilian is found guilty, the lightest penalty will be caning. The severest will be time added to Lilian’s bond to be served with Monsignor Sebastian.
“How do you respond to this indictment, Mistress Lilian?” Master Straus presses.
Honor endures. This day. Carefully feeling her way, uncertain of the protocol, Lilian relies on formality, “If you please, Associate Master, I most vehemently deny having behaved in such an egregious manner.”
Acknowledge it is a terrible crime and deny having committed it.
“Very well, you will answer to the evidence against you,” Straus accepts Lilian’s plea of innocence. His almost imperceptible nod of approval reduces Lilian’s fear and increases her confidence. She has done well.
Referring to his slate, the Associate Master cites. “It is charged that you willfully and knowingly assisted Mistress Tabitha in flouting her lord’s will and serving her own ambitions in defiance of Monsignor Sebastian’s requirements. In evidence, we have this record from the Archives monitors.”
With the summation of the charge, the reviewer presents a visual of Lilian explaining to Tabitha how to access and interpret a series of commerce analytics.
Five Warriors take it! There was naught in those interactions to trigger a monitor review. Someone went searching. Seigneur Damocles! The Security-Privilege Seigneur’s smug smile is all the confirmation Lilian needs.
“There are several other recordings of a similar nature,” concludes Straus.
Honor acts as duty commands. Seigneur Trevelyan assured her their actions were within stricture. Openly confused, Lilian confirms, “Yes Associate Master, I deny it not.”
At Lilian’s response Damocles and Sebastian radiate excitement.
Mitigation. Lilian was careful to make certain that were her actions discovered, there would be sufficient mitigation that milord could extract a minimal penalty. I will not fall. I will not fail. Without prompting, Lilian continues her confession, “Should Master Straus review any sevenday in the past year, there will be similar recordings. Apprentice requests are the lowest priority for Archive Master Liger and his associates. The apprentice staff often seeks my assistance when I am present and at liberty to respond.”
The Archive Master is nodding, “It is true. I witness it often. It is useful. The questions are basic and her assistance leaves my associates free to address more complex and higher priority requirements.”
Sebastian scowls, “You would have me believe that this doxy has sufficient knowledge of analytical archives to routinely act as an archivist?”
Ignoring the governor’s rising choler, Liger calmly responds, “Indeed monsignor, more than sufficient knowledge. Mistress Lilian has refined two of our standard analytical models and I am reviewing another.”
The Shades be praised. At Master Liger’s testimony, Lilian’s fear dissolves. She may yet be belted for effrontery, they cannot prove bond interference.
“Lilian, I knew naught of this,” milord’s harsh tones snap Lilian from her relief.
Milord is angered. By her Archives efforts? Minor revisions to what she considers routine algorithms barely registered in her workload. Lackwit. Milord has been surprised by his apprentice in front of Grey Spear. Lilian has erred, “I beg pardon, milord. I did not consider the effort worthy of milord’s notice.”
“Effrontery!” Monsignor Sebastian is almost purple with outrage as he glares at Lucius. “Your doxy has no business making such suggestions and Master Liger should be chastising her, not encouraging such behavior. I will see her caned for that alone.”
October 11, 2015
Cinnamon Donuts
It's a perfect Indian summer day in the Hudson Valley. A clear blue sky and mid sixties temperatures are laced with the rich scent of changing leaves and the cool bite of impending winter. The descending evening chills the air and carries the memory scent of cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider.
The scent memory triggers another. A long autumnal hike through the antique cemetery. Four hundred year old stones so weathered the markings are indecipherable dents. Later ones, a little more elaborate as the puritan colonials were followed by the federalists. The monuments increasing size and glory as the Victorians took root.
It is a serene place, filled with the sound of flowing water from an untamed streamed and the myriad of little creatures scurrying in the turf and trees. My father's deep base voice floats within the scent memory, giving it form and shape. I see him pointing out Washington Irving and then Dr. Lister (Listerine guy as we called him). As the afternoon faded, cold and hungry we fell on the cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider, Dad' rich laughter better than any spice.
It's Halloween month in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (aka the Headless Horseman cemetery) and the tours are sold-out. The docents don't begin to rival Dad's autumn walking tours. The knoll where we would pant and catch our breath now holds a neo-gothic mausoleum filled with the latest in a long line of residents. The few fistfuls of ashes, the earthly remains of my father, are contained in a marble box that is reverently sealed in one of the niches.
I smell cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider.
The scent memory triggers another. A long autumnal hike through the antique cemetery. Four hundred year old stones so weathered the markings are indecipherable dents. Later ones, a little more elaborate as the puritan colonials were followed by the federalists. The monuments increasing size and glory as the Victorians took root.
It is a serene place, filled with the sound of flowing water from an untamed streamed and the myriad of little creatures scurrying in the turf and trees. My father's deep base voice floats within the scent memory, giving it form and shape. I see him pointing out Washington Irving and then Dr. Lister (Listerine guy as we called him). As the afternoon faded, cold and hungry we fell on the cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider, Dad' rich laughter better than any spice.
It's Halloween month in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (aka the Headless Horseman cemetery) and the tours are sold-out. The docents don't begin to rival Dad's autumn walking tours. The knoll where we would pant and catch our breath now holds a neo-gothic mausoleum filled with the latest in a long line of residents. The few fistfuls of ashes, the earthly remains of my father, are contained in a marble box that is reverently sealed in one of the niches.
I smell cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider.
September 29, 2015
The rain weeps
I'm sad today.
I'm not clinically depressed, grief-stricken or anything else dramatic and noteworthy. I'm sad. It's my birthday and everyone who loves me has sent cards, gifts, social media posts and other affirmations that I exist and I am loved and appreciated.
And I'm sad today. The lovely extended summer is about to give way to heavy rain. The harbinger of winter to come. For the moment, light rain weeps as I cannot.
I've been sad for a what seems like a long time. It's only been about 16 months. Ever since…
Ever since I realized that Dad was in his final days and Mum was teetering on the brink of random. Random thought, random emotion, random behavior.
Dad's gone now. He didn't sing to me today. For the first time in, well, ever. Mum was good this morning. Wished me happy birthday, talked about my life. Talked about missing Dad. Me, too.
Then she wasn't good. Lost and wanting to go 'home.' Home to her safe childhood place. Home to 'that safe place' were Dad lives. Sad when she remembered that Dad doesn't live and that empty apartment is home.
Nothing is wrong. The earth rotates, we live. There is joy.
I'm sad today. The rain comes slowly and gently. It weeps as I cannot, and I welcome it. I've shed tears, but I know they are naught compared to the volcano of sorrow that is sealed within the cold control that will shatter when duty is done.
If pain is weakness leaving the body, and grief is pain leaving the heart, then the sorrow in my soul has no analogy. When the time comes, sorrow will howl with the windstorm and its evermate, rage, will shriek. I don't know when or how, only that it will come.
Until then, I'm sad. The rains weeps for me.
I'm not clinically depressed, grief-stricken or anything else dramatic and noteworthy. I'm sad. It's my birthday and everyone who loves me has sent cards, gifts, social media posts and other affirmations that I exist and I am loved and appreciated.
And I'm sad today. The lovely extended summer is about to give way to heavy rain. The harbinger of winter to come. For the moment, light rain weeps as I cannot.
I've been sad for a what seems like a long time. It's only been about 16 months. Ever since…
Ever since I realized that Dad was in his final days and Mum was teetering on the brink of random. Random thought, random emotion, random behavior.
Dad's gone now. He didn't sing to me today. For the first time in, well, ever. Mum was good this morning. Wished me happy birthday, talked about my life. Talked about missing Dad. Me, too.
Then she wasn't good. Lost and wanting to go 'home.' Home to her safe childhood place. Home to 'that safe place' were Dad lives. Sad when she remembered that Dad doesn't live and that empty apartment is home.
Nothing is wrong. The earth rotates, we live. There is joy.
I'm sad today. The rain comes slowly and gently. It weeps as I cannot, and I welcome it. I've shed tears, but I know they are naught compared to the volcano of sorrow that is sealed within the cold control that will shatter when duty is done.
If pain is weakness leaving the body, and grief is pain leaving the heart, then the sorrow in my soul has no analogy. When the time comes, sorrow will howl with the windstorm and its evermate, rage, will shriek. I don't know when or how, only that it will come.
Until then, I'm sad. The rains weeps for me.
