Scary World: Dealing With Scammers

After spending a couple of hours clearing out the spam email from my 3 email accounts and checking a couple of dozen emails for credibility without clicking on them, I'm frustrated.

The AI world has enabled the internet crooks to increase their output of scams, spoofs, and frauds. 

Everyone gets these emails, but for authors, it's even more frustrating. We get huge amounts of emails praising one of our books and bemoaning that the book hasn't a bigger presence on social media and/or number of reviews.

They tell you that they are in charge of a coffee/booze/cocktail/senior citizens book club or online community of reviewers that can shoot you to the top of the bestseller list! All they ask you to do is email them for more information. 

The emails are always gmail addresses despite the name of the so-called readers' group they offer in the email. Guess they never heard of Facebook groups.

Never, ever email them in return. It's risky just seeing the email in preview. Don't dare open it. 

In fact, don't click on anything in the email, not even a "blank" spot because there may be a hidden link, colored white that won't show up. It's a fricking minefield.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE

These are the letters supposedly from literary agents, publishing house editors, and movie production companies. They want to take your book to the big time. I've checked out the names and the companies these scam artists supposedly represent. The names, photographs, and companies are real, but the fraudster using them is not. The contact email will always seem like the legit email, but there will be some character in the email that makes it wrong.

Then there are the alleged lawyers who threaten to sue you because you used music or something in a video that the copyright owner wants you to pay up. These are frauds too.

HOW DO I KNOW?

With any letter about copyright, I know because I keep a record of the rights owner of any photo or music I've used.

With the letters supposedly from publishing representives and lawyers, never click them. View the information you can see without clicking on the email then go to a Search Engine and query, "Is email regarding copyright from XYZ Law Firm legitimate?"

With everyone I've received, I've found dozens of SERPs that show they're scams.

You can check the publishing house professionals' names and companies this way also, by querying whether they are legitimate and/or whether their name and image is being used in email scams.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

It's a scary world out there for the unwary so be aware. Question anything that is designed to excite you or scare you.

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Hurray for Home Projects

Instead of posting the recipe I'd planned for today, I worked on cleaning out my office while Darling Hubby built another shelf in the pantry.

I didn't finish my office work, but he did complete the new shelf. We have really high ceilings in our home, and the pantry had a top shelf about 6 feet from the floor which left a good 4 feet between the existing top shelf and the ceiling.

Since I'm always in need of more storage, I convinced him to install another shelf above the top one. He went to Home Depot yesterday and today, he built another shelf that matches the others in the pantry!

He did a great job. Then he went outside and cut all the roses in bloom since we're expecting a freeze tonight. What a sweetheart!

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

A new pantry shelf and a bouquet of roses! What more could a woman want? Stay warm tonight!

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Spotlight on ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear

The New Year brings the desire to improve, do better, and replace old habits that don't serve you well with new habits that will make you healthier, wealthier, and wise.

OMG. Isn't changing a habit the hardest thing in the world?

In fact, I think it's akin to what the Bible says about a leopard changing its spots.

Sure, people do it, but does it seem as if everyone in the world can do this, you find it impossible? Maybe you just haven't learned that changing habits is a process that requires a system to handle it.

At least that's the premise of the bestselling book, ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear. Maybe what you need to make real changes in your life is to learn the system that creates lasting change. The title of this book caught my attention several years ago when it was first published.

IMPORTANCE OF HABITS

Many years ago when I was in elementary school, my teacher quoted Benjamin Franklin. "In the beginning, man makes the habits. In the end, the habits make the man."

This is one of the best bits of wisdom I've ever heard, and I really took it to heart. As I've gone through life, I've found that many people have really bad habits. Not bad in the sense of sinful or anything like that. Bad in that the habits keep them from living a calm, rewarding life.

I have many friends and relatives who moan about their bad habits. They wish they could change. They want to change. They try to change, but change doesn't come easily. If they make a huge effort and manage to live a few weeks with a new habit, the old habit gradually takes over again.

YOU NEED A PLAN OR A SYSTEM

Don't get depressed. Stop asking, "What's wrong with me? Why can't I do this?"

Maybe the problem isn't you? Maybe you never learned how to do something as difficult as replacing a bad habit with a good one. According to Mr. Clear, you need a system to help you change—a system you understand that can truly help you make habits that will serve you well. This book is easy to read and easy to understand. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

We're halfway through January. Don't wait. Read ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear and learn how reshape the way you think and learn the strategies you need to transform your habits—which just might transform your life.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Review - One Ranger on Prime

One Ranger on Prime

One Ranger, now streaming on Prime or available for purchase on Amazon, is an interesting blend of a modern western Texas Ranger, British MI6, drug cartels, and terrorists.

It's the kind of movie that makes you think it should have been better with those plot elements and with Thomas Jane and John Malkovich headlining the flick.

Also appearing in the movie are Dominique Tipper as Agent Jennifer Smith and Dean Jagger as the big baddie Declan McBride.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Texas Ranger Alex Tyree—Thomas Jane—is tracking bank robber Declan McBride across the West Texas desert.

When the Ranger's partner is killed, Tyree is drawn into partnership with British intelligence agent Jennifer Smith (Dominique Tipper) and her boss Geddes (John Malkovich) to capture McBride, who he has learned is an  international terrorist who plans to detonate a bomb in the heart of London.

Released in October 2022, film rights were then acquired by Lionsgate. 

The movie premiered at the Dallas International Film Festival in April 2023, and a couple of weeks later it was released in selected theaters and  on demand streaming.

SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?

Thomas Jane and John Malkovich make just about anything worth watching. As the Ranger, Jane chews up the scenery. In fact, I think he relished playing a bigger than life Texas Ranger, accent and all, as a throwback to a previous era. (He may have been channeling Clint Eastwood in the movie Coogan's Bluff.)

The movie did not receive good ratings. The story just doesn't come together in a way that makes for a compelling film. 

However, there are worse movies out there. Darling Hubby thought it was OK, and, because of Jane and Malkovich, I'll give it an OK minus. That means if there's nothing else on, give it a shot. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

One Ranger may tickle your fancy. If it does, drop a comment and let others know.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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When Aliens Invade...

Recently, I binge-watched Falling Skies—see my review if interested—and I'll be watching the new documentary The Age of Disclosure this weekend.

I must have UFO's on the brain. The other morning we were making a quick jaunt to Cosco and stopped at our local Shipley Donuts for sustenance.

When Darling Hubby brought out the box of 4 donuts in a box that usually holds 6, the aroma was incredible. They were hot and dripping glaze.

When we arrived at Costco, we parked and had a donut with our travel cups of coffee. OMG. There's nothing better.'

I said, "If aliens invade from outer space, the first thing I'll do is go by Shipley Donuts and some hot, fresh glazed donuts because there probably won't be any donuts—ever."

We both laughed, but that got me to thinking of all of the things we'd miss from the unimportant to the crucial if that happened. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

What would be your "last chance" treat if aliens in UFO's invaded?

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TOP 10 "He Done Me Wrong" Songs

Welcome to Wednesday. It's Hump Day which means Fun Day.

How about a list of...

TOP 10 "HE DONE ME WRONG" SONGS

In the Category of Rock / Crossover, and in no particular order.

They say men cry in their beer when they're sad. Do women cry in their merlot? Or do we just suck it up, have a couple of chocolates, and deal with the emotions? Hmm. What do you think?

1. "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

2. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac

3.  "How Do I Live Without You" by Trisha Yearwood

4. "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" by Crystal Gayle

5. "It's My Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To)" by Leslie Gore (oldie but goodie)

6. "Gunpowder and Lead" by Miranda Lambert

7. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette

8. "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James

9. If I Could Turn Back Time" by Cher

10. "You're No Good" by the great Linda Ronstadt

Honorable Mention: "Jolene" by Dolly Parton and "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's my list. What are your favorite songs in this category? Drop a comment and a song.

99¢ New Year Sale

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Review - Falling Skies - Netflix

Poster available on Amazon.

I love a good science fiction movie or series. Unfortunately, they're hard to find. So many are derivative, clichéd, or ridiculous.

Falling Skies, a post-apocalyptic science fiction TV series, created by Robert Rodat and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, is none of those things.

The DreamWorks Television production series premiered on June 19, 2011 on TNT in the U.S.

After 4 seasons, TNT renewed the show for a 10-episode 5th season to close out the series. The finale episode was broadcast on August 30, 2015. Over its run, the series was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards (Outstanding Special Visual Effects) and 14 Saturn Awards (3 nominations for Best Television Presentation and 1 for Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series).

SHOULD YOU WATCH?

Yes, even if you don't like science fiction.

The premise is gripping, and the characters are charismatic and seem like people you would know.

As the survivors escape Boston, passing many Revolutionary War sites, Wyle, as history professor Mason, relates how the  colonials fought the British though outnumbered and untrained. 

He manages to rally the 2nd Mass when they're starving and running and can't seem to do much except stay alive.

The series creates a world in which everything we take for granted is gone, but the human race keeps fighting and finding ways to take back not just their country but their planet.

There are some surprises and twists along the way that add to the challenges the survivors face. There is also plenty of violence and gore so I'd be wary of letting younger children watch it.

 All in all, despite some conflict elements that went on a little too long for my taste, the series is so much better than much of the offerings today. I give it an A-.

No Netflix? Get Series from Amazon

THE CAST

With a cast headlined by Noah Wyle as  Tom Mason, a former history professor who becomes second-in-command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment, a paramilitary group composed of active duty US military personnel, military veterans, civilians, and others who are fleeing from the Boston area after aliens have invaded.

Along with Wyle, the regular stars of the series are Will Patton as Colonel Dan Weaver, a soldier determined to fight the aliens and protect the people who have banded with him and Moon Bloodgood as a pediatrician who becomes their medical officer.

Drew Roy is Hal, Tom Mason's oldest son; Connor Jessup is Ben, his middle son; Maxim Knight is Matt, his youngest son.

The rest of the regular cast include Jessy Schram as Karen, Seychelle Gabriel as Lourdes, Peter Shinkoda as Dai, Mpho Koaho as Anthony, Sarah Carter as Maddie, Colin Cunningham as Pope, Doug Jones as Cochise, and Scarlett Byrne as Lexi. There are dozens of actors you'll recognize as the series rolls along.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

 The series is definitely bingeable so don't start it late at night or you'll wind up hitting "next episode" until the sun is rising on another day.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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