Halloween is more than costumes and candy—it’s a centuries-old celebration rooted in ancient rituals, spiritual beliefs, and cultural evolution. This blog post explores its origins and highlights books and movies that capture its eerie magic.
Halloween, celebrated every October 31st, traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts marked the end of summer and the beginning of the dark winter with Samhain, believing that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Spirits were thought to roam the earth, and people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward them off Rosetta Stone History.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, incorporating some Samhain traditions. The night before became All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween. Over time, the holiday evolved into a community-centered celebration with trick-or-treating, jack-o’-lanterns, and spooky storytelling History.
Whether you’re curious about Halloween’s history or craving a chilling read, these books offer both insight and spine-tingling entertainment:
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a few cinematic scares. These films have become staples of the season:
Halloween is more than just a night of costumes and candy—it’s a celebration of mystery, imagination, and the thin veil between worlds. It invites us to confront our fears, honor the past, and revel in the macabre. Whether you’re reading about its origins, watching a horror flick, or diving into a spooky novel, Halloween offers a unique lens into our cultural fascination with the unknown.
So light a candle, carve a pumpkin, and let the spirits of Halloween guide your night.
Sources: Rosetta Stone History istruestory.com
Conservatism, like any political ideology, has both advocates and critics. When critics talk about its detrimental effects, they often point to patterns that can emerge when its principles are applied rigidly or without adaptation to changing circumstances. Here are some of the most commonly cited drawbacks:
Let’s ground those potential downsides of conservatism in concrete historical and contemporary examples. These illustrate how the principles, when applied rigidly, have sometimes produced the kinds of effects we discussed earlier.
Sources
Three Problems with Conservatism | Libertarianism.org
Pros and Cons of Conservatism – Pros an Cons
The Impact of Conservatism
Our forefathers of the Constitution never thought the American people would vote for a criminal with such nefarious qualities and no soul. They never imagined that American voters could be so morally and ethically bankrupt and didn’t adopt any provisions in our Constitution to address such an unthinkable scenario. But here we are in 2025 almost 250 years later.
Maybe, the voters who put him there deserve what will happen to them in the next four years or what will not happen. They believed the con he was putting forth even though he proved beyond a doubt in the last eight years that he is a pathological liar, sexual predator, and a racist. And as philosopher George Santayana, who is credited with saying “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” is now true and happening today.
The featured photo above with elephant in the cage is from the October 2024 cover of The Atlantic magazine and depicts the current Republican party – soul-less, cowardly, and all fearing of the person driving the circus wagon soon to reach the White House. If one opened the cage and forced the elephant out, gave him a conscience and freedom to act on his own, he would turn and stomp, and struggle desperately to get back into the cage. They are truly Trump’s slaves programmed to obey his every whim.
The Trump cancer appeals to the MAGA Republicans and his allies because it addresses a basic, depraved instinct – selfishness. The Republican party is the party of selfishness because they believe they will get what they want supporting Trump – to stay in power, obtain more power, get richer, and do what they want with no accountability. To hell with the voters who put them in office or how much suffering it will instill on the American people and the damage it will do to America and the world.
It’s ironic that Monday is also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Dr. King unselfishly lived and died for Civil rights in this country for all Americans. His dream may be shattered in the next four years.
It is a sad day for America.
___________________________
The October 2024 cover of The Atlantic magazine was created by Justin Merz based on the visual language of old Ray Bradbury and Stephen King paperbacks to portray a circus wagon on its nefarious approach to the Capital.
Books offer a level of personalization that few other gifts can match. When selecting a book, you’re making a thoughtful choice based on the recipient’s interests, passions, and current life journey. Whether it’s a gripping novel for a fiction enthusiast, a cookbook for a culinary explorer, or a motivational guide for someone seeking inspiration, a well-chosen book shows that you care.
Personalization can be taken a step further with a handwritten note inside the cover, sharing why you selected the book or what you hope the recipient will gain from it. This touch transforms a simple gift into a cherished keepsake.
Books are gateways to knowledge. Giving a book means giving access to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Non-fiction books provide practical skills, historical insights, and scientific understanding, while literary works enhance cultural awareness and empathy.
Consider gifting a history buff a detailed biography of a historical figure they admire or a tech-savvy friend the latest book on emerging digital trends. The knowledge gained from books has the potential to enrich lives long after the holiday season has passed.
In a world of constant digital stimulation, books offer a refreshing escape. Fictional worlds crafted by talented authors allow readers to travel to distant lands, experience thrilling adventures, or solve complex mysteries—all from the comfort of home.
During the often-hectic holiday season, receiving a captivating novel or an engrossing memoir can be a welcome respite. Books offer a chance to unplug, relax, and immerse oneself in a compelling story.
Reading has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits. Studies suggest that reading can reduce stress, improve mood, and even combat symptoms of depression. Engaging with well-written stories fosters empathy, helping readers understand and relate to different emotions and perspectives.
Self-help books, mindfulness guides, and poetry collections can be particularly beneficial for mental wellness. Gifting a book that supports well-being sends a powerful message of care and compassion.
Books can also strengthen personal connections. Choosing a book based on a shared interest can create an opportunity for bonding and deeper conversations. Consider selecting a title that you and the recipient can read together or discuss later.
Book clubs have long been a popular way to connect with others through shared reading experiences. Gifting a book with the suggestion of reading it together can create a shared adventure and spark meaningful discussions.
Books fuel creativity and spark the imagination, particularly for children and young adults. Storybooks, fantasy novels, and even artistic how-to guides can inspire new ideas and creative expression.
For children, books play a crucial role in cognitive development, language skills, and imaginative play. A beautifully illustrated picture book or an engaging young-adult novel can leave a lasting impact and foster a lifelong love of reading.
In a time when sustainability is more important than ever, books are a relatively eco-friendly gift option. Many books are printed on recycled paper, and second-hand bookstores provide an opportunity to gift pre-loved books with history and character.
E-books and audiobooks are also excellent alternatives for environmentally conscious gift-givers. These digital formats reduce the need for physical materials while still providing the same enriching experience.
Buying books from independent bookstores or directly from authors supports local economies and the literary community. Many small bookstores offer personalized recommendations, gift-wrapping services, and community events that add to the joy of book-giving.
Additionally, gifting books by emerging authors or from diverse perspectives helps promote underrepresented voices in literature, making your gift both meaningful and socially impactful.
Unlike many holiday gifts that may lose their appeal over time, books have lasting value. A treasured novel, a beloved memoir, or an informative guide can be revisited and enjoyed for years.
Books often become personal treasures passed down through generations, creating a legacy of shared stories and knowledge. Their enduring nature makes them a gift that keeps on giving.
Books come in a wide range of prices, making them an accessible gift for virtually any budget. From affordable paperbacks and used books to special editions and collector’s items, there’s an option for every giver.
Many libraries also offer book sales, where high-quality books can be purchased at a fraction of their retail price, making thoughtful gift-giving both affordable and rewarding.
This holiday season, consider giving a book—a gift that transcends time, trends, and material limitations. Books inspire, educate, entertain, and connect us to new worlds and each other. They’re a deeply personal, thoughtful, and enduring way to show love and appreciation.
Whether it’s a classic novel, a gripping thriller, a heartwarming memoir, or an inspiring guide, the right book can change lives. In a season defined by giving, few gifts are as meaningful or impactful as a carefully chosen book.
This article was generated by ChatGPT and edited to fit the format of the site.
Bob was not only one of our best authors, he was a good friend as well. He once told me that he was proud of his
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
He was inspired to write his first novel, Angel’s Truth, when he had to report for jury duty and sat in on a similar case. His second crime book, Justifiable, was inspired when he lived in West Virginia for many years.
Bob also won awards for his books from the Northern California Publishers & Authors, the 26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019 winning Second Place in the Fiction Category for Angel’s Truth.
My commitment to writing began as a student, majoring in journalism at the University of Maryland, and it grew steadily throughout my career.
Following 10 years of newspaper and magazine reporting, writing, and editing, including stints at The Wall Street Journal and Nation’s Business Magazine in Washington, DC, I spent 32 years in public relations for a Fortune 500 family of companies. As a corporate officer, I directed the companies’ internal and external communications for the last 12 of those years. Whatever my responsibility, writing was the most-used vehicle.
In retirement, I taught a public relations course for two years at University of the Pacific and for five years at University of California, Davis, Extension.
A native of Maryland, I’ve lived in California (three times), West Virginia, and Texas. I currently live in Rancho Murieta, California, with my cat, Jocko.
Until writing Angel’s Truth — One teenager’s quest for justice, I did not knowingly write fiction.
AWARDS
Northern California Publishers & Authors
26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019, Angel’s Truth – Second Place Fiction Category
Book publishing trends are constantly evolving as technology, consumer preferences, and market forces influence the industry. Based on the web search results from Bing, some of the latest book publishing trends for 2024 are:
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/11/2024
(1) The Top 10 Publishing Trends for 2024 – Written Word Media.
(2) Book Trends 2024: The 5 Top Genres, Trends, and Changes – BOOK RIOT.
(3) The New Era Of Brand Building: Why Published Books Are The Tool Of ….
(4) Book Trends to Look for in Publishing in 2024 | Blurb Blog.
In an era dominated by information overload, successfully promoting a book requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. Authors today have access to a diverse array of media outlets and promotional strategies, offering unprecedented opportunities to connect with readers. This document explores the best ways to promote a book, covering various media outlets and strategies that can significantly enhance your book’s visibility.
I. Understanding Your Audience
II. Leveraging Traditional Media Outlets
III. Embracing Digital Platforms
IV. Capitalizing on Online Retailers
V. Paid Advertising Strategies
VI. Building Author-Centric Platforms
VII. Collaborations and Networking
VIII. Utilizing Email Marketing
Conclusion
Effectively promoting a book in today’s competitive market requires a strategic and dynamic approach. By leveraging a combination of traditional and digital media outlets, along with targeted promotional strategies, authors can maximize their book’s visibility and connect with a diverse and engaged audience. As the publishing landscape continues to evolve, staying adaptable and innovative in your promotional efforts will be key to achieving lasting success.
In an age of rapidly advancing technology and changing reader preferences, the world of book publishing is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional practices are giving way to innovative approaches, and new trends are reshaping the way authors create, publishers distribute, and readers consume content. This article delves into the most current trends in book publishing, offering insights into the dynamic landscape that is shaping the future of the industry.
The digital revolution has indelibly impacted the publishing industry, with e-books reigning supreme in the modern era. E-books have not only opened up new avenues for authors to self-publish but have also provided established publishing houses with a cost-effective way to reach wider audiences. This trend has been accelerated by the proliferation of e-readers, tablets, and smartphones, allowing readers to access their favorite books on-the-go. As a result, publishers are increasingly focusing on optimizing content for digital platforms, ensuring that formatting and design translate seamlessly across various devices.
The rise of self-publishing has disrupted the traditional publishing model, granting authors greater autonomy and control over their work. Authors are now able to sidestep the often rigorous gatekeeping processes of traditional publishers, and instead, publish their books independently through online platforms. This trend has led to a surge in the number of books being published, spanning various genres and catering to niche audiences. While self-publishing offers authors unprecedented creative freedom, it also necessitates a more entrepreneurial approach, as authors are responsible for marketing, distribution, and overall book visibility.
The publishing industry is making concerted efforts to champion diversity and inclusion in both the stories being told and the voices telling them. Readers are increasingly seeking stories that reflect a range of experiences, cultures, and backgrounds. Publishers are responding by actively seeking out underrepresented authors and narratives, thereby enriching the literary landscape. Sensitivity readers and increased awareness of cultural authenticity are becoming standard practices, ensuring that stories are respectful and accurate in their portrayals.
Environmental concerns have permeated every industry, and publishing is no exception. Publishers are adopting eco-friendly practices, from using recycled materials for physical books to reducing carbon footprints in the production and distribution processes. Additionally, the concept of “slow books,” akin to the slow food movement, is gaining ground. This entails focusing on producing high-quality, lasting content, as opposed to rushing to meet market demands with disposable literature.
Book discovery in a sea of digital content has become a major challenge. As a result, creative marketing strategies are essential for capturing readers’ attention. Social media, book influencers, and online book clubs play a pivotal role in generating buzz around new releases. Data analytics and AI-driven insights are also being utilized to target potential readers more effectively and tailor marketing campaigns to their preferences.
In an era of diminishing attention spans, the popularity of serialized content and shorter-form literature is on the rise. Platforms like Wattpad and Radish have gained traction by offering stories in bite-sized installments that cater to readers looking for quick entertainment. This trend is prompting authors and publishers to explore new ways of storytelling, experimenting with episodic narratives and concise yet impactful prose.
Audiobooks are experiencing a renaissance, with their popularity surging among busy readers who can now consume books while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The convenience of audiobooks has led to a significant increase in their production, with publishers investing in high-quality narrators and immersive soundscapes. Additionally, podcasts centered around books and literary discussions are further engaging the literary community and enhancing the audio experience.
Publishing models are becoming increasingly hybrid, blending traditional publishing with self-publishing elements. Some authors choose to self-publish certain works while pursuing traditional publishing routes for others. This approach allows authors to leverage the advantages of both worlds, maintaining creative control over some projects while benefiting from the resources and distribution networks of established publishers for others.
Artificial Intelligence is making its presence felt in the writing process. AI-driven tools assist authors in various stages of writing, from generating plot ideas to offering grammatical suggestions. While these tools are not meant to replace human creativity, they do offer valuable support to authors, helping them streamline their work and enhance its quality.
Blockchain technology is gradually seeping into the publishing industry, primarily in the realm of copyright management and royalty tracking. Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature provides a secure and transparent way to manage intellectual property rights and ensure that authors receive fair compensation for their work, even as it gets shared, adapted, and sold across different platforms.
In conclusion, the world of book publishing is in a state of flux, with innovative trends reshaping every aspect of the industry. From the dominance of digital content and the empowerment of self-publishing to the emphasis on diversity, sustainability, and serialized narratives, the landscape is evolving to cater to modern readers’ preferences and behaviors. As authors, publishers, and readers continue to adapt, the future promises a literary world that embraces technology while staying true to the timeless art of storytelling.
The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.
Also available on Amazon in Kindle and print versions
We interviewed Paul Gonnella, fondly referred to as Coach G, regarding his new book, PAID, about the scheme that has ripped off thousands of college football and men’s basketball players for years.
PAID is available on Amazon and the Kindle and in fine bookstores everywhere.
1. What inspired you to write PAID?
After abruptly resigning and retiring from college football in 2020, after almost 2 decades of service, I felt it was my duty, to be honest, to watch out for those who have no power or voice.
2. What are the most important, relevant issue(s)?
The most important relevant issues are:
3. What and how do you think will change with the publication of PAID?
I am hoping it starts a conversation that eventually will lead to change at the foundational level of revenue-making sports.
4. How will sports change as we know it if there are changes?
The sports of FBS college football/men’s basketball will be a better product for public consumption. Not much else will change in terms of the game. The changes I suggest in the book will dissolve the system of the mess it is in right now.
5. Are you thinking about writing a sequel to PAID or a second book?
I have not determined if I will write another book as of yet.
6. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
The only way change will occur is if the past players, current players, future players, all their family and friends, and the fans join together to create change. This movement will take a village to create change due to the amount of money and power the schemers have.
If you vote for Trump and his MAGA GOP members you may indirectly start World War III.
If Trump and his MAGA GOP take control of our Congress, they will cut off support for Ukraine. They already cut support on the advice of Trump when the Congress was ready to approve the spending bill with support for Ukraine.
What will happen next?
said Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. “This is supposed to be the party of conservative principles, of tradition, of respect for customs and rules that make society governable.
“The idea that the law does not apply to Republicans is something that has now become part of the mainstream of the Republican party. We see it in terms of the approach to elections. We see it in terms of the treatment of immigrants. Some of the actions with regard to abortion may approach that level. The Republican party appears to consider the law and the constitution to be optional and to have lost legitimacy.”
From The Guardian
Republicans’ lawless leaders at odds with midterm law and order message | Republicans | The Guardian
If you vote Republican you are supporting:
– 19 GOP red states have pending laws suppressing voter’s ability to vote. Historically, dictators and Fascists have suppressed votes to stay in power.
– The GOP has come out in support of QAnon, The Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys
– You may lose a loved one, a relative or a friend in a train crash, a bridge collapse or a plane crash as Republicans strip funds from President Biden’s infrastructure bill.
– The Texas abortion ban if left to stand will be passed in several other GOP states. Idaho will pass an anti-abortion law based on the Texas law. 16 states have “trigger” abortion ban laws.
by the US Supreme Court.
https://cnn.it/3RaW1zm
https://nyti.ms/3IcANNo
With the recent Supreme Court banning EPA authority from polluters
https://bit.ly/3IfQ1Bf
on Gun Purchases – will never get passed.
Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional plea to improve gun purchase background checks
https://cnn.it/3AnRweO
– will never go up leaving 18 states still paying $7.25 an hour.
– the last thing America needs are conservative leaders, especially some Republicans who want to keep America from progressing. The last thing America needs is backward-thinking leaders in the 21st Century.
– Republicans have turned to cheating to stay in power or to get back into power…and nothing is getting done by them for the American people.
The enforcement or advocacy of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
and everything America stands for: Truth, Justice and Liberty for all? Look what is happening in Ukraine.
*Of course, not all Republicans are like those described above. Here is a list of those who should stay in office.
House of Representatives – those who voted to impeach the former president
Senate – The Republicans who voted to convict the former president after impeachment:
YOUR VOTE COUNTS. It’s a lie to think otherwise.
Paid for by Jake Stone for American Democracy
VOTE like your freedom depended on it…because it does.
Books of the NY Times
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.