Blog Archives - Michael S. Pauley, Author

Michael S. Pauley, Author

Crass Commercialism

11/28/2014

It's Black Friday, where crass commercialism is the order of the day. I know this is the season of giving, but WOW! While we, too, choose gifts for friends and family, there are also others who could use our help at this time of year. A tradition we had when the kids were younger and still at home was to have them choose a toy, not for themselves, but for another child. We would donate to Toys for Tots, the local inter-faith charity, or some other organization. We had the kids help put together food for the local food bank, a box for the local pet shelter, or choose a name off of a Giving Tree. It was our hope to instill the spirit of giving in them and not have them view the Season from a "what did you get me?" mindset. It seems to have worked as they are all considerate, compassionate human beings. Another organization we try to do something for each year is the USO, who provides our soldiers and their families with respite at the airport, and around the world. Not everyone gets to be home for the holidays.

Back to the crass commercialism. A book is always an excellent gift! Hell is the Night, the Second Gomer Wars is available through most major retailers and perhaps your local independent book store as well. Thank you. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2014

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe in your travels, tolerant of your relatives, thoughtful to those who work in retail or service industries, and grateful for what you have. ~Michael S. Pauley

Holiday Shopping Blitzkrieg

11/24/2014

I am thankful for this short work week. That is not the case for everyone. Let's be considerate to those who have to work this Holiday weekend. That includes those in retail (Damn, but I feel sorry for those guys on Black Friday), and everyone in services that never shut down, like police, fire, and hospital workers. They seem to be even busier when the rest of us are taking it easy.

I should add hotel workers to that list since there are a number of ladies from outlying towns who take a hotel room for the weekend and do all their Holiday shopping this weekend. Damndest thing I ever saw. They'll have 5-6 ladies, the mother, grandmother, a couple of sisters, cousins, etc. crammed in a room so they can hit up all the local stores in a 3-day Blitzkrieg of shopping. They apparently plan this with all the detail of a D-Day invasion. They have lists of people and gifts and the places to get them. These lists are then divided up and each lady receives her assignment. Warning! DO NOT GET IN THEIR WAY! They carry out their mission with the ruthlessness of German Tanks rolling into Poland. I have found that there is nowhere that I need to be that is worth risking life and limb. Even ISIS/IS fighters would flee at the sight of these ladies bearing down on them with the ramrods they call shopping carts.

Remember the Holiday Spirit and be extra kind to those who must work this weekend. Stay safe and Enjoy your Thanksgiving! ~Michael S. Pauley

Miami Book Fair International

11/22/2014

The Miami Book Fair International is happening now! If you live in the area, this looks like an excellent way to spend your weekend! What better way to get started on your holiday shopping than being surrounded by thousands of books? Check the "Events and Book signings" page on this site for a link to the Book Fair's website. AuthorHouse has a booth and They Own the Night, the First Gomer Wars is a featured book. Hell is the Night, The Second Gomer Wars is not there, but is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AuthorHouse, and other retailers. There is no better gift than a book or two. ~Michael S. Pauley

Weathering the Weather

11/21/2014

Now that the weekend is here, most of us usually think of rest and relaxation. That is not the case for those living in areas affected by the incredible amounts of snow we have seen lately. I saw a photo where the weight of the snow had actually caved in the front door of a house! There have been roof collapses, people stranded on the highway, and other hardships associated with the weather. With Thanksgiving approaching, I am grateful that we are safe and able to keep warm. Here's hoping that everyone has a safe and happy holiday as they begin their travels "over the river and through the woods" to their Thanksgiving celebrations. Have a good weekend! ~Michael S. Pauley

Countdown to Thanksgiving

11/19/2014

As the holiday season approaches, I am reminded of the many things I have - A steady job, a supportive family, the opportunity to write and publish, and readers who make that writing worthwhile. Here's hoping that Hell is the Night, The Second Gomer Wars is on your list, either for giving or receiving. ~Michael S. Pauley

Miami International Book Fair

11/17/2014

They Own the Night, The First Gomer Wars will be one of the books featured at the AuthorHouse booth at the Miami International Book Fair this weekend. Here is a link to the Book Fair's website - http://www.miamibookfair.com/ While I will not be able to attend, it looks like an excellent event. Send a report and pictures if you are lucky enough to be able to go! Hell is the Night, The Second Gomer Wars will not be featured, as these things are set up too far in advance for us to have been able to include it. Enjoy! ~ Michael S. Pauley

Gomers & Boy Scouts

11/14/2014

The recent release of my new book has completely knocked me off my normal blog posting schedule. It has also impacted my ability to watch the news, and still be objective enough to write a cogent blog posting. Other events have left their mark, such as the elections, the down sizing of the military, budget crunches, and the huge expenditures of assets and national treasure on things like Ebola. I won’t sit here in judgment, since that would be contrary to my personal code. Still, it does impact my ability to maintain a sense of humor, when I realize that robbing Peter to pay Paul, is going to leave us in a position of catch up when it matters. After all, regardless of your belief in things like a peace dividend, when the rest of the world is waiting to smack you when you’re not looking, a declaration of peace is pointless. Right now the hot spots are still hot, with some getting even hotter. In the Ukraine, a cease fire is in place, but it appears that the cease fire is merely a term describing limited military operations. Starting there and glancing around the globe, you see everything from separatist votes in Spain to more genocidal behavior in Africa. The alliances, discussions, and confusion run rampant all around the Pacific Rim, and we are in a “Pacific Shift.” All of this is supposed to be done on a budget, where peoples’ lives are impacted. The cuts in the officer corps in the Army are a prime example of such thinking. I just hope that something like a Gomer doesn’t show up anytime soon, otherwise, we’ll be relegated to responding with rusty paper clips and Boy Scouts. ~ Michael S. Pauley

Thank a Veteran!

11/11/2014

Want to write and/or read Science Fiction? Thank a Vet! Want to be a rocket scientist? Thank a Vet! Want to be a rock star or a super hero? Thank a Vet! Thank you to all those have served and all those who are now serving. You help make this country the great place that it is and allow us the freedom to do great things! Happy Veteran's Day! ~ Michael S. Pauley

Ready for Veteran's Day?

11/10/2014

With parades, kids out of school, people having the day off, and sales in every store, the reason behind the festivities can sometimes be obscured. Let's remember to thank our veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. Fly the flag with pride and enjoy those parades! ~ Michael S. Pauley