BLOGS

 Sometimes, what happens in the dark, doesn't stay in the dark.  Here's a small piece of what's been floating in my head today.  The start of something or the end of it.  Depends on your point of view.   - CAG

                When I first woke up, I could hear its panicked breath.  It was the kind of breathing you do when you’re having a bad dream and the monster almost gets you but you wake up just in time.  I woke up the same way.  No light.  None. I scuttled backward until my back hit the wall then stood up, ready to fight.  But the fight never came.  I waited in the silence; sometimes holding my breath so I could listen.  I knew it was doing the same.  It spoke to me in some language I didn't understand in a voice I didn't recognize.  The voice was garbled.  I couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman or even human.  Then something clicked, I don’t know what but suddenly, I understood it.

          “Who are you?” he demanded.  It was a man.  Immediately, I wanted to spit out an angry reply.  Old memories flooded back of the last time I was trapped in a dark room with a man.  What he had done to me.  How he had hurt me. Over and over again.  I nearly died.  I was never the same since.  That was never going to happen again.  Never.  

                I would have answered but then I realized that I didn't know who I was.  How was that possible?  I couldn't think of my name.  My knees almost buckled at the onslaught of that realization.  I shook my head and pulled myself back into the moment.  I could figure all that other shit out later.  I answered his question with one of my own.  “Who are you?”  The silence was broken by rapid breathing.  His and mine.  

             “I don’t know.” The reply was a mixture of fear and acceptance.  I kept my back to the wall, slowly and quietly, I took a step to my right, walking the perimeter; softly tapping the wall.  Searching for a breach, for a way out.  A door.  A weapon.  I wanted a weapon.  I didn't need one.  I could fight to the death if I had to.  But a weapon would give me a nice advantage.  

             I didn't know who I was trapped in here with or who would be waiting for me once I found my way out of here.  I was going to get out of here.  My gun was gone and I left my knife embedded in the chest of the man who attacked me in the alley.  I could feel him behind me; in the shadows.  He was as blind as I was and just as wary of me as I was of him.  Good.

              Sometimes, I need to bounce story ideas off of friends to see if it works from a technical stand point or if it reads realistically enough to be what I intended it to be.  There are times when I just want to share what’s going on in my head.  It may be the start of a story, a scene or two from a story that I’m already working on or just a flash of something going on in my writer’s realm.  This morning I was “hit” with this little piece of inspiration and shared it with my good friend Ed Maisonet, who is also my LifeDefense Instructor.  He replied with this: 

"Be what you need to be in the moment.  Head not the tail.  Predator not prey." 

              How true those words are. They brought to mind what Ed teaches in every class and that is, every person should know how to protect themselves, especially women.  Some of the female characters I write about start off their literary lives as prey.  They don’t always remain that way though.  More often than not, they are compelled by circumstances and survival instincts to fight when running to safety is no longer an option and giving up is definitely not the plan.  They learn what they have to learn and do what is necessary to become the predator and not the prey.  This holds true in the real world as well.

             Please understand, I am not man-bashing, the same idea of being prepared to defend yourself applies to men and children as well.  Trouble arrives uninvited in many forms and can be delivered to anyone at any time.  All one has to do is pick up a newspaper or watch the news to see just how many men, women and children fall prey to violent acts all the time, day or night, while they’re at work or school and even when they’re home.  Some of us have already been a victim of violence.  Women and children are commonly thought of as “weaker” targets.  I wonder how many would be alive today if they had the advantage of knowing how to defend themselves from the bad guys that prowl our streets and break into our homes.
             I've been taking Ed’s class for some time now and while I am in no way near to being like the bad-ass protagonists of many of my stories (I’m a work in progress), I no longer feel as though I would be helpless in a dire situation.  If I could offer advice specifically to women today, it would be:

• Learn how to protect yourself.  There are ways to fend off your attacker.  Find a good self-defense class and train.  Personally, I recommend Krav Maga but find what works for you.  With commitment, you’ll also gain the side benefit of getting into shape and feeling empowered mentally, spiritually as well as physically.  I know I have.
• Be cautious of who you let into your life.  Take your time to learn more about the person you’re going on a date with, regardless of how good they look.  That adage about wolves in sheep’s clothing holds truth.
• Think smart, act smarter and learn how to fight so you can live to fight another day. 
                

Just a few things I’ve learned from a 250 pound man, that makes sense.  As Ed would say “See you on the mat.”

-To learn more about Ed Maisonet, Author of  "Things I Teach to Every Woman I Know" Written by a 250lb Man", you can follow Ed's blog at  http://twocentsfroma250lbman.blogspot.com/  or learn more about his LifeDefense Krav Maga classes by visiting his website at www.lifedefenseinc.com

Quantum Computers A Step Closer to Reality

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have pushed quantum computers a step closer to reality, which one former NSA technical director says calls for a rethink in how the whole security of the internet is managed.

Click Here For The Full Article

The big day has arrived and now Research Team Leader Alicechild readies to helm the research into the strange artifact of such great interest to the Corporation. However, disturbing information arises as she is being briefed concerning previous tests conducted by other research teams. Will new knowledge concerning the EROS Device cause Alicechild to waiver in her commitment to career advancement?

Victor De Schwanberg/SPL

Nature: Hawking radiation mimicked in the lab, Ron Cowen

Hidden within the recesses of a Dark Matter Cloud lies the ARES Armament Corporation's Weapons Development and Testing Facility. It is on this cold and dark world Weapons Engineer Alicechild 88130 finds herself under a 25-year contract. Seemingly incapable of successful social interaction, Alicechild is passed over for promotion and she faces many years ahead in what looks to be a dead-end job. That is until a strange artifact is found in the planetary mantle of ice! Brought to her department for examination, could this be the chance she's been looking for to advance her flagging career?

Time to celebrate... the full trailer is here and my
artbook is live right now.

Go to amazon.com, right now.

amazon.com/author/winstonblakely

Please Enjoy this trailer as well.

Image Source

Tecnologia Aeroespacial Mexicana: Juan Manuel Lozano, inventor

Source

Space.com: Would Finding Alien Life Change Religious Philosophies?
Megan Gannon, News Editor

Cover art and design by Quinton Veal.

“You cold?” the young woman shook her head. “Are you finished eating?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Annabelle pushed her chair back from the table, rose and walked back out into the hallway, Sonya followed. They stood before the door. “Don’t ever try to open this door or any of the doors in this by yourself. Understand?”

Sonya nodded impatiently, now in a hurry to be off. “Cle-Menti, she’s ready,” called Annabelle.

The words were barely out of her mouth, before he blurred alongside her. “You wish to go out princess?”

“Uh-huh,” Sonya stammered. Boy, I sound brain dead. But he is so fine!

He took her hand and they faced the door. “We wish to go to the beach,” he commanded. It swung open, to reveal golden sands and foaming turquoise waters; under an unbelievably bright orange-blue sky.

They strolled around the corner of the mansion, to find the two centaurs now racing each other up and down the sand; one Bronze, with green eyes, reddish-brown hair that curled about her shoulders, and a dark red mare’s hindquarters. The other was Amber with slanted, almond eyes, and black hair that flowed to her waist—a waist that ended in black horse’s body. Each wore silver brassieres covering their torsos.

“Can I get a closer look?”

Cle-Menti smiled indulgently, “Of course!” He shouted in a booming voice that echoed along the beach: “This is Sonya and she’d like to play with you; but behave yourselves! None of your
tricks—you hear?”

Sonya approached the centaurs slowly, twisting her hands in front of her like a child. “Hi…” she said softly.

They regarded her with open curiosity. “I’m Lui and this is Juliana,” the Amber centaur lisped. “Would you like a ride?”

“Oh yes!” Sonya breathed.

“Well, climb on my back then! We’re going to race!”

“And I’m going to win!” Juliana pronounced.

“Hold on tight!” Lui warned. She galloped down the beach—with Sonya holding on for dear life— then back again. The Indigo girl glanced over her shoulder, and glimpsed mermen and women looking on with great interest.

A crowd of aquatic folk had gathered near the ocean’s edge, and were bobbing up and down in the waves, smiling and pointing: waiting for their chance to play with this newcomer.

As Sonya slid off Lui’s back, she whispered: “You would make a lovely centaur! Wouldn’t you like to be one of us?”

Sonya frowned “Oh no!”

“And why not?” Juliana chipped in petulantly. “Are we not beautiful?” Beside her Lui pouted.

Sonya’s face split in a wide grin, flattered beyond measure that these magical equines wanted her to join their family. “You’re the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen!” Mollified they smiled back.

“Well?” said Lui expectantly.

“I have a family,” Sonya explained. “If I stayed with you, they’d miss me.”

For a moment Juliana and Lui seemed to seriously consider. “We could be your family,” Juliana offered, smiling openly as if this solved everything.

Sonya looked distressed. I don’t want to make them mad! “But I’d miss them too!” she stammered, “I love them!”

“What is… love?” asked Lui, looking confused.

Sonya’s jaw dropped. “You miss a person when they’re gone,” she groped for words, “you don’t ever want to be without them; and when they hurt, you hurt too.”

They listened intently. “Oh. . .!” said Juliana nodding; beside her Lui bobbed her head in agreement.

But it was obvious they still didn’t understand. Another small almost imperceptible shiver of fear coursed through Sonya. “Could we ride to the water?” she asked.

“Oh yes!” Lui smiled brightly, “We can do whatever we want!”

“Ride me this time!” chirped Juliana.

At the ocean’s edge Sonya scrambled off the centaur’s back—thankful to be rid of them—and into the warm water. She swam into the mere folks’ midst, marveling at their lustrous emerald, golden, brown, ebony, purple, sepia and pinks skins; and joined them in a game of tag.

Sonya began diving under the waves with them. A purple mermaid, with long ropy hair to match her skin, laughed at how playful the girl was;  and pulled Sonya under the water, swimming alongside her. At this, they took turns dragging her down with them. Sonya couldn’t remember when she’d had so much fun.

She paddled into the depths marveling at the sea blooms and geometric coral; and at how long she was holding her breath. A slender, pink-skinned merman with golden hair, sea green eyes, and a matching tail, bobbed alongside her grinning. Without warning, he reached out and pulled her into his arms; his body even warmer than the sea.

How do they do it?  thought Sonya, Like us?

The merman bubbled laughter in her ear, as if he could hear her thoughts, and pressed himself even more tightly against her. She could feel the maleness hidden beneath his scales.

They swam deeper and deeper still entering cobalt blue waters, bedded by stalks of coral growing from an unseen ocean floor. He paused with Sonya still in his arms and kissed her, pushing his strange bumpy tongue into her mouth. And she wondered how it would feel to have him take her right there, beneath the oceans depths.

“ENOUGH!” Cle-Menti’s booming voice echoed beneath the waves. “BRING HER BACK DEMETRI!”

Demetri lifted his mouth from hers. Frowning, he stared up; then swam to the surface, holding her in his arms. They burst above the foam, and for an instant she couldn’t breathe.

I’ve been breathing water –!

It passed. Her lungs accepted the air, and Demetri was moving to the shallows to release her. Sonya stood in thigh length water… and felt a curious longing. He held her eyes, his lips curving upward in a smile as if they shared a secret. With a flip of his tail he was gone.

Cle-Menti was sitting on the beach waiting for her. “Time to go princess.”

Sonya pouted. “Why’d you make me come back? I was having fun!”

He rose, his full lips spreading into a smile. “Not so innocent after all,” he said, almost to himself, and Sonya blushed. He put an arm about her shoulder guiding her to the door. “You couldn’t breathe when you first came out of the water,” the Indigo man said. “Don’t you wonder why?” Sonya nodded.

“Demetri changed you because he wanted you.” There was no trace of humor in Cle-Menti’s voice now. “If you’d made love to him, you would have become a creature of the sea. And you would have to stay here. Forever.”

He dipped his head toward the beach. “Many of them were human once,” he continued, “but once transformed, they forgot all about their past lives.” Now his gaze was direct, penetrating. Looking into those eyes, Sonya felt nauseous with fear. “They wouldn’t make suitable playmates, you see, if they missed their families.”

The door swung open and she rushed past him, back to the safety of the castle.

Copyright 2010, 2014 Valjeanne Jeffers

Available at www.vjeffersandqveal.com

Source: Biology of Reproduction

School of Public Health
University of Michigan: Felipe Vadillo-Ortega, M.D., PhD

Monday October 13th, H. Wolfgang Porter's 'Dark God's Gift: The E.R.O.S. Device' debuts! Travel 65,000 years into humanity's future to a Corporate Weapons Development and Testing Facility hidden within a Dark Matter Cloud. An incredibly ancient artifact has been found and it could be a weapon of devastating power! A team of researchers is assigned to examine the find, but will it be the financial breakthrough believed or just another old piece of junk?

Amazing Mexicans: Dr. María del Socorro Flores González

The cryostat for the XENON1T experiment. Image credit: The XENON1T Collaboration.

CERN Courier: A bright future for dark-matter searches

I had it again last night, went to bed around 12:30, awoke at 3:00, tired and dislocated. Then came the restful sleep. Thought about a new hotel, The SOMA. A huge cube of sleeping rooms, no beds, no amenities. a closet, a big chair in a dim room, a bathroom. I went in, sat, pressing my backside and ribcage into the plush. The street sounds were replaced by ones of my choice interspersed with the sweet voice of the SOMA's concierge attendant. When I responded, I moved thru a dream space. I couldn't tell if it was real or what. I met with people, did business, smooth talked and jived, chilled out and closed a deal. 

I awoke, the taste of rum on my lips, the scents of the evenings, a few selfie photos, a stack of business cards, a thank you note on a napkin with a cell number. Drove home, wife kissed me, asked how was my night, had breakfast, sent the kids out to play. We had our time together, a sweet time, seems the days never end. Hey hon, time to go to work. Yeah I know. Working nights, who came up with that idea? I pulled into The SOMA tired from the day as usual, the big comfy chair welcoming and the calming voice saying message this time. The chair hummed and stroked. Drifting off I responded, received a margarita, chatted with my clan of business colleagues.....

With a former Korean War Era Soldier as guide, Dr. Sybil Perth venture's forth towards the strange tower relic of the Atomic Age! Will the source of the sicknesses and disappearances of the townsfolk be found within the foreboding radioactive structure? Can even she, a Nuclear Physicist unravel and undo the mysterious force holding the town in thrall? If the good Dr. Perth's efforts fall short, is she prepared for the eternal consequences of her failure? All shall be revealed in the exciting conclusion!

USA Science Festival: José Hernandez-Rebollar, PhD