Killing the Mob by Bill O’Reilly is another installment of his history page-turning work that obviously focuses on the Mafia. O’Reilly begins his book with a historical look at criminals such Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Dillinger. He then writes about how the old Mob got their start in bootlegging during Prohibition. The Mob also dabbled in prostitution, gambling, protection money, and narcotics. There were many details about the Mafia’s infamous witness tampering. SPOILER ALERT: The book ends with Donny Brasco (Johnny Depp movie, fugget-a-bow-tit) in the ’80s. Some interesting tidbits include the Kennedy murders of both John and Robert. The failed assassination of Fidel Castro is discussed. J. Edgar Hoover supposedly laid off the mob because they had dirt on the famous head of the FBI. Common girlfriends were shared among mobsters.
My Review: This is the fourth O’Reilly book I’ve read. He has an in-depth look at the history along with fascinating tidbits. He will include facts as well as rumors, always citing which is which. Once I finished with the book, I had a feel for these infamous mobsters. As all of O’Reilly’s books, I loved it and would highly recommend it to all history lovers and O’Reilly fans. I hope O’Reilly does a Killing of America, but I hope America doesn’t get killed. 5/5 Star
His Father’s Blood is the second book in the series, Legends of Family Dyer. Although I read the first book (5 star review), Thompson does an outstanding job in bringing the reader up to speed whether or not the reader began on book one. John Dyer bunkers down in a small cabin outside of town in Maryland. He is part Native American and dabbles with shape shifting, but is fully aware of some dangerous spirits who might show up uninvited. He befriends a disturbed women who has a bad reputation. She gets a hold of his spell book and begins to shape-shift without him. She gets involved with an evil spirit and goes on a revenge murder spree. Meanwhile, John falls in love with the preacher’s daughter. The preacher doesn’t approve of John and causes obstacles in their relationship. There are more subplots, twists, and turns, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
My Review: As usual, David Thompson pens an entertaining, face-paced, page-turning novel that had me hooked from page one. I particularly loved Sally Ann, the town ho! She reminded me of the Joker in a way because she snapped after receiving so much cruelty in her life. I really loved Laris, the spirit, as well. The other characters were three dimensional and original. Thompson is especially talented at dialogue. The way the characters talk seems spot on for rural 18th Century.
On a side note, Thompson is not just writing fiction. The real Moll Dyer was accused of witchcraft and driven out of her home. She died on a rock, frozen to death. Her spirit reportedly still haunts the area.
I would recommend Thompson’s His Father’s Blood to anyone who likes paranormal stories. Again, another impressive read! Look forward to the third book. 5/5 Stars
A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship… Andel Talistokov is a fallen angel who uses advertising as a form of propaganda for Satan. His growing power emboldens him to break Hell’s Commandments by soliciting worship from an ancient angel religion. He changes their rituals forever. Furious with his arrogance and betrayal, Satan commands Armaros to return to Hell after finding his replacement.
Eve Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother’s fatal accident. She and her sister, Julia, unravel their mother’s secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy.
Both worlds collide.
Angel Cult: An In-Depth Look at an Ancient Religion by Dina Rae
Yezidism or Yazidism officially began somewhere in the 12th Century within the Kurdish Mountains which border northern Iran, southern Turkey and parts of Syria.
Most historians report an ancient version of the religion began much earlier, possibly 7000 years ago. The name Yazidi might come from Yazd, Iran or Yazad/yazata which means “God” in Kurdish. Some believe the name comes from a caliph named Yazid ibn Mu’awiya who killed the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and then retreated within the Kurdish Mountains. Sheikh Hasan expanded the religion throughout the 13th Century, attracting many Kurds and other Muslims. The religion began to defy Islam by drinking alcohol and not facing Mecca in prayer. The Yezidis now live in tribal communities and face persecution within the Middle East.
The Yezidis claim to incorporate parts of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism into their religion, but they are much more closely linked to Zoroastrianism. Zoroaster, the religion’s founder, preached two mentalities under one god, Ahura Mazda. The Magi or three wisemen from the Bible were believed to be Zoroastrians. This religion comes from the Ismaeli branch of Islam. In the Bible, Ishmael was the older brother of Isaac who was banished with his Egyptian mother after Sara gave birth to Abraham’s second son Isaac.
Yazidis’ roots are Zoroastrian, but they have added their own spin to the religion. Shaykh Abi Musafir, born 1070-1162, was the founder of the modern-day version of Yazidism. Yazidis have two holy books, the Black Book and Revelation. Some believe Revelation is a forgery, authored by Westerners with the intention of sugar coating the odd religion. The Black Book might also be a forgery, but there is a debate. Because of the religion’s secrecy, scholars believe this group never had an official sacred text. Yezidis are known for passing on their traditions orally through their holy men or priests.
Yazidis believe that “God” (Xwede) created the world from a white pearl. “God”/Xwede put this pearl on the back of Anfar, a bird, who carried it for 40,000 years until Earth evolved. God is made up of a “holy trinity” with Malak Tawas (a peacock angel), Sheikh Adi, and Sultan Ezi. Malak Tawas also called the peacock angel is the most important in this trinity and appears every 1000 years. Malak Tawas is “God”, like an alter-ego, and leads the seven angels that come from the pearl. Westerners, Muslims, and ISIS believe Malak Tawas is really Satan. Shaytan is Satan in the Koran.
Shaytan, another name for Malek Tawas, refused to bow down to Adam and Eve after God commanded him. Yazidis believe God and Satan made amends and reconciled. The peacock is Malak Tawas’s symbol. Satan was not created by God, but born of a white pearl. Many Muslims and Christians label the religion as devil-worshippers.
Middle Eastern Yazidis speak Kurmanji. They believe in reincarnation, pray five times a day in front of fire, fast, celebrate their own New Year’s Eve, throw a Festival of the Peacock, refuse to eat lettuce, and make a pilgrimage to Sheikh Musafir’s tomb, the religion’s founder. They believe Jesus was an angel in human form and Mohammad was a prophet. They won’t spit or wear the color blue. Some believe the color blue represents Noah. This is especially interesting because the Flood might have been about getting rid of all of the fallen angels.
Yazidis are baptized and circumcised (not a requirement). They are monogamous, but priests/chiefs can be polygamous. They believe they descended from Adam alone, and not Eve. Yezidis are forbidden to marry outside of their culture and religion. They also practice Honor Killings which victimize women who violate their laws, culture, and traditions. A few years back, a case in Germany was reported about a Yazidi girl who fell in love with a German boy. Her family killed her.
I found this religion fascinating and used parts of it for my book, Peacocks, Pedestals, and Prayers now available on Amazon. The horror/paranormal novel uses a great deal of research from ancient writings.
Are angels and aliens one in the same? What does the Bible have to say about extra-terrestrials? Were things so different three thousand years ago? Or are we just using a different vernacular?
Anyone who has ever picked up the Bible knows the story of Noah and the ark. God chose him and his family because they were ‘pure’ (Genesis), but what does pure mean? Is it pure heart? Or is it pure bloodline? Angels mated with women back in those days, producing a half breed called nephilim. These beings were described as giants with superhuman powers who had 6 fingers on each hand and 6 fingers on each foot. Could the nephilim be an old version of modern day aliens of a mixed race or even early attempts at genetic modification? Was Noah and his family the last ‘humans’ left of the human race?
Angels and aliens are always described as glowing with light. Ezekiel, an Old Testament prophet, vividly describes a spaceship in his book. Ezekiel 1:16: “The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.” Many Ancient Alien theorists use this passage as documentation of Ezekiel witnessing a spacecraft landing on earth. The description of the wheel is definitely futuristic.
Enoch’s writings about angels were controversial enough to be edited out of the Bible. More of his writings were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. He regularly communicated with angels and ascended up to Heaven to speak with God on behalf of their shortcomings. Possible abduction? Genesis 5:24 clearly states that Enoch “walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”
Did angels or aliens come to Earth to show mankind technology and weapons? One of the Bible’s biggest examples of this, at least according to Ancient Alien Theory, is Lot’s wife. Genesis 19:26 says, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Lot and his family were warned not to look back. We know now that nuclear blasts leave salt. There are large salt contents all over the Dead Sea to suggest that there was once an ancient nuclear explosion.In the Bible these beings appear to prophets, kings, and every day people. In modern day many geniuses such as Tesla and Da Vinci claim that brilliant ideas just popped into their heads. Some alien believers call these moments of greatness part of the Akashic record.
Whatever you believe, angels or aliens were definitely here thousands of years ago. Our history books only tell us bits and parts of our past. Peacocks, Pedestals, and Prayers, my new sci-fi/horror novel, uses ancient Biblical writings, an ancient angel cult, mind control in advertising, and vampire lore to weave an entertaining tale that will leave you wondering about our collective past.
Q: Your story includes many interesting facts about sharks and volcanoes. Have these two subjects always been a fascination of yours?
A: I grew up on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so sharks were a fact of life. Shovelheads at the beach, baby Lemon Sharks in the mangroves, Blacktips coming out of the water trying to snag a fish I just reeled in on my fishing line. Fresh teeth on the shore with the shells were a constant reminder that they were there, just offshore, even if we did not see them. Sharks fascinated me since childhood, and I never really feared them while swimming–although when you see them while snorkeling, you do fear them. It is a perfect example of “out of sight, out of mind”. Volcanoes have always seemed exotic, perhaps also because that one thing I was never exposed to growing up. As an adult, I read the wonderment of Pliny the Younger witnessing the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that buried Pompeii, trying to describe events his eyes see but his mind cannot fully explain. So, I hope to have captured a bit of that same awe in Sharkano, as the characters witness what their brains cannot comprehend, yet, their eyes are telling them is happening around them.
Q: What exactly is a lava tube?
A: When lava flows from deep below the earth’s surface, it forms tunnels or tubes.Think of it as a volcano’s plumbing. If the lava solidifies under the earth, it leaves ribbons of rock, but when the lava is expelled during an eruption, it leaves behind a cave where that lava flowed. They can be massive–one in Iceland is a tourist attraction, with the cave up to 30 feet high and almost 100 feet wide. More typically, they are 3-10 feet wide, and can be found almost anywhere on earth where there are–or have been–active volcanoes.
Q: Is the island setting in Hawaii a real place? Are you familiar with the Hawaiian Islands?
A: Mauna Niuhi is a fictional island. I considered trying to place the story in a real location, but decided the mystery is best served by creating a somewhat mystical place with its own mythology. The tropical jungle is based loosely on Kaua’i, called the Garden Isle, but with the contrasting desert-like ecosystem of a massive volcano looming over it.
Q: Are there professional volcano experts who study volcanoes? Was Burke based off of a real person?
A: Volcanology is the study of volcanoes, as well as their lava and the magma that exists under the earth’s surface. Volcanologists are geologists who specialize in the study of volcanoes or the molten core of the earth. They use everything from computer technology to satellites to study volcanoes, and are essential to provide warnings to people who live in the shadows of volcanoes around the world. A volcanologist named David A. Johnston was studying for the US Geological Survey on Mt. St. Helens in 1980 when it erupted. Dr. Johnston was heroically manning an observation post near the volcano, where he died when it erupted.
Q: What is your favorite breed/species of sharks? Why?
A: I have always loved Hammerhead sharks, which frankly look like an alien species. They are relatively common in the Gulf of Mexico, where I grew up. I also am a fan of Tiger Sharks,which are the ultimate predator. Beautiful, fast and unique, they are one of the few shark species which are dangerous to humans. To me, that is not a basis to hate them, but rather to respect such an awesome creature.
Q: If Sharkano would become a movie, who would star as Burke, Jacqueline, and Lexi? What would be the theme song?
A: Great question! Sharkano actually began as an exercise in writing a screenplay, which I adapted into a novel. I did not get as far as casting it in my mind, but since you have given the chance…Burke: While writing this, I imagined a slightly nerdy Burke in my head, but I am not sure I would cast him in this way. Maybe someone like Norman Reedus, who has a charm and sensitivity and can definitely pull off roughing it atop a volcano. Jacqueline: Although probably a bit young, I would love to see Anna Kendrick in this role. She has the glamour and the subtle humor, and she’d make a terrific reporter. Lexi: This is the toughest for me, as I am not familiar with many young actors her age. Would love to cast a newcomer, who could bring the wonder and struggle of a tween as she faces the unknown.
BIO: SHARKANO,my debut novel, was published in November, 2020 by Solstice Publishing. I am an attorney, and have also published a non-fiction book on insurance claims. Raised on the Florida Gulf Coast, after college and Law School in South Carolina, I moved to Marietta, Georgia, my current home. My wife and I live with our adopted dog Maksim Gorky, named after the Soviet author, where I enjoy cooking, writing and reading history—particularly historical fiction.
My Review of Sharkano
Sharkano, (combination of Shark/Volcano), is about a volcanologist (learned that from the author interivew!) who sets up camp to study a volcano on a fictitious island in Hawaii. The volcanologist/Burke is divorced and decides to take his teenage daughter, Lexi, with him for the summer while working. Without spoiling the story, Lexi immediately spots two sharks while swimming in a natural pool situated in the mouth of the volcano. No one believes her because the volcano is detached from the ocean. As people start to die, Burke, her father, begins to accept her story as truth. Her mother, Jacqueline, is a reporter who smells a story and flies to the island to find out what is going on. A shark expert, Dr. K., is also brought in to help answer some questions.
My Review: T.A. Bound does an amazing job with describing the setting-Hawaiian Island and volcano. The setting almost becomes another character as he uses research about volcanoes and a highly detailed description in his story-telling. The main characters, Burke, Jacqueline, and Lexi, move the story as well as offering dimension with their relatable qualities. The story in itself is well-written and action-packed. He does an excellent job painting a picture with words during the climatic scenes. I learned a great deal about volcanoes and sharks while being completely entertained. I thought of Jaws while reading the book as the words played a movie in my mind while reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an adventure story.
The Love Has Won cult attracted national attention a few months ago when leader, Amy Carlson, 45, was found dead at their headquarters in a mobile home southwest of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her body might have been moved from Oregon (one of their bases) to Colorado headquarters for worship purposes. The cause of death is unclear. She might have had cancer. After she died, her body was mummified in a sleeping bag. Her glittered body had no eyes (unclear about whether they were closed, plucked out, cut out????) and was wrapped in Christmas lights, propped up in a bedroom like a make-shift shrine. She was dead for weeks before the police got involved. Members refused to accept her death.
Mummy of Amy Carlson
Two children were found at the Colorado headquarters, and one of them was placed into child protective services. Seven cult members were arrested for child abuse and tampering with a dead body.
Amy Carlson grew up in Dallas and was a straight “A” student. The Love Has Won cult began in 2006 with her chosen as its leader. She left her job at McDonald’s, her third husband, and her children to lead the organization full time. The group existed before her as the Galactic Federation of Light.
One of Amy’s talents was communicating with angels. These angels offered spiritual intuitive ascension sessions. She claimed to be 500 billion years old and reincarnated over 500 times. Some of the people she used to be were Cleopatra, Jesus, Joan of Arc, and Marilyn Monroe. Amy believed she would ascend in a starship or disappear through a portal in the ocean. Amy claimed she could heal illnesses and lead 144,000 people into the 5th Dimension. She also claimed to be the Queen of Lemuria (think Plato and Atlantis). According to her, Donald Trump was her father in another life, and she communicated with Robin Williams who is now an archangel. Other beliefs within the cult centered around reptillian conspiracy theories and links to QAnon.
Amy Carlson’s followers believed she was the planet Earth who was put inside of a woman’s body. Her title was Mother God. She had many romantic links who were given the title as Father God. Together, they were thought to have formed the universe. Apparently, there was some alcohol abuse going on. Mother God drank around ten shots of vodka every night. She also consumed silver. Full time cult members who lived with her were considered to be homeless potheads.
The cult had thousands of members across the nation. They once lived in Hawaii, but there were problems and protests from the island of Kauai. The cult ended up relocating to Colorado.
My new book, Peacocks, Pedestals, and Prayers centers around an angel cult based off of an ancient religion. It will soon be released by Solstice Publishing.
Love to hear your thoughts and views! Leave a comment!
The Secrets of Giza by Ken Warner is a sci-fi thriller about two fraternal twins who have telekinesis and telepathy. It’s revealed early in the book that they are the offspring of aliens (no spoiler alert). The girl twin figures out her power at the onset of the book as she helps her brother with a bully situation. They become exposed in their high school for being nonhuman. Once at home, the FBI pays the entire family a visit. Their parents are murdered in front of them. They manage to escape. A family friend, a crazy rich uncle, and the uncle’s ultra-paranoid friend help develop the twins’ powers. They all discover much more.
The Secret of Giza
The author must watch Ancient Aliens because he brought in many facts about the pyramids, famous alien cases, and the United States’ secrecy. He also used well known conspiracy theories such as Atlantis, Egyptian pyramids, alien bases underwater, and more. I really enjoyed the fast-paced, non-stop action as well as the conspiracy theories used for plot. The characters were interesting. The book leans more to the Young Adult genre than regular science fiction. I highly recommend this book for middle school and high school students as well as adults who want a quick, fun read for the summer. 5/5 Stars
Five star rating icon.Evaluation hotel of 5 gold stars. Flat yellow stars on isolated background. vector illustration
I was watching an episode of Ancient Aliens last Friday. The topic of the show focused on the ancient art of body modifications. The show went into ancient traditions such as head bounding, neck elongating, feet wrapping, body paint, body piercings, and tattoos. Towards the end of the show, a shop owner in Canada was interviewed about his business. He sold implants that were inserted into people’s arms. Whatever information the customer wanted was encoded onto a computer chip. The shop owner also sold tattoos that worked as scantron and QRI codes. (Hmmmm-Mark of the Beast????) The man who was interviewed had two horns sticking out of his bald head as if it was just a fashion accessory. I became curious about this “trend.” Are horn implants a “thing” now?
This might be the same guy on Ancient Aliens-not sure.
Steve Haworth invented transdermal and subdermal implants back in the 1990s. The implant is usually made from Teflon or Silicone. Haworth is given credit for medical elevators, a tool needed to perform these procedures. For horns, the implants begin at a small size so that the skin stretches and has a chance to adapt to the implant. Eventually, the size of the implant increases per the customer’s taste. Risks of infection and implant rejection are prominent. Nevertheless, people are getting this procedure done in ordr to look like a demon. Why? Most claim it’s a part of individualism. Mental illness is also a factor. The odd markings or modifications can be an act of rebellion against societal norms. Some people see it as a way to fit into a certain tribe. Is this the evolution of humankind? The West has generally legalized the horns and other body modifications such as split tongues, elfin ears, scarification, and fanged or pointed teeth. To each his/her own. However, it’s disturbing that people want to modify themselves with symbols that have always belonged to monsters. Thoughts and views?
Cruella with Emma Stone and Emma Thompson is the first movie I have seen since December of 2019. The movie is about Cruella Devil’s childhood and young adulthood. Without spoiling anything, the movie begins with a girl Cruella who teams up with a couple of professional thieves, and then grows up to seek revenge. Cruella was born with half white and half black hair, an immense IQ, and a passion for fashion. The clothes in the movie are a character in their own right. The story explains why Cruella (then Estella) became a villain.
The movie had a dark edge to it, which I loved. I also thought of The Devil Wears Prada as I watched. Both movies portrayed the fashion industry as cut-throat, pretentious, and creative. The soundtrack was awesome-all ’70s songs played throughout. I loved the dogs. The movie had three dalmations, a min-pin, and a scruffy/Benji looking dog. I also loved the two Emmas. They played their parts to a tee. I don’t know if it’s been far too long since I’ve been to the theater, or if the movie was really as good as I thought, but what a great way to spend a hot, humid day out with my daughter! The popcorn never tasted better!
We’ve been hearing for years that the government is going to disclose its FBI/CIA/AirForce/Military/etc. files on aliens, alien technology, and UFO sitings. Still waiting! Hillary Clinton used the issue as a campaign promise. Trump hinted at the possibility during his administration. And now, under Biden’s reign, we are hearing whispers once again. Is this it? Will we finally be told the truth?
At the very least, we are getting closer. Mainstream news programs are covering the story. Former National Intelligence Directior John Ratcliffe (under Trump) recently announced that there will be a public report on Maria Bartrimono’s Fox Business program. UFOs are now called “unidentified aerial phenomena.” Sitings of objects show movements that are currently not possible with today’s technology. Speeds of these mysterious objects are faster than anyone on Earth has seen, exceeding the sound barrier without the sonic boom.
Ratcliffe revealed how satellites are also picking up unexplained phenomena all over the world. TV show Project Bluebook loosely retells some earlier data collecton made by America in the ’50s and ’60s. With technology advances, what does the country know now? We are ready for one hell of a report! The U.S. Navy released three videos of unidentified aerial phenomena.
Shameless Plug: Do you like aliens? If so, you will love The Best Seller-aliens, genetics, Nazis, codes, and history rolled into one fast-paced novel.
Conspiracy Crackpot 