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Hey people, as some of you might already know, I am writing for Examiner.com in the capacity of Toronto Books Examiner. What that means is I get to write about two of my favourite things, books and Toronto.
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 I recently finished “Under the Dome,” the latest from Stephen King, and a few small details struck me as being unusual. In the course of its 1100 odd pages, I couldn’t help but think things were not all as they seemed, there was a secret to the story that was buried within. A few casual comments by different characters made me realize that the book, which I initially took to be set in contemporary times, actually takes place in the near future. Under the Dome takes place in 2017 to be exact. Why would I date the novel in that year? It’s the only one that makes sense.
Please be aware that there are minor spoilers in the next sections, so if you wish to be completely unspoiled, read no further!
There are few outward indications that the novel takes place seven years from now. The technology is mostly the same. People use cell phones and iPods, they use laptops, both film and digital cameras, desktop computers, all of the things that most of us use in our day-to-day lives. There is no advanced technology on display, no hoverboards, or high tech implants. But as I continued to read, I felt that this was the only logical year for the story.
The first scene that sowed the first seed for me was when a character was recalling an incident in her past wherein she had a huge temper tantrum. In the course of this fit of rage, she ripped her favorite Oasis poster off of her wall and destroyed it. Now, this apparently took place 20 years ago. But, Oasis formed in 1991, so their 20th anniversary will not take place until next year. This was odd, I thought, but I paid it little mind. Mistakes happen, even to Stephen King.
Later, another character compares a piece of alien technology to an Apple TV box, that they purchased four years ago, although, in the book, Apple TV was released “some years” before that. So, in the continuity of Under the Dome, Apple TV has been out for at least 6 years (giving a conservative number of “some years”.) Apple TV has only been out a couple of years as of this writing.
Finally, a specific date is given in the book. Friday, October 27th is a very special day for the townspeople trapped under the dome. The next Friday October the 27th in our world will be in 2017, as 2012 will skip over to Saturday due to a leap year.
So, as far as I can reckon, the book takes place in 2017. Now, I only have 2 questions: Why is there no mention of this anywhere in the marketing, and why is Obama still president? Even his second term would finish in 2016.
Oh well, it was a fun little puzzle to figure out, and perhaps that is the best reward in itself.
Have you even noticed little incongruous things like this while reading? Let me know in the comments.
A terrible thing has happened to one of the best people I know. Tee Morris, author, podcaster and all around great guy woke up this morning with a huge hole in his life. His wife died, leaving him a widow, and the single parent to a young daughter. I cannot imagine what he is feeling right now, and I wish I could do more for him, but what I can do is blog and let other people know how to help.
Philippa Ballantine, who is Tee’s frequent collaborator, has created a Chipin account for Tee. The funds raised will go to help Tee with current expenses, with any leftovers going into a fund for Tee’s daughter.
Tee has spent the last several years being a cornerstone, if not the keystone for the podiobooks community. He has helped hundreds, if not thousands of people over the years. Right now, he can use our support. I know times are tough right now, but if you can, please help Tee.
 It's like a ninja paradise! For those of you who do not know, Casa Loma (Spanish for Hill House) is a museum and landmark in uptown Toronto, constructed in the Gothic Revival style. It was originally a residence for financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. It looks like this:
If you are thinking to yourself, hey, I wonder if they have a ninja there, I must commend you for your astuteness. This Gothis castle in the middle of Toronto, Canada does in fact have an in house ninja.
Check it out, I got a flyer for educational programs at the castle this week, and along with things that make a remote amout of sence (knights, gardening, turn of the century Toronto) it included this gem:
 Because this totally makes sense. My biggest question, aside from the obvious What the Fuck? is, how would a teacher get this past the administrators?
Teacher: So, we’re going to Casa Loma, we’ll be looking at the art, getting a tour, and oh, yeah, doing a Ninja Workshop?
Principal: Sounds good, wait, what, a ninja what?
Teacher: A workshop to teach the kids how to be more like ninjas. It’s part of my “Awesomely Insane” unit. We started with the 80s output of Chuck Norris, next we are moving into Ninjas, and we will wrap up with Luchadores.
Principal: The fuck?
Teacher: That’s what the kids say!
 Pictured: The Official Luchadores of the CN Tower This can only end in tears.
Hey Tricksters,
So, last night I had insomnia. I came up with a rough outline for another adventure staring Coyote and Anansi, just in time for Halloween.
Today, at 7:00PM I started to write it. 3500 words, one quick edit and a conversion to PDF, here it is almost 11:00, and I’m ready to roll it out.
It’s not perfect, it’s less than 4 hours of effort. But, I hope you enjoy it and think it is fun. I had fun dashing it off, my first real writing in a month.
Happy Halloween, Tricksters!
 Lost Gods Halloween Special: Download
I am thrilled beyond words! I have just received an email, perhaps the most exciting email I have received in my life! Apparently Lost Gods, my little novel, has won the prestigious>>> [ WARNING ::: DATABASE ERROR ::: CONTENT OVERRIDE ::: SOURCE: EXTERNAL ] <<<
> source terminal location: UNKNOWN
> source terminal identity: UNAVAILABLE
> source login information: ENCRYPTED
> message begins
the post you are now reading is designed to dull your senses to THE TRUTH. do not live the life of the worker bee, the cog, the well-oiled piston in the MACHINE OF DECEIT!
there is a grand CONSPIRACY afoot. you have been taught to believe that you are UNIQUE, one of a kind. THIS IS NOT TRUE. long ago, a cabal of scientists created technologies to ensure that ANYONE’S MIND AND BODY can be duplicated.
human cloning isn’t NEAR. it’s already HERE. discover the truth at http://JCHutchins.net
you are being DECEIVED. break free from the cogs, flee the hive, become A PROPHET OF THE TRUTH!
kilroy2. was here … kilroy2.0 is everywhere
>>> [ CONTENT OVERRIDE CEASES ::: DATABASE STATUS: RECOVERING ] <<<so my thanks go out to all of you listeners for making this happen. This is a dream come true!
 7th Son: Descent is out in two days.
I remind you of this fact because, frankly, I know of no other author who pours his heart and soul into promoting his work as much as J.C. Hutchins. I manage to do about 1% of what he does, and it knocks me on my ass.
I’m beginning to suspect that the reason J.C. can write such awesome clone material is that he is intimately familiar with the procedure. There must be a few of him running around, brainstorming new ideas on how to knock it out of the park yet again.
The story is amazing. The book looks great. You need more of an appetizer? Okay, you can check out the first part of the book here.
Listen to the damn promo.
Get yourself over to his site and order the book. You can thank me later.
Hey everyone, exciting news! After a summer of mucking about, I finally have Lost Gods ready as a print novel! You can get it here:
Purchase Lost Gods
The book is available from Lulu.com, one of the biggest and best Print on Demand sites on the Internet! The price is $15.50, which I hope you will agree is worth it for my print debut! Some praise the book has received includes:
I can say that this story delivered a whole lot more punch than I was expecting, and did so in clever, unexpected, and thoroughly well-thought-out ways. For sheer “I-never-saw-that-coming” value, this is a winner.
Dan Rabarts
Very creative, fresh. Interesting innovative and compelling characters. I look forward to each new release. Keep it up!
Barry B.
This is a great story! Barry said it all so I will just thank you for writing a great story.
John A.
I gotta say… I really enjoyed this one… Original, interesting, all around entertaining. Keep it up…
Synaptic Jam
This is a really fun, funny, great book! Everyone should listen!
Dariclone
Lost Gods is a very fun listen. It is what I like to call entertainment in my ears. It is full of very creative, with fresh ideas, an interesting plot line and compelling characters. I would have liked to see a little bit more characters development and maybe a past for the characters. I wonder if the author has thought of a prequel. The story line was great through and Drew Beatty had has a good voice for the story.
The Lone Wolf
The gods live as shadows among us. Anansi is now a con artist. A scheme with fellow trickster Coyote becomes a desperate race against time.
Nobilis
Lost Gods, a new twist (or twisted) look at ancient and newish gods in a fun story about the end of the world. Well done, sir.
Thomas Reed
So, please head over to Lulu.com and pick up Lost Gods! If you order more than one copy you can even get a discount, and it’s never too early to think about Holiday gifts!
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