Skimming Mars

The Boldly Go Institute is sending a giant air freshener to Mars, which is expected to return in 2020.

Truly, the institute is named Boldly Go and the spaceship does look like a giant air freshener to me. 

There is something else it sort of reminds me of, but I am not going there.  I'm staying with the PG Air Fresheners. 

Since it doesn't plan to actually land, only drive by and collect dust samples in the atmosphere, it's chance of success is actually pretty good.

Sadly I had a link to a NASA video here, but they took it down. What is wrong with NASA that they can't keep a video up in ethernet?

I hope the mission hasn't been canceled due to a corporate takeover. 

I was hoping  it would bring us back Tardegrades from Mars. Then we can have our Tardegrades go in and greet them. If they harm our Taredgrades, then we will hold the Mars Tardegrades prisoners while we try to water board them.

Martian Tardegrade

Earth Tardegrade

Note: it is not possible to waterboard a Tardegrade. The only opening in their fabulous space suit is the mouth which can shut tight against water. They can withdraw into their suit and go dormant for a hundred years (maybe more, we don't know). Thus, we will die in our next ice age before we can make them talk.

But it's also possible that our Tardegrades came to Earth from Mars when it lost its atmosphere. At which case there will be great hugging (with eight appendages, they are great huggers.)

Still doesn't mean they won't join forces and evict us, but given the size difference, they just might resumed living in their own little world with their cousins, who will no doubt have fascinating stories to share.

Seriously, Eat, Drink and be Merry

Before we discuss the end of our universe, I'd like to announce the winner of the fabulous bloghop that just ended. 

Laurel Lasky has won the funniest book I've ever written: Worst Week Ever. 

(Which is on sale right now for those of you prone to jealously.)

I would like to thank everyone for helping me decide on my book covers and name. I'll be using my name (Liza O'Connor) and the  more vivacious covers  of choice 2. Without your input I would have gone a totally different direction.
Now, let's just hope the universe is around when I'm ready to publish Outbound in 2015.

Unfortunately, I discovered a dire and worrisome article in Scientific American talking about building a larger collider. 

This was a classic case about burying the lead!

Theorist John Ellis recently confirmed the weight of the Higgs and the top quark. Great news, right? Now we've not only confirmed Higgs exists, but we've got it's mass down. We should be happy, right?

We should be happy, but not for the reason you think. We should be focused on family, friends, having a great time, being kind, laughing, doing all the things we have on our bucket list, seeing all the sights we want.

Why?

Because theory says all those lunatics predicting the end of the world could be right. But it's not just our world at danger (which probably explains why the tardegrades haven't left our planet). Turns out the entire universe could disappear any second now. Why?

Because, in theory, the mass of the Higgs and the quark places the universe on the edge of catastrophic instability.  At any time, the vacuum could drop to a lower level, changing the laws of physics that are the foundation of our universe.  When that happens, everything could cease to exist in a blink of an eye. 

For the real, bury the lead, article from Scientific American go here.  You will think I gave you the wrong article because they talk about getting a bigger collider. That's just them burying the lead.

Personally, I'm relieved annihilation will be instantaneous: They'll be no famines, screaming people, riots, zombies or anything else. 

On the bad side, you won't have the chance to say goodbye to those you love. So do it now. Be kind and loving every moment you can, because theoretically, the probability of tomorrow just diminished significantly. And unlike the tortured destruction of global warming, this will be an on/off switch. No suffering, no time for regrets. We'll just cease to exist in a collapse of matter.

Now you would think this would be top news of the day, but I've not heard a word.

However, if I'm right about a multi-verse, then this type of collapsing may be going on all the time with statistically similar universes collapsing into one.

Which means you still need to worry about Global Warming since many versions of you will continue to exist even if this universe blinks out of existence. 

Do you think that's why no one is freaking out that the Universe could disappear any second now? Do we inherently know our other selves will go on. Or is the possibility of annihilation, with no way to stop it, too much to conceive or deal with?

I have always contended statistically similar universes have to become one. Otherwise, the smallest of actions would require a whole new universe. And frankly, I don't believe in infinity. I believe physics operate in a finite, albeit large space bubble. And the only way multi-verses can coexist in this space is by constant destruction of universes to allow room for the constant creation of new universes.

This self-destruction system embedded into our universe (and I expect all other universes) is a necessary requirement to allow for future expansion.

Which means you might not even notice when your universe disappears since there are other universes out there that are very similar and when the two collapse into one, the only thing you might incur is a sense of Deja Vue or Precognition from minor time shifts. I have those all the time.

I use this theory in my New World Series, in which I hope to publish in 2015...if I'm a writer in my other universes.

But just in case the other me is not a writer, buy my books now, so you won't miss out. 

Oh wait, in this universe, I've yet to publish my sci-fi novels. I intend to start in 2015. So let's just keep our fingers crossed...

Liza welcomes you to the SFR Midsummer Blog Hop-Starry Nights

Welcome to the SFR Brigade's Midsummer Blog Hop- Starry Nights

We've 5 fabulous prizes

$100 Amazon or B&N gift card & 42 books

$50 Amazon or B&N gift card & 33 books

$25 Amazon or B&N gift card & 12 books each

for 3 winners

There will be no substitution in prizes. If you cannot accept as is, the prize will be awarded to someone else.

For the last couple of years, I've been focused on my humorous writings, which happen to be contemporary and historical. My sci-fi's have have always been more serious, so I've been putting them off until I publish my two funniest series.

However, in 2015 I hope to publish my Sci-Fi New World series. Beginning with 

Outbound

With the prodding by the her sister’s spirit, Saran and their giant blue bull leave their farm in search of a handler/husband so they can escape Earth and travel Outbound.  The man she meets and falls in love with is her sister’s husband and their spiritual joining sets into play a prophecy written a million years before as the 3 become 1, a soul so massive that it requires 3 bodies to hold it. 

TamaraSaranDem leads a colony of people to a new world where the dominant sentient species is blue cattle. First thing, their own blue bull declares himself their Messiah. He must fight to claim himself king. 

The colonists struggle to accept 'cattle' are sentient and have rights equal to theirs. Yet without them, they will die, given the, the harsh seasonal weather patterns, giant bears and T-Rexes that makes every day in their Paradise a challenge to survive. Only as one can the two disparate species survive what will come. But can they overcome their innate bias and mistrust of each other?

Here are two sets of book covers for the series. Please help me decide which you like better. 

In the first group I use the name Jon Javit, who is the sci-fi writer in my A Long Road to Love series. I feel bad about destroying his home life in the series, so I'm thinking about using his name for my Sci Fi series. However, he's more serious than I am, so he has serious covers.

Choice #1

In the second group, each book is designed to represent a main theme in the story and being mine, they are more visually noisy than Jon's.

Choice #2

Which entices you to want to read it more? 

Choice 1 or 2? 

Which name would you prefer? Liza O'Connor or Jon Javits?

Please leave your preferences in the comments to be in the running for one of my currently published books:

Saving Casey-Suspense thriller with reincarnated heroine.

Ghost Lover -humorous Contemporary romance with ancestral ghost running amuck.

A Long Road to Love series:

Worst Week Ever- funniest book I've ever written.

Oh Stupid Heart-an endearing romance

Coming to Reason-Just because someone says they love you, doesn't make them Mr. Right.

Climbing Out of Hell- If you lose everything, you can rebuild  yourself into a better person.

or you may request a rain check for Outbound when it's published in the future.

AND DON'T FORGET:

Enter to win our super fabulous prizes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

KG Stutts & her book Mirror Image

Seasick from watching the NASA film, I'm turning my blog over to KG Stutts for three days. Please make her feel welcome.

How Writing Soothes the author's soul

There is a saying which says music soothes the savage beast. For me, writing soothes this author’s soul.  

I’ve said it before on my blog. The characters write the story. I merely hold the pen. I think a lot of authors would agree with me. Characters have a way of getting under my skin if I haven’t written anything in a while or if my idea differs from how they think the At times, the creative process can be annoying.

My husband can always tell if I go periods of time without getting into a story. He says I get short and grumpy. That’s because writing to me is the ultimate form of self-expression. Much like readings, I submerge myself into the story. Transported to another world or galaxy. It’s time to escape from every day boring drama and hang on for a wild ride. When I’m writing, I’m not worried about cleaning my house or if my car needs maintenance. The dishes can wait for a few more hours. I don’t care if I had a bad day at work or my microwave isn’t working. I’m focused on Maddie and her adventures. My attention is on Ember and the rest of the Amethyst team as they attempt to save Earth from a raving scientist who has frozen D.C. and California. The rest of the world is put on hold.

Sometimes it’s good to get away. At times, getting lost in Maddie’s story is more beneficial than a vacation. I’m still in my recliner, on my laptop. But I’m really underneath a purple sky or dealing with a different species with scales covering their blue bodies and horns coming out of their head. And they plan on taking over a planet but Mack, Jackson, Maddie and the others stand in their way. Now I’m caught in a battle as the team attempts to save a benevolent race from being enslaved.

I always feel like a weight has been taken off me by the time I have to shut down my computer for the night. Sometimes I’m exhausted depending on where I am in the book. My characters are a part of me and I tend to leave a little bit of me in the pages you read in my stories. It’s the ultimate therapy. Escaping within the pages, putting your heart on the line… It’s a great release. But don’t take my word for it. Read Mirror Image and see for yourself. And keep an eye out for book one in the Amethyst Chronicles coming this fall. 

Madison Mackenzie Rhodes, Maddie for short, would call her life "comfortable." She works in a call center, lives with her best friend of fifteen years, and spends most of her free time with her family. Her entire world is turned upside down when she finds out that she is a clone, created to hide the secret that we are not alone in this galaxy. 

Her counterpart, going by the nickname Mack, works for the Intergalactic Security Commission, which works with a coalition of other planets that protect each other and create technology. When an enemy rises from within the ISC that targets both Maddie and Mack, they must work together to save their lives as well as the planet.

Growing up in Texas and later South Carolina as the youngest in a house full of science-fiction fans, K.G. Stutts had her natural curiosity and imagination nurtured since birth by family movie nights where they would watch Star Wars, Indiana Jones and even timeless Disney favorites.  

A prolific writer of sci-fi, romance and mystery, K.G. draws much of her inspiration from those amazing works that gave her an appreciation for telling rich, compelling, character-driven stories for all audiences.

Her science-fiction writings have been released by the wonderful group at http://distinguishedpress.com and a romance ebook has been published http://lazydaypub.com. She is also a contributor to http://iwassociation.com and http://thewritingnetwork.com.

Keep up with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KGStutts or follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KGStutts. She also is on Tumblr at kgstutts.tumblr.com. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Brad and works for a customer service call center full time. She's a lover of Star Wars, Star Trek (original, TNG, and Voyager), Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, Muppets, Garfield, Disney, Indiana Jones and is a big football, wrestling, and hockey fan.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Image-K-G-Stutts-ebook/dp/B00JWZZ20W

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-K-G-Stutts-ebook/dp/B00JWZZ20W

Barnes and Noble/Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mirror-image-kg-stutts/1119689102?ean=2940045986410

Peeps! Leave a comment to have a chance to win a copy of Mirror Images!

Liza is rethinking about leaving earth

It turns out even the close proximity of light makes me space sick. So I'm rethinking the desire to travel out in space.

Watch this film trying to show how we would perceive speeds near the speed of light. 

But be warned, I think it damaged my brain. I feel sea sick and my eyes are having trouble focusing now.

Why, oh, why did NASA make such a video?

GO HERE IF YOU DARE

Here's the link if you don't trust me:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap111018.html#t2m36s


My brain is still reeling from watching this. Don't watch unless you are comfortable with shifting realities. I thought I was, but I was  wrong... terribly wrong.

If you are lucky, they will have removed the video before you get to it.

Here is something peaceful and unmoving to ease you back into normal life:

Cover Reveal of Tethered by Pippa Jay

Today we have the gorgeous 
Cover Reveal – Tethered

Tethered by Pippa Jay

She can kill with a kiss. But can assassin Tyree also heal one man's grief, and bring peace to a galaxy threatened by war?

For Tyree of the Su, being an assassin isn’t simply something she was trained for. It's the sole reason for her existence. A genetically enhanced clone—one of many in Refuge—she's about to learn her secluded lifestyle, and that of all her kind, is under threat by a race capable of neutralizing their special talents to leave them defenseless.

For Zander D'joren, being a diplomat has not only cost him his appearance, but also the love of his life. Scarred, grieving, he must nonetheless continue in his role as co-delegate to the fearsome Tier-vane or risk a conflict that could only end one way.

Now both of them  long enough to renegotiate the treaty with the Tier-vane, or throw their people into a war that could wipe out Terrans and Inc-Su alike. But there's more at stake than humanity, whether true or modified. Can the love growing between them save them both? Or merely hasten their destruction?

A science fiction romance novella, coming from Breathless Press 25^th July.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf HERE.

Sign up to my no-spam newsletter HERE to get early sneak peeks at covers, and news of the latest releases, giveaways and contest.

A thrill of excitement shivered down her spine as she backed away a few steps with Zander following. He shrugged off his formal outer robes, and for the first time she could appreciate the broad expanse of his chest, the close-fitting fabric stretched over well-defined muscles. It appeared he hadn't allowed his physique to slacken, despite leaving the Galactic Commission.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Zander spread his hands in an open gesture to say that he was.

So why is he just standing there like a defunct Manikin instead of poised to fight?

Tyree took her combat position and Zander matched her, just as the Manikin had done. She'd never fought a human in combat practice before. This should be interesting.

She sprang forward and aimed two rapid punches at his face. Zander evaded both with a speed and grace totally out of proportion to his bulk. Her third he blocked with little effort, and she stepped back to reassess her strategy. But only for an instant.

A quick step forward and she lashed upward with her foot, snapping his head back. Zander staggered but didn't fall. Her second kick failed as he grabbed her ankle and jerked her off balance. She twisted as she dropped and caught him hard in the knee. Zander collapsed. Both rolled aside, and then jumped up to face each other again.

Not bad.

Tyree bit back a laugh as they exchanged blows, each faster than the last. Zander blocked or evaded most, but not all. His skill almost matched hers, yet his defenses were just a fraction too slow. Each move she made tested his reach, his reflexes and his stamina until she could sense him struggling a little.

Time for the kill.

She floored him with a kick to the chest, the full weight of her augmented density behind it, but as she moved in to finish the fight he dove into her. Tyree landed on her back hard enough to drive the breath from her lungs.

Zander had her pinned to the ground. She bucked but couldn't shift him. The triumphant smile on his face sent rage blazing through her gut. With hardly a whisper, she Misted out and went through him. Golden warmth filled her for a second before she pulled free. Zander pushed to his feet and spun to meet her, but she cranked up her molecular density and punched him hard in the chest. He collapsed, gasping and coughing. In one fluid movement she sat astride him at full density, and the air whumphed out of his lungs. She pinioned his arms with her hands, her face hovering mere centimeters above his.

As her breathing slowed to normal, a huge grin split her face. She'd made a vow to herself to jump him, and she'd done it. Perhaps it was childish, but it warmed her heart.

"Your...reputation...is well deserved," he gasped.

"You're not so bad yourself," she complimented him. He'd fought well, but perhaps not quite with the determination—and certainly not the desperation—of most opponents she'd faced. "For a human."

"Thank you. Perhaps we could try this again tomorrow?"

Tyree laughed. As much as he could irritate the hell out of her, he was equally amusing. "If you want to spend most of your morning on the floor..."

He gazed up at her with that easy smile, making no effort to struggle. Most humans, without the influence of her pheromones and the distraction of her naked body writhing above theirs, would not have been so trusting. So compliant. She found herself staring at his mouth. What would it be like to kiss him, without the use of her talents? Would it be as satisfying? As sensual? The warmth of him, the firmness of his body beneath hers, sent heat spiraling through her abdomen.

"Perhaps you could let me up now?" His words jerked her from such musings. What the hell was she thinking?

After spending twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay is now a stay-at-home mum who writes scifi and the supernatural. Somewhere along the way a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moment playing guitar very badly, punishing herself with freestyle street dance, and studying the Dark Side of the Force. Although happily settled in the historical town of Colchester in the UK with her husband of 21 years and three little monsters, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.

Pippa Jay is a dedicated member of the Science Fiction Romance Brigade, blogging at Spacefreighters Lounge, Adventures in Scifi, and Romancing the Genres. Her works include a YA science fiction novel—Gethyon—published through BURST (Champagne Books), two self-published short stories (Terms & Conditions Apply and The Bones of the Sea), and she's one of eight authors included in a science fiction romance anthology—Tales from the SFR Brigade. She's also a double SFR Galaxy Award winner, been a finalist in the Heart of Denver RWA Aspen Gold Contest (3^rd place), and the GCC RWA Silken Sands Star Awards (2^nd place).

You can stalk her at her website http://pippajay.co.uk, or at her blog http://pippajay.blogspot.co.uk, but without doubt her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.

Scary creatures among us

Honestly, we don't need make believe monsters, we just need a kick ass camera that can capture the small stuff.

This is a made up monster

This is a real one, and it can kill you with yellow fever. It's a baby mosquito.

This is a scary clown

  

And this is a brain eating bacteria

Here's the mythical Phoenix

And here is a sea slug that consumes Portuguese Man of War Jelly Fish bit by bit, including it's poison, using the poison to protect itself.

And here's our best  space man and he has never gone into outer space.

This is a real space creature than has inhabited Earth for 22 million years, but can still survive outer space.

Let's face, minuscule is mighty!

The utlimate fast car

Today, Sci Fi and Reality come together as we watch a short, but superbly done, film on what is actually happening as a vehicle travels on the ground at 1000 mph.

In preparation for a World Speed Record in 2016, the 'car's' body shaped has been modified 12 times thus far.

With the advent of supercomputers, the aerodynamics are now performed on a computer rather than by trail and error. (Improves longevity of drivers and car.)

To my surprise, the problem was not trying to keep the nose of the car from hydroplaning, but keeping the shock waves from lifting the back end.

After a 6 month optimization study, they created the Delta Fairing design which protects the base and belly of the car from the high pressure cushion that develops on the rear wheels when it breaks the sound barrier. This was a worthwhile exercise because otherwise at mach .09 it would lift off the ground and crash into a fiery ball. 

The current holder of the land speed record was run in 1997 and hit 763 mph.

Now the same people have create this new car, called BloodHound, which plans to break that record in 2016 by going 1000mph.

I find the name of the car a bit worrisome. Bloodhounds are not particularly fast, and while they do travel with their nose to the ground, as we've already learned, it's the rearend we need to worry about.

For the actual, more detailed, with a guy dying in on one video, Visit Scientific American