David Biddle: Sound Effect Infinity

David Biddle new ebook Sound Effect Infinity
David Biddle: Sound Effect Infinity

PRESS RELEASE

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Authors Note:  I wanted readers to have an experience totally off the literary grid. Sound Effect Infinity is a future paranormal mystery rolled up in puzzles about the real magic of music, then wrapped in questions about the power of the human mind. As one special character says deep into the story: “There’s always been questions people don’t understand to ask about music and sound.” Hopefully, readers will come away from this book understanding those questions and, possibly, realizing some of the answers as well. 

The premium hardcover will be released in March. Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter of the book that may touch a little close to home for many these days. The year the narrator is speaking from is 2062. 

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Things had broken down. It always felt like America only half noticed. Certainly, those of us in the media knew better than to harp too much on the breakdown. Somewhere in the course of things had been what we began to call the Drift Away. Some people simply called it the Drift. There was no secession or war, really. Not even an agreement that had been discussed in the media or codified with a memorandum of understanding between those in charge of regions. One of the methods of the Middle Lands was to eliminate much of what was considered official. There had simply been too much turmoil and too much inability to define anything useful between the major groups. Incompetence on all sides. The Middle Lands became a new kind of territory — still America but certainly not the United States thereof.

sound wave illustration by A.I.
Sound wave illustration by ImageFx

Rules flattened. Expectations shifted. Laws seemed to have become more fluid, difficult to predict, and weirdly random. Geography itself had lost definition. It was the opposite of a revolution in many ways, even though it had been building since the days of the so-called Final Recession. They called it the last straw here, but wed sensed where things were going way back in my teen years. Collective memory had long ago dissipated because of computer storage and data. But that kind of predictability wasnt even available anymore on the coastal zones. Somehow not knowing had become a version of acceptable simplicity. There was a new cognitive process that seemed to come and go with all sorts of people. They wanted to know little about the past and cared less about the future. A vague way of thinking came into vogue that seemed to emphasize the near present. It was difficult to track, though, because people seemed to fluctuate in and out of it. You sensed an intelligence fog around them. There was the present, almost like a version of mindfulness, but it was only attached to a next step or two like going to the store, having dinner, that first cup of coffee in the morning, screen watching, some basic way to catch a buzz, nudge dopamine levels up a few notches. The joke we came up with way out in Philly is that a lot of people in the Middle Lands probably lost interest during sex because they couldnt remember they were hoping to have an orgasm.

David Biddle’s latest release Sound Effect Infinity is being published as an ebook by The Story Plant, link here: https://www.thestoryplant.com

To order on Amazon, link here: https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Effect-Infinity-Control-Altered/dp/1611883741

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Portrait of author David Biddle
David Biddle

About The Author:  A freelance writer since he published his first article on appropriate technology education with RAIN: Journal in 1985, David Biddle has published work with the likes of Harvard Business Review, BioCycle, Huffington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, GetUnderground, Resource Recycling, BuzzWorm, Talking Writing, etc. He was also a contributing editor to InBusiness (the 2nd best sustainability publication of all-time) for over a decade. His novel, Old Music for New People, was published by The Story Plant in 2021. This is David Biddle’s first contribution to this webzine.

Bob Shell: You’ve Been Lied To

A.I. rendering of large drones hovering over the nations capitol
Simulation by A.I. ImageFx

Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2025

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You’ve Been Lied To

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In the new administration’s first press conference on January 28, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the ‘drone mystery’ had been solved. The mystery drones seen in New Jersey and other parts of the USA were all research drones operated by the FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration. 

That is simply nonsense! Some of the ‘drones’ were the size of SUVs, at least one was the size of a schoolbus, and they hovered for hours completely silently, or darted around in seemingly random ways. They moved in prohibited airspace over sensitive government facilities, even caused closure of airports. FAA research drones? I don’t think so. 

In addition to being seen in the USA, they were seen in England, Europe, and Australia, and most probably other countries as well. The FAA, even if they had gigantic silent drones, does not operate outside the USA.

I was pleased that Chris Cuomo on NewsNation called out this ridiculous pack of lies. He’s followed the ‘drone’ story from the beginning, and knows just how idiotic this ‘explanation’ is. 

Whatever people were seeing, and shooting video of, they weren’t drones. They were UFOs. Quite simply, they were unidentified, they were flying, and we must assume they were objects, not hallucinations. Hallucinations don’t show up on video. 

I had hopes that the Trump administration would treat the American public as adults, not children. We’ve been lied to about UFOs since at least the coverup of the Roswell event in 1947. We’ve been told we were seeing weather balloons, stars, planets, the moon, swamp gas, swarms of fireflies, etc., etc., and now FAA research drones. 

Professional pilots have been insulted by being told that they did not see what they knew they did see. Astronomers have been similarly insulted. 

I can only hope that President Trump is unaware that he’s being lied to and hasn’t signed on to this conspiracy of mistruth. The American people deserve to be treated as adults, they deserve the truth. 

Back in 1997, when I was heavily involved in UFO research and writing, I had a long telephone conversation with the Air Force Colonel who wrote the Pentagon’s book, ‘Roswell: Case Closed.’ He told me that this book was simply propaganda, that he’d seen films of the autopsies of alien bodies. When I mentioned this conversation on an online UFO forum, he denied ever speaking to me. 

But he forgot that he’d mentioned our conversation to Phil Klass. Phil was the most vocal UFO skeptic, and published a skeptical UFO newsletter. In spite of our disagreements on the subject, Phil and I were friends. And he was an honest man. He called out the lie that the conversation I mentioned never happened. Nothing more was heard from the Air Force on the subject. 

I personally interviewed most of the living Roswell witnesses in the mid-1990s, and came away convinced that they were almost all telling the truth about what they saw in the summer of 1947. Some of the people I interviewed have never gone public with their stories. They were not publicity seekers. 

People have been seeing things of nonhuman origin for thousands of years, what government whistleblowers call things of NHI, Non Human Intelligence. In an exclusive, NewsNation recently broadcast video of the recovery of an NHI egg-shaped craft by the US government. These things are real, we know very little about them, and they move through our skies with impunity. 

Mr. Trump, the time has come to stop the lies.

A.I. rendering of large drones hovering over the nations capitol
A.I. simulation by ImageFx

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models.  He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.

On September 16, 2024  Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.

To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonyward.com/bob-shell-ufo-stupidity/

2024: Covers of The Year


2024: Covers of The Year

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Text and Cover Designs  by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

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The Selection Process

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In the world of print and digital media, a magazine cover is more than just an introduction; it’s a bold statement. A cover serves as the magazine’s handshake to potential readers, a visual ambassador that communicates the essence of the issue. Choosing the right image is a critical decision that can determine whether a magazine gets picked up or passed over. This is true for online webzines like TW as well.

A magazine cover has less than five seconds to grab a reader’s attention. On social media or even the internet even less. In that fleeting moment, the image must convey a story, evoke emotion, and spark curiosity. It sets the tone for the content within and defines the publication’s identity. Whether it’s a striking portrait, an artistic still life, or a dynamic action shot, the image must resonate deeply with the target audience.

Equally important is the alignment of the image with the magazine’s theme. For example, a travel magazine may choose an expansive landscape to inspire wanderlust, while a fashion publication might highlight a model wearing bold, trend-setting attire to reflect the latest styles. The image must seamlessly integrate with the coverlines, typography, and overall design that’s been evolving over the years  creating a cohesive visual narrative.

Beyond aesthetics, the image must also provoke an emotional response. I have discovered over the past 10 years of publishing homepage covers, they often feature elements of surprise, intimacy, or drama—elements that compel readers to take a closer look. A captivating gaze, a powerful moment frozen in time, something erotic or controversial can intrigue our viewership and encourage them to explore further.

Practical considerations also play a role. The image should be high-quality, with a resolution and composition that accommodate text overlays without losing impact. It must stand out on crowded google searches and in digital previews, where competition for attention is fierce.

Finally, cultural relevance and sensitivity are paramount. A cover image should reflect the sites left leaning societal values and avoid misrepresentation or controversy that alienates readers. Striking the right balance between boldness and respect ensures a positive and lasting impression.

Choosing the perfect magazine cover image is both an art and a science that I’ve practiced diligently over the years.  When executed thoughtfully, it becomes a gateway to the stories within—a visual promise of inspiration, insight, and discovery. In the end, the right image doesn’t just catch the eye; it captures your memories and inspires you.

 

 
 

Bob Shell: UFO Stupidity

AI generated illustration of alien spacecraft
AI generated illustration of alien aircraft

Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2024

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UFO Stupidity

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Those of us who keep up on the news about UFOs, called AAP (Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) by the US government, are always disappointed when we’re promised revelations by the government. This was once again true of the two recent Congressional hearings on the subject. 

There were no revelations in those hearings. The witnesses who were questioned by some incredibly stupid representatives and senators told is nothing we hadn’t heard before, multiple times. 

Too often we heard, “I cannot answer that in an open session.” Why the hell not? Oh, they’ve signed nondisclosure agreements with the government. Doesn’t Congress have the power to lift those restrictions? Why is the subject always hidden behind closed doors? Don’t we the people have the right to know what our government knows? This is democracy? 

Time after time, presidential candidates have promised disclosure if elected, and time after time they have reneged on that promise once elected. 

The answer may lie in what a retired Airforce ‘bird colonel’ told me in 1996 while I was researching ‘Beyond Roswell,’ the 1997 book I coauthored. When I asked him about debris from the Roswell crash, he said, “We’ve had that goddam stuff for over fifty years and we still don’t know what the f*** it is or where it came from!” Now that might be a good reason for secrecy. 

We know that the first government to have a UFO research program was Mussolini’s, instituted in 1933 after a UFO crash in northern Italy. Documents pertaining to that crash and subsequent research have recently come to light. We don’t know what became of the wreckage from that craft, but Italian researchers believe Mussolini gave it to the Germans. Some of the Nazi’s more unusual projects may have sprung from that, notably the Glock (German for bell). Much has been written about the Nazi Bell, so I won’t go into it here. I’m sure Google will bring up many stories. 

My own speculation as to why the US government won’t tell us what they know is that they don’t know much. What government wants to admit that there are things using its airspace which that government does not know the origins of, and to which it has absolutely no defense. 

The questions asked at those hearings showed that the congressmen and congresswomen didn’t do their homework. If they had, they’d have known that UFOs are not technology from China, Russia, Iran, or any other country. One man actually asked, “What country do they come from?” with a straight face. These things have been around for thousands of years! They are not the technology of any human country. The hearings should have interviewed someone like Jacques Vallee, someone who has researched the phenomenon for many years and knows the historical background. Instead of saying that the phenomenon has been around for decades, as they did, they need to realize it has been around for centuries, millennia. 

Will our world governments ever come clean to their citizens? I wouldn’t bet money on it. 

My father, Jim Shell, was a TV news reporter who took UFOs seriously and did stories about incidents. He always hoped to find out the truth. He went to his grave in 2001 without getting answers from the government he fought for in World War II. He deserved better, we all deserve better.

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About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models.  He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.

On September 16, 2024  Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.

To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonyward.com/bob-shell-censorship-is-alive-and-well-in-virginia/

Arthur Beckman: You May Not Be Interested in Politics

illustration of Trump abusing Lady Liberty
Artwork by Alexandra Rouvet Duvernoy. Copyright 2024

Text by Arthur Beckman, Copyright 2024

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You May Not Be Interested in Politics

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You may have already seen numerous articles and heard numerous pronouncements in the media about the importance of the upcoming election. About how democracy itself is at stake and about how one of the candidates, a convicted felon, is said to be completely unfit for public office – even by many members of his own party and his former associates.

So what? 

Does any of this really affect your life directly? Is it worth your time to leave your home or workplace for an hour or two and wait in line to vote? 

It has been said in some places that “choosing the lesser of two evils is still evil,” and this statement has been taken quite seriously at times. The third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader is reported to have said, “There’s not a dime’s worth of difference” between the two major political parties. Really? Tell that to the person who needs an abortion in a place like Oklahoma or Texas. Tell that to the person who would lose health insurance if the Republicans had their way and overturned the Affordable Care Act. Tell that to the schoolteacher prevented from assigning books that tell the truth about American history and culture. Tell that to the perfectly legal immigrant from Latin America who Trump would deport simply because of his hateful xenophobia and that of his followers.

Guess what? One of these parties is not “the lesser of two evils.” One of these parties is demonstrably evil. It wants to deny the vote to people of color and is actively putting rules in place to do just that. It wants to deny reproductive rights to women. It spews hate towards immigrants, the LGBTQ community, and anyone who isn’t a white Christian nationalist. It is indifferent to the problem of climate change and will even deny that it is a problem. It doesn’t care about democracy. And it turns a blind eye to the unfitness of its presidential candidate: someone who provoked a violent mob to try and overturn the 2020 election. Someone who has vowed to prosecute political opponents, deport immigrants, and heavily tax imports (with consumers paying the extra cost). Someone who has every intention of functioning like an absolutist dictator if elected. This is no exaggeration. It is well documented.

The other party, the Democrats, isn’t perfect by a longshot. It may be a lot of things, but it isn’t evil. It has no plans to do the despicable things the “grand old party” wants. 

This election may be a dramatic and devastating turning point in American history. And here’s the choice: We can soundly reject the movement that wants to “make America great again,” by which it means to roll back the social and economic progress of the past half century and hand more power to billionaires and purveyors of intolerance. Or, we can sit by idly and let that movement have its way with policies and laws that reach right into our bedrooms, schools, and pockets.

Should you care? I had a wonderful teacher in graduate school whose name was Marshall Berman. One of my favorite quotes of his was this: “You may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you.” 

80 million voting-eligible citizens did not turn out in 2020. In 2022, 131 million voting-eligible citizens didn’t turn out. If every Democrat got one non-voter to turn out, it would be a wipeout for the GOP. So please help to assure that we have overwhelming Democratic turnout in November.

• Do you know someone who is not registered to vote? Then please visit this site: https://vote.gov/ and help get them ready to vote in 2024.

Voter registration can be done online in 38 states, plus DC. It’s quick and easy.

And, if you think you are already registered to vote, please check that your registration is current and active. Here’s where you can do that: https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration

Arthur Beckman is a political scientist and advertising copywriter whose research explores the intersection of marketing and politics. This is Arthur Beckman’s first contribution to this blog.