tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71713094363965837832024-03-10T20:22:59.479-07:00Robert Stanek's Books + Things BlogWho is Robert Stanek? Robert Stanek is an American author whose more than 200 books of both fiction and nonfiction have been translated into 57 languages, sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide and been published and/or distributed by nearly every major US publisher over the past 30 years. Today, writing as William Stanek and Robert Stanek, he has over 50 #1 bestsellers to his credit.Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-47287892516306629652023-04-28T09:53:00.016-07:002023-06-29T11:56:12.048-07:00Summer's Almost Here. Let the Globetrotting Begin.<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBWDlRAw4e2_3iudNw5yYmHeu-GWypc3IA2aBRFnfgUIm-UFmMpqLtbRWga5iW3-TmHxfJSbOsIKlfyd7Gjk7qeXdR81hQ3My_QVw4X7t0Nr-rg89taNP7B9PHjZ61F0A_zXPHCxKQef0_-tjUcV0RwbJ9-UMwLBeVPvpOV7TgltGWh1uDb5vUFXO/s1026/William-Robert-Stanek-n-Hui-Cha-Stanek.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBWDlRAw4e2_3iudNw5yYmHeu-GWypc3IA2aBRFnfgUIm-UFmMpqLtbRWga5iW3-TmHxfJSbOsIKlfyd7Gjk7qeXdR81hQ3My_QVw4X7t0Nr-rg89taNP7B9PHjZ61F0A_zXPHCxKQef0_-tjUcV0RwbJ9-UMwLBeVPvpOV7TgltGWh1uDb5vUFXO/w282-h320/William-Robert-Stanek-n-Hui-Cha-Stanek.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>I recently came across a travel article that caught my attention - it was about two adventurous women who embarked on a journey to see the world in just 80 days. They traveled to a different country, city, or place every day until they had visited every continent and explored dozens of countries. At first, the idea seemed exciting, but the more I thought about it, the sadder I became.<br /><br />While I understand the allure of a whirlwind trip, particularly given the 1873 novel by Jules Verne, I can't help but feel that such an approach to travel is a missed opportunity. The world is vast and diverse, and every place has its own unique beauty and charm. Rushing through destinations at breakneck speed means missing out on the subtle nuances and hidden gems that make each place special.<br /><br />William Robert and I firmly believe that travel should be savored like a fine wine. You wouldn't chug a glass of Château Margaux, would you? No, you would sip it slowly, savoring the complex flavors and trying to discern the tasting notes. The same goes for travel. Every trip, even if it's just a few days, should be approached with the same care and attention as a fine wine.<br /><br />Traveling over a lifetime, taking the time to explore each destination fully, is an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, try new foods, and meet interesting people. It's not just about the sights and sounds, but also about the people you meet and the memories you create.<br /><br />These memories are something tangible, real, and irreplaceable. They become a part of who you are, and they stay with you long after the trip is over. In fact, they often serve as a starting point for new adventures and experiences.<br /><br />While the idea of seeing the world in 80 days may sound thrilling, we believe that true travel is something to be savored and enjoyed over a lifetime. It's about taking the time to truly appreciate each destination and creating memories that will stay with you always.<br /><br />After many years of travel, William Robert and I have honed our approach to exploring new destinations. We have discovered that a rushed, whirlwind tour of multiple cities in a short time frame is no way to truly experience the beauty and culture of a new place. Instead, we opt for a more leisurely pace, allowing us to savor each destination and build meaningful experiences.<br /><br />Take Europe, for example. A day in Paris, a day in Amsterdam, a day in Copenhagen, a day in Oslo, and a day in Tallinn may seem like a great way to see the continent, but in reality, it's a disservice to each city's unique character and charm. We prefer to spend a minimum of three days in each new city, taking the time to explore the local neighborhoods, try the local cuisine, and soak up the local culture.<br /><br />If we think a particular city is particularly fascinating, we'll stay for five days or more. In some cases, when we know we'll fall in love with a city, we plan to spend 10-14 days in one place. This approach allows us to delve deep into the city's history and culture, to understand its people and customs, and to create lasting memories.<br /><br />By taking our time and building experiences over a lifetime, we've discovered that travel can be a transformative experience. Each trip adds a new layer to our understanding of the world and deepens our appreciation for its diversity and beauty. We relish the opportunity to step outside our comfort zone, try new things, and learn from the people we meet.<br /><br />So, if you're considering a trip, we encourage you to take a deep breath, slow down, and savor each moment. One trip at a time, over a lifetime of travel, you'll build a treasure trove of memories and experiences that will stay with you forever.<br /><br />Robert and I hope your adventures are as wonderful as ours and hope to hear about your visits too. Please subscribe, share and like.<br /><br />-<br /><br />Hui Cha Stanek and William Robert Stanek<br /><br /><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-william-r-stanek/1142758033">William R. Stanek. The Black and White Collection</a> #1: Fine Art Photography Rare Masters by William R. Stanek, HC Stanek, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble (barnesandnoble.com)... Our new photography book!<br /><br />Our new photography book!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiZej0dsfDzi7ZaqdJvUE0sY0gMiik-iXuNU29_cgYk--J0qMvaOeiYRPshiZIee5o3NN-DhQki1tvS9WzHGCOzRwh-hgD4zyFAn4uYGqdTk9iu0yjjSRbvN_ly99jdJo50jgfzH6dDUyEGLu0a-z9RmvLkdnYNxSHvRPEMafHt_iogIUSwCERwzl/s2000/Promo-BlackandWhiteCollection1-small.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiZej0dsfDzi7ZaqdJvUE0sY0gMiik-iXuNU29_cgYk--J0qMvaOeiYRPshiZIee5o3NN-DhQki1tvS9WzHGCOzRwh-hgD4zyFAn4uYGqdTk9iu0yjjSRbvN_ly99jdJo50jgfzH6dDUyEGLu0a-z9RmvLkdnYNxSHvRPEMafHt_iogIUSwCERwzl/w640-h432/Promo-BlackandWhiteCollection1-small.jpg" /></a><br />About Hui Cha Stanek & William Robert Stanek<br /><br />Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). Some of her most famous works, including Tip Toe I See You and Salt Water Taffy, shown in Hui Cha William's career retrospective in Vienna can be found at <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a>.<br /><br />Hui Cha's most recent project is writing the text for William R. Stanek: The Black & White Collection #1 Rare Masters. @ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/William-Stanek-Black-White-Collection/dp/1627166580/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JORDAFZDP32J&keywords=William+R.+Stanek.+The+Black+and+White+Collection+%231%3A+Fine+Art+Photography+Rare+Masters&qid=1688064678&sprefix=william+r.+stanek.+the+black+and+white+collection+1+fine+art+photography+rare+masters%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> - <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-william-r-stanek/1142758033?ean=9781627166584#1:%20Fine%20Art%20Photography%20Rare%20Masters">BN</a> - <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rare-Masters-William-R-Stanek-The-Black-and-White-Collection-1-Fine-Art-Photography-Rare-Masters-Series-1-Hardcover-9781627166584/2384098926?from=/search">Walmart</a> - <a href="https://hpb.com/products/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-fine-art-photography-rare-masters-9781627166584">HPB</a><br /><br />Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:<br /><br />360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a><br /><br />1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a><br /><br />Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a><br /><br />Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a><br /><br />William has been called the Michelangelo of sunsets due to his hundreds of breathtaking sunsets, and this is especially represented in his original oil paintings, but the sun itself isn't always the centerpiece of the work. The true centerpiece of a work can as easily be waves breaking on a tropical shore as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Chapel Bridge in Lucerne Switzerland. Although William packed up his paints and brushes some years ago, his work remains available and are displayed all over the world.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiQBJdlYAVRF0bivTvq8_NdHRIXwyOsZSwULMmmSuIEb4-l3M0MbFBClPP_cL8oIDYghI2ncbHk9eg-xnG6RhcOrpulQ2Db-zvJPPI9WRo1Ant34PC_KIK1wdSGLk4kXjf2YrkPv1DZmV-jXZC3rAwI1zFLG6rbLinmGIZY3sdcNsnyjpZs5Ex7W_/s1940/join-the-chase-william-robert-stanek.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiQBJdlYAVRF0bivTvq8_NdHRIXwyOsZSwULMmmSuIEb4-l3M0MbFBClPP_cL8oIDYghI2ncbHk9eg-xnG6RhcOrpulQ2Db-zvJPPI9WRo1Ant34PC_KIK1wdSGLk4kXjf2YrkPv1DZmV-jXZC3rAwI1zFLG6rbLinmGIZY3sdcNsnyjpZs5Ex7W_/w640-h452/join-the-chase-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />William's passion for sunsets is only truly rivaled by his passion for sunrises, many of which he captures in his original oil paintings as well. Here's a print of one of his original oil paintings, titled Join the Chase.<br /><br />Into the Golden Twilight is another one his original oil paintings, available as a print, this one from his Singer Island - West Palm Beach Collection.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRU5TdJqmpduUKhwwVm-SF-Hg-UTE26Pnt5Tu1pGok_vFk5n0S2G_Z6kSyOyGywHb5OpxJg7Cq63W-sapOikoHQY37SrWF5g_voY9FUfWPmDQLXjtcI6Jy4pGZmwQOHunEE7jYU6eS2LSgYeC5PUIC7_gS99N6UOcggUd3wibo34ibFGKKvVGr7Tx/s1940/into-the-golden-twilight-william-robert-stanek.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRU5TdJqmpduUKhwwVm-SF-Hg-UTE26Pnt5Tu1pGok_vFk5n0S2G_Z6kSyOyGywHb5OpxJg7Cq63W-sapOikoHQY37SrWF5g_voY9FUfWPmDQLXjtcI6Jy4pGZmwQOHunEE7jYU6eS2LSgYeC5PUIC7_gS99N6UOcggUd3wibo34ibFGKKvVGr7Tx/w640-h452/into-the-golden-twilight-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Find William Robert's books at<br /><br />Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a><br /><br />BN <a href="https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall">https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall</a><br /><br />Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a><br /><br />iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a><br /><br />Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a><br /><br />Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks">https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks </a><br /><br />eStories <a href="https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek">https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek</a><br /><br />Chirp <a href="https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks">https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading please like, share and subscribe. Until next time!Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-91669418522934428712023-04-24T13:04:00.003-07:002023-04-24T13:06:10.810-07:00Tomorrow Begins Today...<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKghMynZyOToCsjKZIQQFBsCsa6LNKr4N9ZfLWYM85E4PFerN8YJhdzb23Y1qez9f3PkXG7C4vQZ6I56UoTGdSeHNHcAEvkZ_zbtLKTtjrGOQum0S8zAghy2Dc_2Hk6uoIpfAMU7OE7jnOwNObnF_rcH9GeiZL5Adp6oz8fJk3HynZGutTV7VDLmGK/s1200/InThePark-Large.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKghMynZyOToCsjKZIQQFBsCsa6LNKr4N9ZfLWYM85E4PFerN8YJhdzb23Y1qez9f3PkXG7C4vQZ6I56UoTGdSeHNHcAEvkZ_zbtLKTtjrGOQum0S8zAghy2Dc_2Hk6uoIpfAMU7OE7jnOwNObnF_rcH9GeiZL5Adp6oz8fJk3HynZGutTV7VDLmGK/s320/InThePark-Large.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></p>Dear Friends and Readers, I wanted to take a moment to apologize for my long absences from social media, sporadic communications, and for losing touch with so many of you over the past many years. In 2020, the Department of Justice put an end to the malicious targeting of my books and other work, though many of the negative reviews and ratings caused by these hateful activities remain at Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. As the DOJ stated in their indictments, in exchange for bribes, corrupted Amazon staff facilitated attacks against competitors of those paying the bribes, using their inside access to Amazon's network to suspend competitors' accounts and product listings, remove favorable reviews and commentary, write fictitious negative product reviews designed to hurt sales, post spurious comments to intimidate victims and drive away customers, and much more. All much as I had experienced it and blogged about for many years, including naming names of the competitors responsible.<br /><br />To be clear, I do not know specifically the particular individuals indicted and convicted were involved in the malicious targeting of my work, as the DOJ tracked the criminal activities of these individuals for a very specific (and brief) time and prosecuted based on the criminal activities identified in this very specific (and brief) time, and not for the entire period of operation. What I do know for certain is the immediate, chilling effect the multiple arrests and indictments by the Department of Justice had on the malicious targeting of my books and other work. Beyond this, as a very few know, I have been dealing with a stalker for many years. This has all been a terrible, untenable situation that just would not end. The experience has been incredibly traumatic, emotionally draining, and has left my health in tatters. I no longer know where I end and the trauma begins, the me that I was no longer exists. All this has made it impossible for me to communicate openly and freely with anyone, including my friends and family. I felt like I had to constantly watch my back and be cautious about what I shared online or anywhere. <br /><br />As a result, I wasn't able to maintain the same level of communication with many of you as I would have liked. I wasn't able to participate in social events. I wasn't able to even openly share my thoughts and experiences on social media. I know that this must have been frustrating and confusing for many of you, and for that, I am truly sorry. I want you to know that it wasn't my intention to distance myself or cut ties with anyone. I was simply trying to protect myself from harassment, from my stalker, from a situation that would not end, and did not want to put anyone else at risk by sharing too much information online or in person. <br /><br />Now that the DOJ has done their work, now that my stalker has been imprisoned, I feel like I finally can breathe a little easier and start to reconnect with the people who have meant so much to me over the years. I know that it won't be easy to pick up where we left off, especially as so many years have passed since this long ordeal began, but I am committed to rebuilding those connections and strengthening the relationships that I've had. I hope that you can forgive me for my absences, miscommunications, whatever, and understand that it wasn't personal. I was just trying to survive an impossible situation. <br /><br />Please also know that this is going to take a very long time. There is no me that I was left, due to all this and for all the years it went on. Though my past work continues to be released, sometimes as if new, I stopped writing, drawing, and painting nearly a decade ago, and don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back to any of it. <br /><br />Some few know I suffered a stroke and a heart attack in 2016 which were caused by the stress and emotional rollercoaster that I went through due to being targeted online. I have previously pointed out those competitors responsible, but have never before been able to talk openly about my stalker. This person’s relentless pursuit of me took a significant, catastrophic toll on my physical and emotional health. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, worrying about what this person might do next. The stress of the situation became so overwhelming that it destroyed my life. After my stroke and a heart attack, I was hospitalized for several weeks, but the torment of this individual didn’t end there. As this person had been unsuccessful in killing me, which was their stated intent, this person then began a campaign of terror to make me attempt suicide and to convince others, including my readers, that I had died, and in particular by connecting obituaries and death announcements to me online and in social media. <br /><br />It may be a long time for me to feel somewhat like myself again, or I may never get there, but I wanted to let you know. My health issues affected all aspects of my life. I was unable to work for an extended period of time, and I had to rely on the support of others to get through each day. I felt like my life had been turned upside down, and I struggled to find a sense of normalcy. I don’t even know what normal looks like. My stalker's actions caused me to feel afraid, anxious, worse. I felt like I couldn't trust anyone, and I was constantly on edge. Even after my stalker is finally imprisoned, I find it difficult to move on and let go of the fear and anxiety that had taken hold of me. Despite the terrible ordeal, I have learned a lot about myself and the importance of seeking help and support. I also have discovered the resilience and strength that I possess, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. <br /><br />I want to take a moment to thank all of those who stood by me during all these difficult years. Your support and encouragement were instrumental in helping me get through the toughest moments. To anyone else who may be going through a similar situation, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is help available, and it's okay to ask for it. No one who’s trying to communicate about all this should have their posts hidden by their stalker reporting them. No one seeking help or to talk about what’s happening to them should be driven into silence or made to feel like they can’t talk about what’s happening to them. No one should have to suffer in silence or feel like they are alone in their struggles. <br /><br />In conclusion, I wanted to share this story with you not only to provide context for my posts over these past many years, but also to raise awareness about the devastating impact that stalking and online harassment can have on a person's life. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who may be going through a similar situation feel less alone and more empowered to seek help and support. <br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your continued support and readership. <br /><br />Sincerely, <br /><br />William Robert Stanek <a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com">www.williamrstanek.com </a> Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-4509161486496845762023-03-31T16:35:00.031-07:002023-04-26T10:02:27.070-07:00Experiencing Portugal and Lisbon Part II: Where to Stay, Where to Go, What to See<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSuNd4-1bWtC9AhFcc1dPtc_bGFTsvj055HohzV8uEQZveqE2ay0nQG6K9Qe7vitxTBUHUCXohxAsoXL7nZjSyWsWI0kAwBdIMwBg-g5jweekyQOHBIMAeFxsZ6oD0ipEeLHOdzhXdpuXf9AmI8vNPwWkscFeFzTgIXNxKx4yte6YZVh0Si5EokZW/s490/william-and-huicha.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSuNd4-1bWtC9AhFcc1dPtc_bGFTsvj055HohzV8uEQZveqE2ay0nQG6K9Qe7vitxTBUHUCXohxAsoXL7nZjSyWsWI0kAwBdIMwBg-g5jweekyQOHBIMAeFxsZ6oD0ipEeLHOdzhXdpuXf9AmI8vNPwWkscFeFzTgIXNxKx4yte6YZVh0Si5EokZW/s320/william-and-huicha.jpg" width="310" /></a>In the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/spotlight-lisbon-portugal-william-robert-stanek/" target="_blank">previous edition of our newsletter</a>, we talked about Lisbon Portugal, which is enjoying a moment in the spotlight that’s long overdue. We can't say enough how much we love Lisbon (and all of Portugal, even if driving the streets and highways is a bit of an experience that takes some getting used to). If you're looking to stay in Lisbon, you'll find no shortage of Airbnb rentals--rentals which change so much from month to month that there's no point in guiding you to one over another, especially with the ongoing effort by the local government to restrict and shutdown Airbnb rentals in the city. Don't worry, there's also no shortage of wonderful hotel rooms, and you'll have a wealth of choices. Some of our luxury favorites, based on quality and value:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Altis Belém Hotel & Spa - on the waterfront near Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) and Jardim da Torre de Belém (Belém Tower Gardens). Or alternatively NAU Palacio do Governador in the same area.</li><li>Hyatt Regency Lisbon - near the waterfront with beautiful views of the Tagus and the Ponte 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge).</li><li>Hotel Vila Galé Collection Palácio dos Arcos - on a hillside near the waterfront with beautiful views.</li><li>Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio - A boutique luxury hotel across from Praça do Comércio, a waterside public plaza, and Arco da Rua Augusta, an ornate 18th century arch.</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Other luxury accommodations to consider, based on quality and value:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pestana Palace Lisboa</li><li>Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel</li><li>The Emerald House Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton</li><li>As Janelas Verdes/Riverview, a Lisbon Heritage Collection</li><li>Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel</li><li>Palacete Chafariz d'El Rei</li><li>Pestana CR7 Lisboa</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If you're driving and don't mind being up to 20-30 minutes outside the city, here are a few more luxury accommodations to consider, based on quality and value:</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, an IHG Hotel</li><li>Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa</li><li>Hotel Albatroz Cascais</li><li>Farol Hotel</li><li>Hotel Vila Galé Cascais</li><li>Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa</li><li>Fortaleza do Guincho</li><li>Senhora da Guia Cascais Boutique Hotel</li><li>The Oitavos</li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's important to note that we probably look at luxury accommodations different than most. We've stayed at luxury hotels around the world, but multi-million-dollar lobbies don't impress us whatsoever and more than a few luxury hotels are guilty of having wonderful lobbies and not so wonderful rooms. Fancy brands and fancy names don't impress us. What actually impresses us is the right combination of quality and value. To us, quality and value incorporates the locations/views, the rooms, and the experiences are worth more than walking into a stunning lobby and then finding the rooms are rather ho-hum. We say locations/views as there can be a tradeoff between having a great location, such as a central location near most everything you want to see and do, and having a great view, such as of the ocean or a mountain but then being in a less central location.<br /><br />Another important note is that sometimes our stays are comp'd and there's been too many over the last thirty years to track which ones comp'd us and which ones didn't. If we mention a hotel, they probably comp'd us at one time or another, and we're not talking about them because of some comp years ago or even last year, we're talking about them because we genuinely enjoyed our stay and that joy stayed with us. Also important to point out our comps aren't for some random mention in a travel newsletter or a travel guide, they're because of our photography work.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As we discussed last time, the nightlife in Lisbon is good and often even great, as are the wealth of restaurants that range
from inexpensive dives to fine dining. The combination of great places to eat and great places to stay is a strong reason to make Lisbon your home base when you visit Portugal. There also are other reasons, as the map shows. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Drive three hours
north and you can be in Porto, enjoying everything this other fabulous coastal
city in Portugal has to offer, including the medieval district and the Palácio
de Bolsa. Drive three hours south and you can be in Lagos Portugal, enjoying
everything the Algarve coast has to offer, including sweeping coastlines with
even more beautiful beaches and scenic rock formations to walled old towns and
historic churches.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1340" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJUi6uBB9PYyf_s1HNdxnLKsL4Vg8BV5FZBaOA8doE8KEekML6LpMqWsl0SfVUQwjMtzmOD6TyhkQJ2xOCW4c69-eWFxxJtdk_-6qLzg-f8EMQdkVGIy_AJvNhW0L1wPrf5-YLEcLEKam0ZjVkbzjEt1rlRS4xxS80GHxnE90oJ-AElQyShEjY5Q7/w640-h610/porto-lisbon-algarve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Seville in Spain is another beautiful city nearby. When we visit
Lisbon, we make it a point to drive out to Seville as well since it's so
close, as we talked about in the inaugural edition of our newsletter (<span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/off-races-seville-spain-william-robert-stanek/">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/off-races-seville-spain-william-robert-stanek/</a></span>).</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are several common routes between Lisbon and Seville
(see the map below), with the middle route being the most direct, if not the
most scenic. If this is a roundtrip you are only going to make once, we suggest
taking the top route through Badajoz on the way to Seville and the bottom route
along the Algarve coast on the way back to Lisbon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1676" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosY8cRurDA4XX9gOmh_k9qTw5BAN_N9VM-linP7aZ4prIPaWerqqZRB4Ed0X4FfzUKL8zpdtWBV-T0UcDKjEwt82kpAXQylejz4mj9P-9pjlcl7OpnngxEEaM7IrBiIxG-fa1kmaIYYxQVc17bAsp36U9lVfWMHuxBALzv4ky1AI5ok-PknL1opmS/w640-h506/Lisbon-seville-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">All of the routes take you eventually into Andalusia, one of
the most famous regions of Spain. The whole Andalusia region is fantastic and
well-known for its ceramics, embroidery and leather goods. With this in mind,
be sure to stop in the rural shops, especially for the pottery. Each area has
its own distinctive style and each craftsman makes the colorful plates, bowls
and flower pots in different ways. Note that it's hard to get fragile pottery home in one piece even if you hand carry it, so keep that in mind when selecting pieces. Plates wrapped carefully will weather the journey home better than vases and such, and no matter how careful you are something may get broken.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our favorite time of year for the drive is spring when the olive trees are in bloom. There’s nothing like driving with the windows down
and drinking in the smell of olive trees in bloom. Plus, it's a gorgeous,
scenic drive.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1920" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn0DNBG3R8YKuog0paXz14qLlC7SWvF8D8yTcKbjAjKhtycQ115rSU1UEidHBTropmlcc0Ps6WPEU07qsaTJ-OJxqoVWRbO2ebX3_2yvyl4BgA873vM_Yg_npRLR-qgWrOnzIXYsUIV-MJhymV9ejIiHsTXbJ5PiPthC6T5qox-afOf9xnqn-H1d5/w640-h370/andalusia-spain-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Back to Lisbon itself. Where to go and what to do in Lisbon? One starting point is Cais das Colunas on the waterfront. It's an 18th century quay with marble steps. Take a few pictures on the waterfront (and because of the sunset views, you may want to return here later as well). From the quay, you can go to nearby Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). One of three main squares in the city.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Here, you'll find restaurants and clubs, places to sit outside with a glass of beer or wine. The square is also home to the Lisbon Story Centre, with it's inexpensive 60-minute tour of Lisbon's history. If you want tourist information, head across the square in the opposite direction. </p><p class="MsoNormal">When you are ready to leave Praça do Comércio, walk away from the waterfront and cross the street to see the Arco da Rua Augusta. It's a stunningly beautiful 19th century triumphal arch. West down the street is another photo opportunity at Praça do Município (Municipal Square) and the exterior of City Hall. Continue walking down Rua do Arsenal and to Rua Nova do Carvalho. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1488" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXhzpJeFcdHmw_xUuQui2aqfYx5nYOomyu4rkDh4Q4QCuyEHkHa2aM9GdE8gJ7XrEgzcpPVXCUvgAraanPLEG3PndKfFJMc7nH9PxXiusfMFxH-I33R-1D00bEPfpoJg0n1I6BXtM8W_7fGUjQ01Jhx08VxQmii7TZlJVrZ41lJxWcDWpo8-nEcJ8/w640-h406/lisbon-walking-tour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also known as Pink Street, Rua Nova do Carvalho was formerly the red light district, but now it's famous for bars and night clubs. Afterward, you can walk back toward the waterfront and the panoramic scenic point of Cais das Pombas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here, you'll find a nice waterfront area where you also can take pictures of Lisbon's most beautiful bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril. Afterward, you can walk back along the river to where you started, optionally stopping at the Reminiscência sculpture. Total walking time is about an hour, without stops.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the stops in a numbered list as well:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cais das Colunas, Praça do Comércio, Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Lisboa Story Centre, Praça do Comércio 78, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Arco da Rua Augusta, R. Augusta 2, 1100-053 Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Municipal Square, Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Rua Nova do Carvalho, 1200-370 Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Cais das Pombas, Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Reminiscência (Almada Negreiros), Av. Ribeira das Naus, Lisboa, Portugal</li><li>Cais das Colunas, Praça do Comércio, Lisboa, Portugal</li></ol></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Other great places to visit in Lisbon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Alfama, an old neighborhood full of narrow streets, houses and restaurants. Also some of the best Fado clubs for nightlife.</li><li>Cristo Rei, a statue of Christ on a hillside that also offers fantastic views of the Ponte 25 de Abril</li><li>Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a waterfront monument dedicated to sailors and discovers</li><li>Torre de Belém, a waterfront tower built in the 16th century</li><li>Sé de Lisboa, Lisbon Cathedral</li><li>Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora, the monastery and church of St. Vincent</li><li>Igreja de Nossa Senhora, 16th century church</li><li>Castelo de São Jorge, a castle with a viewpoint that offers 360-degree views of Lisbon</li><li>Igreja de Santa Engrácia, a baroque church started in the 17th century but not finished until the 20th.</li><li>Museo do Carmo, a 13th century monastery and museum</li><li>Elevador de Santa Justa, an elevator with a platform at the top near Museo do Carmo</li></ul></div><p class="MsoNormal">Well, that's Lisbon in a Nutshell. We hope your adventures are as wonderful as ours and hope to hear about your visits too.</p><p class="MsoNormal">-</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hui Cha Stanek and William Robert Stanek</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-william-r-stanek/1142758033">William R. Stanek. The Black and White Collection #1: Fine Art Photography Rare Masters</a> by William R. Stanek, HC Stanek, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble (barnesandnoble.com)... Our new photography book!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEN8AHp1J1iPRuJzTO7pddLEz7FnpVX3e6C_XNucV5_t6RfOCPCK-_hmPl3fT_rJ9SyTNFk9u_uUoBTzoV3-_iho7IRdwyFK_FC_RS2gOnwdCSCCgZMQCKDR8wzLE5D8PuFQGa-MZNSjHhD9cSpsNix33P__r3-fCb3M_Nma7VK8DA63EHzFcPYZH/s1800/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages1-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1800" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEN8AHp1J1iPRuJzTO7pddLEz7FnpVX3e6C_XNucV5_t6RfOCPCK-_hmPl3fT_rJ9SyTNFk9u_uUoBTzoV3-_iho7IRdwyFK_FC_RS2gOnwdCSCCgZMQCKDR8wzLE5D8PuFQGa-MZNSjHhD9cSpsNix33P__r3-fCb3M_Nma7VK8DA63EHzFcPYZH/w640-h514/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages1-sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IglJvs2J-9qeVswG3OmH4ZqxTYe64-4XArl_Qhco9wReGJb5NSdGnFt-0q6xEYuy42-TmNKVAzLzuPy4WUsQpyKh6wuLdgtZ7DB-ftzsFAM4MgCFf-XFYnAYAB6fFxXBkWUJoeaoltrR9JM5lQDNL4DHn1vFoYltz9YqX9z7SHIlotyn0mO4G_s3/s1800/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages2-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1800" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IglJvs2J-9qeVswG3OmH4ZqxTYe64-4XArl_Qhco9wReGJb5NSdGnFt-0q6xEYuy42-TmNKVAzLzuPy4WUsQpyKh6wuLdgtZ7DB-ftzsFAM4MgCFf-XFYnAYAB6fFxXBkWUJoeaoltrR9JM5lQDNL4DHn1vFoYltz9YqX9z7SHIlotyn0mO4G_s3/w640-h522/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages2-sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzC0HzNb79rMZwaj_e349w3gdoaU6RFd5qncxCVgpqqzGyj8lrcyF5DUzO5X7FkvZ0A6BlzQgR7IvDSz5SltCAqtZRTtzNThtIBispSLI1iZWOkf5Yz-YOakn6O3gVOB4iaiA6F7xLX8Wk485cArlNhxnf4EwVaXrGzG60AQNsqzNp5eDZVg721z5/s1800/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages3-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1800" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzC0HzNb79rMZwaj_e349w3gdoaU6RFd5qncxCVgpqqzGyj8lrcyF5DUzO5X7FkvZ0A6BlzQgR7IvDSz5SltCAqtZRTtzNThtIBispSLI1iZWOkf5Yz-YOakn6O3gVOB4iaiA6F7xLX8Wk485cArlNhxnf4EwVaXrGzG60AQNsqzNp5eDZVg721z5/w640-h514/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-pages3-sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span><p></p><div><h2>About Hui Cha Stanek</h2>Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). One of her most famous works, Tip Toe I See You, is shown below.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRavMZzdAzG46Q6Ba5lfsUGfwCuIdDYlw-e4N0BZ5LzZ1LybLI6tK9zU3OY_a5rN4zs5H0iEPNubWF9UOOAery4Uq7RJVKtqmZqP9kXGQSzxeB04iw7CwXo6iAl5tKQ_K03DhxFGtJgtKIR1aVCe5_dNqQz6xvq2LaYxrvqvDHKKNp8Kuym4BBXa9d/w640-h437/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Others, not to be missed:<br /><br />Salt Water Taffy<br /><br />Let Me See Too<br /><br />My Hair Day Too Mom<br /><br />Where Did it Go<br /><br />You'll find these fine art photography works and more at:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a><br /><br /></div><div><h2>About William Robert Stanek</h2>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:<br /><br />360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a><br /><br />1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a><br /><br />Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a><br /><br />Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a><br /><br /></div><div>William has been called the Michelangelo of sunsets due to his hundreds of breathtaking sunsets, and this is especially represented in his original oil paintings, but the sun itself isn't always the centerpiece of the work. The true centerpiece of a work can as easily be waves breaking on a tropical shore as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Chapel Bridge in Lucerne Switzerland. Although William packed up his paints and brushes some years ago, his work remains available and are displayed all over the world.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJLsfOKrcvhLhf50wWiTu0QCdWAriSwtw0Nf6VL_MhuYvoryNch0O7g95gGnasWTVGBiPmeVo_dnTHjqoirwTaXPaV2Kp_rXhmPxawWvfrhHMj67zx4j7ES5Qvsv3t4vMMP0bjuOSYeGdAE5zw2f_Pci-_CGjZwlgCen4Aq9r6ny8s_A79ycuqa9R/s1012/BRING-IN-THE-NIGHT-1-OF-3-RARE-PRINT-WITH-SIGNATURE-SUNSET-AT-THE-SEASHORE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1012" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJLsfOKrcvhLhf50wWiTu0QCdWAriSwtw0Nf6VL_MhuYvoryNch0O7g95gGnasWTVGBiPmeVo_dnTHjqoirwTaXPaV2Kp_rXhmPxawWvfrhHMj67zx4j7ES5Qvsv3t4vMMP0bjuOSYeGdAE5zw2f_Pci-_CGjZwlgCen4Aq9r6ny8s_A79ycuqa9R/w640-h448/BRING-IN-THE-NIGHT-1-OF-3-RARE-PRINT-WITH-SIGNATURE-SUNSET-AT-THE-SEASHORE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>William's passion for sunsets is only truly rivaled by his passion for sunrises, many of which he captures in his original oil paintings as well. Here's a print of one of his original oil paintings, titled As the Sun Breaks.</div><div>Racetracks in the Blue is another one his original oil paintings, available as a print, this one from his The Gold & Treasure Coast Collection.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouVTO6CBshkuJ93r1tMiPihotxyp24pknnquYfdCOmXsWirPbBCR05XNm9MFBjTGN29YI8_qALuleZJY2RkyXtGz1xIOeDHLJjYOHk1nl5KLF-lZ3kPfhSKFr7fqSn87aID1aR7AfMXBb6EJG8id6DDwQzBDF331_3DRHCKJFX1nEcXYXjhjCwh1H/s900/join-the-chase-sail-fishing-gold-treasure-coast-william-robert-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="900" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouVTO6CBshkuJ93r1tMiPihotxyp24pknnquYfdCOmXsWirPbBCR05XNm9MFBjTGN29YI8_qALuleZJY2RkyXtGz1xIOeDHLJjYOHk1nl5KLF-lZ3kPfhSKFr7fqSn87aID1aR7AfMXBb6EJG8id6DDwQzBDF331_3DRHCKJFX1nEcXYXjhjCwh1H/w640-h490/join-the-chase-sail-fishing-gold-treasure-coast-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Find William Robert's books at....</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a></div><div><br /></div><div>BN <a href="https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall">https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a></div><div><br /></div><div>iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks">https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>eStories <a href="https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek">https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Chirp <a href="https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks">https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks</a></div></div><div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div>Thanks for reading!</div></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-68375672545570110502023-02-09T11:25:00.002-08:002023-04-26T10:02:59.718-07:00Lisbon Portugal - Travel Photography, Art and Book Talk<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6VpjAEZC_KYbujjFH9cYdwlnMQD0xDNuHXyXMB0mUc5rxLYW6HceRbJRtVfL67dde-A7sggnQeiwhgMEhbeJFp0N5PCirqn7G19ma_TpXP3HMJXQ4OXyfykAmbAZrvw8-0F9OZMUp0mG-yY9oli5oBrIAk9YS5JXKqQQFOToltdNEE9xrdhd23az/s1026/William-Robert-Stanek-n-Hui-Cha-Stanek.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6VpjAEZC_KYbujjFH9cYdwlnMQD0xDNuHXyXMB0mUc5rxLYW6HceRbJRtVfL67dde-A7sggnQeiwhgMEhbeJFp0N5PCirqn7G19ma_TpXP3HMJXQ4OXyfykAmbAZrvw8-0F9OZMUp0mG-yY9oli5oBrIAk9YS5JXKqQQFOToltdNEE9xrdhd23az/w281-h320/William-Robert-Stanek-n-Hui-Cha-Stanek.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Lisbon Portugal is enjoying a moment as the talk of the town and it’s long overdue. While we’re not so thrilled about one of favorite coastal idylls becoming a hotpot for remote workers and tourists, we are ready to share some of its secrets.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">People often think of Lisbon as a port city in Portugal and an ocean beach destination, though the city itself is not actually on the ocean at all or even a direct beach destination. For starters, the coastal areas of Lisbon are on the banks of a river, the Tagus River. The Torre de Belem, the famous tower near the city limits that you see in photographs is ten kilometers from where the mouth of the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">An enormous natural bay formed by the river around its delta contains a mix of salt and fresh water, and is home to expansive wetlands where thousands of bird species migrate through every year, making it one of the richest and most biodiverse places on the planet. This alone should make Lisbon a nature tourism destination, but the city is better known for nightlife, gastronomy (food) and beaches. The nightlife is good and often even great, as are the wealth of restaurants that range from inexpensive dives to fine dining. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1340" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudVKkB3IbaCAU9wU3QAwoFgODJ8DU3DX8FHu3Gy52EO9G-LcV9ZNfkMbeSTeEk1Ch0ZgT9ps37T_yVuZfhK5-vWpyLQl34ObxPq2CvO8BwBaVpTHNHLHgma2icyus7RaT0UDFYC122hziFR1qidaRFmsxzOozSzZrVTvG4MB7PliGrW1ThlEzCzNz/w640-h628/lisbon-portugal-map.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Portuguese cuisine like the language itself is unique. Heavily influenced by its proximity to the ocean, Portuguese food features a lot of fish and seafood, but also beef and pork. The most famous dish is bacalhau; a salted, seasoned cod, that is best in a stew or casserole. A close second may be the sweet, Portuguese egg tart. Some other great dishes...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE3IdpgRiJgdy0vcwVN8ZuDILQZ_J7fR1sZIl4f2tzhv97eJKGvWKNdQDbZw-MHOBLrme_1moW25CVd07dFNoY5VQVbNcUuC3BFHfg0UsUt78tSJ2hrBDSi0GKDYwaN_B3D6rwKitGWDhNlx14SIgv0wHkWv_CMylpXuYHqnlQu-H4Ik9ZVa-cmkb/s1200/portuguese-cuisine-lisbon-and-portugal-v2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1200" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE3IdpgRiJgdy0vcwVN8ZuDILQZ_J7fR1sZIl4f2tzhv97eJKGvWKNdQDbZw-MHOBLrme_1moW25CVd07dFNoY5VQVbNcUuC3BFHfg0UsUt78tSJ2hrBDSi0GKDYwaN_B3D6rwKitGWDhNlx14SIgv0wHkWv_CMylpXuYHqnlQu-H4Ik9ZVa-cmkb/w640-h476/portuguese-cuisine-lisbon-and-portugal-v2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">As we said earlier, Lisbon itself isn’t really a beach or swimming destination at all. Those famous beaches people talk about in the same breath as Lisbon? They’re known as the Beaches of Almada and there are twenty eight of them. Yes, 28, from Praia Trafaria to Praia da Adiça. All fairly easy to access.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">To get to the Almada beaches, you’ll have to get out of the city and across the stunningly beautiful 2KM suspension bridge known as Ponte 25 de Abril, where you’ll then find the closest beach is about a half hour’s drive away and some of the others are up to an hour’s drive away. The best of them include Praia da Cova, Praia de São João, Praia do Tarquínio-Paraíso, Praia Nova, Praia da Saúde, Praia da Cornélia, Praia da Mata, Praia da Riviera, Praia do Castelo, and Praia da Morena.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pick one or several to visit. Your favorites will depend on whether you like to be with others or more isolated by yourself.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1344" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs02TESDceXss0HAoQxQLNU6FvYVHSzeBT6oTpY37FCxuF9St8UosKAZZGjeLAH0ejynjxRLu8xP-t7CG7ZxpZ3QDsQQWkPbTgAkIGycdNLy0Bfku_IknkwDKDsAelGLa35Y1TdrJFYKmsn5WNdVkCmWEKLbyqPX5xGuskXBOdW0CARvbWANeV9G3-/w640-h628/beaches-near-lisbon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Another reason we love Lisbon because it is literally the beating heart of Portugal. Within an hour of the city, you have nature reserves, preserves, and national parks. All spectacular and stunning in their own way. Costa de Caparica is a nature preserve of protected coastal plains. Estuário do Tejo is a wetland estuary. Pena, Monserrate and Sintra are national parks within a forested mountain range, featuring mountain-side palaces and cliff-top castles.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of these cliff-top castles is Castle of the Moors, shown below in a fine art photograph by William. Our photoshoot of the Castle of the Moors was incredibly challenging due to the mountainous terrain.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1028" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_krAKFeAiz6wDZWJ_UDdr1DIqmPdJlYi4-nUQ2QWjvYW_TLPEfPkv7jZhCFNODkPjpjKIwlEicItt6JZ1EcB_vDzftClVDSxp8lKxEZoQaIB8Gq4EhrRf06aqqZdSIoTq-h7o2QTX550sk6hUIcB-FhngN_I-3ed_ui08BsiBg08pl0Kq1Qz3OZ0/w640-h532/castle-of-the-moors-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Most photos of Castle of the Moors are on the approach or close up, but William wanted to photograph the castle in a way that was different. As a result, we didn’t get the shots we wanted on our first visit to the castle. Instead, it was an exploration of approaches, light and terrain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE5dzPgnMzU9pmKWQFYQPghYAJTxZJ-apuEYKH4KGrFGo6ZXSIjfAE6Sb5IXNN0TaYSfIKyXbzHqpJaUo5JhbFU3LH4lD0RXuqdochdpKYdV_td1IfH-2xDqUj8-_x65NBfn2LIH1g2Xb59wynr4_4DrZ9rqZPNf3daZZAldKsREOB31QDROt1Pz5/s1350/bw-castle-of-the-moors-2-Resize.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1350" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE5dzPgnMzU9pmKWQFYQPghYAJTxZJ-apuEYKH4KGrFGo6ZXSIjfAE6Sb5IXNN0TaYSfIKyXbzHqpJaUo5JhbFU3LH4lD0RXuqdochdpKYdV_td1IfH-2xDqUj8-_x65NBfn2LIH1g2Xb59wynr4_4DrZ9rqZPNf3daZZAldKsREOB31QDROt1Pz5/w640-h534/bw-castle-of-the-moors-2-Resize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Getting around the mountainous terrain proved to be the biggest impediment. The narrow roads wind through the nearby village and up the steep mountain side. If you lose your way or miss a turn, you have to go around and around to get back to where you lost your way. On the mountain side, car parking ranges from difficult to near impossible. Hop on the shuttle or wander too far and you can easily lose where you parked, then hike the steep terrain for hours looking for your car.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After seven days of trekking up and down and all around, we came away with six photos of Castle of the Moors that William knew were keepers. Six of hundreds that were discarded. Still, those days weren’t all about a castle, they were also about a palace that looked like it was pulled straight from a fairytale. The Palace of Pena at Sintra.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If Castle of the Moors was William’s white whale that week, the Palace of Pena at Sintra was a dream through fog. The Palace is notoriously crowded from the time the park it lies within opens to the time the park closes. The Palace also has been photographed and photographed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">William took shots from many different angles and approaches. In different light. Early morning, full sun, late in the day. Day after day, he wasn’t happy with any of them. None of them were what he was looking for. Then on the fifth day as it rained on and off, William snapped two photographs of the palace emerging into the light from behind the shadows of clouds and knew they were the ones he’d been waiting for. Michelangelo of sunsets indeed. William works with light and shadow like few others.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1112" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8fX8Zx8Jtek_kJXNkldxLLh-Y4s5O9HLc4RpsD2kFJpno_XEKsBBKhv2Fv4z1QJoOjVU2O08vh1d2Ln_khyy6-Nx00GD_xnal85eeXsjGcNXNOtg4Frvdo-hA5le463xgOSF9BgNYOGLX6umXznA5dCWiI_fD55NBnPNOtjQX05QBmv4rhSl-KCz/w640-h444/fairy-tale-palace-pena-sintra-portugal-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">One other photograph from the series of photoshoots made the cut. It was a photograph that also showcased shadow and light, taken from within the palace itself, on one of the many self-guided walking tours of the interior we took. Some photographs speak to you. Some loudly. Others in unassuming tenors, with simple splendor.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="948" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZrmDx4zqJBeBnR4-inLgc6M6xppHAgszB8wbMs7cZzU_TsyHyqFoEevFjtd2lrQJvBasl4DMbzRkcBtnAHf03sibajO0P1gzrImPmfehmyTweTCIlUPQ90Qy83lrXJH0CYz9_CvM4GrlE__DzAI6ENBcTDUVsmJytYtCgFoPtV2_nYVAFmzk_GZ5/w640-h570/shadows-and-light-pena-sintra-portugal-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">For fellow writers out there, it is true that one can write from anywhere, but it took a lot of special considerations to ship the crates of servers that William needed for technical how-to writing for Microsoft from one place to the next. But he never missed a deadline, and never told where he was writing from :)</p><p class="MsoNormal">-</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hui Cha Stanek and William Stanek</p><div><h2>About Hui Cha Stanek & William Robert Stanek</h2><div>Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). Some of her most famous works, including Tip Toe I See You and Salt Water Taffy, shown in Hui Cha William's career retrospective in Vienna can be found at <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hui Cha's most recent project is writing the text for William R. Stanek: The Black & White Collection #1 Rare Masters. @ <a href="https://www.amazon.com/William-Stanek-Black-White-Collection/dp/1627166580/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17X4DI9DJ41H2&keywords=william+r+stanek+the+black+and+white+collection&qid=1675970336&s=digital-text&sprefix=william+r+stanek+the+black+and+white+collection%2Cdigital-text%2C145&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> - <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-william-r-stanek/1142758033?ean=9781627166584">BN</a> - <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rare-Masters-William-R-Stanek-The-Black-and-White-Collection-1-Fine-Art-Photography-Rare-Masters-Series-1-Hardcover-9781627166584/2384098926">Walmart</a> - <a href="https://hpb.com/products/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-fine-art-photography-rare-masters-9781627166584">HPB</a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKbtgnzHP-m6AB80z9PJi-FBDmpBDJN_aRBanj-aaz_vKu_OzfYcPKDJFcLm5pFSDOsRroiELxeQJNa-M3wIhxugZ8B453xfCEhNk8yDhwh90477cLKlv35TEk9DYOiI6uCNSW8aT0vNrGUdviJJw-76R7u2aBQClYuQKVTIkKt9QwfdWsVf9Ld6u/s2093/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-covers-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKbtgnzHP-m6AB80z9PJi-FBDmpBDJN_aRBanj-aaz_vKu_OzfYcPKDJFcLm5pFSDOsRroiELxeQJNa-M3wIhxugZ8B453xfCEhNk8yDhwh90477cLKlv35TEk9DYOiI6uCNSW8aT0vNrGUdviJJw-76R7u2aBQClYuQKVTIkKt9QwfdWsVf9Ld6u/w458-h640/william-r-stanek-b-w-collection-vol1-covers-sm.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:</div><div><br />360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a><br /><br />1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a><br /><br />Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a><br /><br />Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a><br /><br /></div><div>Connecting to his roots in his work is important to William Robert. The beautiful fine art print that follows is a view from within Mont St. Michel in Normandy France, part of his popular A Day at Mont St. Michel photo series. Special to William Robert as this is the region where his French ancestors are from--an ancestry William Robert has traced back from Quebec Canada to its origins in France.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIkHQqm_Ld-uUto4LPGmZfY58pvwIdcyVh8n5qQZFi8-krYTpru8ryPouyNUo1-TA6s_b-TC5Xn_K3kszASSl9Z29eP2oJ5WkjR3wrr8SZfcyQLVUekaxRyecxx8MhEtSyDV-Ccujs3i3rMNTtSvxJ1PA5BxA0bE2RDPf5DAxvur91Eu2Tq-HN_c7/w640-h504/a-day-at-mont-st-michel-5-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Find William Robert's books at<br /><br />Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a><br /><br />BN <a href="https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall">https://barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall</a><br /><br />Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a><br /><br />iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a><br /><br />Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a><br /><br />Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks ">https://open.spotify.com/search/"robert%20stanek"/audiobooks </a></div><div><br /></div><div>eStories <a href="https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek">https://www.estories.com/author/654/Robert-Stanek</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Chirp <a href="https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks">https://www.chirpbooks.com/authors/robert-stanek-audiobooks</a><br /><br />Thanks for reading!</div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-74513801786460581062023-01-30T09:45:00.002-08:002023-01-30T09:46:24.864-08:00Letter from RP Books & Media Publisher, Jeannie Kim Addressing the Malicious Targeting of Robert Stanek<p>Dear Readers, We are aware of the false information and fake negative
reviews that have been circulating about Mr. Stanek and his books, especially
on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. We want to assure our customers and the
general public that we've identified the sources of this misinformation and
malicious targeting, and have taken appropriate steps to correct and prosecute
as permitted by law, both within the U.S. and the U.K.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It's easy for large competitors to crush something small and use their
platforms to cause incredible, lasting harm. Not only can larger competitors
spread lies about a smaller competitor faster than the smaller competitor can
keep up with, it's nearly impossible for a smaller competitor to get out from
under the targeting without help and in this respect, we need you, dear
readers. Your support and continued readership is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">As for Amazon.com and Goodreads.com involvement, the U.S. Department of
Justice has identified Amazon staff accepting bribes, writing fake negative
reviews and targeting products like Robert's for take downs in its indictments
of September 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Specifically, the US DOJ prosecuted four cases involving Amazon employees:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">* Targeting people like Robert with fake negative reviews<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">* Using their inside access to Amazon's network to suspend accounts and
product listings<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">* Using their inside access to Amazon's network to remove favorable reviews
and commentary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">* Posting spurious comments to intimidate victims and drive away customers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All four cases were successful and proved by the Department of Justice in
2022. The following contains complete details, links and the press release from
the US Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington state, dated Sept 18,
2020:<br /></span><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/09/doj-ids-corrupt-amazon-employees.html">https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/09/doj-ids-corrupt-amazon-employees.html</a><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Stanek has been a professionally published, bestselling author since
1995 when his first book was published by Macmillan and his books have since
been published and or distributed by nearly every major publisher in the United
States. He does, of course, write as William Stanek and Robert Stanek. His
books have been praised and featured in Publisher's Weekly, including a cover
story on popular fantasy series, Library Journal, Children's Bookshelf,
Foreword Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Parenting Magazine, The Journal of
Electronic Defense, Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine for YA Librarians,
Popular Children's Fiction Selections for Librarians, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We have been in business since 1994, nearly 30 years, and have always
strived to provide excellent products and services to our customers. We value
their satisfaction and take any complaints or issues very seriously. We
apologize for any confusion or concern that this may have caused and appreciate
the support of our loyal customers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We hope that you had a great experience with our products. If you are
satisfied with your purchase, we would appreciate it if you could leave a
positive review on your favorite book or library review site. Your feedback
helps us to improve and grow our business, and it also helps other potential
customers to learn about the excellent products that we provide. Thank you for
your support.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jeannie Kim<br />
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sr. Publisher, RP
Books & Media<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxp8NWEopBdOHucRSK-cRvkGSsbQtxd7bv8XUpr2NzhDyG4g0f9JsZcf43AkaHfN-S2ZClD_hjgBP1NpQh420utkOtkBeVqXyfiGQhq0h_tf51yk1SO4iJBkJaZ3L81eLTsG3gKzepmJAwHRWGpsvduI-YqUMmM2FV8DHsYs1_hDDOJerSK3OHiyc/s1540/DearReaders-William-Robert-Stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxp8NWEopBdOHucRSK-cRvkGSsbQtxd7bv8XUpr2NzhDyG4g0f9JsZcf43AkaHfN-S2ZClD_hjgBP1NpQh420utkOtkBeVqXyfiGQhq0h_tf51yk1SO4iJBkJaZ3L81eLTsG3gKzepmJAwHRWGpsvduI-YqUMmM2FV8DHsYs1_hDDOJerSK3OHiyc/w520-h640/DearReaders-William-Robert-Stanek.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-66826676053120721522023-01-08T10:52:00.005-08:002023-02-09T11:05:31.122-08:00Finding the Armchair Traveler in All of Us<p>Hope you had wonderful holidays! As much as I enjoy traveling, I also enjoy reading about traveling. I think there’s a secret armchair traveler in all of us. Some know me as Katie/Kate from William Robert’s combat memoir, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Air+War+The+Incredible+True+Story+of+the+Combat+Flyers+william+robert+stanek&i=digital-text&crid=G05B5O2TTE10&sprefix=air+war+the+incredible+true+story+of+the+combat+flyers+william+robert+stanek%2Cdigital-text%2C134&ref=nb_sb_noss">Air War: The Incredible True Story of the Combat Flyers</a>, which was recently released in a 20th Anniversary edition. William Robert and I started our path together over 30 years ago, as husband and wife and as business partners. He has always been the creative, the writer and artist, but for just as long, I’ve been his arts & press publisher and the woman behind the scenes of our gallery partnerships, such as those with World Galleries. While I handled his small press work and art/photography, large multinational publishers handled his other work, including IDG, Prentice Hall, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, McGraw-Hill, Hachette, HarperCollins, Pearson Education, Cengage Learning, Microsoft, Wiley, TimeWarner, O'Reilly, HMH, and over 100 other publishers globally.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmvh486yDfxEhapGkuBhWrEVmMV7REfMpUo8QLorHgZXh7CYhGi-1F8FVAdZK7jLLciIU9q7LN_q263hs9CK9i0f9bcMSic6EISLgW6dP-faJDqgwIWNaombwKy_SWRRqLvgleJ_DfGv9JaJAWWbdlm53FbIXR5GgLB9M11WivXvICMtKra5P7sM5/s2000/Promo-BlackandWhiteCollection1vers2-william-robert-stanek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="2000" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmvh486yDfxEhapGkuBhWrEVmMV7REfMpUo8QLorHgZXh7CYhGi-1F8FVAdZK7jLLciIU9q7LN_q263hs9CK9i0f9bcMSic6EISLgW6dP-faJDqgwIWNaombwKy_SWRRqLvgleJ_DfGv9JaJAWWbdlm53FbIXR5GgLB9M11WivXvICMtKra5P7sM5/w640-h432/Promo-BlackandWhiteCollection1vers2-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Whenever I tell people my husband is the William Stanek/Robert Stanek, writer and photographer, I’m often asked what it’s like to live with someone so creative, so driven. Well, that’s kind of a difficult question to answer. But I will say, for all those curious, that William Robert’s been my best friend in life for as long as we’ve been partners, both in a romantic and a business sense. He’s the best husband, the best father to our children.</p><p>There’s a reason those who truly know William Robert, especially other writers and artists, think of him as a gentle giant, a warrior poet and a beautiful person. He’s not only one of the most kind and thoughtful, he’s also one of the most artistic, creative and inspiring people around. He’s overcome so much in his life to get where he is today—poverty, violence, neglect, death, homelessness, combat, health issues, more. It’s a wonder he got here at all, and yet he did.</p><p>William Robert and I have lived a wonderful and eventful life, a full life, due in large part to his creative eye and dedication to purpose, to craft, to the people around him. He expresses himself in his words and art, using the pain and the tremendous obstacles he faced in his childhood and early life as a source of inspiration, rather than despair, while striving for heights he would not have reached otherwise.</p><p>I may be biased, but I think his work is incredibly special. His photographs capture something very raw, real and beautiful about life, whether his subject is a medieval cathedral, a sky-filling sunset after a storm or a mountain half seen in the distance.</p><p>With this in mind, I want to invite you to visit the world with us and dream through our new premium large-format photography book: William R. Stanek. The Black and White Collection #1: Fine Art Photography Rare Masters.</p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-william-r-stanek/1142758033">@ Barnes & Noble</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/William-Stanek-Black-White-Collection/dp/1627166580">@ Amazon.com</a></p><p><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-fine-art-photography-rare-masters-special-william-r-stanek/19317715">@ Bookshop.org</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hpb.com/products/william-r-stanek-the-black-and-white-collection-1-fine-art-photography-rare-masters-9781627166584">@ HPB</a></p><p>Meant for discerning collectors and special collections, this premium, oversized book works wonderfully to display on a coffee or cocktail table to inspire conversation when you are entertaining and to simply pass the time. Inside, you’ll find more than 100 fine art photographs from the Rare Master series by William, photographs from throughout his 30+-year career.</p><p>Producing a premium fine art photography book is expensive. Individual photographs featured in this book sell for hundreds of dollars in William’s studios. It was a challenge to find the right balance, to ensure not to devalue the work to which William has dedicated his life while delivering value in book form to you as the reader. For this reason, we are delivering William’s Rare Masters as a series of volumes that can be collected individually at a lower price point, and as books that combine multiple volumes into a single volume at a higher price point. We hope you agree this balanced approach works well.</p><p>Throughout this book, I discuss the story behind the work when possible to give you insider insights and to inspire conversation and, perhaps, to inspire your own adventures too.</p><p>Full page photographs, with extras. Photoshoot locations:</p><p>1. Newport Beach, California, USA</p><p>2. Lucerne, Switzerland</p><p>3. Ghent, Belgium</p><p>4. Vienna, Austria</p><p>5. Paris, France</p><p>6. Lucerne, Switzerland</p><p>7. Paris, France</p><p>8. Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Spain</p><p>9. The Bernese Highlands, Switzerland</p><p>10. Bavaria, Germany</p><p>11. Vienna, Austria</p><p>12. Oa’hu, Hawaii, USA </p><p>13. Orléans, France</p><p>14. Kauai, Hawaii, USA</p><p>15. Florida, USA</p><p>16. Kauai, Hawaii, USA</p><p>17. Zermatt, Switzerland</p><p>18. Ghent, Belgium</p><p>19. Kauai, Hawaii, USA</p><p>20. Ghent, Belgium</p><p>21. O’ahu, Hawaii</p><p>22. O’ahu, Hawaii</p><p>23. Hallstatt, Austria</p><p>24. Kinderdijk, Netherlands</p><p>25. Orléans, France</p><p>26. Washington state, USA</p><p>27. Colorado, USA</p><p>28. Lake Hallstatt, Austria</p><p>29. Oregon, USA</p><p>30. Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany</p><p>31. Kinderdijk, Netherlands</p><p>32. Bavaria, Germany</p><p>33. Colorado, USA</p><p>34. Kauai, Hawaii, USA</p><p>35. Oregon, USA</p><p>36. Adelboden, Switzerland</p><p>37. Oregon, USA</p><p>38. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK</p><p>39. Vienna, Austria</p><p>40. South Carolina, USA</p><p>41. Vienna, Austria</p><p>42. Maui, Hawaii, USA</p><p>43. Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA</p><p>44. Hawaii, USA</p><p>45. Hawaii, USA</p><p>46. Florence, Italy</p><p>47. London, Great Britain, UK</p><p>48. Bavaria, Germany</p><p>49. Hawaii, USA</p><p>50. Hawaii, USA</p><p>51. Hawaii, USA</p><p>52. Lake Tahoe, California, USA</p><p>53. Berchtesgaden, Germany</p><p>54. Paris, France</p><p>55. Vienna, Austria</p><p>56. Rome, Italy</p><p>57. Rome, Italy</p><p>58. Salisbury, United Kingdom</p><p>59. Lucerne, Switzerland</p><p>60. Sintra, Portugal</p><p>61. … 81 The Netherlands, for the Art in Flowers special collection</p><p>82. Vienna, Austria</p><p>83. Maui, Hawaii, USA</p><p>84. Vienna, Austria</p><p>85. Vienna, Austria</p><p>86. Blois, France</p><p>87. Fontainebleau, France</p><p>88. Lucerne, Switzerland</p><p>89. Obertraun, Austria</p><p>90. O’ahu, Hawaii, USA</p><p>91. Rome, Italy</p><p>92. Salzburger Land, Austria</p><p>93. Delft, Netherlands</p><p>94. Rome, Italy</p><p>95. Kauai, Hawaii, USA</p><p>96. Gstaad, Switzerland</p><p>97. London, Great Britain, UK</p><p>98. Lake Walen, Switzerland</p><p>99. Hallstatt, Austria</p><p>100. Paris, France</p><p>101. Washington state, USA</p><p>102. The Bernese Highlands, Switzerland</p><p>103. Normandy, France</p><p>104. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA</p><p>105. Stirling, Scotland, UK</p><p>106. Loire Valley, France</p><p>107. Windsor, Great Britain, UK</p><p>108. Rome, Italy</p><p>109. Bavaria, Germany</p><p>110. Zermatt, Switzerland</p><p>111. Volendam, Netherlands</p><p>112. Vienna, Austria</p><p>113. Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy</p><p>114. San Francisco, California, USA</p><p>115. Auxerre, France</p><p>116. Bay of Naples, Italy</p><p>117. Florence, Italy</p><p>118. Washington state, USA</p><p>119. Vienna, Austria</p><p>120. Lazio Italy</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">About Hui Cha Stanek</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA79hhzocXW7BTVChHnIe8448FrFK43gUA8a0IpoCQsRh6mRX26E07hogglYcIGd0sNYgQW1w8vVzrkv70mtfX9rhbm6PsQx7rE-gYzPFbWALUiOIKd8p_GvYIyzXcHe97Wb2OPrP0q_vlmVCGfy0NFOT82jWviLRVySpuFBs5GD0gLdYONaNHg9S/s1200/hc-stanek-photographer.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1200" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA79hhzocXW7BTVChHnIe8448FrFK43gUA8a0IpoCQsRh6mRX26E07hogglYcIGd0sNYgQW1w8vVzrkv70mtfX9rhbm6PsQx7rE-gYzPFbWALUiOIKd8p_GvYIyzXcHe97Wb2OPrP0q_vlmVCGfy0NFOT82jWviLRVySpuFBs5GD0gLdYONaNHg9S/w320-h317/hc-stanek-photographer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). One of her most famous works, Tip Toe I See You, is shown below.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunEXd89Rd1rQ-Rww-UPvKHVI4nOZzIAcMQUV5XcRh7u1S4GhnyEtpj4qN8rVcoegDPxBDTHEHBZgTEMefOmmlgCYuJSsTUpbJf-5-OFojQoWJx8rUHEIRCYFp_-V2NAiiHNiYdjxJsaXdbehlArNeZb4gzEEkSNuRVv-52CYchE6GmK13Py4Zf3P/s1008/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1008" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunEXd89Rd1rQ-Rww-UPvKHVI4nOZzIAcMQUV5XcRh7u1S4GhnyEtpj4qN8rVcoegDPxBDTHEHBZgTEMefOmmlgCYuJSsTUpbJf-5-OFojQoWJx8rUHEIRCYFp_-V2NAiiHNiYdjxJsaXdbehlArNeZb4gzEEkSNuRVv-52CYchE6GmK13Py4Zf3P/w640-h436/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Others, not to be missed:</p><p>Salt Water Taffy</p><p>Let Me See Too</p><p>My Hair Day Too Mom</p><p>Where Did it Go</p><p>You'll find these fine art photography works and more at:</p><p><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a></p><h2>About William Robert Stanek</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeiQwoPOGAVxIlDjqBxbf4B2LnaW_fZUC13Ny3EUFAs5wtvRNl4WHXUFz-_33mO2riOY09-wIA5E6C6dQfrrJY47NcwbnOtL4G8OGFdScAvHQ87sztKLlLWYsm4WX-eFgzupiUeIEO3W6lh6nWJhsTf5iP_qHb392NbX2IUgghU5BRKk5K4iKPAmh/s600/WilliamStanek-PARK-vvSM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeiQwoPOGAVxIlDjqBxbf4B2LnaW_fZUC13Ny3EUFAs5wtvRNl4WHXUFz-_33mO2riOY09-wIA5E6C6dQfrrJY47NcwbnOtL4G8OGFdScAvHQ87sztKLlLWYsm4WX-eFgzupiUeIEO3W6lh6nWJhsTf5iP_qHb392NbX2IUgghU5BRKk5K4iKPAmh/s320/WilliamStanek-PARK-vvSM.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><p>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:</p><p>360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a></p><p>1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a></p><p>Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a></p><p>Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a></p><p>Connecting to his roots in his work is important to Robert. The beautiful fine art print that follows is a view of Mont St. Michel in Normandy France, part of Robert's popular, limited A Day at Mont St. Michel photo series. Special to Robert as this is the region where his French ancestors are from--an ancestry Robert has traced back from Quebec Canada to its origins in France.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVQBrZJc-FbgZ4SuXDe7fcB84WBAx2i0Ro2zMOxwnlfzM66VDAHQj1wOe3MH73M22RePy0Qavhz1Vj_yTUo_WvWOdevRr9Ngi1Qni0rSaUq32Ldr20cOFST9nDKMVgjlJeBowyAveGU_6REMOeeYeDYbO6pj8uYAcL5F6LZzP-oekVuzG38Kd-UM6/s792/mont-st-michel-normany-france-william-robert-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="792" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVQBrZJc-FbgZ4SuXDe7fcB84WBAx2i0Ro2zMOxwnlfzM66VDAHQj1wOe3MH73M22RePy0Qavhz1Vj_yTUo_WvWOdevRr9Ngi1Qni0rSaUq32Ldr20cOFST9nDKMVgjlJeBowyAveGU_6REMOeeYeDYbO6pj8uYAcL5F6LZzP-oekVuzG38Kd-UM6/w640-h568/mont-st-michel-normany-france-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Find William Robert's books at</p><p>Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a></p><p>Barnes & Noble <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22</a></p><p>Google Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a></p><p>Apple iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a></p><p>Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Stanek/author/B001K8IESG</a></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-24683290026315984942022-11-20T16:44:00.004-08:002022-11-21T15:44:35.804-08:00Flying the (Un)Friendly Skies (Just In Time for the Holidays)<p>Thanks for joining us for Issue #3 of our Luxury Travel, FineArt & Books newsletter. Talk, tips and advice go hand in hand with a travel photo blog. Robert and I have not only travelled the world but lived all over the world. When you travel to a place often enough you learn a lot about it, but when you live in a place you learn a great deal more. Home for us these days is the Pacific Northwest in the United States, but we’ve also lived in Asia, Europe, many states in the continental US and the Hawaiian islands. This experience informs our travels and we hope, through this blog, yours.</p><p>For this issue, we wanted to give you some useful tips for making your holiday travel easier. If you're an experienced globetrotting international traveler, we hope you'll still skim through... Happy Holidays!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10652&iframe=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="868" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok0MNXBdpdtPyqYP6r3ne33vJeCrQZ8xeh3NdiOczBdghFrpbdu_OoFIYJ1M11IxcpnLQV6Q-zbsN6gtetTCL2jkJqRzn14gP0wibzyWjoeJ6Ary7TN9Kxhf0GAKAsFcfypSHoQ5qEDWdRY4mc_N0_PuB51i34K4L0F5NmIaB3oRgeJiIcMEC7Ici/w640-h568/art-in-flowers-41-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10652&iframe=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1012" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT8EedIPF_dsR-8ZKGdvU15cQ1HC6mHiMAZgECmXrFmeEaBzHOvf4xlskhARFLq-RjG0OTwol-FFFaGee7-vLf34o6Gjyb7mlkSrpwAIANRjyGdtrLzTeI7h4LiYZgqUXzW8DgEIz6I9Zr3yAyAyQ0rajL5ZnLktqQzS-Eb5NZw86NfEETcTWlI2B/w640-h484/art-in-flowers-26-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10652&iframe=1" target="_blank">From William Robert Stanek's Art in Flowers Rare Masters Collection</a></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Checklists…</h2><p>These days when traveling internationally you may need a driver’s license, international driver’s license, passport, global entry card and more just for starters. Robert and I use a travel checklist. We literally print it out and check off the boxes for every trip. Sounds silly but it helps cut down on the oops I forgot this or that incidences.</p><p>International driver’s license? Yes, really, even in this modern age, especially in Asian countries, if not necessarily in Europe. AAA is the only company recognized and licensed appropriately for issuing one to US drivers for worldwide use, and you need to get it before you leave the US. </p><p>$20 @ <a href="https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html">https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html</a>. You need two passport photos as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZKKzHTj_7ifc5ACAih9XgRy__2eFV2HZPJkM7zl5w97_2bhwzHi40itGkVWWMWgG8fVMnjpYwBWl0yUtFUC9X3IzMi_3Yxw0-lP1nxsHfu3zIU9QPtUniIVYd0KXJNzlg7sr9oZJrPFToucZAGqf5a5GtWnoSfws1J2cUDIuFuId-GfbgfyBbRFQ/s2208/travel-tips-idp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1612" data-original-width="2208" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZKKzHTj_7ifc5ACAih9XgRy__2eFV2HZPJkM7zl5w97_2bhwzHi40itGkVWWMWgG8fVMnjpYwBWl0yUtFUC9X3IzMi_3Yxw0-lP1nxsHfu3zIU9QPtUniIVYd0KXJNzlg7sr9oZJrPFToucZAGqf5a5GtWnoSfws1J2cUDIuFuId-GfbgfyBbRFQ/w640-h469/travel-tips-idp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Airport…</h2><p>For us, a drive to the airport is always an event. We live a good distance from the nearest airport, traffic is almost always a nightmare. Accidents, slow downs for no apparent reason, construction. It’s always something, so we always plan to get to the airport early. </p><p>Bing Maps and Google Maps both do a good job of estimating drive time but only if you get directions for your drive according to the approximate time of day and day of the week you plan to travel. On a computer use the Options to change Leave Now to Depart At or Arrive By to set a date and time of travel. On a phone, after you specify where you want to go and get directions, click the Options button to the right of Your Location and then select Set Depart Or Arrive Time to set a date and time of travel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g7fu8VpR7Xi1wvlmzdqwxsKM9nCt0a9y8764fUuqy5Ccuq_DUexByVUNVR2i2goMmTEELSW37RvOw-diZY5T3sLKx4DWQMaHC3QjUmAjLpsB-Tz5nAk6irLmANsoEH8Uo3_4t_ROSUoL3jFc5ZI_a1QrN5rqgfWsztcV7Az0BAh0fZWEPrPQM_6b/s916/travel=tips-blog-issuedeparture-options.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="916" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g7fu8VpR7Xi1wvlmzdqwxsKM9nCt0a9y8764fUuqy5Ccuq_DUexByVUNVR2i2goMmTEELSW37RvOw-diZY5T3sLKx4DWQMaHC3QjUmAjLpsB-Tz5nAk6irLmANsoEH8Uo3_4t_ROSUoL3jFc5ZI_a1QrN5rqgfWsztcV7Az0BAh0fZWEPrPQM_6b/w640-h420/travel=tips-blog-issuedeparture-options.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>For a weekday drive in the morning or afternoon rush hour, we still add an hour to Google’s estimated drive time. Airlines say to arrive at least 2 hours ahead of time, 3 hours for international travel. We prefer to arrive even earlier.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Airport Shuttles…</h2><p>We don’t always drive to the airport. Often, we take Airport Shuttles. Airport Shuttles are convenient but sometimes also very frustrating. Airport Shuttles ask for your flight number, flight time and desired arrival time separately for a reason. When push comes to shove, and it often does, most Airport Shuttles will try to get you to the airport to meet your flight, while completely ignoring your desired arrival time. Worse, if you forgot to check the little box that said you were on an international flight or the shuttle service completely misses that you are catching an international flight? This can lead to big headaches.</p><p>Booking a private shuttle? Don’t count on it. Your private, direct to the airport shuttle also may get cancelled and replaced with a shared shuttle with no or little notice. When this happens, and it does, the pickup time for the shuttle will likely change as well—by up to two hours to accommodate extra stops and traffic. Watch your text messages and voicemail.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Ticket Counters…</h2><p>Your airline may not have a ticket counter open when you arrive. If the airport is not a main hub for the airline, you may find that no one is at the ticket counter until 3 - 4 hours before the flight, even for an international flight. Robert and I got stuck in Madrid airport for several hours one time because our US airline didn’t have anyone behind the counter until 3 hours before the flight. Even though a major airline in the US, our flight back to the US was that airline’s only flight of the day.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bags…</h2><p>Each airline has its own baggage policy for carry-ons and checked baggage. To find your airline’s policy, type the name of the airline followed baggage policy in a Bing or Google search.</p><p>Generally, you are allowed one small carry on and one even smaller personal item, and should check in the rest. Please don’t be the people who try to get all their bags onto the airplane as carry-ons. You know the ones who show up lugging 3 bags each and then take all the overhead bin space from everyone else.</p><p>Don’t bother buying expensive luggage. It likely will get beaten up and look very used by the end of your very first trip. Airlines throw bags around and they arrive in baggage claim scratched, dented, with wheels missing and worse. Long gone are the days when you can get reimbursed reliably by an airline (and you may have better luck if you have travel/purchase protection on your credit card). </p><p>For checked baggage, make sure every bag has a tag with your name, address and phone number. Ideally, this personal information should be hidden from view.</p><p>When checking bags, make sure baggage stickers are put on correctly and confirm the final destination. Watch your bags every step of the way. Make sure they have baggage stickers on them from the airlines and are headed somewhere on the right conveyor belt before you walk away.</p><p>For carry-ons, be sure to check the size rules for the airline before you pack, especially if you are traveling on a non-US airline. Rules in Europe are much stricter than in the US and the allowed carry on sizes are much smaller. The airline staff really will measure and weigh your carry-ons. </p><p>We found it almost impossible at times to buy a carry-on in the US that met the strict European requirements while being big enough to be useful. Sure you can find a tiny little bag anywhere, but finding a bag in the US that is exactly or near European airline requirements so it’s actually useful? Good luck.</p><p>Also important to point out that if your trip has stops in Europe and you change planes, a carry-on that was okay in the US may not be okay in Europe.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Security…</h2><p>Within the US, you will have to go through TSA security checkpoints. Outside the US, you will have to go through security checkpoints that are equally, and possibly significantly more, strict.</p><p>With TSA, there are many rules. None more important that the rules about liquids. You really do need to ensure you have no more than the 3.4-ounces (100 ml) of liquid in a single container and you really do need fit all your containers in 1 quart-sized resealable bag.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlIrDTPVkMC7WRqYNdrrZF5TcblDe_yzX2xwQ-q5y6oqY51vnAw4ThWB5CB8kX_XKpmhX7YR1xvIXFj_3T2i36PkH7bI3dhKfv8X7n-p3OR6yZLt92fGGYedQxy9RDeuAR98grlTZmMY3UT0X8xHdQACklMqNHhZEqNVHE4rmFyHFLkK7OCT6SF6n/s1864/travel-tips-liquids.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="1864" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlIrDTPVkMC7WRqYNdrrZF5TcblDe_yzX2xwQ-q5y6oqY51vnAw4ThWB5CB8kX_XKpmhX7YR1xvIXFj_3T2i36PkH7bI3dhKfv8X7n-p3OR6yZLt92fGGYedQxy9RDeuAR98grlTZmMY3UT0X8xHdQACklMqNHhZEqNVHE4rmFyHFLkK7OCT6SF6n/w640-h586/travel-tips-liquids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Anything that can be smeared or spread is considered a liquid. This includes your holiday pudding, cranberries, turkey gravy and any other wet food. Any questions can be answered here:</p><p><a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all">https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all</a></p><p>To speed your way through security, Robert and I definitely recommend you use either TSA Precheck or Global Entry. You don’t need both. TSA Precheck is a US-based program. Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA Precheck within the US as well as expedited service through US Customs on the way back to the US from other countries. Many good travel credit cards will include a free membership to TSA Precheck or Global Entry every few years.</p><p>Get TSA Precheck…</p><p><a href="https://govplus.com/start/precheck">https://govplus.com/start/precheck</a></p><p>Apply for Global Entry…</p><p><a href=" https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply" target="_blank"> https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWJOYg-9EvLvolrvXOj4MxUFf01FZpBGggI9U-B91NuLbSLO158WbmISzbgbmLiOvmg2WyCddgnWf5XKEwqTME741qIEJON-7kdNmlihmMRPK9xkzgaxalesqANQyNPmtOIDzw_4aUVsM9DqCs_aNR0eqZCCyWybaYCfeV6O7kgJjO09d_h-bN7Zl/s2080/travel-tips-globalentry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="2080" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWJOYg-9EvLvolrvXOj4MxUFf01FZpBGggI9U-B91NuLbSLO158WbmISzbgbmLiOvmg2WyCddgnWf5XKEwqTME741qIEJON-7kdNmlihmMRPK9xkzgaxalesqANQyNPmtOIDzw_4aUVsM9DqCs_aNR0eqZCCyWybaYCfeV6O7kgJjO09d_h-bN7Zl/w640-h402/travel-tips-globalentry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Lounges…</h2><p>Airport lounges can be oases inside the airport. Although most are not high class or high standard these days, they usually are quiet and clean. You’ll also find free food and beverages, perhaps also snacks to take with you on the plane.</p><p>Many good travel credit cards will include a free membership to Priority Pass, a membership service for airport lounges. Robert and I have used our lounge pass all over the world. We’ve found the experience internationally can be much better than the experience within the US.</p><p>Not a member: <a href="https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-lounges">https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-lounges</a></p><p>Already a member: Install the Priority Pass app on your phone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xwh7iR7FMeZiSh34IPmXCUKutL94hmtXPKnjV5UcTkpD7nWkZ1eY9K5pHWvo8TCDsYRffCDP2OHxYHSX0aR48lKDW4u3v_U_tpl5f5b3Vo9bls_V_fgYNPp4fw1dEuD9CuCkWr5bO7QRY1LDGsMeDh2aRvXCvXClY-ZFaHOoTRNWiJVzq32zj_sM/s1884/travel-tips-lounges.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1884" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xwh7iR7FMeZiSh34IPmXCUKutL94hmtXPKnjV5UcTkpD7nWkZ1eY9K5pHWvo8TCDsYRffCDP2OHxYHSX0aR48lKDW4u3v_U_tpl5f5b3Vo9bls_V_fgYNPp4fw1dEuD9CuCkWr5bO7QRY1LDGsMeDh2aRvXCvXClY-ZFaHOoTRNWiJVzq32zj_sM/w640-h332/travel-tips-lounges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Boarding…</h2><p>Boarding is almost always a mess. Your ticket class can get you priority boarding, as can your airline loyalty program membership. In the US, those needing special assistance, those with small children and others needing extra time also can board early. Part of this is courtesy, part of this is due to laws for those with disabilities. Flight attendants may or may not make a related announcement. Often, if they don’t see anyone in a wheelchair or anyone with small children, they won’t make the announcement. You still have the right to board early whether they make an announcement or not. The same is not necessarily true outside the US, where laws for those with disabilities may or may not offer the same protections.</p><p>When I travel with my daughter who has Down Syndrome, we don’t have a problem boarding early. Everyone seems to understand whether she is using a wheelchair at that moment or not. However, when Robert and I travel, even if he is in a wheelchair, we often have trouble. People don’t use wheelchairs because they want to get on airplanes early. They use them because they need to at that moment in time, even if they later don’t need to use a wheelchair. </p><p>And if they’re not in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean they are perfectly abled either. Disabled don’t need to wear stickers that label them or explain their disabilities. What they need is courtesy, understanding and for people to mind their own business. This doesn’t always happen.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Bins…</h2><p>In overhead bins on the same side as the plane’s windows, carry-ons go wheels in, on their side. This helps to fit the maximum amount of carry-ons in those bins.</p><p>In interior overhead bins (those facing away from the windows), your carry-on is likely to waste a lot of space as you have to put it in lengthwise. It may not even fit in the first place.</p><p>Don't worry 2/3 of those boarding planes don’t understand this either. It works though...</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Reclining…</h2><p>The era of friendly skies is long gone. Now you have the dilemma of whether you dare use the armrest at all, if someone you don’t know is sitting next to you, and the dilemma of whether you dare recline at all, if someone is behind you.</p><p>True story, on an 8-hour flight into Seattle recently, the people in front of Robert and I put their seats all the way back as soon as they were permitted to adjust their seats. One of these people, then moved seats for almost the entire flight and never put the seat upright, though they came back to the seat multiple times for a few minutes.</p><p>Robert is 6’ 2” so the seat in front of him literally touched his nose if he moved at all, so he put his seat back slightly to avoid this, about ¼ of the way and I did the same. The woman behind Robert immediately called the flight attendant to complain. The flight attendant stated there was nothing they could do, the seat wasn’t even back a few inches. This happened three more times during the flight.</p><p>About an hour before we landed in Seattle, the woman started punching the seatback over and over. When the pilot later announced that everyone should put up their seatbacks and tray tables, Robert and I did immediately. The woman behind Robert didn’t see this and called a flight attendant over again, stating loudly that Robert hadn’t put up his seat. The flight attendant replied the seat was fully upright, to which the woman screamed “no it’s not, look how close this is,” as she slapped the seatback. The flight attendant responded by telling the woman, “it’s time for you to put your seat up” and walked away.</p><p>And yes, the woman who was complaining and complaining and complaining about reclining was reclining… Unfriendly skies abound. Stay safe.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Passport control…</h2><p>When you are leaving the US or entering the US from another country, you must pass through customs and passport control after landing. This can take a long time. You likely will be asked questions about your stay, be prepared to answer.</p><p>If you have Global Entry and are returning to the US, look for the Global Entry kiosks before you get to passport control. Use the kiosks even if no one else is.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Baggage Claim…</h2><p>Most airports don’t have anyone checking to make sure people who pick up bags own the bags. Get to baggage claim as soon as possible and watch for your bag.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's Next...</h2><p>Next up we have a feature on Portugal that we think you're really going to love. As most know, Robert is not writing technical books anymore. Robert's does have a new release for the holidays though... We hope you'll check it out...</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-Machines-Episodes-This-Mortal-ebook/dp/B0BJCBDSFV/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=after+the+machines+robert+stanek">https://www.amazon.com/After-Machines-Episodes-This-Mortal-ebook/dp/B0BJCBDSFV/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=after+the+machines+robert+stanek</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBZtvoq_T-koKvzEHfGrsdnS4ixEYzf1eLXokM8tt40EcxNaxO1WKR2ahFxDxvW31MWF40zkX35_HegUH79cDp_TaM-8FXLVVcRHAP1zpjwnpsh77f7PpcNvqwDmbJ0pMlGVHf1N9YUvpdWDIowH91QR_AZjSTvolV90JpmmX67_O0cXOiIlTHyJj/s1350/After-Machines-william-robert-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1350" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBZtvoq_T-koKvzEHfGrsdnS4ixEYzf1eLXokM8tt40EcxNaxO1WKR2ahFxDxvW31MWF40zkX35_HegUH79cDp_TaM-8FXLVVcRHAP1zpjwnpsh77f7PpcNvqwDmbJ0pMlGVHf1N9YUvpdWDIowH91QR_AZjSTvolV90JpmmX67_O0cXOiIlTHyJj/w640-h480/After-Machines-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">About Hui Cha Stanek</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA79hhzocXW7BTVChHnIe8448FrFK43gUA8a0IpoCQsRh6mRX26E07hogglYcIGd0sNYgQW1w8vVzrkv70mtfX9rhbm6PsQx7rE-gYzPFbWALUiOIKd8p_GvYIyzXcHe97Wb2OPrP0q_vlmVCGfy0NFOT82jWviLRVySpuFBs5GD0gLdYONaNHg9S/s1200/hc-stanek-photographer.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1200" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA79hhzocXW7BTVChHnIe8448FrFK43gUA8a0IpoCQsRh6mRX26E07hogglYcIGd0sNYgQW1w8vVzrkv70mtfX9rhbm6PsQx7rE-gYzPFbWALUiOIKd8p_GvYIyzXcHe97Wb2OPrP0q_vlmVCGfy0NFOT82jWviLRVySpuFBs5GD0gLdYONaNHg9S/w320-h317/hc-stanek-photographer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). One of her most famous works, Tip Toe I See You, is shown below.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunEXd89Rd1rQ-Rww-UPvKHVI4nOZzIAcMQUV5XcRh7u1S4GhnyEtpj4qN8rVcoegDPxBDTHEHBZgTEMefOmmlgCYuJSsTUpbJf-5-OFojQoWJx8rUHEIRCYFp_-V2NAiiHNiYdjxJsaXdbehlArNeZb4gzEEkSNuRVv-52CYchE6GmK13Py4Zf3P/s1008/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1008" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEunEXd89Rd1rQ-Rww-UPvKHVI4nOZzIAcMQUV5XcRh7u1S4GhnyEtpj4qN8rVcoegDPxBDTHEHBZgTEMefOmmlgCYuJSsTUpbJf-5-OFojQoWJx8rUHEIRCYFp_-V2NAiiHNiYdjxJsaXdbehlArNeZb4gzEEkSNuRVv-52CYchE6GmK13Py4Zf3P/w640-h436/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Others, not to be missed:</p><p>Salt Water Taffy</p><p>Let Me See Too</p><p>My Hair Day Too Mom</p><p>Where Did it Go</p><p>You'll find these fine art photography works and more at:</p><p><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">About William Robert Stanek</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeiQwoPOGAVxIlDjqBxbf4B2LnaW_fZUC13Ny3EUFAs5wtvRNl4WHXUFz-_33mO2riOY09-wIA5E6C6dQfrrJY47NcwbnOtL4G8OGFdScAvHQ87sztKLlLWYsm4WX-eFgzupiUeIEO3W6lh6nWJhsTf5iP_qHb392NbX2IUgghU5BRKk5K4iKPAmh/s600/WilliamStanek-PARK-vvSM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeiQwoPOGAVxIlDjqBxbf4B2LnaW_fZUC13Ny3EUFAs5wtvRNl4WHXUFz-_33mO2riOY09-wIA5E6C6dQfrrJY47NcwbnOtL4G8OGFdScAvHQ87sztKLlLWYsm4WX-eFgzupiUeIEO3W6lh6nWJhsTf5iP_qHb392NbX2IUgghU5BRKk5K4iKPAmh/s320/WilliamStanek-PARK-vvSM.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><p>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:</p><p>360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a></p><p>1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a></p><p>Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a></p><p>Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a></p><p>Connecting to his roots in his work is important to Robert. The beautiful fine art print that follows is a view of Mont St. Michel in Normandy France, part of Robert's popular, limited A Day at Mont St. Michel photo series. Special to Robert as this is the region where his French ancestors are from--an ancestry Robert has traced back from Quebec Canada to its origins in France.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVQBrZJc-FbgZ4SuXDe7fcB84WBAx2i0Ro2zMOxwnlfzM66VDAHQj1wOe3MH73M22RePy0Qavhz1Vj_yTUo_WvWOdevRr9Ngi1Qni0rSaUq32Ldr20cOFST9nDKMVgjlJeBowyAveGU_6REMOeeYeDYbO6pj8uYAcL5F6LZzP-oekVuzG38Kd-UM6/s792/mont-st-michel-normany-france-william-robert-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="792" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVQBrZJc-FbgZ4SuXDe7fcB84WBAx2i0Ro2zMOxwnlfzM66VDAHQj1wOe3MH73M22RePy0Qavhz1Vj_yTUo_WvWOdevRr9Ngi1Qni0rSaUq32Ldr20cOFST9nDKMVgjlJeBowyAveGU_6REMOeeYeDYbO6pj8uYAcL5F6LZzP-oekVuzG38Kd-UM6/w640-h568/mont-st-michel-normany-france-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Find William Robert's books at</p><p>Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a></p><p>Barnes & Noble <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22</a></p><p>Google Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a></p><p>Apple iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a></p><p>Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-77301877489324391382022-10-26T11:12:00.004-07:002022-11-20T17:15:33.671-08:00Seville Spain: Food and Walking Tours - Travel Photography, Art & Book Talk too!Last time, we took you to Seville Spain, one of our favorite places in the world. Now, we want to take you back to Seville to talk more about about food and Sevilla Cuisine specifically, and about getting around town. As we stated before, we are trying something new and combining our passion for luxury travel, fine art and books, with a focus on the work of my wife and I. This collaboration between my wife, daughter and I is the culmination of so many things, but none more so than our passion for beautiful art, books and destinations. We hope you follow us as this new idea grows and evolves. What you'll find is the story behind the work, travel tips, art and book talk, and more.<div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCSqLOOSPQJySIJflr7CbmXlMD22iANIUt9CCX5NMEvSBEVxEjo4Z8lM8yF4VgxGU-3d1EzibSOyjkvj3YEMdkpaHHgSiDxH8pF_ONReUu6NWkrcI503Kfi6ORmmNbgEd3kXMFATTL2Bu1pMECre0HliXWsihK5QctttIdt2UK6rKZ7H3bmY-w_PL/s1600/seville5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCSqLOOSPQJySIJflr7CbmXlMD22iANIUt9CCX5NMEvSBEVxEjo4Z8lM8yF4VgxGU-3d1EzibSOyjkvj3YEMdkpaHHgSiDxH8pF_ONReUu6NWkrcI503Kfi6ORmmNbgEd3kXMFATTL2Bu1pMECre0HliXWsihK5QctttIdt2UK6rKZ7H3bmY-w_PL/s320/seville5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Okay, so you’re probably not going to Seville to eat pizza, and probably wondering what other foods Seville is known for. Tapas should of course be at the top of any Seville food list. Tapas are small portions of food, served cold or hot, and found in bars and restaurants throughout Seville (and indeed all of Spain). <br /><br />A traditional Sevilla twist on tapas is espinacas con garbanzos (chickpeas with spinach) usually served with picatoste (small pieces of crisp bread). While you’re in Seville, another tradition is a tapas crawl, where you and your friends make a night of trying tapas at several different bars. We say several because you'll never make it through all the tapas bars--there are way too many.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29_uNeAttf1DEQMO3U926f_rB4WITv1pfjLSyfefO8IZ5yQkhN6H-V0lOiVjIzsT8AbALX5SQGqmrrPV0LdnQEL-KjMPEufemNrmWSWd1TnYJCf_j4P3qBh6xBmOawJZD6f9A5zUP_M5m6XajO1efuS75AI8_O5DZC-2ZicFZcPog0wDM1w30fwR/s1200/seville-food2-small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1200" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF29_uNeAttf1DEQMO3U926f_rB4WITv1pfjLSyfefO8IZ5yQkhN6H-V0lOiVjIzsT8AbALX5SQGqmrrPV0LdnQEL-KjMPEufemNrmWSWd1TnYJCf_j4P3qBh6xBmOawJZD6f9A5zUP_M5m6XajO1efuS75AI8_O5DZC-2ZicFZcPog0wDM1w30fwR/w640-h586/seville-food2-small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct2UhnVsSt9tapDSHgfUHIYG5hQauh6XdQQVg-l47J8_z1BpSWc4eWKkneuGrKKxjS7Tn-tQSZwTlU7FatDWRKtP1agQMTu-oBz531oHKTSdR8sx7wTJGYYR8PlQzIFIP3JA4U2DyA79PidlNqJ2kKzC8rEmJz8r-y2028DrzzOodVlWdHethXfez/s1200/seville-food1-small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1200" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct2UhnVsSt9tapDSHgfUHIYG5hQauh6XdQQVg-l47J8_z1BpSWc4eWKkneuGrKKxjS7Tn-tQSZwTlU7FatDWRKtP1agQMTu-oBz531oHKTSdR8sx7wTJGYYR8PlQzIFIP3JA4U2DyA79PidlNqJ2kKzC8rEmJz8r-y2028DrzzOodVlWdHethXfez/w640-h586/seville-food1-small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Pork dishes are particularly popular in Seville, especially arroz con cerdo (rice with pork). Presa ibérica (Iberian pork) in particular is a pork shoulder cut, and Carrillada de cerdo is a stewed favorite from pork cheek with wine, carrots, garlic and cloves. Serranito is a sandwich served on a baguette with pork lion, salty serrano ham, tomato and grilled green pepper. Some pork cuts served with French fries are covered in a whisky sauce glazing that combines whiskey, olive oil and garlic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74jnC5euycGkPoHROWgXQRMcy0WXSIsNd5UZC-D7lhYbge1StVkYufoMhwgZXn1QRjY8OJGYOJz83MdfTKWGTUZpge-p2gGq1Ye2yeEQmmt-RtPZgetr-31hohTi_tW6mhMk41f300UVH6WzIATuqnOVIyloHQQ89iOSrARwtSbXnQY-vQSjtSRUk/s600/seville-guide-food-small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74jnC5euycGkPoHROWgXQRMcy0WXSIsNd5UZC-D7lhYbge1StVkYufoMhwgZXn1QRjY8OJGYOJz83MdfTKWGTUZpge-p2gGq1Ye2yeEQmmt-RtPZgetr-31hohTi_tW6mhMk41f300UVH6WzIATuqnOVIyloHQQ89iOSrARwtSbXnQY-vQSjtSRUk/w640-h426/seville-guide-food-small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head over to Mercado de Feria, a covered market that has been open for 300 years. At the market, you’ll find lots of fresh fruit, meat, fish and seafood for purchase as well as vendors who cook up these ingredients and serve up prepared foods.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ95pgDvyU-DwFCorw9oI0xdI9qGRdSdiGtYh7Z1DwPqXSm8UMGo5cvLMfsAyE84kk1XJybgxf5Zi9eNBV9-7keTr-LcOAysWqD_BIlBDXym_NRf_dsYaaqj-dNx5Lr54pOuIK74IU6PWXiOfjNUNwbYX1Aflk-z0Glwet0-24wX1apK-xbN_P8zH/s1152/seville6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1152" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ95pgDvyU-DwFCorw9oI0xdI9qGRdSdiGtYh7Z1DwPqXSm8UMGo5cvLMfsAyE84kk1XJybgxf5Zi9eNBV9-7keTr-LcOAysWqD_BIlBDXym_NRf_dsYaaqj-dNx5Lr54pOuIK74IU6PWXiOfjNUNwbYX1Aflk-z0Glwet0-24wX1apK-xbN_P8zH/w640-h582/seville6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Although not on the Atlantic Coast, fish and seafood are an important part of Sevilla cuisine, transported from coastal fishing towns up the Guadalquivir River. From the Royal Palace or the Catedral de Sevilla, the market is a quick cab ride away, or about a 25-minute walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like many cities in Europe, Seville has Hop-on Hop-Off bus tours for sightseeing. An okay and inexpensive choice, especially if you don’t have much time, have young children or aren’t able to walk long distances (though there can be a lot of walking and waiting associated with these types of bus tours). We have a few walking tours that we prefer instead. The first is a tour of gardens, plazas and palaces, and starts at either Puerta del León (near Hard Rock Café and the bridge Puente de San Telme) or the Punto do Información Turística (near the bridge Puente de los Remedios). If you start your walking tour at one, your tour ends at the other.<br /><br />From Puerta del León:<br /><br />1. Puerta del León (Lions Gate) This is the entry point for the Real Alcazar (the Royal Palace). You can purchase a ticket online or at the palace. (https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/)<br /><br />2. Jardines de las Reales Alcazares. These are the gardens behind the palace. When you are done wandering the palace, you can enter the gardens via the Maidens Patio.<br /><br />3. Fuente de la Glorieta de San Diego. Enter the park here.<br /><br />4. Plaza de España. Walk to the plaza, taking in the historic buildings and sights.<br /><br />5. Parque de María Luisa. Wander the gardens and enjoy. The marked path is just a suggestion for the major areas of interest.<br /><br />6. Punto de Información Turística Costurero de la Reina. This is a suggested exit point from the park.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6tsaP8toX-BvvHHw7kiTOcvfBpTmckrctQlrswGZTAd-krxBGdiMnVxISKtsuIlNeLFsCUr2BzCpNUCaN_kgAdmAplRoPsEzxynRstLkW4BpF4GXMDKk1WthGgPjxGw1Wn1IGl1e8DAFsXW0Lt5MMEaZE5hhK2mYvjzYdGk1sIKX8lSpvJ7v9AHP/s1272/seville-walking-tour-william-robert-stanek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1156" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6tsaP8toX-BvvHHw7kiTOcvfBpTmckrctQlrswGZTAd-krxBGdiMnVxISKtsuIlNeLFsCUr2BzCpNUCaN_kgAdmAplRoPsEzxynRstLkW4BpF4GXMDKk1WthGgPjxGw1Wn1IGl1e8DAFsXW0Lt5MMEaZE5hhK2mYvjzYdGk1sIKX8lSpvJ7v9AHP/w582-h640/seville-walking-tour-william-robert-stanek.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><div>From Punto de Información Turística Costurero de la Reina:</div><div><br />1. Punto de Información Turística Costurero de la Reina. This is a suggested entry point for the park.<br /><br />2. Parque de María Luisa. Wander the gardens and enjoy. The marked path is just a suggestion for the major areas of interest.<br /><br />3. Plaza de España. Walk to the plaza, taking in the historic buildings and sights.<br /><br />4. Fuente de la Glorieta de San Diego. Exit the park here.<br /><br />5. Jardines de las Reales Alcazares. These are the gardens behind the royal palace. When you are done wandering and want to go to the palace, exit the gardens and go to the Lions Gate.<br /><br />6. Puerta del León (Lions Gate) This is the entry point for the Real Alcazar (the Royal Palace). You can purchase a ticket online or at the palace. (https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/)<br /><br />Total tour time is 3-4 hours, depending on how long you spend in the palace and the gardens. With wandering, the total distance is about 6 KM It’s a good tour for early morning or later in the day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10653&iframe=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="948" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXZM-dJe1obLnmvHTHgjUKr1CFFymbnFqDRgRs3-MiZU2ymg_FdOhjTZhjBaYQTjUThrEmsToObNpedoTDNq3aOnh4j1WR7bgHFN81bzsXTAIFB5daBJIuIZrmhamR-qkdacfLduMOTxiFEvYDv1ffIo97617gXIruw9iGC78N82tXW7soOZHm_PM/w640-h570/BW-Catedral-de-Sevilla-William-Stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>You also can start or end your day at the Catedral de Sevilla (Seville Cathedral). Take a peek inside, if you can. Otherwise, wander around outside the cathedral in a circle, taking in the sights. You’ll find lots of plazas and alleys to wander nearby and several coffee shops.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10653&iframe=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="930" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftC4YH7oZPm00X2HIzkDW5MZ5fTbqyEf89GT1feUorgsRkgWwnNY25MDEV1x0pv0YUBCvAEa7MtqBXsGzCafoy0Ha44eSwK9HQQke_bKtkKoX0xSs2qr0pD6w9kE--k9UGnnQBxQMDRDv3ddmfRf1zT4gBtYyIKdugPcqTZHrVMnFSFA9d-SAyt_H/w640-h534/bw-one-day-in-seville-2-william-stanek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Catedral de Sevilla is one of my favorite subjects, essential to representing the spirit of Seville itself. The best street photographs are candid. Not only do they capture a moment in time, they speak to the viewer. Lighting sets the mood and the way the frame is set refines the message.</div><div><br />The cathedral is less crowded early in the morning. However, if you end your day here, there are some good restaurants nearby as well as places to get sweets and treats.<br /><br />For us, during our visits to Seville, Robert was often working on books for Microsoft, proving it is true that one can write from anywhere. Still, it took a lot of special considerations to ship the crates of servers that Robert needed for technical how-to writing for Microsoft from one place to the next. But he never missed a deadline, and never told where he was writing from... This little book, long out of print, was written on the road:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-K0EzEwil80_cPql2B-7qEkGbvCiKwfoWibESko5o3WCnsaG3Ri5HOvrjQBjwWThl7lfZiSmD6ip3eIdD9-qnOeSquUEDL_pL_J7xVP2ZYIBoB_nFtBHDHNFJRzVpjJEJFdqKakKT9_ytCzSshqZkhmRX4WIRxu1jtv-WBCntLiT58uuBPLURWPr/s1200/seville-guide2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1200" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-K0EzEwil80_cPql2B-7qEkGbvCiKwfoWibESko5o3WCnsaG3Ri5HOvrjQBjwWThl7lfZiSmD6ip3eIdD9-qnOeSquUEDL_pL_J7xVP2ZYIBoB_nFtBHDHNFJRzVpjJEJFdqKakKT9_ytCzSshqZkhmRX4WIRxu1jtv-WBCntLiT58uuBPLURWPr/w640-h390/seville-guide2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjg4gEIxFhGNeqrgQ1I0rbpPrMmAhIwCiOZW2q_EHumi9UgHMIUYAxXg0OD2Y4A8RkTDDVs9rfD-M0mPVlKU7srZ29T6A99HVYrDq-sgcyChWpDDwSMr7hk36XoXMtmMhKefx1lzpO7X7zUKk5x17C-Qwlyt90JE75txR11_HdqiAo0NGxmHu9KVB/s533/william-hui-cha-stanek-350p.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="533" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjg4gEIxFhGNeqrgQ1I0rbpPrMmAhIwCiOZW2q_EHumi9UgHMIUYAxXg0OD2Y4A8RkTDDVs9rfD-M0mPVlKU7srZ29T6A99HVYrDq-sgcyChWpDDwSMr7hk36XoXMtmMhKefx1lzpO7X7zUKk5x17C-Qwlyt90JE75txR11_HdqiAo0NGxmHu9KVB/w640-h420/william-hui-cha-stanek-350p.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><h2>About Hui Cha Stanek</h2>Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). One of her most famous works, Tip Toe I See You, is shown below.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRavMZzdAzG46Q6Ba5lfsUGfwCuIdDYlw-e4N0BZ5LzZ1LybLI6tK9zU3OY_a5rN4zs5H0iEPNubWF9UOOAery4Uq7RJVKtqmZqP9kXGQSzxeB04iw7CwXo6iAl5tKQ_K03DhxFGtJgtKIR1aVCe5_dNqQz6xvq2LaYxrvqvDHKKNp8Kuym4BBXa9d/w640-h437/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" /></a>Others, not to be missed:<br /><br />Salt Water Taffy<br /><br />Let Me See Too<br /><br />My Hair Day Too Mom<br /><br />Where Did it Go<br /><br />You'll find these fine art photography works and more at:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a><br /><br /></div><div><h2>About William Robert Stanek</h2>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios:<br /><br />360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a><br /><br />1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a><br /><br />Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a><br /><br />Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a><br /><br />Connecting to his roots in his work is important to William Robert. The beautiful fine art print that follows is a view from within Mont St. Michel in Normandy France, part of his popular A Day at Mont St. Michel photo series. Special to William Robert as this is the region where his French ancestors are from--an ancestry William Robert has traced back from Quebec Canada to its origins in France.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIkHQqm_Ld-uUto4LPGmZfY58pvwIdcyVh8n5qQZFi8-krYTpru8ryPouyNUo1-TA6s_b-TC5Xn_K3kszASSl9Z29eP2oJ5WkjR3wrr8SZfcyQLVUekaxRyecxx8MhEtSyDV-Ccujs3i3rMNTtSvxJ1PA5BxA0bE2RDPf5DAxvur91Eu2Tq-HN_c7/w640-h504/a-day-at-mont-st-michel-5-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Find William Robert's books at<br /><br />Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a><br /><br />Barnes & Noble <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a><br /><br />iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a><br /><br />Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading!</div></div></div></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-24178318086270130692022-10-14T06:34:00.017-07:002022-10-26T11:14:32.904-07:00Off to the Races... and Seville Spain - Travel Photography, Art and Book Talk!Hoping to try something new and combine my passion for luxury travel, fine art and books, with a focus on the work of my wife and I. This collaboration between my wife, daughter and I is the culmination of so many things, but none more so than our passion for beautiful art, books and destinations. We hope you follow us as this new idea grows and evolves. What you'll find is the story behind the work, travel tips, art and book talk, and more.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK6Pod8rJem_uk2-iJ9VsYvyRt_JRofCxFkTgGFDNIqMwZukd4xhH58YdhbgUbaxjaylrK5OommBtTEM4dbZS-PB2dhR5CTLLiNTA-N0NOZprarjjMMOomHFbyBEa9c9bBc6HUHlK7COtOgRw8GObtGb3NOh2ng6IHw71g5G1hM8X6ak3cbqY3HfE/w640-h448/bw-collection-130-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Seville Spain is one of my favorite places in the world, and the photo above is by far my favorite fine art photo of Plaza de España, a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa. Built for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, the plaza is an architectural marvel combining elements of the Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles.<br /><br />Seville is a wonderful, walkable city, with a wealth of fantastic sites and great restaurants. The light was amazing that day, even through the clouds, after several days of not so clear weather. As I positioned myself, I had to rush, rays of the sun were already warming the brick walls of the institute in front of me. I needed the clouds to part though, so I was patient. Then as a pair of white doves took flight, I knew I had the perfect shot, made even better by the row boat and the doves in the far interior taking flight at that moment as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2jkaqsWKyr2QNVmtSqLQ01aQn3j2i39CyINZYFVP3KxDFSyRUIoa-S0AkvZJ0_S05v8NaXH667IahehW_GQkhJP7b_izrK0W0S8uN-MIz32C-rqBYiohib-yMNOgCVIEQ_jErRMEvH_T4w0cBNrlcQ-QoUylM7-lCBxDMWmMGlSyGmRaMQ9B5jKo/w640-h548/seville-spain.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />When we visit Seville, we usually stay at Hotel Alfonso. A beautiful hotel, in the midst of all the gardens and close to just about everything you'd want to see in the city. The Universidad de Sevilla is next door and it's very close to Plaza de España, Real Alcazar, the canal and Palacio de San Telmo. Marriott usually comp'd our suites, so it was very nice to get the royal treatment.<br /><br />We stay away from Hard Rock and tourist traps (expensive for no reason) and visit the local, independent restaurants instead. My favorite gastro memory from Seville: We got lost and ended up at a little dive of a pizza restaurant. Pizza in Seville? Yes, and more. <br /><br />The owners, surprised to see Americans, were rather excited to see us order in broken Spanish as well. They didn't speak any English and somehow thought all Americans are dog lovers, so one of their children later brought in this rather large dog and kept feeding it bags of pizza toppings while we waited. Odd, quirky and a bit funny, especially considering how allergic I am. The pizza turned out to be enormous too and very good (though not really Italian at all). Sort of an odd mix of an American-inspired pizza with Spanish ingredients.<br /><br />Getting to Seville can be a bit of an adventure. An easy way is to fly into Madrid and take Spain Rail. Trains to Seville run almost every hour or so from the central station in Madrid, and it's about a 2 hour and 40 minute train ride to Seville. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIE11Qv3LVyn02hTa0AD1IxqN-3TkWR5UIbJVUWZBjYPxSxO3V0P1j6YV9fHOkX5qwemDZo8lHSOkZAJZD4zsZxFS59Z3NznXk8BDhDCwdTyx1SkidXcmiLA_ArU-4LkVo83yKOMe1f9a6dVzEZ0b-tqEzgnQpXinZDUZXFqM8OVwXAS8zexokE6V/s1228/seville9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1228" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIE11Qv3LVyn02hTa0AD1IxqN-3TkWR5UIbJVUWZBjYPxSxO3V0P1j6YV9fHOkX5qwemDZo8lHSOkZAJZD4zsZxFS59Z3NznXk8BDhDCwdTyx1SkidXcmiLA_ArU-4LkVo83yKOMe1f9a6dVzEZ0b-tqEzgnQpXinZDUZXFqM8OVwXAS8zexokE6V/w640-h528/seville9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>When we visit Lisbon or Porto in Portugal we make it a point to drive out to Seville as well since it's so close. The whole Andalusia region is fantastic so it's a wonderful time. We love to visit in spring when the Olive trees are in bloom.</div><div><br />Nothing like driving with the windows open and drinking in the smell of Olive trees in bloom! It's a gorgeous, scenic drive whether you go from Lisbon to Seville or Porto to Seville. And if you drive either route, be sure to stop at the handicraft shops along the way. There's a reason Andalusia is famous for its leather, ceramics and embroidery. The pottery was always our favorite. The colorful plates, bowls and flower pots are beautiful, and each area has its own distinctive style.<br /><br />It is true that one can write from anywhere, but it took a lot of special considerations to ship the crates of servers that I needed for technical how-to writing for Microsoft from one place to the next. But I never missed a deadline, and never told where I was writing from :)<div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjg4gEIxFhGNeqrgQ1I0rbpPrMmAhIwCiOZW2q_EHumi9UgHMIUYAxXg0OD2Y4A8RkTDDVs9rfD-M0mPVlKU7srZ29T6A99HVYrDq-sgcyChWpDDwSMr7hk36XoXMtmMhKefx1lzpO7X7zUKk5x17C-Qwlyt90JE75txR11_HdqiAo0NGxmHu9KVB/s533/william-hui-cha-stanek-350p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="533" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjg4gEIxFhGNeqrgQ1I0rbpPrMmAhIwCiOZW2q_EHumi9UgHMIUYAxXg0OD2Y4A8RkTDDVs9rfD-M0mPVlKU7srZ29T6A99HVYrDq-sgcyChWpDDwSMr7hk36XoXMtmMhKefx1lzpO7X7zUKk5x17C-Qwlyt90JE75txR11_HdqiAo0NGxmHu9KVB/w640-h420/william-hui-cha-stanek-350p.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">About Hui Cha Stanek</h2>Erstwhile Photographer and Long-time Publisher Hui Cha Stanek has always been the woman behind the scenes. She has managed the day-to-day operations of Stanek Media for the past three decades. Her work has been featured in a number of gallery shows and recently in a career retrospective with her husband. She prefers candid street photography and photography of people (though not traditional portrait work). One of her most famous works, Tip Toe I See You, is shown below.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRavMZzdAzG46Q6Ba5lfsUGfwCuIdDYlw-e4N0BZ5LzZ1LybLI6tK9zU3OY_a5rN4zs5H0iEPNubWF9UOOAery4Uq7RJVKtqmZqP9kXGQSzxeB04iw7CwXo6iAl5tKQ_K03DhxFGtJgtKIR1aVCe5_dNqQz6xvq2LaYxrvqvDHKKNp8Kuym4BBXa9d/w640-h437/tip-toe-i-see-you-hc-stanek.jpg" /></a>Others, not to be missed:<br /><br />Salt Water Taffy<br /><br />Let Me See Too<br /><br />My Hair Day Too Mom<br /><br />Where Did it Go <br /><br />You'll find these fine art photography works and more at:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios?cat=10605&iframe=1</a><br /><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">About William Robert Stanek</h2>Seattle-based Photographer and Artist, William Robert Stanek, is a combat veteran who supports other veterans, is also a vocal champion of books and libraries. Not only an artist, he wrote nonfiction for over three decades as William Stanek and fiction as Robert Stanek. Find his fine art photography and prints from his original oil paintings in his online studios: <br /><br />360 Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios</a> <br /><br />1North Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/1north</a> <br /><br />Studio 24 - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/24</a> <br /><br />Robert Stanek Studios - <a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek">https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/robert.stanek</a><br /><br />Connecting to his roots in his work is important to William Robert. The beautiful fine art print that follows is a view from within Mont St. Michel in Normandy France, part of his popular A Day at Mont St. Michel photo series. Special to William Robert as this is the region where his French ancestors are from--an ancestry William Robert has traced back from Quebec Canada to its origins in France.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIkHQqm_Ld-uUto4LPGmZfY58pvwIdcyVh8n5qQZFi8-krYTpru8ryPouyNUo1-TA6s_b-TC5Xn_K3kszASSl9Z29eP2oJ5WkjR3wrr8SZfcyQLVUekaxRyecxx8MhEtSyDV-Ccujs3i3rMNTtSvxJ1PA5BxA0bE2RDPf5DAxvur91Eu2Tq-HN_c7/w640-h504/a-day-at-mont-st-michel-5-william-robert-stanek.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Find William Robert's books at<br /><br />Walmart <a href="https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek">https://walmart.com/c/brand/robert-stanek</a> <br /><br />Barnes & Noble <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Stanek%22</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Play <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books">https://play.google.com/store/search?q=robert%20stanek&c=books</a> <br /><br />iTunes <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880">https://books.apple.com/us/author/robert-stanek/id55535880</a> <br /><br />Amazon <a href="https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH">https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0841YDHSH</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for reading!</div></div></div></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-10946767936029725862022-09-17T14:31:00.024-07:002022-11-14T08:36:54.142-08:00Amazon Rings of Power: Reviews Blanked Out due to Fanboy Spamming, Then Back with "Incentivized" Reviews<p>Extensive review spamming is something I've experienced myself. Most reviews of my books on Amazon.com were removed because fanboys (and paid actors) of certain authors were flooding my books with fake reviews. I had always suspected Amazon staff were paid participants in these recurring activities, which dated back to 2001, and this was proven true when the US <a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/09/doj-ids-corrupt-amazon-employees.html" target="_blank">DOJ indicted Amazon staff for exactly that</a> : targeting products with fake negative reviews. But the scheme, and as I experienced it over many years, was much larger than that. In exchange for bribes, corrupted Amazon staff facilitated attacks against competitors of those paying the bribes, using their inside access to Amazon's network to suspend competitors' accounts and product listings, remove favorable reviews and commentary, write fictitious negative product reviews designed to hurt sales, post spurious comments to intimidate victims and drive away customers, and much more. </p><p>The DOJ announced the initial indictments in September 2020. Earlier this year, there have been trials and guilty pleas. At trial in February 2022, one of the participants was sentenced to prison. At trial in May 2022, two more pleaded guilty. In October 2022, there will be another trial for two others.</p><p>Amazon knows the power of reviews. Back in the mid-90s they paid a bounty up to $50 to encourage people to write reviews as the website had a paltry few and it impacted sales. So when Amazon spends $1B on a TV show (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) that is a pet project of Jeff Bezos and the show gets flooded with negative reviews from fanboys, their first reaction is to hide the reviews completely. Their next is to create a "supportive reviews" program that is trying to flood out the fanboy spamming and then bring back the previously hidden reviews (or at least most of them, as many thousands disappeared).</p><p>A surprise to anyone? It shouldn't be, given Amazon's long history of abusive, misguided and anti-competitive activities. Amazon.com has cheated and bullied its way to a $1T market valuation while abusing and underpaying its workers, stealing ideas, products and business plans from anyone and everyone and lobbying congress to keep it all swept under the rug. Case in point, the fake Amazon ambassador program where Amazon workers were paid to lie and praise their working conditions in an attempt to convince us all that their workers weren't underpaid, overworked, forced to pee in bottles because they don't have time for bathroom breaks, etc.</p><p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49372809" target="_blank">'Fake' Amazon ambassadors baited on Twitter</a></p><p><a href="https://boingboing.net/2021/03/30/twitter-bans-fake-amazon-workers-praising-company.html" target="_blank">Twitter bans "fake" Amazon workers praising company</a></p><p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/30/amazon-twitter-fake-account/" target="_blank">Twitter nixes accounts pretending to be happy Amazon workers</a></p><p><a href="https://mashable.com/article/amazon-ambassadors-workers-union-fake-twitter-accounts" target="_blank">The bizarre story behind those 'Amazon ambassadors' on Twitter</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-caught-pay-for-praise-scheme-involving-hundreds-stanek" target="_blank">Amazon Caught in Pay-for-Praise Scheme Involving Hundreds of Employees</a></p><p>Case in point, how Amazon resorted to similar tactics to break support for unions:</p><p><a href="https://www.rt.com/usa/519654-amazon-union-initiative-twitter-bots/" target="_blank">Pro-Amazon bots fill Twitter with anti-union rhetoric</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/16/technology/amazon-unions-virginia.html " target="_blank">How Amazon Crushes Unions</a></p><p><a href="https://truthout.org/articles/amazons-anti-union-bullying-shows-why-we-need-the-pro-act/" target="_blank">Amazon's Anti-Union Bullying</a></p><p><a href="https://www.popdust.com/amazon-twitter-2651321874.html" target="_blank">Pro-Amazon, Anti-Union Bots Are Once Again Swarming Twitter</a></p><p>Case in point, the many, many posts I've written about Amazon here and at <a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://readindies.blogspot.com/</a> over the past twenty years that point out other maleficence. For many years, I've also been asking Amazon to only show the overall rating, and then display the actual reviews on a separate page.</p><p>On video pages, reviews are not shown by default, but are easily accessible in the Details section, which you access by clicking the star rating of a video or the Details heading. Amazon does this for videos because the company spends billions on this category of media and wants to ensure the best return possible. Why not do the same for books and authors?</p><p>Waiting for an answer, an apology for years of abuse, and royalties for the separate review page idea since you implemented it exactly as I prescribed.</p><p>Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</p><p>As talked about elsewhere the authors and their friends involved in these despicable activities include:</p><p>Melissa Foster (romance author)</p><p>Carolyn Arnold (mystery author)</p><p>David Langford (author)</p><p>Stephen Leigh (author)</p><p>Jim C. Hines (author)</p><p>Victoria Strauss (author)</p><p>David Louis Edelman (author)</p><p>Patrick Rothfuss (author)</p><p>Tim Spalding (Library Thing)</p><p>Maureen Johnson (author)</p><p>Adam Whitehead (Wertzone, Best Fantasy Books)</p><p>Patrick Dennis (Pat’s Fantasy Hot List, Best Fantasy Books)</p><p>Authors like Melissa Foster had hundreds of questionable reviews when they started running around trashing my books over and over, and now they have TENS of thousands of questionable reviews. How many reviews were they talking about back then anyway? A few hundred, spread across more than SEVENTY books I had published at the time. They targeted me to have someone to point fingers at while they conned and schemed. </p><p>--</p><p><b>Addendum</b></p><p><b>Reader</b>: A few of these bad actors appear to have used their friends in India that were Amazon employees (before they were discovered and fired), so I’m not sure I’d chalk that up to a corporate bad act, per se.</p><p>Indictments and guilty pleas earlier in the year said “Those 3P sellers sold a wide range of goods, including household goods, consumer electronics, and dietary supplements.” but I didn’t see anything indicating they were targeting authors or books.</p><p>I have no doubt that competing authors use fake accounts to trash the competition to sell more of their own books in the same genre, but those are individuals, not Amazon. And of course there’s not much they can do about trolls and fanboys.</p><p>I’m sure you’re much closer to it all than me, as long as you’ve been in the game. But I wonder how many people really make purchase choices (especially of books) based on trolls and their yard-poop negative reviews. If it’s not something backed by a verifiable ID or a credit card, I pretty much ignore it, personally.</p><p>I could see where they’d want to sweep aside the yard-poop of fanboys, for their own products, especially high visibility series. Doing it for everyone with products may not be as feasible.</p><p><b>Response</b>: In the particular case, they were targeting everything and anything they were paid to target. Period. These types of activities have been ongoing since Amazon has been around because culturally much of the core of Amazon itself is unethical and the DOJ caught red-handed one group of MANY MANY such groups that were at the time, or had in the past, operated out of the company.</p><p>The DOJ included evidence on the specific instances they were able to track in a specific timeframe, not every instance of every despicable act by this ONE group over its entire existence. A case of prove what you have the evidence to prove. A goal of course was to stand up and tell these types operating out of Amazon that they were NOT untouchable and a goal of which was to tell Amazon it had better clean up its act.</p><p><b>For me personally, the very fact that the US DOJ proved in court that Amazon insiders were a part of these despicable activities was vindicating. </b>Not only did the DOJ prove to be true and correct what I had been saying for years and years, the DOJ also proved in court that targeting products with fake negative reviews was only one part of a larger scheme to harm targeted companies and products. Again, the DOJ proved in court that in exchange for bribes, corrupted Amazon staff facilitated attacks against competitors of those paying the bribes, using their inside access to Amazon's network to suspend competitors' accounts and product listings, remove favorable reviews and commentary, write fictitious negative product reviews designed to hurt sales, post spurious comments to intimidate victims and drive away customers, and much more. All much as I experienced it on the receiving end of what was meant to, and did, destroy sales of my books for years and years.</p><div>As far as verified reviews or verified purchase reviews, etc, these types of reviews are as much B.S as the rest of them. Faked as soon as, and even before, Amazon introduced. These criminal types anticipated these actions and in many cases knew ahead of time these changes to the review system were coming. Either through Amazon's own announcements or through inside information.</div><p>As far as yard-poop fanboy reviews go, having been on the receiving end of people creating fake reviews, you have no idea what these types of capable of and how they operate. It's not just one and two star drive-thru drops of drivel. There is often specific intent to cause harm to the book and the author.</p><p>They use 3, 4 and 5 star reviews crafted in such a way as to deter purchases as much as 1 and 2 star reviews. And it's not just reviews... it's a pattern of attacks to get a book de-listed, removed from sale, whatever it takes.</p><p>They abuse the Amazon comments and discussion. They report books for supposed issues that don't exist. More.</p><p>You have no idea until you've been on the receiving end how much work these types will put in when they're being paid to do it.</p><p><b>Reader Follow-up</b>: That being said, I do believe book authors should be able to turn off reviews of their product in Amazon. It’s too easy for peers to game it. Same as bloggers and news publishers can turn off comments. Shit posters are a major problem.</p><p><b>Response</b>: The entire Amazon review system is gamed. Products don't get 50000 reviews without incentives. Reviews equal money in Amazon's pocket. When bad reviews cost Amazon money, they make it harder to find the reviews, such as with Amazon Video. When bad reviews cost someone else money, they put the reviews front and center.</p><p>Amazon itself benefits from the gamed review system and games the review system when it serves its purposes, such as by sending emails to purchasers of its private products to review products they liked or contact them otherwise to resolve any issue. These emails are carefully worded to get positive reviews. These reviews lead to more sales and more sales increase total revenues and total revenues are king. Incidentally, individual sellers are banned from doing the same or similar, though many often do and its how they end of with 50000 gushing reviews of some random toiletry product.</p><div><div><b>Reader</b>: William Robert Stanek agreed. Some things are just out our control, though. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Response</b>: Thank you I will keep after the evil empire since I have no other choice as they control the majority of the marketplace for books and authors. I don't shop at Amazon or use any of their products, no one in my immediate family does. I do stand, and always have, with Amazon workers who want fair wages for fair work in an ethical workplace, and will continue to be a thorn in Amazon's side on this issue as well.</div></div><div><br /></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-63627970368066032542022-03-06T10:37:00.011-08:002022-03-06T10:47:07.796-08:00Go Brandon, No Not That Brandon, the Other One, Brandon Sanderson<p>They ceaselessly trashed Robert Stanek’s books and career
for being self-published, now some of same helped Brandon Sanderson raise $20M to
self-publish. The irony is not lost on me, nor is the fact that Brandon Sanderson
is being praised for operating his own publishing company while some of the
same spent years not only trashing Stanek’s career but also ensuring <a href="http://www.reagentpress.com/" target="_blank">his publishing company</a> couldn’t compete in the marketplace. The
two-decades of background on all this abounds here, on <a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2014/09/speaking-out-robert-stanek.html" target="_blank">readindies.blogspot.com</a>
and on <a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/" target="_blank">Stanek’s sites</a>, go read it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnNvXRi8nv2rUCidoym3tcnvswVrGn_0HcQhtt_U3YQ_a9VBJxoE5ko0rbNZO4olH6v3_n6e62f2w7xWzCjx-7oo0FCtMeDRFH8ZU9uLQjnvVSUV_dpt25BvEPMp8j0Mg33U2mtr9d3ZgvueIO7mY9gEVaRW5bZP8wiMkZp9PJ3F0ctXOR8tfbxXZx=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnNvXRi8nv2rUCidoym3tcnvswVrGn_0HcQhtt_U3YQ_a9VBJxoE5ko0rbNZO4olH6v3_n6e62f2w7xWzCjx-7oo0FCtMeDRFH8ZU9uLQjnvVSUV_dpt25BvEPMp8j0Mg33U2mtr9d3ZgvueIO7mY9gEVaRW5bZP8wiMkZp9PJ3F0ctXOR8tfbxXZx=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivIhjVOYBsq_-2I0Vp-1vqh8tjuyY2wLtbX1yIRBWsFu4f8GLbCnayv7BZZB-PeTVg1EveB6g2ylxvDvX-uLGHOhGxeWpgNN0wMDxgvCCqqH5pW1jnKUoV6b-jT3PdHFhNfiCDv3orCOd5p2N0r8I45U0rHXjuwSVnKoq0wX-uhcgWQ6USGcJitWem=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivIhjVOYBsq_-2I0Vp-1vqh8tjuyY2wLtbX1yIRBWsFu4f8GLbCnayv7BZZB-PeTVg1EveB6g2ylxvDvX-uLGHOhGxeWpgNN0wMDxgvCCqqH5pW1jnKUoV6b-jT3PdHFhNfiCDv3orCOd5p2N0r8I45U0rHXjuwSVnKoq0wX-uhcgWQ6USGcJitWem=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNUsbwFALWYR7Sk2e-TPzXFue-hslfaQYbN6Ur30rCQw6BiLLo9df6ySX4ctairYu0_jevuSKjenqS66UzZ7UwMdyi5PuWgviHdfRPdIaXmkGZf-LnsMZu_OKU6E1AdeI0BM4TLCWHkxPuzXq3p4hmFVjPxX6c_DlZAfRm6JPXRSp-9pWo_LG0hp0B=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNUsbwFALWYR7Sk2e-TPzXFue-hslfaQYbN6Ur30rCQw6BiLLo9df6ySX4ctairYu0_jevuSKjenqS66UzZ7UwMdyi5PuWgviHdfRPdIaXmkGZf-LnsMZu_OKU6E1AdeI0BM4TLCWHkxPuzXq3p4hmFVjPxX6c_DlZAfRm6JPXRSp-9pWo_LG0hp0B=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2QArZeI-Y6rhPTcoHavosKh-j5ULHJkwMv-PMbmp3Z23mpwErrSI5wtt0jRY7svIWrKbzWjvItUBXoniWYdoy7640beXrYgHHCf8Oj6nKwl8txJoLCmyfzyxIm9NRN4C4OOHx0HMV5KpXDanZZs1hMxYJlZlKiNjWRRUKn8JyYF2eAY7vbM4i2wzV=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="437" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFugTuhcJ91ygZVxaI74QKAkSFem_M0EOOjunhTaX_x9OdCG9x-9bQ3a8pRaEJP9tPZkZoJnB0vFTFJx6GfcQ5U9T1MvBGZ3Rx64z86tIv07pmzsBMTocUksqphVrsdziXF3EQaF0N5DDoiLZ6XzDGt16bYNIt12K9SOcU_2w_28p0c5kVYOYhQAxL=w200-h164" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvOr850dQoFTp8TJ4WTrzvaOoHfNWEzjAhAKqFkFyHUtXCUgbq9y67qQr43Ml0rIvgd1cb-NlF5IbGrvtcskWYCQ8-i9dXgNyn0goWRuZx_Iy5gQPrV1tnxyjZRnPcwIWW78CQHI10JtvHfsaRgw1mh9tcJiP4pnNmEI45lCWfSABNoTXFCKkocB6w=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvOr850dQoFTp8TJ4WTrzvaOoHfNWEzjAhAKqFkFyHUtXCUgbq9y67qQr43Ml0rIvgd1cb-NlF5IbGrvtcskWYCQ8-i9dXgNyn0goWRuZx_Iy5gQPrV1tnxyjZRnPcwIWW78CQHI10JtvHfsaRgw1mh9tcJiP4pnNmEI45lCWfSABNoTXFCKkocB6w=w200-h150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl7J2zuAVj0IADP7Xw0i1bPWMEEVDpVOo2t9ZsESeVxRGJrrQbQwigMdktcpD_7Xpi87hslFk-YoFECt6oqSIJmUpjt74pgP-fTOUm52JlHZ2XRjoe45Mi4euvpHZdmNRn3VZej5FyWvAhGKcrh2Pe7C3ZkfXWWRGGl0fWsPBt84oKjXTswiNuBUGI=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl7J2zuAVj0IADP7Xw0i1bPWMEEVDpVOo2t9ZsESeVxRGJrrQbQwigMdktcpD_7Xpi87hslFk-YoFECt6oqSIJmUpjt74pgP-fTOUm52JlHZ2XRjoe45Mi4euvpHZdmNRn3VZej5FyWvAhGKcrh2Pe7C3ZkfXWWRGGl0fWsPBt84oKjXTswiNuBUGI=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFErGZHoDUKogSIW_7nk5a08DzUBimIAQ2fSP6eRkWAz2P-TfKMB7jH1hsKzf7yGtoTISboOEkMwrFBYphYvUkl7D6qlWiqOLtrbRXRA1SV6jBINXEvuSfGoS_PVlEdGH2DZWFJeeZeRBP5rCWAEiOH7G1Vlj5TM3K7Ycdy7dvD_ngMP1n1GzvcVH=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFErGZHoDUKogSIW_7nk5a08DzUBimIAQ2fSP6eRkWAz2P-TfKMB7jH1hsKzf7yGtoTISboOEkMwrFBYphYvUkl7D6qlWiqOLtrbRXRA1SV6jBINXEvuSfGoS_PVlEdGH2DZWFJeeZeRBP5rCWAEiOH7G1Vlj5TM3K7Ycdy7dvD_ngMP1n1GzvcVH=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn4Y6zepzSo6mzs4kK32fPcnfIz8k7G3QYMvBVyA44QauBnrqEZ6VkdKEvumc-To1ab3ZvAA_7sVhVHHGjStFyW97NVdzwVtojyTNMiHlThfzrhwBYTZ7jStCdhBkU9UX8adkU12pMNJJG9wAwOxwdxSpW4EeDyCb72AmNJeOz32ws7ILH2LXlqrVf=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhn4Y6zepzSo6mzs4kK32fPcnfIz8k7G3QYMvBVyA44QauBnrqEZ6VkdKEvumc-To1ab3ZvAA_7sVhVHHGjStFyW97NVdzwVtojyTNMiHlThfzrhwBYTZ7jStCdhBkU9UX8adkU12pMNJJG9wAwOxwdxSpW4EeDyCb72AmNJeOz32ws7ILH2LXlqrVf=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYDkXVgcPaj0AkzV_DRRbBPfxhsbktjCTgvZF7pDHJ1QTRocFv9OmywCn77JLWpI-9mQLAvnfH3m8nH3VM2_9OU8sdrN8KilDOnhdN7cPhk94VIhK6JkbIJ5XRlf0ynbZXNgKy2T4uDHTmynlqbEhTH8rw7yUXUBwJFFlpqG3aFBZElOy3d9Rkhb1r=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYDkXVgcPaj0AkzV_DRRbBPfxhsbktjCTgvZF7pDHJ1QTRocFv9OmywCn77JLWpI-9mQLAvnfH3m8nH3VM2_9OU8sdrN8KilDOnhdN7cPhk94VIhK6JkbIJ5XRlf0ynbZXNgKy2T4uDHTmynlqbEhTH8rw7yUXUBwJFFlpqG3aFBZElOy3d9Rkhb1r=w150-h200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoB_nBJ4kVsBzSkwFp8L6q0k18Ja8Qu9-Xpy22i3ySHr9r5N22TQlMu2eYSH_qsErgLiNRdjlB4KKaGtCl4Wfd2h4MtNTHmWKmQvL2Y_UB7G0dtq4g2u1jjUUbtO3UmhcOYenUxvOstnvkii64SWTVL-Asd8rWdjT2fckw5j9OwgSWlqjhnxurcnH1=s533" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoB_nBJ4kVsBzSkwFp8L6q0k18Ja8Qu9-Xpy22i3ySHr9r5N22TQlMu2eYSH_qsErgLiNRdjlB4KKaGtCl4Wfd2h4MtNTHmWKmQvL2Y_UB7G0dtq4g2u1jjUUbtO3UmhcOYenUxvOstnvkii64SWTVL-Asd8rWdjT2fckw5j9OwgSWlqjhnxurcnH1=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stanek and his family (for those who have a conscience, these<br />are the people whose lives you destroyed)</div><p>How dangerous Robert Stanek's ideas must have been, how perilous Robert Stanek's stories to their egos, to have now spent two decades stomping them into the
ground. Robert Stanek has said all along they were being paid to do the deeds,
and indeed they have been for the past two decades. I guess they believe the
deed is done now so they can openly show their true colors. To that we say not so
fast, we haven’t forgotten who you are, nor will we, nor will anyone we know.
We know who you are and what you’ve done.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And meanwhile, the world of Ruin Mist is not going anywhere.
The books remain in print. Readers can continue to enjoy them in editions for
adults and children. Kids and teens start with The Kingdoms & The Elves of
the Reaches 1 - 4 and then continue on to In the Service of Dragons 1 - 4. Afterward,
read Breathe of Fire and Living Fire, the prequels, and The Dragon, The Wizard
and The Great Door.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adults, read Keeper Martin's Tale, Kingdom Alliance, Fields
of Honor and Mark of the Dragon. Next, read Dragons of the Hundred Worlds, the
prequel to the Ruin Mist Chronicles, and then Guardians of the Dragon Realms. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The graphic novel, A Daughter of Kings, answers many of the
behind the scenes questions, as do the companion books, Illustrated
Encyclopedia of Ruin Mist, Keeper Martin’s Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie
Peoples of Ruin Mist, The Art of Ruin Mist: Heroes & Villains.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read the Ruin Mist books if only because these people are so
desperate for you not to that they’ve spent TWENTY YEARS and MILLIONS tearing
down one of the great writers of our time. If not for you, fine, move on… If
you love them though, like we do, tell the world about them and piss off those
who think they can do whatever they want to whoever they want without
consequences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Emily, Cathy, Shannon</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">PS</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This post is not about anything Brandon Sanderson has done personally. It is, however, about what those in his orbit have done. Cathy and I are readers of Mr. Sanderson's books. - Emily</p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-43231805568795562642021-07-10T17:36:00.002-07:002021-07-10T17:41:48.633-07:00A Tribute to My Dad: William Robert Stanek<p>MAKE SOME NOISE TO SUPPORT MY DAD, William Stanek, and his
many works of nonfiction and fiction! As some know, he retired from writing
some years ago due to health and he needs to see your support, dear
readers, to gather up the strength to return to the writing craft--and the
books that have enriched and enlightened the lives of millions. Back when my
dad was writing for Microsoft, many readers know I was a frequent contributor
and also one of many who performed technical review of his work to ensure the
books were as good technically as they could be. Beginning in 2015 or
thereabouts, my dad made my contributor and co-author status official with
cover credits, for which I am eternally grateful. As a contributor and
co-author on some of his works for more than a decade now, I’ve had a front row
seat to see him in action and was always awed by how he could understand the
most complex subjects almost immediately upon reading them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUOsexRKXeo/YOo7NkVxHDI/AAAAAAAACXY/vZizUdoTQjQVWd7Wla0fNUGa3xtnPDTCQCPcBGAsYHg/s437/r20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="437" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUOsexRKXeo/YOo7NkVxHDI/AAAAAAAACXY/vZizUdoTQjQVWd7Wla0fNUGa3xtnPDTCQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/r20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My dad’s the only person I know who could sit down and read
a few thousand pages of whitepapers and other technical documentation and not
only come away with a complete understanding of everything he read but also be
able to fully implement the technologies he read about as if he’d been working
with them all his life. My dad said that was a skill he learned from when he
worked in Intelligence in the military and had to remember massive amounts of
information to do his everyday work. Skills even the military seemed to recognize
when they put him as a low-ranking serviceman in charge of the lines worked by
those who many more stripes on their sleeves than him. His encyclopedic
knowledge of all things Windows and Windows Server related is mind-boggling,
and I honestly could never keep up. :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXKX858u3lU/YOo-KLE9K7I/AAAAAAAACX0/TfUQKgcsvoYxYBEt2LoENu66WwqW0f7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s1458/Bill-Huicha-1995-p2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1026" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXKX858u3lU/YOo-KLE9K7I/AAAAAAAACX0/TfUQKgcsvoYxYBEt2LoENu66WwqW0f7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bill-Huicha-1995-p2.jpeg" /></a></div><p>My dad is the type of person who would sit down and read the
current version of the ACPI specification (which usually runs over 1000 pages),
and then remember all the relevant details and important updates when he wrote
about it in his books days or weeks later. I guess you could call him a geek’s
geek, except he’s not exactly a geek at all. You know what I mean if you’ve
seen a picture of him from his glory days. If not, suffice to say he was built
like an oak tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NDiFVggMMHmz41HsFBTPOGSqVWUMv_ISj5xEteO2Q1o4k12Q6ij49stWyAiUac_axVOJKLVRo6yZmBupFkpJuR_wyoi_GhzO8Uf276YFJZ3PLmKqqO6aCoXYmPRD3UsogQby0RA8grc/s800/bill-huicha-2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NDiFVggMMHmz41HsFBTPOGSqVWUMv_ISj5xEteO2Q1o4k12Q6ij49stWyAiUac_axVOJKLVRo6yZmBupFkpJuR_wyoi_GhzO8Uf276YFJZ3PLmKqqO6aCoXYmPRD3UsogQby0RA8grc/s320/bill-huicha-2010.jpg" /></a></div><p>Growing up my dad was always there for my siblings and I,
even if he was in the middle of a 20-hour work day, which he often was, as he often
worked 7 days a week, 100+ hours a week, to keep up with the wild delivery
schedules Microsoft required. Even so, every, single day, he made it a point that
we as family ate our meals together. Breakfast and dinner at the least, and
lunch if we were home from school. Every, single day, he greeted us at the door
when we came home from school and at night he was there to tuck us in and read
us stories. That’s a real dad, a superhero. I don’t know how he did it for all
those years, because now that I’m working full-time myself, I find a regular 40-hour
week to be exhausting in and of itself.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I would like to be able to keep working with my dad on
future books, and I hope you, dear readers, want to keep reading his books. If
so, please raise your voice and let your support be known!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>-Will</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">PS<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While this is a bit late, I meant to post this on Father’s
Day. Happy Father's Day!<o:p></o:p></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-33075793569222446092021-03-29T16:04:00.003-07:002021-04-04T15:10:27.102-07:00Down on Klickitat Street with Beverly Cleary<p>Frequent visitors to Carmel and Monterey Bay years ago, my mom, dad and us kids knew Beverly Cleary in a way some locals may have, as that “nice old book lady.” Sometimes we’d exchange pleasantries. Sometimes we’d have a little chat. Other times, just a wave. I never really thought much about who my parents were chatting with or waving to. In my dad and mom’s world, him as the author of many books and her as a publisher for many years, it was just normal, usual, to meet “interesting people” as my dad called Beverly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZfmmy3jTLxilaNPFtT8yOjmzOiX6Qh3rXL_3GJ8qxh1Nmw_AR0ZKz9tIxvuM67Beg0uBcUvLjOzoPUH9CAAAZkvDCVOzjIv1dRij8-1PnSVvRItfDkGMnnZDtIU0LVPe9JXmG-7hw4jm/s497/beverly-cleary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZfmmy3jTLxilaNPFtT8yOjmzOiX6Qh3rXL_3GJ8qxh1Nmw_AR0ZKz9tIxvuM67Beg0uBcUvLjOzoPUH9CAAAZkvDCVOzjIv1dRij8-1PnSVvRItfDkGMnnZDtIU0LVPe9JXmG-7hw4jm/s320/beverly-cleary.jpg" /></a><br /></div><p>Beverly might have taken such an interest in us kids because as she said we reminded her of characters in her books. The age difference between myself and my siblings, similar to that of Beatrice and Ramona. "You are so welcome to borrow it for, like, ten years," Beverly told my younger sister once, regarding a pen she wanted to borrow to write something down in a notebook. Another time, she whispered over a sweet treat, “The first bite tastes best.” I didn’t realize they were quotes from her books, but I do now.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsjYd32B2pg/YGo1ahNpgQI/AAAAAAAACVI/qauRGdKxux0dt8XCikPZ-8s8_bcrSNF_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Dear-Mrs-Henshaw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsjYd32B2pg/YGo1ahNpgQI/AAAAAAAACVI/qauRGdKxux0dt8XCikPZ-8s8_bcrSNF_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Dear-Mrs-Henshaw.jpg" /></a></div></div><p>When they were little, Beverly Cleary called my sisters princesses and would always ask my mom “Are they twins?” Her face would light with delight or maybe mischief because she knew the answer by then surely. My sisters weren’t twins, even though my mom dressed them alike. Something about “Every princess needing a little sparkle” invariably came up and there’d be something to sparkle about. My sisters being dressed alike, perhaps reminded Beverly Clearly of her twins, Malcom and Marianne.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdGOPSybYzM/YGo1huTLNKI/AAAAAAAACVM/elTGJulpCpYLrZUeAYTOEd1Yz--Kc1YQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-ramona-forever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdGOPSybYzM/YGo1huTLNKI/AAAAAAAACVM/elTGJulpCpYLrZUeAYTOEd1Yz--Kc1YQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-ramona-forever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My sisters were huge Buster and Lass fans. One or the other, always carrying around one of my dad’s homemade books about the little honey bee and his lady bug friend. Often, fighting over who got to hold onto whatever book they had. Sapphire would usually win and Jasmine would usually suffer the public defeat with tears. Perhaps that was what caught Beverly Cleary’s eye and endeared us to her. I don’t know what it was for sure, but I do know Beverly thought Buster was a “hoot” and said as much, enjoying the gentle humor of the books as much as my sisters did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY542ToTsLbeIFaeqophLIWyqmUUGQiwj9RYVTCV5WiAlXgokikcU8Pf9ufdhNh4OV6Zf52cWB8MH4BfJ4nJyeAQ6TvIptFKkKUYgOolzmHdHTVSoWZdyCkVbGK9vvi25R5NGn8aukpTu5/s1406/william-robert-stanek-Family-ChristmasV2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY542ToTsLbeIFaeqophLIWyqmUUGQiwj9RYVTCV5WiAlXgokikcU8Pf9ufdhNh4OV6Zf52cWB8MH4BfJ4nJyeAQ6TvIptFKkKUYgOolzmHdHTVSoWZdyCkVbGK9vvi25R5NGn8aukpTu5/s320/william-robert-stanek-Family-ChristmasV2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Beverly was particularly smitten with my dad’s illustrations. More than once, she told him, “Keep at it young man,” and my dad did eventually go on to publish all 100 of the Bugville books that us kids knew and loved. I think my dad might have given her a small watercolor on canvas of “Super Buster.” Super Buster being something Beverly enjoyed the thought of tremendously and said as much. She seemed very insightful, chatty sometimes, at times, especially about something she was passionate about. Books being one. Twins being another. Siblings too, I guess.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoGBazrEFNw/YGo1w9pHjKI/AAAAAAAACVU/Vk9IbykvYgAyCiTCxUAyFfdfB7NqUtILwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Henry-and-Ribsy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoGBazrEFNw/YGo1w9pHjKI/AAAAAAAACVU/Vk9IbykvYgAyCiTCxUAyFfdfB7NqUtILwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Henry-and-Ribsy.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Beverly seemed to connect with elements in my dad’s books and vice versa. Social issues. School bullies. Family struggles. Relationships between siblings. New siblings in the family. Growing up middle class. Learning disabilities. Reading troubles. Like Lass in my dad's books, Beverly herself had trouble reading when she was young.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1uS1gueEWA/YGo152vz_qI/AAAAAAAACVc/hDRy-9V6Z0g-BNgCxdUnQ8rhUDS_4tVegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Henry-Huggins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M1uS1gueEWA/YGo152vz_qI/AAAAAAAACVc/hDRy-9V6Z0g-BNgCxdUnQ8rhUDS_4tVegCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Henry-Huggins.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">My family lived in Oregon off and on in the 90’s and 2000’s, so perhaps that too was part of it. McMinnville where Beverly is from being about half way between Salem and Portland. We lived in Eugene/Springfield and Portland. Carmel and Monterey where Beverly lived most of her life is near Presidio of Monterey and the Defense Language Institute. My dad being a graduate of the Defense Language Institute in the ‘80s.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPKdB0w2zk68caQKq-2wOii2RHwKKXsrdSAdDC7JVwssNTnOh8na1cVqyP1nsdqlYBNIZ05G1Aok9WYSzh0Ggq67eMR-PYnJJZnqCyG5g3ZfjgoFRjkwf0RIvPlBPcODg0GwVu0MCOOQ/s1200/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Beezus-and-Ramona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPKdB0w2zk68caQKq-2wOii2RHwKKXsrdSAdDC7JVwssNTnOh8na1cVqyP1nsdqlYBNIZ05G1Aok9WYSzh0Ggq67eMR-PYnJJZnqCyG5g3ZfjgoFRjkwf0RIvPlBPcODg0GwVu0MCOOQ/s320/Signed-Beverly-Cleary-Beezus-and-Ramona.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Beverly had an interesting life, lived well. She was a fun lady, with an intelligent sense of humor. I can only hope to achieve a tiny fraction as much in my own work and writing with my father.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">-Will</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ts5NvbPw0Ne_eWwFNKbDqSikWXB4bFBnzG-F8KC0JMlv7LWDAYWpzpnP5GigvMO_R2OenYUP0Uv5HbnPSCqRMv9cs-9n7sa0RS9HvfB1S4MUcUrrJM7DmP-tY9OFYdT0YuSz-JDFp_s9/s1094/dynamic-duo-publisher-and-writer-760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ts5NvbPw0Ne_eWwFNKbDqSikWXB4bFBnzG-F8KC0JMlv7LWDAYWpzpnP5GigvMO_R2OenYUP0Uv5HbnPSCqRMv9cs-9n7sa0RS9HvfB1S4MUcUrrJM7DmP-tY9OFYdT0YuSz-JDFp_s9/s320/dynamic-duo-publisher-and-writer-760.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-44485246554446710262020-09-21T05:47:00.006-07:002023-01-30T12:24:38.848-08:00Justice Department Identifies Ten Amazon Staff Accepting Bribes, Writing Fake Negative Reviews, Targeting Products for Take Downs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJGErK8lTqo/X2igP6wC4sI/AAAAAAAACMw/6kkJuD2HsisAWXl0SuBGqF7bGwLaYR7xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s436/William-Robert-Stanek-at-home.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJGErK8lTqo/X2igP6wC4sI/AAAAAAAACMw/6kkJuD2HsisAWXl0SuBGqF7bGwLaYR7xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/William-Robert-Stanek-at-home.jpg" /></a></div>When the malicious targeting of my books stopped suddenly, I thought someone must have finally caught the Amazon insiders responsible, and someone had, the Justice Department. A grand jury in Washington indicted six of those involved in a $100M fraud scheme, involving at least 10 Amazon staff who were being bribed. In exchange for bribes, corrupted Amazon staff facilitated attacks against competitors of those paying the bribes, using their inside access to Amazon's network to suspend competitors' accounts and product listings, remove favorable reviews and commentary, write fictitious negative product reviews designed to hurt sales, post spurious comments to intimidate victims and drive away customers, and much more.<br /><br />Department of Justice U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of Washington issued a press release on September 18, 2020 naming the individuals who had been indicted. EPHRAIM ROSENBERG, 45, of Brooklyn, New York; JOSEPH NILSEN, 31, and KRISTEN LECCESE, 32, of New York, New York; HADIS NUHANOVIC, 30, of Acworth, Georgia; ROHIT KADIMISETTY, 27, of Northridge, California; and NISHAD KUNJU, 31, of Hyderabad, India, who are charged with conspiracy to use a communication facility to commit commercial bribery, conspiracy to access a protected computer without authorization, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. <br /><br />The names of the Amazon employees being bribed haven't been released yet. The defendants will make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle on October 15, 2020. The case is being investigated by the FBI, the IRS-Criminal Investigations, and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. The Grand Jury Charges are detailed in a 38-page indictment: <br /><br /><a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/press-release/file/1317986/download">https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/press-release/file/1317986/download</a> <br /><br />Being on the receiving end of these self-styled "takedowns" for two decades, I recognized every tactic outlined by the prosecution in the charging document. These are the very tactics my competitors had been using to target my books on Amazon with the assistance of Amazon insiders, and as I've been blogging about just as long. My posts about the same are here: <br /><br />The Devil Writes Romance Novels<div><a href="https://readindies.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-devil-writes-heart-warming-romance.html">https://readindies.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-devil-writes-heart-warming-romance.html</a></div><div><div><br />Speaking Out About Ugliness in the Publishing Industry <br /><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2014/09/speaking-out-robert-stanek.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2014/09/speaking-out-robert-stanek.html</a><br /><br />Unethical Competitors <br /><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/01/unethical-competitors.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/01/unethical-competitors.html</a> <br /><br />Authors who Trash Competitors <br /><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/03/authors-who-trash-competitors.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/03/authors-who-trash-competitors.html</a> <br /><br />Authors who are Trolls <br /><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/09/authors-who-are-trolls.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/09/authors-who-are-trolls.html</a> <br /><br />Speaking out About Haters <br /><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/06/haters.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2013/06/haters.html</a> <br /><br />The Internet Isn't the New West <br /><a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/internet-new-west.htm">http://www.williamrstanek.com/internet-new-west.htm</a> <br /><br />My original blog at RobertStanek.com has posts about the same that go back to 2003: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog1.htm">http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog1.htm</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog2.htm">http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog2.htm</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog3.htm">http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog3.htm</a> <br /><br />For years now, my every complaint about the targeting of my books was answered with retaliation, whether I wrote Amazon support or the Amazon executive team, and I finally have the definitive answer as to why. <div><br /></div><div>Despite these indictments Amazon is and remains the most corrupt marketplace on Earth, and this corruption goes from the bottom to the very top of the company, as evidenced by what has happened to my books for the past twenty years whenever I filed official complaints. Hundreds of billions of dollars of commerce flow through Amazon every year, and I'm certain many more former and current Amazon staff will be identified as part of similar schemes.<br /><br />Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zb5no4vszQ/X2le7-MVhtI/AAAAAAAACM8/uitS2uGFsVg_tnmHDZDynW-G9OO5TzS-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1056/Six-indicted-multi-million-dollar-scheme_Page_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zb5no4vszQ/X2le7-MVhtI/AAAAAAAACM8/uitS2uGFsVg_tnmHDZDynW-G9OO5TzS-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w494-h640/Six-indicted-multi-million-dollar-scheme_Page_1.png" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P64b8Ye967U/X2le7_rUlHI/AAAAAAAACNA/cyB1-PTly3URmGZo3NX6XDP3BtgGKGH3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Six-indicted-multi-million-dollar-scheme_Page_2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-51686527415075808652020-09-12T17:27:00.007-07:002020-09-17T19:44:53.123-07:00Connecting with My Friend Walter Dean Myers, Talking Dysfunction & Diversity in America<p>The first time I met, Walter, aka Walter Dean Myers, we
connected, and this led to an odd friendship of a sorts. The thing that bonded
us was our similar childhoods, though decades apart. Walter was born in August 1937,
my mamma was born in April 1937. Walter lost his mother when he was 2, and my mamma and her sister Dolores lost their daddy even earlier. Walter was given to Florence and Herbert
Dean after his mother’s death, my mother, her sister and her mamma moved in
with their gramma who raised them for the next few years until their mamma
married again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXRiD2eDGbgUKS5t65ZzPm5EFwy8rR3frx-Btp4I5TxD4ixmeWonEDYgKN8WWbkFwnbMbs6IedW6urVugA4xSz1N_RoZxeoB71AziNmyQBlKRBF4t6PUzJxXicWYhWxTw4klJP-uCAn0/s996/robert-stanek.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="484" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXRiD2eDGbgUKS5t65ZzPm5EFwy8rR3frx-Btp4I5TxD4ixmeWonEDYgKN8WWbkFwnbMbs6IedW6urVugA4xSz1N_RoZxeoB71AziNmyQBlKRBF4t6PUzJxXicWYhWxTw4klJP-uCAn0/s320/robert-stanek.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Walter saw me and knew who I was the moment he laid eyes
upon me, never asked why I had a copy of Hoops in my hand. He just understood. As
a child, I grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood in Racine, Wisconsin,
which I <a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/racism-in-america-poverty-in-america.html" target="_blank">write about here</a>. It was rough and tumble, which I also <a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/racism-in-america-poverty-in-america.html" target="_blank">write about</a>,
and that was something Walter understood too as he and I both had to use our
fists to defend ourselves at an early age.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">His family became dysfunctional with alcohol and grief when
his uncle was killed, mine when my step-father and sister died because of an
explosion. The library and its books became my refuge, as books were a refuge
and a solace for Walter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Reading pushed us both to discover new worlds. For me, the
classics. Treasure Island. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Robinson Crusoe. The
Time Machine. The Invisible Man. Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Last
of the Mohicans. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Around the World in Eighty
Days. A Christmas Carol. Frankenstein. Dracula. The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn. The Lost World. And on and on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Though never an apt pupil, Walter wrote well in high school
and his English teacher recognized this, encouraging him to never stop writing
no matter what happened to him. My English teacher in the 4<sup>th</sup> grade
recognized my writing skill and encouraged me to write for and edit the school
newspaper, as did my Uncle Wally and both of whom told me to never stop
writing, never stop challenging myself.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeBBj0fq0qcZMpV8fCYoQanAFD-2thQf3X0oFbPEk-nJJ-B54S9rFhhzws2GkBZ807VeQ7lXiSt-ns605p54lg5vF0G5S3CmDephAIwpJtcF7M_my9yudr74jUTA73jseoA-pB4ej87c/s474/Walter-Dean-Meyers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeBBj0fq0qcZMpV8fCYoQanAFD-2thQf3X0oFbPEk-nJJ-B54S9rFhhzws2GkBZ807VeQ7lXiSt-ns605p54lg5vF0G5S3CmDephAIwpJtcF7M_my9yudr74jUTA73jseoA-pB4ej87c/s320/Walter-Dean-Meyers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Walter dropped out of high school and joined the army at 17.
I joined the air force at 17 after finishing high school because I was homeless
and had no other options.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Walter was one of the most prolific writers, with more than
110 books to his credit, and is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award
in writing for young adults, as well as many other awards. I also became one of
the most prolific writers, with more than 250 books to my credit and counting,
and have been nominated several times for lifetime achievement awards in writing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After Walter passed away in 2014, I <a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2014/07/diversity-in-childrens-books.html" target="_blank">blogged about one of his last essays</a> decrying a lack of diversity in writing, saying that diversity existed in
writing it just wasn’t always plain to see. Diversity in my books has led to
controversy. I haven’t let controversy change my views or my writing, nor have I
kowtowed to White publishing<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">, nor
to the conscientious objectors who worship at the altar of George RR Martin and
abhor veterans.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">How odd that even after decades and decades, books
must still be thought of as white or black, or for whites or for blacks. It was,
after all, an interracial award for children’s books that put my friend Walter Dean
Myers in the spotlight in 1969. I’ve written much about division lately in my social
justice essays. We humans excel at putting up fences, we just don’t know how to take them down.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2020/06/black-lives-matter.html" target="_blank">This is Not the Time to Stand By and Not Say Anything</a> - We
all see the world as we want to see it and we don't always see what's right in
front of our eyes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/this-inconvenient-truth-racism-in-america.html" target="_blank">No ‘Johnny Come Lately’ – These Systemic Problems are Ours
to Solve & Resolve</a> - I’m not speaking out ‘just now’ or because it’s
convenient, I’ve been speaking out my whole life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/07/denying-history-of-asians-is-wrong.html" target="_blank">Denying the Brutal History of Asians in Our America is theHeight of Ignorance and Stupidity</a> -Outraged after reading an anti-Asian article
today in the national press.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/its-about-inhumanity-vs-humanity.html" target="_blank">It's Not About White vs Black, Cop vs Non-Cop</a> - When Dr.
Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, said on Good Morning
America June 3, 2020, 'Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter,' she stunned Robin
Roberts.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/peace-community-justice-in-america.html" target="_blank">Peace Officers, Community Counselors & Police Refocusing
Needed</a> - The police forces in our country have tried to do too much. Police try
to be mental health counselors, drug and alcohol counselors, marriage
counselors, victim’s advocates. They try to...</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/america-we-have-all-failed-ending-injustice.html" target="_blank">Hearing and Really Listening. Ending injustice meanslistening to all people.</a> - One of the most powerful black voices I heard,
listened to and shared about on Blackout Tuesday was that of Ben O’Keefe,
former senior aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/06/racism-in-america-poverty-in-america.html" target="_blank">Racism in America. Poverty in America. Working-Class America</a>
- Many who read my posts may judge me as a privileged, white male. You don’t
know me. I was born and raised in the metro area between Milwaukee and Chicago.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2020/05/end-injustice-in-america.html" target="_blank">End Injustice in America. Injustice Affects All</a> - Outraged
this morning as yet again peaceful protests are marred by those conducting
violence for the sake of violence. Police departments, first responders and
private businesses are not the enemy. Silence is the enemy.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-44084084074786046052020-08-16T04:37:00.003-07:002020-08-16T13:14:36.554-07:00Celebrating Wallace Stegner, My Forefather, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award Winner<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Uncle Wallace, as I knew Wallace Stegner, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972,
the National Book Award in 1977, but on an ethical basis refused a National
Medal from the NEA in 1988. My forefather was like
that, always working against the grain, and in that we share common ground.
Looking back, in fact, it’s remarkable how much common ground we share in our decades-long careers as writers and in our everyday lives.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyDQ4oZEA0A/XzjA-9TikQI/AAAAAAAACLQ/w8G9mwp6uBw6NJ7vEwhWhLhzh6k3EI11wCLcBGAsYHQ/s754/Wallace-and-Me-Young.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="754" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lyDQ4oZEA0A/XzjA-9TikQI/AAAAAAAACLQ/w8G9mwp6uBw6NJ7vEwhWhLhzh6k3EI11wCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h336/Wallace-and-Me-Young.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Wallace Stegner was a tall man both in stature and legend. I
have the tall part down pat. Like my wife of 31 years, his wife of 52 years,
Mary, was short, rising only to his shoulder, and as instrumental to his work
as the air he breathed.
Uncle Wallace was an adopted son of Utah, as I am of Wisconsin. Our home states
are where we grew up and what we think of as home even though as adults we
chose to live elsewhere. I split my time between Washington and Hawaii when I
can, just as Uncle Wallace travelled between homes in California and Vermont.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He and I had hard-scrabble childhoods. We were moved
about by our parents, to the countryside in our youth. We experienced the worst of poverty, the failings of our parents. We learned early that you didn't complain, that you must keep a stiff upper lip, and that you never abandoned anything you started. He and I fell in love with the West, each in our own way. All of these things influenced our lives and
make our writing unique.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle Wallace schooled me regularly against succumbing to
the trend du jour of headquarters, aka the American publishing houses in the east. I was to write whatever the hell I wanted, theme du jour be damned. Writing our way came with a heavy cost; we paid heavy penalties for being out of step with the literary establishment. He was impatient with my early writing, always wanting it to be more staid and literary. Once he understood that I saw writing as a challenge to the soundness of my character, as he did, he embraced it heartily. Although my work was eventually published
and/or distributed by nearly every major American publisher, I still did it my
way and bent the publishing world to my will just as he did—and when
headquarters wouldn’t bend enough I went independent just as Uncle Wallace told
me I should do when it was time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfnt-iFsas8/XzjBI0fLTEI/AAAAAAAACLU/jdFxwtvSzE4j_kIfVZoebFrNLyMswbpvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Wallace-and-Me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xfnt-iFsas8/XzjBI0fLTEI/AAAAAAAACLU/jdFxwtvSzE4j_kIfVZoebFrNLyMswbpvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/Wallace-and-Me.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Credited as the co-creator of the modern creative writing
industry, having taught writing first at Iowa, Harvard and Wisconsin, and then
at Stanford, where he built the prestigious program, Uncle Wallace blazed
trails by teaching young people to write literature. As a respected and skilled
teacher myself, I gave instruction on new technologies and am credited with
transforming the computer writing industry with my plain language style. A
style that Microsoft eventually adopted for its own, having been unable to bend
me to its will to write in Microsoftese, that unknowable language only
Microsoft itself truly ever understood. Millions of training courses taught by Microsoft and others used my words as their foundations.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Uncle Wallace wrote short stories, fiction and nonfiction. His more than 30 full-length works include 13 novels, with the Pulitzer Prize winning “Angle of Repose” and the
National Book Award winning “The Spectator Bird” being among his best known
works. His eight works of nonfiction include an autobiography, a biography and
a book on teaching creative writing. Wallace Stegner believed steadfastly in the American West
and in later years in its preservation, which he wrote about in essays and several
collections. Thanks to his words and encouragement, conservation and the
environment are constant themes in my own work as well and especially in my
Bugville Critters books.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most of Uncle Wallace’s correspondence from his long,
storied writing career, both personal and professional, was kept and curated by
his wife, Mary, and is now shared by the Special Collections Library at the
University of Utah. But I know personally that the collection doesn’t contain
all of his correspondence. Uncle Wallace threw a long shadow over my life and
career. He’s a reason I became an editor and columnist for the school newspaper in the 4<sup>th</sup>
grade and never stopped writing afterward. I wrote to challenge myself and prove my character every day, just as he did. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He challenged me to succeed on my own, on the merits of my work, and I did. I signed my first contract and broke into publishing on my own in 1995 writing nonfiction,
nearly 2 years to the day after Uncle Wallace passed away, having written many original
works of fiction that garnered his approval but were as yet unpublished. He
told me to never lose the writer’s voice I’d found and encouraged me to always keep challenging myself, to prove my character through my writing, to write more about my life and experiences, and to most
especially continue my crusade against the literary establishment. This
was at odds with the way his son, Page, wrote. Page was an academic at heart
and a historian, who also taught creative writing for many years, but mostly published scholarly works.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ncJ9aH0toY/XzjBP48ZpRI/AAAAAAAACLY/vB90WjWODLw7YGduRjRpAZF4h3bVVLXbACLcBGAsYHQ/s584/Wallace-and-Me-Coat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="584" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ncJ9aH0toY/XzjBP48ZpRI/AAAAAAAACLY/vB90WjWODLw7YGduRjRpAZF4h3bVVLXbACLcBGAsYHQ/w467-h310/Wallace-and-Me-Coat.jpg" width="467" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">My forefather Wallace Stegner told me winning the Pulitzer was impressive
but it didn’t really help sell his books or pay his bills, nor did the National
Book Award, nor the three O’Henry awards, nor the two Guggenheim fellowships. It
wasn’t that he didn’t like fame, hobnobbing with the elite, or his charmed life. He appreciated the accolades bestowed upon him, but it all became
a distraction from his writing. His works in his lifetime sold hundreds of
thousands of copies, they did not sell millions. Because of this, he often took
on projects for the money, which is something he told me not to be afraid to
do. The craft of writing is about the writing. Professional writing is work. Professional
writers write to pay the bills and pay the bills I did as I wrote for major publishers across several decades.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I never wanted Uncle Wallace’s academic career, awards or social
calendar. Sure I’ve taught in colleges, hobnobbed with royalty, met and dined
with presidents and generals, been paid thousands to speak to captains of
industry, but I’ve always preferred the simple life, regular folk and the quiet
comfort that comes from routine. The simple routine of putting words to paper
is my routine, and that’s something Uncle Wallace would have appreciated as he
always wanted to do more writing and less hobnobbing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The name Wallace Stegner never became a household name in
his lifetime. Nor has he become a literary celebrity, despite three biographies
written about his life and career. He is thought of as a great but uncelebrated
writer. He was okay with that and with what he’d achieved, just as I am okay
with what I’ve achieved. Over the past 35 years, I’ve written hundreds of
original works and they’ve been translated into 57 languages and counting. I’ll
take millions of copies sold over fame and celebrity any day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Traveling in France some years ago, I couldn’t help but
smile and remember Uncle Wallace when a Parisian acquaintance told me that the
American west was all cowboys riding the range and how the cowboy hat and boots
he was wearing were just like the ones the real American cowboys wore. Uncle
Wallace would have understood the irony in that statement because he rejected these
superficial aspects of Western mythos, telling me more than once that the idea
of the cowboy alone on the range was completely false. The West wasn’t about rugged,
self-reliant individuals, it was about people coming together and cooperating
to accomplish much more than they could alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</p><p></p>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-78696765907936220332019-11-22T04:31:00.001-08:002020-10-09T10:23:17.095-07:00Dream Job... Writer, Not Marvel Superhero.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsUzAiVpZh0/X4CcbDnnbOI/AAAAAAAACQ4/ap9L_7wIX2sT8CoHXc5zTNXAuTxA5FZSACLcBGAsYHQ/s585/William-Robert-Stanek-Daughters-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsUzAiVpZh0/X4CcbDnnbOI/AAAAAAAACQ4/ap9L_7wIX2sT8CoHXc5zTNXAuTxA5FZSACLcBGAsYHQ/w164-h200/William-Robert-Stanek-Daughters-sm.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><br />Honored to have been nominated once again for an award for Distinguished Contributions in Writing & American Letters for my body of work encompassing more than 20 million words spread across tens of thousands of pages in the 250 full-length works I've written. Since my breakout bestseller in 1995, my work has been published and/or distributed by every major publishing house in the U.S. from Time Warner to Simon & Schuster to Random House as well as Hachette, Pearson, Macmillan, McGraw Hill, and Microsoft--not to mention more than 100 other publishers globally.<br />
<br />
I've said it before and I'll say it again the success I've had is the stuff of Willy Wonka's wildest dreams. Still, as I wrote about in “How I Made This Crazy Thing Called Writing a Career”, wild success doesn’t necessarily mean riches for the writer. For sure, me and "80's" Stan Lee could stand in line next to each other and trade stories. Bookstores, publishers, agents, publicists, Uncle Sam and many others got the Lion’s share of the wealth, but I got to live the dream and living the dream was as good as being Spider Man.<br />
<br />
I will forever remain grateful to my publishers and everyone else in the business who made the dream possible. In my career one of the things I’m most proud of is my work to give back, to support my fellow writers, to support veterans, to support the disabled--and especially disabled veterans. I've fought the good fight for disabled veterans for many years, but if I had to pick one achievement I'm most proud of, it is this: Giving away the millionth-dollar book to schools, libraries and communities in 2015, after 20 years of working toward the goal. Nothing ever felt so right. Schools and libraries are after all where I developed a lifelong passion for the written word.<br />
<br />
My books often ended up in places where schools and communities had no other books. In classrooms in Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. In libraries in rural India, Spain and Portugal. In communities throughout South Africa, Brazil and Argentina.<br />
<br />
As I look back at my career, I’m also very glad that from the beginning I did something for myself by starting a publishing company. That company began operations in 1995 and I used it to learn about the publishing side of the industry, which is very different from the writing side. By 2004, I knew enough about the industry and was ready to spread my wings and go into publishing on my own. I hired a great team and put them to work running my business.<br />
<br />
In the beginning, we had quite a large team, that team has whittled down to a few core members, but remains in the business of bringing my works, and the works of a select group of other writers, to the world. They've helped get hundreds of translations for my works, which are now available in nearly every country around the globe. Over the coming years, this publishing company will transition to the William Robert Stanek Foundation. For readers this means that although William Stanek the writer put away his pen and paper, my work will continue to be available long into the future.<br />
<br />
Capes and costumes for superheroes come in all sizes and colors except for writers. If you're a writer, the best you can hope for is to be acknowledged by those in your field and I am sincerely honored to have been nominated once again for an award for Distinguished Contributions in Writing & American Letters for my body of work.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
<br />
William Robert Stanek<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-49764390476454308432019-11-03T18:17:00.000-08:002020-06-17T13:42:18.615-07:00The Guy Who Shares a Birthday With Tolkien Has Done Okay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp8SBG8R580SeV6stZ0j1FqNl1MhRxbs1dyVEbS-1wKHSH3Osu1uxDQjr4uOiz9e-ToQPIuzqiqWHHHUWm9uT8dvhxcn1Zu9qE8Xt_qNeTpVehOcmbw9JwePiD8_G4_BA3JApBl9G-gY/s1600/William-R-Stanek-Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="561" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfp8SBG8R580SeV6stZ0j1FqNl1MhRxbs1dyVEbS-1wKHSH3Osu1uxDQjr4uOiz9e-ToQPIuzqiqWHHHUWm9uT8dvhxcn1Zu9qE8Xt_qNeTpVehOcmbw9JwePiD8_G4_BA3JApBl9G-gY/s200/William-R-Stanek-Color.jpg" width="181" /></a>It's official, my 250th book. Celebration soon. 20 million words, tens of thousands of pages. Published and/or distributed by every major US publisher from Pearson to Macmillan to McGraw Hill and Time Warner, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Hachette and Microsoft. Over 100 other publishers globally. Wow, what a ride it's been!!<br />
<br />
Books written by William Robert Stanek (Reverse Chronological Order: Newest to Oldest, Present to 2014):<br />
<br />
IIS 10: Web Apps, Security & Maintenance (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
IIS 10: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows PowerShell 6: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows PowerShell 6 (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2016: The Administrator’s Reference<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2016 & Exchange Online: Essentials for Administration, 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Office 365 & Exchange Online: Essentials for Administration, 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Storage Solutions (Tech Artisans Library)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: IT Pro Library<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Domain Infrastructure (Tech Artisans Library)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: The Administrator's Reference<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Essential Services (Tech Artisans Library)<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2016: IT Pro Library<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Server Infrastructure (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Installing & Configuring (Tech Artisans Library)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2016: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows 10: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows 10: The Personal Trainer, 2nd Edition: Your Personalized Guide<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2016: Server Infrastructure (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Office 365 & Exchange Online: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2016 & Exchange Online: Essentials for Administration (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Presenting Exchange Server 2016 & Exchange Online (IT Pro Solutions)<br />
<br />
Windows 10: Step Up & Into<br />
<br />
IIS 8 Web Applications, Security & Maintenance: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows 10: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Active Directory Administration for Windows Server 2012 & R2: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows PowerShell for Administration: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows Group Policy: The Personal Trainer for Windows Server 2012 and R2<br />
<br />
IIS 8 Administration: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows Command-Line for Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2 (The Personal Trainer)<br />
<br />
<br />
*BIG thanks to readers who pointed out that the original book list was only through 2014 (which is the last time the list was updated). So I added a few books from present to 2014.<br />
<br />
<br />
Books written by William Robert Stanek (Reverse Chronological Order: Newest to Oldest, 2014 to 1995):<br />
<br />
This Mortal Coil. After the Machines<br />
<br />
Windows Command Line: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows PowerShell: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
The Cards in the Deck (An NSA Spy Thriller)<br />
<br />
A Legacy of Dragons (Guardians of the Dragon Realms)<br />
<br />
Web Server Administration: The Personal Trainer for IIS 7.0 and IIS 7.5<br />
<br />
The Dragon, the Wizard & the Great Door (Guardians of the Dragon Realms)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out: Services, Security, & Infrastructure<br />
<br />
Web Applications, Security & Maintenance: The Personal Trainer for IIS 7.0 and IIS 7.5<br />
<br />
Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, & Networking<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 R2 Pocket Consultant: Essentials & Configuration<br />
<br />
Group Policy Administration: The Personal Trainer for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2<br />
<br />
Active Directory Administration: The Personal Trainer for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 R2 Inside Out: Configuration, Storage, & Essentials<br />
<br />
Windows 7: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
XML, DTDs, Schemas: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 R2 Pocket Consultant: Storage, Security, & Networking<br />
<br />
Email, Internet, Web: The Personal Trainer<br />
<br />
Windows 8.1 Administration Pocket Consultant: Essentials & Configuration<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2013 Pocket Consultant: Databases, Services, & Management<br />
<br />
Twelve Dreams, One Dreamer<br />
<br />
Buster's Birthday Wish<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2013 Pocket Consultant: Configuration & Clients<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 9: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 8: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Skip Counting: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 7: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 6: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Trouble with Dragons<br />
<br />
Living Fire (Dragons of the Hundred Worlds)<br />
<br />
Breath of Fire (Dragons of the Hundred Worlds)<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 Inside Out<br />
<br />
Windows 8 Administration Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2012 Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Colors & Shapes Storybooks: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Buster’s on the Job: Bugville Critters<br />
<br />
How Many Fish Colors?<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 5: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 4: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Pirates Stole My Booty: Bugville Critters<br />
<br />
Addition Level 4: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Subtraction Level 3: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Subtraction Level 2: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Twelve Dresses, One Star: Bugville Critters<br />
<br />
Mamma Sea Turtle Lost Her Babies: Colors & Shapes<br />
<br />
How Many Fish?<br />
<br />
Addition Level 3: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Addition Level 2: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 3: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 2: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Sight Words Plus Level 1: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Into the Stone Land (Magic Lands #2)<br />
<br />
Racing Super Buster Counts And You Can Too<br />
<br />
Racing Super Buster Letters And You Can Too<br />
<br />
Racing Super Buster Counts Higher And You Can Too<br />
<br />
Racing Super Buster Shapes And You Can Too<br />
<br />
Subtraction Level 1: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Addition Level 1: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Have a Spooktacular Halloween: Bugville Critters<br />
<br />
Buster Feels Sad and Mad and Happy<br />
<br />
Barry Lives Large<br />
<br />
Sarah Gets Angry<br />
<br />
Outside in the Snow with Buster and Friends<br />
<br />
Buster Explores the Sea<br />
<br />
Buster's Undersea Counting Expedition 1 to 10<br />
<br />
Buster's Undersea Counting Expedition 1 to 20<br />
<br />
Undersea, 2, 3 with Buster and Friends<br />
<br />
Undersea, 4, 5 with Buster and Friends<br />
<br />
Buster's Big Top Little Letters Show<br />
<br />
Undersea, 6, 7 with Buster and Friends<br />
<br />
Buster's Big Top Big Letters Show<br />
<br />
Buster's Big Top 1 2 3 Show<br />
<br />
Buster's Really Great Big Top Show<br />
<br />
Discord (A Daughter of Kings, Comic #4)<br />
<br />
Rise of the Fallen (Ruin Mist: Dawn of the Ages)<br />
<br />
Start Summer Vacation<br />
<br />
Save Their Allowance<br />
<br />
Visit the Library<br />
<br />
Remember Their Manners<br />
<br />
Go to Camp<br />
<br />
Explore the Solar System<br />
<br />
Every Day Is Different<br />
<br />
Catching A Cup Of Sunshine<br />
<br />
Betrayal (A Daughter of Kings, Comic #1)<br />
<br />
Deliverance (A Daughter of Kings, Comic #2)<br />
<br />
Rebirth (A Daughter of Kings, Comic #3)<br />
<br />
Windows 7: The Definitive Guide<br />
<br />
Windows 7 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Group Policy Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Active Directory Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
PowerShell, VBScript and JScript Bible<br />
<br />
Windows PowerShell 2.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Have Trouble At School<br />
<br />
Break Their Bad Habits<br />
<br />
Stay After School<br />
<br />
Have a Bad Day<br />
<br />
Visit City Hall<br />
<br />
Have a Surprise Party<br />
<br />
Have a Backyard Picnic<br />
<br />
Compete in the BIG Spelling Bee<br />
<br />
Battle for Ruin Mist Core Roleplaying Games Rules<br />
<br />
SQL Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
The Art of Ruin Mist: Heroes and Villains<br />
<br />
Rush to the Hospital<br />
<br />
Play Their First Big Game<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2008 Inside Out<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
IIS 7.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Absolutes and Other Stories<br />
<br />
Buster Bee's Adventures With Letters and Words<br />
<br />
Go on Vacation (2008) (RP Books)<br />
<br />
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ruin Mist: The Essential Reader's Guide<br />
<br />
Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist<br />
<br />
Visit Garden Box Farms<br />
<br />
Have A Sleepover<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2007 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Go to School<br />
<br />
Visit Dad and Mom at Work<br />
<br />
Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide<br />
<br />
In the Service of Dragons IV<br />
<br />
In the Service of Dragons III<br />
<br />
Mark of the Dragon<br />
<br />
Stormjammers: The Extraordinary Story of Electronic Warfare Operations in the Gulf War<br />
<br />
The Pieces of the Puzzle<br />
<br />
MCSE Core Required Exams In A Nutshell<br />
<br />
Introducing Windows Vista<br />
<br />
Windows Vista Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Fields of Honor<br />
<br />
In the Service of Dragons II<br />
<br />
In the Service of Dragons<br />
<br />
Students Classroom Guide to Robert Stanek's Magic Lands<br />
<br />
Teacher's Classroom Guide to Robert Stanek's Magic Lands<br />
<br />
Web Guru's Guide to JavaScript<br />
<br />
Microsoft Group Policy Guide<br />
<br />
SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2003 Inside and Out<br />
<br />
Windows Command-line Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Kingdom Alliance<br />
<br />
Magic of Ruin Mist<br />
<br />
Robert Stanek: Candid Conversations<br />
<br />
Students Classroom Guide to The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches<br />
<br />
Teacher's Classroom Guide to Robert Stanek's Ruin Mist<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Faster Smarter FrontPage 2003<br />
<br />
IIS 6.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2003 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
FrontPage 2003 Unleashed<br />
<br />
Elf Queen's Quest<br />
<br />
Journey Beyond the Beyond<br />
<br />
Keeper Martin's Tale<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches<br />
<br />
Effective Writing for Business College & Life<br />
<br />
Essential Windows 2000 Commands Reference<br />
<br />
Essential Windows XP Commands Reference<br />
<br />
FrontPage 2002 Unleashed<br />
<br />
Windows 2000 and IIS 5.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows XP Professional Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
XML Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
All-In-One Java 2 Certification Guide 3rd Edition<br />
<br />
Exchange 2000 Server Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
SQL Server 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
Windows 2000 Scripting Bible<br />
<br />
FrontPage 2000 Unleashed<br />
<br />
Netscape Mozilla Source Guide<br />
<br />
Windows NT Scripting Administrator's Guide<br />
<br />
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
SQL Server 7.0 Administrator's Pocket Consultant<br />
<br />
FrontPage 98 Unleashed<br />
<br />
Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend<br />
<br />
FrontPage 97 Unleashed<br />
<br />
Netscape One Developer's Guide<br />
<br />
Learn the Internet in a Weekend<br />
<br />
Web Publishing Unleashed Professional Reference Edition<br />
<br />
FrontPage Unleashed<br />
<br />
Peter Norton's Guide to Java Programming<br />
<br />
Web Publishing Unleashed<br />
<br />
Electronic Publishing Unleashed<br />
<br />
Other books written by William Robert Stanek including collections, compilations, etc. (Reverse Chronological Order: Newest to Oldest):<br />
<br />
Step Up & Into Windows PowerShell 4.0<br />
<br />
Big Book of Math (Math Superstars)<br />
<br />
Dragons of the Hundred Worlds Omnibus<br />
<br />
Complete Magic Lands Omnibus<br />
<br />
Complete In the Service of Dragons (Boxed Set Edition)<br />
<br />
Big Book of Subtraction (Math Superstars)<br />
<br />
Complete Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Boxed Set Edition)<br />
<br />
Complete Ruin Mist Chronicles (Boxed Set Edition)<br />
<br />
Big Book of Addition (Math Superstars)<br />
<br />
Keeper Martin's Tale, 10th Anniversary Edition<br />
<br />
Critter Subtraction Essentials Level 3<br />
<br />
Critter Addition Essentials Level 4<br />
<br />
Complete Learning Adventures of Racing Super Buster (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Complete Sight Words Learning Adventures of Buster Bee (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Critter Subtraction Essentials Level 2<br />
<br />
Numbers Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Alphabet Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Critter Addition Essentials Level 3<br />
<br />
Complete Undersea Counting Adventures of Buster Bee (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Complete Big Top Adventures of Buster Bee (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Critter Subtraction Essentials Level 1<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 6<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 5<br />
<br />
Complete First Year Adventures of Lass Ladybug (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Complete Second Year Adventures of Buster Bee (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Every Letter Has a Sound (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Big Number Count Down (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Division Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Multiplication Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Complete First Year Adventures of Buster Bee (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Complete Magic Lands Books 1 & 2 Omnibus<br />
<br />
Critter Addition Essentials Level 2<br />
<br />
Critter Addition Essentials Level 1<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 4<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 3<br />
<br />
Complete In the Service of Dragons (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Complete Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (The Complete Series Omnibus)<br />
<br />
Subtraction Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Addition Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Colors & Shapes Flash Cards: Learning Essentials<br />
<br />
Effective Writing for Business, College & Life, 2011 Edition<br />
<br />
A Daughter of Kings (Battle for Ruin Mist: Graphic Novel #1)<br />
<br />
Practice Makes Perfect (Lass Ladybug's School Days #4)<br />
<br />
Sometimes There's No Need to Worry (Lass Ladybug's School Days #3)<br />
<br />
Bugville Jr. Learning Adventures Collection #1<br />
<br />
Bugville Jr. Learning Adventures Collection #2<br />
<br />
Bugville Jr. Learning Adventures Collection #3<br />
<br />
Bugville Jr. Learning Adventures Collection #4<br />
<br />
Vacation Surprise (Buster Bee's School Days #3)<br />
<br />
Some Days Are Better Than Others (Lass Ladybug's School Days #2)<br />
<br />
So Many Lessons to Learn (Lass Ladybug's School Days #1)<br />
<br />
SQL Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant, 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Windows Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV, Special Illustrated Edition<br />
<br />
Bugville Critters Treasury Volume 2<br />
<br />
Bugville Critters Treasury Volume 1<br />
<br />
Too Much Sweets (Buster Bee's School Days #1 )<br />
<br />
Make New Friends (Buster Bee's School Days #2)<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 2<br />
<br />
The Bugville Critters Audio Collection Volume 1<br />
<br />
The Elf Queen & the King 2<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III, Special Illustrated Edition<br />
<br />
Exchange Server 2007 Administrator's Pocket Consultant, 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Windows Command-line Administrator's Pocket Consultant, 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Keeper Martin's Tale, Special Illustrated Edition<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II, Special Illustrated Edition<br />
<br />
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches, Special Illustrated Edition<br />
<br />
Windows XP Professional Administrator's Pocket Consultant 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Sovereign Rule<br />
<br />
Magic Lands & Other Stories<br />
<br />
The Elf Queen & the King<br />
<br />
Windows 2000 Administrator's Pocket Consultant 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
All-in-One Java 2 Certification Guide 3rd Edition<br />
<br />
Increase Your Web Traffic 3rd Edition<br />
<br />
All-in-One Java 2 Certification Guide 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Increase Your Web Traffic in a Weekend 2nd Edition<br />
<br />
Professional Web Development Kit 2.0<br />
<br />
Web Publishing Electronic Resource Kit<br />
<br />
Managing Group Policy Classroom-To-Go: Windows Server 2003 Edition (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Active Directory Infrastructure Classroom-to-Go (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Internet Explorer 7 Classroom-To-Go (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Windows Media Player 11 Classroom-To-Go (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Windows Photo Gallery Classroom-To-Go: Windows Vista Edition (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Active Directory Sites, Trusts, and Troubleshooting Classroom-To-Go (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Managing Network Infrastructure Classroom-To-Go: Windows Server 2003 Edition (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Classroom-To-Go Training Course 3: Managing and Maintaining Network Resources (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Classroom-To-Go Training Course for Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Classroom-To-Go Training Course 1: Managing Users, Computers, and Groups (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
Classroom-To-Go Training Course 2: Managing Devices and Implementing Disaster Recovery (Audio Only)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's been a long road. More news in the days and weeks ahead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Robert StanekRobert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-84023178340772000752019-09-12T04:37:00.000-07:002019-09-12T04:37:01.207-07:00Inside Job: Amazon.com Employee Stole Credit Data of 106 Million<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazon.com is rotten to its core. This latest case of "employee gone bad" (<a href="https://heavy.com/news/2019/07/paige-adele-thompson/">https://heavy.com/news/2019/07/paige-adele-thompson/</a>) is yet another example of the widespread patterns of misbehavior, misconduct and mismanagement by Amazon.com employees that have been ongoing for the better part of two decades. From alleged money laundering to racketeering to computer fraud, the culture of misconduct and malfeasance starts at the top with the win-at-any cost disruptor model espoused by Amazon.com executives. A few examples for reference:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Misconduct stemming from office of the CEO:</b> In 2013, dozens of Amazon.com employees and the CEO's own wife were caught flooding Brad Stone's book, The Everything Store, with unfavorable reviews to keep the book from damaging the reputation of Amazon.com and its CEO. (<a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2016/08/amazons-blackened-soul.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2016/08/amazons-blackened-soul.html</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Misconduct organized and ordered by executives:</b> In 2018, at least 50 Amazon employees were caught creating fake accounts on Ebay and accused of multiple federal crimes, including criminal conspiracy, fraud and racketeering. (<a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-employees-caught-creating-fake-accounts.html">http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-employees-caught-creating-fake-accounts.html</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Misconduct organized and ordered by executives:</b> In 2019, Amazon.com was caught in a highly unethical and likely criminal pay-for-praise scheme involving several hundred employees. (<a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-caught-in-pay-for-praise-scheme.html">http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-caught-in-pay-for-praise-scheme.html</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although the SEC, FTC and DOJ are all circling Amazon.com with possible intent to act, the federal crimes, misdeeds and abuses of Amazon.com executives and employees have so far carried on with impunity—more likely due to the deep (dare I say, cozy) relationships Amazon.com has with the Justice Department, U.S. Intelligence and hundreds of other government agencies than a lack of evidence. However, with the deepest secrets of our government, including the Sensitive, Secret and Top Secret information of the Justice Department (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/stateandlocal/justice-and-public-safety/">https://aws.amazon.com/stateandlocal/justice-and-public-safety/</a>) , U.S. Intelligence (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/federal/us-intelligence-community/">https://aws.amazon.com/federal/us-intelligence-community/</a>)and more (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/defense/">https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/defense/</a>), hosted on Amazon’s cloud servers, this latest case of "employee gone bad" is likely too hard to overlook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To wit, the Amazon.com employee involved in the theft of the credit data of over 100 million people did so by using the knowledge gained working in Amazon’s Web Services division as a software engineer to hack into the data Capital One stored on Amazon’s servers. This data was stored in the Amazon Simple Storage Service, also referred to as Amazon S3, which is a service offered by Amazon Web Services to supposedly securely store the data of thousands of companies. Care to guess where many of the deepest secrets of the Justice Department, U.S. Intelligence and hundreds of other U.S. agencies are stored? Yep, Amazon S3.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Capital One, like Amazon.com, largely downplayed the extent of the damage done in the data breach, the estimated dollar cost of the damages, as stated by Capital One itself, are telling: $100 to $150 million in damages. (<a href="https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/paige-thompson-capital-one-hack-former-amazon-engineer-social-security-numbers.html">https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/paige-thompson-capital-one-hack-former-amazon-engineer-social-security-numbers.html</a>). Most troubling about all this? The (technically "former") Amazon.com employee involved used knowledge and skills gained from 2015 – 2016 to hack the Capital One data stored on Amazon’s S3 servers in 2019. This was an inside job. Amazon Web Services tactics, techniques and security surely should have changed considerably in 3 years—however, clearly they had not. Sort of like the lengthy Amazon Web Services S3 outage on February 28, 2017 that was so bad Amazon couldn’t even get into its own servers to warn anyone—a problem that occurred because of gross mismanagement involving Amazon Web Services procedures and tactics. Other examples of gross mismanagement? How about:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* the days’ long outage in April 2011 that Amazon didn’t make a public statement about for a week,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* the infamous Friday the 13th outage of September 2013 that left regional customers without service for several hours due to a simple load balancing misconfiguration,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* the lengthy Amazon Web Services S3 outage in November 2014 because of the failure of the AWS CloudFront DNS server,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">* or the 10-hour outage in June 2016 due to stormy weather that hit numerous prime websites and businesses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I stated previously, the culture of misconduct and malfeasance starts at the top of the company while the patterns of misbehavior, misconduct and mismanagement extend throughout the entire organization. More examples of mismanagement and failure of Amazon Web Services:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2017 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2017/03/02/aws-outage-that-broke-the-internet-caused-by-mistyped-command</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2017 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/uptime/equinix-power-outage-one-reason-behind-aws-cloud-disruption</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2015 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2015/09/24/heres-what-caused-sundays-amazon-cloud-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2015 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2015/09/21/amazon-data-center-outage-affects-netflix-heroku-others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2013/09/13/network-issues-cause-amazon-cloud-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2012 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2012/10/27/cascading-failures-caused-amazon-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2012 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2012/07/03/multiple-generator-failures-caused-amazon-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2012 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2012/06/30/amazon-data-center-loses-power-during-storm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2012 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2012/06/29/another-outage-amazon-cloud</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2011 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2011/08/15/amazon-provides-more-details-on-dublin-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2011 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2011/04/29/amazon-networking-error-caused-cloud-outage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2011 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2011/04/21/major-amazon-outage-ripples-across-web</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2010 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/12/13/amazon-hardware-failures-caused-outage</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2009 - https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2009/07/19/outage-for-amazon-web-services</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With this much going wrong and the regulatory hammer looming, is there any wonder why there is an outflow of executives, including Zumwalt, Blackburn, Wilson, Jain, and Chew for starters. In his new book, Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell talks about Harry Markopolos, the guy who gift-wrapped and delivered the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme to the SEC. Much like the case of Amazon.com, federal regulators spent years ignoring Markopolos and what was plain to see before their eyes. They couldn’t be bothered to conduct a thorough and proper investigation. Like Harry Markopolos told Malcolm Gladwell: "the truth is in the math"; "people have too much faith in large organizations"; "the emperor has no clothes".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The truth of Amazon.com is in the math too—in the patterns of misconduct and malfeasance that start at the top of the company. Indeed, the emperor has no clothes, and that’s something I have said before as well.</span><br />
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Circling back, bottom line, this person worked for Amazon S3 as a software engineer, subsequently hacked Amazon S3 and did so using intimate first-hand knowledge gained while employed at Amazon S3. This intimate first-hand knowledge included information about possible vulnerabilities, how those vulnerabilities potentially could be exploited and exactly how Amazon S3 worked. As a former Amazon S3 software engineer, this person knew exactly what to do and where to go once she got into Amazon S3. So let's call this hack what it was: An inside job. If Amazon.com were a bank and a former teller knew the contents of the bank vault and then robbed safety deposit boxes 7, 17 and 73 of their contents, everyone would call this what it was: an inside job. Well, that’s exactly what happened. This was an inside job. This former employee knew exactly the vulnerabilities to look for, how they could be exploited and which deposit boxes to steal—and she learned it all while working at Amazon S3.<br />
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Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.<br />
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Addendum: Interesting comments earlier on Facebook and in private regarding said employee's role at Amazon.<br />
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As explained in the article, this person was employed by Amazon as a software engineer for S3 from 2015-2016. The Capital One data was stolen from Amazon's S3 servers in 2019. This was done using insider knowledge and tactics gained while working for Amazon. Amazon and Capital One both have underplayed how damaging this whole thing was... though Capital One admits this is likely to cause the company $100 - $150 million in damages.<br />
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P.S> This case gets curiouser and curiouser when you dig below the surface. Basically, the "employee" did the crime then gift-wrapped herself for authorities by not only giving them a trail of breadcrumbs to follow but copping to the crime on social media. This ensured quick arrest and abrupt ends to certain internal investigations (and primarily at Amazon.com). Inquiring minds might want to hazard a few guesses why. Two obvious questions for starters: What else might have been uncovered with continued, deep investigation? Who else might have been uncovered? I’m sure the curious can discern others.Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-61408520258691027292019-09-02T07:04:00.000-07:002019-09-03T14:12:46.344-07:00Amazon Reviews: Broken SystemBetween 1 in 3 and 2 in 3 product reviews on Amazon.com are fake. They are bought and paid for. They are written by friends and family. They are swapped and traded on Facebook. They are incentivized from readers. Talking about this problem as I have for nearly 2 decades now has made me the repeat target of the thousands who make their living writing reviews, the millions of sellers who benefit from the fake praise and the dozens of Amazon employees working the system for personal and/or professional benefit.<br />
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Having reported problems with reviews to Amazon hundreds of times over decades and received repeated, direct retaliation from Amazon employees for doing so, I learned the hard way about the active involvement of Amazon employees in Amazon’s own marketplace, whether to ensure the success of themselves, family or associates or simply to ensure the failure of particular targets. This occurring repeatedly despite state and federal laws protecting those who report criminal activity, corporate malfeasance and other corporate wrongdoings from retaliation by those they are reporting.<br />
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Letters and emails to Amazon executives were answered with retaliation, as were letters and emails written to Amazon’s own legal team. This occurred because of the hundreds of billions of dollars of commerce that flow through Amazon annually. This occurred because those who rock the boat are targeted and thrown overboard. This occurred because of Amazon’s deep ties with local, state and federal government. This occurred because Amazon's executives buy entire newsrooms. This occurred because the truth could utterly destroy Amazon's marketplace dominance.<br />
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With control within the government and within the media, Amazon knows it has little to fear. Maybe a decade or so from now they’ll get a fine with a slap on the wrist despite ongoing, widespread corruption and corporate malfeasance. How quaint of them to recently throw their hands up in the air and declare they can no longer guarantee their marketplace. Meanwhile their own employees have steered billions in sales from one direction into another, harmed the sales of this product to ensure the success of that and more. Meanwhile Amazon employees have enriched themselves, their families, their friends, their associates. Meanwhile their executives have become billionaires by ensuring not even the truth affects the flow of commerce across their server engines.<br />
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If you know me, you know I’ve written many times about this problem, this widespread corruption. You know Amazon has targeted my books repeatedly because I’ve spoken out, because I’ve complained about my books being bombarded with unfavorable reviews by unscrupulous competitors, because I’ve let others know that Amazon itself was part of the problem. Speaking out about this problem has cost me millions of sales and tens of millions in earnings—and yet I will continue to speak out. I will not be silenced by Amazon’s continued heavy-handed retaliation or the criminal actions of its employees or others.<br />
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For those who don’t know me, please do take the time to read the numerous articles I’ve written about this problem. You’ll find the articles <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/williamstanek?trk=public_profile_articles_see_all" target="_blank">here </a>at Linkedin, in my personal blogs (<a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/">http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/</a> and <a href="http://williamstanek.blogspot.com/">http://williamstanek.blogspot.com</a>), at Go Indie (<a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/">http://readindies.blogspot.com/</a>) and on my websites (<a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/">http://www.williamrstanek.com</a> and <a href="http://www.robert-stanek.com/">http://www.robert-stanek.com/</a>). You’ll find posts about this problem going back to 2003 here @ <a href="http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog.htm">http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog.htm</a>. I do of course write as William Stanek, Robert Stanek, William R. Stanek and William Robert Stanek.<br />
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Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.<br />
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<br />Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-62471176716241798562019-08-15T20:49:00.000-07:002019-09-16T13:24:29.879-07:00Amazon Caught in Pay-for-Praise Scheme Involving Hundreds of EmployeesLast August Amazon began recruiting so-called “fulfillment center ambassadors,” compensating them to generate praise for the company on twitter (and also elsewhere in social media and on Amazon’s websites). Several hundred employees have been enlisted into the highly questionable, unethical (and likely fraudulent) scheme so far. It’s not the first time Amazon has resorted to highly questionable, unethical practices when its public image or sales/earnings were at risk. Amazon has used fake praise, fake reviews and other fake commentary widely in the past. My article titled “Amazon’s Blackened Soul” (<a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/2016/08/amazons-blackened-soul.html">http://readindies.blogspot.com/2016/08/amazons-blackened-soul.html</a>) highlighted the fake reviews generated by Amazon employees, including Bezos’s own wife, to kill sales of Brad Stone’s book about Amazon and Bezos entitled “The Everything Store,” while simultaneously ensuring any bad press or other fallout related to the book was whitewashed and minimized.<br />
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Persons associated with Amazon, and in particular employees, had a vested, financial interested in limiting the success of Stone’s book, reducing its potential impact on Amazon’s bottom line and controlling the message surrounding the book. None more so than executives, management staff and others holding stock or stock options in the company. Amazon guidelines do not allow any persons with a financial interest in a product (either for or against) to review a product, but that didn’t stop persons associated with the company from ensuring their messaging, damage control and spin was heard far and wide.<br />
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Stone’s book had the potential to cause both a significant hit to Amazon’s public image and an enormous impact on Amazon’s bottom line, especially in the days leading up to and following its publication. Without Amazon’s public spin and careful management of perception through reviews and other means, Stone’s book could have caused lasting, long-term damage to the company and its reputation, not to mention its CEO.<br />
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Make no mistake that Amazon was in a precarious position in the timeframe surrounding the publication of The Everything Store. Amazon as a public company had never been consistently profitable in its nearly 20-year history (at the time), quite the contrary it had been a consistent money loser. A sway in public opinion could have derailed its access to capital markets. The difference between Amazon then and Amazon now is nearly a trillion dollars in market capitalization.<br />
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Caught in this latest scheme, Amazon has admitted that the company is paying employees to generate praise on twitter. (See <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/15/amazon-ambassadors-program-pays-workers-positive-twitter/2023111001/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/15/amazon-ambassadors-program-pays-workers-positive-twitter/2023111001/</a>) Meanwhile, the pay-for-praise scheme extends into other social media sites and onto Amazon’s own websites, where it has been used to combat criticism, complaints and more related to the company. By paying its employees to generate praise for the company, Amazon has once again ignored the basic tenants of the foundation upon which the company is supposedly built.<br />
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Amazon terms of service forbid anyone from trying to manipulate their reputation in Amazon’s marketplace. Amazon’s terms of service forbid anyone from compensating for feedback of any kind. With Amazon unabashedly breaking its own rules any time it suites, is it any wonder that fraud is rampant both within Amazon’s own rank and file and on its websites where there are over a billion fake reviews. (See <a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/06/amazons-fake-reviews-robert-stanek.html">http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/06/amazons-fake-reviews-robert-stanek.html</a>)<br />
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As I’ve discussed previously in Amazon Employees Caught Creating Fake Ebay Seller Accounts (<a href="https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-employees-caught-creating-fake-accounts.html">https://robertstanek.blogspot.com/2019/08/amazon-employees-caught-creating-fake-accounts.html</a>), Amazon gets away with decades of corporate malfeasance, federal crimes, abusive practices and more by publicly claiming to be a marketplace disruptor. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the company has tight controls over the press and state, local and federal government, and works over time to manage public perception, to spin reality, and perform damage control whenever it is caught in the act.<br />
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Let’s circle back, what’s most interesting about all this is that Amazon strictly prohibits sellers from protecting their reputation on its websites (and by extension in social media) by direct response, commentary or otherwise, regardless of whether the reviews, feedback and/or commentary the seller is seeking to protect themselves from are patently false, paid for by competitors, developed as part of smear campaigns or otherwise.<br />
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Heard of Prime Day? Who hasn’t. Amazon has spent an estimated $100 million+ developing and deploying strategies to protect its Prime Day events and sales from negative commentary and criticism, including training and paying for nearly 1000 employees, consultants, contractors and other affiliated persons that manage strategy, marketing, damage control, spin and messaging while striking back against criticism, complaints and any other commentary Amazon dislikes in the days leading up to, occurring on and subsequent to Prime Days.<br />
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Now this is all just very strange since this occurs not only in social media in real time but also on Amazon websites in real time despite clear terms of service explicitly prohibiting any and all parties from such behavior. Odd how rule-maker Amazon not only completely ignores the rules but breaks them whenever the company wants. Odder still that this is all part of a planned and carefully deployed strategy to protect Amazon’s reputation and sales at all costs, as ordered by the executive officers and management of the company. Hello Mr. Bezos.<br />
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So, hmmm. No party can do anything, such as simple response or commentary to patently false or fake feedback, on Amazon websites, and by extension according to terms of service no party can do anything in social media that is contrary to Amazon’s terms of service, such as simply asking those who had a positive experience with a product for comments or feedback—regardless of whether said product is being falsely maligned or flooded with fake commentary. Only Amazon can do this because only Amazon can do whatever it wants whenever it wants despite clear terms of service mandating otherwise—and only Amazon employees, consultants, contractors and other paid workers can make positive commentary and/or ask others for their positive experiences.<br />
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Hmmm… Take a moment to appreciate the scale of the 1,000-person operation plotting for and protecting Prime Days and related events from any criticism and commentary Amazon considers unsuitable. That’s a scale and scope that only a company with a near trillion-dollar market cap could afford. But just because you can throw millions of dollars at something doesn’t make it right, fair or just. People who want to criticize, complain and comment about negative experiences related to Amazon should be able to do so without real-time damage control operators stepping in with positive and contrary opinion, spin and damage control. It is in fact highly questionable, unethical (and possibly fraudulent) to pay hundreds of people to generate positive commentary for a company or product—even for a trillion-dollar company named Amazon.<br />
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So there you have it, not just one but two more examples of questionable, unethical and likely criminal schemes used by Amazon to manipulate public opinion, spin reality and ensure nothing affects its bottom line. The least of the schemes discussed involves several hundred employees, the greater involves many hundreds—a scope and scale that boggles the mind and clearly demonstrates that congressional and federal inquiries of Amazon should only be the beginning of deeper investigations on the path toward mandated federal oversight, extensive federal sanctions and ultimately the breakup of this monopoly’s stranglehold over US e-commerce.<br />
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It should be clear to all that by paying its employees and others to fight criticism, spin reality and generate positive commentary on its websites and social media that Amazon has opened itself up to liabilities and prosecution the company is otherwise protected from under Section 230 of the Communications Decency act. Amazon executives and managers made clear and unmistakable decisions to pay employees and others to generate content and commentary, and therefore opened themselves up to prosecution, not only for the many false, misleading and otherwise controversial statements and content generated and displayed on company websites in the pay-for-praise schemes but for any and all content generated.<br />
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Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-77774132121354187022019-08-12T19:28:00.001-07:002019-09-16T13:30:08.535-07:00Amazon Fraud Again: Amazon Employees Caught Creating Fake Ebay Seller Accounts<br />
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In 2018, at least 50 Amazon employees were caught red handed creating
fake accounts on Ebay and accused of multiple federal crimes, including criminal conspiracy, fraud and racketeering.
Over a period of years, the Amazon employees had created hundreds—if not
thousands—of fake seller accounts to lure sellers away from Ebay’s marketplace.
The Amazon employees were caught after a months’ long investigation and sting
operation designed to catch Amazon in the act of setting up the fake accounts
with the intention of luring sellers to Amazon’s marketplace—and away from
Ebay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the many years Amazon employees operated as fake
sellers on Ebay, they redirected thousands of sellers to Amazon, redirecting
tens—if not hundreds—of millions of dollars in sales to Amazon. You might
imagine when this extensive level of corporate malfeasance is uncovered there’d
be explosive media coverage and damaging headlines. Yet you’ll be hard-pressed
to find coverage of these happenings anywhere. (<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ebay-accuses-amazon-of-poaching-sellers-from-its-site/">https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ebay-accuses-amazon-of-poaching-sellers-from-its-site/</a>.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amazon successfully buried the bad press, ensured what
little press coverage there was appeared deep in the news, and leveraged its
power and influence to push the crimes out of federal courts and into resolution
via arbitration, thereby ensuring the federal crimes of its employees were
swept under the rug. Amazon gets away with decades of corporate malfeasance,
federal crimes, abusive practices and more by publicly claiming to be a
marketplace disruptor. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the company has tight controls
throughout the United States over police forces and news rooms, and works over
time to manage public perception, to spin reality, and perform damage control whenever
it is caught in the act. Amazon does this all while laughing at the FTC, DOJ
and other federal agencies investigating the company for antitrust and numerous
other issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sound Orwellian, like something out of the novel 1984? Not at all, through its
Ring division Amazon has deep connections with police forces across the country—countless
of which are indebted to the company for helping them solve crimes. Amazon in
fact requires police forces to shill it’s surveillance cameras using secret
agreements and private kickback arrangements in the guise of donations. <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement">https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb88za/amazon-requires-police-to-shill-surveillance-cameras-in-secret-agreement</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Amazon has control over news rooms through its CEO’s
purchase of The Washington Post. Control over the DC-based Post, not only provides
Amazon with access to news rooms and reporters around the world, it also
provides Amazon with access to and influence over federal agencies and the
White House. Look any day at the press list for the White House and you’ll see
how this is managed. When Bezos/Amazon want a story gone or buried, it’s a done deal. Case in point this story of widespread corporate malfeasance and
federal crimes which was white-washed from existence. Crimes that should have included criminal conspiracy, fraud and racketeering--just for starters.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Amazon’s deep relations with federal, state and local government ensures many of the company’s other federal crimes, misdeeds and abuses have never seen the light of day. How deeply is Amazon embedded into the United States government? So much so that you’ll find dedicated recruitment pages for federal, government, and state agencies (including <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/federal/">https://aws.amazon.com/federal/</a> and <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/government/">https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/government/</a>), the Department of Defense (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/defense/">https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/defense/</a>), U.S. Intelligence (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/federal/us-intelligence-community/">https://aws.amazon.com/federal/us-intelligence-community/</a>), Justice Department (<a href="https://aws.amazon.com/stateandlocal/justice-and-public-safety/">https://aws.amazon.com/stateandlocal/justice-and-public-safety/</a>), and on and on. Amazon’s own words are telling: With over 2,000 government agencies using Amazon Web Services (AWS), we understand the requirements U.S. Government agencies… AWS provides cloud capability across all classification levels Unclassified, Sensitive, Secret, and Top Secret.<br />
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Amazon is so embedded into our government that it is impossible to perform any fair or just oversight of the company. All those government agencies working with Amazon are handled with close (dare I say, cozy) relationships between many employees of Amazon and many employees of the government agencies. Those cozy relationships exist at all levels from the executive down. With such close ties to the DOD, DOJ, US Intelligence and hundreds of other agencies, is it any wonder Amazon can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants. Not to mention the fact that not only does one of the most corrupt corporations in the world have ties into every branch of state, local and federal government throughout the United States, that same corrupt corporation holds the most sensitive data and secrets of the United States on its servers and by holding that data, ensures it will never have a judgement day.<br />
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Control the police, control the media, control the federal government.
What’s next for future President Bezos? Oh wait, with those controls Bezos
doesn’t need to be president to run the country, does he. He just needs to
remember which puppet strings to pull when. Is there any question now why the
Amazon monopoly continues unchecked?<o:p></o:p><br />
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Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</div>
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<br />Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-82316595523583752302019-07-04T14:06:00.010-07:002021-02-25T14:10:03.313-08:00Shame on Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA)<div>Beware those who do evil in the name of good, those who build bully pulpits so they can target and victimize. I wish I was talking about some totalitarian regime or corrupt corporation, instead I’m talking about Absolute Write run by Victoria Strauss and others. Absolute Write is a platform for hate and abuse created by those claiming to do good for the writing community. A platform for hate and abuse that claims affiliation with Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) to extend the reach of its harm, victimization and abuse.</div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For a number of years Absolute Write members and leaders indiscriminately targeted self-publishers as frauds, while membership of the Science Fiction Writers of America looked on and nodded their heads in agreement.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For a number of years Absolute Write members and leaders indiscriminately targeted those who used print on demand as frauds, while membership of the Science Fiction Writers of America looked on and nodded their heads in agreement.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For a number of years Absolute Write members and leaders indiscriminately targeted kindle authors as frauds, while membership of the Science Fiction Writers of America looked on and nodded their heads in agreement.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The list goes on and on and on… of alleged frauds, supposed wrongdoers, ne’er-do-wells. And so it has gone on for decades, with anyone who did anything this group from their holier-than-though bully pulpit disagreed with being targeted as frauds, while with the Science Fiction Writers of America has looked on and allowed continued widespread victimization and abuse.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Beware those who do evil in the name of good, those who build bully pulpits to target and victimize. Absolute Write and those who hide behind its claims of helping the writing community have done evil in the name of good for decades. Hate speech they’ve inspired is all over the internet. The animosity they’ve created runs deep. The hundreds of victims they’ve targeted have little recourse against the lynch mobs they’ve created, complete with public hangings and brandings all done in the name of doing good while doing evil.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In truth, the crimes of these hundreds of victims largely come down to simply having crossed paths with this group of writers who use their public forum to target, harass and harangue anyone for anything. Intolerance, cruelty, xenophobia, more, all run rampant in themes and subthemes, in private chats between members, all while the Science Fiction Writers of America looks on.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I was first targeted by Absolute Write members (Victoria Strauss, David Langford and others) in 2002. At the time, Victoria Strauss was an aspiring young adult writer with no status except for the platform of hate and intolerance she and others were building. My young adult book, Keeper Martin’s Tale, was a self-published, upstart success that was immediately targeted by this group and their ilk.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve written much about this. You’ll find articles at Linkedin (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamstanek/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamstanek/</a>), in my personal blogs (<a href="http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/">http://robertstanek.blogspot.com/</a> and <a href="http://williamstanek.blogspot.com/">http://williamstanek.blogspot.com</a>), at Go Indie (<a href="http://readindies.blogspot.com/">http://readindies.blogspot.com/</a>) and on my websites (<a href="http://www.williamrstanek.com/">http://www.williamrstanek.com</a> and <a href="http://www.robert-stanek.com/">http://www.robert-stanek.com/</a>). You’ll find posts about related problems going back to 2003 here @ <a href="http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog.htm">http://www.robertstanek.com/rsblog.htm</a>. I do of course write as William Stanek, Robert Stanek, William R. Stanek and William Robert Stanek. I am of course the author of over 200 full-length works of fiction and nonfiction, having been a successful published author since 1995.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In these posts and articles, you’ll learn about the third review ever for the Young Adult book that competed with Victoria Strauss’s desires to be a writer, Keeper Martin’s Tale. The reader, using a fake account and fake name, said they had been duped/had by all the glowing reviews. Meanwhile, Keeper Matin’s Tale had exactly TWO previous reviews over a period of several months while it topped the Top 50 Scifi & Fantasy Bestseller list at Amazon.com and after selling thousands upon thousands of copies.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The second ever review for another of my books, Elf Queen’s Quest, was much the same, about how the reader was duped/had by all the glowing reviews—of which there was exactly ONE previous review. This reader also used a fake account and fake name.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This continued. All orchestrated by persons associated with Langford, Strauss and Absolute Write.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Odd articles appeared in Langford’s Ancible about how I was a supposed fraud, about how all the reviews were fake. This being 2002, my fiction works had sold thousands upon thousands of copies, and the total number of reviews was a mere handful—single digits on average across all my fiction titles. That didn’t stop the fake outrage reviews from flowing from associates of these persons, who liberally dumped 1 and 2 star reviews using fake accounts and fake names.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Langford, Strauss and Absolute Write next began targeting Reagent Press (2002/2003) claiming it was a fraudulent publisher. The earliest claim being because Reagent Press paid its writers using Paypal. Persons associated with Absolute Write then began targeting Reagent Press as well as myself.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And guess what? While these persons were decrying Reagent Press as a fraud for paying writers via Paypal, Strauss and associates were praising a newly forming company called Smashwords, which guess what? Planned to, and eventually did, pay its writers via Paypal.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s kind of a running theme of how all this works with these persons. Something that competes or perhaps has an original idea or theme that others want to use for their own is a fraud. Themes, characters, plots and more were in fact liberally plagiarized from my fiction books while these persons were indiscriminately targeting me, Reagent Press and my works of fictions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Beware those who do evil in the name of good, those who build bully pulpits to target and victimize. Absolute Write have not only used their bully pulpit to harass and abuse, they’ve used it to suppress and censor, to ensure when they’ve stolen intellectual property or done incredible harm the victims of their crimes and misdeeds are instead victimized, harassed and maligned.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In 2002 when all this started, it’s important to note that I was a highly successful best-selling author with millions of readers for the dozens of professionally published books I’d written. I’d been a successful author since my breakout first book in 1995. The individuals involved absolutely knew this and yet they have continued to malign, defame, harass and attack me publicly for nearly 2 decades. They do this because they are insulated by dozens, if not hundreds, of like-mind persons who use the platform for hate they’ve created to take down anyone who gets in their way for any reason. Continued claims of affiliation with Science Fiction Writers of America also lends credibility to the victimization of their targets.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the past 2 decades, these persons have proven they’ll do whatever it takes to cause harm, to abuse and victimize, regardless of who else gets caught in their cross hairs. Some years ago, they published my home address “so that [me] personally and [my] family are physically targeted”. Apparently it wasn’t enough to smear, defame, and harass online, they also need the fight to become physical. This resulted in my daughters, ~10 and ~11 at the time, being physically accosted. Stop and think about that for a moment. They knew I had children. I have pictures of them in my accounts. And they wanted people to target them physically.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When I wrote about my children being accosted because of what they’d done, the response and comments? Strauss and others thought it was absolutely hilarious, stating that “my daughters deserved [to have been attacked] because their dad was a fraudulent self-publisher.” My crime: Yep, self-publishing novels of YA and children’s fiction.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve written about all this before, I’ve named those involved, and yet the nonsense continues, nearly 2 decades on. More examples: When these persons learned I wrote a book about my military service. What did they do? They spread falsities that I wasn’t a combat veteran and that my claim to have been awarded the distinguished flying cross was stolen valor.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="vertical-align: baseline;">These persons urged others to spread this. Some asked others to “ensure [I] received threats so [I] would learn [my] lesson”. Others asked “circulate [his] address again, make sure he gets a personal visit [at my home]”. “Stomp some sense into him,” said another. Stop and think about that for a moment. These people were asking others to assault me at my home for the alleged crime of stolen valor that they knew was false because they’d made it up. These are the lengths these persons will go to abuse and victimize anyone who gets in their way for any reason.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks for reading.</div></div>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-91467491373378251602019-06-27T23:42:00.000-07:002019-09-03T12:11:25.457-07:00Amazon's Black Eye Deepens: A Public Sham/eSpeaking out about fake reviews has made me the target of the thousands who make their living writing reviews for pay. This continues despite Amazon's public dispute with over 5000 paid reviewers at Fiverr--no few of which were writers, who unable to make a living at writing, made their living writing reviews.<br />
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1 billion--and counting. The approximate number of fake product reviews at Amazon, according to an approximate 1 in 3 estimate. Multiple billions, if you go with the more likely estimate of 2 in 3. This includes incentivized reviews, paid reviews, friends & family reviews and all other reviews that otherwise would not exist without those involved cheating the system. Pick a random product at Amazon with oodles of reviews and odds are nearly 100% that you've stumbled upon a cheat. Take 2 recent purchases made on the same day as examples of just how broken Amazon is.<br />
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The first purchase I made were special gloves for those with carpal tunnel. I bought the gloves, not because of the 857 glowing Amazon reviews, but because of the oodles of websites that said W-O-W what a fantastic product it was. The company's website also looked legit. There were dozens of products from this company all glowingly reviewed at Amazon.<br />
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How good were the extra large men's gloves I ordered? Well, I couldn't really tell you because the product I received wouldn't fit the hands of an 10-year-old child, let alone a full-grown adult. If I hadn't ordered multiple pairs of the gloves in two different varieties, I might have believed there had been a labeling mistake or something--which is the first of many lies the seller tried to convince me of when I tried to get my money back. In the end, the seller agreed to reimburse me while also telling me to keep the gloves. I was supposed to donate them or such. Think about that for a moment these quasi-medical-grade gloves were supposed to be worth $25+ per pair and the seller didn't even want them back.<br />
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The second product was a support brace from a company positioning itself as a medical equipment supplier. Again, I bought the brace not because of the 1312 glowing Amazon reviews, but because of all the websites that told me this was the best product of its class on the market. As with the carpal tunnel gloves, I was so impressed with what the websites were telling me that I bought several braces and several pairs of special compression socks for my daughter who has down's syndrome and needs special footwear. These medical supplies weren't cheap. $58 for one brace, as an example, and $30+ for each pair of the special socks.<br />
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The company looked legit--it too had dozens of related products all glowingly reviewed, along with all these websites telling me how great the product was. Imagine my dismay when I received are what I believe to be $5 products that were made in China. It took some doing, but I did finally get this seller to refund my money, but it cost me $12 in postage sending the products back to get it and a lot of frustration.<br />
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*It's important to point out that I ordered both products on the company website. I did not order the products at Amazon. However, the products were fulfilled by Amazon and shipped from Amazon's warehouses.*<br />
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After I finally got my money back on these purchases, I went back and looked at the products, the seller websites, all those related websites. I'm a sophisticated buyer, who knows not to trust any reviews at Amazon, and yet I still had been suckered into buying fraudulent products.<br />
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These sellers had built or paid their way into sophisticated consumer-oriented websites where hundreds of other products had been reviewed and compared. These sellers had created or bought dozens of customer testimonial websites. These sellers had bought and paid for a mind-boggling number of glowing product reviews at Amazon. These were mega operations, selling cheap knock-off products that weren't fit for use and using tens of thousands of fake reviews at Amazon to help them do it.<br />
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Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.<br />
<br />Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171309436396583783.post-8637772976229966662019-06-15T07:30:00.000-07:002019-08-22T19:13:34.206-07:00Remembering My Long-Time Friend Brian Jacques on His 80th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I write this, today June 15, 2019, my friend, Brian
Jacques, creator of Redwall, would have been 80. Of all the writers I’ve
corresponded with over the years, from Raymond Feist to CJ Cherryh to Mercedes Lackey in the hey days of CompuServe, Brian was the wittiest and most fun. It was the highest
of honors to host Brian when his fall 2005 book tour of the Western USA brought
him to my adopted home town of Olympia, Washington. At the time, I wrote about Brian’s
visit on a tribute page to him and his books, which I posted to share with my
readers @ <a href="http://themagiclands.com/brianjacques.htm">http://themagiclands.com/brianjacques.htm</a>.
The page is still there, hasn’t changed in 15 years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the best things about Brian’s visit was that my son,
Will, who was 13 at the time, got to meet Brian and get all of his Redwall
books signed. Will was, and remains, a Redwall fan, having read all of Brian’s
books multiple times. My two youngest were also at the signing and they enjoyed
getting their pictures taken with my friend Brian. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xEVshGSiH8/XRrOZsZpc6I/AAAAAAAAB-A/GUaS-cETa84-Zbhx77nl0z4dcE-ki6-wgCLcBGAs/s1600/brian-jacques-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="575" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xEVshGSiH8/XRrOZsZpc6I/AAAAAAAAB-A/GUaS-cETa84-Zbhx77nl0z4dcE-ki6-wgCLcBGAs/s320/brian-jacques-1.jpg" width="230" /></a>As I had promised Brian, I also gave him copies of the children's editions of my books, The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches, which are set in my fantasy world of Ruin Mist. Brian and I enjoyed swapping stories of our created worlds, having bonded over our similar experiences with Catholic school teachers beating us with rulers. </div>
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Brian was a hoot to listen to at author events and book signings. He loved his characters and got into the role of his characters actively in the telling. Brian loved a good feast as well, as any attentive Redwall fan knows.</div>
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Brian also challenged me to give back to readers and the writing community, to share my personal skills and experiences with others. Brian always spoke fondly of his days working with blind children and how he got his start. Early conversations with Brian were key in inspiring me to dedicate many hours and years to give away one million books to schools, libraries, community centers and others, though especially to teachers in classrooms who needed books for their students who otherwise would have no books at all as well as to schools for the blind, like the one in rural Scotland where students had access for many years to my entire catalog of books, including many educational and learning titles in the Bugville Critters, at no cost.</div>
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To say Brian Jacques loved the written word is an understatement. Brian lived for the written word and I think the only thing he loved more was bringing his stories and ideas to life with spoken word. Brian and I had running conversations about digital audio and in particular Audible, where my books had been runaway bestsellers--#1 Fiction, #1 Fantasy, #1 YA/Childrens for many weeks in spring and summer 2005. Brian was more familiar with traditional audio on tape and hesitant about the digital world--ebooks, kindle, audible, and such. I don't know if my words on the subject swayed his thoughts on the subject, but I'd like to think so, as his books did start to become available for both kindle and audible.<br />
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In the fall of 2005, none of us could
have known that Brian would be taken from the world just a few years later. I was, in fact, looking forward to his promised next West coast USA tour and another visit with my long-time friend. For me, Brian Jacques will forever remain one of the true few
who could paint pictures with words.<br />
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We all miss you, Brian, though it is
perhaps fitting that the final Redwall book is about rogues. As a rogue
scoundrel who worked many odd jobs in his life, this was perhaps Brian’s last
wink and nod to the world.<br />
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Goodnight, Brian. Goodnight, Redwall.</div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Thanks for reading, I’m William Robert Stanek, Microsoft’s #1 author for nearly 20 years, and author of over 250 topselling books.</span></span>Robert Stanekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12853491495953234680noreply@blogger.com0