Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

Dead Tree Books, eBook

Mommy Porn, the #1 genre in sales and conversion for eBook Explosion

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Forget the bustier rippers and the thick afternoon romance novels with Fabio on the cover.  According to eBook Explosion, the number one genre out there is ‘sensual romance.’  Mommy porn.  The stuff that makes even Anastasia Steele breathe heavier when she’s not hanging out with Christian Grey (yeah, I just made a Shades of Grey reference).

From SBWire:

A new study based on sales of 2,265 eBook titles released by eBook Explosion, a social media marketing company, reports that the “Sensual Romance” genre (dubbed as “Mommy Porn”) has risen to the #1 spot in both sales and conversion rates among the books marketed by the company using the social media.

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General

Congratulations to Peter Capaldi – the 12th Doctor!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Actor Peter Capaldi has been announced as the new star of BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who.

According to BBC News:

The 55-year-old Glasgow-born star will be the 12th actor to play the Doctor, replacing outgoing lead Matt Smith.

Capaldi is best known for his role as foul-mouthed spin-doctor Malcolm Tucker in the BBC series The Thick of It.

“It’s so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer, but it’s been so fantastic,” he said after the news was revealed on a live BBC One show.

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Activities, Hiking - General, National Forests, National Parks, State Parks

Hiking the Sierras

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Dick Hagerty, an Oakdale real estate developer active in community nonprofits, has written an excellent community column in the Modesto Bee about getting outdoors and hiking the Sierras.

I truly love getting outdoors, and I encourage everyone to visit the cathedrals of nature and see what something beyond your TV screen and computer monitor.  The world is a wide and wonderous place!

From the column:

It is not too late in the summer season to take a short drive up to the mountains and enjoy a day hiking through the woods and the wilderness. We just did the Panorama Trail in Yosemite this week, and despite the very strenuous ups and downs it was one of the all time greatest view treks I have ever experienced.

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National Forests, National Parks, News

Peter T. Hoss: Yosemite draft plan won’t benefit Merced River

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Peter T. Hoss has penned an editorial for the Monterey Herald about the idiotic Draft Merced River Plan.  In it, he lays out issues with the plan which I wholeheartedly agree with.

From the editorial:

An ad hoc group of retired people from all aspects of Yosemite life, small in number but vast in experience, has protested the current Draft Merced River Plan and the accompanying environmental impact report, which led to my testimony before a congressional subcommittee on July 9.

This plan, which would dramatically reduce recreational use of parts of Yosemite National Park, is not a political issue. Followers of all political persuasions cherish visiting Yosemite.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, applied to the Merced River, was never intended by its draftsman, now-retired Congressman Tony Coelho, to apply to the 81 miles of the river within Yosemite. That portion made the final draft because of an administrative oversight when the House and Senate versions of the legislation were combined.

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Activities, Jeep, Off Roading

Sierra Trek coming up August 8!

Posted on by Shawn E. Bell

Sierra Trek is a terrific event hosted by the California Association of 4WD Clubs, Inc.  It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year, and an event that shouldn’t be missed.  It’s taking place near Truckee in Northern California from August 8th through the 11th at Meadow Lake.

Just running Fordyce Trail with a group that knows what they’re doing is WELL worth the trip!

From the website:

Sierra Trek is the granddaddy of Cal 4 events. It is held in Northern California near Truckee. The event takes participants over the famous Fordyce Trail and the surrounding areas via SUV, ATV, modified 4×4 vehicles and dedicated trail rigs.

We are working hard to introduce new and fun activities for families that we know you will enjoy. You can still run the Fordyce trail with the confidence that the trail staff will make your adventure memorable!

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