Read any of my novels, and you know the research, even when controversial, remains solid. In GRIM REAPER: End of Days, the hero's character arc is shaped by a major event: September 11, 2001. A new campaign to reveal an unwanted truth about 9/11 is gaining a foothold in the mainstream media, and don't expect it to go away. And if this lid is finally pried off, it will change the world - perhaps in 2012? Check it out at the below link. Be sure to watch the commercial AND the Geraldo interview on FOX. Why should you care? Because innocent lives were stolen on this day, and a million more have followed. As Dante Alighiera states in a quote featured in GRIM REAPER: "The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."

I had to put down my German Shepherd, Meg on Wednesday. She was almost fourteen years old and could barely walk. She was my pal, adorning many a back cover photo with me (her nose made mine look smaller,) A few weeks ago we purchased an 8 week old female German Shepherd puppy. She play-bites a lot and even attacked Meg, who set her straight. Appropriately, we have named her Angel. I will post photos on my facebook page.

Participants asked me to extend the deadline so they could earn signed posters as well as an opportunity to be a character in my next novel. If you ever wanted to see your name and bio written into a story, THIS IS THE OPPORTUNITY! The competition remains wide open so it's not too late. The participants who are doing really well followed the simple secret: Alter the name of the video before posting. To enter the character contest go to the below link. Immortality is just a few clicks away.

Last month I reported about dialing 888-382-1222 on your cell phone to cancel telemarketers from accessing your cell phone. This was wrong info, my apologies. From now on, I will double check with Snopes!

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - The trial has been pushed back for a Central California high school wrestler charged with sexual battery for apparently employing a commonly used wrestling move during a practice match. Defense lawyer Stephen Quade told the Fresno Bee that his 17-year-old client is now scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 13 in juvenile court. Clovis police say the boy is accused of ramming his fingers into the rectum of his opponent during a July practice, but Quade argues he used a legitimate move called the "butt drag." Prosecutors had offered to dismiss the case if the teen stayed out of trouble for several months, but Quade said his client would reject the deal because he didn't do anything wrong. On Thursday, the judge placed a gag order on the case.

Have you read a story that borders on the ridiculous? Send it to Steve Alten at Meg82159@aol.com and if we use it, I'll send you a signed MEG poster!

In his debut novel, 2012 The Awakening, Bill Douglas tackles the 2012 prophecy with a sobering yet uplifting story that should be required reading for everyone on Wall Street and Capitol Hill.

--Steve Alten, New York Times Best-selling Author of MEG and DOMAIN

Enlightenment Dudes Book Reviews gave "2012 The Awakening" 10 out of 10 STARS, calling it "MIND BLOWING"

"What a gift it is to see fictional entertainment tackling the large issues of humanity!" - Deepak Chopra "2012 The Awakening will grab you by your heart and leave you breathless!"

- St. Louis Examiner.com

To purchase the novel, go to the below link which has links to all the amazon and kindle purchase points.

Science teacher Charlie McDaniel died from a massive stroke on December 16th. I met Charlie eight years ago when he began using my novels in his classrooms as part of the Adopt-An-Author program. He was an outstanding teacher and a great human being. I had just seen Charlie in November when I spoke at his school. He is survived by his wife, sons and family, and thousands of students whose lives he touched. He will be missed but his memory lives on.

A 25 year old Jewish girl tells her Mom that she has missed her period for two months. Very worried, the mother goes to the drugstore and buys a pregnancy kit. The test result shows that the girl is pregnant. Shouting and crying, the mother says, "Who was the pig that did this to you? I want to know!" Without answering, the girl picks up the phone and makes a call. Half an hour later, a Mercedes stops in front of their house. A mature and distinguished man with gray hair and wearing a yarmulke steps out of the car and enters the house. He sits in the living room with the father, mother, and the girl and tells them, "Good morning. Your daughter has informed me of the problem. I can't marry her because of my personal family situation but I'll take charge. I will pay all costs and provide for your daughter for the rest of her life. Additionally, if a girl is born, I will bequeath two retail furniture stores, a deli, a condo in Miami, and a $1,000,000 bank account. If a boy is born, my legacy will be a chain of jewelry stores and a $25,000,000 bank account. "However, if there is a miscarriage, I'm not sure what to do. What do you suggest?" The girl's mother placed a hand firmly on the man's shoulder. "So, you'll try again."

*IF YOU HAVE A JOKE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at MEG82159@aol.com Put JOKE in the subject line.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts- cooked whole until done, then cube and mix with seasonings. Mushrooms, one scallion, broccoli optional. 1 tablespoon of taco seasonings, 1 tbs of picante spicy chicken bullion, 1 tsp of thyme, 1 1/2 tsp of crushed garlic, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of Lawrys seasoning salt, 1/4 tsp of table salt.

Mix taco seasonings and bullion in one cup of water, put in a pan. Simmer ingredients with meat in sauce pan. Then put in tortilla shells. Place shells in greased baking pan. *cheese on top is optional* then put it in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at MEG82159@aol.com Put RECIPE in the subject line.