Monthly Archives: September 2016

Daily Links and Deals: I Love Reading Romance Novels, But I Won’t Compromise On These Elements Of A Love Story

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daily_links_1Today, an opinion piece on must-have elements in romance novels. Also, Netflix weighs in on data caps, a critical view of the five-year limit on Chromebooks’ usleful life, a retro Nintendo deck and more. In deals, Norton Security Deluxe software.

Daily Links for day, September 13, 2016:

Twitter finally sets date to grow beyond its 140 character limit (The Next Web) Names and links won’t count against your limit soon.

Netflix wants annoying data caps to be illegal (The Verge) Netflix is lobbying really hard to ditch the data caps.

The RetroUSB AVS just replaced my childhood Nintendo (Engadget) Okay. I still have a huge box of original games in the basement that I have held onto for years. #hoarderwins

I Love Reading Romance Novels, But I Won’t Compromise On These Elements Of A Love Story (Bustle) Romance novels are very popular. Here’s a look look at one person’s must have elements list.

Why my older Chromebook has a right to live, even if Google says it’s over (PC World) Google has decided that Chromebooks have a five year life cycle. But what if your machine still functions fine?

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Color of Magic: A Novel of Discworld by Terry Pratchett.

In Today’s Deals, Norton Security Deluxe for 5 Devices.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss (Dahlia Moss Mystery Series #1) by Max Wirestone. The Romance Daily Find is The Gun Runner by Scott Hildreth.

Barnes and Noble also has a selection of NOOK Books Under $2.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Wednesday Sisters A Novel by Meg Waite Clayton. The Extra Daily Deal is Crysis: Legion by Peter Watts.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres. The Kobo Aura One and the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes This Time Together by Carol Burnett.

Google Books has a selection of Big Books, Big Deals (up to 75% off great reads).

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Leon Uris books on sale today

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exodusPublisher Open Road Media is offering deals on eight novels by bestselling author Leon Uris. Included is the amazing 20th century classic, Exodus, a book that has been described as “one of the most influential narratives of the founding of the State of Israel.”  The 1958 epic has been translated into over fifty languages.

The sale titles are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Google Play Books.

The featured titles are:

Here’s a brief profile of Leon Uris:

Book prices are good for today only.

Daily Links and Deals: The Upside of Fewer People Asking Librarians for Help

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daily_links_1Today, a look at what librarians are doing with their time in the age of Google. Also, Samsung is making the Galaxy Note 7 recall official, Pac-Man is still pretty cool and what the AirPods will do for the future of A.I. In deals, a iRobot Roomba and a deal on a basic Kindle two pack.

Daily Links for Monday, September 12, 2016:

The Upside of Fewer People Asking Librarians for Help (Take Part) People using Google to look up things they used to ask librarians. They are doing some amazing things with that “free” time.

Official recall for exploding Galaxy Note 7 phones coming, Samsung and US confirm (PC World) So far, the recall has been voluntary, but that’s about to change.

Pac-Man Is Still Cool (Motherboard) There’s a new Pac-Man in town and he makes us remember why we loved the game in the first place.

When A.I. whispers in your ear all day (Computer World) Is this what Apple’s new AirPods mean for the future?

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Pet Friendly by Sue Pethick.

In Today’s Deals, a iRobot Roomba 870 Vacuuming Robot – Robotic Vacuum. Amazon is also featuring a limited-time special for the basic model Kindles. Buy two and use a coupon code “TWOPACK40” at checkout.and get $40 off.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner. The Romance Daily Find is Tied Score by Elia Winters.

Barnes and Noble also has a selection of NOOK Books Under $2.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is the Grayson Brothers Series Boxed Set by Wendy Lindstrom for 99 cents. The Extra Daily Deal is Dirtiest Secret by J. Kenner.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres. The Kobo Aura Oneand the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Dear Husband: Stories by Joyce Carol Oates.

Google Books has a selection of Topsellers Under $10.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Sunday Daily Deals: The Fifth Season, basic model Kindles

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fifth_seasonDeals of the Day for day, September 11, 2016:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth Book 1) by N. K. Jemisin (this title is a 2016 Hugo Award winner).

In Today’s Deals, an Englander Finale 10-Inch Three-Zone Innerspring Mattress.

Amazon is also featuring a limited-time special for the basic model Kindles. Buy two and use a coupon code “TWOPACK40” at checkout.and get $40 off.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is 102 Minutes: The Unforgettable Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers by Jim Dwyer.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Delirium by Lauren Oliver. The Extra Daily Deal is 102 Minutes The Unforgettable Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers by Jim Dwyer, Kevin Flynn.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres. The Kobo Aura Oneand the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Map That Changed the World by Simon Winchester.

Google Books has a selection of Topsellers Under $10.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Saturday Daily Deals: Killer Reunion (Savannah Reid Mysteries)

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killer_reunionDeals of the Day for Saturday, September 10, 2016:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Killer Reunion (Savannah Reid Mysteries) by G. A. Mckevett.

In Today’s Deals, a Bushnell Fall Sportsman’s Deal of the Day that features a selection of binoculars and range finders.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick. The Romance Daily Find is The Bracelet by Dorothy Love.

Barnes and Noble also has a selection of NOOK Books Under $2.99.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls A Novel by Anton DiSclafani. The Extra Daily Deal is The Poison Tree A Novel by Erin Kelly.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres. The Kobo Aura Oneand the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Other People We Married by Emma Straub.

Google Books has a selection of Topsellers Under $10.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Daily Links and Deals: How to tell an explosive Galaxy Note 7 from a non-explosive one

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daily_links_1Those exploding Samsung Note 7 phones have featured prominently in the news. Now, Samsung has devised a system so you know if the one you are buying is safe. In the meantime, the FAA want you to leave them turned off when on a plane. Also more news on the iPhone headphone jack issue, how Google Chrome intends to push websites to HTTPS and a critical update for WordPress users. In deals, and inflatable hammock lounger.

Daily Links for Friday, September 9, 2016:

Listen to wired headphones while charging your iPhone 7? It’s going to cost you (ZD Net) As Apple attempts to move the world to wireless audio, many will make due with the wired headphones they have on hand. You can charge and enjoy music if you purchase the right accessory.

Google Chrome to start marking HTTP connections as insecure (PC World) Given the fact that web host charge extra for a HTTPS connection, a lot of people are going to be unhappy with this.

How to tell an explosive Galaxy Note 7 from a non-explosive one (Ars Technica) A new labeling system and plans for an IMEI database site will help customers navigate the NOte 7 issue.

The FAA is urging flyers not to turn on or charge Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 on planes (Recode) They also don’t want you to check it in your baggage.

WordPress urges users to update now to fix critical security holes (ZD Net) The update fixes two critical errors, a cross-site scripting flaw and path traversal vulnerability.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Among the Mad: A Maisie Dobbs Novel (Maisie Dobbs Mysteries Series Book 6) by Jacqueline Winspear.

In Today’s Deals, the Twisted Root Design Inflatable Hammock. (The reviews are really bad and very amusing!)

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is All In by Simona Ahrnstedt. The Romance Daily Find is Didn’t I Warn You by Amber Bardan.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is All I Want (An Animal Magnetism Novel Book 7) by Jill Shalvis. The Extra Daily Deal is Hitched (Imperfect Love Book 3) by Kendall Ryan.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres. The Kobo Aura One and the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati.

Google Books has a selection of Topsellers Under $10.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Amazon announces all-new Fire HD 8 tablet

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new_fire_8For the last few weeks,the Fire 8 HD tablet has been sold out on Amazon. Today, Amazon announced an all-new version of the Fire 8 HD tablet. The new version is cheaper, too: $89.99 compared to $149.99 (with special offers). The new Fire promises to incorporate Alexa digital voice assistant from the Echo line of products into the Fire 8. According to Amazon’s website, other products in the fire line will be also receiving the Alexa update in the future .

The new device has a faster processing speed, more storage, an SD slot increased battery life and features a 1200 by 800 189 PPI resolution screen. You can find more specs listed here.

I ordered one of these for myself to give it a try. I have an aging Samsung Galaxy Note 8 tablet which I have been thinking of replacing. Like the Fire 8 HD, the Note 8 also has a 189 ppi resolution screen and I frequently use it for reading Scribd and Pocket articles. I bought one of the $50 fire 7 tablets last year and found the 171 ppi resolution bad enough that, with my vision problems, I won’t use it for reading. The 189 ppi screen is the minimum I find acceptable for reading.

Personally, my ideal would be an Alexa update for my favorite Fire tablet, the Fire HD 6. The HD 6 has a 252 ppi screen resolution that makes for really enjoyable reading experience on a tablet. There’s no word yet on whether that model will receive the update that incorporates the Alexa features. Amazon has had an ongoing price reduction on the HD 6, so they could be clearing stock for a new version. You can pick up an HD 6 for $69.99.

The new devices will be released on September 21, 2016. Like the other Fire tablets, it comes in four color options: Black, blue, magenta and tangerine.  Amazon is offering a payment plan for the new device where you can pay in 5 monthly payments of $18. 🙂

And, for you fellow case fashionistas, I am already checking into the case/cover situation and will have an update soon.

What about you? Is a new Fire tablet on your radar?

Daily Links and Deals: Sales at B and N Down Over 6% in Q1

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daily_links_1Today, Barnes and Noble reports their Q1 earnings and the results are not pretty. Also some news a couple of interesting stories from yesterday’s Apple event (We all heard about the headphone jack beforehand, right?). And, news on cord cutting, Twitters new changes to direct messages and a piece on downsizing your library. In deals, $20 off Madden NFL 17.

Daily Links for Thursday, September 8, 2016:

Apple just made replacing your cracked iPhone screen more affordable (CNET) Update to AppleCare+ warranty lowers the cost of fixing a cracked screen to $29.

Apple’s New iPhone Doesn’t Have A Headphone Jack, What Does That Mean For Your Car? (Jalopnik) Headphone are one thing, but how do you connect on the road? The age of your vehicle and the design of the stereo system are pivotal.

Cord cutting is a bigger bargain than ever (PC World) A run through the numbers based on current prices and options.

Don’t Worry, Here’s How You Can Disable Twitter DM Read Receipts (Motherboard) If you hate auto DMs and check out my Facebook messages as much as I do, you may appreciate learning how to turn it off.

Sales at B&N Down Over 6% in Q1 (Publishers Weekly) This is not surprising for so many reasons….

Downsizing My Library for My Tiny House (Read it Forward) How do you decide which books belong in your life?

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir by Ruth Wariner.

In Today’s Deals, save on Madden NFL 17 for Xbox and Playstation.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is a collection of Star Trek novels for $1.99 each to celebrate the series 50th anniversary. The Romance Daily Find is Seek Me with All Your Heart (Land of Canaan Series #1) by Beth Wiseman.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is All In (High Stakes Book 1) by Simona Ahrnstedt. The Extra Daily Deal is Savannah’s Song (South of Forever Book 2) by Elizabeth Barone.

There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres.

The Kobo Aura One and the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes Adverbs A Novel by Daniel Handler.

Google Books has a selection of Big Books, Big Deals (up to 75% off).

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Daily Links and Deals: Kobo, OverDrive Post Instructions on How to Use Library eBooks on the Aura One

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daily_links_1If you were looking for more info on how OverDrive works on the new Kobo e-readers, there’s news. Also, news on OpenOffice, a how-to on watching the NFL games without cable, The Reading Room re-brands and more. In deals, savings on PC storage and networking products.

Daily Links for Wednesday, September 7, 2016:

Kobo, OverDrive Post Instructions on How to Use Library eBooks on the Aura One (The Digital Reader) Well, this isn’t what I hoped for with this feature…. 😦

OpenOffice is dead. Long live LibreOffice (ZD Net) Why is one dying and the other doing just fine? Here’s the history behind this.

Consumers have no right to buy a PC without an OS, European court rules (PC World) Ah, France. Here’s an argument for building your own computer.

How to Watch the NFL Without Cable TV (Motherboard) A primer for cord-cutting football fans.

Customers want their headphone jack. Apple doesn’t care (Quartz) Apple is pushing back against the tradition business model of the customer is always right.

The Reading Room, Renamed Bookstr, Debuts New Website (Publishers Weekly) By re-branding, this service hopes to attract millennials.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes Wishes (The Montgomery/Taggert Family Book 7) by Jude Deveraux.

In Today’s Deals, save up to 50% off select PC storage and networking products (includes extension drives, SD cards, routers, WiFi extenders and more).

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Quirk: Brain Science Makes Sense of Your Peculiar Personality by Hannah Holmes. The Romance Daily Find is Off the Hook by Laura Drewry.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Mother Teresa An Authorized Biography by Kathryn Spink. The Extra Daily Deal is AT Once An Alex Troutt Thriller, Book 3 by John W. Mefford. There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres.

The Kobo Aura One and the Aura Edition 2 e-readers are now available for order at the Kobo store.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati.

Google Books has a selection of Topsellers Under $10.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.

Daily Links and Deals: Why I like my e-reader better than my smartphone

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daily_links_1Can a dedicated e-reader provide a better reading experience than a smartphone? Also, a look at the descriptions of food in literature, questions about Comcast’s data meter and YouTube accused of censorship by using ad revenue as leverage. In deals, Wemo smart plugs, voice recognition software and the Amazon Tap for $99.99.

Daily Links for Tuesday, September 6, 2016:

Literary Meals that Leap off the Page (Read it Forward) Think about the food described in books! Could you imagine reading Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe without descriptions of food?

Why I like my e-reader better than my smartphone (TechGig) How using an e-reader gives a better, distraction-free experience.

Tales from Comcast’s data cap nation: Can the meter be trusted? (Ars Technica) Gee, they claim their meter is perfect….

YouTubers call out ad guidelines as a form of censorship (Engadget) If you lose your income because you talked about a particular subject, is that censorship? YouTube’s new notifications have a lot of people asking that question.

Deals of the Day:

Amazon’s selection of Kindle Daily Deals includes The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald and the iconic Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.

In Today’s Deals, up to 40% off the Wemo Switch Smart Plug, Wi-Fi (it works with the Amazon Echo). Also, special pricing on Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice recognition software. Amazon also still has the Amazon Tap for $30 off.

The Barnes and Noble Nook Daily Find is Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes. The Romance Daily Find is One Reckless Summer (Destiny, Ohio Series #1) by Toni Blake.

Kobo’s Daily Deal is Dirtiest Secret by J. Kenner. The Extra Daily Deal is The Quick A Novel by Lauren Owen. There is also a selection of Great Reads Under $5 and Bargain Reads in Fiction, in Mystery and other genres.

iTunes’ Weekly Bestsellers Under $4 includes The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly.

Google Books has a selection of craft and cooking books in a Self-Improvement Sale.

(A note on Daily Deals: All prices current at the time of posting and subject to change. Most items marked Daily Deals are good for only the day posted.

Many large promotions have discount pricing that is set by the publisher. This usually means that titles can be found at a discount price across most platforms (with iTunes sometimes being the exception). If you have a favorite retailer you like to patronize, check the title on that website. There is a good chance that they will be matching the sale price.)

Daily Links are interesting links I discover as I go about my online day. The frequency and number of links posted depend upon the daily news. I also post other, different links of interest on Twitter, Facebook, and on the Google Plus eBook Evangelist Page.