Leon Stevens's Blog
November 29, 2025
Weekend Wrap-up Nov 29: One thing after the other
So, Black Friday is over, in the US millions are on their way home from the Thanksgiving holiday, and everyone is waiting to see what deals are to be had on Cyber Monday. But, in less than four weeks, the Christmas mayhem begins. Hanukkah will be going on as well along with Kwanzaa.
Don’t forget New Year’s Eve…What a busy time of year.
-Leon
In case you missed it:Weekend Wrap-up Nov 29: One thing after the otherBlack Friday: Nov 28Thursday Thoughts: ThanksgivingWeird Wednesday: “Pardon me?”Tuesday Top 10: Holiday MoviesLeon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
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November 28, 2025
Black Friday: Nov 28
Black Friday. Gone are the days of a mad stampede through department store doors to snap up the $20 TVs and 50 cent socks.
The first recorded Black Friday was in 1307 when a pet store discounted all their rats to one penny with the slogan: “Buy One Get One Flea”
Understandably, the popularity of Black Friday waned until the 1970s when Macy’s decided to blow out all the
It wasn’t until the invention of the flat screen TV that consumers were willing to risk life and limb for a great deal because before that, no one wanted to carry out a heavy cathode-ray tube television.
The whole online shopping frenzy began once the dial-up connection time was cut from hissss-beep-blorp-buzz-buzz-hiss-beep-beep-gorble-gorble-beep to only three beeps and one gorble.
Now Black Friday runs from the end October to the end of November just in time for people to realize they just spent all their money on themselves so for Christmas everyone will just get $10 gift cards.
None of my books are on sale, but I think they are all reasonably priced!
Happy Holidays!
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 27, 2025
Thursday Thoughts: Thanksgiving
Here in Canada we do Thanksgiving the right way … Two months before Christmas which gives us a chance to recover from all the food and all the family.
To help with the stress, I’ll share a couple of my favorite television moments. First, from Friends, Joey vs the Turkey:
This next one, is more obscure, but in my opinion the funniest Thanksgiving moment in television history. WKRP was a sitcom from the 70s about a radio station in Cincinnati.
In this episode, the bumbling general manager wants to be more involved in promotions and comes up with a Thanksgiving giveaway with the sales manager which he keeps secret from the rest of the staff.
If you get a chance, the series if worth the time to watch.
Moving on, here’s what I wrote about Thanksgiving last year:
Archeologists have discovered the transcript of the first meeting of Native Americans and pilgrims.
“That’s a really big canoe.”
“No shit Sherlock, got any other words of wisdom?”
“Why are you like that? Hey, look. They do have small canoes. They are coming here. What do you think they want?”
“I dunno. Maybe they want to build summer homes along the beach that gets eroded every time there a storm, then after their insurance company denies their claim, they rebuild anyway.”
“C’mon. No one is that stupid.”
“We should get them addicted to tobacco.”
“Yeah, we should. We should also sell them a bunch of stuff, then next week put everything on sale really cheap.”
“Hey, why are they wearing buckles on their heads?”
“Excuse me my good man, do you mind if we live here?”
“What did he say?”
“No idea, but he stinks.”
“Yeah, that’s really bad. Let’s get out of here.”
“Where are they going, Captain?”
“I don’t know, but it’s pretty rude.”
A short fragment of the first Thanksgiving was also unearthed, but was used as a napkin, so it is incomplete:
“What is this called?”
“It is a cornucopia. A horn o’ plenty if you will.”
[grease stain]
“All the grapes and legumes are falling to the bottom. Can you pass that thick, brown soup? You really overcooked the turkey we brought.”
[gravy splot]
“These yellow kernaly cylinders are amazing. Have you ever thought about processing all the sugar out of it and putting into everything you eat?”
“No, but I like what you did with the pumpkin. The spices would really go well with my coffee.”
“Shh. Don’t tell them that. I have an idea.”
And finally, the last words as the guests were leaving:
“I don’t feel so good.”
“You just overate.”
“I think they gave me measles…”
Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers. That comes from me tariff free…
-Leon
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Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 26, 2025
Weird Wednesday: “Pardon me?”
One of the weirdest duties of the US president is the annual turkey pardon. Since 1870, turkeys have been presented to sitting presidents from citizens and businesses as gifts—not bribes, of course—and were traditionally slaughtered and eaten my the administrations.
It wasn’t until John F. Kennedy jokingly spared his gift from that fate by saying, “we’ll let this one grow.” four days before his assassination, leading to the theory that he had pissed off the turkey grower’s association.
The first official pardon was signed by Ronald Regan when he pardoned the turkeys “Robust” and “Juicy”, which also ushered in the tradition of giving them funny names:
Biscuits and GravyMarshmallow and YamFlyer and FryerCobbler and GobblerCheese and MacTater and TotAs you might tell, this tradition is meant to be light-hearted. President Obama said in 2016: “I want to take a moment to recognize the brave turkeys who weren’t so lucky. Who didn’t get to ride the gravy train to freedom. Who met their fate with courage and sacrifice and proved that they weren’t chicken.”
During a rather cold ceremony in 2022, President Biden said he would keep the ceremony brief because, “Nobody likes it when their turkey gets cold”.
So leave it to Donald Trump to turn it into an opportunity to attack his opponents and detractors in a 40 minute rant and ramble where he called Illinois governor J.D. Prisker a “fat slob”, said he was going to call the turkeys “Chuck” and “Nancy” but that he would never pardon them, and then declaring Biden’s turkey pardons invalid, citing his favorite obsession, the auto-pen.
He then stated that the birds had been “fattened on a steady diet of grass beef to allow the smoothies and all of the other things that they’ve been eating for this occasion,” and true to form he also declared that the turkeys “Gobble” and “Waddle” were the biggest turkeys ever pardoned:“They’re like record-setting. I’ve never seen a turkey that big before.”
Not surprising from the president who sold sponsorships to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House earlier this year.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 25, 2025
Tuesday Top 10: Holiday Movies
Thirty-eight years ago, advertising executive Neal Page leaves his advertising office in New York to catch a plane to his home in Chicago for Thanksgiving.
And the rest is … hilarious.
If you have never seen the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy, this it the week to do so. Written and directed by filmmaker John Hughes, it’s comedy at its finest, and if you don’t cry at some point …
I think it is a brilliant look at class divides, stereotypes, adaptability, and human behaviour, and it is one of my all-time favorite movies.
Speaking of holiday movies, there seems to be an inordinate amount of Christmas movies compared to the other holidays.
Top Ten Holiday Movies
10. It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas
9. Elf
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
7. Love Actually. It took me a long time to watch this. Not because I kept pausing it, but I had only watched it for the first time 2 years ago.
6. The Grinch (Jim Carrey version)
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (original animated)
4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
3. Independence Day. Technically not a holiday themed movie.
2. A Fish Called Wanda. Technically not a Christmas movie, but my family started a tradition to watch it each holiday.
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Did I miss Die Hard?. Yes. Yes I did. I ran out of room.
What are your favorites?
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 19, 2025
Weird Wednesday: Reviews?
“I was immediately drawn into A Matter of Sabotage. This isn’t just a space adventure, it’s a story about friendship, courage, and uncovering hard truths in a universe on the brink of expansion. Cadet Tammon Lancaster and his friends are vividly realized, and the tension between personal stakes and the broader future of humanity makes the story gripping from start to finish.”
If you are an indie author, you will immediately recognize a “review” like this. I get them in my email on a regular basis from marketers who want to take my money. Here’s a couple more:
“The View from Here: A Science Fiction Mystery is an immersive, suspenseful adventure that draws readers into a hidden world of secrets, discovery, and intellectual intrigue. Thomas’s unexpected journey alongside a mysterious companion combines physical challenge, clever problem-solving, and a sense of wonder, making this story perfect for readers who love science fiction with a strong element of mystery. The layered puzzles, high-stakes exploration, and dynamic duo create a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.“
“Your novel, The View from Here, instantly grabbed my attention. The way it blends mystery, science fiction, and adventure, beginning with that simple yet haunting note, “Not Abandoned” is exactly the kind of captivating storytelling that keeps our readers turning pages late into the night. Thomas’s unexpected journey into a hidden world sets the stage for the kind of immersive, thought-provoking discussions.”
Did you also know that NYT bestselling authors follow me on X? I get those a lot to. If I follow back (which I don’t anymore) I get messages like:
Hey Leon ! 
Thanks a ton for the follow! When did you first start your writing journey? And what exciting project are you working on right now? Can’t wait to hear all about it!
A bit of sleuthing uncovers that the real author doesn’t have an X account.
It is quite relentless…
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 16, 2025
Songs for a Sunday: Trampled by Turtles
Ever wonder how Mumford and Sons got their sound? Formed in 2007, they were four years later than the bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles who hail from the music mecca of Duluth, Minnesota.
Here’s a cover of a Pixies song:
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 14, 2025
Factual Friday: What are Magnets?
Okay, Donald Trump says a lot of stupid things, but the other day he said, “Nobody knows what magnets are.”
Oh, you don’t believe me? (of course you do, it’s Trump). But here it is:
Now, he has also said that Congresswomen Jasmin Crocket and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are stupid people with low IQs, so we might have to take that one with a grain of salt.
A quick Google search provides us with thei explanation:
“Magnets generate a magnetic field because of the collective spin of electrons within their atoms. In magnetic materials, these electrons are arranged so their magnetic moments align in the same direction, creating a strong, combined magnetic field that extends from a north pole to a south pole. In non-magnetic materials, the electron spins are random and cancel each other out, resulting in no overall magnetic field.“
Now, I understand that, but it might go over the head of someone who believes no one knows what magnets are.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 13, 2025
Thursday Thoughts: A-I-A-I not again…
I’m no country music expert, but…
What passes as country music today isn’t … well, isn’t that good, and it hasn’t been for a while now. Granted, music like any artform evolves, but can we lay off the young male, low voice, rap crap?
Seems like all the new songs are written in a predictable, formulatic way, and sung by the same male vocalist.
Wait. They actually are!
In this case all by the same artist. That’s the state of country music, I guess.
I read on time that there was an isolated valley in Africa where a pride of lions lived that was having health issues because of lack of genetic variety due to inbreeding.
Lack of variety is bad? I’ll agree with that. Also, this lack of variety is making it easier for computer intelligence to influence humanity.
Case in point? One of the #1 hits on the country charts this week is an AI generated song called “Walk My Walk” by Breaking Rust. Generic names and titles aside, it’s not very good.
Definitely not good enough to chart in my opinion.
Definitely not good enough to warrant sharing it. Look it up if you are curious.
Speaking of generic country, there’s a streaming show called Letterkenny about a bunch of Canadian farm hicks, and in one episode they wanted to write a hit country song and they tried to use all the clichés they could.
Definitely better than the AI crap.
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
November 11, 2025
Tuesday Top Ten: Reopening Concessions
With the US government shutdown on the verge of ending, both sides have a list of requirements to re-open the house.
Top Ten Concessions10. Marjorie Taylor Greene has to make up her mind on what side she’s on.
9. Bernie Sanders has to admit he was responsible for starting the whole mitt meme.
8. White House has to put a real picture of Joe Biden up.
7. The Oval Office is only allowed to contain less than 50% tacky gold.
6. Democrats have to talk to the late night hosts and ask them to be nicer.
5. Karoline Leavitt has to just stfu.
4. Republican congress has to actually vote on something and not just defer power
3. East Wing has to be rebuilt.
2. Donald Trump has to stay awake for 90% of his press conferences.
1. John Fetterman has to start wearing real pants
-Leon
Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.
My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/
Free books? Sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter and choose one or more!
