British and Irish Writers Condemn No-Deal Brexit - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and gnashing of teeth. Following all the noise took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about British and Irish writers and Brexit.

According to Neill Denny, British and Irish writers' organizations, The Society of Authors and The Irish Writers' Union, have sent a statement about negotiations for Brexit. The joint statement stresses an agreement about how publishing and books will be distributed between the two countries needs to be negotiated before Brexit is finalized between the UK and the EU. According to the groups if this isn't achieved the consequences will be disastrous for England and Ireland. Both would see consequences in the sale and trade of books between the two countries in the form of tariffs and border control problems.

This is a mess for everybody.

Panzer says, "There's a lot more to the exit negotiations than a pat on the head and a don't let the door hit your backside on the way out."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Brexit

Amazon Opens a "Shit People Like to Buy" Store - The Digital Reader

It's been a busy week for Panzer and Mom. Panzer had a vet visit and Mom had a doctor visit. Because of these today's trip into the Catosphere was a quick one to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging he found a post about Amazon.

This is an interesting idea.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Amazon has opened a new brick and mortar store in New York. The Amazon 4-star store will sell items with at least a four star rating by Amazon customers or "new and trending" items. The store will sell more than books and electronic devices. Also mentioned in the post as available are the card game Codenames, Lodge cast iron skillet and the Fire TV stick. At the beginning of the post there is a link to an Amazon announcement about the store opening. Near the middle of the post there is a link to a Techcrunch post which contains much of the same information from the Amazon post.

Panzer says, "Sorry for the bad word!"

Note:This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links and read the additional posts, bring half a thermos of tea and two more muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon 4-star

Nate's Big List of Writing, Marketing and Publishing Podcasts - The Digital Reader

For today's trip into the Catosphere Panzer made a stop at The Digital Reader site. With a little digging in the posts our traveling kitty boy found one about podcasts.

The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder has put together a list of podcasts for writers. The list of podcasts is divided into sections with information about the podcast name, the host, how often a new podcast is uploaded, and a description of the content. There are twenty-two podcasts included on the list.

Where would she hide her password?

Panzer says, "This little kitty needs to find Mom's iTunes account password."

Note: This is a long-medium post. Bring a cup of tea, a muffin, and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Writing, Marketing and Publishing Podcasts

A New Panzerism

Panzer on the Creator's creations:

The Creator only made a certain number of perfect creatures.

Ones ...

with fur ...

See ... No thumbs.

with tails ...

with pointy ears ...

and with the extraordinary ability to purr.

The rest he gave opposable thumbs.



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

The Audible App Arrives on Apple's Apple Watch - The Digital Reader

Exactly where would I wear it?

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging in the posts our traveling kitty found one about the Audible app.

According to site owner Nate Hoffelder, the Audible app is now available on the Apple Watch. Apple Watch owners can listen to Audible Originals, ebooks and fitness programs using their watch.There's a link in the post to read about Audible and to signup for a free 30 day trial.

Panzer says, "Ummm ... The Comment section is kind of strange."

Note: This is a short post. Bring half a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Audible app

Apple's iBook revamp, Apple Books, is here - Tech Crunch

Free is always good.

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere was a quick one today. Our speedy little kitty stopped in at the Tech Crunch site. Digging around he found a post about Apple's new Apple Books.

According to Kate Clark's post, Apple Books is now live. Apple Books is the Apple iBooks upgrade. All iphones have Apple Books with the installation of the iOS 12 update. The post explains what the new Apple Books looks like on the iphone. As well as what's new at the Apple Book Store, including free books.

Panzer says, "Free ebooks? The new Book Store sounds interesting."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Apple Books

B&N Opens Prototype Store in Maryland - Publishers Weekly

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today he stopped in at the Publishers Weekly (PW) site. There with no digging at all he found a post about Barnes and Noble.

I wonder which will work for them.

According to Ed Nawotka, Barnes and Noble opened a new store in Maryland today. It's called a new prototype store. The store is smaller and carries fewer books than a normal Barnes and Noble store. The company has been trying different store layouts and footprint sizes for the prototype stores. There are plans to open five more stores by April of next year. According to the post, Barnes and Noble will choose a prototype store concept in the next 12 to 18 months.

Panzer says, "Hmm ...  So, based on sales at each prototype store the company will choose the one that works the best. Sounds like a good idea to this little kitty."

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a biscuit (cookie) for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble prototype store

Instafreebie to Rebrand as Prolific Works - The Digital Reader

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to The Digital Reader site. With a little digging around there our inquisitive kitty found a post about Instafreebie.

Humans have to change stuff all the time.

According to site owner Nate Hoffelder, Instafreebie announced a few days ago the company was setting up accounts for users to "claim." Instafreebie allows users to download free ebooks. With the new accounts users would be able to see all the ebooks they've downloaded from Instafreebie. The company announced this week it's making a name change. The new name will be Prolific Works. According to the same announcement the company is "pivoting" in a new direction. Nothing about the new direction in the announcement, because that is being withheld until a webinar next week. The Digital Reader post quotes extensively from the Instafreebie announcement.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty wonders what the "pivot" is going to be. There must some reason it's such a big secret."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Instafreebie

A New Panzerism

Panzer on retribution:

There I was snoozing on the warm keyboard when What's His Name told me to, "Get Down."

Push the cat? I don't think so.

He pushed me off the desk!

I was shocked, shocked I tell you!

I wonder if he'll be shocked, when he finds what I put in his running shoes. *


* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Audible Now Gives Subscribers Two Free Audible Original Titles Each Month - The Digital Reader

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard clapping and cheering coming from up ahead. Following all the jocularity took our inquisitive kitty boy to The Digital Reader site. There with a little digging he found a post about Audible's new benefit for subscribers.

I listen to them when I'm going to sleep.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Amazon's Audible has a new benefit for subscribers. Subscribers can choose two free titles from the Audible Original monthly collection of six. The Audible Originals are written exclusively for Audible.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty wonders how an author gets included in Audible Original."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Audible

Novelist who wrote about 'How to Murder Your Husband' charged with murdering her husband - The Washington Post

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to make a trip to The Washington Post site. With no digging at all he discovered a post about romance author Nancy Crampton Brophy.

According to the post by Meagan Flynn, indie romance author Nancy Crampton Brophy has been arrested for murdering her husband Daniel Brophy. Police say she shot her husband at the culinary school where he worked. Police haven't released a motive or any information about why they believe she is the murderer since there were no witnesses to the crime. It is known, however, that in 2011 the author did post online about 'How to Murder Your Husband' and get away with it.

It's not a secret if you tell the world.

Panzer says, "Always be careful what you post online ... Because once it's online, it's there forever."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a big cup of tea, a muffin and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Author Nancy Crampton Brophy

B&N Sees Better Times Ahead - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catospehere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly (PW) site. With a little digging our busy kitty boy found a post about Barnes and Noble.

I told them, but they wouldn't listen.

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble is optimistic about a sales turnaround. Company Chairman Len Riggio is pinning his hopes on the new order a book online and pick it up in your local Barnes and Noble bookstore feature and the coming holiday sales. Mr. Riggio said in a conference call that the stores with restaurants have turned out to be a mistake. Going forward, the Barnes and Noble book club will be joined by other in-store events.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty has said all along a restaurant with alcohol didn't belong in a bookstore."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

September 11 - Patriot Day

Never Forget    

 

September 11, 2001

Dutchman wins Welsh bookshop in raffle draw - The Bookseller

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to The Bookseller site. There with a little digging around he found a post about a raffle for a bookstore.

According to the post by Charlotte Erye, Dutchman Ceisjan Van Heerden won the Bookends bookshop in a raffle. The raffle ticket drawing was held on September 1 for the Cardigan, Wales bookshop and its inventory. On November 5 Ceisjan Van Heerden will take possession of the store.

Just imagine. He won all those books, too.

Panzer says, "He won a bookstore? Cats don't usually gamble ... but this little kitty wishes he'd known about this raffle ... because this bet would have been worth it."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to bookshop raffle

A New Panzerism

Why worry? It's already over.

Panzer on the purpose of naps:

I never worry about the future.

Never.

By the time I wake up from my nap the future has already come and gone. *



^From Cat Wisdom for humans

Waterstones buys Foyles - The Bookseller

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to The Bookseller site. With a little digging around our traveling kitty found a post about the UK's Waterstones.

According to Benedicte Page and Philip Jones, Waterstones has acquired Foyles bookshops. Waterstones cited the incursion of Amazon's online presence selling books and ebooks into the UK as the reason for the purchase of the 115 year old Foyles bookstores. Both stores believe in the importance of continuing the personal interaction between bookstores and book buyers. Foyles will maintain its name and employees.

A person to help you find a book is good, too.

Panzer says, "This little kitty agrees with Waterstones and Foyles. There's nothing like strolling into a bookstore and feeling a real book between your paws."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Waterstones

Q1 Sales Down at B&N As Losses Rise - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and weeping outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took our compassionate kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There with no digging at all he found a post about Barnes and Noble's first quarter sales.

There must be a way to turn sales around.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, in a conference call Chairman Len Riggio said Barnes and Noble's first quarter sales figures were down 6.9 percent compared to last year. The sales figures included books, Nooks and general retail sales. While the online book order and sales system got off to bad start, the problems appear to be fixed. Sales revenues were actually down lower, however, part of the decline was offset by expense reductions. The company still plans to open and/or move four stores in the coming quarter. Chairman Len Riggio also addressed the Demos Parneros lawsuit against the company. Contrary to the assertions in the lawsuit, Chairman Riggio said former CEO Parneros was fired for sexual harassment and bullying. There is a lot of information covered in the post.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The new online book (paperback or hardback) ordering system should help increase sales. You can order a copy of a paperback online and then pick it up at your nearest Barnes and Noble store. This little kitty looked and saw you can even order Cat Wisdom for humans there."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Amazon expands San Diego Tech Hub and announces plans to create 300 high tech jobs - Press Release

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Amazon press room. With no digging at all our resourceful kitty found a post about Amazon's newest expansion plans.

According to the Amazon press release, the company will be expanding their San Diego Tech Hub. The expansion will create 300 new employment opportunities for San Diego, California, high tech workers. Amazon has already acquired a new 85,000 sq. ft. office space. There will be a grand opening ceremony on September 6. The post contains links to learn more about Amazon and the plans for the tech hub. The last portion of the post contains the usual history of Amazon.

What exactly is a Tech Hub?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... High tech jobs? This little kitty knows how to use a computer. Maybe I should apply for a job. Oh ... Wait ... I don't live in San Diego."

Note: This is a long-medium post. Bring half a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links too, bring half a thermos of tea and five muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon Tech Hub

Good News for Printers: ITC Ruling Terminates Tariffs on Imported Canadian Newsprint Paper - Book Business

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Book Business site. There with a little digging around our kitty boy found a post about the U.S. tariff on Canadian newsprint paper producers.

According to Mark Michelson, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled Canadian newsprint paper producers aren't injuring U.S. newsprint paper producers. The ITC also ruled Canadian producers aren't dumping newsprint paper on the U.S. market. This means the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) import tariffs on Canadian newsprint won't be collected anymore. The reversal of the tariffs is good news for U.S. printers. Printers (newspapers primarily) won't have to deal with the added costs of the import tariffs and the possibility of laying off employees.

It always seemed kind of silly to me.

Panzer says, "This case didn't make any sense to this little kitty. There aren't that many newsprint producers in the U.S. because there aren't that many markets for newsprint here. That doesn't have anything to do with Canada."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a large cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Canadian newsprint paper

A New Panzerism

Panzer on recorded history:

I really need a kitty-sized collar camera.

Then ...

I could capture wonderful leaps, acts of amazing balance,

and ...

It's cat magic!

sudden feats of startling magic,

when ...

hairballs appear without warning. *


* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Amazon warehouse envoys rally to tweet upbeat comments about working conditions - The Seattle Times

Panzer took an unexpected trip into the Catosphere today. He was shaken from his afternoon nap by strange sounds coming from the Catosphere. Hopping into the Panzermobile and following all the noise took our sleepy kitty to The Seattle Times newspaper site. After a little digging around in the posts our kitty reporter found one about Amazon.

According to Matt Day, Amazon now has more than a dozen "Amazon FC Ambassadors" tweeting on Twitter about how great the work environment in the warehouses is. The "FC" in their title stands for "Fulfillment Center" which is Amazon's name for its warehouses. The post says the Ambassadors don't have anything but praise for Amazon warehouse working conditions and their benefits. Some links are included to other posts including about working conditions, individual FC Ambassadors and the FC Ambassador program.

Who likes everything about their job?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Who are these warehouse workers that they have time to be tweeting online?"

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup and a half of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon warehouse workers