October 31 - Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

From Panzer, Mom and What's His Name

Medallion Press Files for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was traveling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by crying and wailing. Following all the noise took our brave kitty to the Publishers Weekly site. There with no digging at all he discovered news about Medallion Press.

According to Jim Milliot, Medallion Press has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. The company's assets will now be sold to pay its creditors. Medallion Press was started in 2003 as a fiction publisher. The post has more information about the company's beginnings and recent business failings.

Author contracts are an asset, right?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... If you've published anything with Medallion Press, you better get your rights back before they get sold in the bankruptcy."

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

To read the post tootle over to Medallion Press

A New Panerism

In honor of National Black Day and Halloween


Panzer on human superstitions:

Mom says humans think black cats and Friday the 13th are bad luck.

Where did she get that idea?

Oh ...

Wait ...

There was that time I left that present in What's His Name's shoe ...

and ...

Cause and effect maybe?

Mom's credit card and The Catnip of the Month Club ...

and ... and ...

Hmm ... Maybe she is right. *






* From Cat Wisdom for humans

National Black Cat Day

Happy National Black Cat Day *

From Panzer,** Mom and What's His Name


* Not to be confused with International Black Cat Day, Black Cat Appreciation Day or International Black Cat World Domination Day

** Panzer says, "Today would be a good day to buy a copy of Cat Wisdom for humans, so you can learn your proper place in the Black Cat Universe."

HarperCollins Launches YA Novel on Snapchat - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around our inquisitive kitty boy found a post about HarperCollins and Snapchat.

According to Emma Kantor, HarperCollins and Snapchap have joined forces on a new project under Snap Originals. The first book in the new endeavor is the YA novel The Dead Girls Detective Agency. The novel will be delivered to phones during fifteen episodes. Each episode will be 5 minutes long. In the fifteen episodes heroine Charlotte Feldman must find her murderer. Plans are for more Snapchat projects. The post includes a link to Snap Originals.

It's a small screen, but I can see it.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... A whole novel on a phone screen?"

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 Harper Collins and Snapchat

Fantasy Author Brandan Barr

 Panzer and I got some bad news today.

We received fantasy author Brandan Barr email newsletter this morning. The leukemia he has been fighting for the past few years has returned. His doctors have informed him there is no further treatment available and he only has a few weeks to a couple of months left to live.

Over the last few years even while battling cancer and the effects of his treatments Brandon continued to write his novels. Author friends have now stepped in to help him finish the last two novels in his series which were already outlined and begun. Another of his novels is being fast-tracked so he can see it come out in November.

Brandon is married and has three young children.  A GoFundMe page with more information about Brandon and his family has been setup for his wife and children.

If you would like to help them, go to the Brandon Barr Family GoFundMe

Stephen King sold the rights to one of his stories to some teenage film students for just $1 - Av News

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard clapping and shouting and cheering. Following all the jocularity took our kitty traveler to the AV News site. With no digging at all he discovered a post about Stephen King.

According to Sam Barsanti, Stephen King sold the rights to one of his stories for $1. Stephen King has a program called Dollar Babies which allows film school students to buy the movies rights to one of a list of  stories for $1. The "Dollar Baby" that just sold is "Stationary Bike" bought by students at the U.K. Blaenau Gwent Film Academy. The post includes links to the original post about the sale and one to the Dollar Babies site.

I could use Mom's cellphone camera.

Panzer says, "A Stephen King story's movie rights for $1? Makes this little kitty want to go to film-making school."

This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Stephen King

2019 Panzer the Cat Calendar Ready for Halloween

Panzer's second favorite holiday of the year Halloween is only one week away. Halloween is one of the two holidays that recognize black cats for the imperial figures they are. To celebrate the holiday, Panzer has lowered the price of his new 2019 Panzer the Cat Calendar to $20.00. Click the link below Panzer to see the calendar. At the store look on the left below the calendar cover and you can click through the interior photos.

Hurry, if you plan to order at this special price, the day after Halloween the price returns to normal.

Click here to tootle over to the Panzer the Cat Calendar *
* This is the calendar with the U.S. holidays in it

Click here to tootle over to the Panzer the Cat Calendar (No Holidays)
This is the calendar with no holidays version

A New Panzerism

Save your money. Read the list.

Panzer on the Kitty Toy Hall of Fame:

1. Wadded up ball of paper
2. Paper bag (Tied for Second Place)
2. Cardboard box (Tied for Second Place)
3. Shadows on the wall
4. Grape
5. Fly *



* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Scribd, 'New York Times' Team to Offer Joint Subscription - Publishers Weekly

Panzer decided to make a short trip to the Publishers Weekly site. Digging around in the posts our energetic kitty found one about Scribd and The New York Times newspaper.

According to Calvin Reid, Scribd and The New York Times are forming a subscription service. Scribd is a  subscription service with ebooks, audio books and periodicals. Scribd will now offer access to The New York Times (NYT.com) and NYT.com will offer access to Scribd's ebooks, audio books and periodicals. The joint subscription service will cost $12.99. For regular Scribd subscribers who don't want access to The New York Time the cost will stay at $8.99.

Guess they just don't like black cats.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Scribd is one of the places Smashwords distributes my ebooks to, but I've never had any readers 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 Scribd

The Random House and Crown Publishing Groups Merge - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was shaken from his nap by the sound of shouting and yelling coming from the Catosphere. Jumping into the Panzermobile our brave kitty boy followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered a post about the merger of the Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group are merging.

According to John Maher, in a letter to employees US CEO Madeline McIntosh announced the merger of Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group. The merger will create one super-sized publishing group. For now Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group will each keep their name.

Back to something important. A nap.

Panzer says, "Is there such a thing as too big in publishing?"

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 Random House and Crown merger

New waterproof Kindle Paperwhite with brighter six-inch screen: You can pre-order today - TeleRead

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by cheering and clapping. Following all the hullabaloo took our inquisitive kitty boy to the TeleRead site. With no digging at all he discovered a post about Amazon's newest Kindle Paperwhite was causing all the noise.

Dead battery? Makes a good doorstop.

According to David Rothman, Amazon has announced their new Kindle Paperwhite is available for pre-order. The new Paperwhite will start shipping on November 7. Prices range from $129.99 for the basic model to $249.99 for the top of the line model. The new Paperwhite has a six-inch scratch resistant screen and is waterproof. The post includes a link to the Amazon store for more information and to place a pre-order.

Panzer says, "Umm ... The charger is an extra $20.00? What good is it without the charger?"

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the link in the post, bring an extra half a muffin.

To read the post tootle over to Kindle Paperwhite

B&N Press Now Offers Print Pre-Order, ARC Sales - The Digital Reader

On today's trip into the Catosphere Panzer decided to stop in at The Digital Reader site. With a little digging around in the posts there our inquisitive kitty boy found one about the new features at Barnes and Noble's  B&N Press.

This needs looking into.

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Barnes and Noble has added some new features to their publishing arm. Authors can now offer their print books for pre-order, order advance copies and have one free correction for their print book files. The post quotes an email sent to users who publish their print books through Barnes and Noble Press. The post includes a link to the original email.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty thinks it sounds like Barnes and Noble is making some needed changes to their publishing operations to be more in line with Amazon's KDP."

Note: This is a short post. Bring half a cup of tea for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the link in the post, bring the other half cup of tea.

To read the post tootle over to B and N Press

A New Panzerism

Panzer on deep thinking:

From my kitty perspective ...

close to the floor as I usually am ...

What's His Name seems pretty short-sighted.

He doesn't think things through to the end result.

I heard him telling Mom about this artificial intelligence thingy.

He said with intelligence comes art and humor.

Now, I ask you ...

Why does Mom listen to him?

 Is he really ready for an intelligent litter box with a sense of humor?

And ...

What would an intelligent, humorous litter box use as an artistic medium?

The Number of Self-Published Titles Cracked 1 Million in 2017 - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts there our adventurous kitty boy found one about ISBNs.

According to Jim Milliot, Bowker, the dispenser of ISBNs, has issued their annual report for 2017. The report lists print book ISBNs issued as 879,587 and ebook ISBNs issued as 129,601 for a total of 1,009,188 for the year. While ISBNs issued can be used to estimate the number of self-published books, it's not a totally accurate number. The ISBN numbers don't include Amazon's ASIN numbers for books published through KDP. The post does give information about ISBNs through CreateSpace (which is now gone), Lulu, Smashwords, and Author Solutions all of whose ISBN numbers are included in Bowker's total.

Everybody wants to write a book.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... What's a little kitty to do. The book publishing competition just keeps growing and growing."

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

To read the post tootle over to self-published titles

Indigo Books and Music Opens First US Bookstore - The Digital Reader

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard clapping and cheering and oohhing and aahhing. Following all the hullabaloo took our intrepid kitty traveler to The Digital Reader site. With no digging at all he found a post about Indigo Books and Music.

How will they do in the U.S.?

According to The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder, Canadian bookseller Indigo Books and Music has opened the company's first U.S. store. The new store opened in Short Hills, New Jersey. Indigo stores sell more than books and call the stores "cultural department stores." In addition to books, the U.S. store will sell toys, home decor and life style products.  There will also be a cafe. Indigo plans 3 to 5 more U.S. The post includes a link to an announcement about the new store's opening.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Indigo does sound like a department store to this little kitty."

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

To read the post tootle over to Indigo Books and Music

A New Panzerism

Me-OW, OW, OW

Panzer on kitty treats:

Today I went to the vet to get my annual vaccinations.

I'd like her better, if she handed out catnip-flavored lollipops to whoever has been a big brave kitty. *



* From Cat Wisdom for humans   

Panzer really did go to the vet today.

B&N Considering a Sale - Publishers Weekly

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all our furry kitty boy found a post about the possible sale of Barnes and Noble.

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble is open to the sale of the company. Yesterday, Panzer told you about the possible sale news. Jim Milliot's Publishers Weekly post is an expansion of the information in yesterday's Chicago Business Journal post. Without naming any entity Barnes and Noble says "multiple parties" are interested in buying the company. It's also reported Chairman Leonard Riggio is also interested in buying the company. The post includes links to other posts about the possible Barnes and Noble sale.

Why sell? They're opening new stores.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wants to know who these unnamed possible interested buyers are?"

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

To read the post tootle over to  Barnes and Noble

To read yesterday's post tootle over to Barnes and Noble sale

 

Barnes & Noble to explore a sale - Chicago Business Journal

Who do you think it is?

Panzer had hardly gotten into the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted by screaming and crying and gnashing of teeth. Following all the noise took our brave kitty boy to the Chicago Business Journal. There he found a post about the possible sale of Barnes and Noble.

According to the post by Gina Hall, Barnes and Noble is considering a sale of the company. Chairman Leonard Riggio has expressed interest in purchasing the company. It also appears someone or another company is buying up Barnes and Noble's stock. Barnes and Noble has put into place "a short-term shareholders rights plan" to try "to dilute an outsider's holdings."

Panzer says, "It sounds like a hostile takeover attempt to this little kitty."

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

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble opening prototype store in Vernon Hills - Chicago Business Journal

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Chicago Business Journal site. With no digging at all our traveling kitty found a post about Barnes and Noble.

How comfortable are the chairs?

According to the Chicago Business Journal's Les Lazare, Barnes and Noble opened their newest prototype bookstore today in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Panzer told you yesterday about Barnes and Noble's plans to open three new prototype stores by the end of the year. The new store is 17,400 square feet. In addition to books the store has toys, games for adults and children, and puzzles. In the children's section there is a Lego table. There are chairs located in the store to rest, check out a book or visit with friends. The store also has a cafe with coffee, tea, soup, and sandwiches.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty wonders if bookstore users get to vote on which prototype store they like best?"

Note: With the post's interior store photos 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

Len Riggio Says He's Ready to Lead B&N Through the Holidays - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts there our inquisitive kitty boy found one about Barnes and Noble's future plans.

How can he see the holidays already?

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble founder Len Riggio is ready to lead the bookstore through the holiday season and has plans for before and beyond the holidays. Those plans include opening three more prototype bookstores by year's end. (One is slated to open October 3.)  Mr. Riggio believes there will be a rise in all the company bookstores' holiday sales. He also believes the Nook and bn.com are important parts of the company. As far as picking a new CEO he would like to see someone with experience outside the book selling arena, believing that's necessary to Barnes and Noble's growth. There's more information about Mr. Riggio's plans for the company included in the post.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty agrees with him about the Nook and bn.com."

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

A New Panzerism

Panzer on hunting prowess:

What's His Name is whining to Mom again.

I was hunting for big, fat birds in the living room ...

When ...

I saw a big, fat, wild blanket on the couch.

I pounced ...

All that screaming hurt my ears.

And ...

Now...

That big, fat blanket is shredded into tatters.

How was I supposed to know What's His Name was sleeping under it?