“Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.”
― Mark TwainStephen Tremp
What came to the mind of Hilary Melton-Butcher of Positive Letters...Inspirational Stories when she considered the prompt of "Manhattan"?
I think of Chase Manhattan ... Stephen Tremp's hero in his trilogy ... Breakthrough .... and also the land of high-rises ...
Like Hilary this was one of the first things I thought of as well. Stephen Tremp was one of my earliest blogging friends and the first blogger whose book I read. Did I like Breakthrough? In a word--yes. You can read more at my Amazon review (if you visit please click that the review was "helpful") or read my Tossing It Out review.
Breakthrough is the first book in a trilogy that includes Opening and Escalation. This is an action packed series that has wormholes, international intrigue, and some interesting spiritual speculation. I highly recommend Tremp's trilogy. For more information visit Stephen Tremp's blog.
Breakthrough is the first book in a trilogy that includes Opening and Escalation. This is an action packed series that has wormholes, international intrigue, and some interesting spiritual speculation. I highly recommend Tremp's trilogy. For more information visit Stephen Tremp's blog.
Change the "e" for a "u" in Stephen's last name and you get Trump as in Donald Trump. Hope Stephen Tremp doesn't mind sharing blog space with Donald Trump, but when thinking of Manhattan these days it's hard not to have Donald Trump come to mind. After all, over the past year anyone who hadn't previously heard of Donald Trump has heard of him now. Donald Trump has been a huge force in shaping the direction and image of modern Manhattan as well as politics.
Like him or not, the Donald is everywhere so he might as well make an appearance in my Manhattan themed April A to Z series. Trump has his Manhattan Tower along with many other buildings throughout the city and the world. The Donald first announced his presidential bid from his golden Trump Tower setting from where many of his interviews have taken place.
Most of you have probably already heard his life story of starting out in Queens under the guidance of his father who was a real estate developer. Early on Donald had his eye set on Manhattan as his promised land. He achieved the success he sought in Manhattan and made a name maybe bigger than he ever imagined. On the other hand, the man has an ego as big as the city so maybe he did see this run for president of the United States in his mind's eye all along. Whether it's a matter of brilliant strategy, successful visualization, or whatever the case might be--Donald Trump could potentially be the next President of the United States of America and Trump Towers could be the second White House except it will be gold.
We'll have to see where this story takes us. As it is now, this presidential campaign of 2016 for both tickets has been one crazy ride that I don't think even the most imaginative writer could have come up with and if they had written this story before it actually happened everyone would have said, "Ridiculous! A story like this could never happen!"
The thing is, it has happened and seems to be getting crazier than ever. But as they say, truth is stranger than fiction. And this story doesn't even involve wormholes. Not yet at least. If wormholes do become a part of the upcoming chapters I don't guess I'll be all that surprised.
Have you read any of Stephen Tremp's Breakthrough trilogy? Have you been following the presidential campaigns very closely? Where do you see it all going? Where would you go if you could transport yourself through a wormhole?
Like him or not, the Donald is everywhere so he might as well make an appearance in my Manhattan themed April A to Z series. Trump has his Manhattan Tower along with many other buildings throughout the city and the world. The Donald first announced his presidential bid from his golden Trump Tower setting from where many of his interviews have taken place.
Most of you have probably already heard his life story of starting out in Queens under the guidance of his father who was a real estate developer. Early on Donald had his eye set on Manhattan as his promised land. He achieved the success he sought in Manhattan and made a name maybe bigger than he ever imagined. On the other hand, the man has an ego as big as the city so maybe he did see this run for president of the United States in his mind's eye all along. Whether it's a matter of brilliant strategy, successful visualization, or whatever the case might be--Donald Trump could potentially be the next President of the United States of America and Trump Towers could be the second White House except it will be gold.
We'll have to see where this story takes us. As it is now, this presidential campaign of 2016 for both tickets has been one crazy ride that I don't think even the most imaginative writer could have come up with and if they had written this story before it actually happened everyone would have said, "Ridiculous! A story like this could never happen!"
The thing is, it has happened and seems to be getting crazier than ever. But as they say, truth is stranger than fiction. And this story doesn't even involve wormholes. Not yet at least. If wormholes do become a part of the upcoming chapters I don't guess I'll be all that surprised.
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| This photo depicts Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Have you read any of Stephen Tremp's Breakthrough trilogy? Have you been following the presidential campaigns very closely? Where do you see it all going? Where would you go if you could transport yourself through a wormhole?
I haven't read Stephen's book but he seems to be a really nice person on occasions when I have had comments from him. Really enjoyed your "T" post Lee.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, yes, Stephen seems to be a fine fellow and he lives so close to me that I'm surprised we haven't run into each other at some time.
DeleteLee
I haven't yet read Stephen Tremp's book but it sounds really good! I'll have to check it out. I like his blog and his A-Z series so I'm sure I would like his book.
ReplyDeleteTrump? I'm not even going there! I try to stay away from talking politics. The only thing I will say, and it has nothing to do with politics, is that the man's ego --and his hair-- really get on my nerves...
I have been to Trump Tower in Atlantic City though...and it was fabulous!
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, without ego there would be no politician's and for that matter none of us would survive period. Ego is a necessity to human existence. As for the hair, I got to admire the guy--one more thing that he has that I don't.
DeleteI stayed at the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and it was excellent. Top quality all the way.
Lee
I despise Trump with every fibre of my being. I never really had an opinion about him either way till he started shooting off his mouth. He's a mean, hateful, morally bankrupt bully.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, on what do you base your judgement? Personal experience or what you hear in the media?
DeleteLee
Have to agree with Jojo, the media isn't puppet speaking for the man. His own words convict him!.
DeleteYolanda, the media is notorious for mind controlling the populace. Do Trump's words convict him or do they convict the system and everyone who has fallen for the system that has run things for so long. I'm seeing the curtain being pulled away to expose the Wizard who has been running Oz and deceiving the people.
DeleteLee
Thanks Lee for the shout out! And I may still run for VP on the Trump/Tremp ticket.
ReplyDeleteStephen, if you're on the ticket then we should all vote for Trump. That would be a nifty sounding ticket--Trump/Tremp.
DeleteLee
I think Donald Trump must have some weird alien DNA :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Stephen's longer works but I am loving his dream theme in the A to Z.
Nicola, all the politicians currently in the running must be part of an alien plot to take over the world.
DeleteI like the dream theme as well.
Lee
Terrific post! All my favorite T's :-)
ReplyDeleteDiedre, I hear you, ma'am. Cross the T's but don't double cross them.
DeleteLee
You are a brave man to 'T'read into political names. I'm personally writing in 'T'ruman. ;)
ReplyDeleteNative Missourian
Stephanie Finnell
@randallbychance from
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanies Stuff
Stephanie, Truman dropped the bomb created by the Manhattan project. He and Trump might have more in common than just the beginning letter of their names--the name "Manhattan".
DeleteLee
I haven't read Tremp's series, but it sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteAs for Trump and the Presidential race... I'm not going to get into the candidates except to say that Trump leading the R party and Sanders coming in close behind Hils in the D party really says more about the voters than the candidates. I think people in both parties are unhappy with "establishment politics" and believe that the non-establishment rep in their own party can fix this problem. I don't know if that is true or not, but I think it's what the voters believe. So, this really speaks to a very deep level of unhappiness among the American people with how their country is being run by the people who claim to represent them (and are not doing a very good job of it).
Robin, we've had a lot of lousy politics in my lifetime (and maybe before). We get promises and end up with disappointments. I think it's been the state of human affairs since the beginning of TIME (to reference your "t" theme for today).
DeleteLee
Robin stole my comment! The voters definitely appear fed up-not as surprising to me from the Republican voters, but I am a little stunned that Clinton is not running away with it.
DeleteI would like Trump from a fiscal perspective, but on other matters he has said things that are (ahem) questionable.
Larry
Larry, I'd rather a candidate say questionable things that kind of resonate with the people than do a lot of questionable things when they get into office. That's all we've had for so many terms now. I don't believe of the establishment politicians--they're all from the same box of rotten eggs.
DeleteLee
Stephen's book's on my list to read. I don't seem to be able to get through enough books to make a dent in that however. Just when I think I'm catching up someone else says, "Here's my next book. Please read it."
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, I know what you're saying. So many books, so little time. I've had books for 40 years that I've never gotten around to reading. Some of them had been assigned for college classes where I just got by reading Cliff Notes.
DeleteLee
Bless those Cliff Notes. Hey, maybe that's what some of the new authors should do for us!
DeleteC.Lee, but Cliff Notes can never replace that experience of reading a work and living vicariously through the story being told. Cliff Notes are great for getting by on exams and faking ones way through papers. I made many an A grade on essays with the help of my Cliff Notes. It's kind of sad, but something a busy student must resort to sometimes.
DeleteLee
Out blog hopping from North Carolina during the #Challenge. Just visiting you deciding to start with bloggers WAY dow the list figuring they wouldn't get as many visit as #1. A political junkie, addicted to writing and books, I agree, no-one could have come up with this scenario. Inviting you to TEA today-part of my theme of hotels and inns this year. Hope you have time and interest.
ReplyDeleteStepheny, Glad you stopped by. I think more folks should be willing to discuss politics with a rational open mind.
DeleteLee
Great!
ReplyDeleteHttp://cazgreenham.blogspot.com
@CazsBooks
#A2Z challenge
Caz, Thanks!
DeleteLee
I haven't read Stephen's books but I definitely check out his blog every now and then.
ReplyDeleteI suppose all I'll say about Trump is that I can't stand him.
Sarah, I find Trump more tolerable than any of the other candidates--that whole bunch seems pretty sleazy and insincere. Next time around I think I'm going to run since I can trust me.
DeleteLee
I haven't read Stephen's books but I'd like to, only my TBR list is always at unmanageable levels. As for Trump, the things he's said are dismaying, maybe more so if one is a woman. Apart from that no comment.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana, I've often heard about the dismaying things that Trump has supposedly said, but no one seems to actually come up with anything logical when I ask what dismaying things he has said.
DeleteLee
I'm a fan of Stephen's, his dream blog is fun, but I've not yet read his book. Bad, bad me! The funny thing is a person sends me their book and asks nicely and I'm reading and reviewing. I guess I'm lucky only a few ask nicely, but yeah the TBR list is massive.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Trump, I think I've broached that subject by commenting on Jojo's post. But basically he opens his mouth and crap comes out. If you want specifics I could Google his speeches and print them out for you. But we've all heard him denigrate women, all other cultures and religions, etc. etc. But if all it takes to win an election is ego, he's got it! Although not via my vote!
Yolanda, I have always been slow at reading so the books seem to pile up for me until I don't seem to be able to keep up. Especially when the books are digital versions. I really need to get an e-reader so it's easier for me to read those books.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot name a single politician who doesn't have a big ego. Or a person for that matter. No one becomes successful or famous for having a small ego or none at all. I'd argue that even someone like Mother Theresa had a certain amount of ego that drove her to do what she did. Ego is part of what makes us human and provides a will to survive. That's my theory at least.
Lee
What a great blog, I think Steven has an idea there, the Trump/Tremp dou. It will definitely be exciting to see who the candidates will be.
ReplyDeleteMartha, so many possibilities coming ahead that it's better than any political thriller I've ever read. It's been a wild ride so far and I'm sure it could get wilder and weirder.
DeleteLee
Until this post, I had never heard of Tremp.
ReplyDeleteI stopped paying any attention to the campaigning, really, once my top three choices withdrew. Downhill is where I see it going. There aren't any decent choices left, in my opinion.
If I could transport myself anywhere via a wormhole, assuming this is a time-traveling, Einstein–Rosen bridge thing, I would want to travel back to Ireland and Scotland to the time before some of my ancestors left their homeland.
Have a blessed night!
Suzanne, this is the first presidential primary that I've really paid close attention to because there has been so much intrigue and twists and turns. It's like a story plot.
DeleteI'd like to go back in time as well. Mainly in the U.S. history though.
Lee
That would be an interesting adventure, too. It would be awesome to meet the patriots that founded this country, wouldn't it?
DeleteHave a blessed evening!
I've been on a bit of run-around your blog since reading this post. I'm listened to Manhattan again... and found a playlist on youtube that is rolling through so many old hits, it's going to be a beautiful day - thanks The quote by Mark Twain, re: truth and fiction is set to become one of my new favourites...
ReplyDeleteIda, Glad to have provided you with so much inspiration and ambition and all.
DeleteLee
Thanks for visiting my blog. It is most appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI love you theme about what Manhatten. My immediate thought was Manhatten Transfer and their music. Trump is getting some coverage even here in Australia.
Fran @travelgenee from the TravelGenee Blog
Fran, Manhattan Transfer has made some great music over the years. Trump is stirring up controversy throughout the world. After all it's possible that he could become the next U.S. president.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - thanks for the shout out albeit I'm not doing the A-Z ... I always think of Stephen's book Breakthrough and it's a really good read ...
ReplyDeleteThe other T - I'll avoid comment ... cheers Hilary
Hilary, Stephen has forever associated his series character with the city for me.
DeleteLee
No, I have not been following his campaign much, except for what is splashed across the TV and radio continually. As for his beginning, No, I have never heard the Donald Trump origin story.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, I think most people are influence by the current media reportage about Donald Trump and don't know much beyond that. But that's really typical of Americans for the most part. If they heard it on TV, the internet, or National Enquirer then it must be true. I'd like to see more reasoned discussion and critical thinking about the elections so we don't end up with another garbage candidate.
DeleteLee
A post that stirs the mind into action and Donald Trump is quite something!!
ReplyDeletehttps://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2016/04/23/a-to-z-trail-the-trail/
Vishal, Trump is an example of a media created image.
DeleteLee
Visiting from A-Z. Interesting post. Not a Tremp reader but your post is so well written I am curious. Thanks for your visit to
ReplyDeletehttp://ishistorytheagreeduponlie.blogspot.com/
I am originally from Mexico City, but grew up in D.C. fell in love with the USA and decided to build my life here, very happy and proud as an American. I find the horrid and reminiscent of the hatred I in 1968 crated by Wallace, although originally from Mexico my step grandfather was an American WWII vet who influenced me deeply and I lived with my grandparents for a school year during that election, attended a segregated school in Louisiana.... it is so sad that such exists in the 21st century America as well. Heartbreaking.
Maria, I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to here so I'll refrain from commenting too much. I think the atmosphere currently being interpreted as "hate" is actually a misinterpretation of those who want to enforce law and have a respect for the same. Without law we have chaos and society collapse eventually.
DeleteLee
The political season is particularly strange this time around. My logical mind says that Trump is a dangerous leader, but I keep laughing at his grandiose statements and nutty style anyway.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the A-Z Challenge, thank you for your work on it!
Ellen Smucker
http://reelfan.com/
Ellen, are you basing your logic on what you know or what you are told by the media and others. Trump has a pretty impressive history and those who have known him for a long time have good things to say about him. His style of politicking resonates with people because people are angry and we have had very poor leadership for many years. Trump is well versed in the media and I think he might surprise a lot of people in the end.
DeleteLee
I have not read any book from the triology. We are able to follow the US presidential elections in India and while I do not understand the mechanisms I have realised one thing. Politics is the same in all parts of the world.
ReplyDelete@yenforblue from
Spice of Life!
Archana, the Breakthrough trilogy is available as an ebook. If you like action thriller genre with a touch of sci-fi then you'll probably like this book.
DeletePolitics is an ugly business that can divide as well as unify. People don't agree on everything so I guess that's why we have politics.
Lee
I love that you mentioned Stephen's book~
ReplyDeletePolitics is scary stuff. I have been in military pharmacies and shocked on the opinions and views~
Ella, Chase Manhattan seemed like a natural connection for many of our blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteI guess it would depend on the views I heard whether I'd be shocked. But I do think it is important to discuss the political situation when I see and hear how woefully ignorant so many people are about what's going on. I'm afraid to bring it up much on my blog though since the topic can incite so many irrational bad feelings. I'm sure I'll continue to broach the subject though--carefully.
Lee
Never read any of his books but now you have made me curious... :) Have added this to my library of books to be read..
ReplyDeletehttp://serendipityofdreams.blogspot.in/2016/04/trepidation.html
Deepti, if you read it be sure to give it a review and let Stephen know your thoughts.
DeleteLee
I've been following the campaigns more or less. What gets me is that people are dumping on Trump for pandering to the lowest common denominator yet those same people are giving the anointed one (Clinton) a free pass.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is that in order for candidates to get the most delegates and thus the nomination, they have to pander to those who control the delegates. Clinton is pandering to the extreme left and is using survivors of Sandy Hook to lobby for more gun control (note: enforce the laws you already got), yet no one in the media is complaining about it.
Father Nature's Corner
GB, the irony of it all is that our "democracy" is not really a rule by the majority will and Trump is exposing the sham of it all. If nothing else, this election season might create a greater awareness of how things work with calls to change the system. Illusions are better suited for magic shows.
DeleteLee
During my recent illness, I started reading Stephen Tremp's "Salem's Daughters", but then I got back into blogging and that fell dormant again. His blog is interesting too, though. ☺ As for Donald Trump, most of us here in Canada are amazed and not in a good way about all the support he is receiving. Let's leave it at that. The news stories sure have been interesting to follow.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I sometimes start books that I don't finish, but it usually happens with the ebooks since I have to read them on my pc and that gets tedious.
DeleteI think the issues with Trump are misconveyed to most of the public and especially outside the country. I'm fascinated by the stories but also baffled and annoyed by the disingenuous, skewed reporting of much of it. Media is using mind control on the people and rational thinking is thrown out the window. Such is the story of much of modern society however.
Lee
Maybe so, but we see a lot of actual footage of him speaking, as well.
DeleteWhen Trump speaks a little bit of Aires gone. I dislike this person and always have. I have watched him and he is great at selling and buying and he does that well. I pray he doesn't get in.
ReplyDelete