Steve Alten February Newsletter
Hey Guys,

Lots to update you on, with some exciting developments – some I can talk about – the best stuff – not yet. First, I want to thank you. Just the fact that you are taking the time to read this newsletter means the world to me. Many of you have been with me since the beginning when MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror debuted in hardback in July of 1997. As a new author, I was committed to doing two things above all else; First, to work hard to grow as a writer and storyteller, and second – to personally answer every email I received from my readers because you deserve it – without you, I have no career. I can’t guarantee every email you send to me at Meg82159@aol.com (the ONLY email I have used in 24 years) will reach me, but if I receive it you can bet the farm I’ll open and read it and personally reply – that’s 100.
As far as improving as an author, I’d like to think I’ve accomplished that task and I intend to prove it once more with the 2021 release of novel #19 – The LOCH: Heaven’s Lake. I know those of you who pre-ordered the book as far back as two years ago this month are growing tired of the wait, but this one is going to be special… and not just because every first edition hardback will be signed by yours truly.
But seriously Steve - why is it taking you so damn long to finish this novel? Actually, it took me two years to write DOMAIN, two years to write The SHELL GAME and more than 2 years to finish GRIM REAPER: End of Days -- probably my most layered novel. If you’ve only read the MEG series, I urge you to read my other thrillers – I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy the rest of the update and please stay safe.

Steve Alten
SEA MONSTER COVE FEBRUARY UPDATE: www.SeaMonsterCove.com:
Phase 1 of this MULTIMEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM OF ENTERTAINMENT was completed in December.

Phase 2 begins in about a week with the first of several amazing VIDEOGAME TEASERS that will excite you gamers and prepare you for the real deal in May! How real is the game’s F/X? The team designing the game are the same dynamic duo who created our 360 cage dives and aquariums. This, however is their DREAM ASSIGNMENT and their goal is to make all of you SEA MONSTER COVE GAMER ADDICTS.
But this is just the tip of a massive iceberg of content coming your way starting this month. As you read this a dozen voice over actors and peers are recording their parts to episode I of the animated series, The Adventures of Snowflake and Layla.
We’ll also be launching the Sea Monster Cove Distant Learning Program for teacher and their students in grades 7-12.
But the most amazing news… I can’t tell you about… yet. All I can say is that, if you’re not a member NOW would be the time to join.
The MEG: Fun articles
The Meg: the ocean’s fossil record is a treasure trove for potential monster movies. Read the full article here.

And

Giant ancient sharks had enormous babies that ate their siblings in the womb.

Sent in by Linda Parker – Thanks, LP!
Living Tips: Turmeric for weight loss: Does it really work?
Turmeric, the golden spice, has anti-inflammatory properties and can manage and prevent many health conditions including, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and even cancer. People who keep up with all the weight loss fads surely must have heard of turmeric as a good weight loss ingredient. But is turmeric truly good for weight loss? Read on to know the answer.
Music Video of the month:
Spider & The Fly
An oldie and a goodie by the oldest and greatest rock & roll band ever… they make it look so easy.

My, my, my don't tell lies, keep fidelity in your head
My, my, my don't tell lies, when you've done the show go to bed
Don't say hi, like a spider to a fly
Jump right ahead and you're dead…"
Next Zoom Hour with Steve Alten:
Sunday February 21 at 3 PM est.

Cove members: Be sure to register with Kelly at kellyrollyson2020@gmail.com
Jokes of the Month
Today at the bank, an old lady asked me to help check her balance. So I pushed her over.
I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don't know what he laced them with, but I've been tripping all day.
I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.
I'm so good at sleeping. I can do it with my eyes closed.
My boss told me to have a good day.. so I went home.
A woman walks into a library and asked if they had any books about paranoia. The librarian says "They're right behind you!"
The other day, my wife asked me to pass her lipstick but I accidentally passed her a glue stick. She still isn't talking to me.
Why do blind people hate skydiving? It scares the hell out of their dogs.
When you look really closely, all mirrors look like eyeballs.
I know a lot of jokes about unemployed people but none of them work.
What's orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot.
My wife accused me of being immature. I told her to get out of my fort.
I just wrote a book on reverse psychology. Do *not* read it!
Two cows are standing in a field. One cow says "Did you hear about that outbreak of mad cow disease? It makes cows go completely insane!". The other cow replies "Good thing I'm a helicopter".
IF YOU HAVE A JOKE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at MEG82159@aol.com Put JOKE in the subject line.
Recipe of the Month:
SuperBowl Mini Turkey Meatloaves
INGREDIENTS
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan
1 1/2 cups regular oats
1 cup whole milk
2 1/2 pounds ground turkey
4 slices bacon, cut into very small bits
3 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup ketchup, plus more if needed

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously coat 18 standard muffin cups (from two 12-cup muffin pans) with cooking spray. Put the oats in a small bowl and slowly pour the milk over them. Stir to make sure the oats are all coated and then let them sit for a few minutes. Put the turkey and bacon in a separate large bowl and add the oats and any extra milk from the bowl to it. Add the parsley, seasoned salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and 1/4 cup of the ketchup. Use your hands to mix it all together. Place a 1/4-cup scoop of the mixture in each greased muffin cup. Squirt about 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining ketchup on top of each meatloaf. Use a spoon to smear the ketchup evenly over the top, then use it to nudge the edges of the meatloaves away from the pan a bit (this just neatens them up a little).Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully squirt another 1/2 teaspoon of ketchup on top of each, spreading it carefully with a spoon to cover as much of the surface as possible. Continue to bake until completely cooked through and sizzling around the edges, about another 30 minutes. If there are any large areas without ketchup, go ahead and squirt/spread more as needed. Sprinkle the meatloaves with parsley, then let them sit in the pan for 5 to 7 minutes before serving. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the loaves to loosen them if they stick. Serve them warm with a veggie on the side.

*IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at MEG82159@aol.com Put RECIPE in the subject line.
Finally…
Your monthly dosage of the 3 wise men… dedicated to Donald Trump as he prepares for Impeachment #2. “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”

“Truth is stranger than fiction, judgy wudhey.”
Stay safe… please wear a mask in public and get vaccinated… soitanly!

Steve Alten
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