Piers Beckley

@piersb
facebook.com/piers.beckley

About

Writer. Producer.

Location

London, UK

Following5 Creators

October 2014 Patreon supported
November 1, 2014 06:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

November 1, 2014 06:59:00

10 Reasons You Should Hire a Military Veteran
November 9, 2014 23:29:43
10 Reasons You Should Hire a Military Veteran
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
http://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/10-reasons-you-should-hire-a-military-veteran/
Over the last few weeks I have been working on a series of posts with the intention of communicating many of the advantages that military employment will add to company culture for those employers ...
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10 Reasons You Should Hire a Military Veteran

I've recently rewrote an old post from a few years ago about what are the advantages of hiring a US military veteran. With Veterans day coming up, I wanted to do something special for the veteran community by doing something for them that they can't do for themselves, tell you why they are valuable. There are many generalizations, assumptions, and stereotypes which drastically affect the way that veterans are viewed in America today. Many of these are noble, and paint veterans in an unnaturally glorified light, but just as many are detrimental and unfair biases which have had a massive effect on our ability to land a job and reintegrate into society again. With what little influence I have, I'd like to be able to communicate some of the positives, that usually come with the veteran experience that hiring managers should consider when they see that resume or application crosses their desk. There is much there you might expect to see, some you will be surprised by, and a few things everyone show about their veterans and what they are experiencing today. I'd like to ask all my friends and followers to please read all the way through, like and share as we get closer to this Veterans Day on Tuesday. I'm not asking this because I need the ego boost, but because this post meant a great deal to me write and there is much I needed to say on behalf of millions who aren't being heard. There is so much about veterans that is misunderstood and this post, what little it is, tries to remedy that. That remedy depends on how many people see it. So I am asking for your help in making sure that others see it. So for all those thankful for veterans for what they did, make sure to let them know they are remembered on Tuesday, consider their value on Wednesday and today, please help make sure that their message gets communicated to others. Thanks, Sgt Jon Davis, Marine Corps Iraq Veteran, inactive since 2008.

Jon Davis

November 9, 2014 23:29:43

The Aether Sea Launches!
November 11, 2014 20:54:00
Aether Sea * A World of Adventure for Fate Core - Evil Hat Productions, LLC | | Fate CoreDriveThruRPG.com
rpg.drivethrustuff.com
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/139872/Aether-Sea--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core
One tiny ship. One huge expanse of aetherspace. Maneuver your ship through the vast aether in The Aether Sea, a Fate world and adventure by Ed Turner. A thousand years of war on Homeworld left it a...
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The Aether Sea Launches!

Behold! The Aether Sea takes flight as this month's release for our Patreon faithful. Thank you SO MUCH for making this one happen. The art from John Alvarez Vita is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and really complements Ed Turner's Fate-powered setting that mashes up fantasy, science fictional spacefaring, and some Accelerated sensibilities. You can pick up The Aether Sea from DriveThruRPG here — if you're a patron of our project at the time this posts, you should feel free to download it for free, of course, since you've already paid-what-you-wanted. :) http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/139872/Aether-Sea--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core?affiliate_id=24139 Enjoy! And we'll see you next month with another release — tho we're not sure which one it is yet. :) We've got art direction on Romance in the Air, Eagle Eyes, and Psychedemia going simultaneously...

Evil Hat Productions

November 11, 2014 20:54:00

Gustavo Campanelli I saw the cover art and I got goose bumps. So much Awesome going on in that cover.

November 12, 2014 17:33:16 · Reply

Evil Hat Productions It's really great, isn't it? Close to being my favorite, tho there are a couple of the interior illustrations that are probably my top spots. (Captain pointing at off-screen target while part of the ship deck blows up is huuuge for me, just huge. Really establishes the feel of the setting for me!)

November 12, 2014 17:35:16 · Reply

Gustavo Campanelli I just realized something: if I take the Tower of the serpent world and let the players try to stop the end of the world and perhaps fail, they can most probably be in this setting, with the return of high magic resulting from the cataclism.

November 19, 2014 12:17:13 · Reply

Eric Willisson When I first saw this I worried that it would just be "Firefly with maaaagic." But no, it is its own thing, and it is awesome. Seeing that it came from Patreon is the reason I decided to sign up. Can't wait to see what else is made! And also to play a game of Aether Sea...

November 21, 2014 05:00:27 · Reply

On Veterans Day - First Newsweek Byline
November 12, 2014 04:46:13
Opinion: See Beyond the Stereotypes This Veterans Day
www.newsweek.com
http://www.newsweek.com/opinion-see-beyond-stereotypes-veterans-day-283806?piano_d=1
Veterans Day originated to acknowledge the peace and tranquillity that follows the crucible of war. Congress enacted a holiday known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I on Novemb...
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On Veterans Day - First Newsweek Byline

The last few days have been crazy. Last night I got a call from one of the editors at Newsweek and spend the whole night cranking out this piece which was featured on the landing page of Newsweek.com. I really wouldn't be taking things this far if not for all the support of my patrons. Thanks for supporting veteran creations. -Jon

Jon Davis

November 12, 2014 04:46:13

Is War a Zero-Sum Event?
November 21, 2014 05:23:03
Is War a Zero-Sum Event?
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
http://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/11/20/is-war-a-zero-sum-event/
Never. In game theory and economic theory, a zero-sum game is a mathematical representation of a situation in which a participant's gain (or loss) of utility is exactly balanced by the losses (or g...
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Is War a Zero-Sum Event?

The question was asked on Quora of "Is war always a non-zero sum affair?" I always hear opinionated brats with more views on war than experience in the matter say that it is. This is such a narrow minded way to think about things. I was pretty proud of this write up and hopefully you'll enjoy it too.

Jon Davis

November 21, 2014 05:23:03

Month End Funny: I have an irrational fear of zombies and am buying a house. Any Advice?
December 1, 2014 03:47:28
Month End Funnies: I Have an Irrational Fear of Zombies and am Buying a House. Any Advice?
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
http://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/month-end-funnies-i-have-an-irrational-fear-of-zombies-and-am-buying-a-house-any-advice/
Dear Jon, I have an irrational fear of zombies. I am buying a new house, and don't know what I should. I want to protect my family from the elements as well as the impending apocalypse. I'd also li...
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Month End Funny: I have an irrational fear of zombies and am buying a house. Any Advice?

Importing a favorite from Quora. A user posted what I hope was a joke question about what precautions to take for home buying during a zombie setting. As I often do, I posted a response that hopefully helps everyone.

Jon Davis

December 1, 2014 03:47:28

November 2014 Patreon supported
December 1, 2014 07:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

December 1, 2014 07:59:00

To what extent is Al-Qaeda a creation of the CIA?
December 7, 2014 02:41:40
To what extent is Al-Qaeda a creation of the CIA?
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
http://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/12/06/to-what-extent-is-al-qaeda-a-creation-of-the-cia/
There was a conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States which spanned the globe and affected the lives of billions of people. For the Soviets, this conflict reached its low point in Afg...
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To what extent is Al-Qaeda a creation of the CIA?

I am working on a new series attempting to explain how such a thing like ISIL could exist. I decided to start with a hot button topic for most, which clearing up some of the myths and misconceptions concerning how the United States was involved in the creation of the focus of the last decade, al Qaeda.

Jon Davis

December 7, 2014 02:41:40

Why do we give so much power to uneducated military members?
December 8, 2014 21:08:38
Military Education doesn't mean Uneducated
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
http://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/military-education-doesnt-mean-uneducated/
A question was recently asked of me, " Why is so much power and authority entrusted to those with comparatively low levels of education, such as the common ranks of police and military?" ...
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Why do we give so much power to uneducated military members?

I was asked a question again with the theme of noting military members as uneducated. Without getting in too much of a hissy, this was my response.

Jon Davis

December 8, 2014 21:08:38

December 2014 Patreon supported
January 1, 2015 07:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

January 1, 2015 07:59:00

January 2015 Patreon supported
February 1, 2015 07:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

February 1, 2015 07:59:00

February 2015 Patreon supported
March 1, 2015 07:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

March 1, 2015 07:59:00

March 2015 Patreon supported
April 1, 2015 06:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

April 1, 2015 06:59:00

The Middle Eastern Cold War is Getting a Bit Warmer – Announcement of Joint Military Force by the Arab League
April 2, 2015 18:43:34
The Middle Eastern Cold War is Getting a Bit Warmer - Announcement of Joint Military Force by the Arab League
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/the-middle-eastern-cold-war-is-getting-a-bit-warmer-announcement-of-joint-military-force-by-the-arab-league/
The recent news over the weekend is surrounding the announcement of a pan-Arabic defense force lead by the Arab League. The announcement came from a two day summit in Cairo, consisting of important...
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The Middle Eastern Cold War is Getting a Bit Warmer – Announcement of Joint Military Force by the Arab League

Hey patrons, I wanted to open up the month with some important news that happened over the weekend in the Middle East. The Arab League has decided that it is in the best interest of themselves to form a joint military strike force. This has important ramifications for that region, as well as everyone else involved. Get informed on what they may be right here. Thanks again for all your support and I hope you enjoy the article.

Jon Davis

April 2, 2015 18:43:34

How Do I Train Myself to be Like a Navy SEAL
April 14, 2015 18:57:36
How do I train myself like a Navy SEAL?
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/how-do-i-train-myself-like-a-navy-seal/
This is a guide on what realistic expectations a person could expect from trying to "copy" the military mindset. It gives a hard look at people who believe they can get the easy answer without putt...
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How Do I Train Myself to be Like a Navy SEAL

Here is an article I wrote when someone asked me how to become more like a Navy SEAL. I never been a SEAL, but I get asked how to act and think like a warrior all the time. That said, there are a few things I thought needed to be said and I used this article to do it. There is a lot to learn, but a lot that many people just don't understand. I hope you all enjoy it.

Jon Davis

April 14, 2015 18:57:36

Behind the Walls Released
April 27, 2015 20:15:50
Behind the Walls * A World of Adventure for Fate Core - Evil Hat Productions, LLC | | Fate CoreDriveThruRPG.com
drivethrurpg.com
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/148388/Behind-the-Walls--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core
That was 1951, but now it's 1959 and you're still in prison. Maybe the people on the outside forgot about you, what with the war and all, or maybe it's just safer inside Collins Park Correctional F...
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Behind the Walls Released

John Adamus's BEHIND THE WALLS is our April Fate World of Adventure! You can download it now from DriveThruRPG here: http://drivethrurpg.com/product/148388/Behind-the-Walls--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core?affiliate_id=24139 Remember, this is a pay-what-you-want title, and as a patron you're already considered to have paid-what-you-wanted, so please download it from the above link for $0 absolutely guilt-free. :) Thank you so much for your support! Without it we wouldn't be able to bring worlds like this one to fruition. Tune in next month when we expect to release SAILS FULL OF STARS!

Evil Hat Productions

April 27, 2015 20:15:50

April 2015 Patreon supported
May 1, 2015 06:59:00
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Avery Mcdaldno

May 1, 2015 06:59:00

Chilling Insights of ISIS Leaked Files
May 2, 2015 03:11:28
What are the most striking / chilling insights of the recently published ISIS-Files?
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/what-are-the-most-striking-chilling-insights-of-the-recently-published-isis-files/
An exclusive investigation by German magazine DER SPIEGEL shows that the stunning march of the Islamic State into Syria & Iraq was meticulously planned by former members of the intelligence service...
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Chilling Insights of ISIS Leaked Files

People watching the continuing story of the Middle East have been keeping their eyes not on Iraq recently, but Berlin. Der Spiegel has recently published a large article, referenced in mine, that has proven a gold mine for private military analysts like me. It has opened many of our eyes to darker secrets behind how their structure was designed not by fanatical religious sects, but by the descendents of Stalinistic military police states. Enjoy the latest.

Jon Davis

May 2, 2015 03:11:28

GoFundMe Denies Defense Funding to Baltimore Police Officers
May 4, 2015 14:28:11
GoFundMe Denies Defense Funding to Baltimore Police Officers
jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/05/02/gofundme-denies-defense-funding-to-baltimore-police-officers/
This article isn't weighing in on the most recent round of protests and rioting happening now in Baltimore. This article's focus is on the social crowdfunding website GoFundMe's recent decision to ...
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GoFundMe Denies Defense Funding to Baltimore Police Officers

I had a beef with a few decisions being made by the team at GoFundMe. It isn't that I have decided that the police officers involved in the death at Baltimore are innocent, but I don't think that crowdsourcing sites (like this one) should be in the business of gaining money for defense fees, especially, when companies are being so selective about who they allow to raise money. Either way, I'd love to hear your comments, thoughts and ideas, whether you disagree or not. Thanks and I hope you all enjoy.

Jon Davis

May 4, 2015 14:28:11

Sails Full of Stars is Here! Plus, 6 New Worlds Coming
May 27, 2015 14:21:26
Behind the Walls * A World of Adventure for Fate Core - Evil Hat Productions, LLC | | Fate CoreDriveThruRPG.com
drivethrurpg.com
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/150022/Behind-the-Walls--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core
In the year 1850, three empires struggle for control of the solar system: the Ottomans, whose vast Earthly empire may soon become obsolete; the Chinese, who pioneered the construction of rheoships;...
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Sails Full of Stars is Here! Plus, 6 New Worlds Coming

Don Bisdorf's SAILS FULL OF STARS is our May release for the Fate Adventures & Worlds Patreon! You can get it here: http://drivethrurpg.com/product/150022/Sails-Full-of-Stars--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core?affiliate_id=24139 Remember, if you're already a patron of this campaign, you'll be charged for this release at the end of the month, so you've essentially already "paid what you want" — you may grab the download from the above link for $0 and no guilt! IN OTHER NEWS, we've asked a number of our prior authors back for another round & another world, adding SIX new worlds (some of which may be familiar to our Insider-voters of months past) to our line-up. You can check them out near the bottom of the list on the front page of this campaign, https://patreon.com/evilhat Thanks as always for your support!

Evil Hat Productions

May 27, 2015 14:21:26

Richard Bellingham I'm really stoked to be writing another game with Evil Hat! I've started brainstorming Knights of Invasion and I have a rough idea of how I'm planning to organise it. Part I will detail the kingdoms on the brink of war and give a table for generating the reason why they are almost at war, and will outline some of the main players in each kingdom. Part II will detail the various and manifold alien races and their insidious agendas for the invasion (with an aim to mixing and matching them; a race of big-brained little green men that want to reproduce inside humans? Sure! A race of insectoid aliens that want to usurp humans from the useful resources underneath their castle? Why not! The third and final part will have stunts, full details of the alien races, rules on medieval weaponry and siege warfare, and all the other mechanical bits you'll need to make the game work. Hopefully there's something in there to whet everyone's appetite!

May 27, 2015 15:28:59 · Reply

Edgar Schmidt I gave it a quick read over lunch and the setting is really cool (pirates and dragons in space? Take my money!) my only slightly negative comment is in regards with the art who feels a bit of a step down from previous Evil Hat offerings. Nevertheless, I'm glad it exists and I can't wait to give it a shot (is officially in the queue after Atomic Robo and The Secrets of Cats).

May 27, 2015 22:38:02 · Reply

Evil Hat Productions Not all art styles are gonna grab all people. What's important to me is that each product looks reasonably high quality (I believe this one does) and visually distinctive from each other offering whenever possible.

May 28, 2015 18:35:44 · Reply

Why does boot camp need to be so intense? Part I
June 2, 2015 06:35:05
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Wordpress
https://jonsdeepthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/10.jpg?w=700&h=523
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Why does boot camp need to be so intense? Part I

https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/06/01/why-does-boot-camp-need-to-be-so-intense/

So apparently Patreon has changed the way that creators upload new works, so I am going to see how this appears. Let me know what you think about the new format and about the new start of my series on 'Why does boot camp need to be so intense?'

Jon Davis

June 2, 2015 06:35:05

Gods & Monsters Manifest!
June 10, 2015 19:18:40
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Drivethrurpg
http://drivethrurpg.com/images/2152/150889.jpg
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Gods & Monsters Manifest!

Behold! Chris Longhurst's epic, primeval Gods & Monsters has landed today, as our June patreon release. We're super proud of this one and really excited to give you a chance to play in this world — as well as see all the amazing art.
If you're already a paying member of this Patreon, you'll be charged for this release at the end of the month. So please feel guilt-free to hop over to DriveThruRPG and download this for $0. :)
http://drivethrurpg.com/product/150889/Gods-and-Monsters--A-World-of-Adventure-for-Fate-Core?affiliate_id=24139

As always, reviews are a big deal for us, so if you can take the time to leave a review for this & any other of our Fate Worlds of Adventure over on DriveThru, we'd sure appreciate it. 

Thanks as always for your support!

Evil Hat Productions

June 10, 2015 19:18:40

Krzysztof Chyla OK, these products have been high-quality for a while and I got used to that... But dear gods, the art on this one is simply breathtaking!!!

June 10, 2015 21:38:57 · Reply

Evil Hat Productions We agree!

June 10, 2015 21:41:04 · Reply

Benjamin Cush Ok, I did not read the preview so forgive me if someone else has already said this, but I am halfway through this and want to use a few tales of this to create a world for a Pathfinder style RPG, just not letting the players know about the fall to monsterhood or that they are creating a map and pantheon to use in the game to come. I think it could be awesome to have a world where the players created the forces of good and of darkness, the communities, and the conflicts they will be solving on the smaller scale.

June 11, 2015 00:15:56 · Reply

Edgar Schmidt I would be remiss if I didn't chime in to express just how blown away I was by the art of this book. The premise of this supplement was the reason why I joined this patreon campaign but that didn't prepare me for the quality of this supplement. I can't wait to dig in and read it. Good job Evil Hat!

June 14, 2015 19:27:54 · Reply

Why has ISIS still not been defeated even after a year?
July 3, 2015 04:13:52
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Why has ISIS still not been defeated even after a year?

https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/why-has-isis-still-not-been-defeated-even-after-a-year/


This post describes some of the reasons why we (still) haven't been able to come close to stopping the horde of terrorists and tried to incorporate adorable analogies to make people actually read it. 


Thanks everyone!

Jon Davis

July 3, 2015 04:13:52

How Being Yelled At By Madmen Makes You a Better Warrior
August 18, 2015 15:57:18
Yelling
JDT
https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/yelling/
Yelling When most people think of Marine Corps boot camp and the terrors within it, the image of a terrifying man screaming like a hellbound banshee is the vision they conjure. I am pretty sure thi...
https://jonsdeepthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/001rds-usmc-03135copy.jpeg?w=945&h=631
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How Being Yelled At By Madmen Makes You a Better Warrior

So school has started back up and that means I have less time to write. Sorry. Hopefully I can get back in the groove soon. In the mean time. Here is one of my favorite parts of the series that I was looking forward to putting out, an explanations of one of boot camp experience, explaining why yelling is so crucial to it. 


Hope you all enjoy. Thanks.


https://jonsdeepthoughts.wordpress.com/2015/08/11/yelling/

Jon Davis

August 18, 2015 15:57:18

China's Peacetime War
September 2, 2015 18:03:17
China's Peacetime War
Quora
https://defensetalk.quora.com/Chinas-Peacetime-War
China is preparing for what they hope to be a monumental event - one of the worlds largest peacetime military parades in history. The event celebrates the 70th anniversary of its defeat of Japanese...
https://qph.is.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-9dd414a4861f26177371b34dc798fd80?convert_to_webp=true
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China's Peacetime War

Hey patrons. Read about the major military parade taking place in China today, how it relates to the recent Chinese stock market crash, and how all of this bodes for the future of China and the future of international politics. 


https://defensetalk.quora.com/Chinas-Peacetime-War

Jon Davis

September 2, 2015 18:03:17

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