For Writers Out There
This is an unadulerated plug for my agent Jeff Herman's newest edition of "Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents, 2008." It's a treasure trove, from how to begin a story to how to reach editors, agents, publishers, and
The Complete Entrepreneur
What are the characteristics of the successful entrepreneur? Here is what I have found among those I've met: - Intellectual acuity. They are sharp, agile, and fast-on-their feet. Through their intellect they become an object of interest to others. - Self-determination. They do not
Victimization As An Art Form
I’ve belonged to Mensa (they claim to be the top 2% of IQ in the general population) for a long time so that I can debunk their claims from the inside. This is approximately as hard as predicting that the
Interview with Moi
A good friend of mine, Darren LaCroix, is a great humorist and also a former Toastmasters World Champion of Speaking. He introduced me, years ago, to Dave Fitzgerald, one of the funniest and nicest guys I'd ever met. Dave succumbed
Training Opportunity
I’m looking for exceptionally talented trainers in Northern California for Presentation Skills contract training work starting in 2008. Much of the work would be with High Tech companies in the Silicon Valley with possible travel opportunities as well. Candidates must have a
Notice to Otis
Everything below is true, absolutely true. My wife and I had to attend a board meeting of the ballet Monday evening. It was held in offices at Textron, a Fortune 500 company, headquartered in Providence. The ballet board president is
Cancun Journal: October 19
A final, beautiful day, keeping our streak alive this year of perfect vacation weather. Saying goodbye to Eduardo, one of the excellent beach waiters, he tells me that there were two topless women on the beach very early this morning. “Is
Cancun Journal: October 18
October 18 Vegged on the beach today, great water, perhaps 80°, with wonderful breakers. I find I’m addicted to these hot dogs, but life is short! I didn’t mention that yesterday Guillermo found a spider starfish on the bottom, which looks
Jettisoning the Shakes
I was rocking in a small boat on rough seas contemplating my next scuba dive. There are, for me, always uncertainties. The dive master might know the bottom here, but I don’t. The currents vary. We’re going to try entering
Cancun Journal: October 17
Sometimes small miracles happen. Today, I drove ten minutes down the coast to go snorkeling. Ten of us headed out with Guillermo and Ricardo. To get to the reef, we pass through two “jungles”—islands of crooked trees rife with exotic birds,