Some Popcorn For the Mind

Are you weary of our fast paced world where instant gratification isn't quick enough? Do you long for the "good old days" when America seemed to know how to get things done?

Then this short subject called, "A Day In the Life of Moonbot Studios," is for you. It's a real laugh riot. The studio that produced the "2011" Oscar nominated Animated Short Subject, "The Amazing Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,"does a great job spoofing itself.

If you are a book lover and haven't seen "The Amazing Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore," my blog post "The Wonder of Books" has a link to it.

http://vimeo.com/29048841

Good Advice For This Valentine's Day

Whether you have a significant other or not, be good to your heart this Valentine's Day.

Can a person stop a heart attack when alone, simply by coughing repeatedly? The experts say no! Don't be fooled!

snopes.com/medical/homecure/coughcpr.asp

Overseas Jobs Resource

If you or someone you know has been looking for a professional job, the Jooble international "help wanted" website may be able to find you that rewarding career you have been looking for. They are a European employment agency specializing in overseas jobs.

You can access their website from the link below or from the International Flags logo on the right sidebar of my blog - Fornology. If you are in a position to take advantage of this resource and are interested in working and experiencing another culture, this may be your ticket.

jooble-us.com

Movers and Shakers - People Who Made a Difference

Open the link for a better view of this awesome oil painting. See how many of these famous historical figures from the ages you can identify. Hover the cursor over a face for a name and click on it for information. For starters, that's Dante in the upper right hand corner; everyone else is contemplating eternity with him.

http://cliptank.com/PeopleofInfluencePainting.htm

The Wonder of Books

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a sentimental look at reading and literacy. This fourteen minute computer animation is for readers who love the the texture of paper and the magic of turning pages. It is nominated for an academy award.

As society moves further and further into a world of international symbols, logos, icons, and apps, the value and importance of literacy increases.  This video captures the magic of reading and may make you rethink this brave new world of hand held reading tablets.

http://vimeo.com/35404908

John Norman Collins - Astrological Birth Chart

While doing a Google search on John Norman Collins, the so-called Coed Killer, I stumbled across his astrological natal chart and was struck by the intricacies of this graphic representation based on his birth information - June 17th, 1947 at 12:38 PM. Some other people born on this date are Newt Gingrich, MC Escher, Igor Stravinski, Barry Manilow, Greg Kinnear, Joe Piscopo, and Martin Bormann.

The website is www.astrotheme.com, and it touts itself as "A New Approach to Astrology." The printout is computer compiled and generated, and the site offers a crash course in some of the metaphysical arts - for instance, numerology and Chinese astrology. John's birth path is eight, and he was born under the Sign of the Pig.

After ten pages explaining the complexities of astrological interpretation, the final four pages do an analysis of Mr. Collins. The one ironic observation that struck me was, "You have so much charm and volubility that you easily manage to be what is known as a lady-killer." Really? The last page includes an interesting "Warning" disclaimer you may want to read first.

For my disclaimer, I would like to attach my voice to this quote from Nobel Laureate in Literature - Saul Bellow: "There is no limit to the amount of intelligence invested in ignorance - when the need for illusion runs deep."

http://www.astrotheme.com/carte.php?clef=2M7eNMpbDmMz&initialiser=1

Free Radio Booking Service for Authors

My publisher for Zug Island - Wheatmark.com - recommended a free internet radio booking service named radioguestlist.com which has worked quite well for me . Once registered with them, they send out daily listings of radio talk shows looking for interesting guests. A writer can simply look down the listings and choose a show that specializes in his/her area of expertise. I've contacted four stations, three with positive results and another I'm waiting to hear from.

On Monday night, I was interviewed on a Harlem radio show - Beefstewradio.com - which I have run as a link below. I also have bookings on "Sayinitplain.com" in February and on the "Hollis Chapman Show" in May. My website and blog helped me seal these deals, so I recommend that you have an engaging electronic platform. It is your 24/7 billboard and calling card.

Independent authors can use this service to get media exposure and advertise their books and future writing projects. Local advertising isn't cheap - this media service gives you national and international exposure for free! Give it a try.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beefstewradio/2012/01/24/interview-with-author-gregory-a-fournier