Climbing The Ladder Of Success

 In our 20s we think we have all the time in the world to A) figure it out and B) get what we want.  Time is the only treasure we start off with in abundance, and can never get back.  Make the most of the opportunities you have today, because there will be a time when you have no more of it.
 - Jason Nazar

The author of the piece I'm going to reference is only thirty-four years old, and he's offering sage advice. I'm not sure it will be the same advice he offers, if asked twenty years in the future, after following the same advice he's offering. Only time will tell.

I will say that I've been - oh what is the word? Saddened, confused, horrified, even angry about the lack of drive I see in so many young people these days (jeeze I'm old, those are my grandmother's words... sigh). But that's the right of people labeled as 'seniors', we get to say things like that and NOT compare them to our own lives. Young people do not. So hold up that mirror and check to see if any of this advice could make your personal journey more successful.

Jason Nazar of Forbes.com aimed his advice at people in their twenties. I'm going to widen that field and say it applies to anyone who has made a decision to succeed in their endeavors, even if their personal history isn't behind them.

Fledgling authors, artists, dancers, and performers should also look at this list with open eyes and a willingness to change. I'm not saying his advice is guaranteed, or even applicable to your specific case. But it just may be good advice for someone you know and/or love. Knowledge - Pass it on.

Enjoy this article by Jason Nazar: 20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don't Get

Dustin Is A Real Woman's Woman

As it happens...

I have written, and am rewriting, a novel called A Man's Man. It involves the son of a gay man who is determined to break up his father's relationship. That, he reasons as only a thirteen year old boy can, will turn his father straight again.

The title was chosen deliberately, as titles always are. But I chose the old-fashioned phrase because it had always been applied to self assured men that other men admire. To be labeled "a man's man" meant he was the ultimate in manliness, which in its turn meant integrity, strength, and an ability to inspire other men to their very best. Every guy wanted to be A Man's Man, or to be his best friend. It was a righteous compliment.

Today, after watching this video, I'm ready to acknowledge Dustin Hoffman as a real woman's woman, for all the same reasons. It took guts to make this video, and sheer bravery to put it out there for one and all to see, especially when there are many who will judge his tears rather than the meaning of his experience.

I had an automatic "well, duh" response, because I have understood this at a very basic societal level since my second day of Kindergarten. But my very next response was almost gleeful. I was surprised beyond belief that ANY man would have figured this out for himself, much less made the knowledge public. The euphoria quickly gave way to appreciation, and a determination to spread his story as widely as I might.

So I'm asking you to pass this entire video on. The clips they're showing on mainstream TV are hugely edited and don't give the entire impact of his personal journey. Don't let the media shape the message. I think it's important that Dustin say it in his own words, and in his own way.

I salute Tootsie/Dustin - a real woman's woman and a real man's man.

Let's (p)Lay A Game

The idea is self explanatory: Book Titles With One Letter Missing

Book Titles With One Letter Missing

John DiGilio @iBraryGuy

An Ale of Two Cities -- It was the best of beers. It was the worst of beers. And they were ready to war over it. #bookswithalettermissing

Language Bandit ‏@Languagebandit

Madame Ovary -- A novel about a doctor's wife who flirts with the idea of becoming a surrogate mother. #bookswithalettermissing

Daniel Pink ‏@DanielPink

Liver Twist -- A scruffy orphan invents a delicious deli sandwich. #bookswithalettermissing

Brilliant, yes? And there are quite a few other entertaining suggestions as well. So I thought I'd wade into the conversation with a few groaners of my own.

Cannery Ow - a scathing reprimand of the canning industry's lack of safety standards.

Wuthering Eights - Katherine and Heathcliff survive the hijinks of their six children.

Beak House - Chickens, and turkeys, and ducks. Oh my!

Hose of Sand and Fog - a bitter rivalry for ownership of a hosiery factory.

Back Beauty - A photo journal of tattoo artistry on the backs and hips of sensuous women.

and finally:

Harry Otter and the Goblet of Fir - Muskrat Harry sets out in search of the Goblet of Fir, a magic container some claim is a myth, others, a reality. (I know, technically I took away two letters in the title, but in my defense, one was actually a subtitle. Still, pretty funny, eh?)

And now it is your turn. Let me know if you join the conversation at #bookswithalettermissing. I'd love to hear your funnies.

Stephen Fry Is My Hero

Listen and watch. You'll see why.