Archive for April 2011
Shut up, Teacher Man.
I have often said that the less a teacher speaks, the more a student learns. John Hunter, creator of the World Peace Game and recent TED Talk speaker, said something similar but significantly more profound: “I don’t have to control every conversation and response in the classroom. The students’ collective wisdom is much greater than…
Read MoreTitanic under the big top
Am I the only one who thinks the Water for Elephants trailer makes the movie look like James Cameron’s Titanic restaged at the circus?
Read MoreHan Solo still rules. Even if he is a murderer.
The Internet makes me happy. It brings together people with tiny, insignificant, extremely relevant beliefs. It lets me know that I am not alone.
Read MoreMy talk included wishing for the death of an elderly woman and the apparent arrival of her ghost
A couple of weeks ago I participated in the Books on the Nightstand Retreat, which I’ve written about previously. Nine authors came together with about one hundred readers to talk about books. On Saturday morning I conducted a one-hour session on the decisions that authors must make in the process of publishing a book (ironic…
Read MoreMy first date/arranged marriage
On Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting my new editor for the first time. About a week ago I accepted an offer from Saint Martin’s Press to publish my next two books, including Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. I was on my way to Vermont for a book retreat when we stopped off at…
Read MoreDirections damaging my ego
After spending the night on my sister-in-law’s air mattress, I thought I’d be a nice guy and deflate the thing. After battling with the air pump to no avail, I moved to the large, quick release valve and read the following directions: How do you think I felt after not being able to push the…
Read MoreIs the absence of women writers in late night comedy a result of sexism or simply female preference?
Jennifer Weiner recently called for the hosts of the various late night programs to address the absence of female writers on their staff. While I am in favor of increasing opportunities for female writers, I have to wonder if their absence in late night comedy is the result of overt sexism or simply a lack…
Read MoreI don’t care about stuff.
I am a person who desires little and places little value on material possessions. I purposefully avoid all designer labels with the exception of shoes (I have yet to find a decent pair of off-brand shoes). I drive a nine-year old Subaru and am perfectly content to drive it into the ground. My wedding band…
Read MoreThe definition of self-indulgence
I am always in favor of having a party, but this is quite possibly the stupidest celebration that I have ever seen. Ask your doctor to place the results of your latest ultrasound in an envelope, pass that envelope onto your local bakery, and ask the baker to bake you a cake that matches the…
Read MoreMy ugly golf swing
My friend, Scott, is an excellent golfer. He hits the links about three times a year, uses the same driver from ninth grade and is quite capable of shooting under 80 on any given day. He’s also an outstanding golf instructor, and in the few times that I have played with him, he has taught…
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