News

You're a Funny Man

My co-conspirator in musical misadventures, singer-songwriter Daniel Market, invited me to riff on a lyric: You're a funny man, you're a very funny man. His creative direction: "Think Kinks." So, here's homage to one of the world's greatest rock ensembles... with a lyric credit for my buddy Daniel. Created using Band-in-a-Box and Garage Band. By the way, you can find Dan's newest CD, The Man I Sleep With, here.

listen to You're a Funny Man (3:34 Music Track)

Sleep-Talking Builds Character

As a rule, I'm not an early riser. But earlier this month I broke that rule for Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana. They contacted me last summer and asked if I would serve as guest speaker for a weekly meeting of the Teen Advisory Council. The group wanted tips on public speaking from a member of Toastmasters International. There was only one catch: their meetings take place at 5:55 in the morning. Oh well, that's why God created coffee!

The TAC is composed of high school students from throughout the area who assume a leadership role in bettering the community. It's a great group of kids! I have only one question: Where do they get all their energy at 5:55 a.m.?

"Don't smoke unless you're on fire."

Smokers who want to become ex-smokers need all the help they can get. So, I recently took part in a contest to support smoking cessation. The objective: create a slogan that encourages smokers to kick the habit. I entered a handful of ideas, and the judges chose one as the winner. Can you guess which one? (E-mail me and I will tell you.)

1. Quit smoking — enjoy a kick-ash life!
2. Smoke? Your body is dying to quit!
3. Quit smoking today — no whiffs, brands, or butts!
4. Health blooms when tobacco leaves. Quit smoking today!
5. Quit smoking. Start living.

White Paper: Common Copy Pitfalls

Over the past 20+ years of reviewing and editing commercial copy, I have found most marketing messages are plagued by one or more of a dozen fundamental errors. At the request of my clients, I have written a white paper that uncovers these pitfalls—and shows you how to sidestep them. Click here to download your free copy.

Wordman celebrates “10 Years Under the Shingle.”

After a decade of word wrangling, I dedicated a special night to the company of friends, colleagues, and family. We shared hot vittles, cold beer, and live jazz by Trio-Vital from Bremen, Germany. I think we should do it again soon. View the slideshow.