Saturday, March 16, 2013

My nomination for 'No Acronym Day'

    Last night, while watching the ABC World News, David Muir mentioned an upcoming story about the world's greatest obit. I thought to myself, 'obit...what's an obit...' and naturally, I stayed tuned and waited for this segment. In a few short moments, I learned obit was the shortened version for obituary.

   Really? Is there so much news to share within thirty minutes, that even an educated journalist/public speaker needs to use the same 'shorthand english language' as a high school student? Have we evolved into such egocentric citizens as to think that no one is worth one hundred percent of our time to have a complete conversation?

   Can we have a day where no one can say app? Just one day when it's illegal to say BTW or BFF? Can I be so forward as to ask that everyone, for just one day, check their email for spelling mistakes before they send it? Please, let me think your message to me is worth your time :-)

   I recently completed a novel, 'Grandpa's Grapevine'. The main characters are Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth. In the story, Elizabeth talks about her love and admiration for her Grandpa Frank, because he was always there to listen and provide guidance. Life moved a little slower when you were with Grandpa Frank and everyone he spoke with felt special. 

   What do your written and oral words say about you?
  

Monday, March 11, 2013

Blogging, Facebook and Stuff

     Recently, I started a Facebook page. Although I am probably a little late with starting a page...
 I'm happy to join the club. I find it interesting what other people find interesting! It's also a great way to stay in touch with people I don't get to visit very often.
    
     In addition to the Facebook page, I started another page on Facebook titled 'Writings of Linda Massucci'. After some discussion with my agent, I decided the main theme of this page would be faith and family. These topics follow my style of writing. I will also post updates on the progress of my books on this page.

     My weekly blog will also pertain to faith and family. Occasionaly, I may venture off to another topic, most likely about my dog or a current event that I just need to comment on! I appreciate any comments or thoughts from readers :-)
                                                                             

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Was Life Better In The 80's To Be A Kid?

     In my soon to be released novel, "Grandpa's Grapevine', the main character is Elizabeth Manciano. Elizabeth is a child of the 80's and, while facing the challenge to write Grandpa Frank's eulogy, often reflects on her childhood. My research to complete the novel (and some personal experiences) has me wondering- was life better in the 80's to be a kid?
    Audiences applauded when the boy's bikes rose in the air to save E.T. from the bad guys, children and adults were baffled by the rubrik cube and everyone watched the Cosby Show on Thursday night...or taped it with this new gadget called a VCR. Walkmans only played cassettes, but these things called CDs made their appearance- in 1982 no household had one, but by 1989, 150 million CDs were sold! In sports, a bunch of amateur hockey players kicked some Soviet butt and ladies were finally allowed to run the 26.2 marathon- before this, it was believed the distance would be harmful to women.
   Let's not forget Michael Jackson, the Boss and Billy Joel...the Rat Pack... the Big Chill...When Harry Met Sally...and most importantly- during the 80's- Saturday Night Live was really funny!  Brad Pitt was guest starring on Growing Pains, Drew Barrymore was in rehab and no one thought Rob Lowe could rebound his career. Last, but not least, is there anyone out there who doesn't walk onto a cruise ship without looking for Julie McCoy or Captain Steubing? 
   What do you think?