Navy to stop SHOUTING in ALL CAPS

Graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy face a future that includes lower-case letters.

In a period of sequestration, spiking sexual assaults and controversial drones, the Navy has decided to make meaningful, substantive change . . . by altering the way its messages are typed. Since 1850, all message traffic and orders have been typed in ALL CAPS.  The Navy is altering this "annoying and rude" format to be less offensive to younger sailors. I didn't make this up; there's an article in today's Wall Street Journal.

Drone Operator Suffers from PTSD

Interesting video of a former Air Force drone camera operator claiming he now suffers from PTSD. 

Brandon Bryant served as a drone sensor operator from 2006 to 2011 at bases in Nevada, New Mexico and Iraq, guiding unmanned drones over Iraq and Afghanistan. Though he didn't fire missiles himself, he took part in missions that allegedly killed 1,626 individuals.

In an interview with NBC News, Bryant provided a rare first-person glimpse into what it’s like to control the controversial machines that have become central to the U.S. effort to kill terrorists.

Gee, it really isn't like Xbox, after all. Real people really die.

Rejection!

I must be a burgeoning author, as I received my first rejection email this week. On the positive side, the literary agent's rejection resulted from his request to read my manuscript. Though disappointed that the agent didn't find the book a good fit, I am highly encouraged that the first agent I reached out to was intrigued enough to actually request to see the manuscript.

Undaunted, I just sent out three more emails to prospective agents. The right agent for this project is out there, we'll find one another! Until then, I'll continue to provide occasional updates and also populate this blog with information and links relevant to The Last Top Gun.  Check six!

Unconventional Path to Publication

Yesterday marked a milestone in publication of The Last Top Gun. Rather than follow the traditional path: write a book, contact agents, keep fingers crossed, obtain an agent, contact publishers, keep two fingers crossed, sign major book deal; as an unpublished writer, I decided to take the road less travelled.

I wrote the book, then created a website, this blog, Twitter and Facebook sites to promote and gauge interest in the project. I was thrilled to see hundreds of visitors a day visit these various The Last Top Gun web platforms. People also check out videos on YouTube and the website.

An unknown writer who does not want to self-publish can only get so far on his own. Yesterday, I took the next step by reaching out to two accomplished literary agents. I look forward to finding an agent who shares my passion, character and entrepreneurial spirit. And yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Getting Out There!

I just posted a video on YouTube to help get the word out.  Let's turn the publishing world on its head!  Check it out below:

Thanks!

Blackhawks and Wounded Warriors: A True Winter Classic

Two of my favorite interests merged yesterday when the Chicago Blackhawks hosted a skate around with wounded warriors at Soldier Field. It's rare  for a professional sports team  to muck around with ordinary Joe's in the middle of a record-breaking season. But these were no ordinary civilians--they were combat veterans who had suffered amputations and brain injuries, and this was no ordinary ice rink--as the event took place at hallowed Soldier Field (incidentally, dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces).  

The wounded servicemen were part of the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program.  The program, as explained on its website, is designed to give military veterans who have been injured in military action the chance to play hockey in an environment that is suited to their needs. The program trains and supplies injured servicemen and women with hockey equipment and the skills needed to use the sport of ice hockey as a rehabilitation tool to overcome both physical and mental injuries sustained either in combat or in defense of our country.

What a fabulous tribute the Blackhawks' players and organization made to our military members who have given so much in service to us all. I applaud Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews, Duncan Keith and their teammates, management and owners. I remain in awe of the servicemen and women who survived their tours of duty with significant physical and mental scars, yet continue to fight off the battle field everyday, persevering in accomplishing the simple things I take for granted on a daily basis.

On Saturday, the Blackhawk players forgot they were professional athletes and the military members forgot they were Warriors. For an afternoon, they all were simply hockey players.

For more video of this marvelous event, click here.