A Bit O' the Irish for Everyone!

I'll make this short-n-sweet: Top O' the Mornin'! Or whatever time of day it is when you read this. 

We're celebrating me dear Grandpa Connelly's heritage -- and let's face it, no matter what your ancestors' culture, everyone is a wee bit o' Irish today.

This quickie note is just to regale you with a fun list of links to Irish sites, personally selected by yours truly, that will provide Irish fodder for your Erin Go Bragh get-togethers. Witty sayings, Irish lore and legend, and even wonderful wee gifts from the Leprechauns! Click on the shamrock!

I have no connection to any of these sites or owners -- other than we share a love for everything Irish. This information is for your pleasure and entertainment any time you feel like wearin' the green!


(I reviewed again, all of the links to ensure their current status, but of course, I cannot take any responsibility [or credit!] for any anomalies you might encounter.)

Publishing’s Redheaded Stepchild Waiting in the Wings for Center Stage

Yes, Self Publishing thrives! In spite of its beer bubbles in publishing's wine tasting room.

Four years ago I wrote “Publishing’s Death Knell Premature" (01/01/09),  about the redheaded stepchild of the book industry: Self Publishing. Of course, I’m using the term “self publishing” as the masses do – ANY form of publishing that is not through a traditional publisher.

I know, I know, that is not correct – have you tried changing public perception lately? (Click here if you want to know the difference between forms of publishing.)

So, let’s pretend this is January 1, 2013 again – seriously, I meant to write this then – after four years we can attest that the industry has indeed, changed. Not news. But the stagnation of self publishing’s image is.

After four long, recessionary years in which self publishing has exploded, unlike other industries, a recent journalist’s query requested to connect with “authors who have not yet been signed to a publisher,” still assuming all authors have the desire to sell their souls to a traditional publisher. I nearly choked on my coffee (OK, it may have been beer … don’t recall what time of the day).

Facebook – A Shiny Trojan Horse

A lifestyle comment ...


I thoroughly dislike Facebook. There. I said it aloud. And I know I’m not alone. Maybe I should start a Facebook Healing Program: “Hi. My name is LinDee and I’m a recovering Facebook member.”

I can’t say I’ve ever been a Facebook fanatic. I used to be a private person and my sole purpose for joining was to connect with others on a business level. But its uses for many people are multi-level, appealing to every aspect of life. And I do mean every.

 

Have you ever visited FB’s various policy and information pages? They’re very enlightening. Right from the beginning they tell us (and we ignore the connotation): “We are building Facebook to make the world more open and transparent. …” (www.facebook.com/principles.php)

“The world” – as in governments and enforcement agencies that are supposed to protect us, yes; but the world, as in each individual, should NOT be transparent to the point of vulnerability to the mass villains!