Susan von Seggern

Public Relations

Love, Camera, Action Release Event at Village Well Books, April 21, with Bestselling Author Aimee Bender Interviewing Scribe Noël Stark

04/18/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Culver City, CA – Alcove Press/Penguin Random House author Noël Stark will be interviewed by New York Times bestselling author Aimee Bender at 6 pm on April 21 at the Village Well Bookstore, 9900 Culver Blvd #1b, Culver City, CA 90232. They will discuss Noel’s book Love, Camera, Action, her debut novel. The event is free.

Love, Camera, Action is a sizzling workplace, enemies-to-lovers romance set against a film and television industry backdrop. It is perfect for fans of noted romance authors Ava Wilder and Tessa Bailey. On April 22, it will be available at online and offline booksellers from Alcove Press through Penguin/Random House.

Noël Stark has worked in almost every film and TV industry position, appearing in Land of the Dead and DeGrassi, writing for Paw Patrol, producing over 200 hours of scripted and unscripted television, and having her film Stronger at both the Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals. Although Canadian, she lives in Hollywood with her young son, who desperately misses winter. She likes chocolate milk in her coffee and gets most of her real-world intel from her three step-children.

In the book, up-and-coming TV director Cali Daniels lands her big break directing a steamy episode of the popular series, The Demon. All she has to do is deliver an unparalleled show. Unfortunately, butting heads with the effortlessly sexy director of photography, Jory Blair, throws a wrench in her plans. Jory, who has spent years cultivating his career as an A-list cinematographer, finds himself rethinking his life after a recent health scare. He’s craving the director’s spot, but this creative newbie wants to change the look of his show!

As Cali navigates the pressures of her career-defining opportunity, she finds herself constantly challenged by Jory’s traditional approach. Their creative differences ignite sparks, leading to an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore.

The high-stakes environment of the set, combined with Cali’s undeniable attraction to Jory, creates a whirlwind of passion and conflict. As their collaboration deepens, the show’s producer subtly suggests Jory sabotage Cali to achieve his goals, putting their careers and hearts on the line. In this world of bright lights and even brighter ambitions, Cali and Jory must decide if chasing their dream jobs is worth losing the dream of a future together.

Praise for Love, Camera, Action:

  • “The romantic tension between the two is palpable.” —Publishers Weekly
  • “Love, Camera, Action is hot enough to burn down the set and good enough you’ll read it in one take.” —Katie Kennedy, author of Hearts on Thin Ice
  • “A juicy and romantic wild ride . . . Thoroughly enjoyable to read.” —Aimee Bender, author of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Filed Under: Books, Events

“Jeep Show” Author, Memphian Robert B. O’Connor to Speak at Morton Museum’s Lunch & Learn Series, February 27

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

“It seems odd to call a World War II novel delightful but that’s exactly what you get with O’Connor’s mix of history and fiction, as battles rage on and enlisted men entertain the troops.”
– Kirkus (Starred Review)

COLLIERVILLE, TN – January 30, 2025 – Robert B. O’Connor, author of the compelling new historical fiction novel “Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge,” will be the featured speaker at the Morton Museum of Collierville History’s Lunch & Learn series on Tuesday, February 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

O’Connor will discuss his critically acclaimed, meticulously researched novel, which chronicles the remarkable journey of Jim Tanzer, a 30-year-old dance instructor who enlists in the Army during World War II despite having a draft deferment. The book offers a unique perspective on the war, focusing on enlisted entertainers in the little-known Morale Corps and their efforts to boost troop morale through entertainment in combat areas where the USO and the Red Cross could not go.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Morton Museum of Collierville History, 196 Main Street, Collierville, Tennessee 38017
Cost: Free to attend; participants are encouraged to bring their lunch

“Jeep Show” intertwines personal narratives with historical events, notably the Battle of the Bulge, providing readers with a fresh perspective on World War II. O’Connor’s presentation promises to shed light on the extensive morale-boosting efforts of the U.S. Army during the war and the author’s research process and inspiration for the novel.

The Morton Museum’s Lunch & Learn series allows attendees to explore diverse topics through engaging presentations while enjoying their lunch in the museum’s welcoming atmosphere. This event will appeal to history enthusiasts, WWII buffs, and fiction lovers alike.

Robert B. O’Connor, a Memphis-based author, has previously published the nonfiction book “Gumptionade.” His work often focuses on stories of determination triumphing over adversity in history and everyday life.

For more information about the event or to RSVP, please see https://www.colliervilletn.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1012/733?curm=2&cury=2025.

About the Morton Museum of Collierville History:
The Morton Museum of Collierville History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Collierville and the surrounding area. The museum strives to engage the community in exploring local history and culture through its exhibits, educational programs, and events, such as the Lunch & Learn series.

Filed Under: Books, Events

Shining a Light on An Untold WWII Tale. Jeep Shows Were Front Line Entertainment by Entertainment Soldiers in the Morale Corps

02/12/2025 by Susan von Seggern

Jeep Show Author and Expert Robert B. O’Connor Available for Coverage Leading Up to VE Day’s 80th Anniversary, May 8

Memphis, TN – February 6, 2025—As the 80th Anniversary of VE Day approaches, there are precious few stories of World War II in the European Theater of Operations that have not been told, told, and told. However, Memphis-based author Robert B. O’Connor has found and extensively researched such a story.

His book, Jeep Show – A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, was released in late 2024 for the 80th Anniversary of that monumental battle, where much of the action takes place. Jeep Show tells the never-before publicized story of the enlisted entertainers of the Army’s Morale Corp. The book follows Private Jim Tanzer and his squad leader, Mickey Rooney, Hollywood’s top box office star from 1939 to 1941, as their Jeep shows tour the front lines where the USO and the Red Cross could not go. The action ramps up when the Germans attack in force, and Private Tanzer inadvertently becomes part of Team SNAFU, the unit of irregulars supporting the 101st Airborne Division in the heroic defense of Bastogne.

O’Connor notes, “When I heard that Jim Hetzer, the WWII Veteran who inspired my main character, entertained combat troops at the front, my first thought was: enlisted men were entertainers? Like most people, I thought there was just the USO’s civilian celebs entertaining the troops in the rear echelon. But, with their Jeep shows, the brave men of the Morale Corp brought a bit of home and humor to the front lines. Due to the fog of war, some of these men ended up in combat. An irresistible story.”

Jeep Show has become a popular book in military and veteran communities, with O’Connor appearing on many vet podcasts, including Veteran’s Radio, Veteran’s Breakfast Club, and more. Don Abernathy of What’s The Scuttlebutt notes, “I can count on two hands the number of fiction books I’ve read in my life. I’ve read hundreds of books, but I don’t devote time to fiction at all. I did 80 pages last night, and I’ve been thinking about it all day. I have been looking so forward to getting back into it. There’s no better compliment.”

The book has been well-reviewed:
“Although a work of fiction, Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge brilliantly draws upon real people, places, and events drawn from the European theatre of World War II. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, one that rises to an impressive level of literary excellence.” – Midwest Book Review

“It seems odd to call a World War II novel ‘delightful,’ but that’s exactly what you get with O’Connor’s mix of history and fiction as battles rage on and enlisted men entertain the troops.” – Kirkus, Starred Review

“This refreshing take on military fiction masterfully balances the gravity of war with unexpected moments of fun and camaraderie.” – Publisher’s Weekly BookLife, Editor’s Pick

“Band of Brothers meets Forrest Gump.” – Amazon Reader Review

Interviewers find Robert O’Connor an excellent interview with these and many other noting:
“You will not be able to find any time when that dialogue does not fit the time and the place, and the circumstance. Where the history doesn’t match the exact history.” – Jon Hagadorn, 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries Podcast

“You were amazing. It was an honor.” – Joe Dimino, Famous Interviews Podcast

“Your insights brought such depth to the conversation, and your passion for sharing this important history was both engaging and inspiring.” – Jorge Loza and Wesley Reynolds, Two Motrin and Water Podcast

Jeep Show author Robert O’Connor will make a fantastic guest or expert for the 80th anniversary of VE Day coverage needs. This never-before-told tale is a perfect way to celebrate America’s victory over fascism with the heart and soul of the US Army’s Morale Corp. And couldn’t we all use a little morale in 2025?

Filed Under: Books, Entertainment

New World War II Novel “Jeep Show” Shows the Battle of the Bulge from Inside, Honoring the Battle’s 80th Anniversary December 14 – January 25

12/18/2024 by Susan von Seggern

Book Was an Amazon #1 New Release in Two Categories

Memphis, TN – Released in November, the WWII novel “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge” by Robert B. O’Connor tells the fascinating story of how the U.S. Army used entertainment to boost troop morale during World War II’s darkest hours. The book follows a Morale Corp entertainer who falls into combat during the largest battle ever fought by the American Army, the Battle of the Bulge, which marks its 80th anniversary from December 14, 2024, to January 25, 2025.

A meticulously researched historical novel, “Jeep Show” follows Private Jim Tanzer, a 30-year-old ex-dance instructor who gave up a fatherhood deferment to serve his country. Assigned to the Morale Corps as an Entertainment Specialist, Tanzer performs in mobile Jeep shows alongside Hollywood star and real-life Jeep show star Private Mickey Rooney, bringing moments of joy to combat-weary troops — until he finds himself caught in the Battle of the Bulge.

“While researching this book, I discovered how extensively the Army used entertainment to maintain soldier morale. These soldier performers risked their lives to remind troops of home, yet their story has largely gone untold,” says O’Connor. Adding, “I made my telling of the German Ardennes Offensive, known today as the Battle of the Bulge, and the Siege of Bastogne, integral to the outcome, as true to life as possible so readers understand the uncertainty, discomfort and physical danger imposed on soldiers in combat. While there is plenty of humor in “Jeep Show,” and Army life has its ridiculous side, war is not funny or romantic. War is hell.”

“Jeep Show” makes a fantastic holiday gift for WWII buffs, veterans, and perhaps Grandpa! The book appeals to fans of “Band of Brothers” and “Saving Private Ryan” while offering a fresh perspective on World War II through the lens of entertainment and morale-building efforts.

The book is available through Amazon, where it was a #1 new release in the biographies of the army and biographies of WWII categories.

About the Author:
Robert B. O’Connor is a Memphis-based writer whose career spans advertising, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kenyon College with Highest Honors in History, O’Connor brings historical accuracy and compelling storytelling to his work.

Filed Under: Books, History, Publishing

New World War II Novel “Jeep Show” Reveals Untold Story of Entertainment on the Front Lines

12/18/2024 by Susan von Seggern

Memphis, TN – “Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge” by Robert B. O’Connor launches today, unveiling the fascinating story of how the U.S. Army used entertainment to boost troop morale during World War II’s darkest hours.

This meticulously researched historical novel follows Jim Tanzer, a 30-year-old dance instructor who forgoes a fatherhood deferment to serve his country. Assigned to the Morale Corps as an Entertainment Specialist, Tanzer performs in mobile “Jeep shows” alongside Hollywood star Private Mickey Rooney, bringing moments of joy to combat-weary troops – until he finds himself caught in the Battle of the Bulge.

“While researching this book, I discovered how extensively the Army used entertainment to maintain soldier morale,” says O’Connor. “These traveling performers risked their lives to remind troops of home, yet their story has largely gone untold.”

O’Connor, also the author of “Gumptionade,” brings his expertise as a former advertising executive and amateur historian to craft a narrative that weaves together:

  • Little-known details about the Army’s entertainment initiatives
  • The rich historical context of the Battle of the Bulge
  • Authentic glimpses into early 20th Century show business
  • The personal journey of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances

“Jeep Show” will appeal to fans of “Band of Brothers” and “Saving Private Ryan” while offering a fresh perspective on World War II through the lens of entertainment and morale-building efforts.

The book is available through Amazon and at jeepshowbook.com.

About the Author:
Robert B. O’Connor is a Memphis-based writer whose career spans advertising, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Kenyon College with the Highest Honors in History, O’Connor brings historical accuracy and compelling storytelling to his work.

Filed Under: Books, Education, Publishing

Modus Cooperandi Press Announces Amazon Bestselling Release of D. Lynn Kelley with John Shook’s Change Questions

08/10/2023 by Susan von Seggern

Detroit, Michigan – August 2, 2023 – Modus Cooperandi Press’ change management book Change Questions by noted executive D. Lynn Kelley, PhD, with prominent Lean Management expert John Shook, was released with an event at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe here last night and is already an Amazon bestseller ranking number 1 in the categories of Lean Management, Agile Project Management, and Business Structural Adjustment.

The pace of organizational change has been increasing. Unfortunately, most change activities fail to deliver anticipated results, and those that do often fail to sustain. The Change Questions book addresses these critical issues by providing a proven process with a strong record of sustainment that can be used by anyone responsible for implementing organizational change.

The book includes a case study with examples and stories of transformation at Fortune 200 company Union Pacific Railroad over eight years. Using the Change Questions at Union Pacific resulted in a dramatic increase in operational performance and a 96% sustainment rate over hundreds of change initiatives.

The Change Questions represent a new way of thinking and acting characterized by an investigative process that creates a situational and customized approach to change. Whether the reader is a professional, a student, or someone asked to lead a significant organizational change for the first time, this framework is easily used to implement change that sustains successfully. The book includes meeting timelines, deliverables, and sample agendas. A digital workbook that is a self-guided tool for implementing change can be accessed by purchasing the book.

Author D. Lynn Kelley is currently a Senior Advisor to Brown Brothers Harriman Capital Partners and is actively involved in sourcing, investment evaluation, and providing post-investment value-added oversight to their portfolio companies. She was the senior vice president of Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement at Union Pacific Railroad from 2010-18. Earlier, Lynn worked at Textron, where she was vice president of Operational Excellence and was a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She had international responsibilities across all business units, including Cessna Aircraft and Bell Helicopter.

Lynn holds a PhD from Wayne State University in Evaluation and Research, an MBA from Michigan State University, and a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Detroit-Mercy. Lynn completed post-doctoral fellowships at the US Census Bureau and the American Society of Engineering Education. She has published 17 articles and three books on statistics and operational excellence.

John Shook learned about lean management while working for Toyota for 11 years in Japan and the U.S., helping it transfer production, engineering, and management systems from Japan to NUMMI and other operations worldwide. While at Toyota’s headquarters, he became the company’s first American manager in Japan. In the U.S., Shook joined Toyota’s North American engineering, research, and development center in Ann Arbor, Michigan as general manager of administration and planning. His last position with Toyota was as senior American manager with the Toyota Supplier Support Center in Lexington, Kentucky, assisting North American companies in adopting the Toyota Production System.

Shook co-authored Learning to See, which introduced the world to value-stream mapping. He also co-authored Kaizen Express, a bi-lingual manual of the essential concepts and tools of the Toyota Production System. With Managing to Learn, Shook revealed the deeper workings of the A3 management process at the heart of Toyota’s management and leadership.

Filed Under: Books, Business, Entrepreneurial

In Time for Marvel’s Multiverse, Epic Games’s Metaverse, and The Matrix Resurrections, MIT and Game Industry Alum to Release The Simulated Multiverse October 15

10/11/2021 by Susan von Seggern

In a follow up to The Simulation Hypothesis, MIT Computer Scientist Rizwan Virk explores the idea of the Multiverse from the lens of Simulation Theory, Video Games, and the Mandela Effect

San Francisco, CA – September 20, 2021 – MIT computer scientist and Silicon Valley video game designer Rizwan Virk announced the much anticipated follow up to his bestselling book, The Simulation Hypothesis, will be published October 15. The book comes as interest in multiverses and metaverses are at an all-time high with the release of The Matrix Resurrections in December, Marvel’s ongoing Multiverse storyline, and the exciting developments of Epic Games’ Metaverse.

The Simulated Multiverse explores deeper questions about the nature of space and time in all possible universes. Virk explores the idea that parallel universes are a result of different runs of the simulation, with variables changed, an idea first proffered by Philip K. Dick, and a rational explanation for the mysterious Mandela Effect. By tying science fiction ideas and Virk’s extensive knowledge of computer science, quantum physics and video games, this book expands our idea of our world.

“When the Matrix came out in 1999, it was in the realm of science fiction,” said Virk. “With today’s advancements in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and the Metaverse, a simulated universe is not far away.

“With The Matrix 4 and Free Guy, this is the year of simulation movies; but multiverses are extremely popular too, appearing in everything from TV shows like Marvel’s Loki and What If… to The CWs The Flash and Superman & Lois. In this book, I explore how a multiverse might work.”

This book addresses the idea that there are multiple versions of us in different timelines, like multiple processes running inside a giant computer and explains everything from parallel universes in quantum physics to the Mandela Effect.

Virk is the founder of Play Labs @ MIT, a video game startup incubator at the MIT Game Lab, and co-founder, advisor and investor in many video game startups.

The Simulated Multiverse is for computer scientists, science fiction and comics fans, video game enthusiasts, and those looking to understand the nature of reality.

The author is also announcing that translation rights for his previous book, The Simulation Hypothesis, have been acquired will be published into a number of languages/countries, including Chinese (via China Machine Press) Portuguese (via Citadel), French (Editions Extraordinaires), and Japanese (via Tokuma Shoten).

The new book is available for pre-order in Paperback or eBook format now and will be released on October 15, 2021. Pre-ordering can be done at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XFR749T/ or by visiting the authors website at http://www.zenentrepreneur.com/.

About the Author:
A graduate of MIT and Stanford, Rizwan (“Riz”) Virk is a successful entrepreneur, angel investor, bestselling author, video game industry pioneer, and independent film producer. Virk was the founder Play Labs @ MIT (www.playlabs.tv) a startup accelerator for playful technologies held on campus at the MIT Game Lab, and is currently at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures.

His previously published books include: Zen Entrepreneurship (Bayview, 2013), Treasure Hunt: Follow Your Inner Clues to Find True Success (Watkins, 2017), The Simulation Hypothesis (Bayview, 2019), and Startup Myths and Models: What You Won’t Learn in Business School (2020, Columbia University Press).

Virk’s video games have included Tap Fish, which was downloaded over 50 million times, and games based on TV shows like Penny Dreadful and Grimm. Virk has been an investor and founder in many startups, including Telltale Games (creator of narrative games based on The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones), Tapjoy and Discord. He has been a producer on Thrive: What on Earth Will It Take?, Knights of Badassdom, starring Peter Dinklage, the TV show The Outpost, and adaptations of the works of Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. Le Guin.

Visit his author and professional websites at www.zenentrepreneur.com and www.bayviewlabs.com.

Praise for the Simulated Multiverse and the Simulation Hypothesis:
“How am I unreal? Riz Virk counts the ways. So many ways we might all live in one (or more) simulated worlds. Palpable ‘reality’ may be as delusional as our old notion that the heavens revolved around Earth. And just like Galileo did then, Virk may help open our eyes to a greater (if humbling) cosmology.”
—David Brin, author of EXISTENCE, The Postman and EARTH.

We are used to thinking of the afterlife as a sort of simulation with less reality than our world of solid objects … However, a few cutting-edge thinkers have posited that this world in which we live is a simulation. In his second book on the subject of simulation, Rizwan Virk walks us through the concept of a computer-generated reality that Philip K. Dick posited in the speech that he delivered in Metz, France, in 1977. This volume is well-researched and eminently readable for any interested reader. The topic is fascinating, and the writing is clear. Perhaps The Matrix is more than a science fiction film; perhaps it reveals some truth about our world and our lives in this world. Read this book, if you dare.
—Tessa B. Dick, author of Conversations with Philip K. Dick, wife of Philip K. Dick

Refining his impressions of the progress of AI since his research at MIT… Virk has expanded his thesis in the wider scope of the multiverse, building on the framework of pioneers such as Nick Bostrom and Kurzweil. The result is a new challenge not only to theories of simulation, but to what constitutes reality itself, and human illusions of our rightful place within it.
—Jacques Vallée, venture capitalist, author of Forbidden Science

Virk … makes a cogent, clear-eyed guide to the head-spinning science of parallel universes, quantum indeterminacy, and the possibility—terrifying or relieving—that our perceived reality is in fact part of a great simulation.
—Publishers Weekly

I’m grateful to be living in a branch of the multiverse where if I’m asked to go into more detail about the relationship between Total Recall and quantum physics, I can simply point someone in the direction of this comprehensive and entertaining book. To quote a certain 1999 blockbuster: Woah.
—Rodney Ascher, director of A Glitch in the Matrix

“In The Simulated Multiverse, Riz Virk takes simulation theory and The Matrix to a new level. Using computational tools – complexity, artificial intelligence, video games and quantum computing – Virk explains an interpretation of our world that sounds like science fiction: that we are living multiple parallel timelines. If you want to get glimpses not only of our possible digital futures, but also of multiple parallel pasts and presents, read this book!”
—Brad Feld, venture capitalist and author of The Startup Community Way

“MIT scientist’s ‘Simulation Hypothesis’ makes compelling case for The Matrix.”
—The Next Web

“Those looking to expand their brains for a few hours should enjoy this cerebral work. A well-crafted discussion of simulation that is unexpectedly persuasive.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“In The Simulation Hypothesis, Riz Virk provides a deft and knowledgeable blend of video game history, hard science speculation, and science fiction references. Whether or not you believe we all exist in a simulation, I found it both fascinating and entertaining.”
—Noah Falstein, former chair of the IGDA, former Chief Game Designer at Google

The Simulated Multiverse
An MIT Computer Scientist Explores Parallel Universes, The Simulation Hypothesis, Quantum Computing and The Mandela Effect

by Rizwan Virk
Bayview Books | October 15, 2021. Available as e-book and Paperback ISBN: 978-1954872004

Filed Under: Books, Events, Tech

Counterculture Poet Melinda Kweskin’s Introspections in Flight is Out Now, Six Years After Her Death, on Noted Poetry Imprint Zeitgeist Press

03/11/2021 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – March 5, 2021 – In the months before noted former Jungle and Breaks DJ and electronic music activist Kat Goldfarb’s mom Melinda Kweskin passed in 2015 Kat compiled her life’s poetry work into a manuscript. After several years of compiling the poems along with photos and tributes, that book arrives in stores today. Kweskin was a poet starting in the late 60s until her death, while some of her work was published while she was alive, much of it wasn’t, until now, in the resulting book Introspections in Flight.

Kat was able to arrange for the book to be published by noted San Francisco Bay Area based utopian literary publisher Zeitgeist Press and it’s due for release today, March 5.

Zeitgeist is part of monthly poetry readings the first Saturday of each month (now online on Zoom) hosted by the non-profit Poetry Promise, Inc. and sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Zeitgeist publisher and the first Poet Laureate of Clark County, Nevada Bruce Isaacson will read a selection and host other featured readers including bestselling author Dick Russell, and Melinda Kweskin’s family, giving life to her poems from Introspections in Flight in their first ever public reading tomorrow, March 6. To join the reading, please go here at 2pm PST on Saturday March 6.

Melinda Kweskin was known in artistic circles as noted folk singer Jim Kweskin’s wife. The Jim Kweskin Jug Band released eight albums on Vanguard in the 1960’s and launched the career of noted singer Maria Muldaur. He and Melinda had a daughter in the early 70s, and he has continued to record since.
Melinda started writing poetry in earnest in 1967 when some of her poems were featured in a Boston underground newspaper, Avatar. She began to take her writing very seriously and would type her poems on a classic typewriter. She continued both poetry and prose wiring as a contributor to Avatar, including a series featuring her correspondence with soldiers in Vietnam.

As she got older, she also began writing letters and kept up correspondence with a tremendous amount of people, and kept writing poetry, archived in both print and digitally.

She had a career as an accountant for many large companies around the country up until she had to have emergency quintuple bypass surgery in her early 50s that began a time of health challenges that continued for the rest of her life. She soon moved to Los Angeles with her daughters, and Kat’s twin sister Deirdre became her main caretaker. Her condition declined over the years and in the last years of her life, she was mostly home bound.

During this time, she was constantly writing, and she was able to bring her visions into her work, enabling a unique understanding of the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual realm of those around her. Her selected poetry works in Introspections in Flight seeks to share this understanding with the larger world.
The poems in the book are interspersed with remembrances from some of Melinda’s many friends as well as from her daughters. One friend, Jessie Benton (daughter of noted American painter Thomas Hart Benton) who didn’t contribute but loved the book noted, “I think it is the loveliest tribute to a mother that has ever existed, if perhaps the first.” (referring to some mother tributes that are more about the children working through their feelings rather than a celebration).

Introspections in Flight is available at Zeitgeist Press at https://www.zeitgeist-press.com/index.php/product/introspections-in-flight/, Amazon, and other online booksellers today, March 5. To join the public (Zoom) reading please go here at 2pm PST on Saturday March 6.

Filed Under: Books, Events

Amazon Best-Selling Author, Tax Attorney and CFP® Rebecca Walser Presents Tax Reform & ‘Tax Traps’ Talks in California in February

02/05/2018 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – With the new tax reform bill, millions of boomers getting ready to retire, and a tremendous retirement savings gap, Rebecca Walser’s book Wealth Unbroken: Growing Wealth Uninterrupted by Market Crashes, Taxes, and even Death (Atlantic), out in paperback earlier this month, is extremely timely.

The Kindle version of the book came out a few weeks ago and was #1 in the Kindle eBooks/Nonfiction category! It was also #1 in Personal Finance/Budgeting & Money Management, Personal Finance/Retirement Planning, Taxation/Personal, Business & Money/Business Life/Motivation & Self-Improvement, and Business & Money/Women & Business (see graphics below).

Walser will be hosting three talks in California in February where she will discuss the recent tax reform, the loss of some deductions for Californians, what the “IRA Tax Trap” is and how to leverage tax law changes for one’s benefit.

The talk will include info on: the ugly side of paying taxes in retirement; why large tax increases are coming even with the recent tax reform bill; and how to take back control of your wealth.

The California events are as follows:

 

City Date/Time Location
San Francisco February 19, 6:30pm Fairmont San Francisco Hotel
Los Angeles February 21, 6:30pm Beverly Wilshire Hotel (Beverly Hills)
San Diego February 23, 6:30pm US Grant Hotel

 

The events are free to those who RSVP at 866-929-3258 or at http://taxtour2018.com/.

Rebecca Walser truly brings a wealth of understanding to the personal finance book space. Leveraging her background as a tax attorney, a Certified Financial Planner® and an experienced wealth strategist, Rebecca Walser is uniquely qualified to assess, structure and implement the best income maximization, wealth maximization, tax mitigation/minimization and optimal legacy strategies for her clients. Now, she has expanded the reach of her unique message through the release of her first book, Wealth Unbroken: Growing Wealth Uninterrupted by Market Crashes, Taxes, and even Death.

Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in finance, and her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida, and her advanced law degree in taxation from New York University. Prior to law, she worked in finance for years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the global networking division of IBM, acquired by AT&T.

She continues to practice law in the areas of federal taxation, wealth preservation, trusts and legacy planning, business succession and estate planning, and asset management and protection, while also serving her clients financial needs as a Certified Financial Planner®.

Rebecca spearheads a national practice with clients across the country and enjoys working with high income professionals, business owners, retirees and pre-retirees, and high net worth families, to implement advanced financial planning and wealth management strategies that maximize income and legacy distribution while minimizing taxes and managing risk. With over twenty years of financial and legal experience combined, Rebecca capitalizes on her distinctive skillset and years of knowledge to the best advantage of her clients.

Rebecca can be heard coast-to-coast on iHeart radio and seen on the nationally syndicated “Daytime” morning television show weekly, and she has also been featured in numerous media outlets nationwide including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, US News & World Report, Fox Business, Bloomberg Business, New York Post, New York Daily News, Yahoo Finance, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, FOX News, CW, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, LA Daily News, International Business Times, Investing Daily, and the Street Insider.

Filed Under: Books, Events

Noted Poet Brian Michael Tracy Returns to the South Bay for Release Party of his ‘Rock Poetry’ Album The Mystical Prism of Being at Live at the Lounge April 10

04/04/2016 by Susan von Seggern

The Mystical Prism of Being Art Square

Noted Southern California poet Brian Michael Tracy will perform his ‘rock poetry’ album, The Mystical Prism of Being, at Hermosa Beach’s popular Live at the Lounge April 10 at 7:00pm. Tracy will be joined by noted musicians Bruce Springsteen collaborator Marty Rifkin, Andy Hill (Title Trackers, Hard Rain), and Renee Safier (Andy & Renee, Hard Rain), Dave Batti (John Stewart), and up and comer Edoardo Tancredi. Tickets for the event are $20 and are available here.

… Read More

Filed Under: Books, Events

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