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My main interest is humor and comedy writing. I've written a humor column for over two years, written some stand-up and am writing a sitcom (just for my own amusement). I have done a great deal of research on how to get published, online and off, for all types of writing and have some great resources for anyone that is interested in getting started.

An associate and I are currently putting together a series corporate comedy workshops geared to tackle business problems using humor.

I am the proud owner of a Scottish Terrier named Dugan (also a humor columnist). Dugan is involved in obedience, agility and confirmation (show dog). Most of the research I have collected for Dugan would pertain to ANY dog (except for the grooming of a Scottie which is unique to his breed)

Last but not least, I am currently the president of a professional speakers organization. If you have questions about speaking in public, preparing a workshop/presentation or ways to improve your job search I may just have the answer.

Ask away!
Location: Pennsylvania
Occupation: humor columnist
Member Since: February 23, 2004
Answers: 9
Last Update: January 26, 2006
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I have this talking problem
I talk way too fast and my words stumble over each other
It is just a habit
How can I stop this? (link)
Just about every community has a Toastmasters club. You can find a club near you by performing a club search at www.toastmasters.org.

The purpose of a Toastmasters club is to help its members with their communication and leadership skills. When you join you receive a manual with 10 speech projects. As you give each speech you are assigned an evaluator that will help you work on your speed, pitch and many other aspects of good communication.

You likely are a fast thinker and have lots to say! That is wonderful as long as you can be effective in getting your thoughts across.

Visiting a Toastmaster club as a guest is free. The people are friendly and supportive. Check it out!


Well my husband & I have only been married for 2 year's and we just bought our own house for the first time and now we are about to lose it so we rented out our other bed room's to two other ladies, well the first lady is real nice she work's all the time and sleep's all the time she is no problem you hardly see her and she is 29 year's old,the 2nd lady is 75 year's old ans she is home all the time and she is under my skin and is veru noisy and fight's with me and want's me to tell her where i'am going and when my first room mate is home is fight's with her and messes up the bathroom so my first room mate has to clean it up,and my husband take her side all the time i'am in the middle all the time don't know what to do,we need her rent to get caught up and every time we try to talk to her she just want's to fight and agruge,i'am going crazy please help.
thank you.

littledawg0913@aol.com (link)
I hope you have some sort of written agreement that permits you to evict this woman. A seventy five year old woman should be in another type of facility. Her family has obviously found some very inexpensive care (your rent vs nursing home) and left you to deal with her exasperating personality.

Why would you want your home filled with unnecesary arguments?

I am sure there are many people looking for a place to stay that could pay your rent. Place an ad and see what response you get! It might make it easier to ask this woman to leave when you know you have someone ready to fill her spot.

Good luck!

Vic


Why is it that every time I talk to my mother on the phone she somehow steers the question towards the fact that I'm not married? I thought she was all proud of me for being a tough independent woman but that all flies out the window when the subject of love comes up. My boyfriend and I are in no hurry to get married, and this is like a personal insult to her or something. I don't get it. (link)
Take into consideration the era in which she grew up. Marriage was the norm for decades. She likely wants for you what she considers the best situation due to her own upbringing.

But, if it continues you might suggest to her that the subject has been covered enough. You have made a personal life choice for now. You would be happy to talk with her on a different subject.


Is it rude to tell someone what they are doing is extremely rude/disgusting? For example, a friend of mine chews with her mouth open, should I tell her it drives me crazy or just let her continue? (link)
You would be doing your friend a favor to tell them. There is NO DOUBT that you aren't the only one that finds it annoying.

Just do it in a polite manner. We all appreciate advice that is given to us in a tone of "I am telling you this because I care about you and I don't think you realize how unattractive that is."

Then go slap her parents for not telling her that when she was five years old!

Vic


What should i sell? (link)
Something you feel passionate about. Something you believe in. Something that you enjoy or has brought you personal benefit.

When YOU believe in your product it is much easier to make others believe in it too!


My labrador puppy, Chewbacca or Chewie for short, is turning five. His mom is my sister's dog, Vanilla Wafer or Niller, and she has an eye problem. She's gone blind and has such problems that she may have to have her eyes removed. I'm terrifed that Chewie is going to develope the same eye problems. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening? (link)
You didn't mention Niller's age so I am not sure if this is something affecting her due to age or if she has been diagnosed with an ocular disease.

Labs are prone to ocular abnormalities Congenital cataracts and eyelid defects—such as entropion or rolling in of the eyelids—are usually recognized in the first year of life. Abnormal development of the sensory layer of the eye, called the retina, may minimally impair vision or it may cause severe visual deficits or blindness.

I would get as much information about Niller's condition as possible from your sister (is it a disease? dog's age? etc) and contact your vet with your concerns.

You can take Chewie for a retinal examination. Sometimes prevention is the best medicine.

Good luck and keep us up on Chewie's situation!

Vic


I HAVE A RABBIT BUT I HATE RABBITS. I LOVE DOGS, THOUGH. MY GRANDMA (WHOM I LIVE WITH) SAID I COULD HAVE A DOG IF I TOOK CARE OF A RABBIT FIRST. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF IT BUT I KNOW I HAVE TO. WHAT DO I DO? I DON'T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF IT BUT I REALLY WANT A DOG. (link)
I had a rabbit when I was 12 years old. His name was Michael. (Don't ask) He was raised around two cats and actually learned to use a litter box! Okay, he pooped anywhere he wanted but he would use the litter box.

If you want to know EVERYTHING there is to know about having a happy and healthy rabbit check out this link.
http://www.rabbit.org/

Get to know your rabbit. Mine was a good companion and a mighty fine cuddler. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this pet! I think it will also enhance the relationship with your dog later on.

Good luck!

Vic


why do birds fly (link)
Because they can.


At this point in time, I am almost the most I have ever weighed. It's not fat or anything, but I think 140 pounds is too big for my height. My parents don't want me to go on a diet because they fear I'll become anorexic or obsessed. I run, so I know I'm getting enough physical exercise. What can I do? (link)
I am not a weight loss expert but I can tell you what is working for me. Three weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. I have been checking out their website for a couple of months and finally decided it was a plan I could live with.

It is very easy. I am allowed a certain amount of "points" every day and when I reach them I have to either stop eating or go for 0 point foods (vegetables are just one example)

I purchased their Eating Out guide and found that just about every fast food place and restaurant in my area was listed. So yes, I can eat at Taco Bell and still lose weight.

I know I am eating a well balanced diet, I get tons of good advice at the meeting and I have lost 15 lbs in three weeks. I am sure those results are typical and my weight loss will slow down. I started off with about 50 pounds to lose and when you are really heavy it seems like they weight comes off quicker at first.

I don't want to give a commercial for Weight Watchers but I would suggest checking out their website. The cost is 18.00 to register and 12.00 a week. (I spent much more than that on junk food before I started)

Good luck with your endeavors!

Vic




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