Here's the press release for my FIRST Book, with more info and details, below (and a great review posted on Amazon at the bottom of this post):

CALABASAS, Calif., June 2, 2011 — Newly released parenting book A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation takes on tough parenting and other issues with wit and humor, challenging you to be the best parent you can be. From raising teenagers to second marriages and family and faith, author Bruce Sallan (http://www.BruceSallan.com) dispels many of the current-day parenting myths and provides practical tips for parenting and marital success.

Taking the best of his columns, A Dad’s Point-of-View (published in over 100 newspapers and websites), about life as a single divorced dad now remarried, Sallan brings it all together in the one parenting and relationship book that readers will totally connect to and catch themselves saying, “I’m right there with you, Bruce!” In fact, many will be turning to it again and again as they face the challenges of raising today’s youths.

And for the thousands of Sallan fans, it truly delivers. Not only is it receiving very positive feedback, but it is has received numerous stellar reviews including one from Stan Lee, Marvel Comics, creator of Spiderman, The Fantastic Four and X-men. Lee states, “Bruce’s fascinating look at the ups and downs of parenting reminds me of Marvel Comics. There too, we choose not to hide the blemishes of life, but to discuss them in an entertaining and helpful manner. Must reading for all parents and would-be parents.”

Sallan’s goal with the book is simple. “It’s my hope that families of all faiths and circumstances will enjoy it and benefit from it as they face the many challenges of parenting. Through my own stories and experiences, I share from the heart about raising my sons, surviving after a divorce, adding a new step-parent to the mix, and how to have more joy in the small things, such as family traditions.”

A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation (ISBN # 978-0-9833166-0-2) is published by JuneDavid Publishing and sells for $19.95 at leading bookstores including Amazon or through the author’s website, http://www.BruceSallan.com. For media interviews, contact publicist Diana Ennen at (954) 971-4025 or Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.

Sallan was recently chosen as the #5 Dad Blogger among the top 50 Daddy Bloggers on Cision, one of the leading global providers of media relations. Get his book now just in time for Father’s Day, for the dad in your life, the mom who can also use a few parenting tips, or for yourself. It’s the gift that will be enjoyed year after year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's just a partial list of the places carrying the above release:

My FAVORITE thing we've done for the book is my 17-year-old son's Music Video - Hard to believe he did this for me -- wrote, performed and produced it ALL!

Get the book in Kindle or book form at Amazon or, at iTunes, or BN.com, for the best deal, get it at "The Store" at BruceSallan.com where you'll receive its companion poster (folded - see below) for free:

A Limited Edition (500) of this poster (mailed in a tube) is also available.

Also, please join our growing and wonderful #aDadsPov TweetChat, every Thursday from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., PST. This week's topic is, "Parental Hypocrisy." 

I LOVE this review by @azmomofmanyhats  

"I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce Sallan through the wonderful world of social media. As a result, I have become familiar with his website, radio show, and his book. I was fortunate to have received copy of his book, "A Dad's Point of View," just after its release. I am very impressed with the work. Bruce comes from a standpoint that is opposite mine from a gender standpoint as a mother, yet the things he addresses are universal concerns of parents, whether they are mom or dad. Through some humor, sarcasm, and straight talk, Bruce confronts the challenges of raising children and marriage in today's complicated world. He presents a "real world" look at the things that are the concerns of his family, and probably most families in general, from a person that is living the challenges and navigating them day to day. From dating to driving, hypocrisy to happiness, toddlers to teenagers, fun to frustration, Bruce opens up his life as an example of what Dads (and moms) face in the raising of children.

"A Dad's Point of View" is a pleasure to read in it's conversational, short story style. Bruce's personality and writing style create a literary experience that shows the difficulties that Dads face in raising children. However, the experience is not limited to understanding dads. The topics he addresses show that although approaches to the mechanics of parenting may differ, the heart of a parent whether dad or mom, is the same. I'd recommend this as reading for both dads and moms to better understand the roles and challenges of the fathers in children's lives, as well as a place to find similarity and unity in our shared roles as parents."

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I'm up in Mammoth, California for a week's ski vacation with my wife and son. Got two great days of skiing before a huge storm almost literally has trapped us. The two photos below give you an idea of what it's like here.

For me, it just means more time to write. I'm polishing the first draft of my book, which I expect to have out in time for Father's Day, and I've written a couple more of my "A Dad's Point-of-View" columns, to get ahead. I'm going on an extended cruise to Hong Kong, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines beginning in late January so I like to get ahead. Actually, I like to be ahead most of the time anyway. I was always that kind of kid in school. I never liked all-nighters, even in college. I preferred not having the hassle of worry or last minute rushing in school and I feel the same now with my writing.

So, being "trapped" by the snow only disappoints me that I don't get to ski which I thoroughly love. Otherwise, it's kinda cool. Watching the elements outside is wild, really, and you get a "picture" of it by these two photos. One is the pathway from our condo and you can see a few vehicles in the background. The other is a closer shot of said vehicles. That is just the snow from last night until this afternoon! They say they had "World Record" snow here last week. I believe it!

See the full gallery on Posterous

This is amazing for less than a day of snowing...look at the wiper blades sticking out of the cars!

This is the same view as above, a day later, with the sun now shining and it's been a "little" clear - car still buriend in snow in the background!

*So, the story goes something like this...some sort of illicit affair was going on and the couple were "going at it" in a car, during a very cold spell, with the heat running.  As a storm hit, the car was getting covered in snow and the exhaust got stopped up, but they were "busy."  Naturally, keeping the car running meant the exhaust fumes went into the car.  The illicit lovers were later found, "in the act," and very dead, when their car was dug out several days later...someone please play "The Twilight Zone" theme now...

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My 14-year-old son said he wasn't feeling in the holiday spirit yet? Are you kidding me?

Everywhere we go we hear Christmas music. We play it non-stop in the car, whether it's the Xmas channel on XM radio, my own XM Radio Show Special, or our own Holiday CD that we sent out a decade ago.

Plus, I just made this video, a slide-show, to go with the decade old Sallan Boys sing-a-long we did to The Drifter's version of "White Christmas" and he says he's not in the mood?

Gimme a break?! My wife goes with him to buy a Christmas tree. He complains and bellyaches about getting the lights around it - a regular scrooge, but she perseveres and then gets it fully decorated. He likes that part...lol.

Then, my wife wraps ALL the presents and it's really gorgeous. I still act grumpy 'cause I'm Jewish and I still struggle having a tree in the house, period. But, it's beautiful and it makes her happy so, as they say, "Happy Wife, Happy Life." As for my son, if he's not in the spirit by now, I guess he'll just have to wait till Christmas Eve or Day!

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I was a producer and executive in showbiz for a quarter century. I had a pretty good run. If you "google" me or look me up on Wikipedia or IMDB you can see what I've done. Lasting that long doesn't happen my accident unless you're very persistent and passionate, or have serious family connections. My family connection consisted of my dad, who was a dental technician, having made Joan Blondell's dentures (seriously).  I'm sure the majority of you reading this haven't a clue who she was!

Just for a little proof of my former life in show bix, here's a favorite photo of mine "back in the day" with a very young me and a much younger Brooke Shields.

My success was in the selling and developing end of it and later in the producing end as well. I was damn good at it, using whatever means I could to "sell." Those included selling a movie with ONE WORD after playing tennis with head of movies at CBS (and letting him win), bringing a baby black-spotted leopard to a pitch at NBC, and bringing two WWF wrestlers in full wrestling garb to ABC, putting the ABC Exec in a "hold" and leaving with the parting words, "Buy it or we're outta here." It all worked.  I also really believed in what I sold, was really passionate about it, so what I sold I came from the heart and worked at a higher success rate maybe due to that honesty and passion.

When I later joined the world of blogging, and now added Radio Show host to my resume, I brought some of this sort of showmanship and most certainly my passion to the party, but mostly I brought my "never say die" or, more appropriately, "never take no for an answer" approach to things.

But, I found very quickly that friends and family really didn't give a hoot about looking at my writing, let alone making a comment or hitting a "like" button. Some "fans" would do anything I asked, but I would feel bad going back to that well too often. With Twitter I did and do put out requests or invitations to visit a blog, listen to a show, or more recently visit my new website (created with partners Linda Sherman and Ray J. Gordon), BoomerTechTalk.com, but I struggle with the rejection or lack of response I often receive. When my 14-year-old son created a comic strip, "It's a Tech World After All," for BoomerTechTalk.com, I thought well this time, I'm promoting my kid, not myself, and at least it isn't as blatantly self-serving as it seems when I ask "you" to visit or support something of mine or, gulp. please leave a comment. And, in fact, the e-mails, tweets, and blogs about his comic have gotten better reception.

How else do we build our audience? How else do we help our kids? And, how else would I have gotten a worldwide audience and now a growing nationwide radio show presence in just six months (without such thick skin)?

AAARRRGGGHHH!!! I'm venting, but I'm laughing too.  But, I am passionate (and sort of a pest)!

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For some of us, “of a certain age/generation,” every new tech thing is yet another time we can get flummoxed and frustrated. How often have you opened that new tech device, camera, digital picture frame, or new “smart” phone, and felt anything but “smart?” I sometimes put the “thing” aside, stare at it a few days, and then finally get the courage to open it up.

BoomerTechTalk.com

What often follows, more often that I’d like to admit, is something doesn’t work right. Even learning the so-called simple things, like attaching and sending a photo via e-mail can sometimes be confusing. My favorite is when the only help you can get is online, but you can’t get online because of some connection problem. Or better, when you take their suggestion to call them for help before you return the darn thing.

Call them? Are you kidding me? Do you really want to be connected to someone who doesn’t speak English all that well, in a far-away time zone. That’s, of course, after you’ve gone through the voice-menu options, and typed in your life story, which when you finally do get someone on the line asks you for all that information again!  ARGH!

I decided we (of that “certain age”) needed some help, so I’m very proud to tell you about a new web-site I created, with my partners Linda Sherman Gordon and Ray Gordon, called “BoomerTechTalk.com” (aka BTT).  Linda is a prominent Social Media Marketing Consultant who helped take me from tech-boob to almost tech-geek. Ray Gordon is a brilliant designer, photographer, and true “Renaissance Man.” 

We realized something was missing out there in Internet land, so we created a place that our generation could go to for technology help in simple-to-understand language.  It’s for you; it’s for me, and it’s for those of us that are parents so we won’t fall completely behind our kids. Please check it out. I really believe this will be of value to boomers everywhere, and older and younger people, that struggle with the basics of much of our constantly changing technology.

BoomerTechTalk understands that it’s important to stay relevant and connected to our fast-changing world.  I t’s for parents who want to keep up with their kids.  It’s for adults who want to get their parents to keep up with them.  It’s for anyone who is open and willing to learn.

My 14-year-old son created a comic strip for BTT called, “It’s a Tech World After All,” which this biased and proud dad thinks is terrific.  It’s in the “Family” tab.

Now, let’s start learning.  First thing, open that digital camera you’ve had sitting on your desk the past few weeks.  Buy that new cell-phone and learn how to text.  Don’t be afraid.

BoomerTechTalk.com - Please visit this new website to ease your tech struggles! You can follow BTT on Twitter @BoomerTechTalk.

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Check out his latest "It's a Tech World After All" - Comics: Numbers Six, Seven, Eight, and Nine!" - Please leave Aaron a comment and encourage his work!

Update - Stan "The Man" Lee of Marvel Comics comments on Aaron's first comic strip on BoomerTechTalk!  Check it out!

Update - Here's Aaron's latest comic strip (he keeps getting better and better!):

I am so proud of my just turned 14-year-old son, Aaron Sallan, for creating, writing, and drawing the new comic strip, "It's a Tech World, After All," for BoomerTechTalk.

(Note/Request: Who can help us get some papers to carry this cutting edge, and so timely, comic strip?  Yeah, I'm biased, but it's fun, it's so relevant given the success of the Facebook movie ("The Social Network"), and what a great Oprah/Ellen-like story of a 14-year-old creating, writiing, and drawing such a relevant comic strip!)

Here are the first four:

Please visit BoomerTechTalk and enjoy this wonderful, new, and very needed website. I'm as biased about BTT as I am about my son, as I'm one of the founders and creators of BooomerTechTalk...lol.

BoomerTechTalk

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(For a video of part of my talk, about "Giving Back to the World," go to this link...thanks to Ray Gordon for the great job of filming and editing -- so quickly, so well, so Thank You, Ray!)

This past Monday and Tuesday (October 4,5), I attended a fantastic conference oriented to people who use Twitter, work in Social Media, teach, want to learn and grow, and so much more.  I also got to speak and my topic was (surprise surprise), "Dads Are Parents, Too." 

There were dozens of incredible speakers (see the full list at the end of this blog) and panels that was all organized and created by Jeff Pulver (@jeffpulver) with assistance from the tireless (mom of three, I might add) Melissa Pierse (@melissapierce). 

Chamillionaire, Bruce, and Jeff Pulver

The information offered by the amazing diversity of speakers was overwhelming and completely inspiring!  I was busy on my computer, taking notes, tweeting about it, while others, worldwide, were watching in via a “live video stream.” 

BUT, the common denominator of Jeff’s conferences, in this man’s opinion, is what we can do to help out!  What we can do via the incredible power of Twitter, Facebook, and other Social Media resources to “repair the world,” as I like to phrase it. 

Krupali (@krupali), as she likes to be called (an Oncologist), shared her stories of helping give dying patients a special wish.  She’s an angel, as Jeff has often called her. 

Kevin Pollack (@kevinpollack), actor & comedian, brought the house down with his “interview” about how he’s used social media to reach new audiences. 

Kevin Pollack (photos courtesy of Lucy Rendler-Kaplan)

Andy Grammer (@andygrammer), Chamillionair (@chamillionaire), Ilene Chaiken (@ilenechaiken), Jason Pollock (@Jason_Pollock), Kenna (@OKKenna), Nick Cannon (@NickCannon), Angela Shelton (@angelashelton), Eric “CandyMan” Nash (@onelovecandyman), and Michelle Branch (@michellebranch) and so many other artists discussed their use of Twitter and Social Media to reach new audiences and help do some good. 

Chamillionaire (photo courtesy of Lucy Rendler-Kaplan)

Michelle Branch (photo courtesy of Lucy Rendler-Kaplan)

Andy Grammer (photo courtesy of Lucy Rendler-Kaplan)

Other speakers covered literally everything from real estate, food trucks (really!), to the paucity of dad bloggers (me - more on my talk later).  There was Bob Watson (@TopBrokerOC) leading a panel on real estate.  Other panels were on moms working at home and another was on sneakers!  Yeah, sneakers!  And, it was cool (a whole world I had no idea existed).  Jeff told me that his sons have become mini-Jeff-entrepreneurs in the sneakers world!  Who knew? 

(Photo by Linda Sherman)

My friend Julie Spira (@JulieSpira), a frequent guest on my Radio Show, talked about the perils of online dating and was totally unfazed by a technical glitch when her PowerPoint that went with her talk didn’t work.  Pros everywhere. 

Linda Sherman (@LindaSherman) and Ray Gordon (@RayJGordon), my partners in BoomerTechTalk (@BoomerTechTalk), which we launched during the conference, flew in from Kauai after many sleepless and delirious nights getting the website ready, so they could be at #!40conf LA and to hear my talk and take photos and video of me.  Now, how's that for partners!? 

BoomerTechTalk

Logo designed by Ray Gordon

My BoomerTechTalk partner Ray Gordon making sure all the tech works for my "talk" (Photo by Linda Sherman)

Julie Spira (@JulieSpira), and my BoomerTechTalk partners, Ray J. Gordon and Linda Sherman (photo by me)

I know I’m going to leave off someone, so please check the whole list below! Some of the other fantastic talks were given by Jessica Gottlieb (@JessicaGottlieb), Stacey Soleil (@staceysoliel), Lisa Steadman (@LisaSteadman), Johnny Diggs (@JohnnyDiggz), Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal), a great spokesman for the homeless, and Robert Moran (@RobertMoranLA). 

One of the many terrific panels! (photo courtesy of Lucy Rendler-Kaplan)

My talk was about how few dads are represented in Social Media, blogging, and in the MSM (Main Stream Media) altogether!  I referenced the recent Newsweek cover story about men, called "Man Up," and discussed how SAHD's (Stay-At-Home-Dads) are still horribly outnumberd by SAHMs (Stay-At-Home-Moms).  Newsweek claims certain statistics and I asked the audience what they thought the percentage of SAHMs were in comparison to SAHDs. I got back anywhere from 70-80%, as the number of SAHMs from the audience.  Newsweek declares, based on how the men describel themselves, that the percentage has hovered at slightly less than 3% (SAHDs) for the past few years!

WHAT? I called out the dads/men to step up and said that was my mission and goal with my "A Dad's Point-of-View" columns, blogs (here and elsewhere), and my Radio Show. 

Then, I spoke about my wonderful interaction with "The Africa Zebras," a group of girls in Africa and how I befriended them and that led to my writing about them and doing a Radio Show about them.  That all led to many people, in addition to my family, sending books, toys, and other things to them - ALL via Social Media - and I declared it a blessing and our duty to "repair the world."  I believe in this with all my heart and soul!

I just received, today, the photo below from my friends in Ghana - don't you love it?

This is the first step towards their library!

Frankly, my head is still spinning as my feeble hard-drive of a brain is trying to process all the wonderful ideas and inspirations disseminated non-stop over the past two days. 

Social Media is a force.  The #140conf emphasized how it can be a force for doing GOOD, as well as doing business.  Get aboard…Now! 

Here’s the full list of speakers: 

Aaron Ray (@redbaron1200s) - Partner & Head of Digital, The Collective, Abdul Khan (@ImHungryinLA) - Co-founder, Verso Entertainment, 
Adam Bell (@datatv) - Web Design and Branding with an attitude!, 
Adam Rifkin (@AdamRifkin) - Writer / Director, LOOK, 
Adam Zbar (@Tap11) - CEO, Tap11,
 Ali Cobrin (@AliCobrin) - Actress,
 Alison Kramer (@nummiesbras) - Owner of Nummies Nursing Bras,
 Andrew Lih (@fuzheado) - Author of The Wikipedia Revolution; journalism prof, dir of new media at USC Annenberg; China tech commentator, 
Andy Grammer (@andygrammer) - Music Artist, 
Angela Shelton (@angelashelton) - Performer Writer Storyteller Filmmaker Teacher Artist, 
Anne Driscoll (@mrs_driscoll) - Vice President of Business Operations, Ning, 
Aparna Vashisht-Rota (@ApsatParentella), 
Barry Schuler (@BSchuler) - former CEO of AOL, Ex Producer of LOOK, Managing Director DFJ Growth Fund, 
Bob Watson (@TopBrokerOC) - CA Real Estate Broker, 
Brad Wyman (@bradwyman) - Producer, Look,
 Brandon Litman (@onedayonearth) - Executive Producer, One Day on Earth,
 Brittany Laughlin (@bLocks8) - Co-Founder, Gtrot,
 Bruce Sallan (@BruceSallan and www.BruceSallan.com) - I’m a former showbiz guy who writes a dad’s column,
 Carlos R Hernandez (@CarlosHernandez) - Social media educator & co-creator of Social Media for the Uncomfortable,
 CarmenElena Mitchell (@therealgirls) - Creator, “The Real Girls Guide to Everything Else” Web Series,
 Cash Warren (@cash_warren) - producer, entrepreneur, president of Verso Entertainment,
 Cathy Brooks (@CathyBrooks) - Strategic Communications Coach,
 Cathy Dahn (@GastronomyBlog) - Food Blogger, Cathy DeBuono (@cathydebuono) - Actress, Producer, Psychotherapist,
 Chamillionaire (@chamillionaire) - Artist,
 Christopher Boucher (@princeboucher),
 Ciaran Blumenfeld (@momfluential) - Owner Francie Pants & Producer Momfluential Media,
 Clinton Schaff (@clintschaff) - USC Online Communities Industry Faculity,
 Cynthia Lou (@CynthiaAnnLou) - Designer, Writer, Web & Brand Strategist,
 Dan Gillmor (@dangillmor) - A life in media — music, newspapers, online, books, investing and education,
 David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) - TV Writer, Rolling Stone Contributing Editor, Huff Po Blogger, author `He Is . . . I Say’,
 Debra Eckerling (@WriteOnOnline) - Bringing Community to Writers around the World,
 Dennis Carpenter (@About55) - Founder & CEO, About55,
 Derrick N Ashong (@ashong) - musician, artist, activist, and entrepreneur,
 Donna DeDario (@StarlightOnline) - Director of Corporate Partnerships & Communications, Starlight Children’s Foundation,
 Dr. Greenstein (@DRG) - Chief Brainiac at bodies in motion and Neuroleader/CEO of The GGI,
 Eric “CandyMan” Nash (@onelovecandyman) - Street Performer: Artist, Dancer, Actor,
 Eric Weaver (@Weave) - Director of Digital Strategy, Tribal DDB,
 Erik Oberholtzer (@TenderGreens) - Chefs at Tender Greens, garden to table, sustainable cuisine,
 Evan Seinfeld (@EvanSeinfeldXXX) - ead Singer/Bassist for Biohazard, CEO RockStarPornStar, 
Fran Marchello (@franalations) - Shoe Connoisseur, Vlogger, Blogger, Part Owner of dTb,
 George Ruiz (@georgeruiz) - Head of New Media, Senior Vice-President Business Affairs at ICM,
 Gerry Campbell (@gfcampbell) - CEO, Collecta,
 Gram Ponante (@gramponante) - Editor of Gramponante.com,
 Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) - American television actor,
 Greg Johnson - SVP, Executive Creative Director & Head of Digital, William Morris Agency,
 Hank Wasiak (@hankwasiak) - Author. TV Host. Teacher. Partner - The Concept Farm,
 Ilene Chaiken (@ilenechaiken) - co-creator, writer and executive producer of the television series The L Word,
 Imal Wagner (@imalwagner) - PR for #140conf LA & book authors,
 Jacqueline Walker (@HomeSeekers) - Real Estate Consultant,
 Jason Pollock (@Jason_Pollock) - Filmmaker, Writer, and Activist,
 Jeff Fowle (@JeffFowle) - Owner-Operator / President, KK Bar Ranch & AgChat Foundation,
 Jeff Keni Pulver (@jeffpulver) - founder, curator #140conf,
 Jennifer Cisney (@kodakCB) - Kodak’s Chief Blogger & Social Media Manager,
 Jessica Gottlieb (@JessicaGottlieb) - Wife, Mom, Blogger,
 Jill Bennett (@DailyJill) - Actress, Vlogger,
 Joe Fernandez (@JoeFernandez) - founder, Klout,
 Johanna Blakley (@Mojojohanna) - Arts, entertainment & media researcher based at USC Annenberg School’s Norman Lear Center,
 Johnny Diggz (@JohnnyDiggz) - Chief Technology Evangelist, Tropo.com,
 Jon Lansner (@jonlan) - Columnist/blogger for O.C. Register,
 Julie Cole (@juliecole) - VP, Mabel’s Labels,
 Julie Spira (@JulieSpira) - Online dating expert; Author,
 Julie Steelman (@JulieSteelman) - Entrepreneur’s Selling Expert,
 Kelly O’Neil (@KellyONeil) - author of Visionary Women Inspiring the World: 12 Paths to Personal Power, 
Kelly Shibari (@KellyShibari) - CEO, Hourglass8 Media,
 Kenna (@OKKenna) - Music Artist,
 Kerianne Mellott (@Keri_Mellott),
 Kevin Pollak (@kevinpollak) - Actor, Comedian,
 Khayyam Wakil (@iamkhayyam) - Strategist, Designer, Wordsmith, Comedian, Krupali Tejura, M.D. (@krupali),
 Kyle Ruddick (@onedayonearth) - One Day on Earth Project Founder and Director,
 Leyla Farah (@CausePR) - Founding Partner, Cause+Effect, Inc., 
Lisa Dabbs (@teachingwthsoul) - former California school administrator, education consultant,
 Lisa Steadman (@LisaSteadman) - Best selling author, relationship coach, and owner of Woohoo, Inc.,
 Lisa Tenner (@lisatenner) - Founder, Tenner & Associates, Inc.,
 Lori Mackey (@LoriMackey) - author of Money Mama , inventor and speaker,
 Luke Renner (@firesideint) - Founder & President, Fireside International,
 Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) - Founder, Invisiblepeople.tv,
 Martin Beck (@latimesbeck) - Editor of Reader Engagement, Los Angeles Times,
 Matt Bennett (@MattBennett) - Actor,
 Melissa Pierce (@melissapierce) - Creator of Life In Perpetual Beta,
 Michael Bellavia (@animaxent) - President, Animax, 
Michele Meiche (@michelemeiche) - Conscious Media Producer, AwakeningsRadio,Writer,Yoga,
 Michelle Branch (@michellebranch) - Music Artist,
 Mike Harkey (@mharkey) - Managing Director, ImageShack Corporation,
 Nastassia Johnson (@manilamachine) - L.A.’s First Filipino Food Truck,
 Natalie Lent (@natalielent) - Director, Emerging Platforms, ID PR, Nelson de Witt (@dewittn) - Chief Story Teller,
 Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) - American Actor, Comedian, Rapper, and Television Personality,
 Ori Bengal (@CouchSurfingOri) - Adventurer, Photographer & Author,
 Owen JJ Stone (@Ohdoctah) - President of Inquiring Mindz Media (IQMZ),
 Pete Housley (@petehousley) - CEO, NaughtyTweetNetwork,
 Phil Hulett (@philhulett) - Co-Host of LA’s Morning News on KFWB, Anaheim Ducks PA Announcer, Voiceover Artist,
 Ray Prock Jr. (@RayLinDairy), 
Ree Cee (@colagrand) - President, Urban Supremacy,
 Renee Kische (@bestLAliving) - CA Real Estate Broker, EcoBroker,
 Rick Bakas (@RickBakas) - Wine, Food, Branding, Dir. of Social Media at @StSupery winery, certified sommelier, author of Quick Bites,
 Rishi Khaitan (@itsrishi) - Product Manager for Realtime Search, Google, 
Robert Hernandez (@webjournalist) - @USCAnnenberg MacGyvering Web journalism solutions. Co-founder of #wjchat,
 Robert Moran (@RobertMoranLA) - Cal State Fullerton journalism student. Avid social media user and LA transit rider who HAS AUTISM,
 Sarah Kay Hoffman (@sarahkayhoffman) - “A digitally-addicted country girl,”
 Sarah Ross (@sarah_ross) - Katalyst Media, Head of Digital,
 Scott Perry (@tipsheet) - founder, New Music Tipsheet,
 Scott Schang (@scottschang) - Branch Manager, Broadview Mortgage Corp.,
 Sharon Hinnendael (@SharonHinnendae) - Actress,
 Shuki Lehavi (@slehavi) - founder, Gumiyo,
 Smokey Bear (@smokey_bear) - Only YOU can prevent Wildfires,
 Sol Lipman (@thesolster) - co-founder, 12Seconds.tv,
 Stacey Soleil (@staceysoleil) - Moderator; Long time Autism awareness advocate, Owner/CEO of Soleil Marketing Services, 
Stefanie Michaels (@adventuregirl) - Renowned travel author, speaker,
 Steve Franklin (@SEF4PRES) - Teacher,
 Sylvia Martinez (@smartinez) - President of Generation Yes, 
Tanya Roscorla (@reportertanya) - Education reporter and writer,
Tia Dobi (@TiaDobi) - Copywriter,
 Tim Kring (@TimKring) - Screenwriter and Television Producer,
 Tina Moore (@tmoorepr),
 Traci Dinwiddie (@GrooveGoddess) - Actress,
 Veronica Lazalde (@verolaza)
, Ward Landis (@ShoeWolf) - President. Shoe Wolf,
 Willow Brugh (@willowbl00) - Director, Jigsaw Renaissance Seattle, WA,
 Zac Sanford (@zacsanford) - VP Development, Suntaur Entertainment; #scriptchat

 

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BoomerTechTalk

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Is there a difference between a blog, column, or article? I fervently believe so, though I've read nothing about it (not that it hasn't been written). As a fan of the #blogchat TweetChat, which is all about the world of blogging, I often find myself thinking about these definitions. I assert each form of writing is quite different and has its own distinctions. I write all three and am quite aware of their differences (to me). Let's start backwards with the blog.

To me, when I blog, I follow these general rules. I keep the length between 250 - 500 words. I care less about perfect sentence structure, even grammar, though I always try to spell-check. Again, for me, I like my blogs to be funny whenever relevant. I use colloquial language. I might even swear though generally I avoid that given my "brand" as a parenting writer and radio show host. And, most of all, I have fun. Blogging isn't work for me. For examples of my blogs, just read some of the "Just A Guy" blogs I used to write for momlogic. There are other samples of blogs there as well.

Moving up the food chain, what is a column then? A column is longer, 750 - 1250 words. It has story structure, a beginning, middle, and end. A theme is set up, developed, and paid off. I pay special attention to spelling, grammar, and even have the AP Style book to use as reference, which I'd never consider using for a blog. For my "A Dad's Point-of-View" weekly columns, I have an editor who gives me feedback, is anal about correct use of English, and offers me a wonderful sounding board for improvement as well as catching mistakes that otherwise I wouldn't really care about as much in my blogs. It takes more time and effort to write my columns. Check them out, for examples, on the "My Columns" page of my web-site.

My next big writing venture is MY BOOK and that will be a whole new set of disciplines, lots more work, and serious research and editorial help/review!

Ahhh, the blank page (or screen) -- getting that first word out sometimes is all we need to start the flow of ideas and creativity!

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This Thursday at 11:00 a.m., on "The Bruce Sallan Show -- A Dad's Point-of-View" we will be discussing "R E S P E C T -- Find Out What It Means to Me."  The show and column is about whether respect still exists in the home, between parent and child, in both directions.  Has it gone the way of shame and mostly disappeared?

Click to view large

Thank YOU, my sponsors, North Pier Fiduciary Management, Shelley's Stereo, and The Wright Centre for Orthodontics (805 68-SMILE)!

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" will air "live" on Thursday, September 30 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page.  Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

If you'd like to call in when we're "live" on Thursday, listeners in the 805 area code can call (805) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST. Listeners outside the 805 area code can call toll-free at (866) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST.  Or, you can send e-mails, ahead of time, or during the broadcast to: bruce@brucesallan.com. I will be happy to respond to your Tweets as well, if I can, during the show - just send them to: @BruceSallan.

This week's guests are Pastor Drew Sams (Calvary Church) for "The Men's Room" and "Teen Rap," and Julie Spira (CyberDatingExpert.com) for "Single Parent Dating." 

While it is not necessary to read my column to discuss the topic or enjoy the show, here it is if you'd like to read it:

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I was privileged to attend a special book-signing event for Kimberley Clayton Blaine's just released book, "The Go-To Mom's Parent's Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children!"  I did suggest a longer title to her, but she rejected my brilliant idea.

Buy the book from my web-site (the link/box on the right of the page), ANY book store, Amazon, but buy it now especially if you have young children.

Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, MFT is the executive producer of the online parenting show TheGoToMom.TV  and author of The Go-To Mom’s Parents’ Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children.  Kimberley is a national child development expert and a licensed family and child therapist specializing in working with children newborn to six years old. Kimberley is also an early childhood consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

From the PR for the book:

Tired of the tantrums, the constant fighting, the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach after you’ve yelled at your child? You’re not alone. Author Kimberley

Clayton Blaine says emotion coaching is the path to raising healthier, happier

kids—and explains how it helps you get past some common parenting problems. 

Also listen to Kimberley's wonderful words when she was on my radio show this past Thursday right here:

10092301.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Her book contains four of what she calls "Roadblocks," with practical and so smart solutions:

ROADBLOCK #1: You Default to One of Two Extremes: Control-Based or Hands-Off Parenting.

Emotion Coaching Solution: Find the middle road. 

ROADBLOCK #2: You Discount, Minimize, or Deny Your Child’s Feelings.

Emotion Coaching Solution: Put yourself in their (tiny) shoes. 

ROADBLOCK #3: You Bribe with External Motivation and Rewards.

Emotion Coaching Solution: Re-think your reward system 

ROADBLOCK #4: You Use Negative Consequences as Punishment.

Emotion Coaching Solution: Use natural consequences.

But, back to the more important stuff -- the Party.  There were sponsors, giveways, great peeps (including Jennifer Brandt from momversation.com), Rich Rotzang (socialtoddler.com) and so many others whose names I sadly don't remember.  Susan Kay Wyatt (@RaiseTheQueen) actually wrote and performed a lovely song about "TheGoToMom" (Kimberley).  Susan has a great new vlog coming - details to come - but watch out; she's a pistol!

Follow Kimberley on Twitter @TheGoToMom.  But, first, go out and buy her book.  Get several copies so you can give them to your friends with young children and all your pregnant friends so they can bone up on the wisdom shared in her book.

Kimberley signing copies of her book:

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Update:  Today's show was special.  Jeff Pulver, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, Wayne Levine, and Julie Spira made it so!  Listen to it anytime, download it anytime, right here on the Radio Show page at BruceSallan.com.

This Thursday at 11:00 a.m. PST, on "The Bruce Sallan Show -- A Dad's Point-of-View" we will be rockin' with great special guests and our great regulars!  First up is Kimberley Clayton Blaine, TheGoToMom, who will be discussing her new book, just out, The Go-To Mom's Parent's Guide to Emotion Coaching Young Children.

 

Thank YOU, my sponsors, North Pier Fiduciary Management, Shelley's Stereo, and The Wright Centre for Orthodontics (805 68-SMILE)!

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" will air "live" on Thursday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page.  Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

If you'd care to hear a "highlights reel" of my show, which we're using for syndication purposes, here it is -- my show in 5 minutes!

The_Bruce_Sallan_Show_Demo.mp3 Listen on Posterous

If you'd like to call in when we're "live" on Thursday, listeners in the 805 area code can call (805) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST. Listeners outside the 805 area code can call toll-free at (866) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST.  Or, you can send e-mails, ahead of time, or during the broadcast to: bruce@brucesallan.com. I will be happy to respond to your Tweets as well, if I can, during the show - just send them to: @BruceSallan.

While it is not necessary to read my column to discuss the topic or enjoy the show, here it is if you'd like to read it:

A Dad’s Point-of-View, by Bruce Sallan 

The Family Dinner 

I had a discussion with some other dads the other day about “the family dinner.”  To my surprise, many of these men described their family eating adventures as just that, an adventure.  Or, more specifically: a circus, trial, ordeal, and other pejoratives. 

My immediate thought was about the classic image of Norman Rockwell’s painting, “Freedom From Want” with the image of “mom” or “grandma” presenting the turkey at what is likely a Thanksgiving dinner, with the whole family eager, excited, and present.  “Dad” or “grandpa” is looking on, with the expectation that he will carve the bird.  How quaint; how lovely; how sadly antiquated, I fear. 

What was evident in our discussion, as is so often the case, was that each man’s personal background and family experience, informed their own family experience.  And, of course, their wife’s background also contributed to the ritual or lack thereof in the family. 

I believe that the “family dinner” is an essential, valuable, and powerful ritual for every family unit, whatever it may be.  It is even more important in our currently hectic times when each family member can pursue their own interests separately, alone, and with multiple technological tools at their disposal.

One wonders what happened to the whole family sitting around the one television in the home and watching, “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Leave It To Beaver,” “The Donna Reed Show,” “The Bill Cosby Show,” as well as more contemporary examples.  What happened to the shared experience of watching current events as I painfully remember watching Walter Cronkite cry on air when he announced JFK’s death or when the whole family watched in wonder when Neil Armstrong landed and walked on the moon and said those immortal words, “This is one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” 

Let’s face it; those times are long past, at least in the shared television experience.  But, they don’t have to be in the family-time arena nor should they be.  Another thing shared by the men in the original discussion that motivated this column was the fact that their own best memories often took place around the family dinner table.  I know that was so true for my childhood and I’ve worked very hard to create a similar experience for my sons, during the hard time and now, the happier ones. 

Our ritual is Friday Night Shabbat dinner.  Shabbat is the day of rest for both Jews and Christians however it is “celebrated” differently in each faith.  As a Jew, we observe the Sabbath on Friday nights.  I helped create our family Shabbat tradition and it’s been, truly, special and memorable for my boys, myself, my lovely new wife, and equally for friends.  The boys are eager to invite their friends over for our Friday night dinners. 

Why? Because, it is sadly unique among their contemporaries.  Any family dinner seems unique to many of my boy’s friends.  Ours is extra special because of not only the good meal, but also the rituals we observe each Friday night.  They’re simple, they’re easy, they’re short, but they’re meaningful.  This sticks with people and is one of my main reasons I’m advocating the family dinner.  My recommendation is to start with a family dinner one night a week that is designated as sacrosanct and special. 

What do you do that is different and special? First, I bake fresh challah each week.  The smell of the bread baking in the oven fills the house and announces that this day is different from all the others during the week.  My wife, who is a talented cook, makes an extra effort and we have a very lovely meal.  But, it all starts with the simple lighting of candles and a blessings.  It is followed by three other short blessings; one for the wine; one for the challah (bread); and one for the children present, boys and/or girls. 

Our special Sallan family tradition goes one step further as we take turns going around the table with each person sharing the best and worst things that happened for them during that week.  Only one “worst” is allowed to prevent excessive whining and complaining but there’s no limit on the “bests.”  For new friends and guests, this is a wonderful way to share things about them we might not otherwise learn or know. For us, it’s an opportunity to be grateful, share the good news and also the bad news, and basically just get closer. 

I look forward to our Friday night dinner with great anticipation each week. We also try to eat together other nights as well, but life and our individual schedules do intrude, yet I would estimate that we sit down to eat as a family at least four times per week.  I heartily encourage you to do the same. 

Please listen to “The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad’s Point-of-View” Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., PST on KZSB AM1290 in Santa Barbara or on the Internet via a live stream.  For that link and all information about the show and Bruce, visit his web-site: http://brucesallan.com. Bruce’s column, “A Dad’s Point-of-View,” is available in over 100 newspapers and web-sites worldwide. Find Bruce on Facebook by joining his “A Dad’s Point-of-View” page: http://www.facebook.com/aDadsPointOfView. You can also follow Bruce at Twitter: http://twitter.com/BruceSallan.  

 

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After 3 hours of traffic and driving, I finally arrive at the Kimera Restaurant in Irvine, CA.  Bleary-eyed from the drive, I stumble into Calvin Lee (@mayhemsudios). We laugh, smile at each other, and head towards the entrance.  Excited, but needing coffee, we both registered and entered the not-too-dim-lit restaurant.  I got my cup of coffee as other guests began arriving.

With his entourage of 10, bodyguards, and paparazzi following, Jeff Pulver arrived to everyone's smiles and pleasure at seeing him (kidding about the entourage).  He quickly out-did me and my drive, by telling me he'd flown 6 1/2 hours to attend this party.  As usual, his indefatigable energy and positive spirit lifted me up instantly (plus the caffeine was kicking in).

I know, I know -- I need a better cell-phone. But, Jeff actually did look this fuzzy (lol).

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For those of you who have yet to hear my show, here's a "highlights" reel - what we're using to sell the show to other stations - it's just 5 mintues:

The_Bruce_Sallan_Show_Demo.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Update - Really great show Thursday morning. Thanks to ALL my guests.  Listen anytime, anywhere (or download) from the show page on my web-site.

This Thursday at 11:00 a.m., on "The Bruce Sallan Show -- A Dad's Point-of-View" we will be discussing "A Story of Giving -- THE Update."  The show and column is about the value to YOU about giving back to the world.  How giving and doing charity always returns to you in beautiful ways.  Plus, it's the best modeling a parent can do for their children.

Thank YOU, my sponsors, North Pier Fiduciary Management, Shelley's Stereo, and The Wright Centre for Orthodontics!

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" will air "live" on Thursday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page.  Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

If you'd like to call in when we're "live" on Thursday, listeners in the 805 area code can call (805) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST. Listeners outside the 805 area code can call toll-free at (866) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST.  Or, you can send e-mails, ahead of time, or during the broadcast to: bruce@brucesallan.com. I will be happy to respond to your Tweets as well, if I can, during the show - just send them to: @BruceSallan.

This week's guests are Wayne Levine (BetterMen.org) for "The Men's Room," Pastor Drew Sams (Calvary Church) for "Teen Rap," and Julie Spira (CyberDatingExpert.com) for "Single Parent Dating." 

While it is not necessary to read my column to discuss the topic or enjoy the show, here it is if you'd like to read it:

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Update: What a great show we had this past week with Wayne Levine and Molly Murphy!  Listen to it anytime or download it directly from my web-site "Radio Show" page.

This Thursday at 11:00 a.m., on "The Bruce Sallan Show -- A Dad's Point-of-View" we will be discussing "Would You Trade Your Life (With Someone Else)?"  How often have you wished you could switch with that friend or relative who has it so much better?  Or that celebrity who appears to be so living the life?  It's not as simple as it seems.  Tune in, join in, listen and learn!

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" will air "live" on Thursday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page.  Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

If you'd like to call in when we're "live" on Thursday, listeners in the 805 area code can call (805) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST. Listeners outside the 805 area code can call toll-free at (866) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST.  Or, you can send e-mails, ahead of time, or during the broadcast to: bruce@brucesallan.com. I will be happy to respond to your Tweets as well, if I can, during the show - just send them to: @BruceSallan.

This week's guests are Wayne Levine (BetterMen.org) for "The Men's Room," and for "Teen Rap" and Molly Murphy (changefamilylaw.com) discussing her book, "Winner Take All," about the horrors of famly court, especially towards men/fathers.  I prefer to call them "ANTI-family courts!"

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This Thursday, on "The Bruce Sallan Show -- A Dad's Point-of-View" we will be discussing friends.  "There Are No Perfect Friends" is this week's "A Dad's Point-of-View" column and no truer words have ever been spoken.  I heard them first from my late mom, who always had wonderful friends and knew how to keep them.  I wish I'd listened and learned from her earlier in my life!

There Are No Perfect Friends 

I remember that one of my mother’s many sayings, when I was growing up, related to friends and went something like, “If you want perfect friends, you won’t have any.”  This was often in response to my irritation at what a particular friend had done.  Later, more often than not, if my mom asked me if that particular thing my friend had done was resolved, I’d have forgotten what it was altogether. 

As with so many things our parents say to us, their advice often goes unheeded but comes back later in life to haunt us because of their truth. We could have saved ourselves much pain and embarrassment had we paid heed originally.  My mom is probably laughing, somewhere high above, since her death two years ago, at the “fun” I’m living with thanks to my two teenagers.  As she may have said, “What goes around comes around.” 

My older teen basically has perfected the art of seemingly paying attention to me while singing in his head his latest favorite song.  My younger one has just learned that talking back is the expected thing to do upon entering your teens, now that he’s a firm 13½. He not only talks back but also questions just about  everything I ask of him.  

If I could speak to her today, I would say, “Mom, I’m sorry for all those times I talked back and all those times I disregarded your wisdom that had come from your considerable life experiences.  Is there any way I can turn back the clock and make it all up to you so my kids don’t have to learn the same, hard way that I did?” And to my dad, I’d say, “Dad, why didn’t you tell me more forcibly that Mom was always right?  Why did you just have that funny ‘you’ll see’ smile and keep your mouth shut while always saying, ‘yes dear’?” 

But enough of the self-recrimination and feeling sorry for myself.  It’s just one of those ironies of life that my boys are repeating in so many ways the same mistakes my mother so diligently tried to protect me from, especially in regards to friends. 

My mother had so many friends and I just didn’t learn nearly enough from watching her interactions with them.  She rarely talked about herself, but instead always seemed more interested in what her friends had to say or complain about.  If a friend was in any sort of need, she was there.  Her patience with those friends who didn’t reciprocate was monumental in my view, as a child growing up.  But, she kept most of her friends for a lifetime.  

I didn’t follow her example and sadly, I’ve lost some good friends along the way when I allowed hurt feelings or a long forgotten irritation of some sort to de-rail the friendship.  Fortunately, I finally did learn what my mother so wisely explained, that there are no perfect friends.  We’re all fallible human beings and to have much in the way of expectations of those we care about is sometimes just setting the stage for disappointment. 

Another wise cliché is that we don’t choose our relatives, but we do choose our friends.  Therefore, their loyalty is undoubtedly sincere if these friendships have been worked on and maintained over time.  Yes, life circumstances may change, but memories and comfort with each other may not.  I’ve found that in some cases, the changes in our lives were too much for the friendship to survive while in the case of my best friend since 10th grade, those changes didn’t seem to matter. 

For my best friend and me, our lives went in significantly different directions after college in almost every area one can think of.  He got married young at 23; I stayed single until I was 39.  He had three children before I even married. He chose a conventional career; I chose showbiz.  He moved to the suburbs; I stayed in the city. He celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary while I celebrated my 50th birthday with divorce papers. He recently moved out-of-state; I’ve stayed put. The examples abound between us.  

But, the connection we made in high school and college was true and deep. We used to think of ourselves as “Frick and Frack.”  I was the crazy one; he was the levelheaded one.  Those differences worked for us as I encouraged risk-taking in him, while he got me to back away from bungee jumping from that helicopter.  It was a good balance.  

Nonetheless, my mom’s advice regularly came to me about not expecting perfection from him. He is lousy with returning phones calls, exchanging lengthy e-mails, getting together often as our lives got busier, and other things that disappointed me. My choice, as my mother would’ve said, is to not have him as my friend due to these failed expectations and wishes of mine, or to accept him for who he is, not who I wish he were. 

That is the lesson I’m trying to teach my boys regarding their friends.  Will they learn from my failures in this regard and have a lifelong “best friend” as I still do or will they lose some great friends along the path of life, as I also did?  My guess is that they’ll do both--just as I did--and have to learn most of these lessons themselves in spite of my best efforts to save them the pain of going through this process.  

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Updated with another new photo!

I just received this photo from my new friends in Ghana. We sent them 3 boxes of books. They have an impoverished girl's school in Agona Swedru, Ghana.

Just got this new one - "our" reading club is growing!

Listen to my radio show about them HERE.

And, read more and see more photos HERE.

Their address is:

Frank Bennin
P.O. Box 719
Agona Swedru
Ghana

I found the easiest and relatively cheapest way to send them books, games, toys, and more is via the USPO flat rate boxes. Get the boxes at your local Post Office. It costs around $55 to send and you can fill it up completely.

Thanks for your help.

I want to get them a laptop - does ANYONE have a connection to a computer manufacturer that might donate one?

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Update: We had a really strong and serious show today on religion and families.  I heartily recommend this one as I believe it's the best show we've done so far!  You can listen to it anytime right here on my web-site.

The topic this week was based on my "A Dad's Point-of-View" column just out, "A Jew In Church." 

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" aired live on Thursday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page.  Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

If you'd like to call in when we're "live" on Thursday, listeners in the 805 area code can call (805) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST. Listeners outside the 805 area code can call toll-free at (866) 564-1290 on Thursday from 11:06 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. PST.  Or, you can send e-mails, ahead of time, or during the broadcast to: bruce@brucesallan.com. I will be happy to respond to your Tweets as well, if I can, during the show - just send them to: @BruceSallan.

This week's guests are  Wayne Levine (BetterMen.org) for "The Men's Room," Pastor Drew Sams (Calvary Church, Westlake Village, CA) for "Teen Rap." and Julie Spira (CyberDatingExpert.com) for "Single Parent Dating."

While it is not necessary to read my column to discuss the topic or enjoy the show, here it is if you'd like to read it:

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Update: Today's show was really terrific in my unbiased opinion.  It was powerful, meaningful, and I think important.  You can listen anytime on the Radio Show page of my web-site.  Please do!

This edition of "The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad's Point-of-View" airs live on Thursday, August 19 at 11:00 a.m. - noon, PST on KZSB AM1290 or you can listen to it on your computer via a "live stream" on my web-site "Radio Show" page. Archived shows are available to listen to or download  anytime! It is repeated Thursday evenings at 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturdays, at noon, PST.

This week's guests are  Wayne Levine (BetterMen.org) for "The Men's Room," Pastor Drew Sams (Calvary Church, Westlake Village, CA) for "Teen Rap." and Lauren Kessler, who will be discussing her new book, "My Teenage Werewolf."

While it is not necessary to read my column to discuss the topic or enjoy the show, here it is if you'd like to read it:

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I just LOVE these photos of these wonderful girls in Agona, Swedru Ghana (Africa). They're reading some of the books my son sent them that just arrived. See previous blogs.

See the full gallery on Posterous

See the full gallery on Posterous

So, are you going to send them some books?  Games? Toys? Stuffed animals?

If so, here's the address:

Frank Bennin

P.O. Box 719

Agona, Swedru

Ghana

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