Link to Lucas in Love

I have my friend Scott to thank for this funny short film spoofing Shakespeare in Love and imagining the genesis of George Lucas' Star Wars saga in the frustration of a lonely male's writer's block.

Lucas in Love
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/81256481/

Best, memorable interchange:

"I'm just beginning to think that Space Oats isn't the answer." --George
"Well, maybe you just weren't meant to write agricultural space tragedies." --Marian

Murder Mystery Cast & Crew Bios Now Online

Who killed the Ghost of Christmas Past?

That's the mystery you get to solve this December at Bay View's Alchemist Theatre in an original murder mystery set on Christmas Eve of 1929.

Check out the recently updated FAQ page along with our cast/crew bios.

http://www.bayviewlounge.com/christmasmurdermystery.htm

And go to www.alchemisttheatre.com to order your tickets today. The show runs for the first three weekends (Thursday through Saturday) of December.

Coming Soon: Original Bumper Stickers

Check back in September for original bumper stickers.

Recent Original Haiku

0116082011
Geese do not obey
lot lines, fence lines, marks of man,
No Trespassing signs.

0216082011
Splitting the atom
not nearly as powerful
as breaking the heart.

0316082011
Bioretention
pond heron stalks murkily
into concrete shade.

0119082011
Cormorant beats wings
black low over the water
flying into wind.

0219082011
Japanese beetle
gold green black and ravenous
consumes leaves on trees.

0319082011
Sulfur streaked cloud line
the cost of A/C and heat
Faustian bargain.

Now Offering Custom Poetry

Can't find the words to express your feelings to that special someone?

Want to give her a unique, creative gift that says you care--but you slept through English class?

You could pay $5 for a greeting card that she'll throw away tomorrow; you could just stew in unarticulated angst while she decides to go out with that other guy; or you can contact me. Together we'll discuss your unique situation and then I'll draft a poem that meets your needs.

The best part is I'm not joking.

Of course, there's no guarantee my words will solve your romantic or emotional problems. But you will leave with a document that expresses how you feel.

More expensive than a greeting card? Yes. Because you're paying for my time, creativity, and discretion. Custom poetry is not for everyone--and if you're inspired to write your own poem and give it to her, terrific. But, guys, think of what I'm offering as a bouquet of words instead of roses, only your custom poem is something that will not dry up and die. If it flops, you can both laugh about how silly it was and move on. Mission accomplished: she knows you care. But if it really works, then you've just earned your way into the heart of the one you love. And who can put a price on that?

Please plan well in advance if you want to give your poem as a holiday gift, especially for Christmas, New Year's, or Valentine's Day.

In order to meet in person for your initial consultation, this offer is limited to persons in southeastern Wisconsin.

Serious inquiries only, please.

Robertson-Ryan: A History available to the public

Robertson-Ryan: A History by Michael Timm is now available for public purchase here.

Founded in 1960 when A.D. “Robbie” Robertson and Jack T. Ryan left the prestigious Roberts Company and struck out on their own, Milwaukee's Robertson-Ryan & Associates stands alone in its philosophy that the producer is king.

Producers own their books of business, but share profits, experience, and support staff. It’s a unique—and successful—model, which producers attribute to Jack Ryan’s fairness and foresight. He attributes it to the Golden Rule.

Starting out with three producers and $1.8 million in premiums, the agency has expanded and continues to expand into the 21st century. In 2010, the agency counted 185 producers and employees across seven Wisconsin offices and handled $220 million in premiums, earning Robertson-Ryan recognition as the 85th largest American insurance broker and 58th largest privately-held independent agency.

This book tells the story of Ryan, a former FBI-agent, and Robertson, a who trained as a electrical engineer at Allis-Chalmers, and how the agency they built evolved into a powerhouse.



One footnote here that the buyer should beware. Most of the copies printed for my client were of good quality; however, my proofs were initially misbound and at least two of the final books had missing pages. I regret I cannot here ensure the printing quality of the consumer's final product. The printer does vow to replace any damaged merchandise at no charge, however.

Robertson-Ryan: A History published

Robertson-Ryan: A History, my book on the history of the Robertson-Ryan & Associates insurance agency, was completed in December 2010 and delivered to my client in January 2011.

I plan to make the book available for purchase by the general public once a few more details have been worked out with the print-on-demand publisher, Lulu.com.

Check back here for updates or email me if you would like to request a copy. The 80-page casewrap hardcover is $31 plus shipping and handling. I am in the process of determining what to charge for soft-copy PDF downloads.

Thanks to all my sources and supporters.