Sunday, July 29, 2007

the moment an idea materializes

You can't try to do things; you simply must do them.
- Ray Bradbury

Starting a project is a strange thing.

A thought forms in your head, and day after day, it emerges anew, taking more and more shape, cleverly slipping itself on to your unending To Do list.

No longer just a fleeting thou
ght, it has become an idea of some weight. And as you sit there, with your idea, you feel mischievous and secretive, pestered by this idea that no one else knows about. It's silly, you think, and they don't want to know about it. They won't understand, you insist, and they don't have the time.

But then you see them sitting there with nothing better to do, twiddling their fingers through another day, and you wonder, should I tell them? Will they care? What will I say? Is it worth it?

Then suddenly, before you've reached a decision, the idea spills out. I've been thinking... Quietly, maybe, but without a doubt, it has been spoken. Right before your very eyes, it has begun to materialize. Just as quickly as it left, you want to take it back. It's not safe out there. Who knows what they'll think? Who knows what they'll do? No, your idea does not belong out there where it can turn on you and become something you never -

Tell me more... What's that? That sounds interesting... Excuse me? I could probably help... Well... I don't see why not.

Wheels have been set in motion, yet only words have been exchanged. Perhaps it will turn out to be nothing. Perhaps you'll forget about it before tomorrow. Perhaps it just isn't time.

Regardless, in that moment, you are smiling. It wasn't all that bad, you think. The idea will be safe, better off, you realize. Out there, where they can see it, hear it, touch it. That's where your idea wants to be, where there is no safety, no certainty, no promises. You can only be sure that no matter where it goes and how great it becomes, it is your idea, and in that moment of daring, you breathed life into it and made it a reality.

Monday, July 23, 2007

my dad's book signing




Thanks you to all who attended my dad's book signing last week!!

It was a major success in every way, and we were thrilled to see so many friends, family members, colleagues, avid readers, and fellow philosophers there.

Even though I have yet to officially write my first book, I can imagine what it must feel like to be able to share your words and thoughts as an author to all those who have read your book or are going to read it. I know that this was truly a special event for my father.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next book signing, and if you are interested in purchasing the book, Socrates: A Life Examined, it is available at Amazon.com and major bookstores.

Oh, how I yearn to be able to say that about my book one day. . . =)

Friday, July 6, 2007

Socrates: A Life Examined - Luis E. Navia's Book Signing at Book Revue!!

Check out Dr. Luis E. Navia's book signing at Huntington's Book Revue for his latest book - Socrates: A Life Examined.

Less than one week away!!!!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

8 PM

Book Revue
313 New York Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
phone: 631.271.1442

Please visit Book Revue's website for more information -

http://www.bookrevue.com/events.html


Invite your friends, family, and colleagues!!

Check out the front-page news story about Dr. Navia that appeared in the June 15, 2007 edition of The Westbury Times -

http://www.antonnews.com/westburytimes/2007/06/15/

Also, check out the book's review in LI Pulse:

http://www.lipulse.com/Articles.asp?id=965

Thank you to all who have expressed so much interest already in attending, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!!

Let me know if you plan on making it =)

Sunday, July 1, 2007

The Vigilant Monkey

THE VIGILANT MONKEY

CALLING ALL WRITERS, ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS!!

We think outside the box. We ask the questions. We break the rules. We cross that line.

It's a crazy world, from the mundane to the monumental, from the small towns to the urban cities. Bombarded every day with news, images, stories, ideas, music, politics, noise, religion, love, violence, hate, peace, and war, our culture is caught up in a whirlwind of change. Every day more barriers, more red tape, more political correctness, more fear, and more silence make it harder for anyone to speak without being shouted down.

There is no standard, never a given. We've fallen off the spectrum. Left to our own devices, we are ever watchful of what goes on around us, realizing that everything is connected, everything is meaningful, and everything has room for improvement.

The Vigilant Monkey is a forum for people to voice their opinions and their stories, their thoughts and their discontent. We report on the strange, rant about the everyday, question what we see, talk about our passions and interests, and strive to make a positive change.

When everyone seems to be talking, we seek to speak, listen, and respond.

The Vigilant Monkey . . .

Watch closely. You might learn something.

So what are we looking for?

You!! We're looking for people interested in being part of a start-up online magazine with a lot of creativity and potential, but a lot of work ahead of us.

Nothing is set in stone, so now is the time to tell us, based on what you've read, where you see the magazine going, what content you'd like to see, and how you'd like to contribute.

Most of all, we want interaction!! We want people who come to the site to find out something new every time. We’d love to post local events, news, comments, suggestions, and ideas. The more focused we start out, the faster we can branch out.

Right now, we are especially interested in columnists, bloggers, contributing writers, photographers, and artists.

Some of the departments we are looking to cover are as follows:

- Entertainment (Film/Radio/TV/Theatre)
- Politics (National/International)
- Art
- Mind, Body, Soul
- Fashion
- Technology (Gadgets/Cars/Internet/Latest Inventions)
- Adventure (Travel, Extreme, Local)
- Health, Environment, Culture, Human Rights
- Absurd News Stories/Legislation/Celebrities/Etc.

And the list goes on . . .

Also, website development, graphic design, researching content, advertising, marketing and promotions, and photography. hehe - so really, we're interested in everyone.

While The Vigilant Monkey is still in the process of taking shape, our current goal is to have monthly features, blogs, columns, and an active ongoing message board.

More than anything, we want to be a place where the interesting, the informative, the funny, the absurd, the scary, the unbelievable, and the everyday converge.

Do you get paid?

As soon as we get paid, we'll pay you =P We love you all - which is why you are receiving this - but right now there is no monetary compensation. There is, however, the always important exposure and recognition. This is a great way to get clips and get your name out there. We will also feature contributor, columnist, and blogger bios.

Last, but not least. . . . get on our mailing list!! Reply to this posting to let us know that you have read it and thoroughly care to find out more. Please send all submissions, ideas, and queries to vigilantmonkeymag@gmail.com.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!!