First of all, J.D. Salinger died today. He was 91. The Times Arts Beat blog has been all over it. Also I am sure it will make front page but unsure if it will be above the fold. – - Little known fact/some trivia for you. I’ve read Shoeless Joe the book that Field of Dreams is based on. And instead of Terrance Mann (played by James Earl Jones) the real author is supposed to be Salinger and lame title The Boat Rocker in the movie is meant to be The Catcher in the Rye. Try that one on for size.

Another famous author died yesterday, Howard Zinn. I’m sure you recognize this:

It has been around since 1980 and I am almost sure that every single bookstore has at least one copy of this book. Yes, its one of those. Reading one chapter is overwhelming let alone cover to cover. It is dense, tremendously well done and in the category of the life achievement. Although he died suddenly of a heart attack at 87, he lived a fulfilling life.

After speaking about this with others I’ve given myself some time to think. It is sad that these great American minds are gone. But now it is time for new Americans of a new generation to have new ideas. You are an American. And you have ideas. Have you explored a new idea yet?

I now bring these words to you from a new world I was exposed to today (inquire within for story.) Go out and do something and make yourself a part of something completely different than you and what you are. Write something new. Write anything, compose. Tell someone something you’ve been meaning to say. And be well.

Lately I’ve been on a karma kick, trying to do good and pay it forward. I feel wonderful and I can only tell you to do the same.

Also, I am blown away by this. Yes, another free download from our friends at notdrugs (bookmark this.) Its Ithaca and its remarkable.