"Hello, I must be going." --Groucho Marx

Russell Morris wrote, "John, Thanks for not fading into oblivion as you alluded you might do. Your expertise is needed in the field of DL."

I've been meaning to say a few words about that, lest I be accused, like Nellie Melba, of making an annual "farewell tour" year after year.

I'm still actively trying to figure out what to do next. Definitely positively will not be doing any more Bears' Guideses or working more on the www.degree.net website, and daughter/co-author Mariah is too busy running Lonely Planet Books, but I'm pretty sure the publisher will either continue the books in house, or through free lancers.

I've cut back dramatically on the time spent in this field: many fewer media interviews, passing along almost all of the daily 5 to 10 Email inquiries to others, and only reading and responding on this forum where either (a) I believe I know something relevant that the 'regulars' don't, or (b) I can't resist, such as the opportunity to type "Jean-Maximillien de la Croix de Lafayette" one more time. But I no longer feel the need to chime in on the "usual" questions in the "Has anyone heard of Thomas Edison" mode, since the regulars are doing a fine job there.

And in the meantime, I have been offered (and accepted) a contract on a new cookbook by Snow Lion, of all people, and my bagpipe lessons start next week, and I'm rejoining the Society of American Magicians after three decades, and I've just spent four intensive days meeting with my out-of-town co-author on an impending book project that will remain secret for a while but which will be of much interest, I think, to people at this forum, so life is not exactly dull.

John

 

Well Dr. Bear,

As I have said to you personally, and will say here publically, I have been extremely blessed by your willingness to entertain private email. Being a forever "lurker" of this forum---whatever this project new project is---I cannot wait.

Thanks again for your help and expertise.

Steven King

 

I propose a new contest: Guess the Book Title. Whoever guesses the correct title, sends me a copy of the book.

My guesses:

Dancing Your Way to DL Success: Life Credits for Ballroom and Latin Dance

John Bear Potter: The Magician's DL Secret

The Time Bomb: Blowing Up Yerself Real Good with a Fake Degree

 

I think an excellent title would be, "Explosives for Dummies: The Truth About Degree Mills."

Seriously, John! Since you quoted Marx, allow me to quote MacArthur. As you examine new venues to invest your energy, I trust the words of the good general will become your motto--"I shall return!!!" Return to the subject of DL, that is.

Russell

 

I can highly recommend Dunbar poly bagpipes. I have been very pleased with my set. I also use a Dunbar Millenium practice chanter.

Regards,

Michael Lloyd