November 2009

On December 9, 2009, NASA will launch a remarkable satellite called W.I.S.E. (Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer) to map the entire sky. This project has been years in the making, and is on the cutting-edge of astronomical research. In 2003, geneticists and researchers announced the complete mapping of the entire human genome, the consequences of which were and will be enormous. The fruits of this December 9, 2009 launch of W.I.S.E. will be of equal significance. We are living in the most exciting time imaginable, not just because of the daily political & social wranglings for power and meaning around the globe, in the “light of the Mayan Prophecies and other prophecies,” but also, and in many ways more significantly, because of the incredible advances in science from digital technologies to human biology to astronomical discoveries of our origins and dark matter of the universe. We can only stand in awe at what is unfolding before us. And we are part of it.

These are old photos of my family and extended family. I marvel at history, the faces which stare out at us from years past. I am grateful.

L. to R. My Grandmother Marie Magdalene Wallmark, Uncle Arthur Wallmark, and my mother Marie E. "Dolly" Wallmark (3 years old). Circa 1925.

My Grandmother Marie Magdalene Montgomery (tallest, center in white) with her mother and father, and her brothers and sisters Mabel & Nellie. Circa 1916.

My Mother Marie E. "Dolly" Wallmark (baby) with her grandmother Annie Soper. Circa 1922.

Mom at 23 years-old at a five-year employee award telephone company luncheon at Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. Mom is sitting in the 2nd row of women on right, the 5th woman from the front wearing a large black hat. Circa 1945.

On Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. I did an author talk/book signing for my novel THE ASCENDANCY at the Barnes & Noble in Ellicott City, Maryland. One of the attendees was Gina Brillante, the daughter of my close childhood-teen friend from College Park, Frannie Brillante. His daughter Gina is a writer. She has been writing poems, short stories, essays and novels since she was eight years old. Below is the poem which she wrote during my author talk at the Barnes & Noble booksigning event. Gina gave me permission to share it with you. Please take a look. You will not be sorry. Machu Picchu

Just a heads up. This morning, I did a 52 minute radio interview with Adam Avery on Frederick’s WFMD. It was a great interview. It is syndicated through the Clear Channel Network.

John at WFMD

I found Adam Avery to be the epitome of a good interviewer and a great host. Thank you, Adam! He asked me questions about my novel THE ASCENDANCY, the trilogy, the screenplays that I have written and currently writing, how I got started in writing, the film on elder abuse that I produced & directed, my family, and more. It was an incredible experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity. If you want to hear the interview, please go to WFMD to Adam Avery’s “Seniors Talk Radio.” Click on this link. The show will air Sunday, November 15 at 8 p.m.