Ideas from Outer Space

People often inquire about the mysterious origins of my ideas. Well, I'm here to reveal my secret source: Outer Space. 

Not really.

Now, you might be wondering about the peculiar image above. No, it's not me in my backyard with a makeshift antenna trying to intercept cosmic inspiration. That's actually a snapshot of yours truly at the awe-inspiring Very Large Array (VLA) in the heart of New Mexico. If you're even remotely fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos, this place is a must-visit. Imagine 28 colossal radio telescopes, each capable of capturing the whispers of the universe, all sprawled across the vast desert landscape. It's a humbling reminder that America extends far beyond the bustling I-95 corridor.

Interestingly, the VLA has also played a role in the world of cinema. One of its star-studded appearances was in the film "Contact," starring the brilliant Jodie Foster. And speaking of stars, Ms. Foster herself lends her voice to the excellent film at the visitor center at the site. Oh, and by the way, I couldn't resist picking up three souvenir guitar picks there. Not your everyday find at most visitor centers, I must say!

Now, if you're curious about how to embark on your own VLA adventure, here's the scoop. First, hop on a plane to Albuquerque. Then, brace yourself for a drive to the Middle of Nowhere, followed by an expedition to the Middle of The Middle of Nowhere. The reason for this remote location? To steer clear of any pesky radio signals that could disrupt the telescopes' delicate work.

As for the inspiration behind this photo, it ties in with my current project, The Circle of Awareness. It's a hilarious take on self-help books, where some individuals believe they're sending out waves to the Universe and receiving cosmic responses in return. It's written by Jimmy Sizemore, as told to Jim Flynn. Some of you remember Jimmy from Be Sincere Even When You Don't Mean It.

Stay tuned, because The Circle of Awareness is headed your way soon, ready to take you on a comical journey through the cosmos of self-improvement! And the conclusion has Jimmy's all time wildest Self-Help solution.