halloween

Greetings, boys and ghouls! Another festive day will soon be here, brought to you by the American Dental Association. Check this out….. Americans will spend about $700 million on Halloween costumes this year…. for their PETS! (No kidding) I bought my dog a cat costume last year, but he refused to wear it. (No jokes about him being a “pussy” please!) In any case, 25 percent of Americans say that Halloween is their favorite holiday. Not me. I enjoy July 14th, the day we celebrate the valiant French revolutionaries who stormed Paris and burned down the city. (Back in 1789, not last week) The French call it “Bastard Day,” I think, and it’s celebrated with loud explosions across the country. (Just like last week) Those Frenchies are wild and crazy dudes.

So what else is new? Well, I’ve been traveling quite a bit in preparation for my new book tour. The boss and I recently returned from a lengthy stay in Lake George, New York. (Where I spent a lot of my summers) The water was great (Lake George is the cleanest lake in America) and the weather just about perfect. After a week at the Sagamore Hotel, we drove over to Kennebunkport, Maine, which is a charming (lobster-filled) town on the east coast of the state. My daughter owns a summer home there, and her rates are fairly reasonable. (Of course, we are obligated to do a lot of babysitting, but we don’t mind. We drink their good wines while they’re out!)

For those of you who don’t subscribe to VARIETY magazine, I just completed a two-book deal, which will result in the publication of two new books next year. This deal should enrich me quite handsomely, IF ….. I don’t report it to the IRS, which I have no intention of doing. Mums the word, OK? The first book is a non-fiction account of the dazzling life of Thomas A. Edison, titled, UNBOUND BRILLIANCE. The second book is a brand new adventure featuring Adam Gold, titled, DEAD STILL WATER. Both masterpieces will be available (for a modest price) at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

On the homefront, I will be lecturing this spring at the University of Texas, presenting a six-week seminar on “AMAZING AMERICANS.” The brilliantly designed course will feature all of my history books, and introduce students to John C. Fremont, William Seward, James A. Garfield, and Thomas A. Edison. The last seminar features the wives and women who shaped the careers of the above men, and will be quite an eye-opener for most of the students. I shall keep you informed when the spring catalog is issued, just in case you would like to attend one of my lectures. (Make sure to ask easy questions!)

Finally, since I actually have a lot of blog followers in the Caribbean, I am pleased to announce that my new publicist/booking agent, Melvin “The Meanderer” Moskowitz, has managed to sign me up for several speaking engagements on St. Lucia and St. Barts in early 2027. I know we will be staying at some lovely venues, and once they are booked (and fumigated) I will post the dates, times, and locations. If you happen to live on one of those magical islands, please start stocking up on some good rum. (I like jerk chicken, too.)

I wonder why they call it “jerk chicken?” That sounds a bit harsh to me. The next time I order that dish I am going to ask for “unwise chicken” or “uneducated fowl.” I’m sure the locals will appreciate my thoughtfulness. Well, on that note, I think I’ll go to the supermarket and buy a stupid turkey for Thanksgiving! Take good care and keep smiling….. and don’t forget to vote. (Even though I’m not on the dang ballot!)

Happy trails and love to all,

Doc Yanoff

P.S. Some enthralling photos attached!

BON JOUR, mon ami….. I am delighted to announce that my new U.S. history book, titled, WONDER OF THE WEST, has recently won a gold medal at the 2025 Paris Book Festival! Oi la la, what a pleasant surprise. The award was presented for the “Best U.S. History/Biography of 2025,” and marks the 5th literary award that the book has won. A scheduled award ceremony (which was supposed to be held in the Louvre Museum!) has been moved to the Jardin des Tuileries, so if you should find yourself in La Ville Lumiere (The City of Light) in early December please drop by for a glass (or two) of champagne.

In the meantime, please remember that copies of WONDER OF THE WEST can be readily obtained on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and leading bookstores across the country. (That would be our country, the USA, not France.) So what else is new these days? Well, as I mentioned on my last blog, we met some wonderful folks on our recent river cruise. One couple, Peter Vernasco and Pamela Anderson, own Olivewood Ranch, and they produce the BEST olive oil I have ever tasted! They sent us a couple of bottles of their award-winning oil and it was truly marvelous. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift this holiday season, you should check out their website. You won’t be sorry.

Pete and Pam were friends with Dr. Jim Gemmer (and his lovely better-half, Anne) The good doctor and I shared a memorable beer in the Black Forest and had some sparkling conversation throughout the voyage. As I’ve said many times, the best part of travel are the interesting folks you meet, and this trip was no exception.

Speaking of friends, I would like to thank Helena, The Princess of Portugal, and her charming husband, Baron Lee, for hosting another extraordinary gala feast last week. On this occasion, The Princess made FEIJOADA, the national dish of Brazil. (Basically a hearty stew) It was wonderful, and I managed to consume a meager two helpings… and lots of good, red wine. My wife loved the meal, but slightly embarrassed herself. She asked our host if a Brazilian was the number after a trillion!

Well, as I’m sure you know, Halloween is just around the corner. Need some fun facts? Do you know that 41% of Americans believe that ghosts really exist? (80% believe that they’re going to get an IRS refund!) Last year, Americans spent 700 million dollars on Halloween costumes! (Roughly what my wife spends at the mall each year.) I can’t prove it, but I really think that Halloween (which is America’s 2nd favorite holiday) was invented by someone affiliated with the American Dental Association. Have you ever seen what candy corn does to your teeth? Thank God it’s at least a vegetable.

For those of you who have inquired about the 2026 Caribbean Book Festival, I am thrilled to announce that I will be participating in several discussion groups. So far, I’ve signed up for gigs on St. Bart’s and St. Thomas, but I’m sure more stops will be added as the festival nears. I shall, as they say, keep you informed. Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a generous supply of Alka-Seltzer. (I hear they sell rum on some of the islands!)

Well, amigos y amigettes, I must take my leave. My wife is dragging me (again) to our Sunday morning tennis lessons. I know how to play, but she insists that my game could improve. (Isn’t that why they invented cheating? To eliminate the need to practice?) In any case, remember my motto….. “When in doubt, call it out!” Have a wonderful (and joyous) week… and keep your eye on the ball. (Even though the racket works better!) Love to all,

Doc Yanoff