Your Chance To Make History

There is a legend about Ernest Hemingway that goes something like this. "Papa" was frequenting one of his favorite watering holes with a bunch of writers when they bet him he couldn't write a story in a mere six words. Hemingway is reported to have scribbled: For sale, baby shoes, never worn.

Hence the popularity of six words. "There is a little magic in six," says Larry Smith, the editor and co-founder of SMITH, a website for writers and artists.

Now you can add your six words to the mix. The National Constitution Center has joined forces with Smith magazine to enlist your six words for Barack Obama's speech writers who are crafting the Inauguration Day speech as we speak. The contest is called Address America: Six Words to Inspire a Nation and you can get to it from the Constitution Center's website.

Think about it. Some of the greatest mottoes of our time are but six words. "Nothing to fear but fear itself." (Roosevelt) "To bind up the nation's wounds." (Lincoln)

What advice to do have for our next president? How would you rally the nation? How do you see the future?

Give it a try. It's only six words.

And the Nominees Are...

Two contests that might interest you during this Memorial Day weekend when you have the opportunity to brainstorm with family and friends.

Over on the Humane Society website, they are taking nominations for the first Dogs of Valor Award. Do you know a canine who has demonstrated altruism? The examples they give are dogs who rescued their owners from physical disasters but you may know of other dog deeds that qualify for this honor. There is also mention of "other species" for future consideration. Take a look at the May 19 blog entry.

And the Morris Animal Foundation is searching for America's Best Vet. The national essay contest honors veterinarians for their dedication to improving animal health and well-being and is co-sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy and Veterinary Practice News magazines.

The deadline for the 300 word essays is August 31, 2008 and winning vets will be honored by their peers at the February 2009 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas and featured in the March 2009 issues of Veterinary Practice News. One national winner and five regional winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Details are available here after June 1.

In addition to honoring your vet for his/her outstanding care and treatment of clients, dedication to the human-animal bond, service to the community and devotion to the veterinary profession, the contest would be a stellar way for a budding college applicant to hone their essay skills, not to mention add an entry to their resume should their essay garner honors.

Last year the contest attracted more than 1,000 entries so warm up those keyboards! And let me know if you win!