To everyone who donated money to my site at the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinsons. Like 2 million other Americans, I have been diagnosed with PD. Having read Michael's new book (Always Looking Up) I am so impressed and taken by his foundation and their simple goal: FIND A CURE. To quote Michael J. Fox from his book (at the foundation's initial planning meeting) "The last thing I want is for you and I to find ourselves discussing our twentieth annual fund raiser. I fact, if that day ever comes, you're all fired." Every dollar in goes back out to fund cutting edge research which can not only help Parkinson's, but through stem cell research, treat MS, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and many other diseases that can ruin lives and devastate families.

Last month, your generosity raised $3,000. I know funds are tight, which is why I am only asking for the donation of the cost of a movie ticket ($10) to help the foundation fund a cure. Please click on link below and make a small donation that you'll never miss. Because ten dollars from ten thousand Steve Alten readers CAN make a serious difference in the fight against a disease that affects millions of Americans including this humble author. Happy Holidays! (once you click on the link, you can scroll down the page to see this month's installment of new MEG images).

We're getting closer, but not a whole lot happens in December as Hollywood shuts down. If something breaks, you will be the first to know.

The top 30 winners were posted at the link below . If you are among the winners and haven't sent me a bio, please do so at [email protected] subject PHOBOS WINNER.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

And finally, always remember, when life hands you Lemons, ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway.

*IF YOU HAVE A LIVING TIP YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at [email protected] Put LIVING TIP in the subject line.

This was my Grandmother's recipes. I GUARANTEE you will love them. --SA

Ingredients:

4 squares bakers chocolate (unsweetened)
half cup of butter
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsifted all purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts

Melt chocolate and butter over low heat and cool slightly. Beat eggs and gradually beat in sugar for 2 to 3 minutes. Blend in chocolate mixture. Stir in flour, then add vanilla and nuts. Spread in a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake at 325 for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in pan. Makes about 2 dozen.

*IF YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, please e-mail to me at [email protected] Put RECIPE in the subject line.

Purchase any one of my books (there are still collector edition hardbacks of MEG: Hell's Aquarium on sale at Amazon.com) then e-mail me the person's name and any personalized message you wish to send. I will e- mail back the message, along with my actual signature. Cut and paste the signed message inside the book and you have a unique gift for under $30. (No charge on my end, the signed message is my treat.) E- mail requests to me at [email protected] subject: X-MAS GIFT. (Limit 100 per person).

Go to SteveAlten.com and check out our new MEG wear items. Order by December 10th and have it for Christmas. Posters too! Proceeds help support the Adopt-An-Author free reading program for middle and high schools.

The release of the last novel in the series will coincide with a summer MEG movie. I am hoping for 2011.

Several years ago, I started a program for serious writers called WRITING COACH. For a fee, I will help guide your manuscript, edit where necessary, and offer storyline suggestions. Of the first eight clients, two (so far) have been published and three more are well on their way. If you are interested, check out the fees listed on the WRITING COACH link at www.SteveAlten.com. Then send me (in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment) a one-page synopsis of your story to my e-mail at [email protected] . Mark the subject line: WRITING COACH SUBMISSION. I will respond to all submissions. If I am interested, I will ask for a sample chapter to evaluate your writing ability. If I see promise then we'll schedule a call to brainstorm the story. If I like what I hear, I may offer you one of the open spots. Please, if you don't have the desire or the required fee, don't submit your story. This commits me to a year or more of working with each writer, and you need to be as committed to your success as I am.