Looking for some neat stuff to read? Want to educate yourself about what it's like being a person with Parkinson's disease who volunteered for experimental brain surgery? Or are you just looking for some escapist fictional claptrap?
We got BOTH for ya!
"Put On Your Parky Face" is available as a $40 hardcover, a $15 paperback, a $5 PDF download, or a $5 Kindle book at Amazon.com -- priced from $40 to $5, there's a price range for everyone.
Here's some stuff about the book:
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000 at age 45, for Bill Schmalfeldt PD was "just a concept" for the first several years. As his condition worsened and he went to work for the US Federal Government's premiere Medical Research Agency, Bill began to search for clinical research trials that might shed some light on his disease -- afflicting 1.5 million Americans with 50- to 60-thousand new diagnoses each year. He found that for most clinical trials, he either had "too much" Parkinson's disease or "not enough."
At length, he found one that fit perfectly. It was a phase one trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Early Parkinson's Disease at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to the inclusion/exclusion requirements, he was a perfect candidate. One catch... if he were to be one of the 15 people randomized to the surgical group, he would have to undergo brain surgery for the implantation of the DBS devices.
After discussing it with his neurologist and family, Bill decided to enroll in the trial in 2007. He was, in fact, randomized to the surgical group and had the surgery in June 2007.
This book tells the story of Bill's journey, from blog and diary entries at the time. He takes you into the operating room with him as he remains awake for the seven-hour brain surgery. He writes about the highs, the lows, the good days and the bad ones. He writes with a twinkle in his eye and with a sense of humor that makes one wonder how one can write such a funny book about such a serious subject.
DBS is not a cure for PD and Bill's disease continues to progress. He is filing for early disability retirement from his government agency. In the meantime, he hopes to use this book and other means to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease.
100 percent of the author proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation and the Charles DBS Research Fund at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Now, if it's mindless escapism you're looking for...
"UNDERCOVER TRUCKER: How I Saved America by Truckin' Towels for the Taliban"
Billy Big Rig has lived his life on The Killer Road. His many adventures (and marriages) have left him bruised, scarred, but unbroken. In 2000 as a disgraced alcoholic 18-wheel driver, Billy redeemed himself by saving America. He did this by infiltrating an Al Qaeda cell in prison and traveling with them to Afghanistan in the days leading up to 9/11. Then, if he is to be believed, he nearly single-handedly won the war, killed Saddam Hussein, took care of Osama bin Laden and had a fist fight with Bill Clinton. For obvious reasons his real identity can never be revealed. His life remains in constant danger. But he tells his story for the first time in this hilarious first-hand account. Along the way, you'll learn about his unique upbringing, his politically-incorrect philosophy, and how to survive when EVERYONE wants to kill you!
Available as a $12.50 paperback, a $5 PDF download, and as a $5 Kindle book.
Did you enjoy Forrest Gump? Try it times 2.
"HUNKY DUNK"
Mud and Jake Klemper were special boys. Their father knew how special they were although his constant browbeating did little to encourage their special gift. But he did instill them with one thing: The Klemper Pride. The boys would have lived their lives unknown and uncared about in Slope Oak, Iowa, if not for a little song Mud and Jake composed one hot afternoon. It became a monster hit. As a result of their success, the boys became international superstars. Through it all, they never really seemed to understand what was going on around them and they maintained their simple outlook on life -- until it all became too much!
Imagine the biblical book of Revelations, rewritten by Woody Allen or Mel Brooks. End Times: A Comedy in Two Acts, has more laughs in each scene than the ENTIRE Left Behind series. Co-playwrights and twin brothers Bill and Bob Schmalfeldt worked on this project. Bill has other books on Lulu -- notably, Deep Brain Diary: My Life as a Guy with Parkinson's Disease and Brain Surgery Volunteer, Hunky Dunk, and Undercover Trucker: How I Saved America by Truckin' Towels for the Taliban. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2004. Proceeds from this work will be shared with his widow, Lori.
