Author: Alfredo Casuso

“My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels: In Control, Being Controlled, Out of Control!” by Tom LeNoble

2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite

30 January 2026 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA: The 2026 Independent Press Award recognized “My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels: In Control, Being Controlled, Out of Control!” by Tom LeNoble in the category of Inspiration as a distinguished favorite.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians and professional copywriters. Winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.

Risk. Resilience. Reinvention.

Tom LeNoble’s life has been anything but ordinary, rising from the “Shack” with no hot water to the heights of Silicon Valley, and helping build some of the world’s most influential companies. He’s been a crowd-favorite performer, a bold leader, and a survivor of two life-threatening illnesses after being told three times he had six months to live. He’s navigated the AIDS epidemic’s heartbreak, personal loss, and the high-stakes world of Facebook, Walmart.com, Palm (HP), and MCI (Verizon), guiding startups and leaders through change.

In “My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels,” Tom shares unflinching lessons on living fully, leading boldly, and loving fiercely. With candor and wit, he proves that no matter the storms you face, resilience is possible—and reinvention is always within reach.

In 2026, the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD saw a large participation from well established authors and publishers across the globe, including those residing in Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. Authors such as Brad Feld, Judith Briles, Tony Jeton Selimi, Michael Pronko, Jack Fritscher, PhD, Nate Regier, PhD, Lawrence Kane & Kris Wilder, Greg Broadmore and Miriam Udel were among the winners list chosen from thousands of entries.

Publishing houses included Forbes Books, Friesen Press, Historium Press, Johns Hopkins University Press, Mad Cave Studios, Northwestern University Press, Princeton University Press, She Writes Press, The History Press, and University of California Press.

“The 2026 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recipients reflect the incredible momentum within the independent sector,” stated Gabrielle Olczak, INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD President and Award Sponsor. “Independent voices are no longer just an alternative; they are leading the way in literary innovation. By highlighting these winners, we are celebrating a global community that refuses to be sidelined and continues to set new benchmarks for excellence.”

For more information please visit independentpressaward.com; and to view this year’s list of IPA Distinguished Favorites, please visit the website pages: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tom LeNoble is a seasoned executive, leadership coach, and sought-after speaker whose career spans industry giants, groundbreaking startups, and transformative coaching work. He has held key roles with renowned companies such as MCI (VZ), Walmart.com (WMT), Palm (HP), and Facebook (META), and contributed to the success of innovative ventures including SupportSpace (BBY), iPrint.com (acquired), and SpeedDate (MTCH).

As the founder of Taranga Enterprises, Tom has led initiatives that drive measurable results and spark innovation, with leadership experience across operations, customer service, human resources, mergers and acquisitions, sales, and coaching. His passion for developing people led him to serve as CEO of The Academy for Coaching Excellence, where he empowers individuals and trains the next generation of coaches. He also serves as a Leadership Coach with the Miller Center at Santa Clara University, working with entrepreneurs around the world to unlock their leadership potential.

Tom is widely recognized for his ability to blend strategic insight with personal empowerment, inspiring audiences and clients alike to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. His commitment to service extends beyond the boardroom through deep philanthropic involvement, focusing on underserved communities, women, youth, and education.

A survivor of life-threatening illness, profound loss, and personal challenges, Tom speaks with authenticity about resilience and the power of living fully. His journey has deepened his appreciation for every moment, fueling his mission to help others navigate risk, embrace change, and create meaningful impact.

ABOUT THE AWARD:
The Independent Press Award (IPA) is a prestigious annual book awards program specifically designed to honor excellence in the independent publishing community. It is open to self-published authors, small presses, and university presses worldwide. The Independent Press Award is announced every spring and is open to independent authors and publishers.

The fall book competition, NYC Big Book Award, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ permits all authors and publishers, including the big five publishers, to submit their books for competition.

Join us at the Awards Dinner & Ceremony on April 25th to celebrate the recipients of both programs as they receive their awards on stage. The ceremony is part of the BookCAMP event, a publishing industry conference held in the New York metro area, April 24-26, 2026, https://www.independentpressaward.com/ipabookcamp.

2027: Una verdadera causa de celebración
por David Eugene Perry

Me encanta la historia. De niño, en 1976, me sentaba frente al televisor con una grabadora de casetes para grabar los “Bicentennial Minutes” de Walter Cronkite. Había estado anticipando una celebración gozosa del semiquincentenario de nuestro país este año: había estado.

Como se vuelve vergonzosamente más claro con cada tuit, el presidente actual —legalmente elegido, en verdad— no está a la altura ni interesado en la unidad, la dignidad y la gravedad que este momento merece. Por lo tanto, he decidido centrarme en otro aniversario importante: no el inicio de nuestra lucha por la libertad, sino aquel aspiracional por la verdadera igualdad de justicia ante la ley.

En 2027, Estados Unidos alcanza un hito discreto pero profundo: 240 años desde la firma de la Constitución de los EE. UU., el documento que reformó el futuro de la nación y sentó las bases de la democracia estadounidense tal como la conocemos. Ese noble sueño puesto en pergamino ha tenido tiempos difíciles últimamente. Quizá sea hora de un pequeño repaso histórico.

La cronología constitucional:

La creación de la Constitución no fue un solo momento, sino un proceso deliberado que se desarrolló a lo largo de varios años críticos:

• Mayo–septiembre de 1787 – Los delegados se reúnen en la Convención Constitucional en Filadelfia, inicialmente encargados de revisar los Artículos de la Confederación.

• 17 de septiembre de 1787 – Se firma la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, estableciendo un nuevo marco para el gobierno federal basado en la separación de poderes, los controles y equilibrios, y la soberanía popular.

• 21 de junio de 1788 – Se logra la ratificación cuando New Hampshire se convierte en el noveno estado en aprobar la Constitución, alcanzando el umbral necesario para que entre en vigor.

• 4 de marzo de 1789 – La Constitución entra oficialmente en vigor, marcando el inicio del gobierno federal bajo su nueva estructura.

• 15 de diciembre de 1791 – Se ratifica la Carta de Derechos (las primeras diez enmiendas), salvaguardando libertades fundamentales como la libertad de expresión, la religión y el debido proceso.

El nacimiento de la presidencia estadounidense:

Junto con la Constitución surgió una institución completamente nueva: la presidencia.

• 30 de abril de 1789 — George Washington es investido como el primer Presidente de los Estados Unidos en la ciudad de Nueva York.

• 1789–1797 – Washington cumple dos mandatos, estableciendo precedentes duraderos: el Gabinete, el control civil de las fuerzas armadas, la independencia judicial y la transferencia pacífica del poder.

Por qué 2027 importa:

Mientras la nación conmemora con razón 2026 como el 250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia, 2027 marca algo igualmente vital, si no más: 240 años desde que los estadounidenses se comprometieron a gobernarse bajo el imperio de la ley, y no bajo la tiranía de los individuos.

La perdurabilidad de la Constitución no es accidental. Sobrevive —si no prospera en este momento— porque equilibra estabilidad con adaptabilidad. Es un marco lo suficientemente fuerte como para habernos guiado durante 239 años y —si renovamos nuestro compromiso con él— capaz de sobrevivir al presidente actual y a su régimen conscientemente cruel.

Estados Unidos de América nació durante la Ilustración, aunque una “Ilustración” que confinó a millones de seres humanos a cadenas y servidumbre. No siempre “lo hicimos bien”. Pero, al acercarnos al aniversario de nuestros a menudo titubeantes intentos de una unión más perfecta, concentrémonos en cumplir —y ampliar— los derechos inalienables de Nuestra Constitución. Eso —especialmente si las elecciones de medio término de este año nos dan esperanza de tal cumplimiento— merecerá gallardetes y fuegos artificiales en abundancia.

David Eugene Perry es un autor galardonado y estratega de comunicación con una larga trayectoria. Originario de la Commonwealth de Virginia, aprecia el lema y la bandera de su estado: Sic Semper Tyrannis / Así siempre a los tiranos, con un déspota y su corona caída bajo los pies de la diosa romana de la Virtud.

2027: A Real Cause for Celebration 
by David Eugene Perry

I love history. As a boy in 1976, I sat in front of the TV with a cassette player recording Walter Cronkite’s “Bicentennial Minutes.” I had been anticipating a joyous celebration of our country’s Semiquincentennial this year: had been.

As is made more embarrassingly clear every tweet, the current president— legally elected in truth — is not up to nor interested in the unity, dignity and gravitas this moment deserves. Therefore, I have decided to focus on another important anniversary: not the start of our fight for freedom but rather its aspirational one for true equal justice under law.

In 2027, the United States reaches a quiet but profound milestone: 240 years since the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the document that reshaped the nation’s future and laid the foundation for American democracy as we know it. That noble dream put to parchment has been having a rough go lately. Perhaps it’s time for a little historical review.

The Constitutional Timeline:

The creation of the Constitution was not a single moment, but a deliberate process that unfolded over several critical years:

• May–September 1787 – Delegates convene at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, originally tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation.

• September 17, 1787 – The U.S. Constitution is signed, establishing a new framework for federal government based on separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty.

• June 21, 1788 – Ratification achieved when New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to approve the Constitution, meeting the threshold required for it to take effect.

• March 4, 1789 – The Constitution officially goes into force, marking the beginning of the federal government under its new structure.

• December 15, 1791 – The Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) is ratified, safeguarding fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process.

The Birth of the American Presidency:

Alongside the Constitution emerged a brand-new institution: the presidency.

• April 30, 1789 — George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City.

• 1789–1797 – Washington serves two terms, establishing enduring precedents: the Cabinet, civilian control of the military, judicial independence, and the peaceful transfer of power.

Why 2027 Matters:

While the nation rightly commemorates 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 2027 marks something equally vital, if not more so: 240 years since Americans committed to governing themselves under the rule of law rather than the tyranny of individuals.

The Constitution’s endurance is not accidental. It survives, if not at the moment thrives, because it balances stability with adaptability. It’s a framework strong enough to have guided us for 239 years — and if we recommit to it — able to outlast the current president and his consciously cruel regime. 

The United States of America was birthed during the Age of Enlightenment, albeit an “Enlightenment” that confined millions of humans to chains and servitude. We didn’t always “get it right.” But, as we approach the anniversary of our often stilted attempts at a more perfect union, let us concentrate on fulfilling — and expanding— the inalienable rights of the Our Constitution. That — especially if this year’s midterms give us hope for such a fulfillment — will be worth bunting and fireworks galore.

David Eugene Perry is an award winning author and longtime communications strategist. Originally from the Commonwealth of Virginia, he cherishes his state’s motto and flag: Sic Semper Tyrannis / This Always to Tyranny, with a despot and his fallen crown under the feet of the Roman Goddess of Virtue.

From Builders to Bon Vivants: A Union Square Hotel Steeped in San Francisco History

San Francisco is a city that reinvents itself—but its most compelling places never forget where they began.

At the corner of Powell and O’Farrell, just steps from Union Square, stands a hotel whose walls have quietly witnessed more than a century of the city’s evolution. Long before it became the beloved Villa Florence, and long before its current life as The Barnes, this building was known as The Manx—and its story begins in the aftermath of catastrophe.

Built for a Reborn City (1908–1909):

The building opened its doors in 1908, just two years after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. In a city racing to rebuild itself, The Manx was originally designed to house bridge builders, engineers, and tradespeople—the men shaping the new San Francisco skyline.

By 1909, The Manx had transformed into a full-service hotel, quickly becoming a lively gathering place in the heart of Union Square. Its spacious lobby, modern comforts, and central location made it a favorite for travelers arriving by rail and streetcar, eager to experience a city very much alive again.

“Meet Me at the Manx”:

In the early 20th century, The Manx was more than a hotel—it was a landmark. Advertisements encouraged visitors to “Meet me at the Manx,” a phrase that captured its role as a social hub for locals and visitors alike.

During Prohibition, like many San Francisco institutions, the hotel gained a quieter, more clandestine reputation. Behind closed doors, a hidden speakeasy kept spirits—and spirits—high, offering refuge from the bustle of the streets outside.

War, Strategy, and Secrecy (1940s):

History took a dramatic turn during World War II, when The Manx served as the U.S. Navy’s West Coast headquarters. Decisions made within its rooms played a role in the Pacific theater, adding a layer of national significance to the building’s already rich story.

From roaring nightlife to wartime strategy, the hotel adapted—always remaining at the center of San Francisco’s unfolding narrative.

The Villa Florence Era (Late 1980s–2022):

In 1987, the hotel entered a new chapter when it became the Villa Florence Hotel, embracing an Italian-inspired elegance that would define it for more than three decades. With its European warmth, ornate interiors, and the beloved Kuleto’s Italian restaurant, Villa Florence became a favorite among visitors who wanted boutique charm with a deep sense of place.

For many San Franciscans and returning guests, Villa Florence wasn’t just a hotel—it was their hotel.

The Barnes: A New Chapter, Same Soul:

Today, the building lives on as The Barnes San Francisco, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. While the name has changed, the spirit remains unmistakably tied to its past.

From builders and bridge men to wartime strategists, from Prohibition-era revelers to generations of travelers, this corner of Union Square has always been a place where stories converge.

The Barnes doesn’t erase that history—it inherits it.

January 30, 1847: The Naming of San Francisco 

Today in history: On January 30, 1847, the town of Yerba Buena was officially renamed San Francisco. This change was implemented to establish a distinct identity for the growing settlement and to prevent confusion with another nearby town that was to be named “Francisca.” That town is now known as Benicia and was named in honor of Francisca Benicia Carillo de Vallejo, the wife of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. 

The renaming of Yerba Buena marked a significant moment in San Francisco’s history, setting the stage for its development during the California Gold Rush and its emergence as a major urban center. In 1847, San Francisco had about 600 residents, which boomed to 60,000 a decade later during the Gold Rush.