The Book

Q. Do you know the five most terrifying words in the English language?

A. YOUR FLIGHT HAS BEEN DELAYED.

Yes friends, this is scary stuff. But don’t worry. We’re here to help!

Please Hug Me – I’ve Been Delayed answers all these questions and more. Packed with well-researched tips, tricks, quizzes, Airport Time Wasters, and unusual air travel trivia, Please Hug Me – I’ve Been Delayed is the only travel companion you will ever need for a happy and safe flight, no matter how long your delay.

Click here to read a sample chapter.

Be sure to pick one up for the frequent traveler in your life!

About Jeff Michaels

Jeff Michaels: Musician. Author. Entrepreneur. And still can’t find his way home without his GPS.

In 2002 Michaels was riding the high of life on the road as a touring musician with the San Francisco band Luce, opening for the likes of Nellie Furtado, Sister Hazel, and Dennis Quaid (yes, the actor) when he abruptly found the rug swept out from under him. In one month’s time he lost his position with the band, his day job, and watched as the group went on to sign with a major label, without him.

Undeterred, Michaels went on to form his own band, Even Elroy, and since then has gone on to enjoy national success in his own right, landing songs on several major TV shows, including MTV’s The Real World. He has released three records on his independent label, Torpor Records, which can be heard on over 200 college and independent radio stations nationwide.

Michaels has appeared on numerous morning radio and TV shows, including KFOG 104.5FM in San Francisco, Good Morning San Diego on KRON-TV, and a live DVD recording broadcast to an estimated 40,000 viewers in Santa Barbara. He is also a multiple award-winning member of the West Coast Songwriters Association, the Nashville Songwriters Association, and has had articles featured in MSNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Life & Times, Smart Meetings Magazine, among others.

In his spare time, Michaels has written three novels, making his publishing debut as the author of Please Hug Me – I’ve Been Delayed, the must-have read for airport-dwellers nationwide. He is the proud creator of the Please Hug Me series, where he hopes to not just entertain readers, but offer real-world advice in a humorous format, tackling a variety of subject matters from airline travel, to working in a cubical, to dating women who own more than one cat.

Michaels grew up Catholic, almost married a Jewish chiropractor, and can’t decide which has cost him more hours of therapy. He resides in both Boston and San Francisco with his future fiancé, singer and actress Kerrin Elizabeth.

Want more? Check out the Been Delayed Blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is this Please Hug Me stuff all about anyway?
A. The Please Hug Me series combines humor with helpful advice for handling real-life situations. The series is published by Greenleaf Book Group Press in Austin, TX.

Q. Don’t you need two books for a series?
A. Actually, you need three. So we’re currently two short. But they are already in production and scheduled for release in 2011. In fact, if you sign up for our newsletter we’ll be able to inform you the moment they are completed.

Q. What are the next books about?
A. What’s the first rule of Fight Club?

Q. Oh, right. Got it. So, I noticed Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart both enjoyed the book. Has anyone real reviewed Please Hug Me – I’ve Been Delayed?
A. We've had numerous newspaper and magazine articles along with new reviews coming out all the time. Check our Reviews page for the latest and greatest.

Q. I don’t really travel much. Will I still enjoy this book?
A. Yes.

Q. How did you come up with the idea for the book?
A. After a particularly exhausting summer where I was traveling coast-to-coast every other week and spending far too many hours in airport terminals due to delays, I began coming up with ways to amuse myself, and things I would do to fix the situation if I were in charge. (Like organizing rows by drink preference so the moment you sit down they can bring you a beverage without having to wait.) Eventually, I developed all the ideas into a book, and pitched it to countless publishers until I met the great folks at Greenleaf who recognized the need to help out frustrated frequent flyers.

Q. Have any airlines implemented your idea to charge $5 more per ticket for a guaranteed seat in a crying-baby free row? That’s brilliant.
A. We’re working on it.

Q. How long did it take to write Please Hug Me-I’ve Been Delayed?
A. About a year and a half.

Q. How many of your flights were delayed during that time?
A. Nearly all of them.

Q. Did you get paid to write about the companies you mention?
A. No. Everything is purely from my own painstaking life experiences in dealing with the hassles of modern air travel. Very, very painstaking.

Q. Do you have a favorite airport?
A. Seattle Tacoma is pretty sweet. Mostly because I like Seattle and my favorite airline Virgin America takes me there. (Still trying for some free roundtrip tickets here...)

Q. A least-favorite?
A. Any airport that makes you take a train to get to another terminal. Lame.

Q. I really am a fearful flyer. Do you have any recommendations for me?
A. Yes. The fear of flying is far more common than you might imagine, which is why I dedicated an entire chapter to it in the book. Being a former fearful flyer myself, I learned quite a bit on how to cope with what can potentially be a debilitating or embarrassing situation. (For the Anatomy of a Panic Attack, see Chapter 8 Ain’t No Thang . . . Flying Without Fear.) Beyond reading the book, best thing to do is check out some of the many fear of flying resources online, such as one of my favorites listed on our Travel Products page, SOAR. If Captain Tom proves too nice and you prefer to be yelled at in a British accent, check out the program sponsored by my favorite airline, Virgin Atlantic. (Of course, if you live in the U.S. you will need to fly to London to get there first.)

Q. Can I get an autographed copy of the book?
A. While we can’t promise to fulfill every request, you can include an autograph request in the Special Instructions box when ordering at www.pleasehugmeseries.com. If you plan on reselling your copy on eBay after you’re done (which is completely illegal), you may want to skip this.

Q. Why aren’t there any pictures in the book? I rarely buy books without pictures.
A. There are actually 43 pictures of tiny airplanes throughout the book. Also, I can draw you a picture if you request an autographed copy. (See above.) Please be aware I can really only draw tiny airplanes, and rather awkward stick figure animals.

Q. Who produced those commercials?
A. Myself and my video producer, Tom Gruber. The Hug Me theme song in commercial #1 was written by my good friend, Scott Barkan. Additional comedic consulting provided Dr. Genius from Long Island.

Q. How can I contact you if I have a question about the book?
A. Visit the contacts page or you can email me directly at info@pleasehugmeseries.com.

Q. Do you read all the emails you receive?
A. Yes.

Q. Really?
A. Yes.

Q. I read somewhere you’re also a piano player. Is that true?
A. Yes, the rumors are correct. My night gig is recording and touring with my band Even Elroy, currently located both in Boston and San Francisco… hence you see why this requires so much flying.

Q. So what’s next?
A. Along with the next books in the series, there are two novels coming out (one clean, one dirty), and my band will be recording a new album next year. Although none of this is as important as my continued random musings posts on my blog.

Latest Reviews...

Fantastic book… it’s so much fun! I think this makes a wonderful gift… it’s so funny! 

- Kellie in the Morning, KVYN 99.3FM, Napa, CA

A Stephen Colbert approach to life… combines humor with practical suggestions for dealing with the many problems that travelers face regularly. 

- Daniel Chalmers, Wilmington Town Crier

Really wish I had this sooner… 

- Amelia Earhart

Two words: Hilarious. 

- Peter Griffin

If I had know this would be this funny, I would’ve invented flying sooner. 

-Orville Wright

Great book. Picking up a copy for my dad when I see him on Easter. 

-Jesus

I read the words and laughing came out. 

- George W. B.

Time Wasters

Whether you’re delayed, stuck on a train, bored at work, or just bored to tears, here are some sites to help get you through the day!

www.Dubyaspeak.com

Oh George. Sometimes we do miss you.

www.Fmylife.com

Really can’t get enough of this. Really.

www.Hotornot.com

Oldie but goodie.

www.Peopleofwalmart.com

The very reason the Internet was invented.

The Original Chuck Norris Fact Generator

Funniest book and website in recent memory.

Need more SUDOKU in your life? Check out these guys: www.daily-sudoku.com.

And of course there is little that a good blog can’t cure.

Really really bored?

Below are links to the official Twitter Pages of every celebrity mentioned in Please Hug Me – I’ve Been Delayed, ranked by coolness factor. (We took the time to verify them all for you so you know you’re not visiting some fake celebrity site.) Follow Hasselhoff. Follow Rick Astley. Check in and see what Tony Danza’s up to. Heck, follow them all. You’ve got time. (Don’t forget to follow me too @jmichaelsrocks while you’re at it!)

Al Pacino – @AlfredoPacino
Tiger Woods – @tigerwoods
Bruce Springsteen – @springsteen
Billy Joel – @billyjoel
Conan O’Brien – @nbcconan
Bill Cosby – @BillCosby
Dennis Miller – @Jebediah120
Pamela Anderson – @PamelaDAnderson
Giada – @GDeLaurentiis
Chevy Chase – @imchevychase
Tony Danza – @tonydanza
Oprah – @Oprah
Lenny Kravitz – @LennyKravitz
Al Gore – @AlGore
The Loch Ness Monster – (closest we could find was Sean Connery’s page)
David Hasselhoff – @DavidHasselhoff
Rick Astley – @rastley
Carrot Top – @RealCarrotTop
James Blunt – @BillyBedlam

Please note: Please Hug Me will not be held responsible for any loss of wages, loss of spouse, or loss of will to live due to visiting any of the above.

Travel Products

Believe it or not, there are folks out there concerned with making your flying experience more enjoyable. Be sure to check ‘em out!

Airport Booties™

Available through www.smellnoevil.net

Why do you need these?

Because this person may be walking in front of you through security.

Nirvana Travel Organizer

Nirvana Travel Organizer from Zen Class Travel www.zenclasstravel.com

Why do you need this?

Because we want to get off the plane and really have no desire to wait for you as you try to find your cell phone, iPod, wallet, keys, digital camera, magazines, etc. View the Nirvana Organizer Demo Video.

Points.Com

Why do you need this?

Because you can’t even remember your wife’s birthday… how do you expect to remember when your frequent flyer miles expire? Do yourself a favor and sign up! Earn points. Trade points. Swap points. Ahhh… too much fun!

Flight Stats

Why do you need this?

Because it’s a cool site that provides you with updated flight info, weather delays, airport info and a wealth of data for pretty much every airport in the world.  Be sure to sign up for their flight alerts… never be surprised by a delayed flight again!

Fear of Flying Course

Why do you need this?

Because the world is a wonderful place to see. (And you can’t drive to China.) Check out some very helpful videos and DVDs. Or, download an mp3 or video directly to your iPod. Captain Tom explains everything that is happening, including what those sounds and motions mean. Eight separate audio tracks with “play-by-play” explanations to assure you that everything is routine and normal so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Have a virtual buddy with you everytime you fly!

Richard Branson can do no wrong

Why do you need this?

I’m just going to leave this link up until everyone understands how unbelievably cool this airline is. (If they don’t operate in your city, you should seriously consider moving.) www.virginamerica.com

We will be continuing to offer innovative travel products and helpful websites of all sorts. Be sure to check back often and sign up for the Hug Me Newsletter for the latest and greatest!

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A. Absolutely. Please check out our Wholesale page or email us at info@pleasehugmeseries.com for discount and wholesale pricing.

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www.pleasehugmeseries.com

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Thank you for your purchase of Please Hug Me - I've Been Delayed.

We truly appreciate your support! With your purchase, you'll be be kept up-to-date on our fun new products and will be the first to know when new Hug Me titles are released. If you'd like to add individuals that you think would be interested in future releases and news, use the form on the right and they will be automatically added to our mailing list.

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-Jeff Michaels & The Hug Me Team
www.pleasehugmeseries.com

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As a valued retailer of Hug Me products, we promise to keep you informed of our latest happenings and promotions. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and always let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.

Thanks!

-Jeff Michaels & The Hug Me Team
www.pleasehugmeseries.com

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