Finally, a book that promotes laughter at work!

Montreal, August 24, 2010-- He did it. New Canadian author, Robert Paris has just penned what we have all been thinking- why can’t there be more laughter and fun at work?

Paris' new book, The Misfortune 500: Pundamania™ is a take-off on the well-known Fortune 500 Listing. Made up of 500 short anecdotes that poke fun at well-known businesses and industries, this refreshing new book successfully injects laughter and humour into all elements of business- ranging from success to misfortune.

By using zany word play, puns and unique humour, and lots of creative license, The Misfortune 500: Pundamania™ generates laughs, guffaws and possibly a few groans. Author Robert Paris, a leadership trainer and executive coach by profession, sees this book as the first step towards infusing much needed laughter into a serious and staid workplace. His hope is that Pundamania - his trademarked phrase for the act of playing with words, clichés and puns to tell stories - catches on and adds an element of humour to the work environment. His made-up anecdotes are prime examples of how word play and imagination can make this happen.

For example, in his book, he claims that

“Cold remedy industry critic, Ivy Profen, stated, “The industry is going through lots of aches and pains. Sales used to be fluid but now the public is buying these products at a fever pitch…” Profen had to leave as the day just flu by. It was clear that she was Sudafed up with the whole situation.”

And then there is the anecdote about Mackay Envelope Company that has “witnessed a surge in sales after taking a licking in the marketplace for the past few years. According to Paris, President D. Rex Mayle boasted, “We knew that we had a problem to address so we created a strategic plan where we enveloped our competitors. At first, the plan caused quite a flap but, eventually, the Board gave it their stamp of approval and the implementation by our Sales force was letter perfect.”
Paris’ very strong views on humour and its effect on building a stronger, more cohesive workplace are incorporated into leadership and executive coaching workshops and seminars that he facilitates to a world- wide clientele through his company, Groupe Synapse.

“I’d like The Misfortune 500: Pundamania™ to be the vehicle that inspires bringing fun into the workplace. Often, management doesn’t understand that a positive atmosphere at work results in increased productivity,” explains Paris, who then can’t help but shift into his alter ego- the Pundamaniac. “Senior managers who discourage play at work are playing with fire and this is not fair play. They need to stop playing musical chairs in the executive suite and play it by ear and help build a welcoming work environment.”

On a practical note, at under $30 including shipping, The Misfortune 500: Pundamania ™ is the perfect gift for that person who appreciates the zany word play, popular clichés, puns and hilarious business insight that make up this very funny and unique book. The Misfortune 500: Pundamania ™ is only available through www.pundamania.com.


Source: Shelley Paris, 514 885 2984 Pundamania Headquarters, sparis@pundamania.com