tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44231733623782754932024-03-05T04:27:02.163-05:00John OvermanLiterary EnthusiastJohn Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-41436685895820127382019-03-23T19:11:00.000-04:002019-05-01T20:29:58.557-04:00CSPA Spring 2019: New Media Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In summary of my presentation at the CSPA's spring conference for 2019, I discussed the incredible benefits of publishing student journalism online. For starters, young journalists can build online
portfolios for themselves that can speak volumes of their skills and abilities. Some website programming allows each user to create a biography that features picture, bio, and a links list of all stories published by the student journalist. Imagine the positive impact students can have on</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> college boards and future employers when reviewers can easily access student work published online.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Carefully produced portfolios online can significantly help students in future endeavors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In addition, writing online also allows for hyperlinks that can be used to connect readers to
related materials including expert sources. While credibility can be achieved through narrative style, citations, and source lists, hyperlinks can put readers in touch with sources immediately. Internet inner-connectivity adds value to a journalist's ability to inform, persuade, and/or entertain. Students using hyperlinks have more to offer their readers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Publishing online has the potential for widespread appeal. "All news is local news" may appear to be something of an online cliche, but it can certainly ring true. When students write stories </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">about their communities that resound with universal meaning, they</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> can reach
the world when they publish online. Articles about climate change, politics, social trends, and health are sure to engage readers beyond local communities. When publishing online, you just don't know who you might reach. While it is absolutely critical for student journalists to abstain from publishing personal information online, the potential for social influence through new media journalism is incredible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For instructors who may be debating about whether to teach print or broadcast journalism, consider teaching both in the same course. Science teachers can "flip" their classrooms by having class time for labs and homework time for reading and writing. Journalism instructors can do the same. I call it: Write by Night, Film by Day. Students can work on
broadcasting projects during class time. For articles, the planning,
interviewing, drafting, and finalizing for online print publication can happen
outside of class. While some class time may be needed for story discussion and peer review, this hybrid approach can help students achieve print and broadcast learning goals in one comprehensive journalism course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, I'm happy to share these helpful sites for anyone interested in freelancing for their schools and local communities:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For Breaking News:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/anytowncollegenewswriting/invertedpyramid">https://sites.google.com/site/anytowncollegenewswriting/invertedpyramid</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.thenewsmanual.net/Manuals%20Volume%201/volume1_03.htm">http://www.thenewsmanual.net/Manuals%20Volume%201/volume1_03.htm</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/news-writing-2316089">https://www.thebalancecareers.com/news-writing-2316089</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Feature News:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/key-ingredients-for-cooking-up-terrific-feature-stories-2074317"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.thoughtco.com/key-ingredients-for-cooking-up-terrific-feature-stories-2074317</span></a><br />
<a href="http://stage6.pbworks.com/f/How+To+Write+A+Great+Feature+Article.pdf"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://stage6.pbworks.com/f/How+To+Write+A+Great+Feature+Article.pdf</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Opinions:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/opinion/tips-for-aspiring-op-ed-writers.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/opinion/tips-for-aspiring-op-ed-writers.html</span></a><br />
<a href="https://commskit.duke.edu/writing-media/writing-effective-op-eds/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://commskit.duke.edu/writing-media/writing-effective-op-eds/</span></a><br />
<a href="https://championprovider.ucsf.edu/sites/champion.ucsf.edu/files/2017-09-28%20Op-ed%20template_Revised.pdf"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://championprovider.ucsf.edu/sites/champion.ucsf.edu/files/2017-09-28%20Op-ed%20template_Revised.pdf</span></a><br />
<a href="https://guides.lib.montana.edu/c.php?g=198205&p=1302727"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://guides.lib.montana.edu/c.php?g=198205&p=1302727</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Sports Writing:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.freelancewriting.com/freelancing/how-to-write-a-sports-report/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.freelancewriting.com/freelancing/how-to-write-a-sports-report/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Arts & Entertainment, check out these examples:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/news/types/arts-entertainment"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.wsj.com/news/types/arts-entertainment</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www2.bostonglobe.com/arts/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www2.bostonglobe.com/arts/</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For Humans of <u>Your School</u> Stories, learn from HONY:</span><br />
<a href="https://ideas.ted.com/the-art-of-storytelling-according-to-the-founders-of-storycorps-and-humans-of-new-york/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://ideas.ted.com/the-art-of-storytelling-according-to-the-founders-of-storycorps-and-humans-of-new-york/</span></a><br />
<a href="https://storytelling.comnetwork.org/explore/127/5-storytelling-best-practices-at-the-heart-of-humans-of-new-york"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://storytelling.comnetwork.org/explore/127/5-storytelling-best-practices-at-the-heart-of-humans-of-new-york</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.humansofnewyork.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.humansofnewyork.com/</span></a><br />
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John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-69299206464648454902017-11-30T00:03:00.001-05:002019-04-27T23:02:38.149-04:00Book Review: Born to Run<div id="premiumAdTop" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 8px;">
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<span class="by smallText" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;">by</span> <span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><a class="authorName" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/236007.Bruce_Springsteen" itemprop="url" style="color: #333333; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 19.8px; text-decoration-line: none;">Bruce Springsteen</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1810819179">My Rating: 5 of 5 stars</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Bruce Springsteen released "Born in the USA," I remember as a teenager how much I liked that album. Every song struck a different chord, and that's when I knew Springsteen was in fact a musical artist aside from his fame as an entertainment juggernaut. In college, "Born to Run" became a theme song for me, especially with the line: "We're gonna get to that place that we really want to go and we'll walk in the sun..." Springsteen forges deep connections through his songs. For readers, Springsteen's autobiography is nothing short of taking an incredible vacation with a terrific talent.</span><br />
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To start, Springsteen invites readers into his childhood of growing up in low-income housing with people in New Jersey who impressed him as interesting characters. He tells readers that from an early age, he was drawn to music and the stage. I admire his significant level of thinking when he was barely finished with high school. At 18, I would be lucky enough to dance and enjoy myself in the company of friends while sometimes singing along with the band on my best nights. Springsteen, at the age of 18, paid very close attention to the instrumentation and musical intelligence on display at local shows. He marveled at some acts and personally critiqued others. He always was, as he humbly says, a natural.<br />
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Throughout this story of his life, Springsteen reveals himself to be a conflicted man. He feels life deeply and absorbs everything around him. Having grown a great heart for people who struggle to survive like all those he came to know and love in New Jersey, he initially rejects his fame and fortune. In this book, we learn how Springsteen produces music to capture stories and themes, culture and characters, mixed emotions and unsettling conclusions. Overall, Springsteen's autobiography invites readers into an accessible contemplation of how music can beautifully and brutally express the human condition. And through it all, Springsteen overcomes adversity. He sees life honestly and moves through its murky depths with hope and love and heartbreak and passion, all with never-ending determination.<br />
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I thoroughly enjoyed Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run."</span> </span></div>
John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-6256361293891916972017-03-21T22:59:00.000-04:002019-04-27T20:32:43.444-04:002017 CSPA – Your Online Identity Really Matters<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8tnd8U78zCeYGAbCd5YPbDoJgHMN5Qh8aC-7E6eVkoz_-97hUq6XYYQAJ7l6ZrJ4g6Sek6HU4xDebSasIVEt1GC2G9GIPJVMNxwoNbZKvfB0luqsjPwQtdghHJFvosjwXgWgEH_1a1jz/s1600/CSPA+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8tnd8U78zCeYGAbCd5YPbDoJgHMN5Qh8aC-7E6eVkoz_-97hUq6XYYQAJ7l6ZrJ4g6Sek6HU4xDebSasIVEt1GC2G9GIPJVMNxwoNbZKvfB0luqsjPwQtdghHJFvosjwXgWgEH_1a1jz/s320/CSPA+2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here's a summary of my discussion at the <a href="http://www.cvent.com/events/cspa-s-93rd-annual-spring-convention/speakers-72db67da841d4b82b460c820e6a613a6.aspx">CSPA 93rd Annual Spring Convention</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Students of High School Journalism</b>: Use the Author Bio
feature on “newsmag” platforms to strategically build effective online
identities. See if the online platform through your school allows you to post
your picture with a biography statement on your author page. If you create an
author’s bio on your school’s online news site, all your published work will
assemble underneath your name and picture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why is the Author Bio feature so important to high school
students?</b> When college admissions officers and future employers type in your
name with your school name, your Author Bio will appear at the top of the
Google page. Anyone can review all your published work by simply clicking on
your name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Think about the possibilities. </b>Your online identity will be
as reputable as the work you publish with your school. Why let social media define
you to college boards and future employers? Use the Internet to your advantage.
Rather than fear what online activity may haunt you in the future, take control
now. Only post what you want college boards and future employers to see. If
your high school offers an online publishing program, get involved. Start
building your personal brand now. Let everyone see your talent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Notice:</b> College boards and future employers can see what you
do. Many stories already exist about students being denied admission or
employment due to unfavorable content found online. Why run such risks? You
should let yourself define yourself. Reign in impulsivities and be strategic.
What do you want college boards and future employers to see? You care about your community, and you pursue excellence in service of others. Let everyone get that message loud and clear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here’s a “newsmag” platform</b> I recommend:
<a href="https://demo.tagdiv.com/newsmag/">https://demo.tagdiv.com/newsmag/#</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Other platforms</b>: <a href="https://themeforest.net/category/wordpress/blog-magazine">https://themeforest.net/category/wordpress/blog-magazine</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here are some online sources</b> you may find helpful:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Social Media</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://nation.time.com/2012/11/15/when-colleges-look-up-applicants-on-facebook-the-unspoken-new-admissions-test/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://nation.time.com/2012/11/15/when-colleges-look-up-applicants-on-facebook-the-unspoken-new-admissions-test/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.davisenterprise.com/features/next-generation/college-corner-does-your-social-media-presence-matter-to-schools/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.davisenterprise.com/features/next-generation/college-corner-does-your-social-media-presence-matter-to-schools/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://magoosh.com/hs/college-admissions/2014/college-admissions-and-social-media-myth-vs-reality/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://magoosh.com/hs/college-admissions/2014/college-admissions-and-social-media-myth-vs-reality/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/living/schools-of-thought-social-media-monitoring-students/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/living/schools-of-thought-social-media-monitoring-students/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/manage-your-online-reputation/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/manage-your-online-reputation/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.centerdigitaled.com/news/Student-Social-Media-Monitoring-Stirs-up-Debate.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.centerdigitaled.com/news/Student-Social-Media-Monitoring-Stirs-up-Debate.html</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/09/28/positive-online-identity-269/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/09/28/positive-online-identity-269/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.eofire.com/7-ways-to-build-your-online-presence/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.eofire.com/7-ways-to-build-your-online-presence/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Online and Identify Development</u>:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(10)00426-X/pdf">http://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(10)00426-X/pdf</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201405/adolescence-and-internet-identity">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201405/adolescence-and-internet-identity</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865603981/Growing-up-digital-How-the-Internet-affects-teen-identity.html">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865603981/Growing-up-digital-How-the-Internet-affects-teen-identity.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=com_facpubs">http://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=com_facpubs</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://kidsandteensonline.com/2014/01/14/social-medias-role-in-the-developments-of-teenagers-identity-part-i/">https://kidsandteensonline.com/2014/01/14/social-medias-role-in-the-developments-of-teenagers-identity-part-i/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.omahacentralregister.com/1366/opinions/social-media-affects-teens-self-esteem-personal-identity/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.omahacentralregister.com/1366/opinions/social-media-affects-teens-self-esteem-personal-identity/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/21/teens-social-media-and-privacy/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/21/teens-social-media-and-privacy/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long term impact</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-garst/social-media_b_3431394.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-garst/social-media_b_3431394.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/08/can-twitter-fit-inside-the-library-of-congress/494339/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/08/can-twitter-fit-inside-the-library-of-congress/494339/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/business/they-loved-your-gpa-then-they-saw-your-tweets.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/business/they-loved-your-gpa-then-they-saw-your-tweets.html</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christeare/2015/10/18/dont-let-social-media-hurt-your-college-or-career-start/#23a6c21649e9"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.forbes.com/sites/christeare/2015/10/18/dont-let-social-media-hurt-your-college-or-career-start/#23a6c21649e9</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teenlife.com/blogs/social-media-can-affect-college-admissions"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.teenlife.com/blogs/social-media-can-affect-college-admissions</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://nypost.com/2016/01/18/hey-kids-colleges-see-your-social-media-profile/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://nypost.com/2016/01/18/hey-kids-colleges-see-your-social-media-profile/</span></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personal Branding</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/read/education/article/teens/teens-personal-branding-it-s-not-just-for-celebrities"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/read/education/article/teens/teens-personal-branding-it-s-not-just-for-celebrities</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.radicalparenting.com/2009/05/11/personal-branding-for-teens-7-steps-to-teach-and-learn-it/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.radicalparenting.com/2009/05/11/personal-branding-for-teens-7-steps-to-teach-and-learn-it/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/why-personal-branding-begins-early-age-and-what-do-about-it"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/why-personal-branding-begins-early-age-and-what-do-about-it</span></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being proactive</span></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kat-cohen/the-truth-about-social-media-admissions_b_3325839.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kat-cohen/the-truth-about-social-media-admissions_b_3325839.html</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/social-media-college-applications_n_4303319.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/social-media-college-applications_n_4303319.html</a>?</span></div>
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<a href="http://time.com/money/collection-post/4179392/college-applications-social-media/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://time.com/money/collection-post/4179392/college-applications-social-media/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.petersons.com/college-search/social-media-college-admissions.aspx#/sweeps-modal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.petersons.com/college-search/social-media-college-admissions.aspx#/sweeps-modal</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sujanpatel/2016/11/12/9-ways-to-use-social-media-to-build-your-personal-brand/#6cdad55d3520"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.forbes.com/sites/sujanpatel/2016/11/12/9-ways-to-use-social-media-to-build-your-personal-brand/#6cdad55d3520</span></a><u><span style="color: blue; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"></span></u></div>
John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-78750065897330971502016-11-13T12:16:00.000-05:002019-04-27T20:33:16.426-04:00Book Review: Resurrection<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/854423.Resurrection" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Resurrection" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356446955m/854423.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/854423.Resurrection">Resurrection</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/128382.Leo_Tolstoy">Leo Tolstoy</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1810793703">5 of 5 stars</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Human rights. Why not protect the dignity of all human beings? Surely, any society needs civility and some respected legality, but why remain knowingly blind to political corruption and social injustice?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leo Tolstoy’s “Resurrection” unearths the hidden depths of prison life in 19th century Russia. Nekhlydov, a young landowner with military prestige, falls in love with Maslova, a beautiful maid. When classism dooms their budding love, the “animal man” in Nekhlydov stalks Maslova until she reluctantly submits. Both lives are ruined.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a few years apart, Nekhlydov develops into a respected military man with ungentlemanly habits, and Maslova becomes a victim of male aggression and associated violence. Readers can easily acknowledge the contradiction of her prostitution; while men passionately and sometimes desperately afford her services, they publicly and hypocritically condemn her lifestyle. Fleeing from a drunk and abusive man, Maslova winds up in court. She is charged with intentional poisoning while Nekhlydov sits on the jury. His personal guilt over their forbidden love once upon a time consumes him. Due to much judicial negligence, Maslova’s sentence is severe: four years of hard labor in Siberia. Nekhlydov, grossly self-absorbed, allows the mistaken verdict to pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thereafter, most of the novel chronicles Nekhlydov’s travels between prisons as he tries to convince officials of Maslova’s actual innocence. Readers experience the severe suffering and true misery of countless criminals with known innocents among them. At one point, a guard confesses that some of the incarcerated should in fact be freed. What can one do? This listless question haunts Nekhlydov. The prison system is regimented and unforgiving while those responsible for political corruption and social injustice return home every night to enjoy life’s luxuries with their fortunate families. Nekhlydov wants to break this appalling cycle, but even he is tempted in a captain’s home where smoking and Beethoven and many pleasantries enrapture him. Nekhlydov confesses to Maslova that he alone is responsible for her terrible descent into prostitution. He has the means to set her free and make everything right by marrying her. Readers can certainly guess at Maslova’s outright rejection; despite society’s disgraceful condemnation of this stunning woman, Maslova is her own person. She does not need or depend upon any male savior. She would rather suffer in truth than celebrate in lies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tolstoy’s “Resurrection” is an essay novel. The author skillfully weaves his social criticisms throughout the narrative. Selfish love, domineering lust, blind faith, prisoner abuse, and institutional apathy are a few themes. Nekhlydov’s outcome with Maslova is as fragmented and upsetting as the unwanted advances that initially ruined them. In Tolstoy’s world, all human judgement is suspect. Nekhlydov, perhaps Tolstoy himself, finds truth and justice only in Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/854423.Resurrection" title="Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resurrection</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/128382.Leo_Tolstoy" title="Leo Tolstoy"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leo Tolstoy</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-21327058103318685302015-01-31T22:10:00.000-05:002016-11-13T12:20:51.316-05:00Writing Every Day Matters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYDxW8IzZfiynn3G1h9NJFKXVRb_cLSxX3XLpqY0uPb2aCkL60jMg71PI-T4tnKzA_F_RrmYB3iMJD71MtqI_2-RJq7K3bQ2cTBBmXI1UJMnPaVxydn5LGpipWOxI-9E_n9_tGUE_dG39/s1600/write+every+day+85K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYDxW8IzZfiynn3G1h9NJFKXVRb_cLSxX3XLpqY0uPb2aCkL60jMg71PI-T4tnKzA_F_RrmYB3iMJD71MtqI_2-RJq7K3bQ2cTBBmXI1UJMnPaVxydn5LGpipWOxI-9E_n9_tGUE_dG39/s320/write+every+day+85K.jpg" width="200" /></a>Every so often I am amused with a new commercial: for just three easy installments of said amount, you could have a body like this too.... I realize that six pack abs, herculean pecs, and tree trunk arms and legs are easy to want, but the key ingredient cannot be sold; it must be endured. To have any kind of a healthy body, you have to work every day. The same is true with manuscripts.<br />
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<i>Writer’s Digest</i> has wisely reported over the years that writers write. And when I look back on my starts and stops and completions, I couldn’t agree more. So when I set out to complete a manuscript, I know that I need to make a daily effort. Here’s what works for me:<br />
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<u>Write Every Day</u>: Most authors at book signings have told me that writing every day is an absolute must. What I find is that it keeps the story world alive. Every time I sit down to write, I don’t have to reread my manuscript to remember who my characters are and what they're doing. I can also maintain my focus on character trajectories without losing their essence when not writing.<br />
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<u>Find the Time</u>: We have a clock that chimes on the hour every hour. That dinging is my only distraction. I write from 4 to 6 a.m. every morning while my family sleeps. I cannot write during the day or night for various reasons. Writing in the early morning allows me to work with fresh energy. I can also go about my day without the stress of needing to write.<br />
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<u>Don’t Worry About the Word Count</u>: Keeping a daily word count may work for many writers. However, if you are an aspiring writer like me looking for a fresh approach that proves positive, I can tell you that I write better when I am relaxed. Honestly, some paragraphs take me two hours. On some days, I write 2000 words. I don’t rush to meet word count quotas. I don’t paralyze myself with perfection. And I don’t worry about the word count.<br />
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<u>Sit with It</u>: When I read, I cannot help but guess what the writer was thinking along the way. So when I write, I often fold my hands together at my keyboard and think. I like to day dream. I also like to think things through. I only commit to paper what I conclude to be coherent and cohesive. Sitting with the moment and following various storyline scenarios in my thoughts helps me write with clear direction.<br />
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<u>Research and Write</u>: The Internet is an amazing tool. I keep a search engine open while I write. This helps me with accuracy and description. If characters take a cruise together across the Atlantic for example, I can look up all the maritime details: nautical routes, ship specifications, weather conditions, destination attractions, etc. Having a second monitor is ideal; you can write on the left and research on the right. But I never copy and paste. My goal is to produce original writing that is informed. And I don't want to get sued!<br />
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<u>Believe in Tomorrow</u>: Rather than worry about scene completion, I rest in the fact that tomorrow is a short time away. Having one day to think through certain outcomes and knowing that I will write the next day, I can relax in my storytelling progress (or lack thereof). Tomorrow always comes with added value.<br />
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<u>Befriend your Inner Critic</u>: It’s important for me to write my best even when working on a first draft. I will undoubtedly revise the manuscript several times through before printing for readers, but having informed and thoughtful writing to revise saves time and stress. My inner critic drives my creativity.<br />
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In sharing these insights, I hope to encourage aspiring writers like me. We can be powerhouse writers if we work hard every day. Early to bed. Early to rise. The truth actually is in the putting! :-) John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-34663800297798579492014-02-09T11:56:00.000-05:002015-01-31T22:43:28.571-05:00Book Review: Never Go Back<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262159-never-go-back" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Never Go Back (Jack Reacher, #18)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367779855m/17262159.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262159-never-go-back">Never Go Back</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5091.Lee_Child">Lee Child</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/827312033">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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In "Never Go Back," Jack Reacher repeatedly offers adversaries the chance to run without contest or to come clean with what they know. Every time, Reacher beats them with physical strength and mental toughness. And every battle won figures into the war against him.<br />
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After Reacher refuses to leave D.C. and never come back, he finds himself in military custody with two criminal charges pending. He cleverly escapes and teams up with Turner, a female officer also facing false charges. Together they venture out to Los Angeles to uncover the truth about their allegations while proving their innocence and ruining their forceful foes. Along the way, Reacher confronts a team of chasers and with Turner solves the case that binds them.<br />
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On the whole, Lee Child weaves together fairly sophisticated story lines in a remarkably plain prose. I enjoyed following the dialog of Reacher/Turner competing with Romeo/Juliet. The "coin tosses" of logic engaged me as well as Reacher's redeeming kindness to those on "the right side of history." Lee Child also has fun with David Baldacci. Child's novel entertains with considerable wit and reasoning.<br />
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To be critical, Jack Reacher clearly outmatches everyone against him. Overtly serious situations end in seconds with broken arms, noses or fingers. And the places of conflict are always without consequences - a dark alley, a vacant parking lot, an airplane where the violence is hush-hush, and another side street at two a.m. His most formidable opponents, Romeo and Juliet, won't even face him. Reacher is like an intelligent and violent Gulliver against all Lilliputians. When you're certain the giant will win, witnessing the conflict is less rewarding.<br />
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With that being said, I hope to see a reasonable showdown between Jack Reacher and Nick Heller in "Good and Valuable Consideration" by Lee Child and Joseph Finder in the June 2014 thriller compilation, "FaceOff."<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-40558993645400310202014-01-18T16:04:00.000-05:002015-01-31T22:50:19.104-05:00Book Review: The Doomsday Key<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5171894-the-doomsday-key" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Doomsday Key (Sigma Force, #6)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1340970015m/5171894.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5171894-the-doomsday-key">The Doomsday Key</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38809.James_Rollins">James Rollins</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/726674979">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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James Rollins writes impressive thrillers. His prose provides a dynamic sensory experience, and his upending plots tend to take readers all over the world. Infusing scientific and historic depth and detail, Rollins delivers pulse-pounding fiction.<br />
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"The Doomsday Key" is a satisfying mystery of atomic proportion. Sigma Force finds itself racing against the Guild to find a key that will save or destroy civilization. Gray and Painter lead the globetrotting quest with intuitive reluctance from Kowalski and complex counter-planning from Seichan. With a bold movement seeking total control over the world's food supply, Sigma Force must act fast and put their own lives at risk to stop the global menace. All in all, "The Doomsday Key" exemplifies excitement.<br />
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Rollins has a spectacular imagination for storytelling. With research-rich scenes so descriptive and suspenseful, I would love to see more realism in some conflict resolutions.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-7837458939011463602013-09-28T14:09:00.004-04:002015-01-31T22:44:55.034-05:00Book Review: Fierce Conversations<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15017.Fierce_Conversations" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time" border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1309282425m/15017.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15017.Fierce_Conversations">Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9375.Susan_Scott">Susan Scott</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/726675791">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I had the great pleasure of listening to this audiobook while driving to and from work.<br />
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Susan Scott provides a comprehensive approach to having meaningful dialogue with others "one conversation at a time." She identifies seven key principles and illustrates each with real-life examples. In one case, a CEO must confront his sales team in order to increase collective aims without discouraging individual competitiveness. In another case, Susan herself shares a unique insight while working as a secretary and her boss incorporates her idea into his marketing campaign. Every example is described in sensory detail and with insight that underlines applicable principles.<br />
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For me, the greatest value of this book is I can now reflect on the conversations I have with people in my life. Am I really listening, or am I feigning interest while thinking of other things? Do I respond thoughtfully, or do I let things go without being considerate? Most of all, how can I make sure that I am truly present to others?<br />
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Susan Scott challenges people to be honest with themselves while engaging others in meaningful dialogue. She discusses how every conversation can enrich or deplete any relationship. In one case, alcoholism is at the root of a fierce conversation. But this book is not about being on the offensive. Being "fierce" means finding the courage and building the confidence to develop deep and meaningful relationships with all those we encounter, "one conversation at a time."<br />
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My only complaint is that I did not know about this book sooner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-26031413092421056782012-10-14T21:13:00.000-04:002012-12-27T16:49:54.395-05:00The Unforgivable Sin for WritersI read an interesting article in the November/December 2012 issue of Writer's Digest: "The 7 Deadly Sins of Self-Editing" by Janice Gable Bashman and Kathryn Craft. According to WD, writers may hurt their own chances at getting their manuscripts published. Some writers submit prematurely. Others are too sensitive to constructive criticism. Much to my surprise, I find myself to be not as guilty as I expected but vulnerable nonetheless to what I think is the unforgivable sin for writers.<br />
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When writing fiction, I work very hard at developing characters who take a story through surprising turns to a hopefully unpredictable end. I concentrate on multi-dimensional characterization, sensory setting, punchy pacing, decisive dialogue, imminent action and relevant themes. I appreciate that everything matters.<br />
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When editing, I examine my stories on the sentence level and have rewritten some work many times. I share what I write with honest readers. I may have reached the point of no return with some stories, meaning I don't want to go back and re-edit. And yet, I'm reluctant to submit. I know why.<br />
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When reading published work, I can always find stronger prose. This doesn't mean I want to mimic authors I admire, but it does mean that I'm still "growing" as a writer of fiction. I have put edited stories aside. When I reread them, I can see blemishes more clearly. When I'm wrapped up in the excitement of writing and editing, that fervor must interfere with my ability to be rightly objective and critical. I think of a time when I'll be able to write and edit stronger prose. Sooner or later, I will seek representation, but I know that I'm not ready yet.<br />
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I'm going to continue writing, hoping that this humility-driven process may in fact be my personal path to publication. I think "quitting" is the unforgivable sin for writers, and the only literary outcome I refuse to consider!John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-39982234776741475612012-01-04T19:05:00.000-05:002014-01-18T16:09:22.386-05:00Book Review: The Fourth Passenger<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10384183-the-fourth-passenger" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Fourth Passenger" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1299365635m/10384183.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10384183-the-fourth-passenger">The Fourth Passenger</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4624401.Mini_Nair">Mini Nair</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/244683017">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Sometimes, doing what is best for you is also best for society. In Mini Nair’s debut novel, “The Fourth Passenger,” Anusuya boards an overcrowded train in Mumbai. Deploring her alcoholic and unemployed husband, she works only to afford her daughter’s social escape through education. Her outlook is bleak: “There were times, though, when Anusuya did not dare to dream for her daughter. Perhaps they were all preordained to suffer.” But with burgeoning ambition and a genuine interest in serving others, four oppressed women take charge of their lives. <br />
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Anusuya will join her neighbor, Nootan, and her childhood friend, Farzana, in an entrepreneurial enterprise led by Shakuntala, a woman emboldened by her own husband’s desertion. Nair writes, “Although she was an industrious housewife and kept house very well, Shakuntala could not sit idle at home. She was a natural motivator and a born leader.” Their new food stall, Stree, would build community by serving Indian dishes such as egg bhurji to a hardworking public. Stree would eventually empower and employ many women, but not without trials and tragedy along the way. <br />
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As hopeful and hardworking as these four women are, blatant sexism derides their self-sufficiency when a madly possessive husband wants to publicly humiliate his “housewife.” Also, extortion and violence threaten the financial success of Stree when male gang members want to cash in on what they thought would be female vulnerability. But the unified leadership of Stree positions itself to persevere and inspire. The ambition, focus and strong work ethic of these women deeply offend and ultimately defeat some men. And yet, the soul of this book is not entirely in its gender complexity, but more so in its consuming conflict that threatens the stability of Mumbai. <br />
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While the four women manage to improve their personal lives, their public endeavors set them on a collision course with religious terrorism between Hindus and Muslims. A mosque, the Babri Masjid, is demolished, and the Bombay Riots of December, 1992 commence. What I find most endearing about Mini Nair’s work is her ability to create a succinct touchstone for reasoned inquiry and discussion. We do not dive into the full history of India, but we see how oppression and subjugation are perpetrated in the family and larger community. We wonder with the author how people can hate and kill each other because of their differing faiths. We observe that the city’s public is targeted like Stree; depraved dissidents carelessly abuse innocents. Nair writes, “The city was a place where people were more bothered by their own survival. To a man or a woman standing in Mumbai’s overcrowded local train, the religion of the person standing an inch away didn’t matter. They were both people eking out a living in a glorious yet unforgiving city.” The terror that can paralyze is not of the people but of madmen who must be confronted. <br />
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“The Fourth Passenger” is an accessible read offering plenty to discuss. Perhaps its best feature is its underlying call to social service through self-empowerment: “The four women had seen enough of fear in their lifetimes. They’d been battered and bruised, but every time they had emerged. They’d always been easily subjugated, but they did not submit this time. Stree was all about strength. Strength against oppression.” <br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-14319765378239761932011-10-31T23:23:00.000-04:002012-12-27T16:49:08.190-05:00NBA lockout drives backyard basketball.Given the NBA lockout, we can take our talents to our backyards. Check out this YouTube video: <a href="http://youtu.be/HUibAfy7e4w">boy makes basket</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-34417427717638865172011-09-26T20:27:00.000-04:002012-12-27T16:48:42.841-05:00Book Review: Unbroken<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8664353-unbroken" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption " border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1287702150m/8664353.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8664353-unbroken">Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30913.Laura_Hillenbrand">Laura Hillenbrand</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/193503256">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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Unbroken is a life-changer. Without wanting to spoil the true tale for anyone, I will provide a short and nondescript summary here in the interest of possibly hooking readers into this terrific and terrible story.<br />
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Basically, Louis Zamperini is a young trouble-maker who ends up running in the 1936 Olympics before falling into the sadistic clutches of Japanese guards at POW camps. The book mainly covers the insane brutality Louis faces as he struggles to survive malnutrition, disease and unimaginable inhumane treatment. The "Bird" is one tormentor who will bring Louis so close to madness, and you'll have to read the book to see how Louis becomes a sensational inspiration.<br />
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Unbroken is a must-read for anyone interested in experiencing the pain and anguish of an American POW in horrific Japanese prison camps during World War II. Readers may be emboldened by witnessing an unyielding will to survive in the literal face of hopelessness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-66478993565682776092011-08-02T15:51:00.012-04:002011-08-02T15:56:48.008-04:00Book Review: The Last Oracle<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2277444.The_Last_Oracle" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Last Oracle (A Sigma Force Novel)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1305961481m/2277444.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2277444.The_Last_Oracle">The Last Oracle</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38809.James_Rollins">James Rollins</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/160104162">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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As escape fiction, The Last Oracle definitely entertains and engages the reader in a great variety of intriguing topics: ancient prophecy, parapsychology, nuclear ambition and new world order, just to name a few.<br />
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I think this book starts off with an iron fist, sags in the middle, and then offers a speedy and fitting ending. Since I don't expect much realism in thrillers, I applaud Rollins for his use of exact detail to illustrate his terrific imagination. But even in lands of make-believe, there is some expectation of reasonable believability.<br />
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In this novel, I struggled with Monk's story and how it finally circles back to Sigma Force. For me, Kowalski's comic relief distracts from moments when the stakes are quite serious. The characters and ambitions are very interesting, but the connecting of dots definitely reads as contrived to me.<br />
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I enjoyed escaping into The Last Oracle, but The Judas Strain fascinated me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-18338501784935133382011-04-10T20:13:00.004-04:002011-08-02T15:58:20.011-04:00Book Review: Be A Man!<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7118898-be-a-man" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Be a Man!" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267257692m/7118898.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7118898-be-a-man">Be a Man!</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2040961.Larry_Richards">Larry Richards</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/155811280">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I truly enjoyed Father Larry's conversational and powerful narrative. This is a clear call for Christian men to be strong in their faith, starting with family and permeating into all other areas of life. Father Larry defines manhood as being in love with God and truth, devoutly serving your wife, modeling morality for your kids, and being an ethical leader at work and in your community. He outlines and discusses these focal points: 1) focus on God, 2) live like a son of God, 3) repent, 4) embrace the Holy Spirit, 5) be strong, 6) be loving, 7) be wise, 8) live as a creation, 9) be holy, and 10) change the world. Of all the significant anecdotal advice, his case for giving every single day to God was most moving for me. Father Larry makes it clear that strong faith is a daily practice, not something only for Sundays or holidays. He also asks, if you would likely attend church for a million dollars, why wouldn't you attend church for eternal life? Father Larry definitely makes his readers think.<br />
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This is a very good book for men of faith to read and discuss. For a five-star rating, I would have liked more explanation on the focal points. In my view, Father Larry packs ten books into ten chapters. This is terrific for inspiration and overview-driven discussion, but I would have really enjoyed a more thorough read. <br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-78209783711399687212011-03-21T19:57:00.003-04:002011-08-02T15:58:39.770-04:00Book Review: The Judas Strain<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/294046.The_Judas_Strain" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Judas Strain (Sigma Force, #4)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1298494946m/294046.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/294046.The_Judas_Strain">The Judas Strain</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/38809.James_Rollins">James Rollins</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/149426881">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I think James Rollins is a fantastic entertainer of a novelist. This is the first of his that I have read. What appealed to me in the beginning was his crafty use of sensory language. He really knows how to tell a story, sentence by sentence, with an efficient word economy. As an adventure story, "The Judas Strain" definitely offers high-octane prose filled with telling details regarding Marco Polo, the human anatomy, and terrorist/pirate/special agent warfare. If you can allow yourself to sit back and enjoy some of the cartoonish scenes that are impossible to see play out in reality, then this is a great read! I will go back to Rollins, and I may visit other SIGMA Force novels, notably "The Doomsday Key." As I tend to approach books with an interest in how authors may use the forum of fiction to deeply explore the human condition, I will save my five-star rating for such masterful work. But without any regrets, I recommend "The Judas Strain" to anyone interested in a very well written modern adventure.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/5004486-john-overman">View all my reviews</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-54740431210126660552011-01-30T23:21:00.000-05:002011-01-30T23:24:01.426-05:00Fathers and Sons: A Pinewood Derby Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FHxOcF4PUFMPGteI64FuCeI-F080RfUFSPcNtvijCR_1Mm1r6-TAXuiH5u_7er1Varh643KJZ0a6GpVawSJ5qvJxR8ERush_KcY9f2PuGcnuTRDoMPPAv9-4hcdgCDDXDaxEw4VbeRcq/s1600/cars+pine+wood+1-29-11+-+ms+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FHxOcF4PUFMPGteI64FuCeI-F080RfUFSPcNtvijCR_1Mm1r6-TAXuiH5u_7er1Varh643KJZ0a6GpVawSJ5qvJxR8ERush_KcY9f2PuGcnuTRDoMPPAv9-4hcdgCDDXDaxEw4VbeRcq/s320/cars+pine+wood+1-29-11+-+ms+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My sons enjoyed their first ever pinewood derby race this weekend. The event brought out the father and the child in me. On the fatherly side, I used a hacksaw and carving knife to shape two oblong blocks of wood to each son’s request. My older son wanted a red Ferrari Testarossa with blue stripes across the top while my younger son preferred a forest green Porsche 928 with bulldog and checkered flag decals. We certainly don’t own either automobile, but the Internet’s a great place for viewing such dream cars.<br />
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Once sealed and spray-painted to spec, I drilled holes into the bottom of each car near each wheelbase. I melted solder wire with a smoking, soldering iron and let the molten lead drip into the holes so that each car would weigh its five-ounce maximum. It’s best to have more weight in the back than in the front. I also rubbed graphite lubricant on the wheel axles, hoping to increase the speed of each gravity-driven car. Along with the decorative differences already noted, my boys used the same burst-of-flames decals on the front and sides so that each car would race down the track as if on fire.<br />
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The race itself unleashed the child in me. We sat together as a family with all the other families there in the assembly room. The four lane wood track that stretched 30 feet nearly reached the high ceiling. For every heat, the man on the tall ladder placed the colorful cars in their lanes, an audio countdown including revved engines burst through the surround sound speakers, and then the gate dropped. Four cars careened toward the computer-monitored finish line and crashed into a giant pillow. The overhead LCD projector displayed the times on the wide screen behind the track. Wow! Some cars won races by a second or two, some by hundredths of a second, and some by thousandths of a second. What a thrill! What a great way to spend time with your children!<br />
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As it turns out, my older son lost on the track but won best design, and my younger son won second best time in his particular heat as well as second best design. I’m glad every child went home with a participant plaque because all the children were thrilled, and it’s important to focus on the fun. All the details that feed competition can be overwhelming, but the central reason for the race is not for one child to win. A pinewood derby race is a community event that brings happy kids together and allows parents to feel young again.<br />
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I remember back when I was 10. My oldest brother made my pinewood derby car with me. It was a sparkling blue dragster with a white painted seat, a tiny black steering wheel and a small plastic windshield. In 1979, we were all huddled around the long two-lane track that was no taller than I was. At the loud bang of the cap gun, I froze and released my car late. Every heat was an elimination race. I lost in my first run, but I went home that night with my brother and something I now have in common with my sons – a best design trophy. What fun!John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-12471356367298011332010-12-25T23:22:00.000-05:002011-01-30T23:26:32.877-05:00My hope on Christmas Day.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">I would like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays! May the New Year bring us peace and joy, love and unity, good health and wisdom. For me, 2010 has been a terrific year of family, fun and friendship. Most of the news I read continues to be of daily concern, but I still try to live my life for the benefit of others. I focus on what I can do in my community while I pray for the good of everyone else. I hope 2011 will be a blessed year!</span>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-71191035946287775672010-11-30T00:41:00.001-05:002010-11-30T01:01:30.936-05:00Thriller writers give great advice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d1hDdlrwjSu3VTQCXzBCz5Bue-QIPGFuLcfGacVujE7QOy_vyNFpLxWRcocd1wpJHWoD2j8kDQ-LWe0kWPJE5NYzmIQJQcWWTiuzN80Afy-JaIsZrKuGzuWGAPg0G_D9C7iZhscdzLlX/s1600/tkd+n+manuscript2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d1hDdlrwjSu3VTQCXzBCz5Bue-QIPGFuLcfGacVujE7QOy_vyNFpLxWRcocd1wpJHWoD2j8kDQ-LWe0kWPJE5NYzmIQJQcWWTiuzN80Afy-JaIsZrKuGzuWGAPg0G_D9C7iZhscdzLlX/s400/tkd+n+manuscript2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Which takes longer? Earning a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do or completing a novel-length manuscript? For me, it was a tie at three and a half years. The real question is how long does it take to get published? I’m learning that it takes so much more work than I had ever thought, but I’m willing to go the distance. Over at <a href="http://www.thebigthrill.org/">The Big Thrill</a>, a number of thriller writers have posted some terrific advice.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Jeff Sheratt, Katia Lief, Steven James, Michael Parker, Joshua Corin, David Goleman, Reed Farrell Coleman, Stephen Coonts and Peter Steiner participated in an online discussion from <a href="http://www.thebigthrill.org/2010/11/coming-the-week-of-nov-15-21-whats-the-one-piece-of-advice-youd-give-to-the-next-generation-of-thriller-authors/">November 15-21</a>. I’m relieved to know that mainstay writers work at their craft day in and day out, rewriting scenes until they get them right. I never expected to publish without much revision, but I also never understood the depth to which writers must work in order to gain credible relevance in the marketplace. For all writers of fiction, I strongly recommend visiting The Big Thrill and reading the entire discussion.John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-84933660202335267242010-10-31T23:04:00.001-04:002011-08-13T00:24:20.057-04:00Using Video to Teach Entrepreneurial Thinking<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.entre-ed.org/_network/forum.htm">The 28<sup>th</sup> Annual Entrepreneurship Education Forum</a> from November 12 – 16 in Columbus, Ohio, is a great opportunity for educators to learn how to teach entrepreneurship to high school students. As one of 25 <a href="http://www.entre-ed.org/_network/roundtables.pdf">Roundtable Presenters</a>, I will be discussing how filmed interviews can reveal entrepreneurial thinking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">In two years of supporting my school’s interest in entrepreneurial education, I have found that most entrepreneurs attribute their success to thinking differently. They can imagine, develop and execute plans for products and services that meet the needs of target markets. How do they do this? What guides their decisions? What do they think?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As educators, we can teach students to explore entrepreneurial thinking by having them conduct filmed interviews with accessible entrepreneurs. This process from concept to completion engages students in learning fundamental skills of interviewing, filming, video-editing, and above all – entrepreneurial thinking.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For interview preparation, I have my students brainstorm a number of questions that will enable their entrepreneurs to tell their stories from initial idea to current sales. Using a basic who, what, when, where, why and how framework can produce reasonable results. However, the best interviews feel like meaningful conversations. I spend much of my time teaching students how to listen carefully and then base their questioning on what the entrepreneurs share. Probing questions, in my experience, often produce the greatest insight into entrepreneurial thinking. In addition to probes, types of questions my students formulate are closed-ended, open-ended, hypothetical, agree-disagree and personal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For filming entrepreneur interviews, I recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aiptek-Action-HD-GVS-Definition/dp/B001GXR03U/ref=pd_cp_p_0_img">Aiptek Action HD GVS High Definition Camcorder</a>. This low-price camera records high-resolution video directly to flash memory, and you can then import your video into just about any video-editing software. Having an 8GB memory card is useful since the internal device memory is only good for about five minutes. One downside to this camera is the internal mic is actually behind the lens, so you may want to have the small camera placed between the student and the entrepreneur. The camera comes with a mini tripod that can work well on top of a central coffee table. However, this particular Aiptek model includes an external microphone outlet. If your budget allows the expense, you may want to use a lavalier mic and wireless receiver. I use a model similar to the <a href="http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UWPV1U3032/">Sony UWP-V1</a>. Two cameras can be used simultaneously if you want a back and forth Q & A video. <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/">Adobe CS5 Premiere Pro</a> is the software I use with my students. However, some of my students have used the free <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx">Microsoft Windows Movie Maker</a> with an IEEE 1394 card (needed to transfer your interview from your camcorder to your computer, this is known as “capturing” your video).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When students edit their videos, they will likely review all of their clips several times. In my view, the interviewing unlocks entrepreneurial thinking that video-editing then crafts into memory. Furthermore, completed videos can then be posted online or shared in the classroom via DVD. I'm very pleased with the entrepreneurial learning I've witnessed in my students. Helping them produce filmed interviews of entrepreneurs has definitely increased my own understanding of entrepreneurial thinking. And I'm just the coach. :)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">I sincerely hope this post and these recommendations are helpful. By all means, please be sure to explore all your needs and options before investing in text and technology. Personally, I like to start small and see what works before making large investments. So far, what I’ve described here has worked well for my students.</span>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-37381791302030164012010-09-11T22:57:00.001-04:002010-09-12T01:18:47.562-04:00Remembering 9/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PRGS_QdezWtLrJfKNpeXXDT-kD0SdoH_k-rD56xxFyzDsSPkpm40d7Q8MfjkM69NlhldyRqdMEj9DWN4oPpfsF-irW3LvlTWcLpaPZFb-v3mepB9jtyHms6kbA7c-_8cRYWK-_mzAHeG/s1600/john+on+9-11-00.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PRGS_QdezWtLrJfKNpeXXDT-kD0SdoH_k-rD56xxFyzDsSPkpm40d7Q8MfjkM69NlhldyRqdMEj9DWN4oPpfsF-irW3LvlTWcLpaPZFb-v3mepB9jtyHms6kbA7c-_8cRYWK-_mzAHeG/s400/john+on+9-11-00.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The above picture is of me in my Baltimore classroom on September 11, 2000. I honestly can't recall much from that particular day, but it would certainly mark my last forgettable 9/11.<br />
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One year later on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, I welcomed my students into the classroom for first period English 10. Sunlight slanted in through the second-floor windows that overlooked the parking lot, and the pleasant breeze from the windows I had opened cooled my room. As a Baltimore resident, I loved living between New York City and Washington D.C. When my students were all in their seats, I asked them to read the basic sentences on the chalkboard and rewrite them with sensory detail. Then the janitor knocked on my door.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The janitor was an older man with white hair and thick black rim glasses. We enjoyed our occasional conversations together, so I welcomed the interruption. I opened my door and he signaled for me to speak with him in the hallway. His face twitched with worry. I inched out and closed the door behind me.<br />
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“We’re under attack,” he whispered. “We’re telling all the teachers. Two planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City. No one really knows what’s going on.”<br />
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I stood there in shock and disbelief. In the moment, this information was next to impossible for me to comprehend. I remembered standing on top of the South Tower in 1995 and looking out over the Big Apple. I shook the memory from my thoughts. “Are you sure?”<br />
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“Turn on the TV,” he said. “And I’ll tell you another thing, they’ll be sending these kids home pretty soon. You watch.”<br />
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I thanked him for sharing the troubling news with me and returned to my classroom. I looked at the simple sentences on the chalkboard. Their grammatical review would have to wait. As I erased the board, I let my students know that we were going to switch gears. I drew up the New York City skyline, and we talked about the Twin Towers. We discussed stocks and the global marketplace. Then I had a decision to make. Should I tell them what I just heard? Should I turn on the TV? Or should I let them find out for themselves? Either way, I could not get the janitor’s ominous news out of my thoughts. So I did what I always do; I told my students the truth insofar as I understood it.<br />
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I let my students know that the janitor said two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center. My students’ faces were all fairly expressionless. Even I sensed the awkward moment as I heard my own words in my ears. In hindsight, I would have been much more forthright. I would have turned on the TV and directed their full attention to the moment at hand. But in the true moment and without knowing anything but what the janitor told me, I advised my students to make sure they talked to their parents about the news. “An informed society is a stronger society,” I told them. And then I actually returned to my instruction. During the lesson, three worried parents removed their children from my classroom. Everything about that day remains surreal for me.<br />
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Near the end of the first period, the janitor’s prediction came true. An alarm sounded over the intercom, and it sounded much like a loud and echoing fax machine. Then the principal said this, “By order of the President of the United States, school will be dismissed promptly after this report.” She told us that two commercial airliners had crashed into the World Trade Center. She said another plane had hit the Pentagon. I could hear the pain in her voice and by the time she finished, she was crying. My students’ faces were all cast in silent panic. They all looked at me. What could I say? What could I do? I spread my hands out and said, “Go home. Stay safe.”<br />
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My students charged past me and within minutes they joined in with the chaos of over 2200 students flooding into the parking lot below. I watched the madness from my classroom windows. Most of our students depended on city transportation, and all of them were running away from the school and into the urban landscape. I spent just a few minutes putting the scattered desks and chairs back into orderly rows. Then the Graphic Arts teacher from across the hall came into my room, wide-eyed.<br />
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“They came down,” he said. “Both towers. They just came straight down.” I went to his room and we watched the news coverage. Horrified, we watched as the people of New York suffered through this massive whiteout. I could barely believe my eyes and ears. I began to think of all the people that must have died in the collapse of the towers. I thought of the people who died on the planes. I thought of the inevitable deaths at the Pentagon. I heard about a plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. I cupped my nose and mouth with my hands as I watched the TV. What started out as a beautiful September morning had suddenly become a most terrible time, a day of death for many of my fellow human beings.<br />
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After being dismissed from school, I went back to my apartment and turned on the TV in my family room. I basically camped out there for the rest of the day and night. I struggled to understand as the reporters tried to piece the puzzle together. I had no idea who did this or why. What I did know was that my imagination was probably right. I imagined the firemen who lost their lives, racing into the burning towers with hopes of helping anyone trapped. I imagined their faces and their lifeworks. I imagined the mortified pilots when they knew they would not be able to protect their passengers and crew. I imagined all those at the Pentagon who work to protect America. I imagined them being arrested in terrible shock. I imagined how the passengers of Flight 93 must have panicked when they realized that their lives would soon end. And I imagined how they felt when they downed the hijacked plane in a Pennsylvania field in a gesture of selfless love to spare the lives of other innocents. I imagined all the life that had been so quickly and cruelly taken.<br />
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What I could not imagine was why anyone would do this to these people. The TV images were unimaginable. I saw a fire engine buried in rubble with only the front end showing and its lights still swirling. I saw so many people limping from the scene with their heads and shoulders covered in blasts of debris. I heard the shrill screaming of the motion sensors affixed to the immovable firemen. Why did anyone do this to any of these human beings? For whatever reasons the perpetrators had, their miserable produce is utterly shameful.<br />
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As the years go by and as our bodies grow old and weak, I think we need to remember the simple fact that human life is fragile and precious. We are intricate. Miraculous. My heart will always sing for those who died without warning on that most sad September morning. If eternity is true, then I will stand with my fallen brethren forever.<br />
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I dedicate this post to the victims of 9/11 and to their families.John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-60361667190225182352010-08-09T23:50:00.007-04:002010-08-11T21:42:28.634-04:00Writing with Olympic ConfidenceSince publishers can cancel a writer's book right up to the point of production, the writers of such work remind me that so many world athletes don't win in the Olympics. Dreams are dashed and hearts are broken, but these athletes still made it to the Olympics. That's worth something. I know I would feel devastated with such late and final judgment, but such athletes inspire me to write with Olympic confidence.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I'm currently working on a manuscript that I hope will go the distance. I think of all the hours I've spent writing my first draft and then revising the second, third and fourth. My plot is solid, but as my manuscript ages so do my characters. I find myself reworking much of my prose in order to best capture character essence and arc as well as craft a language that is best suited for my scenes. With every draft, I feel that my story matures. Like wine, my storytelling (to me) improves with time. I'm fairly certain that I can finalize my manuscript with one more revision, but will my story be Olympic quality? For as much as I hope so, that's for the judges to decide. Writers can't be afraid. I accept the challenge.<br />
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In the same way I encourage my students to focus on the power of journalism, I have to take my own advice and focus on the power of story. Publishers want the strongest stories possible, and I don't want to produce anything less. Readers deserve the best. I write to win the gold, and even if I go home with nothing, I still have written. That's worth something.<br />
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NOTE: This post is based on my 7:31 PM <a href="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=4359273870210270978&postID=6622613889428814223&isPopup=true">comment</a> for Rachelle Gardner at <a href="http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/">cba-ramblings.blogspot.com</a> in response to her 7/20/10 post <a href="http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/07/learning-curve-that-never-ends.html">"The Learning Curve that Never Ends."</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-10028763469857362072010-07-09T17:42:00.006-04:002010-09-11T23:02:43.003-04:00Losing LebronMinutes after Lebron James announced his decision to play next year for the Miami Heat, ESPN aired some live video of a Clevelander burning Lebron’s jersey in the street. Putting this matter into perspective, my city almost went to the Super Bowl. We lost twice in the World Series, and we suffered a sweep in the NBA Finals. For so many of us, Lebron really was that shining beacon in the dead of night. But I won’t demonize him.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Just today, coworkers told me how several restaurant and bar owners are wringing their hands because Lebron kept Cleveland’s economy afloat with all the publicity and business he generated. In a letter to Cleveland, Dan Gilbert condemns Lebron’s decision and promises Cleveland an NBA Championship minus Lebron. Why are we so upset? Are we all championship crazy? Is the welfare of our city really dependent on this athlete? How did we let that happen? Everyone knew Lebron could dazzle an audience every night with tomahawk dunks, but not everyone talked about how invested in him Clevelanders had become. He was our light in the darkness, our water in the desert, our hero in the heart of poverty. Maybe we shouldn't have pinned so much of ourselves on a young basketball player, an entertainer, a businessman. He has the right to switch teams, and we have the right to feel sad. But why scorn the man? I wish him well. He's a person.<br />
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Moving on is our only option. Lebron James is a 25-year-old basketball superstar who wants to play alongside the best players in the NBA. I’m a schoolteacher in a community I love. And I'm glad my sons had Lebron as their first sports hero. They think they can do anything now, and they'll still jump around the family room with their Nerf basketballs whenever the Cavs play. Joy is contagious. Even though the Cavs lost in the Finals and then their trips to the Playoffs, I feel fortunate to have been able to enjoy these seven years of believing in the impossible. I still believe. I won’t burn my favorite NBA jersey, and I won't be rooting against Lebron either. But I might listen to "Let It Be" just one more time.John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-83458886101337074752010-07-04T00:01:00.005-04:002011-08-13T00:19:12.803-04:00The Cause of America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk0JjJn-r-Aam4xGF322KRjuqv2hgQ-N5cLLf271MIyCOrAxstTfpO_mMotBQanYxNdtbO5r-Ur4bLq4BbP_yW_cTdjdn4mmkA0pHt7tj4viugaj5rHroFH9vgsxZ33_LGs0XaXRnGuOv/s1600/animatedflag1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk0JjJn-r-Aam4xGF322KRjuqv2hgQ-N5cLLf271MIyCOrAxstTfpO_mMotBQanYxNdtbO5r-Ur4bLq4BbP_yW_cTdjdn4mmkA0pHt7tj4viugaj5rHroFH9vgsxZ33_LGs0XaXRnGuOv/s320/animatedflag1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind."<br />
~ Thomas Paine<br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.patrioticon.org/"><img alt="Get free Patriot Icons at
PatriotIcon.org!" border="0" height="13" src="patrioticon2.gif" width="18" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-44181154435059370442010-05-23T20:46:00.007-04:002011-08-13T00:23:07.083-04:00Beyond Form: Singing and Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTegdBe3FRH2F3_8VPP4t0aKJnxoo7W68dzACpXSjnqvGkFP6Huqq4mYHag5Uec6_8LIFQS8mRDuLv_Am8h5RLF5hQ-bawpIz_w6WT1JEbdsU8oa4__QhI9HgYi0B9-U6uj_ZKvVRUIq2J/s1600/5-21-10+national+anthem2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTegdBe3FRH2F3_8VPP4t0aKJnxoo7W68dzACpXSjnqvGkFP6Huqq4mYHag5Uec6_8LIFQS8mRDuLv_Am8h5RLF5hQ-bawpIz_w6WT1JEbdsU8oa4__QhI9HgYi0B9-U6uj_ZKvVRUIq2J/s320/5-21-10+national+anthem2.jpg" /></a></div>On Friday, May 21, the Cleveland Indians faced the Cincinnati Reds in the season’s first instate game. Thanks to the invite of a close friend, I joined the <a href="http://independencechapter.com/">Men of Independence</a> behind home plate to sing "The Star Spangled Banner." The Indians lost to the Reds, but I came away from the game with a renewed appreciation for connecting with an audience.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>At the onset, everything was about community. When I arrived at the assembly room the night before the game, I must have met almost all of the fifty or so welcoming singers. I felt very much at ease warming up my voice with supportive veterans. As a writer, I thought of these parallels: writers/singers, literary agents/vocal coaches, editors/choir directors, publishers/benefactors, readers/fans. Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” comes to mind. The worker is part of society, the singer is part of a production, and the writer is part of a professional team. Singing and writing can be collaborative ways to engage communities.<br />
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I also thought about singing being more than notes and writing being more than words. At Progressive Field, we led an audience through the National Anthem. The leads, tenors, baritones and bass singers all had to sync together in tune. For one minute and fifty-two seconds, we were one. But even this great feat was about so much more. The people in the stands sang along with us because “The Star Spangled Banner” carried meaning in their hearts. Our singing allowed the importance of the song to shine through. I think the same can be said about writing. Sentence composure and pacing must be carefully crafted in order to successfully engage readers, but it’s the content that matters most. As a hopeful novelist, I pay close attention to craft development. However, I also know that my favorite writers offer readers something that is beyond craft. Insight. Perspective. Wisdom. I think the Men of Independence are great singers of great songs. I admire that kind of singer, and that kind of writer – content-and-craft-driven professionals.<br />
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Finally, I reasoned that singing and writing both require great concentration. Before taking to the field, one of the choir directors advised us to sing our parts the way we practiced them. He cautioned us not to be distracted by the jumbotron or the sound system delay. So we focused on our sound and sang “The Star Spangled Banner” exactly as practiced. In the end, the moment under the lights and mics went by in a flash, but the stupendous cheer at the end will live with me for the rest of my life.<br />
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Singers and writers connect with people in ways beyond their forms. The connecting is a privilege.John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423173362378275493.post-15734153337746782512010-04-30T23:25:00.005-04:002010-05-01T11:41:38.961-04:00Multimedia Journalism for High School?Adobe CS5 offers significant improvements to some programs high school students are already using: InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro and After Effects. The continuing buzz for multimedia journalism may represent more than a potential replacement for print journalism; this blended media appears to be a preview of the exciting future that's already here.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In the past two years, I have been following the emerging technologies in the field of journalism fairly closely. For this post, I have assembled a brief but comprehensive snapshot below of what I have found. Clicking on any of these links will take you to the exact content as described. For utmost security, you may also copy and paste the links into your web browser and go from there.<br />
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This link will take you directly to a brief description of some changes Adobe CS5 has to offer:<br />
<a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/mastercollection/whatsnew/">http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/mastercollection/whatsnew/</a><br />
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This 2009 article talks about how some print journalists are saving their jobs by adapting to online media:<br />
<a href="http://borderzine.com/2009/08/journalists-face-new-challenges-to-serve-the-community-as-newspapers-contract/">http://borderzine.com/2009/08/journalists-face-new-challenges-to-serve-the-community-as-newspapers-contract/</a><br />
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This 2009 article explains why Sam Donaldson supports a Multimedia Journalism Degree being offered at The University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP):<br />
<a href="http://borderzine.com/2009/11/sam-donaldson-to-young-journalists-the-future-is-multimedia/">http://borderzine.com/2009/11/sam-donaldson-to-young-journalists-the-future-is-multimedia/</a><br />
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This 2010 article painfully details how magazines are struggling to make ends meet since advertisers are seeking less representation on their print pages:<br />
<a href="http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/02/us_magazine_circulation_falls.html">http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/02/us_magazine_circulation_falls.html</a><br />
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This 2010 article explains how and why a new pay wall will help The New York Times earn income from avid online readers:<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/business/media/21times.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/business/media/21times.html</a>John Overmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05436054681851714606noreply@blogger.com0