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Ezine Articles Publishes Book Review of "Top Producer" by Norb Vonnegut-Sharks and Truckers' Effect on Wall Street

   

Debut author Norb Vonnegut unites money and murder in "Top Producer."

The Great Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium stands four stories high, contains 200,000 gallons of saltwater and over 150 varietal sea creatures.

Three Sand Tiger sharks prowl their habitat for prey.

Enter Wall Street titan, Charlie Kelemen. 

Charlie throws a birthday party for his wife Sam at the Boston attraction and vanishes during the festivites. 

He reappears below the surface of the tank.

He's pre-filleted with fresh blood to attract the sharks and anchored by a stainless steel utility cart; slowly dragging him to demise. 

Five hundred partygoers watch in shock as the sharks feast. Who killed Charlie and why?

You can read my review of Top Producer published today on EzineArticles.com.

Ezine Articles consistently ranks among the top 100 US sites by Alexa, and other Web monitoring companies. It's a good place to have an Internet presence.

Visit Ezine Articles to learn how you can:

• Enhance your credibility.
• Multiply your Internet appearance.
• Reap profits long-term by sharing your expertise.

 
 

Ezine Articles Publishes Book Review of Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler

   

Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Anne Tyler's new 18th release is entitled Noah's Compass.

Sixty-one-year-old Liam Penneywell is downsized from his teaching position at a second-rate boys school.

He's endured two failed marriages; and fathered three daughters.

Liam is assaulted and robbed while sleeping; and suffers a concussion. 

He meets 38 year-old Eunice Dunstead, who he hopes to hire as his very own "rememberer."

They develop a mutual attraction. Is Eunice Liam's last chance at love?

You can read my review published on EzineArticles.com.

Ezine Articles ranks among the top 100 websites in the United States.

Visit their link to learn how you can:

• Enhance your credibility.
• Increase your Internet presence.
• Reap profits long-term by sharing your expertise.

 
 

Cleveland's Rock and Roll Roots: Local Author Deanna Adams Highlights Rock and Roll History in Cleveland

   

Pictured: Deanna Adams and Tim Zaun 

On Saturday, February 6, 2010, Northeast Ohio award-winning author Deanna Adams celebrated the release of her new book Cleveland's Rock and Roll Roots.

Elm Street Blues Band wowed the crowd with classic rock, including tunes by Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones.

The band and book signing bonanza occurred at the legendary Agora Theater near downtown, Cleveland.

Cleveland is synonymous with the origins of Rock and Roll. 

Arcadia Publishing produces "The Image of America" series, praising the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities nationwide. The company approached Adams about writing the book.

 Who better to ace the project than Deanna Adams, given her 2002 bestselling resource book, Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection?

Cleveland's Rock and Roll Roots contains classic photos with explanations, including:

• The Beatles' first Northeast Ohio concert at Cleveland's Public Auditorium on September 15, 1964.
• The O'Jays inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
• Cleveland-favorite, The Michael Stanley Band.

If you enjoy rock and roll and appreciate its Northeast Ohio connection, be sure to order your copy of Cleveland's Rock and Roll Roots today.

Google Chronicles Part 3: A Triad of Internet Bliss in Cleveland, Ohio

   

On Thursday January 28, 2010, the Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group hosted the last of a three-part series entitled Google Chronicles. The classes showcased current Google applications. 

The evening's focus was Google products for graphic designers and small businesses.

Four topics and presenters led the way:

1. Google Picasa. Howard Kass, incoming CDPUG president highlighted features of this robust, yet limited photo management program. Includes Picasa Web Albums. Kass also mentioned FastStone Image Viewer and reminded everyone to be sure and back up their photos.
2. Google Sketchup. Henry Lee, artist and CDPUG member taught the basics of this 3D software for the conceptual phases of design. He also discussed Google Building Maker, the more advanced, fee-based program. It's also based on cloud computing. Lee says basic Sketchup is good enough for 80% percent of projects.
3. Google Voice. Spike Radway, program director for CDPUG defined key features of this application. You need to have a (free) Google account, consider your cell phone plan and anticipate incorporating your contact base into Google. Radway mentioned The Data Liberation Front, a Google engineering team who promotes user-friendly movement of data in and out of Google products. This Week in Google discusses the latest Google buzz. Phone Spell (what does your phone number spell?). Ribbit Mobile (read your voicemail like email).
4. Google Wave. Marvin Sable, Adobe Certified Expert, introduced this program that allows real-time communication and collaboration. It's in beta release and requires an invitation to experience its features.

Google continues to change the world with their technology advances. To read the complete triad of Google Chronicles posts, visit these links: 

Google Chronicles Part 2: A Triad of Internet Bliss in Cleveland, Ohio.

Google Chronicles Part 1: A Triad of Internet Bliss in Cleveland, Ohio.

 
 

The Levin College of Urban Affairs and Bioneers Cleveland Present The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard

   

On Thursday January 21, 2010, Levin College of Urban Affairs hosted another Bioneers Brownbag presentation.

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard educated and entertained the audience. Since its 2007 release, it has captured over 7.3 million views worldwide.

Leonard champions international environmental health and sustainability issues, a career that spans more than two decades.

Her 20-minute video details the life cycle of manufactured goods.

Video highlights include these facts:

• We live in a linear system with a finite number of natural resources. Our consumption levels can't contiune at current levels.
• The United States accounts for 5 percent of the world's population, and uses a 30 percent consumption rate.
• Each US citizen produces 4.5 pounds of garbage daily.

Leonard spoke last October at the Bioneers National Conference in California. Her 25-minute recorded speech was shown yesterday as well. 

Here, Leonard shares the 3 challenges we face globally: 

1. We're trashing the planet. Visit the Global Footprint Network to learn ways to establish a sustainable future worldwide.
2. We're trashing people. Companies continue to manufacture toxic products which directly affect our health. We lack resource equity when 1/6 of the planet goes to bed hungry each night.
3. Cross-culturally, we're no happier with all of our possessions. People primarily value quality social relationships, with family and friends. Learn more at the Happy Planet Index.

Leonard has developed 3 truisms in response to her documentary:

1. United States citizens have forgotten how to be engaged members in a democratic society.
2. There is a small group of people who'd like to silence her activism. She's been accused of being anti-American. Solution: turn the volume up. Increase your voice.
3. We're not alone in caring about this message. In the US, 70 percent of residents are sympathetic to environmental initiatives. Worldwide interest prevails. 

Bioneers 

• is a nonprofit educational organization that presents breakthrough solutions for restoring people and planet.
• celebrates its 20th anniversary and conference October 15- 17, 2010 . It originates in San Rafael, California with satellite cities "beaming in." 

Bioneers Cleveland launches its 2010 preparations on January 28 at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 7 pm. To join the Planning Committee, RSVP to info@bioneerscleveland.org. Also, Bioneers Cleveland lends its National Conference DVDs out to local organizations, Contact Kathy Hexter: K.Hexter@csuohio.edu.

 
 

Google Chronicles Part 2: A Triad of Internet Bliss in Cleveland, Ohio

     

Pictured: James Stone, Remington Phillips, Stuart Smith, Tim Zaun

Today, the Web SIG of Cleveland hosted the second in a three-part series entitled, Google Chronicles, highlighting the best of Google Apps. 

The event occurred at Web SIG's new meeting location of Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio.

James Stone, web developer, initiated the presentation with Google Sites.

Google Sites is a free and easy way to create and share webpages.

Stone says Google Sites:

• is simple to use and easy to integrate.
• contains no ads by default.
• can be displayed on a custom domain, provided you own the domain and have access to its CNAME record.

Google Sites includes:

• 100Mb of storage.
• Unlimited pages.
• 20 Mb of attachment capability.
• 52 templates currently available.

" There are no limitations as far as running a business using Google Sites," says Stone.

Remington Phillips, creative advisor, taught the basics of Google Adwords, a pay-per-click (PPC) program that allows you to create your own ads and choose keywords.

Phillips has been using Adwords for 2 years and continues to learn its nuances.

Adwords, uses a streamlined bidding process, and has 3 types:

1. Text ads.
2. Banner ads.
3. Televison ads.

To maximize Adwords results, Phillips suggests:

• Use long tail keywords.
• Determine conversion goals incorporating Google Analytics, another free Google service.
• Know how to position your product or service in the marketplace.

Stuart Smith, web developer at Notre Dame College, highlighted Google Custom Search and  Google Site Search. Both provide a customized search experience for your own website. 

Google is offering a free, 1-hour webinar on Google Site Search: 

Tuesday, January 26, 2010. 10 am PST or 1 pm EST. Register on Google Site Search.

Smith also demonstrated how to embed Google-owned YouTube video to your website.

If you're in the Cleveland area, plan to attend Google Chronicles, Part 3. The event is sponsored by the Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group (CDPUG) and occurs Thursday, January 28, 2010. Topics include Google Picassa, SketchUp and Google Voice and Google Wave. Visit the CDPUG link for details. 

 
 
 

Are You Connected with Your College or University Alumni Office, Regardless of the Year You Graduated?

     

                                            

Are you connected with your college or university alumni office, regardless of the year you graduated?

Today's marketplace, featuring the Internet and social media, make it easier than ever to network.

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in a conference call conducted by Simpson Scarborough, a marketing company for higher education.

My alma mater, Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania hired the company to improve their industry positioning.

The intimate, 60-minute phone call, open to 12 Mercyhurst graduates was conducted by Tom Hayes, vice president and partner of Simpson Scarborough; promoting objective answers.

Among the 12 callers, the Class of '80, '83, '00, '04, 05' were represented. 

It was an enjoyable experience to discuss the school's heritage and happenings with people I've never met, yet share an educational commonality.

Topics included:

• What do you think makes Mercyhurst distinctly Mercyhurst?
• People think that Mercyhurst is______, but it is really_____.
• Tell me everything you know about the Sisters of Mercy?
• Imagine that you are in charge of marketing Mercyhurst College. How would you make its image and reputation even stronger?

These questions are meaningless unless you attended Mercyhurst College. 

More importantly, in today's global economy, every connection matters.

Wherever and whenever,you went to school, regardless if you graduated in 2009 or 1969, *seize the opportunity and reconnect with your alumni office. Today's world offers unlimited opportunities and possibilities, some of which may be available through your academics.

*Carpe Diem, meaning "Seize the opportunity" is the motto for Mercyhurst College.
 

Google Chronicles Part 1: A Triad of Internet Bliss in Cleveland, Ohio

   

Google continues to dominate the Internet.

For the month of January, the Greater Cleveland PC Users Group (GCPCUG),the Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group (CDPUG), and the Web Development SIG are joining forces to explore Google's variety.

First up: On Saturday, January 9, 2010, Jim Evans of the Greater Cleveland PC Users Group did a great job of highlighting:

• Google Chrome. A clutter-free, fast-loading and simplistic Web browser.
• Google Maps. Its features include the ability to send maps of your events to participants, evaluate present and future traffic patterns (based on history), and monitor crime reports for your area.
• Google Earth. Fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, etc.
• Google Translate. Translate text, webpages, documents.
• Google Dictionary. "Google Quietly Rolls Out Dictionary (Updated)"-Los Angeles Times, December '09.
• Google Fast Flip. News aggregator. Personalizes your viewing habits for news, headlines, popular topics, etc.
• Google News. Headline aggregator and search engine of many of the world's news sources.
• Google Alerts. Email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, etc.), based on your choice of query or topic.
• Google Wave. An online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. Currently in a limited preview and requires an invitation to participate.

For an astounding look at how fast the world is evolving, be sure to view:

Did You Know 3.0., and Did You Know 4.0.

If you're in the Cleveland area, plan to attend this Saturday's Web SIG presentation on Google Chronicles Part 2. Topics include: Sites, Custom Search, YouTube (add to your website), Adwords and Website Optimizer. The event occurs at Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio. Visit Web SIG for details.

 
 

Celebrate National Thank You Note Day, Saturday, December 26, 2009

 

Today is National Thank You Note Day.

Here's hoping you're enjoying the holiday season, whatever you may celebrate.

Have you acknowledged those people who make your life better-family, friends, coworkers?

Today's the day! 

These links provide additional information about the day:

• eThank Yous: American Greetings. Blue Mountain. evite.
• Thank You Tips for Kids: 
• No, You Can't Text Your Thank-You Letter.
•  Yes, Your Kids Should Write Thank-You Notes. No, It Doesn't Have To Be a Chore.

Visit the above links to personalize your National Thank You Note Day celebration.

 

Your 2009 Holiday Tech Gift Guide From Cleveland Digital Publishing Group and Greater Cleveland PC Users Group

     

On Saturday, December 12, 2009, the second annual, Holiday Tech Gifts Extravaganza!!! joint meeting between the Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group and Greater Cleveland PC Users Group occurred.

The Cleveland State University gathering hosted six technology enthusiasts/experts showcasing the best 2009 holiday gifts. The morning's highlights follow to give you ideas for seasonal gifts:

1. Eric Wethington of Dodd Camera (2077 East 30th Street, Cleveland Oh 44115) eric@doddcamera.com.

• Nikon Coolpix S1000 PJ with built-in projector.
• Pentax Kx SLR with built-in High Density Resolution (HDR).

Stocking Stuffers: Lens Cleaning Cloth ($7.00), Memory Card Wallet ($20.00). Flipbac Angle Viewfinder.

Eric knows digital technology (17 years service at Dodd). Contact him for your holiday gift guidance.

      2. Scott Seifert of Team Spike Consulting.

• Flip Mino HD Video Camera. (Flip recently bought by Cisco). Excellent choice for your video needs. Invest in a tripod to enhance its image stablilization.

      3. Stephen Wilson of The Coolest Geek.

• Novatel Wireless Mifi 2200. Portable wireless router to make you the envy of your friends.
• Palm Pre.

      4. Drew Clevenger-Best Buy Mobile Manager-Strongsville, Ohio.

• Motorola Droid.
• Power Home and Office Charging Mat.
• Livescribe-Pulse Pen.
• Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote Control/Color Touch Screen.
• Sling Media.

      5. Mike Belsito-Co-Creator of Cleveland-based iPhone Appstand Frame.

      6. Sarah Dutkiewicz-Developer at OverDrive. Discussed current eBook readers available:

• Amazon Kindle.
• Barnes and Noble Nook.
• Sony Digital Reader.

      Sarah mentioned free ebooks available at Barnes and Noble.            

Visit the above links for the latest in technology gift ideas for 2009. Happy Holidays!                      

         
 

 

 

Advance Your Writing Skills: Learn Tips from Bestselling Author Erin O'Brien

 
 
The Importance of Detail: Erin O'Brien  

Are you looking for some tips to improve your prose and advance your writing career?

Tune in to the latest podcast on The Writing Show featuring Northeast Ohio writer, Erin O'Brien.

O'Brien is the bestselling author of Harvey and Eck.

Her presentation is entitled,The Importance of Detail.

Listen to Erin O'Brien and Learn These Top 6 Things To Advance Your Writing Craft:

1. Understand what Erin means by "There Is no 'Knit Magic" in Writing."
2. Learn Erin's approach to writing nonfiction.
3. Discover the 3 R's to penning A-1 creative nonfiction.
4. Appreciate Erin's #1 choice in author and book for incorporating detail.
5. Become inspired to join a writing critique group.
6. Hear Erin's advice for evaluating your writing once it's completed.

Invest 26 minutes of your time and listen to Erin O'Brien. You're guaranteed to learn some pointers to hone your writing skills.

Congratulations to Alanna Klapp on her excellent interview with Erin O'Brien. Alanna too is a Northeast Ohio writer finishing her first novel.