10 Story Starter sites to get your students writing

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>Submitted by Fiona Beal</em><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you ever wondered how to get the reluctant writers in your class enthusiastic about writing? Nowadays with all the wonderful free applications available on the web a teacher doesn’t have to stress about this any more. (Please note that there is a link to a follow up post with more story starter sites under point 11 below.)<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>1. Wallwisher</strong></span><br /><br />This is an idea I tried last year. Open a wallwisher page (<a href="http://wallwisher.com/">http://wallwisher.com</a>)  and ask the class to think of a good start to story. There are always those students who rise to the occasion and add their bit. Of course there are those who just sit and think during the whole exercise. Then, when everyone has added their ideas, let everyone choose one of the ideas and start writing!  This usually works well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmAaQNlEA50CfVSW6LdrL5wEcznJWMlbswoD7Y0rl7UUqdx9_KgpjsZeMZk_lHdL7SwrFt0tDDaBZ7_cU23fpnIfF4d-skpmsyq1wlgbCeHpnK49OS37WtVLxlJuJa8Fk_GBs2kabqnA/s1600-h/wallwisher%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wallwisher" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICbi7nzZci49LYXfOBmrwP9WimyKLNMsgC9K_BJQrzbMqQxG-LA_b05VxlAkpY1UgghoUUvbcWfWI_CVfeAS-0kqq1Ijf91HtL617m1jL6dQeqohcF9D3wRmw2qEk8sZjtAs2lUaW1oE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wallwisher" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>2. The Story Starter Junior</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm" title="http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm">http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm</a>)<br /><br />This site provides 729 story starters for kids and won an award in 2008. Every time you click on the story starter button a new idea appears. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaa5ch_UTO38nl1XNzIhI8JGCW9cwLyq3eEZXP2PB1DXh7fHLUOc1OjI4tjE9SF4LIIPfFxHoghHIOM6ifStTIe2Rgk2Lx7qqtvPF89kvnbs6BX9FQAUkg9Z2a454x2zdnPryi0s_M3E/s1600-h/storyStarterJr%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="storyStarterJr" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT4Yoo69dzK5worrCDpTCKU0CwvD2VJ3sDuSQS6620l9SH9XvAOd3Kxzx0Gur6KA53PHedPuRGPzUZvN4lIzWcWXmvZnhDsRby3nCBAk6uTdkdTFKN9uvKXk18aU2BIfB4BZOBrltpIw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyStarterJr" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>3. The Story Starter</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.thestorystarter.com/" title="http://www.thestorystarter.com/">http://www.thestorystarter.com/</a>)<br /><br />Here is it’s companion site which is for older students and adults. This one has over a milllion story starters. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqGn-zIU6YsonX1lOE5fjmw4re3aD-Hsb6mDTms1KA1gPQtJVyy9jra2egB2-A_BJf15Rb39Zzsgv0l_MZ7Fo41M_DcP2u_YPA16WtkisNGjqv33kctoXRcMvOy6vbi672bP93LPXuG4/s1600-h/st-st2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="st-st2" border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6yXXl3mI2AMltWoFOJwK0M2nGUZJxhbZeGF7ADuRh02M1AsOGjAZea3HxkkTwqcGnDBNrGcXo9zoUnq18Wzp90coIIC-42_Jk5h19SivsWU6920I3PdZqnw87a3YTXPp9n2hEu7EBQI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="st-st2" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>4. Creative Writing prompts</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/" title="http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/">http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/</a>)<br /><br />This is another site that has won an award. All you do is point to one of the 346 numbers and a box appears with a prompt. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4YU5UHgE6URru7dFp8U96vuYkQ_RDPAzt6eY1bA5vdqskDzv5fhPGyOokNJQ2xkl7mZvhjfhyphenhyphenVeicgovPwJImlbYXYRuuuabeOtse0us4lTKA0HvtVQlBDTVsudM2aCVN3pHyfytDbA/s1600-h/cr-wr-prompts%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="cr-wr-prompts" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j2-j0wAYMeG1qI6OnmZFxFdnQ3tjevLfyWcFGuO8OpeHx19KQsO0r3u_RJiswf13mUK5jmYl9XdsAmYi0oV8NgQvlW4tAwDpnmOHinQNTY4MCXI5nNX1RejqCT2hs4M-0znlcYfDcQY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cr-wr-prompts" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>5. The Storyboard Generator</strong></span> (<a href="http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive" title="http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive">http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive</a>)<br /><br />This site allows you to generate a play script. You choose your avator and a script idea, and then…who knows! All sorts of possibilities emerge. Try it and see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN79NmtIHVmMCR8Fizoh7fYQJnrhw89VWzt9Y3WRO5ZodTknlrR8DveBUv15lB2suDB2INa8Q4DUZTQNGXMcoa2LXSEeA2a7H_4b2qTbWveA7SXVvF-WKkeY-fom3bcLSPmjKfUx-Rac/s1600-h/storyboard%252520generator%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyboard generator" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckR1cXyIHCkoqUWbfcn3yglhfWjb14LrUYLsghdvdLaZJd-0NKMkHqMdK7572xs5BikcMx34xTgM25tsIk-3VKVjL5a3ovJYUSG4IaDC-H6SsI3zc1wSaDv3dzurJC7oHPnuCMb-92sw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyboard generator" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>6.  Fun Fairytale generator</strong></span>  (<a href="http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html" title="http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html">http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html</a>)<br /><br />This is a fun fairy-tale generator site that will capture the imagine of the daring younger learners. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf6rMCqzvy51EX-W-ws2BCu1ASS_2nZ3_HEWt_8r23sl9wVuc2XZde6TeZ0rFOn-kOHGMHa0K8pJTnq7_-tJ_m916bSwMPO9TAjelAVtAgZ6tUDwOYHQx5h7VJdXtYNDbf0VO96HMZsk/s1600-h/Fairytale%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fairytale" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Zuv7Yon7OQaedsowmJP-KDuv-JBD5NL-0h8osQrua21KmOgef1NE2us_QUx5L4SSsXHcevjbNNydMS8jzEKQkw1AB_S6-gV7At_f3Pk98jgnmr8dtl0QIR7I0VCS56yKDA6f3ZhaErM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fairytale" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>7. A character generator</strong></span> (<a href="http://bit.ly/dnHLt" title="http://bit.ly/dnHLt">http://bit.ly/dnHLt</a>)<br /><br />This site supports Key Stage 1. You choose the type of clothes, hair and skin colour that you want your character to have.  Then you type on the notepad a sentence about your character. You can then click on the Print button at the top of the screen and your character and the sentence will be printed. The idea is to show it to the teacher and talk about who you have created. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP3orfJKWJ4iw2Cn7bSdu-XE0CAYpMH0gmTJc89wjPnVuyXKpv2wUSztEsYvZ_2XJ2tesPfWPakT8F9hyphenhyphenmA37uL5UcjsBM7l0kkCE3IfYipWMTIwktGTVhiStYfOwGUu0iFOWh0Ykqig/s1600-h/characters%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="characters" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL6HyMm1ZTKcVIm2LFxd5vAGZm1szG8qgV0-wHTMG7Cs-8AYAsOGIVMACi9z2iP2PEZn2Qq0M2PLRAqyLP0_CLIVgliiAkTpcgAXS4nCRfyrO1acVtyFKgKu7cK4lXgafL8HueRdmPFY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="characters" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>8. Storyplant from the BBC</strong></span><br /><br />This will really appeal to the younger learner. A story guide takes one on a fascinating journey and helps the student to develop their story. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYRCg9IDrAc4fRooVcOeXKUxEHIodOrQaix7vLJbdgabCY9vpDF1XJ7zCgeqDjU1PamjIEItD3E9sr4v90Ccgx6VB8Lu8k5euEQJcmoWN9SbZIaS6ZZm7Am4xE56FxsstJFPVsa5-fg/s1600-h/storyplant%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyplant" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FQdHInSMPlwmhtl4bBmVd5XiNDNIm7Elp3YM4Dutgba-oRVo6s6DeVGmGQx6MrQKc0nKmROWAju6NUUyLYX-4bF-fDJ-07jR8T3twNSloFzUXdl9prWz-xCbAauApya5HP6ax44IYGY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyplant" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_yg7-ZBP_tnI07owocLS5wF8FuRa6OmWuvuq7wKh9d59iWRu7Crk9nTxg3iOLUOlat2dark8UYPBBBov45as2rhXPFBw6tehW6A-b6ZfDMuUbiHmB9zkFqWiywH_0BperO4GYn3JCKU/s1600-h/storyplant2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyplant2" border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc2C8KyfeMcUj-BwheiMmYWyZnAmZMOlaeq5iALh6E98n-Pw-VsalXJWqgZvIrQ5zYGIJnP7FvwRy1yzg14SSTeajzGC46Y97zinrJipqZBCH4T1Ug3qE-NaDYpH3E08BpkTbg31ZlAY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyplant2" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9.  Boomwriters</span></strong> (<a href="http://www.boomwriter.com/home/Schools">http://www.boomwriter.com/home/Schools</a>)<br /><br />This seems to be a site that you join – free to schools – and it takes you on a writing journey. It could be worth investigating!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mMLS0SBCkb0gnymdMuN-iIrzrgvMywKG00VmNP7HTAq0cXl2Q8dfutUhLlnL1PdUFlaAi1IEhe3G_mS0xa1nLyUTBGSHDUskFkp0mgCLGC-2g6fjGqtxxEhmGxjGBbWZVcefdZZeeYM/s1600-h/bbomwriters%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bbomwriters" border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0oTfLVCRvIEO1HVKd2AMUyf_m2f2TgVd0Jd7_HZTX7XbcBrfwC3KllyM8O8afWHmjX8Pje8St4ebsSuwgkC0Z-Zg-me2bp455haJfHXA9zmCJbgS-0kIQI3tspaKw0i-P90dKdLbg3Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bbomwriters" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>10. Inspiring ideas</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/inspiringwriting.htm">http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/inspiringwriting.htm</a>)<br /><br />Just to finish off this looks worth exploring – 34 more ideas in a Google doc. <br />Click on the picture to be taken to the actual Google doc so that you can view all 34 ideas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddf8kn4m_59zqzbv9gs&pli=1"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1n1dJ1YCidI732gVL6MdiAyjBsENDnHMYqpUQYkCodEIpO-6fKVLWoHwFGJqcgrutM5T77IoafQnX6CGq-ZI-1omt-Y8M4h2Wnn2yJp5P5l9QL46ZFjtL2VItWTGdG3VScOOZKLTAn4/s320/inspire.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11. Even more..</b></span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is continued with another group of story starter sites. Visit <a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-story-starter-sites-to-inspire.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">More story starter sites to inspire your students to write</span></a></span><br />  </div></div>

Creative writing 10 Story Starter sites to get your students writing

Submitted by Fiona Beal Have you ever wondered how to get the reluctant writers in your class enthusiastic about writing? Nowadays with all ...

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What about joining up with a project on Children’s Rights?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />We have all heard of the UNICEF Children's Rights. This is such a topical subject and it is worth getting your class to learn more about children's rights around the world. This is one of the IEARN projects that Omashani Naidoo, the Operations Manager at SchoolNet South Africa has brought to my attention. <br />Omashani says, "My friend Annie Flore is a coordinator of this project. This would really be a wonderful opportunity for SA learners to give their point of view and let other countries learn first-hand about our vast experiences in SA." <br /><ul><li><strong>Facilitator(s):</strong> <a href="http://media.iearn.org/user/12041">annie_flore_vergne_morgand</a><br /></li><li><strong>Country:</strong> France<br /></li><li><strong>Languages:</strong> English<br /></li><li><strong>Student Age Level:</strong> 12-14, 15-18<br /></li><li><strong>Dates:</strong> September 2011 to April 2012<br /></li><li><strong>Summary:</strong> Students will help to identify what they believe are the key rights of children while also exploring the rights defined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child<strong>. </strong></li>Here is a picture of the project details. Click on the picture to be taken to its location. </ul><div align="center"><a href="http://media.iearn.org/projects/childrens-rights"><img alt="project - children's rights" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lwv5wo1c0k_CBYyN9mi3T1s59_-j41PsxPj6mXWz9Rx6qt0V0CM0WHkUkVhMHC3Taq2JeI8OvOGa5KE5K9Dri2aSKvivywxLgO8m4prhHrMBxB43zECgHeJ4lY1qNcVHR-2LZX0Dpm8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="project - children's rights" width="320" /></a></div></div>

Collaboration Project-based learning What about joining up with a project on Children’s Rights?

We have all heard of the UNICEF Children's Rights. This is such a topical subject and it is worth getting your class to learn more about...

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16 job search errors you're probably making

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><div class="hdr_org_bld" style="color: #ff6600; font: normal normal bold 18px/normal arial, helvetica;"><h1 id="articleHeadline" style="color: #ff7700; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></h1></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Rachel Farrell, special to CareerBuilder.com</span></b><br /></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the years, hiring managers have born witness to every hiring, interviewing, résumé, cover letter and negotiation mistake there is.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You know what these blunders are. We've told you several times. Yet you (and hundreds of other job seekers) continue to make common job search mistakes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">From those who see your mistakes over and over, here are 16 common job search mistakes to avoid -- and some of them may surprise you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1. You don't keep your options open</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Candidates tend to think that if they interview for a job they will get an offer, so they do not apply and interview for multiple positions," says Joanie Spain, director of public relations and career services, School of Advertising Art, a graphic design college.<i> </i>"They wait until one plays out completely, putting their job search on hold until knowing for sure they didn't get the offer."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"By having many more irons in the fire, you diversify the risk and disappointment that is inevitable when any single opportunity disappears," adds Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide: Success Secrets of a Career Coach."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"You also present yourself as a more passionate and energetic candidate. You're in the 'zone' -- a point where you're in the flow of information and ideas -- and that makes you more valuable."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2. You turn up your nose at job descriptions</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Entry-level candidates are reluctant to apply for a position unless the job sounds like their 'dream job' or they have all qualifications listed," Spain says. "Rather than going on an interview to get more information, they base decisions about applying on the job description alone. They fail to see that all interview experience is good experience, or that, until there is an offer on the table, there is no decision to make."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>3. You haven't perfected the thank-you note</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Don't be too verbose with a thank-you note after an interview. Sending out a version of "War and Peace" can come across as desperate and needy for a job. However, sending a one or two sentence thank-you note comes across as flippant, not well thought-out and potentially shows indifference regarding the job to the employer," says Mike Barefoot, senior account manager at Red Zone Resources, a recruitment firm. "We encourage candidates to keep them to four to eight sentences."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>4. You don't check your references</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Always give out references that you've pre-screened. We sometimes see candidates give out references that were never checked with and the references feedback isn't always kind," Barefoot says. "Also, make sure they're predominantly managers. An occasional colleague is okay, but contemporaries and friends really don't carry that much weight in helping you land a position."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>5. You've got poor business acumen</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Managers are becoming more savvy and are taking candidates out to lunch for interviews. They want to see how you treat a restaurant staff and see the 'real' you. If you're rude to them or don't seem appreciative for their hard work to make your meal pleasurable, managers wonder how you'll treat contemporaries you work with," Barefoot says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>6. You have a messy briefcase</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"A messy briefcase can imply the person is unorganized, messy and unprepared, and that their work will be less than optimal," says Ronald Kaufman, author of "Anatomy of Success." "Someone who is neat, clean, organized and prepared in all areas conveys they're serious about getting a job and working."<b><br />7. You discount temporary positions</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Many employers coming out of a recession want to hire on a temporary or temp- to perm- basis. We have already seen several contractors be offered permanent positions after they have proven themselves," says Jeffrey Weinstock, Esq. president, Rhodes & Weinstock, a recruiting firm. "Not only will the temporary position pay some bills, think of it as an audition for a potential perm position, or at least a way to get a good reference for another position."<br /><b>8. You have a bad attitude</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Poor attitudes come through in telephone calls and in interviews. If you are not positive, why would a potential employer want to hire you?" asks Weinstock. "It may take some time, but by being positive, by doing all the right things, by seeing each position as an opportunity, it will happen."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>9. You include too much work history</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Many job seekers over 40 think that they have to take their work history back to their first job out of college," says Cheryl E. Palmer, career coach and résumé writer. " All that is needed is the last 10-15 years of your work history."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>10. You use your work email address on your résumé</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Some people do not regularly check their personal email, so they use their employers' email instead," Palmer says. "This sends a negative message to potential employers that the job seekers will not hesitate to use their equipment for personal use."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>11. You take "no" as a final answer</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"No" usually only means "no" for that position, says Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, LTD.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"If you are rejected for a job you should send a thank-you note, thank the employer for the opportunity, and wish them well. No one does that. When the next opening comes around, he'll remember you," says Hurwitz.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>12. You lack tact</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Be determined without being pushy. Calling or emailing to ask about the status of your résumé or interview can be a double-edged sword," says Rod Hughes, director of communications, Oxford Communications. "A tactful follow up can place you top of mind with the hiring manager, while incessant calling or emailing can push your résumé right off the table."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>13. You don't search for yourself on the Internet</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Your would-be employer is probably going to look you up online, so you should know what is out there," says Amanda O'Brien, vice president of marketing, Hall Web Services. "Clean up what you can, check your privacy settings on social networks and if it is something you can't get down off the internet, you may want to consider talking to the company about it."  <b><br />14. You have a 'death by bullets' résumé</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Bullets are great but they need context. Keep them to one line, focused on a result and include a figure like a fact, percentage or number," says Adriana Llames, author of "Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game." "Or, put the information in a short summary of the position."<b><br />15. You've got a scattered strategy</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Looking for a job in any industry and with two or three résumés is going to get the same result as the strategy: scattered," Llames says. "Job seekers with a clearly defined, focused and organized strategic approach to their job search end up with clear results -- and a new job."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>16. You think it's about you</b></div>It is not about you and your need for a job -- it is about the prospective employer and their need to run a successful business and make money, says Lori B. Rassas, employment attorney and author of "Employment Law: A Guide to Hiring, Managing and Firing for Employers and Employees."<br />"Many applicants mistakenly believe they will be an appealing candidate if they explain they will accept any type of job offer at any because they have been laid off, unemployed for an extended period of time, have children in college, or are having difficulty making the mortgage payments," she says. "Even if all of those circumstances are true, candidates need to craft a different message, focusing on how they can benefit the employer by saving them money, streamlining processes, creating additional sources of revenue and bringing overall value to the company."<br /><i>Rachel Farrell researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i> </div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

16 job search errors you're probably making

Rachel Farrell, special to CareerBuilder.com Over the years, hiring managers have born witness to every hiring, interviewing, résumé, cover ...

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Struggling... Part 1

After I reached my <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-first-10-pound-goal-has-been-met.html">first 10 lbs goal</a>, I felt unstoppable.  Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255.<br /><br />Then the following week <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-to-oa-meeting.html">I bombed with a lot of cookies and beer</a>, and the scale showed that failure very precisely the following Friday.<br /><br />Then I became extremely discouraged, and even though I wanted badly to come back strong from that week (and granted, my "week" isn't over yet until this Friday), I have yet to do that.<br /><br />Here is how my week has progressed so far:<br /><br /><b>Day 1:</b><br />Friday I traveled 2 hours to Joel's grandparents where I was to "enjoy" a home-cooked meal.  I dreaded this meal because I knew it was going to be his grandmother's famous mac 'n cheese.  I wanted to flat out say "No, I'll eat at home" so that I could ensure I started the weekend off right.  But in the past that has hurt his feelings by me not partaking in his family's meals, which has been due to me being on WW and the lack of food are both Points+ friendly and I actually like.  So, I tried to skimp on eating all day to save up for this meal.  My strategy would be to load up on the vegetables and have only a tiny amount of her famous dish, because afterall, I do not know the exact Points+ value and would have to estimate.<br /><br />Turns out the "meal" only consisted of the mac 'n cheese - nothing else.  Of course, I was aching for dinner by the time we ate it (close to 7:30 PM and I hadn't eaten since noon).   I had a lot of the mac 'n cheese people.. probably several cups worth.<br /><br />Great.  Good job Hilary.  Way to start that weekend off on the right foot!  So I told myself, "It's fine Hilary.  The carbs will do a body good come tomorrow [Saturday] for the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-annual-st-marys-county.html">septathalon</a>."  Ok fine.  Accept it and move on.<br /><br /><b>Day 2</b><br />Saturday we woke up and I had breakfast at the hotel: about a cup of corn flakes with skim milk and some seasoned potatoes.  I also had a fat free French vanilla cappuccino (from <a href="http://www.sheetz.com/">Sheetz</a> - yay!).  Not a <i>terrible </i>start to the day.<br /><br />I made it all the way through the 11 miles on the bike not feeling the least bit hungry.  But as we were driving back to the starting line for the run, I realized that it was well after noon and I should eat before doing what was supposed to be 6 miles.  So I had a <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough">cookie dough Larabar</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s1600/larabar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s200/larabar.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I did the 4 mile run/walk and returned extremely hungry.  I immediately ate a banana which didn't sit quite well with me.  So then I had another Larabar - it was either that or a muffin.  Turns out those Larabar's are very high in Points+: a whopping 6 Points+ for one!  So right then and there I had 12 Points+ invested, not to mention all that I ate for breakfast.  Still, in hindsight, it was not enough that I had screwed myself for the day, but that's exactly what I thought at the time.<br /><br />And so when we went to the post-race bbq, I was so hungry I was actually nauseous and I went to TOWN when we got there.  I ate a bunch of <a href="http://www.beanaturalchips.com/">bean chips</a>, several carrots with hummus, too many slices of gouda and cheddar cheese, a hamburger (with cheese), and a pumpkin cupcake.<br /><br />Great. Good job Hilary.  Way to undo all of that physical activity from today.

Weight Loss Challenges Struggling... Part 1

After I reached my first 10 lbs goal , I felt unstoppable.  Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255. Then the following week I bomb...

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Tuesday recap

<b>That stomach thing</b><br />I'm pretty sure the stomach bug I had was actually food poisoning from a nectarine or raw spinach that I ate Sunday morning. I could be wrong, but after reading about food poisoning it sounds like that was what happened. I don't think I was contagious. My husband didn't get sick (he didn't eat spinach or a nectarine).<br /><br />Today was much better and by this afternoon the only thing wrong with me was my broken wrist.<br /><br />Enough said about my health.<br /><br /><b>Shopping</b><br />About my crazy shopping trip yesterday where I tried on at least 30 pairs of pants. This was brought on by three weeks of watching several re-runs of "What Not to Wear" when I was home with my first cast. After gaining back almost fifty of my eighty pounds lost, I had become a What Not to Wear "before", a worst-dressed woman. I only worked three days last week and looked like a bum every day.<br /><br />For the past year I've barely bought any new clothes because I was going to lose thirty pounds, and get back into my size 10 and 12 clothes. That obviously didn't happen. If I did buy clothes they were of poor quality because this weight was just temporary. Just for the record, I really hate clothes shopping. It's like being tortured, especially shopping for pants.<br /><br />Somehow I seemed to skip size 14's on my way up and down the scale. I have several clothes in size 12, a few 10s, quite a few in size 16, but hardly anything in size 14. Not sure how that happened.<br /><br />I had planned to shop Saturday, but I didn't have time. Then you all know what happened Sunday.  I just felt a need to try to look semi-professional at work. It makes me feel better if my clothes fit me. <br /><br /><b>Terrible sad news</b><br />I saw someone today I hadn't seen in a few months. I knew they were diagnosed with cancer the last time I saw them. We had a long talk today. The cancer they have isn't a good cancer. I know all cancers are bad, but some are worse than others. This one has a very low survival rate. Not good odds.<br /><br />As they were talking to me, telling me they thought they were going to die, I thought I was going to burst into tears. It hurts even more because they're young with young children. It broke my heart.<br /><br />You just never know when the rug is going to be pulled out from under you on something like this. This person was leading a very healthy lifestyle, totally fit, not at all overweight, didn't drink or smoke, ate healthy food, then Bam!, you've got cancer. You have to wonder how cancer picks it's victims.<br /><br /><b>My exercise</b><br />I don't really exercise that much. Some people might think I'm an exercise machine, but I'm really just average. I go to the gym on most days (made it there this morning), some days I am an exercise machine, but most days (like today) I'm just average.<br /><br />My workouts burn calories, work my muscles, but a lot of the time, they're nothing spectacular. I usually spend an hour working out, 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes weights (or less if it's upper body since only one arm these days). Sometimes I'll do more, occasionally a little less. I'll never quit working out unless I'm bed-bound or dead. It's part of what I've done for 3 1/2 years and what I plan on doing forever. Just saying though, it's not a big deal. I probably talk about it too much so I sound like some big exercising person. I'm not. Just normal.<br /><br />Also, I know I can do a million squats and lunges, and I'll never get slim hips and thighs. It's not my body type. Big hips, big thighs, that's me,even if I did weigh 135.<br /><br /><b>Last thought of the night</b><br />Good night and have a great Wednesday. :)

Tuesday recap

That stomach thing I'm pretty sure the stomach bug I had was actually food poisoning from a nectarine or raw spinach that I ate Sunday m...

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Live From Quito 6 (Part B) The End

In addition to the dramatic resolution of the crisis in Ecuador Central and taking the first step toward a major restructuring of the church, we adopted a pastoral teaching on the environment, particularly about how environmental degradation hurts the poor. A lot of the education sessions had been preparing us for this. It is incumbent on us to share what we learn. A pastoral teaching is one way to do that.<br /><br />As I look back over my descriptions of this time with the House of Bishops, I see that I have missed much of the quality and feel of what has been happening. The missing pieces are obvious. I have not told you that we celebrated the Eucharist together every day, that we began each day with Morning Prayer followed by Bible Study, that we stopped in the middle of each day for Noonday Prayer, that we ended each day with Evening Prayer, or that we said Compline once. I did not tell you of the special prayers said at other times for people in need or the many prayers of thanksgiving. I did not tell you of the moments of silence for disaster victims, for family members who died this week, for bishops who died since our lasr meeting.<br /><br />Scripture, prayer, and sacraments were, as always, the supporting structure of all we did. Simply, we continued in the fellowship of the Apostles, the breaking of bread, and in the prayers..<br /><br />A bishop is a bishop not because of personal gifts and talents. Nor is it enough that a bishop be elected. A bishop has to be plugged into episcopacy. That starts when three or more bishops consecrate him or her. But it does not end there. The authentic exercise of episcopacy depends on connection to the gathered assembly of bishops. Each individual bishop represents this body, which is immensely wiser and holier than any of us could ever be on our own.

Live From Quito 6 (Part B) The End

In addition to the dramatic resolution of the crisis in Ecuador Central and taking the first step toward a major restructuring of the church...

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Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake

I made this AWESOME milkshake on Monday for a lunchtime treat.  If you love vanilla milkshakes, you will be sure to love this amazingness.  This is <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1255">Hungry Girl's version</a> of a vanilla milkshake, and I think I would honestly take this over the fast food version any day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>I snatched up this recipe from her Hungry Girl 1-2-3 cookbook.<br /><br />I thought for sure that the vanilla ice cream and vanilla soymilk alone would be enough to form a substantial vanilla flavor, but with the vanilla extract and vanilla powdered creamer there is no doubting what flavor this is.  It is incredibly vanilla-y & I loved every single ounce of it.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBC2N5kObMrl86hRjaBW0M-7vyIXg0CCmn6MdR-r6o4suTIFnzk7E2RI4eqNplwmpf9EAsfRE2NCTp2TNZgYPkjY5fOAAp2SyT9SUVVeksWcYFdmLM0mzdFkgmK8JRECRIj2He3Ojn8/s1600/Milkshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBC2N5kObMrl86hRjaBW0M-7vyIXg0CCmn6MdR-r6o4suTIFnzk7E2RI4eqNplwmpf9EAsfRE2NCTp2TNZgYPkjY5fOAAp2SyT9SUVVeksWcYFdmLM0mzdFkgmK8JRECRIj2He3Ojn8/s400/Milkshake.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Ordinarily I would be wondering how I could incorporate chocolate into this, which, of course, would not be difficult.  However, I loved it just the way it was - all vanilla, all the time.<br /><blockquote><b><u>Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake</u> - <i>4 Points+</i> </b><br /><i>Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>1/2 cup Breyers Double Churn Free Creamy Vanilla fat-free ice cream</li><li>1/2 cup light vanilla soymilk</li><li>1/2 tbsp. Coffee-mate Sugar Free French Vanilla powdered creamer</li><li>2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Splenda or Truvia)</li><li>1/8 tsp. vanilla extract</li><li>1 cup crushed ice or 5 - 7 ice cubes</li><li>Optional: 2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip</li><li>Optional: maraschino cherry</li></ul><br /><i>Directions:</i><br />Place powdered creamer in a small dish, and add 1/2 tbsp. very hot water. Stir until powder dissolves, and then transfer mixture to a blender.<br /><br />Add all other ingredients except the Reddi-wip to the blender. Blend at high speed until completely mixed. Pour into your favorite glass and top with Reddi-wip. If you like, finish it off with a cherry!<br /><br />MAKES 1 SERVING</blockquote> Milkshakes/icecream are a huge weakness of mine.  Do you crave milkshakes too?

Weight Watcher Recipes Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake

I made this AWESOME milkshake on Monday for a lunchtime treat.  If you love vanilla milkshakes, you will be sure to love this amazingness.  ...

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Live From Quito 6 (Part A)

The crisis in Ecuador Central was resolved today. The settlement is complicated but this is the crux of it: Bishop Ruiz, the Standing Committee, the Legal Representative, the Chancellor -- in short the entire diocesan leadership -- will resign, ceding all authority to the Presiding Bishop until they can have a convention to elect new leadership. Bp Katharine has appointed Bp Victor Scantleberry to serve as interim bishop and oversee a process of reconciliation.<br /><br />Coming to Quito was not easy. It was a long flight for many of us. Quito is the most dangerous airport in the world. One bishop was mugged yesterday. Today a bishop spouse was hospitalized with altitude sickness. A lot of us have been impaired to varying degrees by the altitude. But if our presence helped bring about this step toward peace, where before there were threats of violence, it was worth it. Though the crisis is past, the troubles here did not begin recently and they will not be resolved soon. But this was a big step. We gave our friend Bishop Luiz Fernando Ruiz a standing ovation. We laid hands on him, his wife Tanya, and their baby for healing at the closing Eucharist. You can see the toll this ordeal has taken on them.<br /><br />Today the new Chief Operating Officer of the Episcopal Center (815), Bp Stacy Sauls, made the case for a major restructuring of the the Church. We suffer from "death by governance" (Bishop Katharine). Up to 45% of the church budget goes to overhead. We have 75 standing commissions. He gave examples of ways to save millions of dollars from governance so we can redirect that money to mission and social ministries at the local level. We do not have a specific substantive proposal,but a proposed resolution for a special commission to create a restructuring plan to submit at a special convention. Note the point is not just to spend less. It is to redirect money and human resources from governance to mission, from centralized to local, while streamlining the governing bodies of the Church.<br /><br />The same goals are behind our proposed canon to merge our two diocesan governing boards. Western Kansas and some other small, financially challenged dioceses are dong the same thing this year.

Live From Quito 6 (Part A)

The crisis in Ecuador Central was resolved today. The settlement is complicated but this is the crux of it: Bishop Ruiz, the Standing Commit...

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Twenty pairs of pants later...

Around 3pm yesterday I finally started feeling better. A little bit nauseous if I I moved too fast or even thought about certain foods, but much more normal.<br /><br />Breakfast was an egg and Canadian bacon on a Thomas light muffin. Big mistake. It made me really sick (still makes me sick to think about it). Lunch was five low-salt saltines. Dinner was homemade chicken soup (leftovers). I went to bed hungry, but hunger beats nauseousness any day.<br /><br />Around 4 pm I tried to go to the gym, but only made it to the parking lot. I still didn't feel quite right, I was getting hot, sweaty flashes, then freezing cold. I decided it was probably a stupid idea to workout so I left.<br /><br />Then I decided to torture myself with a pants shopping trip to Macy's. My first trip into the dressing room with twenty pairs of pants (I could barely carry them all with one hand), and nothing fit right.<br /><br />I've noticed my fat has come back in different places this time. My hips and thighs seem bigger and my waist smaller. I've been this weight many times in my life, usually going up or coming down, but I don't remember having this problem of not being able to find pants that fit. 12's are too small and 14's are too big. I'm sort of wondering if it's my age. Gravity sucking everything down.<br /><br />I guess this means I need to do more lower body workouts, which are not my favorite. My old trainer told me everyone hates squats and lunges. You're working the really big muscles in the thighs and butt and it hurts. No kidding.<br /><br />I finally found two pairs of pants that fit me perfectly. This was on my third trip to the dressing room. By this time I was hot, sweaty, tired and a wee bit angry about trying on all these clothes and I didn't like anything. The brand that fit so well is Charter Club (I think it's a Macy's brand but not sure), and a style called Slim It Up. This is what is says on the tag: "Curves appear slimmer and firmer. Slim It Up with lockstitch control panels tummy appears flatter."<br /><br />I also bought three tops and a dress. I rarely wear dresses to work (or anywhere), but I think it would be fun to shock everyone with me in a dress.<br /><br />Almost 5 a.m. (yes, another bad night of sleep, up since 3:30 a.m.). I'm going to try the gym again, I feel better, just a little bit nauseous, but not terrible. No coffee this morning and no eggs (gross...what was I thinking?). Maybe saltines for breakfast. Then back to work today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Twenty pairs of pants later...

Around 3pm yesterday I finally started feeling better. A little bit nauseous if I I moved too fast or even thought about certain foods, but ...

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Live From Quito 5: The Losses We Endure

Disasters have been a major theme of this House of Bishops. We heard from the bishops of Vermont and Albany about the flood, from the bishop of Western Missouri about the tornado, from the bishop of Texas about the drought and wildfires. It has been one hard year! They expressed their appreciation for the prayers and support of the rest of the church in helping them through these catastrophes.<br /><br />The Archbishop of Japan showed a DVD and gave a heartbreaking report of their triple disaster -- earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear radiation. The bishop of Haiti updated us on the slow process of rebuilding their broken nation after that earthquake. He was deeply grateful for our support and to Bishop Katharine for her repeated visits to encourage and console the Haitian people.<br /><br />The bishops have been very solicitous for the people of Reno involved in the air crash. They assure us of their prayers.<br /><br />All of this is probably why I found tears in my eyes at today's Eucharist when we sang Thomas Dorsey's hymn written late one night in 1932 in an Atlanta hotel after he learned that his wife had died in childbirth and the child had died too while he was away.<br /><br /> "When the darkness appears and the night draws near<br /> When the day is past and gone<br /> At the river I stand<br /> Guide my feet, hold my hand<br /> Precious Lord take my hand, lead me home."

Live From Quito 5: The Losses We Endure

Disasters have been a major theme of this House of Bishops. We heard from the bishops of Vermont and Albany about the flood, from the bishop...

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Live From Quito 4

Just a few highlights from today: one of our guest bishops from another church in the Anglican Communion told us that once when he was a new bishop he asked his wife, "Did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine that I would be bishop of this diocese?" She replied, "Darling, in my wildest dreams, you do not appear."<br /><br />An English bishop informed us of issues in the C of E including the upcoming Synod which will decide whether to admit women to the episcopacy. He indicated that many in England believe the discussion of the Anglican Covenant has been helpful but see no need to actually adopt the Covenant. He made no prediction of the outcome and did not say how he would vote. My prediction: we will endorse the core values in the first three sections of the covenant but not the sanctions in section four. I also predict not many other churches in the communion will sign on to the Covenant.<br /><br />The bishops from Liturgy & Music reported on the same sex blessing liturgy drafting process. Enormous work has been done. Massive input has been received. More revising is probably ahead. My opinion: this rite will be approved in some form. There will be controversy about it. But whether it is a bloody controversy depends on which book we put it in. If we do this in a way that effectively compels all dioceses to use the rite, there will be real crises in several dioceses that oppose it. If we do it in a way that authorizes but does not compel its use, it will be used by most dioceses, and the ones who oppose it can dissent in good conscience without a major crisis. There will be upset but we will get through it. I also predict that whatever rite we authorize will be imperfect. Both the rite and the theological supporting document will be revised after a few years of experience.<br /><br />We had reports and a panel discussion on the economic, environmental, and migration challenges facing our Episcopal Dioceses in Latin America. I was particularly struck to hear that restrictive immigration policies and deportations put people in a vulnerable situation. In that situation they become prey for sex traffickers. I had not made the connection between those two issues -- immigration and trafficking -- which are both major concerns in Nevada.

Live From Quito 4

Just a few highlights from today: one of our guest bishops from another church in the Anglican Communion told us that once when he was a ...

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First Annual St Mary's County Septathalon

Over the weekend, Joel's brother, Nathanael, hosted a "septathalon" in honor of his 30th birthday.  It was held in St Mary's County, MD - down near the Chesapeake Bay.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuj1zPOOfsPzzRuq2r6dELMyRUDIlxsNnRiQvZa8wkRYba04r7hq44wa7KucXpgSTNfvyFVDxEy2t9Xu_kKDECjYm9OngIzjDVyR8Qx0DONFPYf20b22AD-xIWbyxJtJkDs-qxQvWL4/s1600/Septathalon+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuj1zPOOfsPzzRuq2r6dELMyRUDIlxsNnRiQvZa8wkRYba04r7hq44wa7KucXpgSTNfvyFVDxEy2t9Xu_kKDECjYm9OngIzjDVyR8Qx0DONFPYf20b22AD-xIWbyxJtJkDs-qxQvWL4/s400/Septathalon+007.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I snagged this pretty burnt heart on one of the dead trees near the river</td></tr></tbody></table>The Septathalon featured 7 events: yoga, swimming, biking, running, fishing, eating and drinking.  Not your average kind of sporting event :).<br /><br />I participated in 3 of the "main" events: yoga, biking and running.  Our yoga instruction was very quick - sort of a kick off to the entire event.  Once the guys (and 1 girl) finished with the swim, we started the 22 mile bike ride.  I actually only ended up doing 11 miles because it was pouring down rain and extremely hard to see, but I was really proud of myself for doing half of it.  I even felt really good after those 11 miles, I could have/would have kept going if not for the rain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsOJzhzgCOHgbnuu1HO_wVLGQbEZgr8fFIowl0QLAgZkkygAAjffJPWgEdWjvvKxWlhekyw-u7QT7rrdTob6YsQ1XTWSwOG0O6BDCnil1U3k2pWwBYqFnnAYQOIogazgxzdUZzGibqc/s1600/Septathalon+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsOJzhzgCOHgbnuu1HO_wVLGQbEZgr8fFIowl0QLAgZkkygAAjffJPWgEdWjvvKxWlhekyw-u7QT7rrdTob6YsQ1XTWSwOG0O6BDCnil1U3k2pWwBYqFnnAYQOIogazgxzdUZzGibqc/s400/Septathalon+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's me in the background gearing up for the 11 miles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />After the bike ride, we proceeded to the 6 mile run.  After much convincing, Joel agreed to do the run with me.  We started off with a light jog and then had to walk for a bit because my hip started to hurt a little.  We made it 2 miles before we spotted Joel's brother running back to us, letting us know that the bar we were running to was closed (this was for the "drinking" part).  So, we just turned around and did 4 miles instead of the planned 6.  Joel and I both jogged for a little over 2 miles though - so I was very pleased with myself for that.<br /><br />I was <b>extremely proud</b> of myself for biking <i>and </i>walking/running.  Never have I ever biked 11 miles and ran/walked 4 all in the same day.  And by the way, Joel's brother did every single event in it's entirety.  Granted, he trained for the whole thing, but still - SO awesome!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6zISGHBMjjVE71CM7LReeuL8kLjsdUdjW6HxH9mefejp-NYDH8mNpQ7QTa1xOck-Dd7E4rVUbraeIGZWjjGPpgAncfUqLEkGRNyloUVdbKa74Ipd_Yv48gzXA_uhzrbNm4CGppEPCs/s1600/Septathalon+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6zISGHBMjjVE71CM7LReeuL8kLjsdUdjW6HxH9mefejp-NYDH8mNpQ7QTa1xOck-Dd7E4rVUbraeIGZWjjGPpgAncfUqLEkGRNyloUVdbKa74Ipd_Yv48gzXA_uhzrbNm4CGppEPCs/s400/Septathalon+106.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />It wasn't long afterward that stiffness and soreness set in.  In fact, not only was I achy, but Joel and I both battled some serious stomach problems.  It put somewhat of a damper on the remainder of the day.  We ended up leaving the post-Septathalon BBQ early because of our stomach issues.  <br /><br />Still, I had a lot of fun on Saturday and I take so much pride in proving to myself that I was capable of doing these events, even if I am 256 pounds.

Exercise Septathalon First Annual St Mary's County Septathalon

Over the weekend, Joel's brother, Nathanael, hosted a "septathalon" in honor of his 30th birthday.  It was held in St Mary'...

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NATURAL RESOURCE EXPLORATION, A WELCOME EXCUSE FOR WARMONGERING?

<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>FROM NORTH TO SOUTH, WEST TO EAST……</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SINO - INDIA </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Geo-strategically speaking we are currently facing potential “NATURAL RESOURCE CONFLICT ZONES” in the MIDDLE EAST, the SOUTHERN CONE (ARGENTINA, UNITED KINGDOM) and last but not least, the FAR EAST, SINO- INDIA. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvyCkXprCTnbr6QlF8oVc9bvK44hOdzyoYBCdPQOj5H6x58srTobEnlSoRwsdi3ZAkH7zNFapd23ZsDHX73m9oBxO-eAXzIr16z6Le64t5qki0QtGVWatG38r1GU9WJ6wY4wmLMixTBIz/s1600/schinasea.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvyCkXprCTnbr6QlF8oVc9bvK44hOdzyoYBCdPQOj5H6x58srTobEnlSoRwsdi3ZAkH7zNFapd23ZsDHX73m9oBxO-eAXzIr16z6Le64t5qki0QtGVWatG38r1GU9WJ6wY4wmLMixTBIz/s1600/schinasea.gif" /></a>The later emerged when INDIA decided to push its “LOOK EAST” policy and ventured out into the SOUTH CHINA SEA, a move which has change the SINO – INDIA geostrategic rivalry once and for all. The visit of an INDIAN naval ship in VIETNAM, as part of a good will visit, annoyed CHINA but was kept at low profile. This time around though, the quarrel is far more serious and has to do with exploration projects by INDIAN state – owned OIL AND NATURAL GAS CORPORATION (ONGC VIDESH Ltd) in two offshore blocks that VIETNAM claims. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">CHINA responded by issuing a statement which clearly objected oil and gas exploration in water which CHINA claims as part of its jurisdiction. INDIA on the other hand responded by stating that its cooperation with VIETNAM is in accordance with international laws, norms and conventions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">See also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_War">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Indian_War</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">INDIA clearly is eager to engage further with VIETNAM on economic issues and cooperation’s in order to obtain a slice of the booming economic “cake” of the region.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>CYPRUS, GREECE, ISRAEL, RUSSIA versus TURKEY, SAUDI ARABIA  </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN natural resource dispute which involves TURKEY, ISRAEL, GREECE AND CYPRUS, RUSSIA sent two nuclear powered submarines to patrol EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN water around CYPRUS to enforce the islands right to explore oil and gas in its territorial waters.</span><span style="font-size: large;">   </span><span style="font-size: large;">  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Global warmongering surrounding the quest for natural resource seems to gain momentum and comes also as welcome distraction from the current financial crises the USA and EUROPE are facing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>BALKAN NATURAL RESOURCES</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least we should not forget about the vast amount of natural resources available in KOSOVO and BOSNIA, including possible oil and gas reserves. The only reason oil and gas exploration in these parts of the BALKANS have not taken up momentum is the unstable economic and political situation and the worry by the international community of the consequences such findings would trigger in such versatile and ethnic environment. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">  </span><span style="font-size: large;">   </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">See: </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/09/mission-impossible-quest-for-natural.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/09/mission-impossible-quest-for-natural.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/08/bosnia-cursed-by-european-union-eu.html">        http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/08/bosnia-cursed-by-european-union-eu.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

NATURAL RESOURCE EXPLORATION, A WELCOME EXCUSE FOR WARMONGERING?

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH, WEST TO EAST……   SINO - INDIA Geo-strategically speaking we are currently facing potential “NATURAL RESOURCE CONFLICT Z...

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How to answer, "Tell me a little about yourself."

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><div class="cbmsnArticleImage" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/7t/ar5l0xq6szf88r05d47t.gif?time=12/10/2010%205:37:35%20pm" /></div><div class="hdr_org_bld" style="color: #ff6600; font: normal normal bold 18px/normal arial, helvetica;"><h1 id="articleHeadline" style="color: #ff7700; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></h1></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer</span></b><br /></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To a painter, an untouched canvas holds unlimited possibility for a bold new creation. But for each artist, the potential for something great is counterweighed by the potential for unparalleled failure.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Similarly, excitement and anxiety loom over job interviews. When you present yourself to an employer, you hope all the right words come out and you woo them. You only practice the perfect responses to questions, never the wrong answers. But in the back of your mind you know that you might end up sounding like a terrible candidate who no employer will ever hire, even if you're actually the perfect person for the job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For a job seeker, the blank canvas is the open-ended question. When the right answer requires more than a yes or a no, job seekers need to take advantage of the freedom they have with their responses, not fear it. But perhaps no question intimidates job seekers more than "So, tell me a little about yourself."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You have many ways to answer, and the best response might depend on the stage of your career.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>David Copperfield you are not</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When Charles Dickens begins the tale of David Copperfield, the novel's namesake ruminates on his life. Where and when he was born and what he's to become. Leave that specificity and personal information to classic literature or your personal ads. Employers don't want to know about your childhood. They're concerned with your professional qualifications and any history that's relevant to the position.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here is some information you don't want to blurt out when asked to tell a little about yourself:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">· A brief summary of your childhood</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">· Your dislike of your current boss and your desire to get a new job ASAP</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">· The details of your current divorce proceedings</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">· Your passionate religious and political beliefs</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">· The fact that you're probably moving in six months and are just look for a temporary job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Employers don't care that you're the youngest of three children and played the bassoon in junior high. This personal information might naturally come out during conversation, but it's not what you want to lead with. Wherever you are in your career, remember that employers want to know what skills you bring and how you will help their businesses.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>If you're in college...</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">College jobs can vary from part-time positions you take to earn extra cash or they can be entry-level positions you use as the basis for your desired career. Either way, you're at a stage where education is your most significant qualification. And if you have work experience, mention it as an example that you're responsible and have a track record as a good employee.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer shouldn't sound like:</b> "I don't have any 8 a.m. classes because I usually stay out late. And I'll need weekends off."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer should sound like:</b> "I'm a full-time student studying education. I worked as a barista for two years and then as a sales clerk at for the past two summers, so I have plenty of experience working with customers."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>If you're just out of school...</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When employers hire new graduates, they know they're not getting seasoned workers with decades of experience. They also know they're getting workers who might not stick around for very long but who are current on the latest technology and trends.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer shouldn't sound like:</b> "I just graduated last week and have a list of ideas on how to improve your operations. You're doing a lot of things wrong."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer should sound like:</b> "I just received my B.A. in marketing with a 3.9 GPA. My courses in account management give me a strong foundation to begin my career with XYZ company, and I'm excited to learn from the industry leaders here."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>If you're mid-career and looking to switch industries...</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Many workers who specialize in one field for several years begin to think about exploring other industries. Either they grow tired of their jobs or they realize their skills can be put to better use elsewhere. Whatever the reason, their focus should be repackaging their experience for the new industry they want.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer shouldn't sound like</b>: "Well, I've been a manufacturing supervisor for 15 years. I don't have any experience as a sales supervisor or in sales at all."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer should sound like</b>: "For the past 15 years I was a supervisor at ABC Manufacturing. You might wonder why I want to move into sales at this stage in my career, but much of my time has been spent negotiating with vendors and meeting with CEOs. Although the industries might be different, the skills are the same."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>If you're easing into retirement...</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Seasoned workers might not want to devote the majority of their week to working, but they aren't ready to leave the workforce entire. When interviewing for part-time or contract work, these workers want to play up their experience and commitment to the job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer shouldn't sound like:</b> "I've had enough 50-hour weeks. Let the young workers try to keep up with that pace. I'm ready to finally relax and earn some extra money so I can finally quit for good."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Your answer should sound like:</b> "I've seen the industry change over the past 40 years and am eager to see where it goes in the future. As consultant, I'm eager to share my vast knowledge with clients in order to help their business grow."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, </i><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><i>The Work Buzz</i></a><i>. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.</i></div></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

How to answer, "Tell me a little about yourself."

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder Writer To a painter, an untouched canvas holds unlimited possibility for a bold new creation. But for each...

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Still not back to normal

At least I'm sitting upright, and not in the bathroom. I ate breakfast about an hour ago and feel really nauseous and slightly dizzy. The room isn't spinning out of control, but I don't feel good.<br /><br />I'm staying home from work today. I tried to read a few work emails this morning and just scrolling through them made me feel nauseous.<br /><br />If you haven't figured it out by now, the one thing in this world I really hate is being dizzy and nauseous. Its one of the reasons I've never been a big drinker. I can't stand the feeling of drinking too much alchohol. That's exactly how I feel right now, like I drank I drank a lot of hard liquor. I've had maybe two glasses of wine in the last six months. <br /><br />I've been eating really healthy for months (or is that years), with a few Ambien-induced slips, but usually on healthy food (except that piece of cheesecake and potato chips last week - yuk, cheesecake - the thought makes me want to throw up!). <br /><br />I'm guessing this is just some stomach bug I picked up somewhere and not something I ate. I thought it might have been my fresh organic baby spinach in my blackberry smoothie yesterday morning, but I've been eating the same brand for months. It's pre-washed and I think it's safe. I don't cook it, but maybe I should steam it a little before I put it in my smoothie (that is, if I ever have a green monster smoothie again - that thought makes me want to hurl too).<br /><br />My plan for today is lots of water and very little food. Only because whenever I eat anything it makes me feel really sick. I'm thinking about going to the store and buying saltines. That's right, white flour and salt. I really don't care at this moment about healthy, whole-grains. I just want something to calm down my stomach.<br /><br />No gym yesterday, although Saturday was one of my best workouts ever. Somehow I managed 61 minutes of "vigorous" activity according to my BodyMedia. Getting even a minute of vigorous activity is difficult since it has to be 6 METS or more, which usually means at least jogging at 4.5 or higher on the treadmill.<br /><br />I was on the elliptical and I think it helped that a coworker and friend of mine was on the elliptical next to me. He's a guy and about 20 years younger than me. I was working super hard to keep my heart rate up in the 140 range (131 is my 80% HR).<br /><br />I still totally love my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Purple/dp/B001F0PVNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316454127&sr=8-1">Polar FT60</a> (it was 50% off at Amazon and it's really magenta, not purple). I finally ordered the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Polar-1307238-Flowlink/dp/B001EO6YS8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316454097&sr=8-1">Flowlink </a>for it, which will enable me to download my workouts to my computer. I didn't think I needed that, but I've since changed my mind. I guess I'm sort of a gadget geek.  <br /><br />I also ordered a frozen yogurt maker at the same time (really need to go back to work and stay there so I stop buying stuff!). I tried making frozen Greek yogurt bars using Stevia (NuNaturals--the only brand I like). It tasted great, but the texture was weird.<br /><br />I was buying <a href="http://www.teamyasso.com/">Yasso </a>frozen Greek yogurt bars at Costco, but it was hit and miss on whether they had them in stock. Usually a miss. I love Costco, but if you find something you like, you're never guaranteed it'll be the the next time. The Yasso bars also didn't have any fiber because I'm sure they strain out the fruit pulp to make the bars creamy like ice cream. I liked the chunks of fruit in mine, but there wasn't anything creamy about them. The Yasso also contain a stabilizer with guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan,<i><span class="st"> </span></i>and soy lecithin. I looked all these items up and they're all plant based ingredients, not chemicals. I'd still prefer my own homemade bars, where I can control what's in them...Greek Yogurt, preferably Fage 0%( although I tried Costco's brand of Greek yogurt - didn't like it), fresh or frozen fruit and NuNaturals Stevia. Three ingredients.<br /><br />All this talk about food is making me feel sick. I looked at a few blogs this morning and the ones with pictures of food, I couldn't even look at them.<br /><br />My weight was 179.2, but I know that's just because I've been sick. Not eating much and living in the bathroom. I'm pretty sure one good meal will shoot it right back up to 181-182, where I've been sitting for a couple weeks. <br /><br />The sun is shining. I might try to go for a walk. I think the gym isn't a possibility today. The thought of the elliptical sort of makes me feel seasick.<br /><br />I'm sounding more and more like an old person. Constantly complaining about my aches and pains. I promise, my next post will be strictly about health and weight loss. I'm even getting bored with my health issues. <br /><br />

Still not back to normal

At least I'm sitting upright, and not in the bathroom. I ate breakfast about an hour ago and feel really nauseous and slightly dizzy. Th...

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Guilty Pleasures Movie Blogathon: "No down payment is the secret of prosperity..."

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEj1hsEhfLCCpC3JtoA_1ggHLyFtAmYPbyMIWrzsrC-_wAdMHm_oSoHysYKr6IvS1ZEx6-FY8tGOxwO_heGuhEzbMJsrhWNSZ9ndXO2hZqa-q-yksPBRWfxqvvSrXszafT4mCZG5ILxOV6g3/s1600/NDP+bordered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hsEhfLCCpC3JtoA_1ggHLyFtAmYPbyMIWrzsrC-_wAdMHm_oSoHysYKr6IvS1ZEx6-FY8tGOxwO_heGuhEzbMJsrhWNSZ9ndXO2hZqa-q-yksPBRWfxqvvSrXszafT4mCZG5ILxOV6g3/s1600/NDP+bordered.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s Los Angeles in the 1950s and the GI Bill-fueled migration from city to suburb is in high gear. An opening shot of a vast (but shockingly empty) freeway system sets the scene. A gorgeous young couple in a late-model Chrysler cruises out of town. They smile as they pass billboard after billboard trumpeting newly minted middle-class subdivisions: Fairview Ranchos, Enchanted Homes, Dutch Haven, Park Village Estates and, finally, Sunrise Hills (“a better place for better living”). They exit to the hills.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><a name='more'></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2LigSe0c9Lv12jam2hyyC9sHjarKdG-Hu5UIU0Abf_V1crJn18fgH5-Ta66cK_j6VeYD2KTvtGEfDflLNMJFWxs_uBXRsXITTxlVapWWXSTysDAmIoCBe7YpTo0Hw_IkZnOLWqdb4z7u/s1600/ndp+randall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2LigSe0c9Lv12jam2hyyC9sHjarKdG-Hu5UIU0Abf_V1crJn18fgH5-Ta66cK_j6VeYD2KTvtGEfDflLNMJFWxs_uBXRsXITTxlVapWWXSTysDAmIoCBe7YpTo0Hw_IkZnOLWqdb4z7u/s400/ndp+randall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flaggs: Sheree North and Tony Randall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So begins Martin Ritt’s second feature film, <i>No Down Payment</i> (1957), a slice of suburban realism generously spiced with melodrama. An ensemble cast portrays four neighboring couples who’ve staked their claim to the American Dream in Sunrise Hills. Pat Hingle and Barbara Rush are the Kreitzers (Herm and Betty), an easygoing pair, he manages the local appliance store, she’s a housewife. Tony Randall and Sheree North are the Flaggs (Jerry and Isabelle), he’s a boozy car salesman with get-rich-quick fantasies and she’s a housewife. Cameron Mitchell and Joanne Woodward are the Boones (Troy and Leola), he runs a service station and aspires to be police chief – and she’s a housewife. Jeffrey Hunter and Patricia Owens are the Martins (David and Jean), the couple in the Chrysler, newlywed and new in Sunrise Hills, he’s an electronics engineer and, yes, she is a housewife.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoi65IZx8L6M5YWdIumzX1cXvOtQ6jfiUAP_KLH7cN_4qQXKj88X8g3PaBRgcz7dHiK9-am-ElwFIJw0BqGfrBP-S-dQFej0Lfhg5PkxZdUjlb6V_RXIBjustobvxcq3kf_EVxznQIzRG/s1600/tract+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoi65IZx8L6M5YWdIumzX1cXvOtQ6jfiUAP_KLH7cN_4qQXKj88X8g3PaBRgcz7dHiK9-am-ElwFIJw0BqGfrBP-S-dQFej0Lfhg5PkxZdUjlb6V_RXIBjustobvxcq3kf_EVxznQIzRG/s320/tract+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-century Southern California, a better home and garden</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ben Maddow’s adaptation (fronted by Philip Yordan) of John McPartland’s breakthrough 1957 novel is, under Ritt’s  direction, a combination of grit and soap that mostly works, sometimes doesn’t, but has always intrigued me. It’s a high-drama trip into a particular era in a place close to home.</span></span> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>No Down Payment</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> takes place north of my hometown, most certainly in that part of L.A. known as “The Valley,” aka/the San Fernando Valley, the city’s now enormous bedroom community.  On the heels of World War II production and the post-war boom with its VA/FHA home loans, The Valley experienced a population explosion so powerful that by 1960 its citizenry numbered more than a million.</span></div></div><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the Martins make their way through the streets of Sunrise Hills to their new home, we get a glimpse of the housing development. From the curb, the houses and yards appear identical. As the plot advances, we see that they are the same inside and out – stucco, wood, glass and brick ranch homes with high windows facing the street and floor-to-ceiling glass and sliding doors facing backyard and patio. Standard issue includes a fireplace, kitchen nook, bar - and a console TV with a young tot or two rooted in front of it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMb7qCw85sGknOMS0nO-Jq_IRF4cYW7ICYE0roAW31WFJ6IxpGc3_wzXWsVZGVJhFhp281EUaRTiNcQME-4CENUscoC9XVO4_-Rj8vf0uXOptEHvBsZHbhtYrqLIWjWXUm4GCKF1tHkAk/s1600/NDP+neighbors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMb7qCw85sGknOMS0nO-Jq_IRF4cYW7ICYE0roAW31WFJ6IxpGc3_wzXWsVZGVJhFhp281EUaRTiNcQME-4CENUscoC9XVO4_-Rj8vf0uXOptEHvBsZHbhtYrqLIWjWXUm4GCKF1tHkAk/s400/NDP+neighbors.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kreitzers & the Martins: Rush, Hingle, Owens and Hunter</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once the Martins step into their house for the first time they kiss happily, then passionately. Surveying their patio and backyard they meet the Kreitzers, whose yard abuts theirs. “Hi...welcome to Sunrise Hills,” calls Betty. David and Jean are quickly invited to a backyard barbecue that night at the Kreitzers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just as Herm promised, there are “steaks on the fire” and, over stiff drinks, the new couple meets their other nearby neighbors, the Flaggs and the Boones. Isabelle Flagg is enthusiastic about the area, “Sunrise Hills is just the living end,” she chirps. Troy Boone mentions “saving green stamps.” But Jerry Flagg, several drinks ahead of the others and bursting with irony, observes that everyone in the subdivision is “only 25 years in debt.”  The men talk about the contrast between Depression era life and the present. Having endured World War II, the post-war age seems secure and comfortable and David Martin crows, “I think we were born at the right time…we’re here now and everybody’s doing great!” David served at Los Alamos during the war. Music drifts from the stereo and soon dancing begins. Lecherous Jerry makes moves on refined Jean as they dance, and David watches uneasily from the sidelines. Troy, a proud war hero, cuts in and saves her - after which Isabelle and Jerry argue and, as the group looks on, she slaps him across the face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhmG4VYZV79xGkpJL-mlQLMFumA3w_R8FL7au8waDb-aPT826pqfxERJWil5Z80r-xYCJQOG6A0dCypBHTzSP6UvgDs7JHiA-S_OS3b04knwJ34Seddbex7hMY9b1ZxSYp5BoaSYmAL_v/s1600/50s+drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhmG4VYZV79xGkpJL-mlQLMFumA3w_R8FL7au8waDb-aPT826pqfxERJWil5Z80r-xYCJQOG6A0dCypBHTzSP6UvgDs7JHiA-S_OS3b04knwJ34Seddbex7hMY9b1ZxSYp5BoaSYmAL_v/s320/50s+drinks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coping, '50s-style</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A night or so later the Flaggs, reconciled once more, throw a neighborhood cocktail party; Jerry has made a sale and insists on celebrating. It’s the same four couples, together again. By now we know that Troy and Leola are hicks from the Deep South (Jerry calls them “Daisy Mae and Li’l Abner”). Troy is ambitious and quick to anger, Leola is sweet but erratic. We’ve learned that Herm is the rock of the community and that he and Betty are a <i>simpatico </i>pair.  We’ve seen Jerry drink in nearly every scene – as Isabelle worries and frets either in a corner or in his face. David and Jean are deeply in honeymoon love – but she is pressing him to move into a better paying job.</span></div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYaXJdlscv9Aj0xJaRektfnvfBFO6UJUgtnOXcFNcGFGrCpiSVrmnegS3lp_nvqYI8tFaijt5tZ-wVsjnjQVXhAlwBP4nwNW6YEAzP0PYrOAaDsmwrr5TMXBYufIF-89OTHDjwsnW4fxX/s1600/ndp+white+trash3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYaXJdlscv9Aj0xJaRektfnvfBFO6UJUgtnOXcFNcGFGrCpiSVrmnegS3lp_nvqYI8tFaijt5tZ-wVsjnjQVXhAlwBP4nwNW6YEAzP0PYrOAaDsmwrr5TMXBYufIF-89OTHDjwsnW4fxX/s320/ndp+white+trash3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troy and Leola Boone: Cameron Mitchell and Joanne Woodward</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The tension in this microcosmic enclave continues to build. Herm and Betty grapple with confronting discrimination; one of Herm’s key employees, a Japanese-American man, has asked him to challenge the whites-only imperative of the Sunrise Hills developers. Jerry, who bent the rules to make a sale, is out of a job and on the verge of being thrown out of his house by fed-up Isabelle (classic lines: Isabelle in a frustrating heart-to-heart with Jerry: “You’re the man, you’re supposed to know what to do!”; Jerry’s view, “All our troubles boil down to one thing – money – how to get a bundle of it!”). Troy and Leola have had a volatile life together from the start and things only gets worse when she drinks - and then, worse still, he doesn't get the job he's been counting on. David, responding to an implied ultimatum from Jean, goes on a sales trip; his timing couldn’t be worse. While he’s away, one neighbor’s bout with a bottle and a belly full of resentment turns ugly and violent.</span></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhwrKlJ-LQtd8PdeLg8daPCriq2DxYqjUMbtyEuTvWJGqgAJbFM_uz8uyAgh5L7a793Tt3jCtBoFoRuZNAKzy7TQvT2z5c0WSPSHijwJgfVX9-yOasM-kwPx-4Wyts0dqMTRrKmUEtujm/s1600/Leola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhwrKlJ-LQtd8PdeLg8daPCriq2DxYqjUMbtyEuTvWJGqgAJbFM_uz8uyAgh5L7a793Tt3jCtBoFoRuZNAKzy7TQvT2z5c0WSPSHijwJgfVX9-yOasM-kwPx-4Wyts0dqMTRrKmUEtujm/s1600/Leola.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Leola Boone'</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1957, Tony Randall wasn't yet completely typed as a comedic actor. His energetic turn as desperate Jerry Flagg, a man of extreme moods and desires, is an eye-opener. Cameron Mitchell oozes barely contained fury as Troy who yearns for the glory and respect that was his during the war. Pat Hingle is engaging as an honorable everyman, self-possessed but not immune to the pressure to march in step. Though top-billed Joanne Woodward offers tender and thoughtful moments of subtlety, she also overindulges in occasional histrionics (bringing to mind the high-strung heroines of Tennessee Williams).</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even with its excesses, <i>No Down Payment</i> is potent commentary on the suburban culture it dramatically depicts. To be honest, I'm not sure my pleasure in it is all that "guilty" anymore.</span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xlvyGX6VeQarC9EjEzy2YkcnpE4RYcC6GRrO35V_xKGIG65JZEzW2fxZMcVwLGCCqhPnL6bfXynCJmTfcwA5nzXif4mlYxeFi_qdWfziDxT4g91W1YKLl6_xMVpUhded-4cwJM5CSLI9/s1600/no+down+payment+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xlvyGX6VeQarC9EjEzy2YkcnpE4RYcC6GRrO35V_xKGIG65JZEzW2fxZMcVwLGCCqhPnL6bfXynCJmTfcwA5nzXif4mlYxeFi_qdWfziDxT4g91W1YKLl6_xMVpUhded-4cwJM5CSLI9/s1600/no+down+payment+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anxiety in suburbia<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://clamba.blogspot.com/2011/08/cmba-gulity-pleasures-movie-blogathon.html"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Click here</span></b></a> for a link to the full list of blogs participating in the Classic Movie Blog Association's Guilty Pleasures Movie Blogathon.<b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://evesreellife.wordpress.com/" style="color: #0b5394;">Click here</a></b> to learn more about forgotten writer John McPartland, the author of <i>No Down Payment</i>.</span></span><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>

Barbara Rush Ben Maddow Cameron Mitchell Jeffrey Hunter Joanne Woodward Martin Ritt No Down Payment Pat Hingle Patricia Owens Sheree North The Lady Eve (author) Tony Randall Guilty Pleasures Movie Blogathon: "No down payment is the secret of prosperity..."

It’s Los Angeles in the 1950s and the GI Bill-fueled migration from city to suburb is in high gear. An opening shot of a vast (but shockingl...

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Ten creative writing sites you don’t want to miss

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>Written by Fiona Beal</em><br />These days there are many wonderful,  free Web 2.0 interactive creative writing applications to use with your learners. What I like about these applications is the fact that even the reluctant writers get involved quite easily. The use of these Web 2 tools also open the door to many advantages. For example, stories can be shared with parents instead of being lost in a school classwork book or on a piece of paper.  They can also be shared with classes around the world if they are embedded on a blog or wiki. The writing process which is so important in writing can easily be incorporated into the lessons.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>1. Write circle stories using Etherpad</strong> </span>(<a href="http://ietherpad.com/">http://ietherpad.com</a>) <br /><br />A circle story is a great way to use the writing process (write first draft – edit - write final draft) in class and it helps the reluctant writer or the writer lacking in confidence to feel part of the process.  A great application to use is Etherpad. Notice that the web address has an ‘i’ before <em>etherpad</em>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HF2L1ZjxMyPiT_4SNEC047lIOvn3ebCibePNw2U63gj1peNID0t1fsG7QOSqwK2jdX7ep2PWCCINFePykBLgEVOxyJ6srP1HdQJxjNUi6CuJ4q_sWVqs5RLnkuDgiEH_XqIY7nr3MVU/s1600-h/ether18.jpg"><img alt="ether1" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53YUy78PyAi_C4CSxsDoKE_yisoXvvgvpwKRNrZYVmMmy0jUj7_6vhHsRPquFi8oIR6AVpTIRN7hH4rJsWI__5gdAFT6oSkQkbcOAn2cbqViSRb4lE6r3VflJC6IPYTnhDu3peE_4cqs/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ether1" width="242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcUg76XX86YDCAj_el25wqNwMAmH-3rad-bUGWo7IcQZZRM0t4w7esw78URQyiCeVa3qZKmMS-zOGL6nhdqv445_yYo-a3ZZMK8TdL1WrEz3TJ1ofqy3WJH7vF5d9lTNUCWQHpPe3QbY/s1600-h/ether24.jpg"><img alt="ether2" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6qhcWK8RC-UCG6LH2-_g1SwNi8pWR9cFDepjJfwlsfwPJd7QnB_Ywr3x6GZ00DOEoTKyIkXpP8hLTEusmgf8a-bwfCb3-vsUpuRKkzM965KEoNTSc5EIWj1GQ-lQbCo2QEqI_PePHi4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ether2" width="242" /></a><br /><br />When I do circle stories in my computer class I divide the class into groups of four with each person in the group starting their own story. You’ll notice that ‘pad’ in Etherpad is given a code. Before I start I create all the pad and write down these codes so that the students have easy access. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcr9IEAXfQjLkote0vCfrpxeA1kS9lr4WZbURZcEjDtBUq08F9Jg1-h8F7tKavecv5RQu5BeNC_xrdDt8yeehXpGnQZcuAzEcJYv5BkGXzV8K3-PQnqM0Lyrf9woZfBxA_SLZp4tHwFs/s1600-h/etherpad3.jpg"><img alt="etherpad" border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvNj_TokETOJFtOSY55MjIm1BymgdDLNZ8kD7GtVp3KIHma7uNtVV6d8dMVHNptRwO9sU80sVCiGMOhYOJcPz7Kv2ps6xYTKRrCxCtpk_2wwD6a2xkLDoYmL0PxBgQ7qOG6dk7T78k_s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="etherpad" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Please note that there are other Web 2.0 applications similar to Etherpad, such as Primary Pad.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrC2ScbFfLddfgR4zB7owmH_jpbnqlM4qVn-pl5tM2J0bbfWzlXXbcucLJOk_bHCJfFDwnSIKo2YjbhXq75K2UgNI1lw2v85FR71MhgZexAr11MONIJcr340RzSe3BAQDxe2Uwix0xDk/s1600-h/cr12.jpg"><img alt="cr1" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUjiRP0FKzveCggaBzWse8N-19kp4VmR7ZBnQLZvMBw5vJdg1sx7m9Pp3K28im95gc3E67oylVdcPIDjUUQkvtiYt9aEt0HtZc8EREn0vgXdjFt9ReV_8vQVDmYdFJeTEEHjXUH0713k/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cr1" width="244" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>2. Story Jumper</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://www.storyjumper.com/">http://www.storyjumper.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZkekm9jtLoCC-kcGpASNTZ8jJkMTy10MAGe9hjlSzl3x03dOjaPVqmBbReUtkTG7_t0Iuc42SS4hFeL3Bcgy0cCw398Y3g8I1jjNOwvWeLxq6eujAg3NnP6CjfJhVAZOhLImJkkTFyU/s1600-h/storyjumper14.jpg"><img alt="storyjumper1" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6XmucCj_kiQWljfXLs4MRqt5kPykF7CCq1ToeCBsYbn6xWpOY4tF_mjFAh8Zrv5LDrMMDWuV_UTpp4mvDhOM2M6Au-NprxnhU_ktCAMaNuQhXuPrFabkjbqdMgv5fdpxYR1ekvRN4bs/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyjumper1" width="242" /></a><br /><br />I love using Story Jumper in class because it enables you as a teacher to add your whole class and allocate them passwords and easy access. The application also provides a great selection of backgrounds, characters, props, text boxes and fonts for the students to choose from. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydD2atc7JIB9eUoeN3Y4R2pZz3f2D5k4WhLq8J85nnnX4dK6bdHrcDJs2qrRDfnJApE71kk6Pb__BAaYrHZ1gG_r8deZKPVaYLFRso_F2Z-JXDq0dSOqDD8A7INS2U4tX6L9bdMptwW0/s1600-h/storyj13.jpg"><img alt="storyj1" border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac6YFd05Xuwg33AsdcP9Z5CZtk6L8ttIf-Rrgn45AAukeO2Q498H3JkexVLQEw7v-CAoYODzN8oBFycKhnjo0Qafhe4-5fYGIK_sg1TYl54aHkCW8AUcTSBk00-Jg9tybT8LNpvCRQhw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyj1" width="242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8BA8tJwOsgvp5Cy-arpS430gqHSBXHSw98iv1RiEb3yBykCbZMZgL5ER6y8aYvnpQzEb8_XNZMhwRGQz_FJrjHdk53emPMdJNWXQUpjdGYnb8kTaV9fnklhMzbpqpSSQbnLlnwEwxAo/s1600-h/storyj23.jpg"><img alt="storyj2" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRLgzxVXV_Al3gJjD8CANSIE_LUebpCv41i5xr4qzWTTyKxtsTk73ePEL2nJMKwC-RuMLqkWlAP1d0vD1v7jnIVH6lIrXaUtl9yuUL9bUhDs6H3OOLpPvXGh-9AmrMoHbWcPE_OBfpPw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyj2" width="242" /></a><br /><br />The final story is presented in a flip flap e-book format. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>3. Storybird</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://storybird.com/">http://storybird.com/</a>)<br /><br />This application has to be one of my favourites! Like Storyjumper it offers an on-line story book for students to create from scratch.  I found that even the students who are reluctant writer enjoy this programme because you start with the art. Once again you can create easy access for a whole class. The starting point is to choose a beautiful piece of art. Once that is done another batch of related art appears. Consequently the students are really helped to chose their story line from all the inspirational art.  <br /><br /><a href="http://storybird.com/books/no-ordinary-day-2/">No Ordinary Day</a> <span style="color: #666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a><br />  <br /><object height="274" width="436"><param name="align" value="lt" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=no-ordinary-day-2&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="436" height="274" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=no-ordinary-day-2&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /></object><br /><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"><a href="http://storybird.com/books/all-of-my-crazy-weird-stupid-at-times-annoying-lou/">All of my crazy, weird ,stupid, at times annoying , loud and caring friends</a> <span style="color: #666666;">by</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/members/ellvis7/">ellvis7</a> <span style="color: #666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span> <object height="274" width="436"><param name="align" value="lt" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=all-of-my-crazy-weird-stupid-at-times-annoying-lou&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="586" height="368" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=all-of-my-crazy-weird-stupid-at-times-annoying-lou&size=xl&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /></object><br /><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"><a href="http://storybird.com/books/the-new-kid-39/">The new kid</a> <span style="color: #666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span> <object height="274" width="436"><param name="align" value="lt" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=the-new-kid-39&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="436" height="274" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=the-new-kid-39&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /></object><br /><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"><a href="http://storybird.com/books/the-pirate-ravenue/">The Pirate, Ravenue.</a> <span style="color: #666666;">on</span> <a href="http://storybird.com/">Storybird</a></span> <object height="274" width="436"><param name="align" value="lt" /><param name="scale" value="noScale" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="book_slug=the-pirate-ravenue&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /><param name="src" value="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf"><embed src="http://media.storybird.com/embedplayer/bin/StoryplayerEmbed.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="436" height="274" align="lt" scale="noScale" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="book_slug=the-pirate-ravenue&size=large&configXML=http://storybird.com/storymaker/paths/" /></object><br /><span style="display: block; font-family: georgia,times new roman,serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"></span><span style="display: block; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin: 5px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>4. Artisan’s picture books</strong> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">(</span><a href="http://artisancam.org.uk/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://artisancam.org.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">)</span><br /><br />This is a free online writing programme which is great for the younger learners. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m1-8QMLkVT-4ZD4Izj2ezIrI-bgo1wfV8YkpMRqlaMrmEoF4iy9y76SOfFTFt1KSNz1fEjg9dNb3-juRJA343nlk8j9VnQOzCXXrEmbhXr4u4AK8HzVOig5aBSnIrJaeNvHbA9O2sa4/s1600-h/artisan12.jpg"><img alt="artisan1" border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviJ5FKtRbjks48JJi_McGulvXfgl1Q26gCIWILdzXWB9De6XokeaQd6XWnc0OXaVlc4W2MzbK_i3DSJbBLc_pgtOoxlrtWpP04oLT_sbxBNt8D4yBz5n69NLUZQF6j3Cpjj2UcCk_ptQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="artisan1" width="244" /></a> <br /><br />The themes are fairly limited but the younger learner love wild animals so this is no deterrent. The end result is a e-book. The application allows you to send an email link to whoever you would like to read your book. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hhd65owGDvscwAl6TLgqMaxvkOrTuBOvC1H2liSzHFeTGe67BrTJskfVwY7d4xr1b0tB75lK93jjj9xCxou-yQSlU55MAFY1Hh-gAMM5uaQ2XZcm_eh2XC0-ruYD5gayIIMOfasPKHE/s1600-h/art22.jpg"><img alt="art2" border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41wmJPouMJVYu1N4_sHL7PFAL9Al05yzJPOCg98moK2dfigu02bG200HIBgPhjvSVqcLHluo0BMZg0dwwIehEW5AEn2ifUqJqQnXsgGTFzfwwIGw8fFAPSd-_OfjdwKtPkv61nwdulgg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art2" width="244" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvo-tPiJ_GtIFtpnW4dV0LEi33HjmNEa3VVUHD03vSRGOhrmyEdK7q3sDwuKs6TN1ngUlgPpb6JeyB_81r1uYq0NMIWIv0qWySkHZGHnVPhnhACW_P-enXSKBkQy3nmWJOG_f83yipa0/s1600-h/art32.jpg"><img alt="art3" border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExjcWdbQDZonGCMB7dRz1_eywGr7piQUudhVAz7iuBTJuxcKUjBcxM9U0aj7XpnI4XOIYkYd9BHBb-HKOKyBmCmSUpm_KOoAkIxJIhs1C0tOyEiv0GezTSzzkdH4hZBQL3iH-NnqK_Dk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art3" width="244" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AO1moEGXy2W9JYWqKSkKTjn7dll02BY8D5DaFr8odGvcgBxIxvx8Rm-nzJ6cghbMNgGhzh1eG8lCPzfECGcv8KJ8e-0EyRAPbqS0rRYTFBTLfYzfU5yVelLsTWKBMnkoX3UvOpPHirA/s1600-h/art43.jpg"><img alt="art4" border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2Y7bZhd_DFNghlrlNZgknnC0NAT1Wk-HesBQ9GNln2Pb65jzMoHiPAaxf0KXrJIGwfmaRJwomXJIc8EiOswAA0lSIthQ8rPAf4ez5WHAeOJ_p3SSn50apiDhh-7Uudkn1XvjJZ3U0D8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art4" width="242" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg168RL2VRfU0xttXmaXhH52ATc1OOgGwfANZRVxk7KotLxbNkTZEkiPmObr0py6S8gr9lOxtWfiUetuwmtgVVIXeu39GfgHKLB0pG6lZWZ3ZYwFVR28DTaDSlJ7Du-SHfMJEydcstP2KM/s1600-h/art53.jpg"><img alt="art5" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4-goRlrwZ3vKFHp78Sk0gzrixdlQvDwGAHiORnS2yGLwkrmJ-wmIXxE0S6kwG6PsL4p1K8m3sTqsDCwqSRCrLa4AlPY-usreAxIKneUokKTCNyfxTYJutcYidsrEx38y-tlC82TU2HY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art5" width="242" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCQ5hx_oybh6XASLyP9gflcSb_dT2qTNxHwpfxSySrQA7iVSEPLKkuoN7De-MEQX-GAcfvtHwvnoZP-w9oietsUgzrxvsG4uxB8wZnhC_OfvG_ieoue7pKc7jJ6gDHSxbp9dEhwGNWCo/s1600-h/art63.jpg"><img alt="art6" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQWWNRyKDChB8zQlkgsgvnS2S22o5bMhEyHLrDT4kUoLnekhXRwNfbV-H8fyQ90c0V0W9cWLmGD8xn5qut4pC06kF8HzQrzrvk71yUTC4JvHWIHOJY_rEBY1KjWXYQ7fdEvUxzd8SDfc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="art6" width="242" /></a><br />  <br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>5. Kerpoof Studio</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://www.kerpoof.com/" title="http://www.kerpoof.com/">http://www.kerpoof.com/</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j_ZytTylxYpmToTHeWgpzCclpAvScA-kMGFNANgaNvYB4ezdi3dyYYjkj3WM-aYBaZu1C-hAOdU-3aCfGgSx4H5xwoYhGW-UWJBJIFUDoXIU_i81fg3V0FUk_aRljJuw_U4FYmJH-VE/s1600-h/kerpoof3.jpg"><img alt="kerpoof" border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGWGpQPHa8y1kSdu-bgTIESR-AIHqV6r0Vvx-R6bW-VEx5tWFO0bVdqUPfq5px2yESMkTefrlw7eDRs5fQN7ThVq4PEzATSLTxMPl9nObLpP4kjo1huMJg9JBqF1KubcB1bWCZQyHcZM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="kerpoof" width="242" /></a><br /><br />This a kid-friendly, intuitive application where students can create fairy tales, realistic fiction etc. using illustrations  and writing for characters, setting, and plot. I haven’t yet used this application but I would love to try it out. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs7azZDS0NyOLlamiqExs0KYcPSGw9462LPWRVnNrMj1UxSBbeGnOwBXzT-v9gNUj6WBUNwQL8heVBoGJAFLQzfBFAEE8qQtijJ4UO2w3ULb01c0urOG7sEL2-v5Vf5EhlR3J6XT7BWA/s1600-h/kerfoof2.jpg"><img alt="kerfoof" border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVf4qhQXSMI_DWPdsMNrFBjey7wplfVMzVvDJAo17n2JMyxp3MTRsBBwp7QGHlpls6zDg0AObDmBG3ddWZyUEO2ckxRDkdZPQSy5qv76k4KlziQQ3ClvQ68hry9AFlM1rFx2s1ndrgV0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="kerfoof" width="244" /></a> <br /><br />The books can be printed, too. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Sites using photos in a fun way</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. Photofunia</span> </strong><br />(<a href="http://photofunia.com/">http://photofunia.com</a>) <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzstUuA7Xe6Lzrpxz2-GlCPhHbjvy8ueGfsUO2oFLK2STpRFrjtEYL9oqTG05GxqW147uap-PO4maJ_JTvqo4r5VuYRvuzor3aWxE3kCCbKIP3DCR0PdnNHpb3DNq-lz9T4yzqHv1Ue0/s1600-h/photofunia2.jpg"><img alt="photofunia" border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E2LJ0pMkzILho5Jsrdu5trewmNvG_wojOqq2G6AZvGmrutcUCfMsIYvTUq_2pUWTCJX6PQBkF9OXagn0ZRuLy-eNDnfYljVXqDq2eka6sCwxM3DjVqo8Mc0R50hhxq0cYZYaBX3h2YY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photofunia" width="244" /></a> <br />  <br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>7. Picjoke</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://www.picjoke.com/">http://www.picjoke.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA6FS1eW7uWIFGm5Aa3w3jEsGY2UCBs4c07m_4WQhQQLrMIO5gdXlxgTHeT5BFcY_ck3N0p30VfulC42TQvi1nly3RSNSfMeFUhGb3DWMTOf-CibXZb9ALtAY_zNIN43k3P8RKMLs980/s1600-h/picjoke12.jpg"><img alt="picjoke1" border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OlyILiy8t1t1fK-96j25LRNFHXAJE3-r69uH8o4D61O5kRxGt5pizeZAqfHyeyC9Seu1x6sWfP1Bw2TrlPvXxpRzI9bWOVgFWVsxoFQGI7XAHDj2MjNePXhQNY-UUhQSI7gHLBX5b-Y/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="picjoke1" width="244" /></a> <br /><br />I have discovered that the older students love using sites that can include a photo of themselves. In these photo fun sites they can choose pictures that can tell a story, and then write about the picture. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNrVVyYpxajksdWWgBCiRavMBW9zvRKqKC9Hm5GnsHxVyGp6cMyrR5BhSE4z2MX1ezQmvCyrhTNMdCBTDW53mA3P5z6Jvoxhdqt-JXS4Pnevvdvs6_ouKha7EOpiBUSj4ib8CEJUW88o/s1600-h/Picture12.png"><img alt="Picture1" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LtgFZhYDVFxkrvdVqo5XrmdRcpNJ-OTELnNc0yjW7pawZM5ViX3Rq675P7Z2nOdzVSUdyPQIbXwzihhHv_b4ddYkmwxmKvMAGvyP0kDaFZb53K8Kc102W7iyuunysyHg4Vq6_Sf2VqI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture1" width="189" /></a> <br />  <br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>8. Piclits</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://piclits.com/">http://piclits.com</a>) <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38Wt3_98x5LzZxviIoQ9AG5ZJevKbjVJP67mwncbsYJ_hmNjmhckBZAnyHiqIxZcb5obJHwMPjBDV0Ct9fifWDg4F9KyjCAaNf9ZkZL27dxFVLOeuH8f2OUGO_NO2F-5jmKLqO9hHBGY/s1600-h/piclits3.jpg"><img alt="piclits" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOJtCHyXZhVao4NCN2FgDd-WfAZ8JL2hqTnnZ-Z2Cr64_1hEf1HC8pproEv6dneHxhNGGt-B6VGStbqRnG3LBqzF-IcsZ-10iSFNBbIgqVsUjqOE-A2lt9wjzG10xqmXuvcV3su2YiP0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="piclits" width="230" /></a> <br /><br />What I like about this site is the way it provides a drag-n-drop feature which lists words that can be used. This helps the reluctant writers a great deal.The enthusiastic writers can choose the freestyle section. A selection of photos are provided for the background.  I usually ask the students to create poems when using piclits.com <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dBRIuk09HYXWNACjBb9b28DkPnMKXHbX4A67x6r1aFB-QN1pYOB1irEbAe4CVCuQJRqkNchpDuvLt7A1lYlTbwmsYTIvovg6GgFvsp5dCAOAC2NhyphenhyphenN82c1ExJcFYgzpppeWQArUXt0A/s1600-h/Picture23.png"><img alt="Picture2" border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawbO9tK-rHFblCOb3Wr17Oox0E-Nctg8MqqVX4ZnlstdKbRtephKi_-Svgf9b43wUX7ZOX-w0kYtmuCpA1v_9H6dNh2lDZyzHpYfihd3n7NtQkOXvmufl6pgDo-n6QpB3KC0wWfFIxFo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture2" width="242" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>9. Young novelists’s workbook</strong></span> <br />(<a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks" title="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks">http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/workbooks</a>)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2-Cs7iS56Lk2P8F36QghyphenhyphenXciDgleLMNo74-jfFHU8AjyrFHdbczSthHfn_3NNk7XbK80cp_KbE_gjE8ROkemCKdhmjYb8JO31FrwGyaKRIBWbqh2BvF_BIbCntHCLyz_eeQfbfRrENE/s1600-h/novelist3.jpg"><img alt="novelist" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo66caSQRqmrjPETbluHTapBZlDTZqitW5b1lXG25rh2FVWK8HQqy3A6jZIus8cTiZm0Tr7kO8iByNsfeBoqdbb4Ly1qpGSF2a-Li-5XVDkEYm7Z6fw-DvjrAwoX7uO5knBLIroG94DA4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="novelist" width="221" /></a><br /><br />If you are wanting your students to create a novel this site offers potential. It has workbooks that one can download for the students to use.  The opening blurb says, “Inside each workbook, you'll find worksheets and activities that will spark your imagination and guide you through your novelling…” <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. Write a script with Script Frenzy’s young writer’s programme</span>:</strong> <br /><a href="http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/educators" title="http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/educators">(http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/educators</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPBHDx6G2iuffMlcHupff97o7-v53wjDPAJgmchF40s3Wq9RcVTxY4y5HSrE1miJ4gVnp9eBEIU_mg87fk-d_ZH-IYhsXTnSCvnAfQJF5UNc4yUMPuvfYO0Xh4Y4prUXeX620sC0Qz8E/s1600-h/scriptfrenzy2.jpg"><img alt="scriptfrenzy" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUuynF9J358FOook7j97cwTU6cRJlei9lzuhV7VEp2fKZXkjHNAI1Q0sCGP2KoF0gGRRRD5dbJmyraPDwA8aBN6Y_SrnzYbXuj25JpZTVcSbxM-qcdyPTa2vBfa3OcA-uEGmcmlkujFI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="scriptfrenzy" width="207" /></a><br /><br />This site provides you with free workbooks for the students to use (<a href="http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/files/scriptfrenzy-ywp/SF_Workbook_Elementary1.10.pdf">http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/files/scriptfrenzy-ywp/SF_Workbook_Elementary1.10.pdf</a>)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryKo0C8Q8R9syrZEEQXQfpWD8qJdYtXbYUX7cQwCej5iZMD5FME-xfTu61QXqnqpA2KkTu5NZxr11ytBY_P-MelmUpmLdWvpMMlrQXtkmLlS-y2WTl-MvtutRvZW0_TlI-AnKwbrb30Q/s1600-h/scripyt2.jpg"><img alt="scripyt" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeg44kV4z3RH-uHWvdVzfs1QOqgVFQBFeDP6glMB9l_IOEFL7EqofyOu6yJvNP4MDDCqoSBLv_lgn6BsAa9-pK4rDaLkLmHiTmu6JjUjiMNBskTeACBxaNU2OLej37-Y3kt6gV2Kds0I/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="scripyt" width="222" /></a><br /><br />With all these lovely sites available to educators and students great writing can be accomplished even when budgets are very tight. </div>

Creative writing Ten creative writing sites you don’t want to miss

Written by Fiona Beal These days there are many wonderful,  free Web 2.0 interactive creative writing applications to use with your learners...

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