Monday, December 23, 2013

Why it's Christmas and Not the Winter Holiday


The vast majority of the population would have off work, government agencies and schools would all be closed from December 21, 2013 through March 19, 2014 if the 'Winter Holiday' was being celebrated this week. But, we aren't celebrating one of the four seasons. 

Yes, we understand that ancient people did celebrate the seasons and that the changing of the seasons was one reason why this religious celebration was set at this place on the calendar.

Christ-Mass

The Holy Day of Christ-Mass (as in a Catholic Mass) 'Christmas' is once again being celebrated on December 25th. Yes, we understand that certain historical records and speculation place the birth of Jesus at a different time on the calendar (possibly in the spring). 

The point is this: Various pieces of documented evidence, not hearsay, show that a real person whose name was Jesus was actually born. His birth and many elements within his life were predicted for many years prior to his birth. He also was and is the only person to ever be referred to as the Son of God. And, numerous eye-witnesses observed him performing many unworldly acts throughout his life. 

Reasoned Proof

It is this single person, unlike any other in human history, who was and is followed in a religious sense. 

Faith combined with reason to forge Catholicism/Christianity and all offshoots of that faith which are know as Protestantism.

Deny, or accept, whatever you want. But, the proof is overwhelming and skeptics only hold opinions in their minds.  

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 Links to our illustrated children's book ...

Use this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a free preview of the Amazon eBook edition. 

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and eBook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

Feel free to use, or share, this link--->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

 Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, 
or my Yahoo Contributor Page.

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Saturday, December 14, 2013

Smart Social Media Strategies


Due to the popularity of a recent social media feature, I'm re-posting it again. Thank you to everyone who said that they found it to be useful:

 Here are 3 smart social media strategies that I've learned from friends:

3. Say what you mean with class 
Be honest in everything that you produce through social media. But, do it with class. Off-color language, self-centered promotion, and other low-level tactics rightly turn people off.

2. Promote interesting content 
Try writing about (and promoting) issues that are relevant, but aren't currently oversold. In other words, distinguish yourself through unique resolutions to common problems, new views of old subjects, or bold stances on the issues of the day.

1. Be a real friend 
Use the same level of respect with any social media friend that you would use with a real-life friend. That approach will generally help you to expand your social media connections. Regardless of your original connection (family, school, work, church, civic group, sports team, social media link, etc.) with people, they'll know if you are genuinely interested in helping them and others, or not.

 (Image courtesy of makingconnectionsgroup.com.)

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links to our illustrated children's book ...

Use this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a free preview of the Amazon eBook edition. 

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and eBook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

Feel free to use, or share, this link--->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

 Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, 
or my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Baseball Winter Meetings: Trades, Free Agents and the Rule 5 Draft



The Winter Meetings serve as a great analytical time of year for all hardcore baseball fans. 

 Emotional game

 Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. knows that he needs to change the trajectory of his diamond contingent. 

 My hunch (which is purely based on emotion, verses logical probability) is that he's trying to move more than one name player. Domonic Brown, or Ben Revere, could be packaged with Jonathan Papelbon in order to change the starting lineup/outfield and back-end bullpen dynamics. 

 Kyle Kendrick and John Mayberry, Jr were offered arbitration, but can still be moved as part of any deal. 

 With two free agents signed (Marlon Byrd and Carlos Ruiz), a left-hander for the bullpen and a supplemental outfielder could still be found on the open market. 

 Of course, the Rule 5 draft is always offers the potential for a 25th man (or better) to be found...and for a questionable prospect to be lost as well.

 Personal survival

 Whatever the Phils top front office boss attempts to do will be in the pure interest of making the playoffs next fall. 

 Amaro must feel that his corporate shelf life is about to expire if his team (and it is his team five years after Pat Gillick stepped aside) falters for a third straight season.

------------------------------------------------

 Here are 3 smart social media strategies that I've learned from friends:

3. Say what you mean with class 
Be honest in everything that you produce through social media. But, do it with class. Off-color language, self-centered promotion, and other low-level tactics rightly turn people off.

2. Promote interesting content 
Try writing about (and promoting) issues that are relevant, but aren't currently oversold. In other words, distinguish yourself through unique resolutions to common problems, new views of old subjects, or bold stances on the issues of the day.

1. Be a real friend 
Use the same level of respect with any social media friend that you would use with a real-life friend. That approach will generally help you to expand your social media connections. Regardless of your original connection (family, school, work, church, civic group, sports team, social media link, etc.) with people, they'll know if you are genuinely interested in helping them and others, or not.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Links to our illustrated children's book ...

Use this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a free preview of the Amazon eBook edition. 

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and eBook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

Feel free to use, or share, this link--->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

 Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, 
or my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers Impressive Run Continues


Firing the head coach three games into the season. Going 3-8 through the early going. Not making any major moves to shake things up...Those three elements combined to appear to make the 2013-14 season yet another lost hockey year for the Philadelphia Flyers. 

 HOWEVER...

 Craig Berube has proven to be a smart, defensive-oriented bench man. 

 After impressively coming back to beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-3 (in Detroit), Philadelphia now stands at 13-13-2. 

 Steve Downie has been a good addition in exchange for the reliable Max Talbot. 

 Paul Holmgren's decision (with whatever input Ed Snider also offered) to not change 'player-course' for the umpteenth time in October/November unexpectedly revealed an uncharacteristic level of Flyers' patience. 

 As long as Steve Mason continues to guard the crease as he has (never having given up more than 3 goals in a game since being obtained last spring) and the 'Chief' gets everyone to play smart hockey in every zone through the spring, this team can make the playoffs. 

 That real possibility represents one heck of a turnaround for this team.
(Photo courtesy of pennlive.com)

------------------------------------------------
Here are 3 smart social media strategies that I've learned from friends:

3. Say what you mean with class 
Be honest in everything that you produce through social media. But, do it with class. Off-color language, self-centered promotion, and other low-level tactics rightly turn people off.

2. Promote interesting content 
Try writing about (and promoting) issues that are relevant, but aren't currently oversold. In other words, distinguish yourself through unique resolutions to common problems, new views of old subjects, or bold stances on the issues of the day.

1. Be a real friend 
Use the same level of respect with any social media friend that you would use with a real-life friend. That approach will generally help you to expand your social media connections. Regardless of your original connection (family, school, work, church, civic group, sports team, social media link, etc.) with people, they'll know if you are genuinely interested in helping them and others, or not.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Links to our illustrated children's book ...

Use this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a free preview of the Amazon eBook edition. 

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and eBook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

Feel free to use, or share, this link--->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

 Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, 
or my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, December 2, 2013

Major Philadelphia Flyers News



I've often written about a variety of on-, or off-ice, moves that the Flyers have made over the years. But, today's corporate transaction came as quite a surprise. 

 Comcast-Spectacor and Flyers President Peter Luukko unexpectedly announced his resignation effective immediately.

 Luukko's name had only come to prominence within the past decade, even though he had been part of the corporation for 25 years. His decision to (as he said) 'monetize' his interest in the company obviously means that he's about to enter into another business venture, possibly a competing one. 

 While Paul Holmgren (and Bob Clarke before him), along with a series of head coaches and the players have understandably been the focus of media/fan interest, people like Luukko are vital in deeper way. 

 Luukko's presence within the organization can't be understated, as the Flyers financial success hasn't happened by accident. The money stream that has fueled Philadelphia's hockey market will now enter an undetermined filtering period. It will be very interesting to see who permanently fills Luukko's role and how that person's presence affects the Comcast-Spectacor corporation and the Flyers (in particular) moving forward.

Links to my illustrated children's book ...

Use this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a free preview of the Amazon eBook edition. 

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and eBook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

Feel free to use, or share, this link--->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook. 
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are 3 smart social media strategies that I've learned from friends:

3. Say what you mean with class 
Be honest in everything that you produce through social media. But, do it with class. Off-color language, self-centered promotion, and other low-level tactics rightly turn people off.

2. Promote interesting content 
Try writing about (and promoting) issues that are relevant, but aren't currently oversold. In other words, distinguish yourself through unique resolutions to common problems, new views of old subjects, or bold stances on the issues of the day.

1. Be a real friend 
Use the same level of respect with any social media friend that you would use with a real-life friend. That approach will generally help you to expand your social media connections. Regardless of your original connection (family, school, work, church, civic group, sports team, social media link, etc.) with people, they'll know if you are genuinely interested in helping them and others, or not.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every social media connection has helped my online features to generate millions (yes, millions) of internet hits since Labor Day weekend 2010. I remain deeply grateful to everyone for the attention that's been given to these sports, news and interview articles. I never expected this embrace, but am genuinely humbled by it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Visit my Examiner Contributor Page, 
or my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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