Showing posts with label Yahoo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yahoo. Show all posts

Friday, July 11, 2014

The Waltons Revisited: 5 Interesting Facts



*This feature remains among the most popular in the Insight's nearly four-year history. It's being re-posted for all new reader's to enjoy. :-)

The Waltons' was one of my favorite shows when I was growing up in the 1970s for a variety of reasons. Tens of millions of people joined my family and me every Thursday night at 8 p.m. to watch the latest episode. Today, the iconic television show can still be seen in reruns, or online, which has helped to create a new generation of fans. 

Here are 5 surprising facts about this timeless TV show:

1. Earl Hamner is widely known as the author, whose book Spencer's Mountain inspired a movie and the subsequent television show. 

But, that marvelous writer also developed the idea for the 1981-1990 CBS nighttime soap opera 'Falcon Crest'.

2. 'Spencer's Mountain' was released in theaters in 1963. Henry Fonda and Maureen O'Hara portrayed John and Olivia Walton. 

3. 'The Homecoming' was a Christmas special that served as the series pilot. Andrew Duggan and Patricia Neal portrayed Clay and Olivia Spencer. Edgar Bergen (a famous ventriloquist, whose radio show included his most popular pupped 'Charlie McCarthy) portrayed Grandpa Walton.

Each of the actors who portrayed the Walton children (Richard Thomas, as John-boy, etc.) remained in the cast when the pilot was greenlighted for a regular television series.

4. 'The Waltons' ran on CBS from 1971 through 1981. CBS believed that the show wouldn't succeed, so it slotted it on Thursday night at 8 p.m. against 'The Flip Wilson' Show (NBC) and 'The Mod Squad' (ABC). 

'The Waltons' not only beat those two popular series, it went on to become television's most highly-rated show for many years.

5. After 221 episodes, the series was canceled in 1981. However, NBC picked up 'The Waltons', releasing three 2-hour TV movies in 1982. The show returned to CBS for an additional three TV movies (1993, 1995 and 1997). 

According to current information, none of the major networks have interest in creating any further reunion movies. 

Goodnight John-boy and good morning

'Hollywood' believed that a show based upon so-called 'traditional values' wouldn't be accepted by the public. But, 'The Waltons' proved that flawed ideology to be wrong. 

More importantly, Earl Hamner's message (based upon his family life in Virginia during the 'Great Depression') has been, is and will always be lived by good families across the globe.

(Photo courtesy of tvtroupes.org)

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My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2014.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

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).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

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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

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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. 

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Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.


Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

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

Vince Papale: Former Philadelphia Eagle/Subject of the Movie "Invincible"
Kevin Turner: Former Philadelphia Eagle Discusses ALS-Concussion Link

Ron Meyer: Blessed2Play Sports Talk Show Has Global Reach
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge



Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...

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. 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Baseball trades and free agents


Baseball trades and free agents

Trading cards with my friends created a love of analytics before that was cool. Engaging in that clean activity also enabled capitalistic fun to be done. Plus, it allowed us to annually cook on our own 'hot stove' during MLB's real trade and free agent season.

Exchanging Ron Reed for Gene Garber, Ron Guidry for Reggie Jackson, or whatever other pair (or more than that) made many pre-teens feel like we young GM's. Those long-gone days remain among my most cherished memories. 

This Yahoo feature that I wrote a few years ago remains one of my all-time greatest hits (as in internet hits). Click for a trip back in time: When Baseball Cards Were King

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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.
(Feel free to be in touch if you feel that I can help you, your family or friends.) 

Links to my new 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.

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

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. 

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A recent post ...

Interest surged in my Twitter account just a few hours after I had written a feature about Michael Muhney of CBS' 'The Young and The Restless'. 

More than just a talented, hard-working thespian, Muhney is also a family man who chooses to be involved in important charity work. One of those causes is: The LA Cancer Challenge, which benefits pancreatic cancer research. Click on that link when you get a chance. It's worthwhile.  

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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: 

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.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Book-signings: Connecting with positive people


Book-signings: Connecting with positive people

The Children's Alopecia Project (CAP) published my illustrated children's book Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile in August, 2013. That very sharp non-profit organization is also handling book distribution and marketing efforts. 

My association with this worldwide group has been very pleasing, to say the least. Connecting with so many nice people at the various events that the group has sponsored, or has been a part of, always helps me to learn positive lessons.

Meeting readers, or anyone who is aware of CAP, gives me a deeper appreciation for all the good people who live in our world.

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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.
(Feel free to be in touch if you feel that I can help you, your family or friends.) 

Links to my new 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.

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

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. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A recent post ...

Interest surged in my Twitter account just a few hours after I had written a feature about Michael Muhney of CBS' 'The Young and The Restless'. 

More than just a talented, hard-working thespian, Muhney is also a family man who chooses to be involved in important charity work. One of those causes is: The LA Cancer Challenge, which benefits pancreatic cancer research. Click on that link when you get a chance. It's worthwhile.  

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

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: 

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.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Veterans Day: Plain and Simple



Veterans Day 

We can write a lot if we need to. Not today, because it's just this simple:

Thank you to people like my dad, who is a Navy veteran, for keeping us (and many others around the world) FREE

Thank you to people like my mom who waited (wait) patiently for their loved ones to come home while they were serving as well. 

God bless you.

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

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook
Let's connect on LinkedIn and on Twitter @SeanyOB.
(Feel free to be in touch if you feel that I can help you, your family or friends.) 

Links to my new 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.

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

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. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------
A recent post ...

Interest surged in my Twitter account just a few hours after I had written a feature about Michael Muhney of CBS' 'The Young and The Restless'. 

More than just a talented, hard-working thespian, Muhney is also a family man who chooses to be involved in important charity work. One of those causes is: The LA Cancer Challenge, which benefits pancreatic cancer research. Click on that link when you get a chance. It's worthwhile.  

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

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: 

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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