Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the scenes - Part 3



My photo, taken inside the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room on March 2, 2013.

I took this photo of Ilya Bryzgalov along with another of Brian Boucher in order to contrast the two goaltenders. 

"Bryz" remains uneasy in front of the media. He's clearly been coached on how to handle these moments and has taken a smart route so far this year. He's not offering bites to the hungry crowd and is purely focused on the team. 

In getting to know him up close, I can say that an English language barrier (as he is a native Russian speaker) does appear to affect his ability to understand what he hears and to communicate effectively. Bernie Parent, who I interviewed at length one-on-one a few years ago, experienced a similar situation during his career as a native French speaker. 

Feeling for someone who makes millions of dollars (as Brzygalov does) isn't something that hardened fans are open to. All fans aren't hardened, but a growing amount are and they aren't shy about saying so.

I like Bryzgalov's skill level and I think that he's trying his best to meet his media commitments this season. People who want him to be who he isn't are have been and remain out of line. How great it would be for him to skate with the Stanley Cup held over his head again someday (he won the Cup in Anaheim earlier in his career, while he was a backup) while wearing the Flyers' crest this time instead.
                                                                                                                                    My photo, taken inside the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room on March 2, 2013.

On the other hand, "Boosh" is well-known to the Flyers' faithful. An affable guy, who has had a serviceable NHL career, Boucher is playing in the twilight of his hockey years. 

He's exactly the type of person who will support Bryzgalov this season, while also offering a competent backup effort. He's a good guy who is the type of person who could spend the next part of his career somewhere within the Flyers' scouting department, their coaching staff, or in the front office.

Tomorrow: Behind the scenes with Claude Giroux. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the Scenes - Part 2


My photo, taken inside the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room on March 2, 2013.

I took this photo of the gathered media throng around Claude Giroux in the Philadelphia Flyers' locker room. Notice the time on the wall, the white board that lists all interview subjects on the far left, the posted exclamation on the top left wall and above the doorway on the right. 

Interviews are held within an inner room, where players keep their equipment, etc. This is where they guys gather between periods as well. 

Each player has received various levels of media training, depending upon the length of their stay in the organization. 

Television crews, newspaper beat reporters, statistic-based staff, the Flyers online TV staff, freelancers, staff personnel and others are allowed in "The Room". 

Decorum and protocol exists in this work space, as it does in any place of employment. 

Having worked on a full-time basis in professional baseball, as a "stringer" reporter for a newspaper and working as an online freelancer writer, I must tell you that these jobs are not easy. Anyone who believes otherwise, or that everyone who works in this manner has achieved what they have through "luck" is wrong.

Education, experience and creating connections takes time, effort and persistent resilience. All seasoned professionals and aspiring  younger people who I've worked with over the years understand these concepts.

Tomorrow: How the players handle the interview process. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the Scenes - Part 1

Behind the Scenes

Covering a Philadelphia Flyers' game on the press level is not like being a fan. Sure, most of the people who cover the games are hockey fans. Many might even be favorable to the Flyers' organization.


But, the work that everyone does is no different than what people in other professions do every day. 

Arriving a few hours before game time, we set up our computers, review data (statistics about both teams), commiserate with our colleagues, share a pre-game meal and then get set for action. 

Tomorrow: Workplace accommodations and why information is the most important "tool of the trade". 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the Scenes...

Another "Philadelphia Flyers: Behind the Scenes" will be posted tomorrow. Detailed information about what happens on game day, exclusive photos and more. 

This sports series has been the most popular in "Insight" history. Click back tomorrow for the first segment. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

Friday, March 1, 2013

Bullying: Questions and Solutions


My series on bullying is proving to be one of the more popular set of posts in "Insight" history. I hope that it serves as a starting point in an ongoing digital conversation. 

I'm presenting the entire feature in chronological order today for your convenience. 
Feel free to connect with me if you feel that I can be of further help to you, or if we can serve as colleagues/contacts regarding this important social topic.

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


Bullying: Part 1 

Bullying has always existed. The convergence of many events, including the modern family structure, the litigious land we live in, a focus on personal feelings, desensitized developing brains, a perception that there are no consequences in life, in addition to other factors, are linked to the issue that is known as bullying.

Let me be clear: Anyone (child, or adult) who threatens violence against another human being is guilty of “bullying” that person. Anyone who joins with others to do the same has participated in group bullying behavior. Obviously, committing an act of violence against another person is a crime (to varying degrees under the law).

Bullying can be delivered in-person, or through a virtual world.

All of these incidents must be prevented (if possible), stopped during the process, or resolved.

I have a zero-tolerance policy in my classroom in this regard for all legitimate bullying issues. And legitimate is the key subjective word to keep in mind. More will be offered about this important topic within this digital space tomorrow.

Bullying: Part 2

There are many children who are being (or have been) conditioned to become overly sensitive. Parents/family members/guardians, etc. who don't have adequate parenting skills (or who are honestly developing these skills) and educators who are encouraging children to become professional “tattletales” are adding to the confusion that surrounds this issue.

I completely understand and value the intent of the authority figures who I've just mentioned. Their feelings are genuine. But, these individuals are clearly in the early stages of forming their thoughts and resultant reactions regarding this developing social issue.

Serious problems must be recognized and dealt with. Ignoring bullying reports is negligent and shouldn't be tolerated. But, honest problems are undercut whenever people inadvertently (or intentionally) make thin, or false claims. This aspect of the bullying issue can't be denied and represents one of the more challenging aspects to an already complex topic.  

Time will be needed before our society can come to grips with what has come to be referred to as "bullying". Everyone who cares about solutions and honesty will remain open-minded and flexible as they  relentlessly pursue justice for true victims and don't back down from those occasions where education about this issue is warranted.  



Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 1

1. Listen to what people are saying

Never disregard what anyone (child, or adult) reports about this topic. If someone says that bullying has taken place, pass no initial judgments. Yes, you will have to make some type of decision in these instance. But, initially you need to be compassionate and start to gather facts.

2. Ask, but don't interrogate

It's very challenging to be the victim of bullying and then have to prove it through verbal explanations. No one is capable of being objective about himself, or herself, which can make relaying this type of information very hard. 

Be gentle when you ask someone questions about the incident(s). It probably won't be a linear conversation and you need to be prepared for that.

3. Seek outside help in every instance if you are the victim, or if you are the one who is receiving a report about bullying

Victims: Never keep this topic to yourself. Talk to a trusted individual about this matter, or about any other matter that's of importance to you, as soon as possible. You are never alone and defending yourself is your right.

Report Receivers: Don't feel that you must solve the problem on your own. Regardless of your own experience level in handling these issues, asking other people (be they family members, co-workers, etc.) for assistance in responding to these situations is strongly advisable. 


Bulling: Responses and Solutions - Part 2

4. We must try to NEVER undercut this serious issue by falsely labeling all issues as "bullying". 

Confront the "bully" only after hard evidence has been confirmed. Be completely aware of resulting legal consequences if you make the decision to also confront the family/guardian of the "bully" based on thin, or non-existent evidence.

In the United States we are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Some of the hysteria surrounding this issue labels people as guilty based purely on what someone, or some group of people claim to be true. Issues connected to underdeveloped minds and overly sensitive personalities are being mixed with this issue because many of these situations involve children reporting other children. 

5. Recognize that not all people can be saved and that the human behavior is not something to legislate, or to be forced into becoming whatever your personal ideology makes you believe it should be. 

6. Continue to educate yourself by seeking information from other parents, trusted friends, religious personnel, law enforcement, educators, children and through other legitimate sources of research on this matter. (For example, this blog post doesn't count as a legitimate, or final source of information. It represents my opinion.)

Legitimate sources of information would not be connected to a slanted political view (either left, or right), or one that is favorable to making institutional devices stronger. Legitimate sources will be easily seen as protecting the best interests of all true victims and by not turning innocent parties into villains. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Creation


Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming.

Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some GREAT WEBSITES from some fine digital friends:
The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau
Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet
Meltzer's Musings via Bill Meltzer at HockeyBuzz.com 
Free eBooks Daily
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philadelphia Flyers' Legends

Each of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...

Here is a link to the story about Propp: 

The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect

Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic headline: Those great hockey cards
Nothing topped the meaning that these hockey cards still hold. Here is the special feature that still ranks among the most-read articles that I've written since 2011: 
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm truly humbled that all of my online features have combined to generate millions of documented hits since I first began my digital adventure on Labor Day, 2010. Thank you to all readers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...
My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team after the President of the United States gave his address. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball cards
Bygone days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classic Headline Topic: MMA Phenomena
Here is my most recent feature article about a live XFE Cage Wars event that I attended. I encourage fans of any sport to attend one of these events when you can. The excitement of the crowd and the efforts of the fighters will earn your admiration. 

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