This week's Scott Hartnell trade (to the Columbus Blue Jackets for former Flyer R.J. Umberger and a draft pick) likely means that Philadelphia Flyers new general manager Ron Hextall will make more significant moves in order to fill a top-line forward position. Of course, Hextall's previously stated desire to increase team speed also means that at least one defenseman could be dealt as well.
I took the photo that heads this post during training camp last season. Hartnell was an affable person to talk with behind the scenes, enjoyed interacting with the fans, and helped the surrounding communities where he worked during his tenure with the Flyers (2007-2014). Everyone who got to know Hartsy surely wishes him well.
The summer has just started and the NHL Draft will be held in Philadelphia at the end of this week. Another fact is that number 27 is primed to put his stamp on a team that seems bound to be in the playoffs again next season.
As far as Stanley Cup dreams go, well, that's the ever-elusive dream. However, if anyone can will an organization toward the Silver Chalice, Hextall (1987 reference intended) can. This time, he controls more than just his area around the crease. And, his desire to generate a Philadelphia parade has obviously never subsided.
Social Media Friends: Invaluable, Important Resources
I adapted my old print (newspaper) skills to the online world on Labor Day weekend 2010. Since that time I've amassed over 4 million hits on my sports, news and interview features for a variety of online outlets. Social media connections (aka friends) have been the main factor driving this ongoing success.
Exceeding expectations
Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable.
Applying information to your own life
My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment.
However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.
Thank you
Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.
Exceeding expectations
Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable.
Applying information to your own life
My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment.
However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.
Thank you
Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.
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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
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.
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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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
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
Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories
Philadelphia Sports: Why Bernie Parent and Richie Ashburn are equally revered
When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans
Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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
It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories as well:
Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories
Philadelphia Sports: Why Bernie Parent and Richie Ashburn are equally revered
When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans
Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
A Model's Life: An Interview with Kourtney Reppert
Ellen Wasser-Hrin: Behind the Scenes of the Modeling World
Model and Actor Rachael Platt-McMullan Proves Why Dreams Are Worth Pursuing
Ellen Wasser-Hrin: Behind the Scenes of the Modeling World
Model and Actor Rachael Platt-McMullan Proves Why Dreams Are Worth Pursuing
Samantha Paisley's Great Success Story
Megan Irminger: Model Management Agency Has Another Rising Star
Megan Irminger: Model Management Agency Has Another Rising Star
An Actor's Life: An Interview with Mary Frick
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Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook:
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.
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