5-reasons-of-greatest

COMMENTARY | As the Atlanta Braves square off in a four game series with the New York Mets, there's more at stake than just a matchup against a division rival. That's because the Mets may be the biggest threat to the Atlanta Braves. Here are five reasons why.

5) The New York Mets Are The Healthiest Team in the National League East

The Atlanta Braves have been badly hurting in the outfield, at one point losing all three spots and a backup to injuries in the Cincinnati Reds series. Freddie Freeman is battling aches and pains, as has Gerald Laird. Now Paul Maholm may join them. Only the set-up position in pitching has had it rougher. The Washington Nationals have had their health issues in pitching, while the Philadelphia Phillies lost Roy Halliday, Ryan Howard, and now Ben Revere, as well as Michael Adams. Even with their own injuries (Lucas Duda, Johan Santana and Jonathon Niese), the Mets are still probably the healthiest team in the division, by default.

4) The Mets Are The Closest To The Braves In Run Differential.

Braves fans may not believe it, but the team has scored 74 more runs than they've given up. The Phillies have given up nearly 50 more runs than they've scored. The Washington Nationals are second in run differential, but the Mets are right behind them. And, as you'll see in the next paragraph, they're surging.

3) The Mets Have The Hottest Recent Record In the National League East

Over the last ten games in the disruptive All-Star Break before Monday's game, the Mets are 7-3. The Braves have limped along at 5-5, while the Phillies are 6-4. The Nationals are 2-8 in the last 10, even behind the hapless Miami Marlins (3-7, despite their scoring woes).

2) The Mets Have A Better Road Record Than The Braves.

While four of the five National League East teams have losing records on the road, the Mets are the only ones with a winning mark, at 24-23. Only the Red Sox, A's, Rangers, Carlinals and Pirates can make the same claim.

1) The New York Mets Can Match The Atlanta Braves In Pitching.

With young arms like Matt Harvey, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Torres, and Jeremy Hefner, to go along with veterans like Dillon Gee, the team may be a tough matchup for the Braves' own relatively young bunch Mike Minor, Kris Medlin, and Julio Teheran, as well as veterans like Tim Hudson, and whoever replaces Paul Maholm, like Alex Wood.

That's why the upcoming series in Citi Field is so important for Atlanta. If they can't even manage a split, the Mets will grow in wins and confidence to make a second-half season run not unlike the Braves did 22 years ago.

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA, who has published a chapter in the book The Politics of Baseball. The photo is from a 2013 Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field, taken by the author.

5-health-conditions-associated

The medical world is incredibly fascinating, with new discoveries being made about popular diseases everyday. While disease in general is universal, there are some health conditions that have been associated with the African American community. Genetics often dictate the way the body will function. As such, many people of color seem to be automatically predisposed to certain conditions. Here are five of the most prevalent health ailments in the black community, and what can be done to treat them.

Sickle Cell Anemia

This blood disorder occurs when the red blood cells in the body take on a "sickle" shape, which prevent them from doing their job normally. These cells typically assume the abnormal shapes in people whose roots trace back to tropical regions. Thus, approximately 1 out of 5000 African Americans is affected.

Because the sickle-shaped cells cannot travel well through the body, they often clump in various areas, causing what is known as an extremely painful sickle-cell "crisis"-which tend to create other hazardous conditions in the body. Traditional treatments often include strong dietary supplements, medications, and pain management.

Fibroid Tumors

Fibroid tumors which are found in the uterus, are typically benign. They often cause painful menstruation, bloating, and even urinary problems. However, there are occasions when they become so troublesome that a hysterectomy is required. Though fibroid tumors appear to affect female members of the population from all walks of life, these tumors are typically identified in black women about three times more than women in other ethnic groups.

Though the cause of fibroid tumors is still a bit fuzzy, the approach to treating them has changed drastically over the years. No longer is a complete hysterectomy the first line of defense. Depending upon the size, the tumors can be completely removed with surgery, while leaving other internal organs intact. Radiology is also another treatment option. And in some cases (especially when the tumors are smaller) hormone therapy is prescribed.

Keloids

While African Americans are not plagued with skin cancer the way other ethnic groups are, their delicate skin make-up dictates that other conditions are prevalent. Keloids are hyperactive scarring reactions to either a cut or scratch. They will typically appear as raised bumps over the incident of injury, and are not painful-but often unsightly. They can also grow in size to become very large. As with other common illnesses, the exact cause is not known. But according to medical research this condition is most widespread in the black community, and tends to run in families. Doctors claim that the best way to prevent keloids from developing is to attend to small injuries right away, especially if stitches are required. Other forms of treatment include surgery, radiation, and even a new therapy which involves pressing the keloid until it thins.

Hypertension

For years, medical professionals have associated hypertension (high blood pressure) with people of color. This is perhaps because the culture is known for its rich soul food (which is frequently highly salted.) In any case, this health condition has become rampant in the African American community. The condition is a big concern as it contributes to the onset of many other chronic illnesses.

As recently as July 2009, research has revealed a few genetic characteristics specific to people of color that makes them more predisposed to "salt sensitivity." Thus, the first line of defense in battling hypertension is an altered diet that has been sodium-reduced. Medication is usually the next option, but one not readily sought out by many African Americans.

Strokes

Isaac Hayes' death from a stroke in August 2008 came as a shock to the world-especially since he died while doing something that most doctors prescribe for their patients: exercise. In any event, diabetes, hypertension, and strokes are all very closely related ailments that seem to hit the black community much harder than other communities. Ironically, there are studies which prove that while black people are more widely affected by strokes, they are also less likely to die from them than other ethnic groups (Hayes had been a stroke victim prior to his death.)

Strokes are caused when there is a drastic drop in the blood supply to the brain. As a result, the victim often loses control over certain bodily functions typically on one side of the body. Though death is not always the result of a stroke, they can leave permanent damage. They are treated with medications to thin clotting blood, and therapy to help patients with damaged motor skills. While some diseases affecting the black community appear to come from long lines of genetics, diet is typically heavily stressed as a preventative measure.

5-essentials: To become a Writer

Whether you are writing simply for pleasure or writing an article for a popular magazine, there are five essential skills that every writer must have. These skills will allow writers to be able to write both creatively and effectively.

1. Be Concise
Do away with flowery introductions and get to the point. Writers who master this skill will be able to hold the attention of their audience and keep their readers interested. Outlining the points you want to make in your writing beforehand will definitely reduce excessive "rambling."

2. Write a draft, then step aside
Writing a first draft allows the writer to put their ideas down on paper while brainstorm new ones. The first draft can be seen as more of a building block than something set in stone. After writing the first draft, set your writing aside and allow your mind to wander. After you have let your draft sit for a while, you are able to look at the draft with a fresh eye. The "fresh eye" can lead to even more creativity than you started with.

3. Be Relatable
This skill is especially important for fiction writers. Readers have the tendency to read stories that they can relate to. Writers should not only create characters that their readers can identify with, but also create a relatable atmosphere. For example, if a story takes place in Austin, researching the area can help make the story seem more authentic.

4. Get Feedback
This skill is essential for both amateur and professional writers. Getting feedback lets the writer "see" their writing from another point of view. Even with a rough draft and reading aloud to check for clarity, writers still may be a bit biased when it comes to critiquing their own work. Instead of trying to correct yourself, it is best for writers to let others do it. Pass off your manuscript to a friend, editor or proofreader who will not hesitate to tear your piece to shreds and be honest about your mistakes. Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to writing.

5. Write Everyday
Thirty minutes of writing per day can lead to positive results. Writing every day allows the writer to improve their writing skills and become more creative. Writing is a skill within itself that requires practice. Writing daily can lead to creative ideas which in return lead to a passionate writer's success.

5-books-budding-artists

Art is all around us. Art is subjective. Many people create art. Art takes many forms Cooking is an art. In addition, painting is a art. There is an art to writing and fashion design. Moreover, it is necessary to have a muse to create any type of art. Therefore, here are five books that should get your creative artistic juices flowing.

1. Jewels:

 A Secret History: This book talks about almost every jewel in the world. There is a chapter about opals from Australia and a chapter about peidots from Arizona. There are also wonderful chapters about pearls and sapphires. I likethe pearl chapter and the sapphire chapter because I like gems from the sea and sapphire is my birthstone. In addition, the history of the opal is fascinating. This book might give rise to a future jewelry designer. It might also give rise to a budding gem buyer.

2. A Vintage Affair: 

This book is about a woman in London who quits her job to open her own own vintage clothing store. This book discusses many fashion designers from England and around the world. It also talks about cupcake dresses. This is a novel; however, readers will get a good history of fashion. Also, readers might get a craving for cupcakes from reading this book. Therefore, this book might give rise to someone becoming a fashion designer or a pastry chef.

3. Color: 

A Natural History of the Palette: This book will have readers seeing rainbows. This is because it talks about every color in a rainbow. The chapter about the history of violet is my favorite. This is because purple is my favorite color. This is a necessary read for beginning painters and art students. It is also a must read for interior decorators.

4. Flawless:

 Inside the Largest Diamond Heist in History: This book gives readers a treat. This is because it involves true crime, history, and diamonds. It showcases different kinds of diamonds. It also gives readers a good overview of the diamond industry in Belguim. It also shows readers an inside look into a diamond heist. It is excitement and education in one book. The book is entertaining. This book is ideal for history buffs.

5. Indigo:

 In Search of the Color that Seduced the World: This book gives readers a closer look at the color blue. There are many shades of blues. This is another essential read for budding painters. Blue is a powerful color. Blue is also supposed to be a calming color.

Art is all around us. In addition, we are all budding artists. Some people have a passion for art.The desire to create art often comes from reading books.

5-best-free-back-school-apps-for-students

Some teachers may frown on the way technology has influenced their classrooms, with students taking out their phones to text or run a Google search during class. However, there are lots of free phone apps that can help students with their school performance, whether they're in grade school or college. Here are some of the best back-to-school apps to download before the new school year starts:

1. MyHomework

Instead of keeping a planner or scribbled notes here and there, use MyHomework to keep track of homework and assignments. You can color-code assignments according to class, difficulty, or importance. Plus, the due dates sync with desktop to give you a friendly reminder when due dates start to creep up.

2. STUDYBLUE

Gone are the days when you'd get cramps in your hands from creating a million flashcards to prepare for an exam. With STUDYBLUE, you can create your own digital flashcards, and then study on-the-go with the mobile app. You never have to worry about losing your flashcards or leaving home without them.

3. Evernote

Take notes, photos, and audio recordings for classes and keep them all in one place with Evernote. You can organize the files by folders and you can also search across all your files. This app conveniently syncs across phones, computers, and tablets, so you'll always have your materials, no matter where you go-no emailing documents to yourself. The free version of the app allows for 60 MB of monthly data usage, which is quite a lot.

4. Goodreads

People primarily use Goodreads to share books they're reading and make lists of books-to-read. As a student, you can list books you're reading to get other people's take on them, as well as read reviews from friends, critics, and professors alike. If you're having a hard time understanding a book, or you need an outside perspective, Goodreads has you covered.

5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Download the Merriam-Webster Dictionary app, and you'll never have an excuse to avoid looking up words you don't know. The app makes it quick and easy to look up words anytime, without the hassle of a Google search or a physical dictionary. Impress your teachers, build your vocabulary, and improve your reading comprehension.

Get a jump-start before going back to school, and load up on these free apps. If you have additional suggestions for killer back-to-school apps, please share in the comments!

4 Ways to Use Technology to Spend More Time with Your Students

Classroom teachers, ever wish you could save time in the classroom so you could spend more time with your students? Of course you do! While planning, grading, room se-up etc. are critical to your students success, any second saved is an extra second you can use to spend with your students (tutoring, extra help, or just getting to know them better).

I find that most teachers don't take full use of how critical technology can be in allowing you to do your job more efficiently. Think about it: employees in every other job are using technology all the time to improve their efficiency. Here are 4 ways that classroom teachers can make the most out of technology.

Your Grade-book

Is your grade book electronic, or do you still use a pencil and paper? If you don't yet have a grade-book on a computer, you're making a big mistake. If you've ever gotten out a calculator (when Excel would do the job more quickly and error proof), then you are wasting time. If you don't know Excel, take time to learn it. It will not only allow you to calculate grades more quickly, it will also allow you to run analyses to figure out what your students do and don't know

Test-Taking

Survey Monkey is an example of a free online tool that allows you to create surveys and view the results online. Do you have a multiple choice test you want all of your students to take? Create the test on Survey Monkey and then pass it around during Silent Reading (or some other quiet time). By the end of the day, you will have graded results, and you will have saved yourself plenty of time

Worksheets

Are you making your own worksheets? Obviously, you need to put a lot of effort into lesson planning but worksheets are another story. Go online and save time. My favorite website is EdHelper.com where for just $20 a year, I can access a ton of different worksheets. I like to keep a few in my classroom for students who finish early.

Extra Help

Do you have a student who's struggling or who's way behind? Sure, you probably give him or her extra help before or after class, but what is that student supposed to do while you're teaching? If you've got a laptop or a tablet, you can provide them with interactive computer games that test knowledge. They'll get immediate feedback on what they're doing right and what they're doing wrong.

4-tips-help-pass-online-college-class

If you're in school, chances are that you will, have or are currently taking, an online class at least once! Some college students take ALL their classes online! It sounds like it should be "easy" to pass a college class that you take online. In reality, many online college classes are much more difficult than regular classes to pass.
Here are tips to help you pass that online class you're taking!

Schedule time for your online class so you'll pass it 

Many online classes will require more effort than traditional classes. Since you can "do" the college class whenever you want, many people put off assignments until they have "extra time." I've yet to meet someone with "extra time."

Decide when YOU want to have your college class. Pick two days, and pick a time. If you pick Sunday and Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., every single Sunday AND Wednesday, at 9:30 p.m., sit down and BE AT CLASS! Just like if it were a regular class.

If the days you selected don't work for you, change them. Then stick to your schedule!

Watch for bonus points for attending your online class so you'll pass it
Some college professors actually give, or subtract, points for attendance. Translation: take advantage of these freebies.

You might think there's no such thing in online college classes. Well, you're right, sort-of. Many professors will award "bonus points" for doing very easy things. Stuff like making a post on the class message board, or making comments on two or three other college students postings.

Take advantage of those extra points! They're easy. They're quick. They add up. They might boost your grade up a notch at the end of the semester, too.

Work ahead on your assignments tol help you pass your online class 

Since the college class is held online, professors have little sympathy if there's a blizzard, you're car broke down, or anything else. They expect you to have your work done by the deadline. Period. Work ahead. Don't wait till the last minute.

If an assignment is due by Friday, get it in by Tuesday or Wednesday. If you run into a problem, you've still got enough time to contact your college professor AHEAD of the actual due date to converse with them.

Read the syllabus and entire web site when you begin the class 

This sounds dumb, and like it could take a lot of time. It can. But it can be a lifesaver, too. The web sites for some college instructors are easy to navigate. Others? They can be awful!

Some college professor's class sites list conflicting dates for when projects are due, with one page showing one date, and another page showing a different date. Watch for this and when you find it? ASK your professor to clarify it right away!

PASS that online class
The name of the game is to learn, pass, and move on! These tips should help you pass that online class.

4-small-publishers-accept-romance-novels

As a romance writer you may find it difficult to locate publishers both large and small that accept romance novels. The search can be even more difficult when you are unagented because it is always harder to get a publisher without an agent. But, having an agent alone is not going to get your romance novel published. Getting the book published is the goal right? Well, if you opt for a smaller publisher you may see more success, even if you have to sell the book yourself. Some benefits of using a smaller romance publisher are customer service is usually better and the author is more involved in the design and layout.
Whether you are trying to publish western, historical, adult, or Christian romance one of the following publishers may be right for you. A lot of big publishers will say that a book is not commercial enough or unconventional, and that it will never sell. So they turn you down one right after the other. Most times, a smaller publisher will look closely at your books quirks and story line and accept it simply for the reason that it isn't commercial. Sometimes it pays to think small when it comes to publishing romance novels. Here are 4 publishers in the United States that you can send unagented queries to.

Arrow Publications - http://www.arrowpub.com
9112 Paytley Bridge Lane
Potomac, MD 20854
Ph. 301-299-9422

Arrow Publications accepts romance fiction in a graphic novel format and they publish about 50 titles each year. Arrow Publishing is a 21 year old publishing company based out of Washington, D.C. and is also the publisher of www.myromancestory.com. 25% of the yearly titles released are by first time authors, and over 90% is unagented work.

All submissions, if published are paid a flat fee on publication; a writer for hire contract. Scripts should be between 60 and 70 panels, typewritten, and double spaced. Before you just send your text you should send a submission query to the editor. This submission query should be 2-3 typed, single spaced pages set up as an outline. The specifics are available on the website. You can email your final submissions by either attaching a Microsoft Word Document saved as an RTF (Rich Text File) file or include the text in the body of your email.

You can expect to wait anywhere from 3-6 months or more for final publication of your article if it is accepted at all. This company does do a good job of letting you know if you are being considered for a title by sending a return receipt when the receive your text, as well as notifying you by email and standard mail.

Avalon Books - http://www.avalonbooks.com
160 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Ph. 212-598-0222

Avalon Books accepts secular romance that is void of graphic and premarital sex, as well as violence and obscene language. Avalon Books takes pride in producing wholesome adult fiction romance novels. They require that the action in the story takes place during a short period of time; no longer than a year. A finished manuscript should be around 150-200 pages (45,000+ words).

Avalon Books publishes about 60 titles a year, 80% of which are unagented, and 65-75% first time writers. You should send any inquiries to editorial@avalonbooks.com or send a standard request for writer guidelines by mail.

Barbour Publishing, Inc. - http://www.heartsongpresents.com
P.O. Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Ph. 740-922-7280

Barbour Publishing specializes in the mass marketing of inspirational romance novels. Like Avalon Books they request that writers refrain from using graphic language and imagery, premarital sex, and cheating. Since 1992 Barbour Publishing has prided itself of producing high quality romance novels that are inspirational and adhere to Christian values. For more information on submission guidelines just go to the website or send a formal request by mail. Queries can also be sent by email to info@heartsongpresents.com

Dorchester Publishing, Co., Inc.
200 Madison Avenue
Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
Ph. 212-725-8811

Dorchester Publishing produces more than 200 titles per year in a variety of subjects. Romance novels are accepted in historical, paranormal, western, time travel, contemporary, young adult, and futuristic formats. There are strict word count requirements and because there are over 2,000 submissions each year, those who don't follow the rules are immediately disqualified. A finished manuscript should be between 70,000 and 100,000 words and should include a return postcard.

Payment is in the form of advances and royalties on publications. Fax and email submission are also not accepted; all manuscripts must be sent by snail mail. Dorchester Publishing is one of the smaller publishers that produced hundreds of titles each year. It may be easier to get your romance novel published with this company than some others.

in 3-ways-grads-must-shine-job-interview

I continue to work with new grads who are struggling to land a job after graduation. One of the reasons new grads can't find jobs is because they are failing to shine in the job interview. Of course when I ask, many of these new grads tell me that the reason they can't find a job is the high unemployment rate. That's the easy answer. As one grad said to me recently; everybody can understand that reason. It usually surprises the new grad when I share that even with 8.2% unemployment rate, there are millions of job openings that are going unfilled each month in the US. Most new grads don't believe me until I show them the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. In fact, on the last business day of May 2012 there were 3.4 million job openings in the US. In some cases our new grads don't have the skills or experience the employers want. Not yet. However, in other cases, the new grad has the job skills but is just failing to impress the employer in the job interview. With targeted and specific preparation, new grads can shine in the job interview by doing these things.

Do company research so you can show enthusiasm for working in that specific job with that company

New grads must understand that hiring managers look for enthusiasm in the applicant sitting across from them in a job interview. Aside from the obvious body language that shows lack of interest, employers gauge applicant interest from the answers they receive to simple interview questions like: "Why do you want to work here?"

This question is an invitation for a new grad to shine in the job interview especially when they have done the necessary pre-interview company research. This is the time to share with the employer what you know about the company. Do you know any new initiatives underway at the company? Did you read the annual report? Do you know if the company is opening in new regions? Are you aware of a corporate training program?

After a dozen years of working with new grads in college career centers, I am still struck by how many new grads fail to do company research. Many recruiters cite it as the #1 reason a new grad will be overlooked in the job interview. When I work with college students in practice job interviews, the ability to do company research is something we have to discuss. How much research did the student do? How much did they tie the company's initiatives to their own personal objectives? New grads must be able to make the case for a match between their interests and the company's mission AND show why that match makes them excited and enthusiastic about wanting to be with that particular company. Without the research new grads can't shine in a job interview. Instead, they will be forgettable.

Grades, GPA, projects, campus leadership all matter

Another way for new grads to shine in the job interview is to speak about accomplishments through grades, GPA, projects and extracurricular activities. Many new grads will say, 'Well they have my resume already and so I don't want to repeat myself." In order to really shine in a job interview, new grads have to be able to share outcomes and reinforce the information in their resumes. The job interview is the time to put grades, GPA, projects and campus leadership on the table. Hiring managers are listening for what grades and participation say about a new grad. To really shine in a job interview, new grads must share stories about past behavior. Trust me, hiring managers get excited about working with new professionals who already can show a track record of success. Managers will draw parallels between the outcomes you have had before and the outcomes they expect to see after they hire a new grad.

Show confidence and readiness to move from the classroom to office

This is probably one of my biggest challenges working with new grads who don't believe they have anything to bring to a company. After all they are new grads. Yes they have a college degree, but they feel they bring no job skills or experiences that a company is looking for. Not true. One big difference between the new grad that shines in the job interview and the new grad that does not shine in the job interview is the level of confidence displayed. Not cockiness; Confidence. There is a difference. If a new grad has done internships, held leadership roles on campus and know how to communicate effectively, they can shine in the job interview. Most times I have to remind new grads that employers know they have a college degree, but they are also recruiting for potential and attitude.

Source - Bureau of Labor Statistics