Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Recommended Readings

I would recommend reading an article titled "How to Use Multimedia for Business Marketing," written by Lauren Folino and Michelle V. Rafter. I enjoyed reading the article to a great extent because of the idea that multimedia is not only used for entertainment, but it can and should also be used to market yourself or your business/organization. Overall, the article discusses the idea that multimedia, such as mobile marketing, livecasting and podcasting, photo, video and file sharing, can spread the word about your company and help build brand awareness in a very unique and powerful way. This type of media has the potential to go viral quickly.


The next article that I have read and recommend you to read is called "Teaching Effectively with Multimedia" by Jessica E. Zimmer. This is all about why a teacher should use multimedia at its fullest potential in a classroom setting. She explains that students respond to information differently. Thus, it is an advantage as teachers to use many different formats and modes to teach the subject matter of a lesson. As a student myself, I completely agree with the article that teachers should use more than pure lecture itself to try to teach his or her students. Like many other students, I have a tendency to space out or get side-tracked when sitting in a classroom. However, if there is a lecture that incorporates graphics, video, or audio, I am less likely to do so.


Also, I am currently taking a course at my school that requires me to read a text book titled eMarketing: The Essential Guide to Online Marketing by Rob Stokes and the Minds of Quirk. One of the chapters I read was called Social Media (chapter 8). I would recommend individuals to look into either purchasing the book or finding a copy of the particular chapter online. The entire book is quite interesting and as the title depicts, it is all about online marketing. In the chapter called Social Media, it discusses the differences between traditional and social media, the fundamental concepts behind social media, teaches you how creating content and sharing content work together, and how to use the online community in eMarketing efforts.


The last recommended reading I would like to discuss is on a blog called Mastering Multimedia by Colin Mulvany. In particular, I found one blog post to be very interesting. The blog post is titled "Sequencing: The Foundation of Storytelling." Colin discusses that he is not happy with videos that he has recently seen online. He said that the videos lack the basic sequencing of video clips, which is a necessity in creating videos. Basically, the sequence is the foundation of all video storytelling. They compress time in a video story.


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

10 Reasons to read the book before seeing the movie

Are you a fan of books like films? If this is the case, you understand that the inevitable question between the book and film lovers lovers is if you read the book or watch the movie first.

I hope that this list encourages you to read books that are films before seeing the book on the big screen!

1 Imagine people as you want
While reading the book the film is based on the origin can bring cast to life in what way you want to. You are able to imagine the characters of how optimally works just for you.

2. Escape in a novel for some time
While watching a movie that you often cannot free yourself so easily that when reading a book. This means that the front book with you will give some time off the coast of the difficulties in your daily life.

3 Set possibilities and views on history
Whenever we see books such as films, told us essentially what we should think. During the reading of a book, it's easier to maintain the plot for the interpretation and to take pleasure in the meditate a little more.

4. It is generally more history
When we look at movies that are usually books miss us next lot of development in the world. With a book, we get the history back on the characters and the history around the world.

5 Come in the spirit of the characters
When we read the book on which the film is based, we will be able to read one or more of the thoughts of the main characters. This inner dialogue are generally heard in the film allows us to sympathize with the characters easier.

6 – No concerns upon his arrival under the cost and duration
Secure production companies dedicated financial constraints and they need squeezing out the book in a film which is at most a few hours long. From time to time things detract from the story we orient? are expected to imagine.

7 The tale of love even more
A powerful novel will rein in you and you y. With books like the films you can be simply dedicated to it for a few hours at most. Jump in the book first, and then the film can make one any more invested in the history.

8 Read these things, the author intended for
With movies based on the book we are half the story time. Diving in the novel first will allow for us to realize the tale as the writer hoped we.

9 Brag of freedoms
You know these people who say "the novel is much higher in relation to the film". You can be that person, if for no other reason that to show their first.

10 Use your creative imagination
No need to be thinking Designer see a movie and when watch you the film first, and then going be view the elements of the film the entire book. Then you certainly can can drive this magnificent spirit of yours!

If you are a fan of books that are films, then watch the books as film news blog for the latest news and updated on films, books.



Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Stay Motivated In A Reading Club

Reading groups are created by people who gather to share their opinions on books they have read. These groups can be as small as four friends to as large a classroom full of book lovers. All have some kind of structure. Usually, there is a leader and a set of rules for moderating the discussion. The leader guides the conversation and helps the group keep time and allow everyone a chance to speak. The leader may also have other duties. The group guidelines, meeting place and schedule will vary according to the group. The rewards of being in a reading club give members opportunity for socialization, exposure to others opinions and a lot more.


Keeping the Mind Active


Often people are so busy with their daily lives such that discovery takes a backseat and the mind stagnates. A reading club is a place where one can be stay aware of recent events, authors and read about diverse cultures and societies to stay intellectually engaged. Reading diverse books leads to a broadening of thinking and make the person more open to a variety of ideas.


Socialization


Especially true for introverts who do are not make friends quickly, when you are in a group, the natural tendency is to add to discussions. Friendships are formed and deepened by the engagement. Additionally, there is a common ground that keeps conversation flowing and creates a oneness with the other members.


Reduction of the Mundane


Meeting in a reading group regularly, one escapes free from the routine of life even if it for brief time. This feels very invigorating and gives one a much essential break from everyday experiences. This therapeutic angle of being part of a reading group can be enjoyed only when one develops into a regular member. The best part is that one feels safe in the group and the sense of belonging is created.


Find New Books


A reading club is the right spot to enjoy the rewards an interesting book can give you. One can learn about recently released books, hear opinions before choosing new books. At the same time, the chance to meet new people with fresh views helps to encourage the growth of one's mind. You end up making friends with people of similar interests. Ideas for reading group selections are available


Self-Expression


A reading club is a place where one need not restrict expression of one's opinions. It's a place where opinions will vary and each viewpoints are expressed. In a well run group, one can be candid about feelings toward a particular book or idea. This self-expression goes a long way in making people more confident.


Helping Yourself and Others


After making the decision to join a reading group, selecting the correct group for you can be tricky and sometimes a little intimidating. Here are tips for on choosing a reading club.


Joining a reading group and receive the rewards a reading club can give. You'll be the wiser, friendlier and happier as a result.


Help with your Reading Club:


If you are a reading group member or leader looking for tips or new ideas, there are resources available to you. The Book Group Registry can aid you with tools, techniques and other information to make their job easier, less stressful and simply more enjoyable.


Tools include attractive handouts of your reading club reading list. Tips on selecting books and more to help with your reading group. The service is free to book group leaders and members.


Join the Book Group Registry by visiting http://www.bookgroupregistry.com/


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Books to Read After Harry Potter

The epic Harry Potter series came to an end, with The Deathly Hallows. These seven book series captivated the reading audience with 'magic' and gave rise to a new generation of book lovers. Therefore, the conclusion of the series left a void among the ardent Potter fans, all over the world, who still craves for more.


Fortunately, there are several admirable books that can prove to be the best choice to read after Harry Potter. We will be covering ten such books that are mystical, innovative and endearing. These fantasy based books are meant for the adults and children alike and though these books may or may not follow the theme or genre similar to 'Potter', they are definitely excellent and can easily engross the reading world.


The Last Unicorn written by Peter S. Beagle is a classic novel that depicts the journey of a Unicorn, an immortal wizard and a cat. This fantasy based book narrates their pursuit to find what happened to the unicorns. The underlying theme of the novel reflects love, delusion against realism, failure, compassion and destiny. The story is an amalgamation of myths and folklore just like the story of Harry Potter. The fantasy has an emotional twist when the characters of the book give up their belief in the supernatural or mythological creatures.


Many people draw similarities between His Dark Materials, which is a trilogy by Philip Pullman and Harry Potter. This particular book series involves intricate and adult themes which make it appropriate for the grown-up readers. These books are pleasurable as they leave impressions of magic comparable to Harry Potter. Pullman's books are ideal for reading after the Potter series.


The Lord of the Rings is another epic trilogy that has caught the interest of several Potter fans. J. R Tolkien drew many things from mythology and some of the characters of Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter have similar traits and features. Nevertheless, it is an interesting and gripping book which can surely capture the attention of Potter readers.


The Hobbit is another novel by Tolkien. It is a story that revolves around Bilbo Baggins - the hobbit and his adventures in Middle-Earth. In his perilous expedition, he comes across monsters and discovers inner bravery, strength etc. It is a fascinating and a must read book for Potter fans.


Susannah Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrel is a novel based on secrecy, magic and marvel which makes the reading enjoyable. It is an excellent followup book after Harry Potter.


The Sparrow written by Mary Doria Russel is actually a science fiction however; it handles several themes that can earn earnest appreciation from Potter fans.


The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke portrays the life of two orphans who escapes to Venice and stumbles upon the mystifying Thief Lord. Though the Lord helps them, he also draws them into risky robberies. The story is about magic, mystery and bonding which reminds one of Harry Potter.


The Chronicles of Narnia are amusing books to read after Harry Potter. It is a fantasy series about the amazing kingdom of Narnia which spans across seven books. Narnia has loads of fantastic beasts like Harry Potter. Also, the passage to the world of Narnia is through a cupboard which reminds of platform 9 ?. The story of Narnia is enthralling and engrosses the readers successfully.


Homeland by R.A Salvatore reveals the Drow world which is underground, deceitful and is inhibited by Drizzt Do'Urden. Drizzt is unable to adjust in the Muggle world just like Harry. However, unlike Harry who gets admission at Hogwarts School, Drizzt is practically left alone as despite being a great warrior, he declines to slay other Drows, which is a part of his duty towards his family and society. Salvatore produces a very sinister world, but the readers share Drizzt's loneliness and discover optimism in his compassion and might.


Earthsea Trilogy written by Ursula K. LeGuin is renowned for her writing style more than the story. The Wizard of Earthsea trails Ged as he turn into a full fledge wizard. The remaining part of the series tracks his adventures as he gains power. Earthsea is a delight for fantasy book readers. The wizard world reminisce the magical world of Harry Potter.


To conclude, it is always a special treat to revisit the Harry Potter series and read it all over again and again.


This article is to bring a persons attention to what is available to read that are related to the Harry Potter series. There are web sites available that will show more books to read that relates to the same theme to be reviewed.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Four Gifts for Aria: Book Review

It happened in that August 2011, I needed to read an antique thriller. Searching, then I stumbled upon this beautifully illustrated cover, Four Gifts for Aria, Ebook written by Joshua Graham. Since, in my case I have learnt not to prejudge a book by its low price, I therefore latched onto it to satisfy my curiosity of the theme, that is, what gifts, by whom, and why? After reading, I was able to get the three answers. Below, I have tried to state them for your pleasure.


What gifts? On pages 13 and 14 of the book, Aria, a teenage girl, said she wanted a horse ride, a puppy, a sail and a dance with a prince.


Gifted by whom? If you followed from the above, then there appeared the next question, that is, who was she expecting them from? Pitiably, the task of bringing the gifts fell upon the shoulders of one stylishly funny sixteen-year-old boy called Nicholas. He really had much to bear. First, he needed to survive in Huntington Manor.


The narration began thus, "When first I arrived at Huntington Manor, I thought I was going to die...It wasn't until I ran into something that I lifted my eyes from the ground. Only, it wasn't something but someone...Please sir. Have you any bread or clear water...? I can do just about any chore. I wouldn't be askin' much-fare wages, a roof over my head, and some decent food."


Why the gifts? From the moment the author established Nicholas to the reader, the story blossomed expectedly and found a connection between the two most important characters, the hero and the protagonist. In this case, love, the thing that Aria has all along been denied. This was the premise for the gifts which helped in knowing that I was reading a romance-genre story.


Nicholas fell in love with Aria, daughter of Lord Huntington, who had first served her turn by giving Nicholas some sustenance twice a day. Understandably, his love for Aria became a sort of reciprocal obsession. Between them however, a sharp class-divide and antagonists await Nicholas.i Those were in the early chapters.


In later chapters, Nicholas would either die trying or, be able to get Aria on the altar of providing the gifts. Lord Huntington, Aria's father awaits Nicholas?"€even the man who had all along been magnanimous to house Nicholas. I don't envy him, really.


Just for purposes of saying that, I also read it with mindset of a writer, I remember coming across a slight narrative oversight, which states: "I... made a serious face..." But, in all the printed and digital books I have read, I have found one oversight or a typo.


Back to the gifts, all four of them impacted on the book's morals, sacrifice, which was easy to find while reading. Ironically, Aria ended up having an amended set of four gifts--one wrapped gift, a horse ride, a love, and a boat ride, where death befell her. In real life, such twisted expectations may happen.


The beauty of the book's noteworthy characterization and dialogue is that, like me, most readers might want to continue enjoying the piece without knowing the story had approached its end. In all, it ran over 35 pages. My favorite quote from this novel is, "The mind is its own place and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, and a Hell of Heaven." I enjoyed every bit and almost got involved.


Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Hunger Games Series - Overview and Review of the Plot

The Hunger Games Series is set in the post-apocalyptic Panem. In it lays 12 districts and the city of Capitol, which holds control over Panem. Annually, an event called the Hunger Games is held by the Capitol to commemorate the rebellion set by the 12 districts against them before. Two participants, called the 'tributes', from 12-18 years old are chosen from each district to join the Hunger Games where they will kill each other off until one remains. This televised event is a punishment set by the Capitol to the 12 districts.


The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games Series begins in the coal mining district of Panem, District 12. The story starts with the introduction of Katniss Everdeen, a girl from a poor family who illegally hunts for food to feed her family. During the Reaping, the event where tributes are chosen from each district, a boy from a medium-class family, Peeta Mellark, and Katniss' sister Primrose, were chosen. Katniss volunteered herself to save her sister. Katniss and Peeta, guided with their mentor, embarked on the dangerous competition.


Catching Fire
Continuing with the Hunger Games Series, Peeta and Katniss won together on 74th Hunger Games. The two went back home where President Snow visited Katniss telling her he's with her for making the suicide attempt with Peeta during the end of the game. The act allowed both of them to win and caused rebellion talks. Snow threatened to kill her family unless she proves to the public that the act is only because of her love for Peeta. Peeta and Katniss went on a victory tour across Panem where they visited the districts and discovered how serious Snow is against any plan of rebellion.


Returning home, an announcement was made for the Quarter Quell where 24 champions from previous games will compete again to kill each other. Katniss and Peeta competed in the games. By teaming up with other contenders, Katniss discovered how the arena works and destroyed it. Katniss was rescued by the rebels, informed of the existence of District 13 where she is being transported, learned about the Capitol's capture of Peeta and the total destruction of her home, District 12.


Mockingjay
As 'Mockingjay', the symbol of rebellion against the Capitol, Katniss was given the right to kill Snow. District 13 made attacks to the Capitol rescuing Peeta and others successfully. Brainwashed Peeta came back hating and trying to kill Katniss. An assault was made to Capitol and Snow was captured. Many people died during the assault, including Prim, Katniss' sister who's part of the rebel medical team. Katniss killed District 13's President Coin. Snow was killed during a riot. Katniss and Peeta, who recovered from the brainwash, returned to live in the reconstructed District 12. The Hunger Games Series ends with an epilogue by Katniss 15 years after the war, married to Peeta with two children.


The Hunger Games Series


I review books that I read.