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The Poynter Institute Sensemaking Summit for Journalists: Highlights

On Saturday, October 29, 2016, Al Tompkins, senior faculty for Broadcast and Online at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, presented The Poynter Sensemaking Summit for Journalists in Columbus, Ohio. Following are highlights from his message:

 

The four critical questions journalists need to ask on every assignment are:

1. What do we KNOW?
2. What do we NEED to know?
3. HOW do we know what we know?
4. HOW else could we look at this?

I. Making Sense of Medical and Scientific Studies:

• BioMedCentral is an open access, for-pay publisher of scientific articles.
• Retraction Watch monitors retractions as a window into the scientific process.

To make sense of findings, ask:

• Who did the study?
• Who funded the study?
• How big/reflective was the sample size?
• Did the study confirm or deny the lead author's hypothesis? Is the study repeatable?
• What conclusions can your audience draw from this study?
• How did you change your behavior as a result of this study?

People often believe that the media doesn't report certain stories because they are controlled by:

• The government
• Big corporations
• The Pope
• Bernie Sanders

Accuracy + Context = Truth

Journalists need to ask: Who are our experts and what are their areas of expertise?

As a journalist, vow to become the Truth Teller; and avoid false balance.

"It's easier to be a doubter than it is to be an affirmer," says Tompkins. "At the moment, we're in a culture of doubt."

II. Making Sense of Front Groups and Hidden Political Supporters

The order in which you place sources in a story can impact its message.

In regards to climate change/global warming:

•  97% of worldwide experts believe it is a real, man-made threat.
• 67% of the general public believes the same thing.

Journalists often use non-experts to cast doubt on the experts.

There is always a margin of error. What is the margin of error that you find compelling?

We can always find outliers in a field of concensus.

"When it's in our interest not to change, we doubt the evidence," says Tompkins.

Front groups' motto: When the facts are clearly against you, don't argue them, instead, cast doubt."

"So much of what we think we know is wrong."

Federal Election Committee features contributions from journalists to political campaigns

Super Pacs (Political Action Committee)

• No limit to donations.
• Cannot coordinate with/or donate to candidates.
• Regulated by the Federal Exchange Committee-must file regular reports, including annual, quarterly, and expenditures within 48 hours. Priorities USA is the #1 Super Pac (Democrats).

Dark Money/501c (4) The (4) represents a social action charity.

• Charity money.
• No limit to donations.
• Do not have to disclose donor names.
• May not coordinate a company name with a political party.
• Regulated by the IRS.
• Reports spending using an I-990 form ( a year after the donation).

Open Secrets is a nonpartisan, independent, and nonprofit research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effects on elections and public policy.

Making sense of the U.S. political system is more than caring what the candidates support.

Making Sense of Polling

Real Clear Politics

• Who paid for the poll?
• Who did the pollster talk with? Were these the "right" people for the topic?
• What did the pollster ask?
• How big was the sample? When did the poll occur? How did they conduct the survey?

A confident lead must be 2x the margin of error (to get a 1,000 completed sample, pollsters may have to call 20,000 numbers).

Weighting-some pollsters "weight" samples to represent a population when there is a shortage of participants. They may also weight a sample to save time and money.

The Social Desirability Index: 

• Respondents tend to tell pollsters what they think is "socially desirable." As a result, polls sometimes overestimate support for minority, female candidates, while underestimating other controversial candidates that may seem socially "undesirable."

How to Search Photos Using Metadata:

• Applies to any digital photo or document.
• Do a reverse search and scan the metadata.
• TinEye Reverse Image Search.
• Pull images into Google Images to search the metadata.
• Jeffrey's Exif Viewer.
• Fotoforensics

P.S. Social media sites do not post metadata.

Using Mobile to Search Photos:

• Open Chrome (right click) and search Google for the image on your phone.

Word Documents:

Open Properties drop down box-shows changes in metadata.

• Use Properties Drop Down box: Shows changes in metadata.

If you are unfamiliar with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, visit their site to learn how their programs can benefit your professional growth.

 

 

 

@NotreDameOhio 21 Ways to Jumpstart Your Writing

 

  

 

 

 

On Sunday March 29, 2015, the Cuyahoga County Public Library/Brooklyn Branch hosted Katherine Clark, Ph.D., professor of English at Notre Dame College, in South Euclid, Ohio.

 

Dr. Clark highlighted 21 ways writers of both fiction and nonfiction can ignite their writing. Here are Dr. Clark's 21 writing tips:

 

1. Progress Log. Define where you are with a given project, and a timeline for achieving particular results.
2. Listing and 10 questions (including, who? what? when? where? why?). List the different aspects of an identified writing goal.
3. F//w (Free writing), Looping, (and Excelsior! ). Define a timeline,  (Five minutes, ten, etc.); and write whatever comes to mind. When free writing, write as fast you can without stopping, dismiss grammar, spelling, etc.; and stop writing at a pre-determined timeline. "The more you write, the faster you become," says Dr. Long. Looping-analyze your free writing: "What surprises me?," "What disturbs me?," "What do I like?" Circle these finds and use them as your next writing prompt.
   
4. Incubation, rumination, and marination-allow yourself time to go slowly. Practice all three; and maximize thoughts about your writing.
5. Morning pages. This technique, attributed to Julia Cameron, author of the classic, "The Artist's Way," suggests arising earlier than usual, and writing about your project.
6. Clustering and Mind Mapping (with colors!). Visit Writers Web for examples of Clustering (google mind mapping-writing) for various methods. 
   
7. Change the lead. Transform a minor character into a major character as a writing exercise.
8. Change the point of view.
9. Silent Socratic Dialogue: with a partner. Collaborate with a fellow writer. Each of you writes about your particular writing project, and your goals, for a defined time (five, ten minutes, etc.). Exchange notebooks. Partners write down questions about what the other aims to accomplish. Trade notebooks again and write responses to the partner's questions.
   
10. Success team and create accountability. Identify several trusted people in your network (both writers and non-writers), who'd be willing to read your work and offer feedback and questions on an ongoing basis.
11. Write in a different genre. "Our brains can't stand stagnancy," says Dr. Clark.
12. Be someone else.
13. Funding. As it relates to writing, "fill your well." Use pictures, postcards, etc.; and pair up with a partner. Define a timeline and write down how you perceive the particular images. Trade pictures and repeat the process. Share and learn from your different perspectives.
    
14. Write over the top badly. Make it suck. "Give yourself permission to write terrible," says Dr. Clark. "It's ok."
    
15. Tell your story-auditory; Tell your story-write a letter.
16. Find models. Learn from writers already successful in your writing genre.
17. Use e.ggtimer as an online tool for writing. Write until you've achieved your predetermined word count (300, 500, 1000 words, etc.). Define a minimal daily task list for your writing.
    
18. Cartoon and storyboard.
19. Interview someone.
20. Ticking clock-stakes and conflict. Even with non-fiction there needs to be an element of conflict/suspense. (Dr. Clark recommends watching the classic Western, High Noon, even if you're not a fan of the movie genre).
    
21. Baby steps. Break down your writing project into years, months, weeks, days, etc. "Baby steps add up," says Dr. Clark.
22. Keep a Progress Log. Dr. Clark returns full-circle to the first point. A Progress Log is that important. 

Twenty-eight branches comprise the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) system; which ranks among the nation's top 25 public libraries (according to the American Library Association).

CCPL offers free writing programs year-round, including fiction writing, writing for children, and online writing courses.

To access CCPL's online writing classes, visit Cuyahoga County Public Library, click on Resources, choose Resources A-Z, and choose Universal Class (home access requires a CCPL library card and PIN).

 

#Cleveland Institute of #Art: Tips and Resources for #Illustrating a #Children's #Book

On Saturday March 21, 2015, Suzanne McGinness, visiting artist/illustrator and instructor at the Cleveland Institute of Art, entertained and educated patrons at the Westlake Porter Public Library.

McGinness is the award-winning illustrator of My Bear Grizz, a children's book for kids, ages 2 through 6; and published by Frances Lincoln.

The book earned acclaim in the New York Times, Cleveland's, The Plain Dealer, and Kirkus Review, to name a few.

McGinness's passion for images and storytelling originated in her youth; and Childhood memories, dreams, and observations of daily life influence McGinness's illustrations.

McGinness was a nominee for the prestigious, international Bologna Ragazzi Award for children's literature; and she won the White Ravens Festival Award.

My Bear Grizz presents two voices, one of the viewer, and the other of main character, Billy. Readers have the opportunity to play pretend with Billy.

"My Bear Grizz has no moral to the story," says McGinness, "but instead is a tribute to keeping the imagination alive."

"Just like any good match, there's a publisher who will be interested in you, but you just have to seek them out," McGinness says.

McGinness offered the above tip, and others, for anyone interested in illustrating children's books,including:

• Read, read, read, lots of children's books.
• Keep drawing; and draw every day.
• Look for stories in everyday life.
• Play with technique. There is no one way to illustrate a children's book.
• Have a dummy book ready, replete with finished pencil sketches, and a few completed photos before querying your book to publishers.

Resources for illustrating children's books include:

• Northern Ohio Illustrators Society.
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
• Illustrating Children's Books by Martin Salisbury.

McGinness teaches Introduction to Picture Book Illustration through the Cleveland Institute of Art's Continuing Education program.

To inquire about the eight-week, Fall 2015 course, visit Cleveland Institute of Art-Continuing Education.

 

 

Recycling: Homemade Organic Cleaning Supplies

 

 

On Tueday November 4, 2014, the Friends of the Cuyahoga County Public Library/Bay Village Branch sponsored Homemade Organic Cleaning Supplies, featuring speaker, Jeff Muhlbach.

Muhlbach, a landscape architect by profession, embodies sustainable living and knows eco-friendly household and landscape cleaning.

Investing in homemade cleaning supplies promotes cleaner in-home air, is a healthier alternative to commercial solutions, and saves money.

Using homemade cleaning solutions reflects practices of grandparents and great-grandparents of yesteryear.

Muhlbach highlighted several ingredients, including:

• Vinegar. It's great for cleaning windows, along with crinkled newspaper to create a streak-free shine. Combine vinegar with dishwashing liquid (which acts as a binder) to make an effective alternative to Round-Up for killing weeds. Also use it to clean stone, marble, and granite counter/table tops.

• Baking Soda. Poke holes in the lid of a small Mason jar and use it as a shaker to freshen musty smelling shoes and other areas. Combine baking soda with vinegar and use as an alternative to Drano.

• Castille Soap. Make a solution with water and use as an insectiside. Muhlbach recommends Dr. Bronner's Unscented Baby Mild, available at Target. "It's expensive but goes a long way," he says. Castille soap is also available at Ohio-based Drug Mart.

Essential oils (which range in price from 5$ to $20) provide many benefits. Peppermint oil acts as an allergen for mice and other rodents. Muhlbach suggests reading books on the topic to discover their versatility.

Muhlbach offered these cleaning tips:

• Allow dusted areas to settle 10-15 minutes before vacuuming.
• Change furnace filters frequently.
• Clean cutting boards with vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide (as a second rinse).
• Buy cleaning rags made of microfibers, economically available at discount and dollar stores.
• Use 100 percent plant-based sponges, also a cheap purchase.

Muhlbach complemented his presentation by distributing ring-bound index cards featuring recipes for homemade cleaning supplies, including Carpet Freshener and Homemade Soft Scrubber. 

If you're not using homemade cleaning solutions now, it's worth learning about their benefits.

"When it comes to homemade cleaning supplies, it's just a matter of thinking beyond what the commercials have taught you," says Muhlbach.

 

America Recycles Day: November 15 2014: #RecyclingSelfie Contest and #AmericaRecyclesDay Twitter Chat

 

         

 America Recycles Day is Saturday November 15,2014.

 

Two promotions are underway to complement this eco-friendly event:

 

On Wednesday November 12, at 8:00 p.m. ET, join America Recycles Day Recycling in Every Room Twitter Chat.

 

Tweet about what and how you recycle in each room of the house, and share and learn ways to do more.

 

The chat will last 60 minutes and the hosts will respond to as many questions as possible during that timeline.

 

Chat participants who use the hashtag, #AmericaRecyclesDay are eligible to win prizes.

 

Visit the above link for additional details.

 

From now through November 20, encourage members of your network to participate in the #RecyclingSelfie promotion.

 

Snap a "selfie" of yourself recycling and post it to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr. 

 

Use the hashtag, #RecyclingSelfie and be eligible to win a fun, recycled-content prize.

 

America Recycles Day occurs annually on November 15, although many communities and event organizers celebrate the day thoughout the fall and December.

 

An American Recycles Day event can be as simple as visiting a classroom to talk about recycling or more involved by organizing a collection drive for hard-to-recycle items, like electronics.

 

The America Recycles Day website contains a variety of information to honor the event, including templates and downloads with ideas to: 

• Host your event-I Want To Be Recycled.
• Engage the Media-America Recycles Day Key Messages.
• Rally Your Local Governments-Proclamations.
• Present Successful College and University Tailgating Parties.

Other resources include:

• Banners
• Posters
• Flyers
• 15 Steps to Renew Your Commitment to Recycling.
• Take The Pledge-Give Your Garbage Another Life.

Visit America Recycles Day to customize your individual or organizational approach to this annual recycling celebration (and remember to join in the Recycling Twitter Chat on November12, and take a recycling "selfie").

 

 

Recycling: 8 Reuse Organizations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio-Zerolandfill At Its Best

 

 

On Tuesday, September 16, the Cuyahoga County Master Recycler Class 2014 hosted a panel of eight representatives to discuss how their organization repurposes discarded materials, which would otherwise  be landfill-bound: 

 

 The Cleveland Furniture Bank (CFB) works with 216 agencies within six Northeast Ohio counties, to provide furniture, clothes, and other household items to individuals and families in need. Domestically abused women and homeless veterans are two of the organization's biggest benefactors. Stringent state guidelines and annual, state, spot inspections help guarantee bug-free, usable product.

CFB's Beds for Kids program buys a new bed and mattress for a child with each $100.00 donation.

Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center, founded in 2001, serves 250 schools in Cuyahoga County. The center collects excess or discontinued products such as outdated posters (turned over to become poster board), company t-shirts (used as gym shirts, art smocks, or field trip uniforms), and miscellaneous promotional items (student rewards for good performance) and donates the items to local schools. This win-win benefits disadvantaged students and prevents unwanted goods from ending up in a landfill. Licensed teachers can learn how they can "shop" at the center by visiting their website.

Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio, Inc.  Goodwill (a non-profit entity), operates second-hand stores that ultimately benefit job seekers, by providing vocational assessments and evaluations. Job skills training includes computer classes and job coaching services. Its Computers Again program diverts computers and other electronics from landfills and refurbishes them into functional equipment for low income individuals and non-profit groups. Goodwill also provides parenting skills education, literacy, and financial workshops too.

 

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank serves six counties in Northeast Ohio. Consider these statistics:

• 1 in every 5 Northeast Ohioans misses a meal, not by choice.
• 1 in every 4 children in Northeast Ohio needs food assistance.

The Food Bank operates a community food distribution center; and turns every dollar donated into four meals. Food and money donations, and volunteers drive the organization.

MedWish partners with area hospitals, clinics, and manufacturers to recover usable medical surplus from their operations. The humanitarian aid organization donates the supplies to third world countries-everything from ambulances to tongue depressors. 

Rustbelt Reclamation utilizes locally sourced, 100 percent upcycled materials to custom design and fabricate commercial and residential superior furniture. The company can make the furniture look reclaimed or not look reclaimed, depending on client needs.

Upcycle Parts Shop Cleveland  offers affordable art supplies, stocking pieces, parts, nuts, and bolts that have fulfilled their original purpose and now seek to be transformed and repurposed into something beautiful and useful. The store offers classes and workshops; and works with area businesses, schools, museums, corporations, and individuals to collect and repurpose their unwanted materials, thus preventing otherwise landfill-bound waste.

ZeroLandfill Cleveland  is an award-winning upcycling program that originated in Northeast Ohio in 2006; and now operates in numerous other cities. Zerolandfill project partners with area architects and the interior design community to identify and divert over 1 million pounds of expired specification samples (ex: carpet tiles and books, upholstery swatches, three ring binders) from landfills. Artists and art teachers attend local events to claim the complimentary materials to use in classrooms or creative projects. 

Northeast Ohio residents passionate about recycling, can contact the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District to learn more about its nine-week Master Recycler program. The next class begins August, 2015. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Castillo: Amish Crime Fiction Writer Visits Massillon Public Library

Pictured: Linda Castillo & Tim Zaun
                                                                          

On Wednesday, July 9, 2014, New York Times bestselling author, Linda Castillo, showcased her new book,"The Dead Will Tell," at the Massillon Public Library in Massillon, Ohio.

The Dead Will Tell is Castillo's sixth murder mystery featuring Kate Burkholder, a thirty-something chief of police in the fictional town of Painters Mill, Ohio.

Kate is a thirty-something, former Amish woman, who left the order at 18, carrying the dark secret of her brutal rape when she was 14 years old. She pursued a career in law enforcement; and returned to her home town to fight crime, amidst much consternation from locals who disapprove of her religious rebellion.

Ohio-born Castillo now resides in Texas on a cattle ranch with her husband. She returns annually to her birth state to promote her latest book. Readers with Northeast Ohio ties enjoy a special affinity for her well-written books, recognizing such areas as Cleveland and Richfield, Ohio in her narratives.

Castillo says her latest book, "The Dead Will Tell," is her grittiest book yet in the Kate Burkholder series, combining mystery, police procedure, and ghostly elements.

She prides herself on juxtapostioning the bucolic lifestyle perception of the Amish with brutal crimes. 

Castillo graduated from two citizen police academies and experienced Amish culutre first-hand, which enables her to authenticate her stories.

Book seven in the Kate Burkholder series is about 50 pages from completion says Castillo; and she encourages fans to look for its release next summer.

Castillo teased fans during her talk, promising to blow readers away with her ideas brewing for her eigth Kate Burkholder book.

Castillo's past visits to Ohio include the Bay Village Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and Kent State University-Geauga County Library Branch.

3D Printing: Experience TechCentral MakerSpace at Cleveland Public Library

 

 

Cleveland Public Library held its grand opening of TechCentral's TechCentral MakerSpace on Saturday January 11, 2014.

 

Cleveland Public Library debuted TechCentral in 2013, including 3D printing.

 

TechCentral is an innovative technology and learning center providing services to Main Library and all 27 branch locations.

On Tuesday January 14, 2014, Adam Jenke, tech trainer for the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) conducted  a primer class on 3D printing at the Lorain Avenue Branch.

 

3D printing is an additive process as opposed to derivative. Solid objects are created from various materials based on a 3D digital design. Rather than cut away at materials (CNC machines), 3D printing produces physical objects by adding layers of materials; which produces less waste.

 

As 3D printing evolves, it's becoming easier, more affordable and more accessible to the masses. Prints can range from artistic to functional, based on the user's creativity and needs. Its uses include:

• prototyping and distributed manufacturing
• architecture
• construction (AEC)
• industrial design
• automotive
• aerospace
• military
• engineering/civil engineering
• dental/medical industries
• biotech (human tissue replacement)
• fashion, footwear, jewelry, eyewear
• education
• geographic information systems
• food

The density, size, and intricacy of an object determines the time needed to print.

Much of the 3D printing movement is part of a large network of programmers, artists, and creators who openly share intellectual property (free, open source software), with the goal of technological and community growth.

CPL's most popular 3D printer is the MakerBot Replicator 2.

3D printing at CPL is cheap and easy. The printer accepts STL (Stereo lithography) files. These can be created in applications such as SketchUp or downloaded from websites listed below. The files can be emailed to TechCentral staff or brought in person.

Jenke described two kinds of 3D printers:

1. PLA Plastic-Based. Uses biodegradable plastics. A spool of plastic costs 40$ to $60 and can last up to  a year.
2. ABS Plastic-Based. Uses a non-biodegradable plastic, which is also harder to work with.

The cost of 3D printing at CPL is $0.05 per gram of plastic. CPL supplies the printer and plastic. You supply the model. Most prints do not exceed $5.00.

CPL also has one 3D printer manufactured by Beachwood Ohio-based MakerGear, a business dedicated to advancing digital fabrication and rapid prototype production for individuals and companies. Currently, the company only provides online customer service chat.

3D printing resources inlcude:

• Thingiverse-search and download 3D models and download them for printing.
• 3Ders-articles and news about the world of 3D printing.
• Shapeways-share, sell and purchase 3D printed creations and browse different creative tools.
• Sketchup-owned by Trimble (formerly owned by Google). A downloadable application for 3D model and shape creation. The learning curve is high.
• Sculpteo-an online-based application for 3D model and shape creation.
• 123dapp-generate 3D models from two-dimensional photos and design and sculpt models from "digital clay." 123dapp acquired Tinkercad.
• Willit3dprint-Test 3D models for printing compatability with a variety of different commercial printers.
• Tinkercad-create and export STL files for 3D printing. Works with a variety of shapes and tools and is best for beginners.
• CookieCaster-build your own cookie cutter in under a minute.

Visit the above links to learn more about 3D printing and Cleveland Public Library's TechCentral MakerSpace. If you're not near a CPL branch, consider enrolling in Skillshare's free online class: Introduction to 3D Printing: From Concept to Product.

The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement by Mary Hunt-Slow Cook Your Way to Cash

Are you committed to improving your finances in 2014 and beyond?

If so, money maven, Mary Hunt, offers sound advice in her new book, "The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement."

While geared toward women, men can also benefit from Hunt's money knowledge, honed after accumulating over $100,000 in debt earlier in life; and taking 13 years to eradicate.

Hunt explains the differences between men and women when it comes to finances. She believes women have more of a need for financial security than men.

She compares saving for retirement to using a slow cooker (crock pot) to prepare meals. 

A crock pot allows you to add basic ingredients early in the cooking process, cover, and let simmer for hours, to produce a delicious meal.

Producing a bountiful retirement can be thought of as learning the basics of investing, making initial investments and allowing them to mature over time.

Yes, the markets will fluctuate, but it's the long-term effect of leaving your money untouched that is apt to produce the biggest financial rewards (much like not constantly lifting the slow cooker lid to check if the food is done).

Hunt discusses a variety of financial topics in her easy to read new book, including:

• A six-step Retirement Savings Plan to maximize your money.

• How men and women approach finances differently.

• Developing a money management system.

• The 10-10-80 Solution (save 10 percent, give 10 percent, live on 80 percent).

• How to maximize your retirement accounts.

• The three different types of financial planners, and how and when to choose one.

• The future of social security.

• How much you'll need to retire.

• The misperception that parents are required to pay for their children's college education.

You can gain additional insight into Mary Hunt's financial message by reading my "Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement" book review, published on ezine articles.

To Sell Is Human by Dan Pink: Master the Art of Selling-Professionally and Personally in 2014-Sales Book Review

 

How do you earn your living? Is it in sales? 

If you didn't answer "sales," think again.

Dan Pink is the author of the 2013 bestselling book, "To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Others." Pink's book, which hit #1 on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post book lists, is now available in paperback.

Pink believes that regardless of your career-housewife, sales rep, teacher, etc. we're all selling our ideas whether to our children, clients, or students.

If you're committed to making the most of your personal and professional life in 2014, check out Pink's book to learn:

• 3 fundamental qualities that the latest social science shows are essential in moving others;
• 6 weirdly effective ways to pitch your product, your idea, or yourself; 
• Why extraverts actually *don't* make the best salespeople;
• 5 ways to frame messages to maximize their impact;
• 2 irrational questions that can get resistant people to change their behavior.

Read To Sell Is Human and also learn:

• The new ABCs of selling.

• Creative ways to pitch.

• How to improvise.

• The importance of serving.

Each of the easy read, user-friendly chapters ends with eye-opening exercises to help you experience the  information first-hand. Pink also includes additional book suggestions to help your ability to sell, both at home and the work place.

For additional perspective on Dan Pink's "To Sell Is Human," visit To Sell Is Human book reviews. The link features seven book reviews detailing Pink's entire message to help you master the art of selling in 2014.