Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Remember- I'm posting at my permanant blog!
"Where are you?" inquired a recent e-mail. One of my feed subscribers had missed the note about my blog move, and was wondering where all my posts had gone.
So this is a reminder that I'm posting regularly at my permanent blog, www.Janice-Campbell.com-- Taking Time For Things That Matter. You'll find plenty of posts and comments to read on literature, homeschooling, and 'taking time for things that matter.'
One of my recent posts, "Socialization... Again" was included the 82nd Carnival of Homeschooling, where you'll also find many other terrific articles and resources. Tami, the host, chose a very pretty state flower theme for the carnival. Thanks, Tami, for hosting!
I'll see you at the new blog!
So this is a reminder that I'm posting regularly at my permanent blog, www.Janice-Campbell.com-- Taking Time For Things That Matter. You'll find plenty of posts and comments to read on literature, homeschooling, and 'taking time for things that matter.'
One of my recent posts, "Socialization... Again" was included the 82nd Carnival of Homeschooling, where you'll also find many other terrific articles and resources. Tami, the host, chose a very pretty state flower theme for the carnival. Thanks, Tami, for hosting!
I'll see you at the new blog!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
New Blog Address
I finally have a spot of my own for a blog, so I will most likely be writing more of my literary posts at www.Janice-Campbell.com. I will keep this blog for news, special events, sales, and other good stuff.
Don't forget the Spring Cleaning Sale from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-- you'll be so inspired as you leaf through each issue, and all the free gifts are so much fun!
Don't forget the Spring Cleaning Sale from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine-- you'll be so inspired as you leaf through each issue, and all the free gifts are so much fun!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Eclipse Tonight!
Sky watchers from many nations will be able to see a partial to full eclipse of the moon tonight. It will occur near moonrise, so be sure to be looking heavenward!
You can read all about it at the Classical Astonomy blog, and if you visit the Classical Astronomy website (very nicely designed, btw) and sign up for their free update, you'll be ready for all sorts of astronomical learning.
You can read all about it at the Classical Astonomy blog, and if you visit the Classical Astronomy website (very nicely designed, btw) and sign up for their free update, you'll be ready for all sorts of astronomical learning.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
German Homeschooler Update & Old Schoolhouse Sale
Two things today-
First, a brief update on Melissa Busekros, the German teen who was forcibly removed from her family's home and incarcerated in a psyciatric institution. According to HSLDA, the situation has worsened, and Melissa has been removed to foster care. The government has suggested that if the Busekros family gives up custody of their other five children, the situation might be resolved. Needless to say, that is not an option.
For now, HSLDA suggests writing to the German Embassy and the Minister of Bavaria to protest this violation of the family. You may read more about this, and find their addresses in the HSLDA e-lert archive at: http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2007/02/20070222140156.asp
This particular e-lert also provides an address to which you could send encouraging cards and letters to the Busekros family. Most German people speak at least a little English, so please don't let the language barrier stop you from being a blessing.
In connection with this, the current edition of Homeschool Enrichment magazine has a very well researched article on homeschool conditions in Germany. It's well worth reading as a cautionary tale. It could happen anywhere!
Finally, one of my very favorite magzines, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, is having a major subscription sale with a bunch of freebies added to an already discounted subscription. I always find good things to read in TOS-- it's a great resource that I recommend often.
First, a brief update on Melissa Busekros, the German teen who was forcibly removed from her family's home and incarcerated in a psyciatric institution. According to HSLDA, the situation has worsened, and Melissa has been removed to foster care. The government has suggested that if the Busekros family gives up custody of their other five children, the situation might be resolved. Needless to say, that is not an option.
For now, HSLDA suggests writing to the German Embassy and the Minister of Bavaria to protest this violation of the family. You may read more about this, and find their addresses in the HSLDA e-lert archive at: http://www.hslda.org/elert/archive/2007/02/20070222140156.asp
This particular e-lert also provides an address to which you could send encouraging cards and letters to the Busekros family. Most German people speak at least a little English, so please don't let the language barrier stop you from being a blessing.
In connection with this, the current edition of Homeschool Enrichment magazine has a very well researched article on homeschool conditions in Germany. It's well worth reading as a cautionary tale. It could happen anywhere!
Finally, one of my very favorite magzines, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, is having a major subscription sale with a bunch of freebies added to an already discounted subscription. I always find good things to read in TOS-- it's a great resource that I recommend often.
Friday, February 09, 2007
German Homeschooler Taken From Family
Have you been following the news of the German girl, Melissa Busekros who was removed from her family and placed in a psychiatric institution for "school phobia"? The HSLDA e-newsletter reports that calls, e-mails, and letters to the German embassy and the Bavarian Minister of Justice may help to free the young lady.
If they know the world is watching, the government of Germany may be moved to amend this great wrong. As they learned in WWII, little wrongs done to a few can grow to great wrongs done to many. Surely they don't want history to repeat itself!
You may read the whole story here: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3731
If you wish to register a strong protest with the German ambassador or the Minister of Justice, here is the contact information, courtesy of HSLDA:
Dr. Klaus Scharioth
Ambassador
German Embassy
4645 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC, 20007-1998
(202) 298-4000
The embassy can be emailed from its website:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3732
Minister of Justice in Bavaria:
Beate Merk
Prielmayerstr. 7
80335 Munchen
Tel. +49 89 5597 1799
Fax +49 89 5597 3580
Email: beate.merk@stmj.bayern.de
Germany has a history of hostility toward homeschoolers, but if many voices around the world are raised in protest of this dreadful event, they may be willing to reconsider.
And finally, can there be anything more effective than prayer? Just think if she were your own dear daughter...
If they know the world is watching, the government of Germany may be moved to amend this great wrong. As they learned in WWII, little wrongs done to a few can grow to great wrongs done to many. Surely they don't want history to repeat itself!
You may read the whole story here: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3731
If you wish to register a strong protest with the German ambassador or the Minister of Justice, here is the contact information, courtesy of HSLDA:
Dr. Klaus Scharioth
Ambassador
German Embassy
4645 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC, 20007-1998
(202) 298-4000
The embassy can be emailed from its website:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3732
Minister of Justice in Bavaria:
Beate Merk
Prielmayerstr. 7
80335 Munchen
Tel. +49 89 5597 1799
Fax +49 89 5597 3580
Email: beate.merk@stmj.bayern.de
Germany has a history of hostility toward homeschoolers, but if many voices around the world are raised in protest of this dreadful event, they may be willing to reconsider.
And finally, can there be anything more effective than prayer? Just think if she were your own dear daughter...
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Technical Programs- A College Alternative
I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere over the last several decades, there has been a shift away from the technical programs that used to be ubiquitous at most high schools. Now, many students are unaware of the many jobs available for skilled workers in what has been traditionally known as "the trades."
A recent article in our local paper reported that employers in many of the skilled trades are finding it difficult to replace older workers when they retire. This seems odd, as wages for a skilled tradesman are comparable to wages for college graduates, and the time and cost investment neede to learn a skilled trade is significantly less than the cost of college.
I may be a bit biased in favor of the trades, as my father was a machinist, and my husband is also. It seems that I've spent my life trying to explain that machinists don't work on cars, they create the machines that do everything in the industrial world! They transform engineer's drawings into three-dimensional parts, and often, into complete machines. My father built machines that screen-printed bottles; my husband has built machines that make hamburger buns and many other things.
Tradesmen usually work in clean, well-lighted shops, with good pay and benefits. According to the newspaper, average hourly wages for a tool-and-die maker in 2005 were $23.48; for a machinist, $19.44; an electrician, $22.42; and a chemical technician, $24.07. Many companies offer on-the-job training, which is a time-tested option that works well for many people.
A final advantage of the skilled trades is that most are a 'leave it at the door' profession. Unlike people-focused careers that can weight you emotionally after a long day at work, you can shut the door on a trade and focus on home and family--the things that really matter in life. Skilled trades are an excellent choice for high school students who don't really want to go to college.
You can read about hundreds of career posibilities, including many skilled trades, in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I highly recommend checking it out!
A recent article in our local paper reported that employers in many of the skilled trades are finding it difficult to replace older workers when they retire. This seems odd, as wages for a skilled tradesman are comparable to wages for college graduates, and the time and cost investment neede to learn a skilled trade is significantly less than the cost of college.
I may be a bit biased in favor of the trades, as my father was a machinist, and my husband is also. It seems that I've spent my life trying to explain that machinists don't work on cars, they create the machines that do everything in the industrial world! They transform engineer's drawings into three-dimensional parts, and often, into complete machines. My father built machines that screen-printed bottles; my husband has built machines that make hamburger buns and many other things.
Tradesmen usually work in clean, well-lighted shops, with good pay and benefits. According to the newspaper, average hourly wages for a tool-and-die maker in 2005 were $23.48; for a machinist, $19.44; an electrician, $22.42; and a chemical technician, $24.07. Many companies offer on-the-job training, which is a time-tested option that works well for many people.
A final advantage of the skilled trades is that most are a 'leave it at the door' profession. Unlike people-focused careers that can weight you emotionally after a long day at work, you can shut the door on a trade and focus on home and family--the things that really matter in life. Skilled trades are an excellent choice for high school students who don't really want to go to college.
You can read about hundreds of career posibilities, including many skilled trades, in the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I highly recommend checking it out!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Say What You Mean Convention
The annual online Say What You Mean Convention starts tomorrow!
This three-day, free, interactive event is designed to teach homeschool families to communicate with grace. There are audio seminars, chats, games, contests, prizes and more.
Enjoy!
This three-day, free, interactive event is designed to teach homeschool families to communicate with grace. There are audio seminars, chats, games, contests, prizes and more.
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Playtime with SketchUp
You can sometimes have an incredible amount of fun for free! Have you tried Google SketchUp? Like most of Google's other products, this is incredibly powerful, intuitive, and yes, fun.
SketchUp is a 3-D modeling program that's very easy to learn-- my 17-year-old discovered it, and was very shortly creating elaborate 3-D buildings, then cities, and all sorts of interesting things. Almost everything is done by clicking and dragging, and there are video tutorials to get you started.
What I like about SketchUp is that it's far more than just a fun drawing exercise. You can create scale models of projects, including houses, kitchens, famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, anyone?) and most anything else you can visualize in 3-D.
Imagine being able to create a model of your house and try out different ways of adding new space. What would it look like with a second story? Just drag your model to make it taller! How about wings off each end? Simple! A higher roof pitch? Click and drag...
I haven't even scratched the surface of this terrific program, but it's well worth the free download. It'll let your imagination soar!
SketchUp is a 3-D modeling program that's very easy to learn-- my 17-year-old discovered it, and was very shortly creating elaborate 3-D buildings, then cities, and all sorts of interesting things. Almost everything is done by clicking and dragging, and there are video tutorials to get you started.
What I like about SketchUp is that it's far more than just a fun drawing exercise. You can create scale models of projects, including houses, kitchens, famous landmarks (Eiffel Tower, anyone?) and most anything else you can visualize in 3-D.
Imagine being able to create a model of your house and try out different ways of adding new space. What would it look like with a second story? Just drag your model to make it taller! How about wings off each end? Simple! A higher roof pitch? Click and drag...
I haven't even scratched the surface of this terrific program, but it's well worth the free download. It'll let your imagination soar!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Editing- Books and Landscapes
I'm back at my desk after a fairly long break in my weekly routine. Everyone is back to school and to work, so the house is a little quieter than it has been. It's nice to have everyone gathered around for dinner, though. It's the highlight of my day.
During our break, Donald and I both did a bit of editing. He edited a few trees from our landscape, and I finished the print version of Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens.
It's always hard for me to see a tree cut down, and the loss of five trees seems especially sad. But like unnecessary words in a book, they needed to come out. We hope that increasing the amount of sunlight that can reach our yard will help to dry it out, and encourage more flowers. And having fewer trees close enough to fall on the house in a hurricane seems a prudent idea.
Taking out what isn't working is what editing is all about. It can be a bit painful to cut out words that you've sweated over, but if removing them increases the clarity of the composition, they need to come out. If too many trees are keeping you in the dark, they may be better used as firewood.
Overall, I'm happy with the results of our editing projects. The front of our house seems much brighter than it did before the trees were cut, and I just received my proof galleys from the printer, and they look good. Be sure to watch for the new book on the website!
During our break, Donald and I both did a bit of editing. He edited a few trees from our landscape, and I finished the print version of Get a Jump Start on College! A Practical Guide for Teens.
It's always hard for me to see a tree cut down, and the loss of five trees seems especially sad. But like unnecessary words in a book, they needed to come out. We hope that increasing the amount of sunlight that can reach our yard will help to dry it out, and encourage more flowers. And having fewer trees close enough to fall on the house in a hurricane seems a prudent idea.
Taking out what isn't working is what editing is all about. It can be a bit painful to cut out words that you've sweated over, but if removing them increases the clarity of the composition, they need to come out. If too many trees are keeping you in the dark, they may be better used as firewood.
Overall, I'm happy with the results of our editing projects. The front of our house seems much brighter than it did before the trees were cut, and I just received my proof galleys from the printer, and they look good. Be sure to watch for the new book on the website!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
K12 Virtual School Comes to Virginia
K12, a distance learning school with strong academic credentials, has partnered with the Nelson County School District (and others across the country) to offer online education to homeschoolers.
According to an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (12/10/06), the virtual school is available to students throughout Virginia (contact the Nelson County School system for more information).
As always, there are concerns about getting entangled in the government's web, and about sitting a child in front of the computer for extensive periods of time, but for some families, this may be a solution that works.
Many people are enthusiastic about K12's curriculum, which is based on the Core Knowledge series written by E.D. Hirsch. This means a greater-than-usual emphasis on solid, traditional learning, including the use of good classic literature.
I'll be looking forward to getting some feedback from parents who have participated in the program!
According to an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (12/10/06), the virtual school is available to students throughout Virginia (contact the Nelson County School system for more information).
As always, there are concerns about getting entangled in the government's web, and about sitting a child in front of the computer for extensive periods of time, but for some families, this may be a solution that works.
Many people are enthusiastic about K12's curriculum, which is based on the Core Knowledge series written by E.D. Hirsch. This means a greater-than-usual emphasis on solid, traditional learning, including the use of good classic literature.
I'll be looking forward to getting some feedback from parents who have participated in the program!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Virginia Homeschool Law Updates
There were two articles in the December 5, 2006 Richmond Times-Dispatch that effectively summarized recent changes in the homeschool law and discussed their impact on homeschoolers.
The first article, Helping Homeschoolers (they used the archaic spelling, home-schoolers), appeared on the front page of the Metro Section, and included positive comments from several homeschool parents.
The second article appeared on page 3 of the same section. Titled "Religious Exemptions Rise," the article included statistics on home instruction in each of the Virginia counties, as well as statistics on how many students choose to homeschool under the religious exemption law.
Thanks to staff writer, Holly Prestidge, both articles seem to be well-researched, and present homeschooling in a balanced way. The boxes and sidebars that were included provide extra information in an interesting and usable format.
It would have been nice if links to the websites of Virginia's primary homeschool organization, Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV), as well as the other organizations mentioned, could have been included, but as they can be easily found online or through directory assistance, that is a minor quibble. Overall, this was a positive and informative presentation, and worthy of sharing!
The first article, Helping Homeschoolers (they used the archaic spelling, home-schoolers), appeared on the front page of the Metro Section, and included positive comments from several homeschool parents.
The second article appeared on page 3 of the same section. Titled "Religious Exemptions Rise," the article included statistics on home instruction in each of the Virginia counties, as well as statistics on how many students choose to homeschool under the religious exemption law.
Thanks to staff writer, Holly Prestidge, both articles seem to be well-researched, and present homeschooling in a balanced way. The boxes and sidebars that were included provide extra information in an interesting and usable format.
It would have been nice if links to the websites of Virginia's primary homeschool organization, Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV), as well as the other organizations mentioned, could have been included, but as they can be easily found online or through directory assistance, that is a minor quibble. Overall, this was a positive and informative presentation, and worthy of sharing!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Gratefulness
In honor of Thanksgiving, here is one of my favorite poems for you:
GRATEFULNESS
Thou that hast giv’n so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.
See how thy beggar works on thee
By art.
He makes thy gifts occasion more,
And says, If he in this be crossed,
All thou hast giv’n him heretofore
Is lost.
But thou didst reckon, when at first
Thy word our hearts and hands did crave,
What it would come to at the worst
To save.
Perpetual knockings at thy door,
Tears sullying thy transparent rooms,
Gift upon gift, much would have more,
And comes.
This not withstanding, thou wenst on,
And didst allow us all our noise:
Nay thou hast made a sigh and groan
Thy joys.
Not that thou hast not still above
Much better tunes, than groans can make;
But that these country-airs thy love
Did take.
Wherefore I cry, and cry again;
And in no quiet canst thou be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain
Of thee:
Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.
George Herbert (1593- 1633)
GRATEFULNESS
Thou that hast giv’n so much to me,
Give one thing more, a grateful heart.
See how thy beggar works on thee
By art.
He makes thy gifts occasion more,
And says, If he in this be crossed,
All thou hast giv’n him heretofore
Is lost.
But thou didst reckon, when at first
Thy word our hearts and hands did crave,
What it would come to at the worst
To save.
Perpetual knockings at thy door,
Tears sullying thy transparent rooms,
Gift upon gift, much would have more,
And comes.
This not withstanding, thou wenst on,
And didst allow us all our noise:
Nay thou hast made a sigh and groan
Thy joys.
Not that thou hast not still above
Much better tunes, than groans can make;
But that these country-airs thy love
Did take.
Wherefore I cry, and cry again;
And in no quiet canst thou be,
Till I a thankful heart obtain
Of thee:
Not thankful, when it pleaseth me;
As if thy blessings had spare days:
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
Thy praise.
George Herbert (1593- 1633)
Sunday, November 19, 2006
RandomTravel Notes
A few observations from our California trip...
*- When the natives can't seem to answer a simple question about the weather, it's not because they are recalcitrant, it's because California weather is remarkably variable. You may start the morning wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under a hoodie and a leather jacket, then find yourself shedding it all for a short-sleeve t-shirt and flip flops by early afternoon. Whatever you wear, chances are you'll need to make adjustments throughout the day, so plan for it.
*- Everyone should drive up California's Route 1 at least once in their life. If you are a passenger, look out the window and enjoy the ride. Don't try to tell the driver what to do-- he or she can see that the road is flanked on one side by a mountain, and on the other by a precipice. Chances are, he/she doesn't want to fall off the edge any more than you do, so just enjoy the view. I've been driver, and I've been passenger on this beautiful road, and both are fun as long as there are no 'helpers.'
*- Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the country. We spent a few days there-- horseback riding in Andrew Molera State Park; hiking in Big Sur State Park; and walking, climbing, and tidepooling on the lovely beaches. It was mostly chilly-- I ended up layering t-shirts with my cashmere sweaters and a hoodie. Only at the top of the Valley View hike did I feel really warm!
*- The best place to watch the sunset is from the outdoor dining area at Nepenthe in Big Sur. The cliff-side location defines 'romantic,' and when the sun slowly sets, lamps are lit around the perimeter of the patio, and heaters provide welcome warmth as the suset's afterglow slowly fades.
*- San Francisco has a remarkably large number of non-productive citizens clogging the downtown streets. It's not entirely pleasant to walk anywhere when you know you'll be acosted by a number of unnerving strangers before you reach your destination. It's not that I'm not a city person-- I grew up east L.A.; I've been to New York, Paris, London, Florence, and other large cities and never felt quite as bothered as I did in San Francisco. It doesn't seem that these people can be good for the tourism industry. I normally love to walk in cities, but I did not enjoy the experience in SF, and was quite happy to leave.
*- Santa Barbara remains a favorite town. We honeymooned there about 25 years ago, and it was so nice to revisit. The weather was spectacular, and we enjoyed a great dinner on State Street. Neither of us could remember the name of the hotel where we stayed back then-- it had blue roofed cottages, and was just off Route 1. Does anyone know if it's still there?
I'll probably record a few more impressions, along with a few photos when we get home. It's been a lovely trip!
*- When the natives can't seem to answer a simple question about the weather, it's not because they are recalcitrant, it's because California weather is remarkably variable. You may start the morning wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under a hoodie and a leather jacket, then find yourself shedding it all for a short-sleeve t-shirt and flip flops by early afternoon. Whatever you wear, chances are you'll need to make adjustments throughout the day, so plan for it.
*- Everyone should drive up California's Route 1 at least once in their life. If you are a passenger, look out the window and enjoy the ride. Don't try to tell the driver what to do-- he or she can see that the road is flanked on one side by a mountain, and on the other by a precipice. Chances are, he/she doesn't want to fall off the edge any more than you do, so just enjoy the view. I've been driver, and I've been passenger on this beautiful road, and both are fun as long as there are no 'helpers.'
*- Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the country. We spent a few days there-- horseback riding in Andrew Molera State Park; hiking in Big Sur State Park; and walking, climbing, and tidepooling on the lovely beaches. It was mostly chilly-- I ended up layering t-shirts with my cashmere sweaters and a hoodie. Only at the top of the Valley View hike did I feel really warm!
*- The best place to watch the sunset is from the outdoor dining area at Nepenthe in Big Sur. The cliff-side location defines 'romantic,' and when the sun slowly sets, lamps are lit around the perimeter of the patio, and heaters provide welcome warmth as the suset's afterglow slowly fades.
*- San Francisco has a remarkably large number of non-productive citizens clogging the downtown streets. It's not entirely pleasant to walk anywhere when you know you'll be acosted by a number of unnerving strangers before you reach your destination. It's not that I'm not a city person-- I grew up east L.A.; I've been to New York, Paris, London, Florence, and other large cities and never felt quite as bothered as I did in San Francisco. It doesn't seem that these people can be good for the tourism industry. I normally love to walk in cities, but I did not enjoy the experience in SF, and was quite happy to leave.
*- Santa Barbara remains a favorite town. We honeymooned there about 25 years ago, and it was so nice to revisit. The weather was spectacular, and we enjoyed a great dinner on State Street. Neither of us could remember the name of the hotel where we stayed back then-- it had blue roofed cottages, and was just off Route 1. Does anyone know if it's still there?
I'll probably record a few more impressions, along with a few photos when we get home. It's been a lovely trip!
Monday, November 06, 2006
How to Start an Online Business
I am always watching for good information about creating a profitable home business. There are many things you can do from home, and the internet provides an incredible range of new opportunities for stay-at-home moms, teens who want to start a small business, and families who need to supplement their income.
Stephen Beck, a homeschool dad and online entrepreneur, offers an outstanding course, Secrets to Building Sites That Sell. This course, which made over $48,000 in just 5 days when it was first launched, reveals Steve's secrets to creating an e-commerce website that really works.
In 3 CD-ROMs with over 6 hours of video tutorials, plus a Getting Started
manual, over 8 hours of audio, 120 pages of transcripts, and more, Steve covers:
- How to find profitable niches
- How to create a profitable website
- How to upload your website to the Internet
- What kind of website works best for different kinds of products
- How to choose a domain name and web hosting
- How to get new visitors every day!
- How to set up a shopping cart
- How to make large commissions recommending other people’s products
- How to give your website that professional look
The course nearly sold out when it was first launched a few months ago, but it will soon be available again. Meanwhile, Steve is offering free sample videos of the course if you click here.
You'll be asked to sign up (just first name and e-mail) to know when the course is available, and I highly recommend that you do so. You can learn a lot about online business just by watching the previews! (This is how I learned how to do a lot of things I do in my business-- just by reading free newsletters, listening to teleseminars, and watching free how-to videos. This works only if you have a lot of time to spend. I have been working at it for about 6 years. If I had started learning with an organized course such at Building Sites that Sell, I would have progressed a lot faster!)
Stephen Beck, a homeschool dad and online entrepreneur, offers an outstanding course, Secrets to Building Sites That Sell. This course, which made over $48,000 in just 5 days when it was first launched, reveals Steve's secrets to creating an e-commerce website that really works.
In 3 CD-ROMs with over 6 hours of video tutorials, plus a Getting Started
manual, over 8 hours of audio, 120 pages of transcripts, and more, Steve covers:
- How to find profitable niches
- How to create a profitable website
- How to upload your website to the Internet
- What kind of website works best for different kinds of products
- How to choose a domain name and web hosting
- How to get new visitors every day!
- How to set up a shopping cart
- How to make large commissions recommending other people’s products
- How to give your website that professional look
The course nearly sold out when it was first launched a few months ago, but it will soon be available again. Meanwhile, Steve is offering free sample videos of the course if you click here.
You'll be asked to sign up (just first name and e-mail) to know when the course is available, and I highly recommend that you do so. You can learn a lot about online business just by watching the previews! (This is how I learned how to do a lot of things I do in my business-- just by reading free newsletters, listening to teleseminars, and watching free how-to videos. This works only if you have a lot of time to spend. I have been working at it for about 6 years. If I had started learning with an organized course such at Building Sites that Sell, I would have progressed a lot faster!)
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Le Guin Quote on Writing
Here's a quote to inspire you as you write your novel for NaNoWriMo!
"Writers have to get used to launching something beautiful and watching it crash and burn.
They also have to learn when to let go control, when the work takes off on its own and flies, farther than they ever planned or imagined, to places they didn't know they knew.
All makers must leave room for the acts of the spirit. But they have to work hard and carefully, and wait patiently, to deserve them."
Ursula LeGuin, author of the wonderful Steering the Craft:
: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew, the Earthsea Cycle, and more.
(From Dancing at the Edge of the World: Thoughts on Words, Women, Places, 1989.)
"Writers have to get used to launching something beautiful and watching it crash and burn.
They also have to learn when to let go control, when the work takes off on its own and flies, farther than they ever planned or imagined, to places they didn't know they knew.
All makers must leave room for the acts of the spirit. But they have to work hard and carefully, and wait patiently, to deserve them."
Ursula LeGuin, author of the wonderful Steering the Craft:
: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew, the Earthsea Cycle, and more.(From Dancing at the Edge of the World: Thoughts on Words, Women, Places, 1989.)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
NaNoWriMo- Go!
Today is the start of National Novel Writing Month. It's one of the most grueling, enjoyable months of the year for writers and writer wannabes.
What is NaNoWriMo (a.k.a. NaNo)? It's the wild and crazy brainchild of a guy named Chris Baty. The goal of NaNo is for everyone who signs up to write an entire novel, defined as 50,000 words, in the month of November.
Sign-up is free and eashttp://beta.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gify at the National Novel Writing Month official website. The site also offers offers encouragement, forums, and WriMo Radio broadcasts.
Why would you want to do NaNo? It will up-end your entire month; the book you write will be rough; and you won't have any spare time to dust the refrigerator or agonize over the the leaves cluttering your front lawn.
Trust me-- you want to do NaNo for all those reasons and more. An up-ended routine can spark all sorts of creativity; a rough draft of a book is something tangible to revise (but a blank page will get you nowhere); and you probably didn't want to dust and rake anyway!
NaNo is a great English assignment for students who enjoy writing. It's a tremendous learning experience, and if it's done right, you can foster a lasting love of writing in your student. Here's what I suggest:
* Assign the writing project only if your student is interested.
* Set daily and weekly word goals so that the project is broken into manageable chunks.
* Feel free to set a lower number of required words for younger students (but you may be surprised at how motivated a ten-year-old can be).
* Do not read your student's work unless invited to do so-- just check the word count each day or week to ensure that the interim goals are being met.
* Consider writing your own NaNo book. It's fun to have someone to share the inevitable moments of frustration or triumph.
* Use the forums on the NaNoWriMo site with caution. Some threads are not suitable for students.
* Try NaNo as a co-op or group project. Misery loves company!
* Get Chris Baty's book, "No Plot, No Problem!">No Plot, No Problem! It offers a ton of helpful tips, plus a supportive message for every week of November.
So, after all that, am I going to do NaNo this year? Unfortunately, I'm not. We have a trip scheduled for two weeks in November, and there's just no way to fit an entire novel around that (though I'm sorely tempted to try!).
What I plan to do is to cheer from the sidelines, with frequent blog entries to help you make the most of this wild experience. I'll post encouraging quotes and tips on writing, plus an occasional suggestion or recipe for NaNo food. For some reason, everyone thinks they must eat in November, so from past NaNo years (and my normal life as a writer), I have a lot of ideas for making good food fast. And that's a good thing to do any month of the year!
Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed for this blog so that you'll receive encouragement and inspiration for reading and writing, delivered hot and fresh to your desktop. And please post comments about how things are going! Bon voyage-- I wish I could could take the NaNo journey with you!
What is NaNoWriMo (a.k.a. NaNo)? It's the wild and crazy brainchild of a guy named Chris Baty. The goal of NaNo is for everyone who signs up to write an entire novel, defined as 50,000 words, in the month of November.
Sign-up is free and eashttp://beta.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gify at the National Novel Writing Month official website. The site also offers offers encouragement, forums, and WriMo Radio broadcasts.
Why would you want to do NaNo? It will up-end your entire month; the book you write will be rough; and you won't have any spare time to dust the refrigerator or agonize over the the leaves cluttering your front lawn.
Trust me-- you want to do NaNo for all those reasons and more. An up-ended routine can spark all sorts of creativity; a rough draft of a book is something tangible to revise (but a blank page will get you nowhere); and you probably didn't want to dust and rake anyway!
NaNo is a great English assignment for students who enjoy writing. It's a tremendous learning experience, and if it's done right, you can foster a lasting love of writing in your student. Here's what I suggest:
* Assign the writing project only if your student is interested.
* Set daily and weekly word goals so that the project is broken into manageable chunks.
* Feel free to set a lower number of required words for younger students (but you may be surprised at how motivated a ten-year-old can be).
* Do not read your student's work unless invited to do so-- just check the word count each day or week to ensure that the interim goals are being met.
* Consider writing your own NaNo book. It's fun to have someone to share the inevitable moments of frustration or triumph.
* Use the forums on the NaNoWriMo site with caution. Some threads are not suitable for students.
* Try NaNo as a co-op or group project. Misery loves company!
* Get Chris Baty's book, "No Plot, No Problem!
">No Plot, No Problem! It offers a ton of helpful tips, plus a supportive message for every week of November.So, after all that, am I going to do NaNo this year? Unfortunately, I'm not. We have a trip scheduled for two weeks in November, and there's just no way to fit an entire novel around that (though I'm sorely tempted to try!).
What I plan to do is to cheer from the sidelines, with frequent blog entries to help you make the most of this wild experience. I'll post encouraging quotes and tips on writing, plus an occasional suggestion or recipe for NaNo food. For some reason, everyone thinks they must eat in November, so from past NaNo years (and my normal life as a writer), I have a lot of ideas for making good food fast. And that's a good thing to do any month of the year!
Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed for this blog so that you'll receive encouragement and inspiration for reading and writing, delivered hot and fresh to your desktop. And please post comments about how things are going! Bon voyage-- I wish I could could take the NaNo journey with you!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Review: Dark Enough to See the Stars by Connie Lapallo
Dark Enough to See the Stars Under a Jamestown Sky
by Connie Lapallo
Reviewed by Janice Campbell- www.EverydayEducation.com
Occasionally, I read a book that makes me want to e-mail all my friends and say, "You've got to read this book!" It's not quite as often that I encounter a book that makes me want to buttonhole complete strangers, saying "You have to read this book!"
Connie Lapallo's debut novel is the second kind of book. I was riveted from the first chapter by the fascinating story of Joan Peirce, Lapallo's 13th great grandmother, one of the few women in early Jamestown who survived the Starving Time. Most of the characters, events, and places in the novel are historically accurate, and Lapallo, a writer and home educator, includes extensive information in the end notes to help the reader sort the fiction from the fact.
Lapallo's meticulous research reveals a time in history when the lives of ordinary women were routinely turned upside down by hurricane, plague, starvation, and other circumstances beyond their control. The character of Joan is warmly and realistically portrayed, and her joys and sorrows captured my heart. As I put down the book, I felt as if I'd walked beside her in the wilderness of primitive Jamestown.
The 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown will be celebrated in 2007. Dark Enough to See the Stars would be a wonderful, family-appropriate book to share in honor of the event. If you plan a trip to Jamestown, I highly recommend that you read the book first and look through the photos and resources at Lapallo's website. When you arrive at Jamestown, and walk through the palisade, explore the ship, and sit in the little church, you just might feel a sense of deja vu as you look over the land that became Joan's home.
Read this book!
It's available from the author at www.connielapallo.com (signed, if you request it), or from Amazon.com.
*You're welcome to reprint this review in its entirety as long as you include the links, and leave a comment telling me where it will appear. Articles are a bit like children-- their 'parents' like to know where they go
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Discover It! Vocabulary for SAT Prep
At a homeschool convention this summer, I met Horace G. Danner, Ph.D., Professor of Writing at University of Maryland University College. He is a linguist who has co-written with Roger Noel, Ph.D., two fascinating vocabulary resources.
My boys and I like words. We like to know where they come from, and how they came to be used as they are used in the English language (which, if you haven't noticed, is a very strange language!). Since we have had Discover It! and The English Tree of Roots, we have used them often to look up words that have puzzled us.
Discover It! presents words in 100 clusters. Each word cluster lesson is presented on two pages, beginning with a box containing the entire cluster of words with the common element highlighted. Romance cognates, words with disguised roots, relevant Latin phrases, and more are introduced, and the student is provided with interesting and memorable examples of the words in context, plus Wordextras- unique facts or constructions. There are writing tips and quotes sprinkled throughout, and periodic quizzes (with answers in the appendix). This is a unique and useful resource for vocabulary building!
The English Tree of Roots is a dictionary of English roots.http://beta.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif For example, if you wish to look up the origin of the word "letter," you find that it comes from "liter," and is related to literal, literate, and over 30 variations including uncommon words such as antiliterate, heteroliteral, obliteration, and more. Seeing words in their clusters or family groups is a terrific way to expand vocabulary!
Dr. Danner is also author of an autobiography, Out of the Cotton Fields. This inspiring story tells how reading and education helped him transcend his childhood in an alchoholic Alabama sharecropping family. He donates profits from the sale of this book to an award fund for high school students to help boost exam scores for college entrance.
For more information, visit Occoquan Books.
My boys and I like words. We like to know where they come from, and how they came to be used as they are used in the English language (which, if you haven't noticed, is a very strange language!). Since we have had Discover It! and The English Tree of Roots, we have used them often to look up words that have puzzled us.
Discover It! presents words in 100 clusters. Each word cluster lesson is presented on two pages, beginning with a box containing the entire cluster of words with the common element highlighted. Romance cognates, words with disguised roots, relevant Latin phrases, and more are introduced, and the student is provided with interesting and memorable examples of the words in context, plus Wordextras- unique facts or constructions. There are writing tips and quotes sprinkled throughout, and periodic quizzes (with answers in the appendix). This is a unique and useful resource for vocabulary building!
The English Tree of Roots is a dictionary of English roots.http://beta.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif For example, if you wish to look up the origin of the word "letter," you find that it comes from "liter," and is related to literal, literate, and over 30 variations including uncommon words such as antiliterate, heteroliteral, obliteration, and more. Seeing words in their clusters or family groups is a terrific way to expand vocabulary!
Dr. Danner is also author of an autobiography, Out of the Cotton Fields. This inspiring story tells how reading and education helped him transcend his childhood in an alchoholic Alabama sharecropping family. He donates profits from the sale of this book to an award fund for high school students to help boost exam scores for college entrance. For more information, visit Occoquan Books.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
How to Start a Home Business - Fast!
If you want to start an internet-based home business, and you have three days you can spare to learn from the people who are really doing it, I recommend this seminar.
Even if you can't come, and are not sure you want an internet-based business, I recommend that you or your teen sign up for the free preview calls. You'll learn an amazing amount there, and may be inspired to begin. That said, let me announce....
A Very Special Event!
It's bigger and better than ever... THE BigSeminar #8 Atlanta 2006! I first heard about this seminar last year, but couldn't go. I registered for the free preview training calls anyway, and learned an incredible amount of valuable information. One brief tidbit of advice I heard on one of the free training calls has earned me nearly $500 in the last few months!
Each time I've implemented something I've learned from the Big Seminar calls, my business has increased. For me, that was the evidence I needed in order to know that attending the Big Seminar was something I would be wise to do.
I consider it an investment, because I will be able to come home and share with my boys all the terrific things I've learned. So my investment of time and resources will be shared by my entire family, and, like all I've learned throughout our homeschool years, will have the power to touch our lives for many years to come.
This seminar has changed the lives of thousands of people from all over the world --- now is your chance.
I plan to be among the select group of 400 people who will be personally trained by the world's top marketing minds.... and I hope you will plan to join me. Do hurry, though, as only a limited number of seats are left.
Click on this link: BigSeminar Business Training Event
Plus... Armand Morin is giving away $20,000 in cash and prizes at the seminar. This is amazing. Get your share!
Click HERE to read more about it, and to get on the list for the free preview training calls. Remember, the free calls alone will teach you an incredible amount about starting and growing a business. Even though there is a good bit of talk about the Big Seminar itself (which is actually rather helpful in making your decision), the calls contain a lot of solid information you can apply as soon as you get off the phone. They're worth every minute!
I hope to see you in Atlanta on October 27, 28, and 29!
Janice Campbell
P.S. If you decide to come, please e-mail me, and let me know. That way, I can look forward to meeting you there!
P.P.S. If you have any questions about the Big Seminar, please feel free to e-mail me. I haven't been yet, but I've listened to the training calls for three separate Big Seminars over the past couple of years, and I've heard from many people who attended and were thrilled with what they learned. If I can't answer your questions, I can probably direct you to a person who can!
Even if you can't come, and are not sure you want an internet-based business, I recommend that you or your teen sign up for the free preview calls. You'll learn an amazing amount there, and may be inspired to begin. That said, let me announce....
A Very Special Event!
It's bigger and better than ever... THE BigSeminar #8 Atlanta 2006! I first heard about this seminar last year, but couldn't go. I registered for the free preview training calls anyway, and learned an incredible amount of valuable information. One brief tidbit of advice I heard on one of the free training calls has earned me nearly $500 in the last few months!
Each time I've implemented something I've learned from the Big Seminar calls, my business has increased. For me, that was the evidence I needed in order to know that attending the Big Seminar was something I would be wise to do.
I consider it an investment, because I will be able to come home and share with my boys all the terrific things I've learned. So my investment of time and resources will be shared by my entire family, and, like all I've learned throughout our homeschool years, will have the power to touch our lives for many years to come.
This seminar has changed the lives of thousands of people from all over the world --- now is your chance.
I plan to be among the select group of 400 people who will be personally trained by the world's top marketing minds.... and I hope you will plan to join me. Do hurry, though, as only a limited number of seats are left.
Click on this link: BigSeminar Business Training Event
Plus... Armand Morin is giving away $20,000 in cash and prizes at the seminar. This is amazing. Get your share!
Click HERE to read more about it, and to get on the list for the free preview training calls. Remember, the free calls alone will teach you an incredible amount about starting and growing a business. Even though there is a good bit of talk about the Big Seminar itself (which is actually rather helpful in making your decision), the calls contain a lot of solid information you can apply as soon as you get off the phone. They're worth every minute!
I hope to see you in Atlanta on October 27, 28, and 29!
Janice Campbell
P.S. If you decide to come, please e-mail me, and let me know. That way, I can look forward to meeting you there!
P.P.S. If you have any questions about the Big Seminar, please feel free to e-mail me. I haven't been yet, but I've listened to the training calls for three separate Big Seminars over the past couple of years, and I've heard from many people who attended and were thrilled with what they learned. If I can't answer your questions, I can probably direct you to a person who can!
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