Guess what? Even those with two left hands will have a blast and create their very own masterpiece under 2-1/2 hours. Okay, so maybe a few details have been intentionally mis-framed thus far so let me get back to the basics:

Located in the Seminole Towne Center Mall, Canvas and Cheers, Inc. is quietly becoming known as the paint and party destination to explore your creative side. A venue for date nights, birthdays, office parties, private parties, and even girl’s night out, memories are built upon active participation. For additional details, check out their website at www.canvasandcheers.com or give Dyanne a call at 407-328-2700.

Here’s next week’s details:

Tuesday, May 15 “Fairy Dust” 6:30 PM: http://www.canvasandcheers.com/calendar?task=view_event&event_id=238

Wed. May 16 “Birch Trees” 6:30 PM:  http://www.canvasandcheers.com/calendar?task=view_event&event_id=239

Thurs. May 17 “Red Poppies” 6:30 PM: http://www.canvasandcheers.com/calendar?task=view_event&event_id=240

Fri. May 18 “Sunset Beach” 6:30 PM: http://www.canvasandcheers.com/calendar?task=view_event&event_id=242

Sat. May 19 “Love Birds” DATE NIGHT 6:30 PM: http://www.canvasandcheers.com/calendar?task=view_event&event_id=244

Looking to gain insight on the leader of this pack?

Dyanne Parker’s artwork includes landscapes, still life, specializing in portraits in acrylics and oils.

Her previous work experience has been in the medical field, architectural design and then serving seventeen years building a community and business climate as CEO of the Lake Mary/Heathrow and Seminole Regional Chambers of Commerce in the State of Florida.

Dyanne has worked with people from all walks of life from small business owners, major corporate figures, and elected officials in the political arena. Meeting the President of the United States, Congressmen, Governors, and Mayors has taught her the vital importance of building the future through relationships.

While serving in the corporate world for decades, Dyanne was recognized for high energy and an enthusiastic approach for building community and business through vision and design. Acknowledged in Central Florida as one of the “top women who mean business” in 1998 and 1999, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by her own peers in 2004.

Canvas and Cheers is a social environment where everyone explores their creative side.

Though you may think otherwise, everyone can paint and be an artist. With guidance, learn step by step to paint the featured painting. But the evening is not just about painting… Canvas and Cheers also provides networking and team building exercises. Thousands have already discovered their creative side since Canvas and Cheers opened in October 2011. Locations include Seminole Towne Center, Sanford and The Winey Wench, Altamonte Springs.

If you’re worried about lugging equipment, don’t as all supplies are provided.

Looking for the place where creative and artistic minds meet? Check out artists-square.com, join, and become an active member of our cultural revolution.

For Central Florida’s hard alternative base, the plans are penciled in as Dollface, Fine Lady Mustache, The Dropa Stone, and Blaine the Mono are about to take it to you. For those not familiar with Blaine the Mono, here’s the bidding to get up close and personal.

Blaine the Mono is an alternative/rock band that is quickly gaining exposure in the Orlando scene. Their soulful female fronted vocals and bluesy guitars create a sound as if Adelle were to be in the Distillers.

Blaine the Mono will open the evening with hard alternative rock, Dropa Stone will then blow you away with their spacey jam set, Fine Lady Mustache will have you laughing while you groove, and Dollface will provide you with your happy ending (of rock).

Central Florida homes several up and coming (as well relevant) musical artists. Then again, don’t take my word for it and make it to downtown Orlando’s the Social on Saturday, June 2^nd at 8:00 pm.

Artists and wanna-be’s looking for the place where creative and music minds meet? Check out Artists-Square.com (Visual Art) and MyiSong.com (Music), join, and become an active member of our cultural revolution. For additional information, contact Racquel directly at 321-396-2311.

Jen Jarackas

“What professional advice would you give someone looking to break into the entertainment business?”

Artists Square’s member, professional actor, and teacher Jen Jarackas offers first-hand advice to those aspiring professionals looking to succeed in the entertainment business.

The first words that come to mind when asked this question are: fierce determination and tireless perseverance.

Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry is not necessarily an easy feat; though it can be a very fun and rewarding one, IF you dare to allow yourself to enjoy the journey.

First and foremost, remember you are entering the Entertainment Business. (Emphasis on business)

I witnessed a lot of actors throughout my journey put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the creative side, the craft, but neglect the business, which involves a lot of marketing, networking, admin, etc….To a lot of creative, artistic people, it seems that business is a dirty word….nonetheless, a business it is.

So, the best thing to do is jump on in, become the CEO of your own business, YOU! Find ways to make it fun! Get creative!

Yes, find agent representation; yes, work with a personal manager, keeping in mind that you are also interviewing them. Know something about them and what type of clients they are presently representing… perhaps they already have enough of “you” in their database.

Career Tip: Be an active participant in your career.

My main career advice is of the spiritual vein:

Never Give Up! Trust your intuition. Listen to your gut. Be willing to make mistakes. Be willing to go the extra mile. Ask questions. Find your own path – and follow it. Follow your own uniquely paved yellow brick road.

Ways to Improve Your Skills…

• Study, study, study! As an actor you have 3 components to explore, strengthen, and nurture: physical, vocal, and emotional.
• Take as many classes and workshops as you can. You are simultaneously learning and networking.
• Read plays, film and television scripts, actors’ biographies – research anything and everything on acting!
• Watch      movies, new and old, especially the old. There is an element and style to filmmaking and acting from the “ole” days” that cannot be touched…and usually isn’t nowadays. I have learned so much by simply watching Marlon Brando and Humphrey Bogart!
• Audition for local plays, volunteer at local playhouses and the Fringe Festival, etc. Again, it’s another way to get involved and network.
• Practice Discipline. Feed Your Passion. And remember to balance it all with some time for you, whether that be family, beach, a day at the spa, etc. A rested and recharged you makes for a more productive and successful actor!

Career Tip: There’s a lot of rejection along the way. It’s good and important to develop your support circle(s).

Thank you, Jen, for your practical insight. For those unfamiliar with Jen’s work, here’s a quick summary:

Current:

• Emotional Freedom and Monologue Workout Workshops ~ Art’s Sake Studio/Instructor
• Advanced Auxiliary ~ Art’s Sake Studio/Instructor

Past:

• Dynamic Scene Study ~ teacher at Art’s Sake Studio, Actress at Mad Men
• Actress/ Associate Producer at Hollywood Fight Club, Dance Instructor

Film:

• “Just Left of the Drama” ~ Jen ~ Hnarakis Prod./Dir. Demetrius Hnarakis
• “The Paper Route” ~ Hostage ~ Stars North Prod./Dir. Todd Thompson
• “As It Is” ~ Femme” ~ AFI Prod./Dir. Ka Ramuu Kush

Television:

• “Angel of Death: Aileen Wuornos” ~ UFTProd./Dir. Simon Kerfoot
• “Mad Men” Seasons 1-3 ~ Sterling  Cooper Secretary (recurring) ~ LionsGate Television/Dir. Alan Taylor, et al.

Theatre:

• “Our Lady of 121^st St” ~ Marcia ~ Hollywood fight Club/Dir. David Danino
• “The Crucible” ~ Elizabeth Proctor ~ VCC/Dir. John DiDonna
• “The Battle” ~ Crazy Anne ~ ATW Theatre Co. NYC/Dir. Jim Bonney

For additional information and to view Jen’s headshot, connect with the following link:
http://artists-square.com/m/photos/browse/album/Headshots/owner/jenjarackas.

Wishing to connect with fellow actors, entertainers, artists, and creative minds, become an Artist’s Square member at www.artists-square.com.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
Got Twitter? Follow me @DannyatECS

Mortality

Celebrating culture, art, and creativity is what Orlando-based Artist’s Square is all about. Their goal is to feature local (and global) professionals, sharing their story and art beyond framed interpretation. For artists and creative mavens (look it up if you have to) seeking a venue voice, consider joining Artists’ Square today.

Throughout the month of May, 21 water color paintings will be presented for all. An artist’s reception is scheduled for May 5^th at 4:00 pm.

Unable to visit Newport? Here’s the scoop on Paula Visnoski:

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Paula is predominantly self-taught though she did study with Larry Cron, known for his watercolors and graphic design work in Framingham, MA, and attended Worcester Art Museum and Worcester State College studying Fine Art, Graphic Design and Photography.

Paula has participated in National and International Juried Art Exhibitions and Competitions throughout the years winning numerous awards. She has sold work in throughout the United States and Europe.

Choices

In 2010 she won her first Solo Art exhibition “Revelation: One Woman’s Journey” at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Flanagan Campus Art Gallery. The show consisted of about 50 pieces, watercolors, oils, pen & Ink, photography, and graphic design.

Seeking additional information? Visit Paula’s website at www.pmvart.com.

Looking for the place where creative and artistic minds meet? Check out artists-square.com, join, and become an active member of our cultural revolution. For additional information, contact Racquel directly at Racquel@artists-square.com.

K-Duck asked about the best way to deal with the employment application question: Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

No doubt, honesty is the best bet, even if it lessens the odds of getting hired. With this, I quickly remembered what former President George W. Bush said: “America is the land of the second chance – and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”

Could America be the land of second chances and forgiveness?

When it comes to individuals who have been arrested and/or convicted, the rubber does not meet the road as former President Bush passively blew hot air toward the general masses.  And how we all breathed it in.

Given the unequal ratio between the races, all talk and no work leads to frustration and eventual revolution. Then again, it appears most of America leans heavily on social inebriation and an “I don’t give a flying ____” attitude when it comes to giving chances to those who have slipped and now need help. Consider the alternative: 50% of those released remain unemployed and a result that half return to prison within three years. Think this has something to do with the lack of support on all ends?

Is this the America, the land of second chance, President Bush was referring to?

Employers legally discriminate by using “The Box” employment application question. According to a 2010 survey by the Society for Human Resources Management, 92 percent of employers conduct criminal background checks on some or all job applicants, up from 51 percent in 1996 and more than two-thirds of states allow hiring and professional-licensing decisions to be made on the basis of an arrest alone.

This is worth a repeat, arrests can be used to deny professional licensing.

K-Duck, and the millions like him, will continue to struggle unless legal and societal change happens. Fortunately, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently (last week) issued an updated guidance on employers’ use of arrest and conviction records when making employment decisions. For those not knowing what “The Box” represents, here’s the scoop: it is a hiring policy used to exclude anyone (and everyone) without contest. In this case, the blanket hiring ban targets those with an arrest/conviction.

Why would the EEOC get involved and tell employers who they can or cannot hire? Boiling it down to a single factor, “The Box” violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act by actively banning minorities. Then again, don’t take my word for it, let’s get a few facts on the table:

• An estimated 65 million United States Adults have criminal records
• One in 29 adults in the United States was either incarcerated or on probation or parole
• While one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 is behind bars, for black males in that age group, the figure is one in nine

According the latest EEOC statistics, 1 in 17 white men are expected to serve time in prison during their lifetime, compared with 1 in si6x Hispanic men, and 1 in 3 African-American men. Going one step further, banning based upon an arrest effects minorities disproportionately… fair or not, the truth is the truth.

Bottom line: the EEOC recommends that employers should not disqualify a candidate because of an arrest or conviction. Employers still are within their right to perform background checks but they should consider the “nature of the crime, the time elapsed, and the nature of the job” when making a hiring decision. Kudos to putting pressure… now it’s our turn to level the employment field.

Think one voice can’t change the world? Think again, the EEOC recently settled with Pepsi over their use of a blanket exclusion policy and is currently investigating more than 100 claims of job discrimination based on criminal background checks.

Fair or not, those individuals who have slipped and are planning to secure a job, know that getting beyond a blanket ban will be difficult. But it can be done. Think about the company and the many values you bring. Recognize that employers are looking for candidates who can get the job done and those who can be trusted. Being loyal, committed to company goals, and going above job responsibilities will push you toward career advancement.

First step is to develop material that portrays your skills, knowledge, and abilities as an asset. There are effective ways to present you well, even under challenging circumstances. We will review some of these methods but would like your know about your challenges and how best to overcome the blocks standing in the way.

Going back to K-Duck’s question about what to do: don’t mislead any potential employer. If you feel you have been a victim of discrimination, document and take your concerns to the proper authorities. Your voice can be heard and can make a huge difference not only for you but for millions in the shadow.

If you have questions and would like career-related insight or books including, “Overcoming Career Barriers: Mission Possible, visit our website (www.edu-cs.com) or go to Amazon (simply search Danny at ECS).

For additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section or email me directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com.

Danny Hufman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
www.educationcareerservices.com
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs

Though there are many issues needing attention, for the sake of time, I am going to address two common interview pet-peeves: shoes and the fist bump.

The topic of shoes was not openly discussed or appeared to be on anyone’s mind. Actually this was rather obvious as most of the students seemed to misplace the importance of what goes on the foot. To be blunt, shoes do play an important role in your appearance and can be a factor in NOT getting a second interview invite.

For the ladies, shoes should be professional and conservative in nature. There are hiring executives who will not look favorably on five-inch heels sporting poorly painted nails. As one who has interviewed many over the years, one of the first things I notice happens to be what covers the feet.

Make sure the shoes match the outfit and if you are wearing open-ended shoes, complete the package with a nice pedicure. You definitely don’t want dirty toes to leave a dusty impression.

Career tip: If you don’t want the job, wear slides or tennis shoes.

For the fellas, you have no choice. Business shoes… nothing else will do. Don’t even think about loafers, tennis shoes, or boots. Your business shoes must match the suit (yes, you will be wearing a suit). Wearing brown shoes with a dark blue suit will not do. Speaking from experience, those who bear dusty or non-polished shoes may be axed before three steps in the door.

At the end of several mock interviews, the topic of a hand shake or fist bump was brought up. I have one word for those considering a fist bump: Really?

At the conclusion of any formal meeting, the appropriate gesture remains a formal hand shake. The hand shake should be firm (not overly aggressive unless you are interviewing to be a wrestler and not too loose unless you are interviewing to work in a carnival as the person handing out creepy feelings).

Make sure the firm hand shake is not laced with sweat and lasts about two seconds. You definitely don’t want to make the other person uncomfortable with a sloppy five second shake that seems to last an hour.

Career tip: If you bump, you lose.

The mock interview session confirmed that many people simply do not know how to interview effectively. Unfortunately for those qualified, simple mistakes can ruin the chance of a job offer. Ultimately if you have questions and must make a choice, choose on the side of conservatism. Always be professional in what you do, what you say, and what you wear. Nothing could be simpler, yet few follow.

If you have questions and would like career-related insight, including how to ace the interview, ECS offers cutting-edge books and workbooks designed to give you a competitive edge. Throughout the pages, prepare yourself with hard hitting questions, truths, activities, samples, and proven strategies to improve your career station. For additional information, go to our storefront page on our website (www.edu-cs.com) or go to Amazon (simply search Danny at ECS).

For additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section or email me directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com.

Danny Hufman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
www.educationcareerservices.com
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs

Job interview (Photo: Creative Commons by bpsusf)

“I’m an admitted introvert who has trouble speaking and acting natural, am I out of luck?”
Keith Mazoni

First step in any direction is defining key terms and then finding solutions to the any blocking issues. With that in mind, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), introverts:

• Enjoy time alone
• Consider only deep relationships as friends
• Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
• Are often good listeners
• Appear calm and self-contained
• Think then speak or act

Looking at the list and you probably see yourself having many (or all) of the characteristics. After all, who doesn’t think before speaking or acting out (Dwight Howard excluding) or consider themselves to be a good listener? Guess, by definition, we are all introverts (to an extent).

Now let’s take a quick moment and look at the list below. Do you recognize any of the people on it. Make sure to keep count for yourself…

• Albert Einstein
• Al Gore
• Bill Gates
• Steven Spielberg
• Warren Buffett 

The above are all famous introverts, so there’s no reason to feel like you have no chance at owning a successful, professional career; unless, of course, you limit yourself from having one.

While introverts are just as hirable as extroverts, the latter are more inclined to the two most important aspects of a career search: networking and interviewing. Because both are intended to be highly social activities, you may feel uncomfortable or even frightened to participate in either.

It’s not easy, speaking to people you don’t know. Come to think of it, I must also be a classic introvert… Look for me at the next networking event; I’ll be the one standing alone in the corner, hiding.

I won’t beat around the bush, you have to make networking and interviewing two of your chief skill sets, especially considering they may make you nervous or frightened. I won’t lie; it’s going to take a lot of work and practice on your end, so let’s get started.

Career Tip: You need to participate in networking.

Networking involves creating and maintaining a list of contacts with other career professionals in your industry. Ideally, these professionals who can (and will) help you identify job opportunities, keep up-to-date with current trends and changes in your industry, and even be used as references. As an introvert, this may seem like a daunting task, but the key is to start small and build up.

Social/electronic networking is ideal for the introvert. With sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter, the ability to meet and introduce your skills and many valuable contributions can be done without leaving the house.

Career Tip: When going the electronic route, professional courtesy rules.

As for interviewing, it’s all about being prepared and having plenty of practice. When in doubt, practice answering basic interview questions in front of the mirror or with family members. One of the most important interview questions that set the stage is: “Tell me about yourself.” Here’s a clue, the person asking does not want to hear about your personal life, he or she wants to know the many benefits you offer.

Candidates tend to get nervous during interviews because they go in unprepared. Research the company, any competing companies, the products, and always know the company mission statement. Knowing the basics proves you done your work… a great advantage over the majority of candidates forgetting the research step.

Going back to practicing and being prepared, ask a friend or family to conduct a mock interview with you, asking questions directly related to the job posting and company. During your mock interview session, don’t just think about what you would say… say it. The human brain works in such a way that routine activities are recalled more naturally than foreign ones (ever heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect?”).

To directly get back to Keith, you’re not at a disadvantage at all by being an introvert. Think of it as a challenge that will better ground you as a career professional. Are you ready to put the work in? Besides, look at the crowd you happen to be in… a crowd of extremely successful introverts who are forever remembered for their many contributions.

For more articles on how to handle networking and the interview process, visit Education Career Services at edu-cs.com, search Amazon (Danny at ECS), or follow us on Twitter @dannyatecs.

Written by Brandon Hayhurst
Education Career Services

Artists Square’s member Rhonda Newhook expands on the concept of undesirable persuasion in artistic transactions by responding to the following questions asked by a member of our audience.

“As an artist, is it easy to deter someone from buying a painting that they love by your actions or words? If so, how do you think an artist should represent themselves or their work?”

Persuasion in Transactions

As an artist who paints not just for herself, but to share her inner visions with the world, the necessity of actually selling my work has become an experience which brings a commingled sense of joy and tension.

On the one hand, I find myself thrilled that this person whom I have never met is interested in actually paying money for the privilege of owning the fruits of my brush. On the other, I have come to realize that I cannot help but ponder upon the reasons why they are desirous of the purchase in the first place, and by extension, wrestle mentally with the possibility that I might not approve of their intentions towards my work once it becomes their property.

Career Tip: Accepting a job offer means accepting the corporate culture, attitudes, ethics, and intentions. In other words, make sure you don’t join a team that goes against your moral and ethical principles.

Perhaps I am not being too clear upon my meaning here. You may be wondering ‘how does one have undesirable intentions towards a piece of art?’ It would seem a valid question, and it comes with an answer which is only fully understandable when it is your own creation to which the price tag is attached.

Imagine pouring your heart and soul upon a canvas to create a vision of which you are proud to offer for sale, and when a serious buyer offers up the desired amount you are told the painting was intended to serve as an art-class example of what a painting ‘should not be’. Or worse yet, they want to add their own “finishing touches” to your completed work. I have seen both happen, but not to me personally.

Insulting to think of, is it not? What would you do in such a situation? I know what I do. I call it negative persuasion.

Career Tip: Working environment plays a huge factor in your psychological state; in order to increase job satisfaction, ensure mutual respect is part of the environment.

Negative persuasion is a technique I use in order to talk a potential buyer out of a potential purchase of my art.  I do this when I do not feel right about letting that particular person obtain a small shard of my soul in the form of my art. Maybe I feel uncomfortable about their intentions toward the piece, (as aforementioned), or sometimes even when I just get a negative vibe from their personality and judge that they are not worthy of my work, regardless of any offered remuneration.  Negative persuasion is my saving grace when their money cannot purchase my peace of mind.

Career Tip: If you feel an intense sense of negativism during interviews, you may want to reconsider the desire to be part of the company; after all, rough estimates claim that over 75% of all employees are not satisfied with their current job… if possible, prevent yourself from being in that number.

When it comes to selling art, the process of not accepting the offer is both simple and difficult to teach and employ. In essence, you are changing their mind, or ‘talking them out of it’. How you do this, though, will by necessity be different in each arising case. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes it is very difficult.

The trick is to not make your desire to change their mind too obvious. To do it well, you must make them think that it was they themselves, and not you, who changed their minds about the purchase. I guess that the easiest way to explain it is that negative persuasion is an art unto itself, and like any incarnation of art, it must be practiced to be mastered.

Career Tip: Don’t burn potential bridges by being rude or discourteous. If offered a position you don’t want to accept, reply with a professional letter informing the hiring manager of your decision. Doing nothing at all or ignoring an offer may come back to haunt during your job search.

Submitted by: Artist’s Square Member Rhonda Newhook. View her work at:
http://artists-square.com/m/photos/browse/album/RhondaNewhook-s-Visual-Art/owner/RhondaNewhook

Thank you Rhonda for your helpful insight.

Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
EducationCareerServices.com
Got Twitter? Follow me @DannyatECS

(Photo: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Thinkstock)

This week we received a question from Jill that is common in career management, chances are you (or someone you know) is in the same situation as Jill. Years ago you decided to start a family… but now that your kids are older, how can you get back in the swing of things?

There is a process to returning to the job market but realize a great deal of research, self-analysis, and preparation forms the core of a successful career reintegration.

You are not alone, don’t get frustrated, and never give up or lose a positive attitude. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are over 5 million stay-at-home parents present within our country. Many women–even men–elect to put their career on hold to start a family. The trick to reentering the job market when the time comes is no different than when you first entered it… you have to be able and ready to show employers your value. It doesn’t matter how many years it’s been since you’ve worked, as long as you can prove your qualifications.

Career Tip: Though the world has changed (dramatically), concentrate of the VALUE you offer a company.

Can’t get around the fact you will most likely be asked about your gap in employment history during an interview. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy, but don’t get too chatty and spill potential employer concerns.

Taking the initiative and desensitizing possible hesitations typically works in your favor. When applying for a job, use the cover letter as a means to address the gap. Take a moment to imagine what an employer is thinking: Can I count on this potential new hire to come to work as scheduled or will at-home responsibilities and issues prevent this… for example, a youngster with a fever equates to a no-show. In order to convince the hiring manager, project confidence in your career decision to stay at home with your children but also ensure your dedication to the workplace.

With that being said, there are methods to lessen the severity of an employment gap. Many professionals opt to construct a chronological resume that lists employment history by order of date… this is not for you and, in general, not the most effective format for any job seeker. Instead, learn how to construct a skills-based resume that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments before you had children.

The best way to show all of the above is by detailing accomplishments within a PAR structure: Problem, Action, and Result. This is a basic framework for displaying your skills and experience in a way that highlights the value you bring. Take, for example, a basic responsibility for many employees: answering phones… 

Problem: Large volume of callers, all needing to be answered
Action: Quickly and efficiently directed incoming calls to appropriate work centers and staff
Result: Minimized caller wait time

Now, you have a complete sentence displaying what the employer wants to know…

“Quickly and efficiently directed large volumes of incoming callers to appropriate work centers and staff, minimizing caller wait time.”

But we may be getting ahead of ourselves. You still need to find the appropriate position to apply for. Time for some bad news… finding a job may be easier if you limit yourself to the same industry and location (if possible) of your last held job.

Career Tip: Tap into your pre-existing network.

If you happen to still be friends with or kept in contact with previous co-workers, these are excellent individuals to network with. Ask them for an informational interview, perhaps over lunch. Have them explain to you how your industry has changed over the years. You’ll be surprised how many things can change over a short time span. The objective here is to prove to an employer that you are still relevant in your given industry.

If you would like additional information or assistance in any career-related manner, don’t hesitate to reach out and send your request through the comment section or email directly at dhuffman@edu-cs.com. Cutting edge single topic career workbooks and complete career lifecycle books are available at our website (www.edu-cs.com) or visit us at Amazon.com (search Danny at ECS).

Written By Brandon Hayhurst
Education Career Services

Struggling to retain a teetering fifth place in the conference, The Knicks and Magic had more on the line than a final score. Then again, the disturbing calmness during warm-ups and players introduction caught me off guard… in typical Orlando fashion, the crowd harmonized silence with stillness.

Starting the game with a crumb, Dwight approached center-stage less his traditional good-time tone. With tip arose filtered squeaks, urging plug-in’s electric effect and an end of the temper tantrums (you know who I’m talking about). Howard controlled the toss effortlessly as Nelson navigated the dribble. After an initial miss, New York cleaned the way with a three-point netter. Dwight reciprocated with a left handed air ball, landing softly into the arms of an awaiting clutch.

Glen Davis drew first for Orlando after an aggressive offensive rebound. Several misses later, Turkoglu captured Orlando’s first and fleeting lead with an uncontested layup. B. Davis regained the advantage a few stutter-steps later. Looking out of sync, Howard and pals pretended after five minutes of play, taking the lead 13 to 9 off a steal by Superman.

Feeling dissed by the lack of calls, New York was whistled for a technical at the 4:47 spot. Not to be un-done, seconds later, Shumpert sliced those in the way for a loose ball, tripping Turkoglu (who happened to be in the way) to pressed wood and to the bench. Pretending to not let the game get out of control, the whistle suddenly found life and a delay of game warning against Howard after his second offensive travel.

Missing Van Gundy’s memo, Howard neglected to take charge, opted to coast the final three minutes of play, the last 19 seconds surfing on the bench.

End of the first found too many empty seats and not enough determination as the Knicks battled back from an early deficit to take a buzzer-beating lead, 23 to 21.

• Van Gundy styled like a champ though noticeably subdued on the sidelines, what’s up on that?
• Howard, guilty of three turnovers, left all to believe his mind was somewhere other than the game; where do you think that could be?
• Knicks shot 32% while the Magic hit 43%.

Orlando opened the second quarter with Glen Davis fighting to gain an in-your-face layup. Still lacking a defense stance, New York came back with a rapid 8 unanswered points. Trailing 31 to 23, Orlando needed an off-court chat.

Detecting the effects of a hypnotizing intervention orchestrated by Gundy (and Howard still riding the bench), Glen Davis shouldered two points and a trip to the line. After hitting his freebie, the Knicks lead was cut to 5. Too quick to celebrate and lacking three-point defense, the Knicks responded with two quick bombs, their lead pushed back to 11.

Dwight re-entered the game with 6:49 to go in the half and in the hole by 8. Immediately Nelson served up a turnover, Knicks accepted graciously by hitting a 12-footer. After exchanging three-point shots for most of the better part of the final 6 minutes, the Magic awoke to find themselves down by 12, 56 to 44.

First twenty-four in a shell:

• Perhaps due to a sore back, Howard lacked intensity, mental and physical (racking up a total 4 rebounds and an alarming ZERO points—hey, I’m no doctor but even I can make this prognosis).
• Glen Davis played strong, grabbed 5 rebounds and sucked up 13 points (hitting 6 on 9 attempts).
• If you’re wondering if Hedo’s blood was red, it is. With 134 ticks remaining, Hedo was formally introduced to the ground (for the second time in as many quarters) on his way to being called for a defensive foul; a spring of ambrosia established release.
• New York’s shooting percentage propelled to 49%.

Imagining how Van Gundy’s halftime pep went, the third quarter instigated with more empty seats than when the second quarter concluded. Dwight began the third, eyeing a reboot of the first. Chandler spoiled the connection by drowning a slam in Howard’s face.

Dwight was called for his fourth foul 180 seconds into the half.

Lacking points to call his own, Howard was sent to the line at the 8:28 mark and Orlando down by 12… missed the first, missed the second. Next possession it became overtly obvious the referees wanted to keep this a close game by NOT calling blatant slaps against the Magic.

Down 65 to 51 and playing like a posse of misfits, the Magic called time out for a circle chat. Moments in, Nelson canned a three. Could fairy dust have been sprinkled on the Magic and a timely happy ending be in the making? Do I really need to answer?

After thirty-six minutes of some of the worst basketball in Orlando Magic history, the home team trailed 76 to 61:

• Howard scored his first points with 3.5 seconds remaining on an unchallenged dunk.
• Turnovers proved to be an unkind companion, Magic steered the way with 11.
• Carmelo Anthony headed all with 19 points.

Magic began the quarter with an inspiring turnover, leading to an easy New York layup. Dwight returned the favor shortly thereafter by accepting his fifth foul yet remained in the game. Currently down 78 to 61, an official timeout was called due to an official executing a double tumble.

Fan Flight: Ticket holders departed earlier than usual as the initial exodus inaugurated with 9:33 remaining in the game.

Down 85 / 66 with 7:50 to go, the Magic called timeout to discuss tactics for a final surge. Dribbling cross court, Nelson found Wafer who aggressively missed a two-footer. Needless to say, nothing of significance altered tonight’s destiny.

Lacking the defensive intensity to claw back, Orlando needed more than fairy dust to get out of this funk. Sparing you the discomfort of having to relive the final five minutes of the game, let’s just call it what it was: an old-fashioned spanking.

Final score: New York 96, Orlando 80.

Not knowing what rumors will surface tomorrow, I remain on the lookout for a Pulitzer.

Danny Huffman
Education Career Services
Shadow me on Twitter: @dannyatecs