Junot Diaz at Syracuse University
Former SU professor and current best-selling writer Junot Diaz will be featured in a conversation today at the 92 St. Y in NYC.
Posts Tagged ‘Books’
Mi Gente
Monday, December 17th, 2012Book Talk
Thursday, November 29th, 2012
Jim Roberts, bookseller at Books End (Eastwood)
Books End owner Jim Roberts celebrates 25 years in business this year. When we interviewed him in the late 90s (along with two other independent bookstore owners), he was facing the threat of superstores and online services. Not only did Books End survive that era (the two other shops closed), but Roberts recently expanded the store (doubled the size).
Here are six questions he answered on Wednesday:
What does your collection include?
Used, rare and out of print books. From bestsellers to books from the 1700s.
What makes a good bookseller?
Listening to customers. They will tell you what they want. Also providing good service and having a wide range of interests.
Why do small neighborhood stores have such a loyal following?
Independent stores are not as homogeneous. Each store has its own personality. In addition, some people like to support local (small) businesses.
What are you reading now?
Homicide by David Simon and Wanted Man by Lee Child.
Is Syracuse a good town for books?
I don’t know if there’s a bad town for books. The academic institutions in [Syracuse] help with an appreciation of books and to also increase the quantity.
Does the physical book still matter?
The physical book is almost perfect in it’s design and function. Holding it in your hands…there’s a certain feel when you turn the pages. Think of the large art books or children’s books with movable parts…And everyone has their own personal library. Some things are hard to duplicate on your Kindle or iPhone.
Small Business Saturday (a look back)
Saturday, November 24th, 2012
Mary Ellen Kavanaugh, circa 2000
Former teacher and entrepreneur Mary Ellen Kavanaugh was one of the first small business owners profiled by SIF. She discussed the difficulties of operating a small, independent bookstore during the 90s. Her store, My Sisters’ Words, closed in 2003.
About Books (part 2)
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012About Books
Tuesday, June 5th, 2012Chocolate Thoughts
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Shane Evans and Taye Diggs discuss their collaboration to create Chocolate Me.
Actor Taye Diggs along with fellow SU alum Shane Evans talked about their book Chocolate Me and did a reading at the Greater Evangelical COGIC last Sunday. The story,based on lessons Diggs mother gave him as a child, are a great anecdote to low race esteem and self image.
In addition to the reading, Evans and Diggs did a musical performance (Evans on guitar, Diggs on beatbox) with crowd participation.
The event was sponsored by Say Yes to Education (Syracuse).
Taye Diggs gets some help during a song peformance with Shane Evans at the Greater Evangelical COGIC
Shane Evans answers questions about illustrating Chocolate Me
SCSD children listen to performance by Diggs and Evans
Weekdays with Hilby
Monday, September 6th, 2010
Hilby
Sometimes the best entertainment at the New York State Fair is free.
From the first year I covered the Fair, I’ve enjoyed shows by juggler, acrobat, magician and street performer Michael Hilby.
Hilby at the 2010 New York State Fair
The self-proclaimed skinny German juggles fire, balls, and even carries a chainsaw.
Hilby always draws a crowd and always has a flair for the unordinary, punctuated with a comedian’s timing.
Hilby’s act, lasting about an hour, is worth one or two Grandstand performances (for about $50 dollars less). He reminds me of an essay from The Big Moo that says, there are three rules of life: 1) Your Attitude is Your Life; 2) Maximize Your Options; and 3) Don’t Let Seeds Stop You from Enjoying the Watermelon.
Hilby, juggling fire
New Age Success
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010Following his talk at the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast, motivational speaker and author John C. Maxwell wrote about the priorities, philosophy and problem solving as part of re-defining success. He asked where is your success drawing you?
Personal M.B.A. (continued additions to the reading list)
Friday, December 26th, 2008I started this on a previous post…
I read these books and feel they too should be on every business person’s reading list:
1) Reposition Yourself-T.D. Jakes
2) The E Myth Revisited-Michael E. Gerber
3) 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business-Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Personal M.B.A. (first in a series of lists)
Wednesday, June 11th, 2008Here are a few books that should be on every business person’s reading list:
1) Let My People Go Surfing–Yvon Chouinard
2) True to Our Roots–Paul Dolan
3) How Did You Do it Truett or Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People–S. Truett Cathy
4) Talent is Never Enough or Thinking for a Change–John C. Maxwell
5) Take the Risk–Ben Carson, M.D.
6) Succeeding Against the Odds–John H. Johnson
7) The Big Moo or The Dip–Seth Godin