A Book for This Season

As we all know, the current economic and employment scene is dismal.  So, when I was told about a book entitled,  "Job Interview Body Language," I thought it was worthwhile to review.

Authors Michael J. Willson and Karen Kelly wrote a straightforward, easy to read set of guidelines. These tips take the interviewee from start to finish during a job search.  The reader becomes aware of not only the impression the prospective employee makes and how to refine it, but also the body language cues the interviewer might be relaying.

This book is divided into short chapters, with a summary at the end of each.  There are also samples of situations and ideas highlighted throughout the paperback.

"Job Interview Body Language" is well worth the read, and a good reference, even for those networking.  I gave it four stars on Amazon, where it can be ordered.

WORDS

Unfortunately, I am delayed in reading the book I promised to review this time: "Job Interview

Body Language."

Instead, I am devoting this post to words...

Steve Wetlesen, local poetic artist, coined a new word in his line offered to the poet laureate for Nils Peterson's mass poem.  ( Look back at my past blog for more info on the county call for a line as an entry.)

The word is "skywhale" and Wetlesen's line was referring to a blimp he saw over Moffett Field.

The line is: "Moffett tarmac-white blimp, the floating skywhales return!" He notes that the new word might also refer to balloons.

Another time recently where the wonder of words hit me was after seeing the performance, "Wicked."  Unexpectedly, there are some turns in words in the dialogue that are very amusing and entertaining.  I am not going to give any examples so as not to spoil the effect.  It is my hope that "Wicked" will be transformed into a movie, complete with all the sets, costumes, singing, etc. like both "Rent" and "Mama Mia" were recently.

Words may also be used to remember a loved pet. Our dog Copper died last week and I am submitting a poem in his honor to the Poodle Rescue Society's newsletter.

The King of the High Wire & More

This past Sunday, working in my journalist role, I got the privilege of covering a unique story.  Nik Wallenda, of the famous Wallenda family, walked on a wire above the Great America Theme Park here.

He is a descendant of Karl Wallenda, who started The Flying Wallendas, and who also is credited with the origin of the seven man pyramid.  Nik is the holder of two Guinness Records: one is for the EIGHT man pyramid, and the other is for riding a bicycle 131/2 stories above the ground. 

The story I wrote is published in the Santa Clara Weekly. I have been writing for the paper for over two years.  See www.santaclaraweekly.com for more information.

Wallenda is scheduled to honor his ancestor Karl by walking over the Grand Canyon before the year is over.

It is nice to be able to go behind the scenes at events like this due to holding a press pass.  Nik Wallenda appears to be quite a stable, good role model for his family and he and his wife seem quite close.  She blew him a kiss when he was at the point of walking on the high wire at 100 feet above the ground.  He watches what he says in front of his children and the children sat well-behaved until the show was over.

Regarding my book, I decided to write about my personal journey over the next two years because a lot is happening in my life that might be helpful and relevant to others.  The journal I won in a raffle at eWomen ( a leadership group) is perfect for the daily entries.  Stay tuned...

And speaking of books, I expect to be finished with one entitled "Job Interview Body Language" by Michael J. Willson and Karen Kelly so I intend to post my comments next week.