Author Archives: Shawn E. Bell

Ricoh, a company specializing in print commissions a study that finds people like print books

SHOCKER! Ricoh Americas Corporation – a company that specializes in production print equipment – commissioned a ‘study’ that discovered that people like print books.  It would have been news, probably, if the study discovered that consumers preferred anything else.

The study was interesting in it’s scope.  It says that 60% of ebooks downloaded are never read (no mention of how many dead-tree books purchased are never read), that consumers “have an emotional and visceral/sensory attachment to printed books, potentially elevating them to a luxury item,” and that “college students prefer printed textbooks to eBooks as they help students to concentrate on the subject matter at hand” because, y’know, you can’t study using a tablet that has an internet connection that could allow them instant access to more – and focused – information about what they’re studying.

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A Snow-filled Setting Served as Stunning Background for the Trek to the Tree Ceremony at Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, CA – With a snow-filled setting as a stunning background, a total of 213 people participated in the Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree ceremony at Kings Canyon National Park on Sunday, December 8, 2013, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The event, which was sponsored by the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the National Park Service, included the Jubilation Singers, Sanger High School Choir, and a non-denominational holiday message. During the ceremony, Acting Superintendent Colleen Bathe spoke about the General Grant Tree’s role as a national shrine in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served, fought, and died to keep America free. A memorial wreath was placed at the base of the General Grant Tree during the ceremony.

To plan for a future visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visit www.nps.gov/seki or call 559-565-3341.

Help update Cuyamaca State Park plan

California State Parks is conducting a comprehensive update of the General Plan for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.  A General Plan is a broad-based policy document that establishes a long-range vision and goals.  A General Plan also provides direction on future types of improvements, services, and programs.  An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects associated with the adoption of the General Plan.

Karen Carlson has penned an article for the Ramona Sentinel titled “Manes and Trails: Help update Cuyamaca State Park plan.” From the article:

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How I Do It: Super Successful Indie Authors Share Their Secrets – with Joanna Penn

Focus, long term commitment and sheer hard work, every day, are what have enabled Joanna Penn, bestselling author, professional speaker, entrepreneur and UK ALLi advisor, to pack so much into the five years since she entered the sphere of self-publishing.  The remarkable achievements of this authorpreneur have just earned her a place among The Guardian’s Top 100 Creative Professionals 2013, so it’s a timely occasion to ask her to share the secrets of her success.

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