Blog Archives - Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer

Social Media: Harvard Business Review Found Most Companies Use Social Media Inffectively and They Need Help

dorriolds — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:19:02 +0000

Although 79% of the 2,100 companies surveyed are either using or planning to use social media channels, a measly 12% of those firms feel that they are using them effectively.

According to research from a Harvard Business Review Analytics report, 58% of companies are engaged in social media networks like Facebook, microblogs like Twitter, and sharing multimedia on platforms such as YouTube but much of the investment in social media is future-oriented.
Business are opening accounts but not sure how to put together successful social media campaigns. They want to build their brand online and increase sales but they don’t seem to be using all of the analytics tools available and all of the social media strategies that are out there.
Social media “all-stars” engage beyond the tired method of “shout marketing,” by using social media more often to promote their brand, monitor what’s going on with potential customers, esearch new product ideas and keeping up with the everchanging technology landscape.
I can tell you from years of experience, businesses that succeed don’t say things like, “I don’t have time for social media,” or “I just don’t get Twitter.” They hire someone who knows the ins and outs of social media marketing and branding online.
If you are at a stand still and unsure of how best to use social media to market your business online, you can benefit greatly by learning tips and tricks from a marketing consultant. I’m here. Let me know if I can help!
EMAIL ME NOW

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Book Review: WONDER by R.J. Palacio

dorriolds — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:12:39 +0000

The story is about a boy born with microtia and hemifacial microsomia.
It is surprisingly uplifting and a very fast read.

Guest post book review by Sally Wendkos Olds

This #1 best-selling book for middle-schoolers, which has held its top place on the New York Times list for four months, is a wondrous novel that deserves its popularity. One reason for its prime place is the fact that so many adults are reading it. It was recommended to me by one adult – my daughter, who works with the Little Baby Face Foundation, a remarkable charity that provides free corrective surgery for children with disfiguring birth defects. She’d learned of it from another adult. I couldn’t put the book down, and I cried, laughed, and rejoiced in its message of the importance of kindness and the triumph of a boy faced with so many obstacles.

The novel’s central character, August Pullman, was born with a severe facial deformity that, despite 27 operations, still produces horrified reactions from almost everyone he encounters. Previously home-schooled because of his surgeries, his other medical problems, and his appearance, now Auggie is starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep, a mainstream private school. Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid, but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. The book is reminiscent of the movie “Mask” and the play “The Elephant Man,” and is even more moving since it is a story of a child.

WONDER begins from Auggie’s point of view and then, Rashomon-like, expands to speak in the voices of his older sister and her friends, his classmates, and then comes back to Auggie. The only person we don’t hear from is the class bully – it would have been illuminating to hear how he justified his meanness to Auggie and those who befriend him – but this is a minor cavil in a wonderful portrait of a community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

One of Auggie’s teacher’s precepts, “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind,” is the overarching theme of the book, and even if you don’t know anyone like Auggie, you will be moved to lead your life with a greater awareness of the need to be kind. The book is also a good, fast, and suspenseful read.

____________________________

Sally Wendkos Olds has written extensively about intimate relationships, personal growth, and developmental issues throughout the life cycle, and has won national awards for both her book and magazine writing. In addition to her classic, The Complete Book of Breastfeeding, first published in 1972 and revised for its fourth edition in 2010, she is the author of ten other books, including Super Granny: Great Stuff to Do with Your Grandkids, and hundreds of magazine articles for major publications.

A former president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, she received the ASJA Career Achievement Award in 2010. She is currently writing a book for people whose life partner died a year or more previously. You can find out more about her on her website and blog.

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Nadia Ilse, 14, received free plastic surgery from the Little Baby Face Foundation and Dr. Thomas Romo, III

dorriolds — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:34:10 +0000

Nadia Ilse before and after facial plastic surgery for her ears, nose and chin.

Nadia Ilse is the 14-year old recipient of free plastic and reconstructive surgery from the Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF). Nadia was born with hemifacial microsomia, a condition that creates asymmetry in the face due to abnormal growth in bones, muscles and nerves. It is progressive and worsens with age. Nadia also had a deviated septum, and ears that stuck way out and were also missing the normal folds within the lobe. She was bullied so much in school she often cried herself to sleep and even considered suicide.

“Kids used to ask me what was wrong with my nose,” said Nadia. “That hurt my feelings a lot. They made fun of my ears and called me names like, ‘Dumbo.’ My chin was off and not symmetrical. When I smiled it looked weird. I always thought I had a horrible smile. Kids were so mean that there were lots of times I faked headaches so I didn’t have to go to school.”

She was afraid to burden her single mother, Lynda, who already had her hands full. She was laid off from work and unable to find a new job she was also tending to Nadia’s younger brother with special needs (Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays and pulmonary valve stenosis.) When the emotional pain became absolutely overwhelming, Nadia begged her mother for help. Sadly they did not have money for surgery. Lynda went online, found LBFF and filled out the application on the website. They were both thrilled when Nadia was chosen from thousands of applications.

Nadia Ilse was born with hemifacial microsomia, a condition that affects bone, muscle, fat and nerves of the face.

Dr. Thomas Romo, III, the founder and president of LBFF, provided all of the surgeries for free. Dr. Romo is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore–LIJ Lenox Hill Hospital and The Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York City.

The foundation paid for Nadia and her mother to travel to New York City and arranged for their free stay at Ronald McDonald House. LBFF also provided money for food and medically related expenses.

If Nadia had gone to a private plastic surgeon her surgeries would have cost $40,000. Because they were provided pro bono by Dr. Romo they cost nothing.

After her LBFF-provided surgery, Nadia was a guest on a handful of TV shows including ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and Nightline. Videos went viral and viewers posted comments all across the web. Most were supportive and enthusiastic but a few criticized Nadia and her mother for not being “tough enough” to stand up to bullies.

I asked Nadia and her mother, Lynda, if Nadia would be willing to discuss her experiences. They both graciously agreed.

Dorri Olds: What was it like returning to school after you’d been on TV and talked about being bullied?

Nadia Ilse: Wow. That was like, um, nerve wracking.

Do you remember how you were feeling?

I was excited, but also nervous people would criticize me. One person did but overall it went a lot better than I thought it would. A lot of people made me feel better about myself. They said, “We’re glad you’re happy now and that you feel better about yourself.”

What about the kids that had bullied you?

Of the people that had been mean to me before, most ignored me or paid no attention at all. Some of the kids who had been bullies were a lot nicer. The yearbook committee said they wanted to interview me for the yearbook. That’s very exciting.

Were your teachers aware that you were being bullied at school?

No, I hadn’t told any of them. I was afraid to make it worse.

Did your Mom know how tough it had gotten for you in school?

I didn’t really tell her either because I didn’t want to worry her. Sometimes I would cry myself to sleep but I tried to be quiet or put my face in a pillow so she wouldn’t hear.

Are you close with your Mom?

Yes, my mom and I have always been so close. We couldn’t be any closer. I love her a lot. She is great.

Did she help you with the negative comments that a lot of people were posting online?

My mom told me not to look at the criticism so I stayed away from any negative comments. I didn’t want anything to get in the way of how good I was feeling.

What are some of the changes you’ve experienced now?

I’m opening up more. I went to my first dance and went with friends. I wasn’t too shy to dance. I’d never gone to a dance before. I would’ve stood in a corner.

Did your brother say anything about the surgery?

He says I look different and tells me I look pretty. I’m really happy that I got it done. I had a deviated septum. Now I can breathe so much better. Everything that Dr. Romo did was medically necessary.

He told you that you had a condition called hemifacial microsomia. Did you know what that was?

No. But I know now that is why my jaw and chin were crooked. He was really nice to tell me that after he fixed my ears it might draw attention to my chin and he explained to me about my deviated septum.

Did you feel well cared for during your stay in New York City?

I’m so glad he took good care of me. Dr. Romo, Diane Romo and Michele Orzo were all so amazing. They were really friendly and made my mom and I feel like we were honored guests, like we were part of their family.

What was it like when you saw your face the first time after the surgery?

It was swollen. They told me ahead of time that it would be swollen so I wasn’t scared at all.

Has it been fun to see articles written about you and see yourself on TV?

Yeah! A talent agency called us. Mom said yes about modeling! It’s so exciting.

Nadia Ilse enjoying her new life. “I can breathe so much better. Dr. Romo fixed my deviated septum!”

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A Mother’s Reaction to her Daughter’s Long Ago Teenage Rape Story

dorriolds — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:49:03 +0000

Many people asked me how my mother felt about my recent New York Times article “Defriending My Rapist” and my subsequent interview on the Dr. Drew show on CNN. My mother has been wonderful. Here is a post from her blog: Super Granny.

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

As mothers we try to keep our children safe and free from harm, and then when the next generation comes along we try to provide the same kind of protection to our grandchildren. We even want to shield them from some of life’s emotional blows. But at some point we are often made painfully aware that our love and our best efforts are not always enough. They get hurt physically and they get hurt emotionally. When we – and they – are lucky, they recover and use those difficult times to learn from and to grow.

But as was made clear to me anew by the publication of my daughter Dorri’s powerful and heartbreaking essay, “Defriending My Rapist,” published in The New York Times online on January 13 and in print on January 15, I was not only unable to protect her from a horrifying experience when she was only 13 – I never even knew about it until many years later. Sure that it was her fault that she had been attacked, and also sure that if she told her parents we would go to the school and demand that the boys involved be held responsible for their actions, and that she would then be bullied at school for having “told,” Dorri kept this secret for years.

We knew that Dorri was having a troubled adolescence, and we tried to help – by speaking to her guidance counselor in junior high, arranging for her to see therapists, providing positive family experiences. But until Dorri was 26 and had sought out a therapist herself, she never unburdened herself of the long-repressed secret that was causing so many problems in her life.

By going public with her story 37 years after the attack, both with her essay and her appearance on Dr. Drew’s television show, Dorri wants to tell young people (boys as well as girls) that if something like this should happen to them, they shouldn’t blame themselves, and they should go to an adult who can help them. It’s never the victim’s fault, no matter what she wears and what she does – it is always the attacker’s fault.

Dorri has received hundreds of responses to her essay and TV appearance, many of which came from other victims who also never told anyone — boys and girls who are now adults. So many say that the incidents and shame nearly destroyed their lives, and many said that Dorri had inspired them to finally talk about these traumas.

I hope that my grandchildren never have to undergo anything like this – but that if they do, that they will be able to ask for – and to get – help.

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Yup, That’s Me—the City Girl—Hugging a Tree in Mexico

dorriolds — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:16:19 +0000

This picture was taken in Xochimilco, a borough outside Mexico City known for its canals. The waterways along with chinampas—squares of land for growing crops—are a vestige of pre-Columbian times. Colorfully painted gondola-like wooden boats called Trajineras are available for rent. The Mexican government is doing much to preserve this area. The water in the lagoons is clear and the wildlife is protected. Birds are not allowed to be shot. At this time of year, there’s a big influx of Pelicans from South Canada because there are so many fish for them to eat.

On the boat, a sweet bread snack was served along with Horchata, a warm rice and milk drink similar to hot breakfast cereal with little tasty lumps. Other people on the boat indulged in ancient delicacies: fried grasshoppers, baked worms, ant eggs and bright red mini shrimps that looked like bugs. I did not partake. Thank goodness there was also normal food available. I had guacamole, tortilla chips, black beans and rice.

When I was a kid I loved to run around in the woods behind my parent’s house in Long Island. My best friend and I played hide and seek behind the trees. We’d jump over the fence and run down to a nearby stream to catch frogs, lizards and snakes and jumped from rock to rock across the water. We always wore sneakers because we fell in a lot.

Click to read the rest of this article on the blog Tree Hugging Around the World.

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‘Coffee with a Canine’ Interview

dorriolds — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:48:41 +0000

Coffee with a Canine is an entertaining blog by Zeringue Marshal. It’s a great place for dog lovers like me. Buddy James Olds and I were honored to be interviewed. Enjoy!

Zeringue Marshal: Who is in the photo at right?

Dorri Olds: First, let me say, it’s an honor to be on your blog Coffee with a Canine! The photo is me standing in my New York City apartment building’s large private garden. I’m holding my beloved hairy son, Buddy James. He was the best gift I ever received from anyone!

He is a 7-year-old purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel imported from Germany. I’m a native New Yorker born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I work in my home/office in Chelsea as a freelance writer and web designer.

What’s the occasion for today’s Coffee with a Canine?

My favorite boys! Buddy James* & Steve Geng*

Every morning is a coffee date with my canine. I open my eyes to Buddy, and my husband Steve Geng* sleeping peacefully. I sit up and Buddy’s head pops up like a periscope and he leaps from the bed to shadow me to the kitchen.

What’s brewing?

I make my eye-opening cappuccino with 2 shots of Lavazza espresso, and cinnamon and chocolate powder sprinkled on top. Bud stares at me watching, waiting. He knows that after my first sip he gets to eat.

Any treat for Buddy on this ‘Coffee with a Canine’ occasion?

’Lil Bud gets plenty of daily eats, but during the morning coffee ritual he over-acts. He likes to portray starvation. It’s so adorable I toss him a pre-java treat, usually a Milk-Bone.

Once I’ve placed his food bowl on the floor, within seconds he has inhaled his Science Diet beef breakfast then runs back to bed for Steve to rub his belly. When I sit down with my cuppa joe and a banana, Buddy rushes back to my feet. I serve him stringy pieces of banana from inside the peel.

How were you and Buddy united?

Buddy came into my life on New Year’s Eve of 2003. He was 2 months old, weighed 4 pounds and looked like a Beanie Baby. Brendan, my friend, knew she would break my heart when she broke the news she was moving to the West Coast. To soften the blow she bought me Buddy.

Does Buddy James have any influence on your work?

Yes! If I’m at my computer in a work-trance too long, Buddy trots over. He climbs his doggie steps and plops down on the edge of the bed. Then he stares at me making this weird whimpery sound. His facial expression is like, “Hey! What am I, chopped liver?”

How did you come up with Buddy Jame’s name?

He was named after my Uncle Buddy, a portrait painter who died when I was 5. Growing up, I spent hours staring at his self-portrait on the wall of my parent’s home. Now the painting hangs opposite my bed where I see it every morning.

Buddy’s middle name came from my childhood fantasy. I yearned to be filthy rich, own a Rolls Royce, and have a chauffeur named James. My dream was to say, “Home, James.” The chauffeur never materialized, nor did the millions, but what I got is love.

I never knew I’d treasure anyone to the depths I do little Bud-Bud. His dark brown Bambi eyes and soulful ’tude made me christen him the lovechild of Rhythm ’n Blues singers, Buddy Guy and Etta James.

Does he get along with, or get especially agitated, by cats, squirrels, postmen, or other creatures?

The Budmeister gets along with everybody. I enjoy bringing him along for an afternoon coffee in my garden. He sticks close by hoping there will be something to lick from my cup.

He greets neighbors’ dogs cheerfully, watches birds and squirrels with mild interest, but really perks up for humans. Bud’s a people-person.

What are his favorite toys and/or games?

He’s fond of cigarette shaped rawhide treats and enjoys them even more if I try to grab them out of his mouth. He’ll growl and yank the treat away from me, but if I lose interest in this repetitive game he lets out a “humph” then nudges my hand until I resume.

Where is Buddy’s favorite place for outings?

Our typical walk covers a few city blocks during which he wags his tail, sniffs trees and hydrants, and tries to swipe food remnants—no matter how congealed and disgusting—off the street. He attempts to be sneaky by closing his eyes into beady slits, tucking his mouth down to hide the forbidden scrap of food, then hunching over like a cartoon villain. He gives himself away every time and I’m left to yank the bacteria-ridden morsel out of his mouth and toss it into the trash. Wherever we go I stuff my pockets with plastic bags and tissues.

Is he a city dog, or does the country appeal as well?

As long as we’re together, Buddy is happy anywhere. We both enjoy my Aunt Norma’s house upstate. It has a large fenced-in yard so he can run around and piddle wherever he pleases. He usually hangs around near me though, either by the pool or at my feet during Scrabble games. He can’t stand not being able to see me.

At home he prefers doors open so he can follow me around. Using the word “heel” with him would be silly and unnecessary.

Who are Buddy’s best pet-pals?

Thankfully, Buddy’s godmother Brendan moved back to NYC a few years ago. Bud’s best friend is her Cavalier, Harry Rex. He also loves my Aunt Norma’s golden retriever, Zack, who isn’t golden—he’s blonde.

What is Buddy’s best quality?

I can’t choose just one. He’s devoted and loyal, mischievous and entertaining, snuggly, cuddly, and beautiful to look at. Bud makes friends everywhere. He’s enthusiastic and gleeful 99 percent of the time.

What is Buddy’s proudest moment? His most embarrassing?

Buddy feels neither pride nor shame. I’ve witnessed a number of emotions: joy, fear, disgruntledness (if that’s a word). I once asked my cousin Charlie what he imagines Buddy is thinking. Charlie guessed, “I love you, I love you, I love you. Got something to eat?” I think Charlie nailed it.

Coffee with a Canine Interview

Hope you enjoyed the post. You can find Dorri Olds at her website dorriolds.com and social media accounts twitter | instagram | youtube | linkedIn I facebook.

* * *

Footnote: This interview was a few years ago. RIP Steve Geng (1943-2020) and RIP Buddy James Olds (2003-2017). Thank you for reading this and sharing my happy memories.

——————————————————————————-

By Marshal Zeringue for Coffee with a Canine.

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The Curse of Having a Cute Dog

dorriolds — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:33:40 +0000

This essay was originally published on NBC Petside
I reached for my iPhone right-handed while holding Buddy’s leash in my left. It was my best friend, Maddy. I launched into a tirade. “If one more person asks me what kind of dog Buddy is I’m going to scream.”
“Why?”
“I’ve walked one block and four people…”
“It’s because he’s so cute.”
I imitated passersby in falsetto, “‘Oooh, what’s his name? How old is he? Where did you get him?’ When they ask what breed he is I have to say, ‘Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.’ It’s a mouthful and they never get it. ‘What kind?’ After three or four times I get so sick of chewing my cabbage twice I start barking, ‘He’s a MUTT!'”
“I think they’re just being friendly.”
“I don’t want friendly. I want to be left alone. For Pete’s sake, I work twelve-hour days. When I take a break I need peace and quiet.”
“Peace and quiet? You live in New York City! Maybe you need to work less so you won’t be so cranky.”
“Cranky? CRANKY?”
* * *
Buddy came into my life seven years ago, right after a devastating split. I’d found out the guy was married and the breakup nearly broke me. I felt splintered, defective, and out-of-order. Depression yanked me down and that’s where I stayed, wallowing.
One day, still telling everyone who’d listen how doomed I was, I ran into a neighbor who said. “You need a puppy. It’ll change everything.” I looked down at her dog. “He’s a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,” she said proudly.”
He had soft white fur with cow-like patches of auburn brown. His ears flopped like a beagle. He looked about the size of a cocker spaniel, but shrunken like a T-shirt in a dryer. His long lashes and dark eyes made him look like Bambi. When I smiled at him his tail wagged frantically and rhythmically like a windshield wiper.
I mulled over my neighbor’s suggestion. I called Maddy to discuss. “Puppies are a huge responsibility. You have to be home all the time.” I said.
“You’re home all the time anyway!”
Hmm, she had a point. I work at my Mac in my living room. My only commute is to trek to the kitchen for snacks. I began to weigh the pros and cons of getting a dog. I thought about my ex and how much I’d wanted a baby with him. I ruminated. Pets are expensive—con. The cost of a dog pales in comparison to raising a kid. There’d be no braces—pro. No college tuition—Pro. He’d never wreck a car—Pro! Pro!

Photo by Paul Wesley

The next time I ran into my neighbor I asked her where she’d gotten her dog. She raved about a high quality breeder.
Instead of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, I read How to Raise Your Cavalier and The Owner’s Guide to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I read both books in two days and decided to name the dog after my Uncle Buddy. I was nervous and excited and hopeful, like I’d felt before my first date with my no-good ex.
Preparing for this new pup made life joyful. Sort of—when any couple walked by I still seethed with envy.
My big day arrived. I went to pick up my doggie. The gates were down. I peered in the window and saw a teeny-tiny Cavalier the size of a Beanie Baby. The second our eyes met I knew he was mine. He looked scared and vulnerable and all I wanted to do was keep him safe. The owner pulled up the gate and I bee-lined to the crate. Buddy was placed in my arms. I held him to my chest cradling his itty-bitty head.
I carted him around in my purse and smuggled him into movies. This warm bundle challenged my sulking. On Saturday nights, when loneliness descended like a shroud over my living room, I played with my pup, reconciled to becoming one of those single old ladies who “married” her pet.
Buddy became a balm that soothed. He slept pressed against me and I’d lie awake to listen to his puppy snores.
Sharing him with someone even for an instant, especially a stranger in the street, felt like a band-aid yanked off a burn.
I was accosted when I walked him, like stars and their paparazzi.
“Oh, he’s so cute.”
“Can I pet him?”
“Where did you get him?”
“What kind of dog is that?”
I couldn’t stand all the questions. Sometimes I spoke Russian-sounding gibberish, ‘I g’no shpeak Eenglish.’
Other times I pointed to my mouth like I couldn’t talk because I was eating. People ogled. I snapped, “Move, can’t you see I’m walking here?”
Then one day, for the millionth time, somebody tried to pet my dog. I didn’t even look up. Just yanked Buddy closer to me and grumbled, “Leave us alone, we’re busy.”
As I was walking away I heard the guy mutter, “Geez, I’m busy too. I just wanted to say hello.”
I stopped. Suddenly I saw who I’d become and felt ashamed. I turned to apologize to the man but he was already crossing the street. I watched this handsome man walk away in his tasteful suit and could’ve kicked myself. I’d whined to my friend, Maddy, the day before, “I’ll never meet a man.” Her response now reverberated in my head. “It would be much easier to meet a guy if you weren’t walking around pissed off and in a hurry.”
Buddy and I strolled to Madison Square Park and a breeze went through my hair. I decided that I didn’t want to end up a bitter, irascible, curmudgeon. As we walked toward the dog-run Buddy tugged excitedly toward a nice looking dude with a pooch. My anger and disappointment with the world lifted for a moment. I smiled and found myself saying, “Excuse me, what kind of dog is that?

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Upcoming Articles

dorriolds — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:41:30 +0000

Stay tuned for the September issue of the New York Resident magazine. Upcoming articles include a review of the book LAY THE FAVORITE: A MEMOIR OF GAMBLING by Beth Raymer. The memoir about bookies has been made into a movie starring Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebecca Hall and Vince Vaughn. The film is in post production and due out in early 2012.

Beth Raymer has an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia and was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship. LAY THE FAVORITE was her first book. I’ll wager this story wasn’t the only ace up her sleeve. We’ll see more must-read prose from this writer soon.

Also in the September issue of the Resident is my review of the luxury property, the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa in Mexico. Learn about local attractions including a whacky club called Coco Bongo!

In the October issue look for my review of the book, JACKIE O: ON THE COUCH by Alma H. Bond, PhD. This author of 19 books uses her skills as both writer and psychoanalyst to create a pseudo autobiography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, one of the most fascinating public figures and a true American icon.

Also in October, meet Matt Wayne, The Celebrity Magician. Wayne is a New York City-based magician, actor, producer and television personality best known for his work and skill as a performer of close-up magic. Wayne has lent his likeness to campaigns and charities and was chosen as one of 250 media figures to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. He devotes much of his time toward animal charities and has a movie and TV show in the works.

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American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

dorriolds — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:49:27 +0000

I have some nice news this morning — The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) has a
“Weekly Featured Members” on the home page of their website and I’m pleased-as-punch to post that I have been chosen. Here’s how the entry reads:

Dorri Olds

Subject Specialties:
Essay, Profiles, Book Reviews, Entertainment, Travel, Dogs …
Books: At Grandmother’s Table; Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tea Lovers; more …
Online: LittleBabyFace.org; RomoPlasticSurgery.com; more
Periodicals: NY Resident Magazine, New Woman, Marie Claire …

Member Web Site
Member profile

Here is some info about this terrific organization:

ASJA is the only professional association focused on independent nonfiction writers. Members share expertise, ideas, opportunities, and inside information critical to success in a constantly changing environment. Through services such as a member-to-member rights and fees database, contracts and grievance guidance, and diverse educational programs, ASJA membership gives writers the confidence and connections to prosper. How to join.

ASJA also helps current and aspiring independent journalists, both to further their careers and better inform and educate the general public. Our Educational Foundation’s public programs, such as the Annual Writers Conference, the Personal Mentoring Program, and regular webcasts, offer a wealth of information and guidance for freelance writers at all stages of their careers.

Editors and others can search our membership to hire experienced authors and journalists, or post a free job listing at Freelance Writer Search.

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I’m very pleased with this article I wrote this morning for the Little Baby Face Foundation blog. Hope you like it too.

dorriolds — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:00:01 +0000

Samantha Shaw from South Dakota is 7-years-old and was born with deformed “cup” ears that stick out. Additionally, her right ear had a malformation called a “lop” ear that flopped inward in a curl. Children have made fun of her and called her Dumbo and Monkey Ears. “Adults are the worst,” said her Mom, “right in front of her they’ve called her ears gross. I’m worried about bullying and her self-esteem.”

ABC News “Good Morning America” aired an emotional segment about Samantha’s mother contacting our nonprofit organization Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF). We provide free plastic surgery to children like Samantha whose families cannot afford treatment. LBFF raises donations for the child, plus one parent, to travel to New York City and we cover all medical-related expenses. Our team of gifted plastic surgeons operate on the children free-of-charge at Lenox Hill Hospital, one of the world’s finest facilities.

Good Morning America‘s show covered the topic of plastic surgery as a viable answer for kids born with deformities. Children with birth defects tend to be ostracized and become the butt of cruel jokes. This can create emotional scars that greatly damage a child’s self-esteem. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery is one way to protect deformed children from being bullied.

The founder of LBFF, Dr. Thomas Romo, III, is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has assembled a talented team of specialist doctors who donate their time to provide surgical services to LBFF patients.

One of our many dedicated LBFF Medical Advisory Board members, Dr. Steven Pearlman, provided Samantha’s surgery pro bono. She underwent two related procedures. First was a general surgery called an otoplasty. Dr. Pearlman said, “We set back the ear and make it look more natural and normal.” The other procedure was on her right ear to straighten it and prevent it from drooping. Both surgeries have a very high success rate.

ABC’s TV video instantly went viral on the Web. It spread rapidly throughout top news sites including Huffingpost.com, Yahoo.com and the Daily News and appeared on countless blogs. Within two days the video was viewed at least 30,000 times. Visits to our website skyrocketed. There was an inpouring of applications from parents of children with birth defects. Most of these families cannot afford the necessary surgeries and many insurance plans refuse to cover what they deem “cosmetic surgery.” Little Baby Face Foundation’s mission is to help as many children as we can raise funds for. With this new avalanche of applications we will need to work even harder raising donations and grants.

LBFF is unique because instead of sending doctors to patients, we bring the children here. This way we have more doctors available to provide free surgery and it can be done in the highest quality facility. Our main areas of focus are cleft lip/cleft palate, facial palsy, hemifacial microsomia, microtia, otoplasty and hearing restoration. To learn more please visit littlebabyface.org. Help us help them!

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