Stephen Foster Picture:

My video introduction:

Stephen Foster Video Introduction

Editing Examples

Since President Trump took office, McKinsey has greatly expanded consulting for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement through that agency’s office of “detention, compliance and removals.” Their[SF1]  contracts with the agency exceed $20 million.

 [SF1]“Their"is a plural pronoun. McKinsey is singular. You must use “its” here. The sentence should read: “Its" contracts with the agency exceed $20 million."

Mr. Horowitz said that Mr. Strok’s texts about stopping Mr. Trump from becoming president showed that he may[SF1]  be willing to take an official action to affect the election. [SF1]“May” is a verb, present tense. The initial sentence sets this document up as “past-tense." As a result, “may” must become “might.”

Many have forgotten, or never learned how,[SF1]  to compete for workers.

 [SF1]“How” goes with “forgotten” as well as “learned.” The comma should go after “learned.”

First, Iran’s leadership is more complex and multi-faceted than the one-man state of North Korea, making it harder for Tehran to reverse course like [SF1] Mr. Kim did, and reach out to Mr. Trump.

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 [SF1]“Like” is a preposition, not a conjunction. You must use “as” instead of “like.”

Using tax dollars to bailout[SF1]  farmers hurt by President Trump’s tariffs is not the way to strengthen the economy.

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 [SF1]“Bailout” is a noun. What’s used is a verb phrase, thus the correct usage is “bail out.”

Resume Tips

Resume Tips for Frustrated Job Seekers

Your job search is going nowhere, and your frustration is growing--well, here are five resume tips to help snag your perfect job. You should adopt these tips exactly as stated. Do not ignore any of them. If you incorporate these suggestions into your resume, you will get more responses; from there, you are on your own come interview time. Employ these rules and your response rate will undoubtedly increase.

1. Avoid Excessive Formatting. If a hiring manager is reviewing multiple resume submissions, imagine how he or she must feel after trying to navigate around excessive formatting. Among the resume tips discussed here, this may be the most important. Placing boxes and symbols and “decoration” in your resume is, frankly, off-putting. Most hiring managers are looking for simple and direct text, no embellishments. Use only one text box for your name, which should be centered on the page.

2. Use Compelling Verbs. You’ve undoubtedly read this elsewhere, and that’s because it’s so important to creating a knockout resume. Use verbs that are original. Avoid the commonplace: managed, directed, and created, for example, will not cause your resume to stand out. Instead, opt for such verbs as: spearheaded, commanded, generated and orchestrated.

3. Always Begin with Your Education. Of all the resume tips you may read, this one is rarely discussed, but it’s important. Always lead off your resume with your education. This is because your resume should read as though it’s a narrative of your life. So start at the beginning: you were educated before you began your career.

4. Brevity, Please. Eliminate excessive verbiage. Proof your resume diligently. If a word or phrase can be removed, do so. No matter your accomplishments, keep your resume to two pages, and no more.

5. Be Your Best Admirer. No is the time to shine. Do not hesitate to brag about your education and accomplishments. Remember, you are the best candidate for this position. Make sure you communicate that to the hiring manager. This is one of the most important resume tips you’ll come across. Be your biggest fan.

Pop Matters Articles

Navigate to this link to see Stephen Foster's music criticism.

https://www.popmatters.com/community/stephen_foster

ArtGuild Sales Copy

SALES COPY-EMAIL POST

The Durham Art Guild

Hi, Mary [or whomever]:

Now is the time to show off. Now is the time to shine as an artist. Now is when it truly is all about you.

It’s time again: our annual Members Showcase! If you’ve participated in the past, you already know how exciting this time of year is. If you haven’t participated, you’re about to find out. Our Members’ Showcase exhibit is where the Guild chooses your best artwork for display. The exhibit runs from May 1 for six weeks. Only members can submit their work for the exhibition.

You’ve been a loyal member of the Guild and we want to show you how much we appreciate your support.

Here’s how it works. You may submit up to five works to be considered. Any kind of art will be considered for showing. So, here’s where it gets interesting: whether you paint or not, whether you paint in a certain style or not, whether you are a sculptor or visual artist, none of this is important. 

What is important is the quality of your work. I am the Executive Director and I know that our membership is hugely talented. I know that what you submit will be great work.

This doesn’t mean that all, or any, submissions are accepted. Because of space limitations, we’ll have your work reviewed by a member committee.

Please submit photos of your work. Please visit our website (DurhamArtGuild.Org) and navigate to the Submissions tab. From there you’ll find easy instructions on how to upload your creations. Please have all work submitted by April 10.

Don’t be bashful. Shed your humility. Now’s the time to step up and shine!

As always, thank you for being a member of the Durham Art Guild, the nation’s oldest. And please, if you have any questions do not hesitate to send me an email and I will follow up within 24 hours.