Lies and more lies in Sports Illustrated

I have been a subscriber and loyal reader of Sports Illustrated since its first year of publication, many years ago. This, despite the fact that I've long resented the magazine's bias against my alma mater, Oklahoma State University. I've written SI many letters to the editors about this bias--some of which they have published. My latest was sent as recently as three weeks ago, immediately after the publication of SI's annual college football preview issue. Although all pre-season polls had OSU ranked either #12 or #13 in the nation and all had us as favorites to win the Big 12 conference, SI chose to omit OSU from the top 25 entirely, and listed four Big 12 teams in the top 25 ranking, ahead of the Cowboys. I was shocked and angry.

But, all that was before the latest--and most incredible--blast against my school. In a five-part expose which began last week, SI accuses our football program of a variety of sins: paying players, tutors taking tests for players, co-eds providing sex to recruits. In gathering their "facts," the writers (one of whom is a huge fan of our rival, University of Oklahoma, and has written a number of anti-OSU stories throughout his career) interviewed a number of former players, most of whom were dismissed from the university or the team for a variety of reasons--and now hold grudges. One example: Herschel Simms, a running back who was thrown out for having stolen money from a teammate. Now, this criminal is one of Sports Illustrated's witnesses against us. ESPN, which has taken up the cause of getting to the bottom of this story, has interviewed a number of clean ex-players from OSU. All of them--such exemplars as Tatum Bell and Brandon Weedon--without exception, deny the stories and say that none of these abuses took place. Now, even some of the men SI quoted are denying that they ever made the accusations.

There is no question that big-time college football is not pure. There is simply too much money in the sport for it to remain clean. It needs reform. And one could also ask: why did OSU admit some of these bad apples whom they eventually dismissed? Every day, we read newspaper stories about college football players around the country in trouble with the law. But, Sports Illustrated should be ashamed for allowing its reporters to print lies about a single university, instead of attempting to right the wrongs with the sport in general. Shame on them!

Mixed feelings about Solheim Cup

Over the weekend, the European team destroyed the U. S. squad in the Solheim Cup. In the past, there had never been any doubt about my rooting interests -- I pulled for the American team. This time, it was a bit difficult. For one thing, Europe's captain was Liselotte Neumann. Lotte had always been my favorite player on the LPGA Tour -- only partly because her last name is the same as my mother's maiden name and because Lotte refused to have it Americanized to "new-man," even after moving to the U.S. She has always insisted on the proper pronounciation -- "noy-man."

But, that's only a small part of the reson for my mixed rooting interests in 2013. A larger part was the fact that two of Europe's players were former Oklahoma State University Cowgirls. Both are named Caroline -- one Hedwall and the other Masson. I've been predicting for some time that the former will soon be one of the world's top players. Hedwall's performance over the weekend bears me out. Today's papers carry the news about her incredible feat:

Caroline Hedwall, a ferocious Swede playing in only her second Solheim Cup, doesn’t know what it’s like to lose. The only player in the [history of] the competition to win all five matches, Hedwall became the first player to win five points.
“I’m just shaking,” said Hedwall after making a 4-foot birdie putt on the last hole to defeat Michelle Wie and assure the Europeans of taking the Cup. Hedwall called it the best moment of her life.
Wow!

An incredible, previously untold, story of World War II

I just finished reading Patrick O'Donnell's THEY DARED RETURN, and I feel obliged to tell everyone about the book. It is an amazing story of five Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany who joined the U.S. Armed Forces and volunteered for incredibly dangerous work, even while their families were being rounded up for death camps. After intensive OSS (predecessor of the CIA) training, the men jumped behind enemy lines in the late stages of the war and wreaked havoc on the Nazis. Most inconceivably, joined by deserters from the Wehrmacht, the Jews co-opted the Germans into surrendering strategic Austrian strongholds, thus shortening the war and probably saving hundreds of lives.

What is disturbing to me is that -- although I lived through World War II as one of Europe's "hidden children" and did extensive research on the war for my memoir -- I had never before heard this amazing story. Hollywood should be all over it, and more books, with additional insights into the personalities and lives of the men, should be written. The most heroic of these men, Fred Mayer, is deserving of the Medal of Honor, and a statue of all these Jewish soldier-heroes should be erected in our nation's capital.

Readers helping authors

Penny Sansevieri (penny@marketingexpert.com), an expert on book marketing, sent out a message to readers, advising them how they can assist authors. As the author of PRAGUE: MY LONG JOURNEY HOME, and one whose next book--a short one, titled NAME-DROPPINGS--will be coming out this summer, I'm copying Penny's suggestions in the hope that my readers will be willing to assist me. Thanks so much -- readers and Penny!

Charlie 

Okay readers, listen up. This one is for you. Being an author isn't easy, in fact it's a pretty tough job. We write our books for you and, in return, we'd love a little help now and again.

Most of my articles are around marketing, social media, and advising authors on what they can do. Often I am sure that authors read these pieces and feel like they need a nap. Yes, there's a lot to be done, but you shouldn't go it alone. Your readers can be your best ally to help you market and readers, listen up: it's not easy being an author in a world where everyone can get published.

Often readers do want to help, but aren't really sure what to do. Also, there's a bit of a mystique around authors. Many readers think, "Well, the book has been published, they probably don't need my help." But this couldn't be further from the truth. Authors (especially those who are starting out) do need our help. Here are a few things you can do to help support your favorite author and for authors, don't hesitate to post this list somewhere on your website. If you need help (and who doesn't) you need to ask for it.

* Review the book: I've been doing an experiment with a book that I published anonymously. I included an email address for readers to write to share their thoughts on the book and I was shocked at all of the emails I got. Most of them complimentary (whew) and many of them asking when I'd write another book (something every author wants to hear). I would write them, thank them and ask them if they had the time, would they consider reviewing it on Amazon. This has netted me over fifty reader reviews. Authentic opinions about the book, written by a reader. Fantastic, yes? Readers are some of the best resources for reviews. If you are an author, ask for a review. You might even include a note at the end of the book to your readers inviting them to review it and telling them why. I'm surprised that many readers don't do this, it's not because they're lazy but because they wonder if their opinion matters. Guess what? It does! Like a book? Please review it. Even if you don't like it review it, too. Most authors welcome feedback if it's constructive. Always be positive.

* Video reviews: If you're ready to take this a step further, why not offer a video review? Amazon lets you do this and I know, as an author, I would be thrilled if someone reviewed my book on video! If you do this, send the video clip via Dropbox or YouSendit and keep the clip to under a minute. Hold up the book and smile!

* Photo sharing: This is another thing that I would love so much. A reader holding up my book, snapping a picture and posting it on social media! This is a fun, visual way to share your love for a book. Even better, snap a picture where you're reading it. Taking a book on vacation? Why not show yourself enjoying the book (cover out!) reclining in a hammock or sitting somewhere sipping espresso (Paris?). If you don't have any travel planned, take a picture anyway. Authors love, love this so much!

* Local bookstores: Though it may seem like every author who is published gets a shot at bookstore shelf space, the truth is that most don't. If you've found a book you love and had to buy it on Amazon because your local store didn't carry it, tell them. Bookstore managers have told me if they get multiple requests for a book they will consider stocking it.

* Reading groups: This is often a tough one for authors to get into. Reading groups are a fantastic way to get the word out about your book but many are tough to reach and often pick their books months in advance. Unlike The Pulpwood Queens which has a website and a strong online presence, most local book clubs don't have that kind of exposure but their regional reach can be fantastic. If you know of a local book club let them know about this book and then put them in touch with the author. It's a quick thing to do and I speak from experience when I say that any author would be very, very grateful to have this kind of a connection.

* Buy the book for a friend: This is pretty basic. If you love the book you just read, buy a copy for a friend. I do this almost every year for Christmas. If I love a book, I gift it. When you gift it, remind the person to review it.

* Social Media: Sharing has become part of our lives. We share good and bad news but when was the last time you shared what you are reading? Here's where that great picture you just took of you reading a book can come in handy. Or even better, hop on over to Goodreads or Library Thing and share your love for this author to the millions listening there.

* Bookmarks: Most authors will get things printed up like bookmarks, postcards, etc. Bookmarks are especially fun because despite the eBook surge, many of us are still reading printed books. Email the author and see if he or she will send you a stack of them that you can share with your local library or bookstore. Leave them at the counter or pop them inside of similar books. Sort of like Amazon's "Other customers also bought" which pairs up similar titles. I know of a few times when this has happened, meaning readers contacting authors and the authors are blown away and grateful. Again, this takes very little effort. Ask for the bookmarks and the next time you're at a bookstore drop them off. Easy and the authors will really appreciate the local exposure.

* Authors on tour: It's not often that authors tour anymore but if you have someone coming to your area why not offer to help them get the word out? Maybe drop off fliers, or if you are so inclined, call your local paper and let them know this author is coming to town and as a reader, you'd love for the paper to do a story on it. Getting a heads up about an author coming to town from a reader can be ten times more effective than even a well-polished pitch. Why? Because the media is serving the local community and if a resident is sharing an idea, they're bound to listen.

* Libraries: Authors can have a tough time getting into libraries so why not buy an extra book and donate it? Then let the author know that you did this so they can let readers know where they can check out the book at a local library. I know most authors would love to have a reader do this. It's impossible to reach everyone and most authors don't have the budget to do a library pitch on top of everything else. Many will submit their books to publications librarians read and hope for the best. Having a local connection is a fantastic way to get a book some local exposure.

When I've offered these tips in a session sometimes someone will pop up and say, "But big named authors don't need this kind of help." That's possibly quite true, but if you're only reading big names you're missing out on a whole crop of wonderful new writers. And, candidly, most authors, no matter how big they are will appreciate the help. The publishing world isn't just shrinking for the little guy, it's shrinking for every author. As a reader, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference and help out an author who has poured his or her heart and soul into a book. As an author, if you need help from your readers ask. Post this article on your website or excerpt pieces of it that you feel best fit your needs. Even better, create your own list. When you ask for help, you might be very pleasantly surprised by the results.

 

 

Holocaust survivors not the only ones dying

It may come as a surprise to people whose families were untouched by the Holocaust or World War II in general that Holocaust survivors and WW-II Allies' veterans are not the only ones leaving this earth as they reach old age. The others--a notorious group--are the perpetrators of death and suffering, who are disappearing from the earth without having been punished for their monstrous deeds. One such example appears in this morning's newspapers:

MINNEAPOLIS - The news that the former commander of a Nazi SS-led military unit has been living in Minneapolis for decades is an especially startling revelation for people who lived through Nazi persecution.
Many such people still live in Minnesota, where 94-year-old Michael Karkoc has lived a quiet life in the decades since he served in the Ukrainian Self-Defense Legion. An AP investigation found that Karkoc lied about his military background when immigrating to the United States.

Today, there are still hundreds of murderers like Karkoc. Most people believe that all Nazis who operated death, concentration, slave-labor, and POW camps were Germans. Not so. Like Karkoc, hordes of Nazi sympathizers of other nationalities participated willingly and enthusiastically. It is also a common belief that those perpetrators who escaped justice after the war remained in Europe and melted into the general population. Again, not so. Many found refuge in North and South America. Hundreds found it relatively easy to lie about their backgrounds and to enter the US, where they have led quiet lives and raised families. Some are our neighbors.

One might ask: why prosecute a 94-year-old man like Kukoc? The answer is simple: because it is the right thing to do.

Book tour of Texas for PRAGUE: MY LONG JOURNEY HOME

Last week, I undertook a journey which consisted of presentations, readings, and signings of my memoir, Prague: My Long Journey Home, in various cities and towns in Texas. Arranged by my friend and Oklahoma State University classmate, Dr. Bart Childs (Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M), the tour took us to:

(1)Dallas -- where I spoke to a large group of Czech-Americans at the Sokol Hall. Sokol (Czech for falcon) is an athletic organization with a long history in the Czech Republic. Both my parents were leaders of Sokol in our town of Kojetice, and I began learning gymnastics in Sokol at a very young age. The tradition lives on in Dallas.

(2)West -- the town of West, with 70% of its population of Czech descent, was devastated by an explosion of a fertilizer plant a couple of weeks ago. I was shocked by the damage -- homes, school, nursing home destroyed, with people's only remaining belongings piled on front lawns. The lower photo shows one of the damaged houses, with a Czech flag on the left and "thank you" in Czech to the volunteer firefighters who perished in the explosion.

(3)Temple -- we visited the Czech Heritage Museum and Geneology Center in this major "Czech town." The museum featured many exhibits pertaining to Texas Czechs in the military, from the Civil War through Afghanistan. I spoke to a large crowd in the evening, with a book-signing at the conclusion of my talk.

(4)College Station -- the home of Texas A&M University is also the site of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library. It was my honor and privilege to discuss my book in the Library's auditorium (see top photo) and to sign books in its lobby.

(5)La Grange -- in addition to an infamous ranch/brothel, La Grange is the home of the Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. After touring the Center and its gift shop, I discussed my book with attendees and signed for them.

(6)Houston -- More than ten years ago, Effie and Bill Rosene raised money to build a Baroque-style palace building, one typical of historic structures in Prague. The result is the beautiful Czech Center Museum Houston, a three-story jewel filled with paintings, sculptures, glass, books, furniture, and other items celebrating Czech heritage. Visitors gathered around a group of tables, and I discussed my book with them. I signed many books for the visitors as well as for the Center's bookstore.

There are thousands of Texans of Czech origin, the great majority of them descendants of Moravian farmers who emigrated through Galveston in the late 1800s. I was most impressed by a culture which has maintained and protected its heritage and how Czech traditions and pride have been passed from generation to generation. The Texas book tour was truly memorable.