Owl Network

07/23/2026

The convention celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the American Library Association was held at McCormick Place in Chicago. It was my privilege to be invited as Media among the 14,000 attendees. And I mean that very seriously.

Imagine being surrounded by people who care about reading and their community. Who spend countless hours shelving and reshelving books for all of us so we can find that book which might just change our lives. Imagine how technology has changed the library. How the card catalog is now online and searchable. How volumes of information have been entered into a computer so we can have access to the knowledge of the world. Imagine helping all age groups to find their passion and provide programs where they can explore themselves and the universe.

As I sit in my local library, I marvel at all the books and computers that are available to everyone. My library card provides me access. It does not ask me about what I do for a living, how rich I am…or poor. It does not ask me for my nationality or religious beliefs. By simply being a resident in my community, I am welcomed to explore. Where else do you find that? And I know, I forgot to mention it: IT IS FREE!

There is no guardian at the door like Costco who makes you scan your card just to be able to enter. Instead at your library, you are encouraged to come inside. Explore. Let your mind wonder. Whether you are a parent with young children, a school student, or a senior, there is a place for you. And there are people who are ready to assist you any way they possibly can.

And get this, I can take home a book for no charge. Just with my library card. Here I am creditworthy, unless I demonstrate otherwise. But that is true for not just books, but videos, eBooks, magazines, Roku sticks, and so much more material. Just ask.

As my mind returns to the convention, I marvel at the hundreds of authors with their books which are available for the librarians to take a copy with them. The smiles on both the author and librarian are infectious as they exchange words while the author signs the book.

It is incredible to witness the international publishers and authors who have traveled to Chicago for an opportunity to showcase their creative talents and words. And to be received with such dignity and respect. My wish is that the outside world could reflect the same openness and willingness to listen and share with so many different races, nationalities, and opinions—to understand each other and share the wisdoms each have experienced and created so others can appreciate their insights.

So, the next time you drive by your library, be proud that so many people are dedicated to opening the vaults of information and making them accessible to everyone in the community. All without a charge. Free to those in the community who are welcomed when they walk through the doors of their local library and encouraged to explore.

Thank you to all the librarians who make this possible for all of us. Thank You!

01/09/2024

Congratulations to Herbert Stepherson on his new book from Joshua Tree Publishing.

“It is in sharing our struggles and vulnerabilities that we connect with others and inspire change in them. Empathy and experience are some of our most powerful connecting points. By offering my own personal struggles, I hope to let others know that they are not alone, and that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.

“No one should ever feel ashamed for struggling mentally. Going to therapy for mental health should be as normal as going to a doctor for a broken leg. No one is a lost cause, and no one should ever be made to feel that way. Each and every human being on this planet should be given the opportunity to experience love and be given opportunities to turn their lives around. We never truly know what someone has gone through in their personal life. If we want to truly help someone, the most important thing we can do is listen to them. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you have been through, you can become anything you set your mind to. I hope you overcome the struggles you tell no one about.
“This world needs the healed and healthy version of you.”

Herb Stepherson founded Genesis of Recovery, an intervention firm that helps any and all who suffer from the disease of addiction. Since beginning his own recovery and healing journey, Herb has authored two books, given a TEDx talk, founded a domestic non-profit organization, and given his heart to God.

Though he will undoubtedly struggle with mental health issues for the rest of his life, his mission is to make this world a better place.
For more information, visit
GenesisOfRecovery.com
Junkboxdiaries.com

01/01/2024

I just registered for CES 2024. See you there!

Register now

01/01/2024

Transformation 123123 New Year’s Eve By John Paul Owles December 31, 2023 Share FacebookTwitterLinkedin Must read Defining Great Service Courage: Taking the First Step Bound by Battle and Blood An Immigrant Nation John Paul Owleshttps://johnpaulowles.comI have been an entrepreneur since I started ...

05/24/2023

Sarah Jessica Parker is among the marquee stars who will keynote at the 2023 U.S. Book Show.

“I’m thrilled to be introducing Kim Coleman Foote in person at the U.S. Book Show. Kim has the rare talent of completely immersing you in time and place, and her stunning debut novel, Coleman Hill, places you into the lives of two families across eighty years of secrets and humor, feuds and love affairs, tenderness and connection. I am beyond thrilled to be publishing such a sweeping yet intimate family saga—I know you will come to love the Colemans and Coleman Hill as much as I do,” said Sarah Jessica Parker, who will participate in person with Ms. Foote in a one-on-one conversation at the lunchtime keynote on Adult Books Day.

Sarah Jessica Parker is an Emmy– and Golden Globe–winning actress and television producer best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in S*x in the City, which ran on HBO from 1998–2004. Her new imprint, SJP Lit, launched a year ago with independent publisher Zando Projects. Ms. Parker is working with Zando’s CEO and publisher, Molly Stern.

Kim Coleman Foote is the debut novelist who will be in dialogue with Ms. Parker at the show. Coleman Hill: A Biomythography (SJP Lit/Zando, September) fictionalizes the author’s family’s experience of the Great Migration from Alabama and Florida to Vauxhall, New Jersey, from 1916– 1980s.

The U.S. Book Show is presented by Publishers Weekly and hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies Center for Publishing and Applied Liberal Arts.

05/22/2023

U.S. BOOK SHOW RETURNS TO NEW YORK TODAY AS A HYBRID EVENT
The third annual U.S. Book Show returns to New York City as a four-day hybrid event, May 22–25, 2023, taking place live at NYU’s Kimmel Center and livestreaming for a virtual audience of publishing professionals, librarians and booksellers. Meg Medina, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery Medalist whose middle-grade books dive into Cuban American and Latino culture, will give the morning keynote on Children’s Books Day, May 24, 2023.
Celebrity and A-list authors open each show day with not-to-be-missed keynote addresses. Focused on what’s hot for Fall 2023, the show features themed author panels, authors in conversation and the highly acclaimed Editors’ Picks series.
https://lnkd.in/ggxsDCyj

05/22/2023

What do we mean when we say becoming “Mentally Healthy?” by Lisa Zarcone
According to the Mental Health Association: “Mental Health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well. Also, being able to offer positive contributions to their surrounding communities.”
Well, that is a powerful statement, isn’t it!
So, how do we get there, and more importantly, how do we stay there?
Do you think life always has a perfect balance?
That answer is a firm NO! Life is not always balanced, and we are faced with many situations, stresses, and unknowns all the time. When we are faced with quick changing life situations, that definitely interferes with our daily lives. We are creatures of habit, so when these circumstances happen, that is when we become strained and off balance.
Now, let’s go back to the original question. How do we maintain our mental health?
So, we know life gives us twists and turns all the time, and to be able to maneuver through each obstacle may prove challenging. If we can work on remaining grounded, and ride out that wave of uncertainty, we will make it.
The first steps to become mentally strong is to look at our strengths and weaknesses.
https://lnkd.in/gTdy8-98

05/18/2023

POSTNAB | Broadcast & Post Production Tech Roadshow Expert Speakers | 30 Exhibitors | Today in Chicago
Get all your tech and budget questions answered at one event! Key Code Media is bringing the best of the AV, Broadcast, and Post Production tech industry to the Ignite Gaming Lounge in Skokie

04/14/2023

New article today by Lisa Zarcone
Abandonment—What Does This Word Mean To You?
Emotional abandonment is a subjective emotional state in which people feel undesired, left behind, insecure, or discarded. People who experience this may feel loss, cut off from loved ones, and left feeling withdrawn from life. Not worthy.
This is a strong and powerful emotion, but sounding somewhat clinical in definition.
Let’s get to the meat of this topic.
When a child is growing up the three main things that they naturally crave are love, safety, and acceptance/belonging. If they are getting these wonderful emotions, it is so full-filling that the child will thrive in their environment. They embrace the feeling of wanting to branch out and excel to the highest degree because they are fueled by a solid foundation. All children should feel this way, but that is not the reality.
For the full article,
https://lnkd.in/gNQvbnjR

09/16/2022

Authors Lisa & Hans Scheller at South Bend Chocolate Café Tonight 9/16/22