James A. Rivera Blog

Quick Links: Media Kits for Writers: A Beginner’s Guide

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web. What is a media kit? Do authors really need one? (Spoiler alert YES!) Over at All Indie Writers you can find out everything you need to know about media kits. A big thanks to Jennifer Mattern for writing such a great post! […]

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All kinds of numbers show Russell Westbrook is indeed an NBA superstar

Prior to Game 5 of the first-round series between Dallas and Oklahoma City, Mavs owner Mark Cuban surprised with a comment in which he called Kevin Durant the lone superstar of the Thunder. Russell Westbrook? Just an All-Star.

Mark Cuban says Kevin Durant is the Thunder's only superstar. What about Russell Westbrook? "He's an All-Star but not a superstar."

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 25, 2016

Here’s a bunch of numbers that say otherwise, although most of you probably didn’t need any convincing. (He really passes the eye test with flying colors).

For starters, there’s just two players in the Top 5 in points, assists and steals since Westbrook entered the NBA in 2008. One is LeBron James, of course. The other? Yes, Westbrook.

The Thunder guard is No. 5 in scoring ahead of (wait for it) Mavs’ Dirk Nowitzki, fourth in assists and third in steals.

Westbrook is also by far the best player at his position when it comes to rebounding the ball right now and actually one of the best in league history.

The five-time All-Star is not just getting it done in the regular season. Westbrook is No. 6 in playoff scoring since 2008 and almost a lock to move to No. 5 ahead of Paul Pierce in the series vs. San Antonio. If the Thunder upset the Spurs and make it to the Conference Finals, he’d probably surpass Kobe Bryant for No. 4. He’s also fifth in assists and seventh in steals.

If you want to go the analytics route, Westbrook has you covered there too with a No. 11 spot in Win Shares, No. 8 in PER and No. 4 (ahead of Stephen Curry!) in Value Over Replacement Player.

Aside from that, Westbrook is durable. He didn’t miss a single game his first five years as a pro. While hit by injury later in his career, he has returned an even better player.

You can make an argument that Westbrook is not the best player on his team yet, but not that he’s not a full-blown superstar. He’s been one for some years now and nobody would pass on a chance to get him. Not even Cuban’s favorite player.

Dirk Nowitzki on the idea of Russell Westbrook not being a superstar:

"I'd take him." https://t.co/kIR7mfXyma

— Up The Thunder (@UpTheThunder) April 26, 2016

from HoopsHype http://ift.tt/1SQjZzn

Quick Links: Know Your Rights

Quick links, bringing you great articles on writing from all over the web. Today’s offering is a bit long, but well worth the time. Do yourself a favor and read the comment section too. With the changes in copyright law and the advent of self publishing, the terms offered to authors have changed, and not […]

from Publetariat http://ift.tt/1TwXyw4

NBA A to Z: How injuries are impacting the NBA postseason

Injuries are starting to again be the story of the NBA playoffs. What has this done to the playoffs? NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk about that with USA Today’s Kevin Spain. They break down the Clippers now without Chris Paul, discussing how well he has played this season, especially down the stretch without Blake Griffin.

They look at the Warriors and how it changes their attack without Stephen Curry and how this team has adjusted before without him.

Then they take a turn away from injury talk to discuss Mark Cuban’s comments that Russell Westbrook isn’t a superstar and that Kevin Durant is the only one on the OKC Thunder squad. They also discuss how the Cavaliers, who had key injuries in the playoffs last season, are healthy this time around and what it means for them down the line.

A quick look at how LeBron James could put his name in the history books yet again if the Cavs do go to the Finals. They close with where Jeff has been eating on the road, and get Sam to weigh in on his dining as well.

from HoopsHype http://ift.tt/26uBdqb

ISEMPH Meeting Program Posted–Registration fees increase May 1

The program for the June 22-25th meeting of the International Society for Evolution, Medicine & Public Health is now available. Prices for registration increase on May 1st. Click here to view a printable version of the one page poster

from The Evolution and Medicine Review http://ift.tt/243nWWG

Mother’s Day 2016

Mother’s Day, already? Yep, it’s just around the corner (May 8th). While you’re wrapping your head around that May starts next week, you may as well look at some stuff that a mother just might like. Best order soon to make sure your gift gets there in time.

1. The The Present Clock™: $180.00 – $200.00

2. Any size of Aalto Vase: $155.00

3. A Fitbit to track steps: $99.95

4. For all those baubles, the Box Modular Jewelry Container: $260.00

5. The Travel Blanket Pillow Set will make her next trip more comfortable: $290.00

Mother's Day gift ideas 2016