Theopolis K. Caldwell Sr.

I am a Husband , a father and most off all man of faith. They all motivate me to go after my Masters in New Media and Journalism. https://www.facebook.com/theopolis.k.caldwell https://twitter.com/kingcaldwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/theopolis-caldwell-sr-331543a6

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Theopolis Caldwell’s Final Project Mastery Journal

Whew, where did the time go? I can’t believe this is the final class. This past month, my mission was to focus on my thesis paper. The goal was to expound on the purpose of my capstone project. I expected for the writing process to be a tedious long form piece of work that required ten plus chapters of research. I thought that I was going to have to give a lengthy analysis of the project by breaking down the data.  My expectations were the opposite of the outcome. My instructor Meredith Cochie informed myself and my classmates at the beginning of course that our thesis would not be your typical traditional thesis. After calming our fears of what we expected, I found that the process wasn’t really as difficult, but it was a challenge mentally to take the time explain every section. I began hitting mental walls despite the information being cut and dry. Maybe it was the grind of an accelerated program affecting my psyche but I got through it.

 Each week I was put to the task with writing a drafted chapter of our thesis in the discussion board. My classmates and I would critique one another and receive additional revisions from our instructor Meredith. The criticism from my classmates was a big confidence booster to my work. They were honest about my shortcomings and helpful when praised was given. After being criticized and being critical of my classmates I feel great about transitioning back to journalism. When I graduate from undergraduate school I was not able to take criticism from anyone, now I invite it because it only makes me a better person as well as better journalist.

In addition to writing my thesis, Meredith required me to research and produce a follow-up story to the subject from my capstone project. The story was my last chance to prove what I’ve learned from previous courses. I produced an audio interview with narration of my interviewee Chaen Chess and included photos in the story as my multimedia elements. Based on Meredith’s critiques I still have room to grow but overall I did well. As I transition to the next season in my life I can say that I have found my niche’. It’s no coincidence the instructor I began with back in October is the one I end with. I remember Meredith asking me what was my niche’, at that time I was all over the place. I finally have it. I want to write but I love the fact that I can interview someone and just have a conversation with them, edit the audio and produce it. Writing that final story and getting the feedback from interviewees confirmed that I want to produce a podcast.

 I am grateful for what I learned about the industry during this course and past courses. Over the course of twelve months I’ve grown with confidence in what I didn’t ever think I could do.

Thank you Full Sail University for this experience. I will never forget it. Now I’m praying that I can find myself a job.

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Theopolis Caldwell’s New Media Production Mastery Journal

I can truly say that when I looked at the course-at-a glance page I immediately gulped. I was nervous about the requirements of the course not knowing what I was going to get myself into by the time month 11 arrived. My expectations were to learn how to produce news in the “new media “format. That of course would be promoting on social media, recording video and writing quite a bit. I have indeed written more than I’ve ever have since I first stated long ago that I wanted to work in this field. I expected that this was going to be a difficult journey.

 Now I can say that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it was. The courses before helped plenty to prepare me for what was next. I was glad to have a familiar face in Jeff Sharon who I had the pleasure of taking course with earlier in the program. It was that familiarity with Jeff’s style that eased my anxiety. But I did have some bumps in the roads with this course. One of the first things that I at the beginning of this program was that I would have to be on time with everything. It wasn’t just because of a grade but because that’s the business. Outside of learning the ends and outs of being a journalist of today. Time was and still is my issue. I expected that I would have my assignments done at a certain time and of course I didn’t or I rushed.  That is a life lesson that I am glad that I’ve learned about myself during this course as well as others.

 I am glad that during this course I learned how to monetizing my content, how to freelance etc.

I am forever grateful for my experience during this course because I know more than I what I knew last year when I made an attempt to freelance. I am not just a writer any more but I am finally a modern journalist that has confidence in applying for multiple positions because of the skills I’ve gained.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell Sr.’s Public Relations and Reputation Mastery Journal

Whew, where did the time go with this course. I can truly say that my expectations were to learn how to differentiate between collecting news an audience versus delivering it for an audience.  I found out during this course that a Public relations professional’s is more than what I thought. Public Relations Professionals job requires them to look out for an organization as well as their audience. Their reputation is constantly on the line especially when someone such like myself as a journalist are depended on.

 The second expectation was that I would learn how people consume the content that is presented. Instead I was presented with an opportunity to allow my audience to get to know me through my “About Me” page video. Doing this gave my audience a chance to see me and explain out loud what the purpose of my beat was with visuals attached to it. My goal for this

 I am proud to say that during this course the skills learned thus far are coming full circle. Taking this Public Relations course opened my eyes to a snippet of what is required of professionals go through each day. I’m glad that the skills that I learned if I ever need to represent an organization such as my church that I will be able to first have the connections to established journalist in the city to cover our event. Second I have the know how to create an online Public Service announcement such as stopping the violence in our community or financial literacy.  The skills that I’ve learned are detrimental to my development as a journalist. I know that it is a must to rely on Public Relations Professionals for their expertise and vice versa.

 I am indeed thankful for my Instructor Ginger Palmisano for her insight and taking the time with me to be my best in this industry. I know that one month of course is not enough to understand the nitty gritty of public relations but this is a great start.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell Sr.’s Social Media and Online Community Engagement Mastery Journey

I have to say that this class had its challenges for me. I am indeed a novice to Social Media in retrospect to how pulling in your audience. Based on my original klout score, I scored a 10. This assessment informed me that I am not as active on social media as I thought in regards to posting my content. Since month four of this program I have been required to post my work via Twitter.  

 Based on my score above, just posting on Twitter is not enough. That’s where Social Media and Online Engagement comes into place. There’s many social media outlets that can be utilized to distribute my content. Outside of radio and television, most of the news comes from multiple outlets that are accessible on your phone or tablets through applications or subscribed websites.

 Long before I began this course, my expectations were to learn all that I needed to know about what it took to properly engage with my audience on social media. Today I have to say that my mind is blown away with what I have learned thus far. I find it gratifying that there are sites out there such as Hootsuite or TweetDeck which helps to schedule when you post. Though it is much for me to learn, I feel like this course prepared me to more organized. I am not an organized person nor will I pretend to be but using Hootsuite, Klout and tweet deck makes it easier for me to send my post to multiple outlets without necessarily going to the direct site.

 I am very appreciative of where I am as journalist more so than I was a year ago. At the time I was not properly equipped to handle the daily grind as a journalist. I still don’t think I am today but I sure am further along than I was. I’ve gained confidence plenty of confidence while adding chink after chink to my armor. Professor Christy Foley gets plenty of credit for encouraging me when I’m down on myself as well as giving the criticism to help me succeed in this industry.  I am forever grateful for what I’ve learned this month. I look forward to keep going and perfecting my skills so that when it’s time to earn a paycheck for this I will be a professional at it.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell’s Multimedia Reporting Mastery Journey

During this month I was expected to learn how to gain ownership of a story by presenting that information visually. I am charged with the task combining stories by way of text, video, audio, infographics slideshows, etc. My expectations for Multimedia Reporting was to learn how combine those but what didn’t expect was the logistic to it.

 In order to become a good journalist now of days you must be able to embed three to four visual elements in terms of producing content. I never noticed a lot of online content had these elements until this course. I have to say that this course gave me the necessary to tools to tell a meaningful story. Not to say that my other courses didn’t teach me what I needed but this course taught learn what type or story I should write. In week 1, professor Latoya Lee challenged my class to do a follow-up story that we’ve published in the past 5 months. This assignment was meant to give an update on that subject or person with the addition of a minimum of three embedded media elements. Most online publication will have a minimum of two elements of media but Ms. Lee wanted us to get in the habit of embedding 3 or more. The reason for this was to give our audience a visual picture of the story.

 That method will be a great tool to use going forward because of marketability. Of course in this industry that is key to the success of a journalist. In speaking of marketability, we also had an assignment in week 4 where we had to test our knowledge of Search Engine Optimization(SEO). We were instructed to test our websites and see if they were up to par with the requirements of SEO.

 Going forward my goal is to use the tools in the industry to not only benefit me as a journalist but to my target audience. I am thankful that I had an opportunity to open my eyes to so much after transitioning from Jeff Sharon’s two courses. Multimedia Development and Digital News Production set the foundation for me succeed in this course and while this course was able to pull those concepts together. I feel pretty confident in myself now than I did before this course. I have the knowledge to produce news, now the marketing part is going to be interesting as I try to master the art of gaining viewers.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell’s Digital News Production Mastery Journey

What a journey it was during this course. My expectations for this course was to learn the core values of what it meant to produce and distribute news by video and audio. My expectations were what I thought they were. I had the pleasure to learn the nuances of multimedia reporting in a nutshell.

  The first couple weeks I admit were tough for me, being required to record audio narration and combine it with video was tough. To top it all off I had to write a script that had to line up word for word what was being said on the video. This course merged the television and print side that I never learned in undergrad ten years ago. Digital News Production opened my eyes to a world that I see each day that I read and watch content but to actually do was pretty awesome.

 When I covered a volleyball and had to narrate what was going on took a lot of guts for me. There was constant movement going on that at times required so many wide shots that it was hard for me to keep up. I was very proud that I was able to do it. I was able to display versatility outside of the major sports (baseball, football, basketball) and really do some research on the game. It was an exciting experience for me but exhausting going around the gym attempting to get the best angles for viewers.

 Every aspect that I’ve learned from this course I feel has made me a better journalist. I know that I have a long way to go before I can ever deem myself a professional. I feel that learning the jargon and skills of what is being used in broadcast journalism has helped me plenty. Learning about the terms a “SOT” or a Full screen Graphic , Rule of Thirds has showed  me that these small details that are being used in your story really explains to your audience your message. I thought it was it cool being able to know how to show the location of where and give the statistics at the end of the game using Keynote.

 As in for my career, I feel equipped with tools that I truly did not have before I started this journey back in September of 2016. There is always room for improvement, I know need plenty of that. My confidence in my abilities are slowly but surely getting there as a journalist. I credit God, my family, my classmates for their feedback and most of all my instructors for their guidance patience thus far. I feel that I will take each and every experience with me in my career.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell’s Multimedia and Editing Development Mastery Journey

I can’t believe that we are already are in the final days of this course but just as like any course it must come to an end. So what did I expect? My expectations were to learn about the audio and visual aspect of media. I expected that this course would teach me to get up to par with how New Media is produced and distributed.

 My expectations were pretty high of this course because of the level intensity that is expected in month six. That leads to what my instructor Jeff Sharon expectations were.

 “I’ve always thought if it’s not intense, it’s not worth doing, “Sharon said.

 That exact statement is correct. During this course I was expected to be able to learn and execute the proper way use two programs from Adobe. The two programs were Spark and Audition. During this course all assignments were accompanied with a minimum 300-word story. The story had to include credible hyperlinks to source and my post that had to be embedded at the top of the article. My article was posted to my blog on Word Press with a Spark post that created by myself. The post and article were both published to my twitter page for my targeted audience. That was the expectation for each assignment.

 I enjoyed working with all of the content. Being able to have multiple skills in this industry is a plus. The content was a challenge; it even became I started doubting my decision to be a journalist. I will admit that being a first timer learning Spark and Audition that I became frustrated with it. I had to accept the challenge because its’ the career that I chose. The rigors of this program are only going to intensify and there’s no use of freaking out.

 MDV was a challenge like Researching was the month before. It gave me the tough skin needed survive in this dog eat dog world of journalism. My flaws were revealed and one of the assignments that I had week 2, wasn’t executed well at all. I was humbled by it but at the same time motivated. That assignment let me know that I can be a journalist. It helped me to understand that I didn’t fail, it should my potential. The feeling of failure gave me a snap shot of what is to come on this journey. This time is so critical for me to learn from my mistakes. Six months ago I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. I now know, it’s going to be awesome. Just have to stay focused and more so take my time.

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Research and Investigative Skills Development Mastery Journal

  This course has been everything that I’ve expected. It was intense, it challenged my abilities and showed me where I am flawed.

 In October I was charged with the question of what were my goals of each course and what was my strategy in each course. My original strategy was to use the skills that I learned in undergrad with using sources that I looked up.

 Professor Christy Foley taught me to do more than rely on online resources. I was able learn about the type of sources that you need to lean on. Those sources would be experts related to the beat of my website.  The key to what I learned about this assignment is that I must always have reliable sources. I also need to make sure that the story that I am covering has yet to be covered. This will mean doing some extensive research through my sources.

 My favorite topic covered was the infographic. I would have to admit it was time consuming but indeed worth it. I was not aware as a consumer of print news what an infographic was. I am glad to know that it will be an awesome tool to use as a sports writer. I find the infographic to be a helpful guide for my audience to have an understanding of the topic I’m covering. Most of all it allows them to keep reading especially the design is catchy.

 As stated before, this was indeed a challenge for me. I understand that I have ways to go before I can consider myself an expert. However, I view researching in a different light. My take on the subject itself is that it is a must to be precise with the information that is given to you.

 Overall Research and Investigative Skills has been very helpful in my maturation as a journalist. It is so much that I didn’t know about who to research or why hyperlinks are important for your readers. I plan to take this information and apply it to my blog by giving accurate and clear content.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell’s Legal Aspects of Media Mastery Journal

What was your favorite assignment in this course? Please explain.

I would have to say the copyright registration and search. Now it was the easiest of them all but that’s not why. I learned plenty during this assignment. Before this course I had no idea would what the requirements were to get your work copyrighted. What really opened up my eyes is the many images that we use via social media that we share, you can be brought up on charges unless you prove your use for it.

 Of the course topics covered this month, which one(s) do you think will be most helpful to you as a communications professional?

 I truly can say all of the topics will help me in my career as a sports writer. I hate to sound as if I’m giving a vague answer, but each and every topic gave me a blueprint of what to do and what to avoid. As my career gets started I understand that the public is reading the content that I produce including the people I cover. The last thing I want is someone to say that I was out of line as professional, the reputation I’m building and the content produced me will be on the line.

  How will the knowledge you acquired this month prepare you to handle potential legal issues in the communications industry?

The knowledge obtained during this course month has been huge. As a professional its wise to always put out accurate content first and foremost to avoid the legalities that will come with it. The second point would be to have substantial evidence to back up your use for the material if something like that comes up.

  Did this course meet your expectations? Please explain.

All I can say is that this course thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I was very nervous but excited as I enjoyed taking this course in undergrad. The difference is that I have a great understanding of the liberties I have as member of the press and the No No’s that I must follow in order to be successfu

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Theopolis K. Caldwell Sr.’s Writing for Interactive Media Mastery Journal

I found this class to be extremely helpful on my journey to becoming a Journalist.  In my prior classes I learned how to master my craft, identifying my target audience and new skills such as posting content to multiple platforms.  I learned plenty from my fearless professor. Her attention to detail was very helpful the last two courses. She was such a huge help by giving me the confidence in myself to work through my mistakes and learn from them.  

 My cohorts as well gave a lot of insightful thoughts to my work that truly was of great assistance in during my time in this course.

 My experience in undergrad for a course similar to this one was indeed different as far as rigor. I have to admit that the challenge seemed intimidating at times, I never wrote a content a day in my life. It was always I will cover this story and report it. Now I don’t feel that way. I have a sense of empowerment now that I have a plan.

 My goal before this course was to get a further understanding of online media and by all means that goal was exceeded. Specifically speaking the About, Me page was indeed an assignment that was difficult for me. I don’t know about anyone else but it is hard to talk sell myself. I was always good at listening to others and being able to relay their story but telling my own took some time to process. Letting others into my world is never a problem but writing it is where the issues to play. Even now I am somewhat struggling with being in depth but the assignment along with my awesome cohort’s comments encouraged me to be confident in what I present.

 Personally this course has giving me a blueprint to be a little more organized than usual during my daily life. I have plenty of responsibility as a husband and father working multiple jobs, school my day is consumed with so much but creating an outline has been helpful.

 As in for my career, an outline is going to save my life each and every time I want to “make some stuff” as my fearless professor says. No longer will I be confused about what to write and where to be at and why it’s so important. Rather I work for a newsroom or even produce my own I content I always go back my outline to reference the story.

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Theopolis K. Caldwell Sr.’s New Media Communications Timeline Goal

Before I began the New Media Communication course I expected to dive into the knowledge required to past the course. I had two goals in mind before I began this course. After viewing the syllabus my Professor, Meredith Cochie presented I expected to gain plenty of knowledge of how to post newsworthy content to online platforms. My second goal was being able to learn the new media trends versus what I learned as an undergrad and freelance writer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 What I didn’t expect was the wide range of information coming my way. For the first time I was tasked with learning what type of audience that I sought out. I never really thought about that question before. I knew that I wanted to be a sports blogger but knew that it was going to be more than just “I know the facts about sports so I can write whatever”. This course challenged me to change my whole paradigm of what it is to be a journalist. Knowing the personality of your target audience is everything.

 Now that I’m at the end of this course, my understanding is much deeper than before. This is exciting because I’m thinking ahead for once. Eight years ago social media was not a huge hit on media when I graduated from undergrad. According to an article in People-Press.org roughly 44% of Americans say that got news through one or more internet or mobile digital sources.

Now it is how we get our news, it gives our audience a voice and myself as a journalist a different perspective of the digital age than I did eight years ago. The transition is much more fluid.

 Professionally I have learned that I can do so much more than I expected at the beginning of this course. I credit my classmate’s insights throughout this course, their perspective on the industry showed me how widen my focus was and helped to be able to narrow it down.

                                                            References:

 Peoplepress.org (2010, September 12). Americans Spending More Time Following the News Retrieved November 20, 2016 http://www.people-press.org/2010/09/12/americans-spending-more-time-following-the-news/

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A strong, distinctive, authoritative writing voice is something most fiction writers want – and something no editor or teacher can impart. There are, after all, no rules for writing like yourself.

Renni Browne & Dave King (Self-editing for Fiction Writers)

This is an awesome quote that is true.

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My Mastery Journal

Mastery: Personal Development and Leadership

Goal: This course will help me to understand what is my true purpose

Strategy/tactic: Try not stress out during this class

Strategy/tactic: 5-10 min break to exercise then get back to it

Goal: Find balance with the assignments and my personal

Strategy/tactic: Make sure to read up on my assignments at the beginning of the week and work on doing my work ahead of time during the week to set aside time for my Family

 New Media and Communications

Goal: Learning how to utilize technology to enhance my experience my journey in the new age of journalism

Strategy: Take note of the lessons given from the instructor and review them

Goal: Use multimedia outlets as a method of storytelling

Strategy: Study what the outlets are saying as far as content and style

Goal: Develop a strong sense of communication that will assist me to market to others

Strategy: Study what fellow journalist are doing to communicate effectively

 Writing for Interactive Media

Goal: Telling a story through a digital perspective to reach my audience

Strategy: I will upload a video of content that I’m doing for my audience

Goal: Utilize the methods of using themes in my writing

Strategy: Work on having a certain type of style that is appealing

Goal: Learning how to identify a story and how to tell it

Strategy: Figure out rather the story is worth it and research it

           Legal Aspect of Media

 Goal: Be prepared to learn a new method of media law and ethics. A lot has changed.

Strategy: Learn the traditions that I learned in Media and apply it to the internet

Goal: Learn about the laws regarding libel and slander

Strategy: Multimedia

Goal: Look at the legal issues of today and research the current trends

Strategy: Pay close attention to what the news entities are bringing to the forefront

                    Research and Investigation Skills Development

 Goal: perfect the areas of researching a story and its sources

Strategy: Make sure that I am taking notes from day one on effective research

Goal: Gain understanding of online research and the process of research

Strategy:

Goal: Produce a good investigative story

Strategy: take all of the knowledge that I’ve learned thus far in regards to research and apply it

Multimedia Development and Editing

Practice the art of photography, photo management and audio

Strategy: Learn the techniques that will help me be more comfortable

Goal: Learning the correct way to edit digital photos and videos

Strategy: I have the equipment now it’s time to practice, practice, practice

Goal: Upload content to either a website, mobile device or application

Strategy: Take my story and videos, edit in iMovie or other programs and distribute the content

       Research and Investigation Skills Development

 Goal: perfect the areas of researching a story and its sources

Strategy: Make sure that I am taking notes from day one on effective research

Goal: Gain understanding of online research and the process of research

Strategy:

Goal: Produce a good investigative story

Strategy: take all of the knowledge that I’ve learned thus far in regards to research and apply it

 Multimedia Development and Editing

 Practice the art of photography, photo management and audio

Strategy: Learn the techniques that will help me be more comfortable

Goal: Learning the correct way to edit digital photos and videos

Strategy: I have the equipment now its time to practice, practice, practice

Goal: Upload content to either a website, mobile device or application

Strategy: Take my story and videos, edit in iMovie or other programs and distribute the content

 Digital News Production

 Goal: learn what is digital news and how to use it

Strategy: I am going to make sure that absorb all there is through my text and experience

Establish an understanding of taking journalistic content to distribute a story on multiple platforms

Strategy:

Goal: Integrate my present online skills with interactive journalism

Strategy: Though the content is online I will still need to treat the story as if I am doing it for print media so deadline is key

 Multimedia Reporting

 Goal: Practice on camera presentation

Strategy: Do a five- minute video and allow 10 people to review it for feedback

Goal: Give a story life with facts that will be presented to an audience that are visual rather than print

Strategy: Always be creative and confident with the audience

Goal: Learn the software that is needed to help me be successful as a multimedia reporter

Strategy: Engulf myself into learning the software

 Social Media and Online Community Engagement

 Goal: Become familiar with multiple social media sites

Strategy: Join all of the social media sites and explore what they can do

Goal: Use social media as a gate way to connect with the outside community sharing content with them

Strategy: Utilize my blog as entry way to share content

Goal: Use social media as a tool for story ideas

Strategy: Pay attention to what others are saying, check out what is not trending

  Public Relations and Reputation Management

 Goal: Differentiate between collecting news and putting out news

Strategy: Apply the strategies of a true journalist by finding out what is news worthy

Goal: Understand my responsibilities as a multimedia journalist

Strategy: The more content that I post the more feedback I will gain

Goal: Learn the basics on how people that consume the content that is presented will react

Strategy: Look for the reaction to stories on social media and news entities and see trend in reaction

 New Media Publishing and Distribution

 Goal: Merge the world of interactive publishing with the traditions of journalism

Strategy: study history of interactive publishing vs. traditional

Goal: Have insight on what it takes to learn about the budget of a newsroom

Strategy: Research how much it cost to put content out to put on sites and what are the cost of subscriptions and advertisement

Goal: Get to know what are the standards of a newsroom

Strategy: I need to know day one what the is expected in the newsroom by asking    questions and observing

  New Media Journalism Final Project

Goal: Complete the capstone project

Strategy: Compile the work that I’ve done over the course of time by using pictures, videos, etc. to complete the assignment

Goal: Compile research towards my thesis

Strategy: Make sure to create a rough draft and add to it after each class has commenced

Graduate!!!!!!

Strategy: Do the necessary work to get to this ultimate goal which is to finish school and begin my long awaited journey.

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The Feedly account will keep me on track with what's going in the news as well as I study the styles of other fellow journalist. 

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/theopolis-caldwell-sr-331543a6