The Knack Award
Awarded to someone who empowers others or maintains something that benefits others, but whose ability and hard work may be unacknowledged.

Doug Long, RECIPIENT OF THE 2005 KNACK AWARD

NOMINATOR'S STATEMENT
Doug is truly a self-made person. Orphaned in his early teens, he was virtually on his own after high school. During that time he took many different jobs, one of which was as an art handler at The New York Public Library, which is how I met him. Doug loved to read and write and began taking college courses toward a degree. He later moved to Los Angeles where, at the age of 30, he finished his degree in comparative literature from the University of Southern California. He then went on to earn a Master of Professional Writing degree from USC four years later.

Doug married and began working in his field. His first writing job was with the Library in a Book series which published "Fundamentalists and Extremists" by Doug. He later worked for a travel book company updating the information in their travel literature.

In 2003 he and his wife made the emotionally difficult decision to separate. Doug decided to make a big change in his life and accepted the job of sectional editor at an English-language newspaper in Myanmar. Since that time he has been faithfully keeping an ongoing written and photographic log of his experiences and travels that he emails back to a number of people in the U.S. His time in Myanmar has been both professionally challenging and politically spooky- the paper being subject to harsh review and censorship, and the newspaper's co-owner being arrested and thrown into jail. At one point Doug was not sure if he would be able to remain in the country, but to date he is still there, working at the newspaper. Doug is very proud of the information the newspaper can provide the people of Myanmar, and works very hard to make sure as much information gets printed as possible given the rigors of the censors. Starting in January of 2006 Doug will continue at the newspaper promoted to the position of senior editor. Doug is also on the editorial board of Air Mandalay's in-flight magazine Golden Flight where he has published articles about his travels, which include his own photography.

Along with his adventurous spirit, Doug is funny, irreverent, caring and very smart. His commitment to writing and his work at the newspaper, the magazine, and to his friends make him an excellent candidate for the Knack award.

2008 The Knack Award Recipient

2007 The Knack Award Recipient

2006 The Knack Award Recipient

2004 The Knack Award Recipient