Friday, June 29, 2007

Do We Really Care If She Wore Diapers?

6 comments:
There has been much ado on the news about former astronaut Lisa Nowak and whether she was or was not wearing diapers during her cross country road trip. Ms. Nowak drove from Texas to Florida to confront her rival for the love of her man. I was through with this story long before it was over the first time. Why is it back on TV?

Where is the real news? We are in a war; there are major crises of famine, global warming and genocide worldwide; the sixth extinction is underway . . . Why are we worried about incontinence supplies? But, if you are, check out Disposable Medical Express, sponsor of this post. They have neat stuff for kids, too.

Carnival The Blogging Chicks on Sunday

2 comments:
There is a carnival of the blogging chicks this Sunday. Please visit the metablog of the Blogging Chicks on Sunday and read the carnival.

If you are a woman (sorry, guys) and would like to join the Blogging Chicks, click here and follow the instructions.

Do Follow and New Blogger

1 comment:
Barbi at RelaX BabeY left a comment on a post on this blog about removing the nofollow/ noindex tags from Blogger. I had written a post about this on Advertising for Success blog, so I just wanted to direct your attention to that post.

You can remove the nofollow code. It will make the comments on the actual post pages (where each post is on a page by itself) follow. You have to expand all widgets in your Blogger template and manually remove the code. Adding index and follow metatags will not remove the tags from within your template.

For more information, see this post: Do Follow and New Blogger


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New features introduced on Blogger

5 comments:

Blogger in draft adds new features. The polls page element lets you add a poll to your blog’s sidebar. You choose the question and the answers, and let your readers vote. and enclosure links let you turn your blog into a podcast. Next will be video upload. Read about it at the Blogger in Draft blog.


On the Way to the Semantic Web

No comments:
One of those Web 3.0 concepts that no one truly understands yet is the semantic web. The basic idea is to combine the use of data across multiple sites to make the Web more like a giant computer, or human brain.

To do this, some companies are tracking specific behaviors across the web on different sites. Other companies are "teaching" computers concepts such as book, movie, food, drink, etc. Still other businesses are annotating websites so that they exhibit information that is accessible through API. Yet other businesses are exploring relationships between people and websites.

For more information, please read Behavioral Insider » Blog Archive » Learning Semantics.

Random Bits and Bytes

No comments:
Wisdom Of The In-Crowd: Opinions Side-By-Side In Our iPhone Review Matrix - Gizmodo - read entire blog post.

Gizmodo made a review matrix of the iPhone reviews. The only problem appears to be about the service from AT&T. We could have guessed.


Four to Vie for $120MM 2008 Olympics Account · MarketingVOX - read entire article.
Havas Sport, Publicis Groupe's Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi, and WPP Group's United have been asked by the International Olympic Committee to submit proposals for the $120 million 2008 Olympics global account . . . The theme of the $120 million dollar campaign will be "Celebrate humanity" . . .

Just An Online Minute » Blog Archive » Just An Online Minute… Study: Increased Internet Usage Raises Teen Risks - read entire article
Teens who participate in Web 2.0 activities like social networking, authoring blogs or helping others build Web sites face a higher likelihood of online harassment than their less Internet-involved peers.

Adrants » Latin American and Hispanic Markets Adjust to Consumer Control - read entire article.
The panelists agreed the explosion of consumer generated media has forever changed the media landscape and will continue to do so in ways even the best minds can't yet imagine.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

07 Microsoft Global Exchange in Orlando, FL

No comments:
Microsoft Global Exchange (MGX), the an annual Microsoft conference, is held in Orlando, Florida this year.

If you want to book a room close to the convention center, you may want to visit International Plaza Resort and Spa and ask for the Microsoft MGX Special Rate. If you are booking online, enter promotion code MGX.

The International Plaza Resort and Spa is within walking distance of the convention center, provides free transportation to all major theme parks, has free wireless access throughout the resort, and is close to restaurants and other attractions.

The International Plaza Resort and Spa, sponsor of this post, is a posh place with a spa, three swimming pools, a lagoon pool with food and beverage service, outdoor hot tub, lounge, with live music and fitness center. If you want to make it a family vacation, there is plenty of activities to keep your spouse and children busy.

Search in Digital Age

No comments:
Some solid ideas about where search is going in the digital age. Read the entire blog post, it is worth it.

Search Insider » Blog Archive » Search In The Digital Media Ecosystem - read entire blog post here.

From the post:
1) As campaign budgets drop, the share that’s digital rises.

2) TV beats the Web in research studies.

3) Use search to create demand, not just capture it.

4) Bigger than Roddick vs. Federer: core vs. mass. One of the themes that arose was the struggle between reaching core versus mass audiences.

5) When it’s time to launch a site, pre-launch it with a coming-soon page to give engines a chance to spider it.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Search Engines Wars

1 comment:
Will Yahoo buy MySpace? Will new faces at Yahoo! take a chance, a big chance?

eBay advertising with Google again on limited basis and to begin advertising on all search engines.

Search Engine Marketing Blog by ineedhits: Yahoo! to Acquire MySpace for 25% Stake - read complete article here

From the article:
According to the Silicon Valley rumor mill, Fox Interactive, a division of News Corp., has dangled social network icon MySpace in front of the Yahoo! board to tempt them into selling a 25% share of the company. While MySpace carries a significant amount of traffic, the jury's out whether it's worth the price tag.
EBay to resume ads on Google, but rely on rivals | Consumer Products & Retail | Reuters - read complete article here

From the article:
Hani Durzy, a spokesman for San Jose, California-based eBay, said his company later on Friday would begin advertising on Google, but at reduced levels than previously. EBay had been buying tens of millions of keyword ads on Google each year.

Bill Tancer - Hitwise US: eBay's Experiment - An Update - see graphs of eBay traffic from Google without the benefit of Sponsored Listings. Visits from Google decreased, but overall traffic volume did not suffer.


Women Worried About Rising Energy Prices

2 comments:
Research Brief » Blog Archive » Women Tightening Purse Strings For Next Six Months - read complete post

From BIGresearch Consumer's Intentions and Actions Survey, June 2007.
  • Women are least confident in the economy over the next 6 months followed by consumers with incomes below $50,000. Men are most confident.
  • Shopping trips are being impacted by higher gas prices as 41.9% of consumers say they are taking fewer trips and 40.1% are shopping closer to home.
  • Overall 72.9% of the people think gas prices will be higher by July 4th. 77.8% of consumers who have a student loan think gas prices will increase over this time frame and the average price will be $3.39 a gallon.
  • 39.9% of the respondents believe the stock market accurately reflects the strength of the economy and 60.9% said it doesn't.
  • 32.3% of all women respondents plan on decreasing spending over the next 3 months and 32.9% of consumers with incomes over $50,000 said same.
  • Future purchase intentions for durables such as computers, furniture, appliances, home improvements, TV's, digital cameras, and housing all are up from the previous month (May) indicating consumers may have some pent up spending to do in the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year.


Is it surprising that women are the first to react to higher gas prices, rising energy costs and an overall group think of waiting for the other shoe to drop? Women earn less, usually handle finances in the family and are more aware of the costs of everyday items. When gasoline can fluctuate eleven cents in one week (last week in Texas), who would not be worried?

Things you can do to help your gasoline budget:
  • Go shopping and run chores on one day of the week, planning your route in advance.
  • Buy local. Support your farmers' market. You will be eating fresher and helping decrease the amount of energy it takes to grow and transport your food.
  • Carpool. Bring a book to the game practice and stay there while your child practices. Or take a walk to the library.
  • Use public transportation if you have it. Ride a bike. Use a scooter instead of a car.
  • Visit GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com to find the cheapest gas in your area. If you can save five cents on a gallon of gas and you have a 25-gallon tank, you have saved $1.25. If you save this amount weekly, you will save $65 a year. If you drive a gas-guzzler, you just paid for a getaway weekend!
  • Use Discover (and other) cards that give you rebates on your purchases to purchase gasoline.
  • Sam's Clubs that have gasoline pumps will give you an three-cent per gallon discount if you pay with your Wal-Mart Card.
  • Check your credit card statements. You have have a card that will give you a discount at certain gas stations.
  • Get off the highway to buy gas. I saved sixteen cents a gallon last week by waiting and buying gas in a small town.
  • Drive smart. Acceleration eats gasoline. Do not use your air-conditioner unless you must. Take all excess weight out of your car. Keep your car in tune and have the oil change religiously.
Share your tips for saving money on gas here. I am a do follow blogger, so you will receive a backlink for sharing. Remember, we are all in this together.

Viral YouTube Dove Evolution Won at Cannes

2 comments:
The film winner at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival was Dove's Evolution from Ogilvy, Toronto. Evolution was a 60+ second spot; it made the cut because someone at one point had run the advertisement on TV.





So, is it art? Is it an advertisement? Or, is it a statement? What do you think of this ad?


Monday, June 25, 2007

Data Make You Dizzy?

No comments:
Sales forecasts are limited by the historical data available to the people who produce them and the techniques used. If you use forecasting software, such as PROPHIX offers, the reports may be produced quickly and be easily updated by changing market strategies. The forecasts may also be fully integrated with other planning activities, including marketing, manufacturing and services.

The beauty of forecasting software is the ease of integration within all levels of a business. The forecasting and planning process should be a multi-level, interactive process that is accessible and ongoing throughout the year. With PROPHIX, integration within your company does not require an IT specialist.

Participate in a live, interactive web demonstration of PROPHIX software or run through a seven-minute guided tour of the PROPHIX website and services. If your data is making you dizzy, you should visit prophix.com, sponsor of this post.

Something Different for Click & Comment Monday!

5 comments:
Click and Comment Monday logo


Today, do something different for Click & Comment Monday. Pick out your favorite blogroll and visit the blogs you read. Select one good post on each blog and save it to a social bookmarking site, like DIGG, Technorati, del.icio.us, Furl or any of your choice.

This post has been edited 2x. First because Socialize was acting up and another so that I could add these other engines.

Click & Comment Monday Participants
1. Drew
2. Vedis
3. corporate comedy magicians

Get the C&C Monday code here

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.


You may view the blogroll here. Please comment before you add your URL in Mr. Linky. Thanks! If you have more than one blog, place the name of your blog in the name slot on Mr. Linky.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

USA Hispanic Population Reaches 44.3 Million

No comments:
Acccording to the US Census Bureau (October 2006), the Hispanic population reached 44.3 million, making it is the largest minority group in the US and the fastest growing. Why is this large segment virtually ignored by most marketers?

MediaPost Publications - Multi-Language Search Strategies - 06/22/2007 - read complete article

From the article:
World-class brands are investing millions in Spanish-language Web sites and advertising, but neglect to optimize their sites to enable Spanish language searchers to find them. Let’s all remember the golden rule of search: If your Web site is not properly optimized, you don’t exist.

Drug Rehab

No comments:
The Narconon Program for addiction treatment may take anywhere from four months to six months, depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction to drugs or alcohol.

The first step is to remove all toxins from the body. This detoxification process helps to alleviate some of the worst symptoms of drug or alcohol withdrawal. The program does not use psychiatric or medical intervention, although you do need to be examined by your family doctor before being admitted.

The program continues with life skills training and counseling services designed to provide coping mechanisms so that the the individual does not resort to drugs and alcohol to get through daily life. Success is achieved through education, leading to a higher rate of drug rehab success.

Upon graduating from this program, the individual has dealt with all physical symptoms, effectively ended his/her addiction, learned new coping behaviors, and is ready to step back into his/her life with little follow up.

If you need help or know someone who does, please visit the website of NarcononStonehawk, sponsor of this post.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

bla.st International Directory

No comments:

Directories are a great way to promote your website or blog. There is a new free directory called bla.st. bla.st is a new web directory that uses cards to display your directory listing. If you look at the bottom of this blog, you will see samples of cards.

Advertise and promote your website or blog on bla.st for free. Upload a card, add tags, URL, map reference and a tag line. You may pay a few cents per day to improve your card position on the page and to increase how often your card appears on the bla.st widget network. They have a template on site so that you can download it and design your own card. Get started by clicking here to visit bla.st free international web directory.


Identity Theft : Your Government at Work

No comments:
Interesting read about computer security and identity theft. However, it is not shopping online you have to worry about. The government sector accounted for 25 percent of all identity-theft-related data breaches. Data breaches from the retail, wholesale and e-commerce sector only accounted for 4 percent. Our tax dollars at work. LOL

Has Your Computer Been Hijacked? - eMarketer- click to read article

From the article:
Internet security issues are now less about viruses or denial-of-service attacks — although they are still important — and more about spyware, malware, phishing and social engineering, which are designed to extract personal information from individual users.

Fixed Asset Software

No comments:
Who needs fixed asset accounting? Any organization that needs to, at a minimum, fulfill tax requirements and generate depreciation entries. However, forward looking companies and governmental agencies should change the manner in which they approach long-term tangible assets.

Look to New Orleans for the reason why. The infrastructures of roads, sewers, sidewalks, and utilities are all suffering from the concept of build it and leave it alone. You need is to get the most out of tangible assets.

If you need Fixed Asset Accounting Software, please visit Fixed Asset Software, sponsor of this post. Download a 30 day trial of any fixed asset software.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Accomplishing Critical Marketing Goals Webinar

No comments:

Accomplishing Critical Marketing Goals With Adobe Creative Suite 3’s New Capabilities

Thursday, June 28, 2007 11:00 am
Mountain Daylight Time (GMT -06:00, Denver)

Presenters:

  • Chris Smith, Co-founder of the Aquent Graphics Institute, President of the American Graphics Association, Author and Consultant
  • Jennifer Smith, Co-founder of the Aquent Graphics Institute, Executive Vice-President of the American Graphics Association, Author and Instructor
  • Marla Chupack, Moderator, American Marketing Association
The price is free but registration is necessary.

From the website:
  • Leveraging online, mobile and other non-traditional channels to extend marketing’s reach;
  • Accelerating campaign execution and overall speed-to-market;
  • Ensuring brand and message consistency across channels, geographies, and internal groups;
  • Improving campaign effectiveness through tighter internal and external collaboration; and
  • Stretching budgets by focusing resources on strategic, value-added tasks.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

How Google Can You Get?

2 comments:
In an effort to push Google Checkout on eBay, Google invited attendees of the eBayLive conference to a Let Freedom Ring party on their Google Checkout blog.

MediaPost Publications - Looking for Google's Future? You Can Find It On EBay - 06/18/2007
EBay was not amused. In retaliation, it pulled all of its monthly $26 million in spend out of Google advertising. Google hurriedly cancelled the party; but the damage was already done. As of this writing, the eBay ads have yet to return to the Google SERP.
There may be a new term coined for stupid blunders that can sink a business: Google

Urban Villages in Las Vegas

No comments:
My friend Sue has moved to Las Vegas and is working as a dealer at a casino there. She makes good money and is thinking of purchasing one of the many Las Vegas Luxury Condos that are being built there. She said that they are called urban villages because everything you need is contained in these condominium complexes.

These properties offer all amenities and services you might need right in the complex, such as fine dining and retail shopping. Most of these urban villages are located just minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. I told Sue that as soon as she is all set up and moved in, I am coming to visit.

If you are thinking of moving to Las Vegas, you should visit the website of High Rise Condos Las Vegas, sponsor of this post.

It is What it Looks Like

No comments:
print ad for Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Titanic Exhibit
Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Titanic Exhibit

Advertising Agency: Carmichael Lynch, USA
Executive Creative Director: Andrew Clarke
Copywriters: Tim Gillingham, Ellie Anderson
Art Director: Antonio Bonafacio

Ads of the World is a worldwide advertising archive and community. I was drawn to this particular advertisement. Simple, yet distinctive. I was drawn to read the entire advertisement, which is something we usually do not do. It is what it looks like: an iceberg.

We Love Dirty Laundry ...

No comments:
Have you visited the latest social networking website, CelebrityGossip.com? This is the site for finding out the latest celebrity dirt: source of gossip, scandals, rumors and even, OMG, the truth. It only takes a moment to join and then you are on your way to meeting other fans to find out the latest gossip on celebrities.

You receive bonus points for inviting your friends and earn more bonus points when they invite their friends. You may redeem these points for magazine subscriptions. CelebrityGossip.com, sponsor of this post, is owned by First Beat Media, Inc., also the owner of Soaps.com. If you are a member of Soaps.com, you do not have to register, just sign in.

So, what are you waiting for? Discover what Justin Timberlake is doing with Madonna, why Brittany wants her bald head taken off billboards, and how Nicole Richie is going to beat the DUI charge ...

Nissan is Getting the Game On!

1 comment:
Nissan USA is offering a free download of a Nissan Sentra SE-R for the Forza Motorsport 2 game for the Xbox. Gamers may also participate in a high-performance race on Xbox Live in August.

Advertising Age - Beyond In-game Ads: Nissan Takes Growing Market to Different Level
It's the latest trend in a burgeoning in-video-game advertising market: Don't just put ads in the game; instead, reward gamers with extra levels, aftermarket add-ons and accoutrements, which drive not just awareness but affinity among a hard-to-reach, often fleeting demo.
Added value may be the ticket to engaging gamers with brands that do not quite fit into advertisements in games. Nissan takes the lead in this ...

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

If Poker is Your Game, You Should Read This ...

1 comment:
This is a review of MacPokerOnline.com, an independent online poker review and resource website. Although the title of the website would lead you to believe it is only for Mac users, Linux and Window users will find helpful information here as well.

From the website:
For our online poker games, we only use software that has been tested and secured by an independent third party organization such as Thawte or iTech Labs.
So, if you follow the guidelines and reviews on MacPokerOnline, you will not run into problems with spyware or other malware that may be included in your downloads from less than scrupulous poker websites.

The site features bonus codes for Internet poker sites such as FullTilt Poker, as well as review guides for online poker websites like PacificPoker. If the poker room is on the MacOnlinePoker website, an objective editor with expertise in the online gambling industry has reviewed it.

Are you new to the game of poker? MacPokerOnline has articles about poker strategies and a free Mac Poker newsletter that includes news, tips and tricks.

The site, MacPokerOnline, sponsor of this post, is fast loading, easy to navigate and appears to be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. If you want to try your hand at online poker, this would be the place to start.

iPod: Dream Phone or Dream On?

4 comments:
Two differing viewpoints on the iPhone presented by Advertising Age:

Why the iPhone will be a Big Success
Why? Because it looks great, because it is made by Apple, because its high price point will prove an asset while it's being targeted at affluent influencers, because it'll be a badge of honor, because it epitomizes an increasingly mobile world. Because, in short, it will inspire irrational consumer lust.
Why the iPhone will Fail
. . . An iPod is a divergence device; an iPhone is a convergence device. There's a big difference between the two. . . In the high-tech world, divergence devices have been spectacular successes. But convergence devices, for the most part, have been spectacular failures.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do I think? I wrote what I thought when news broke of the iPhone in January 2007. I do not see any changes to be made yet:
... I am holding out for the virtual housekeeper, aromatheraphy module, GPS and HDTV! Oh, and the USB direct brain connection.
What do you think?

What do you want on your handheld communication device? Taser? Kid tracker? Biofeedback? Do not be shy.

Reporters Without Borders Update

1 comment:

Press freedom barometer 2005
44 8 125 6 66
Journalists killed Media assistants killed Journalists imprisoned Media assistants imprisoned Cyberdissidents imprisoned

Monday, June 18, 2007

You Have Been Burned!

3 comments:
When CIA operatives outlive their usefulness, they are burned. This means their bank accounts are frozen, passports are revoked, and every enemy they have made in their covert life are given their whereabouts. No protection, no resources, no friends. This is the premise of the new series, USA Network's Burn Notice.

I would think that someone who had been in covert operations since they were young would have passports, money and property stashed in other names and other places. However, Michael Westin is either very trusting or extremely stupid for a spy. He is dumped in Miami with no cash and no connections.

If I was dumped in a town where I knew no one and had no money, I would cut my hair and change my look completely. I would fade into the world of the homeless. If need be, I would trade clothes with someone else. Then, I would find a hidden place to leave my belongings until I could rent a locker.

I would locate a shelter, if possible, so that I could stay clean. I would try to find work in a cash business like waitressing or housekeeping. Next, I would find a place to eat at least one meal per day, such as a shelter, church or senior citizens' center. Meanwhile, I would hit the dumpsters outside of grocery stores for fresh produce. I would secure at least one plastic container for water and swipe some toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, plastic ware and salt from a fast food place at lunch time.

The night before garbage day, I would be trolling the garbage cans and dumpsters of the affluent areas of town. It is amazing what people throw away. From what I found, I would construct a shelter in a secluded area. I would rig perimeter security from cans and bottles. I would bury my waste and tell no one where I lived.

I would survive, no doubt about it. When I was young, I did survive on the streets for months. I learned to eat leftovers people left on their tables in restaurants during rush hour, crash large parties and events with refreshments, and trade chores for food. It is not an easy life, but if you stay off drugs and alcohol, you can survive.

Visit the website for this new series, Burn Notice, on USANetwork, sponsor of this post. See what Michael Westin does to survive. What would you do?



Sunday, June 17, 2007

The One Sheet Challenge

5 comments:
Win a kitchen makeover from Bounty. The One Sheet Challenge is just that: use one of their paper towels to clean up a dirty mess and share the details of the cleanup in a 100 word blog post.

The best out of the first 50,000 submitted stories will receive a $30,000 kitchen makeover. There's also an $8,000 second place makeover and a third prize that provides a year's supply of Bounty towels.

Okay, moms, start your engines.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Keeping up with the Competition

No comments:
Keeping up with the Joneses.com: Using Competitive Research to Stay One Step Ahead of your Online Competitors

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 10 am
Pacific Daylight Time (GMT -07 am, San Francisco)

Panelist(s) Info:
Steve Foster, Director, Competitive Research, Keynote Systems
Marla Chupack, Moderator, American Marketing Association

Want to grab market share from your online competitors? Find out what users love and hate about their web sites and leverage that information to provide a superior user experience.

Join this Webcast to learn the answers to questions such as:
  • What types of business questions should I be asking?
  • How do online competitive studies differ from traditional research approaches?
  • What's most important to web site visitors?
  • How can I discover and measure significant market trends?
This event has been previously recorded. On the day of the event please view the event at your convenience.

Registration required: http://www.marketingpower.com/webcast6-26-07

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Transformers? No, the new London 2012 Logo

4 comments:
From the website:
It will become London 2012’s visual icon, instantly recognisable amongst all age groups, all around the world. It will establish the character and identity of the London 2012 Games and what the Games will symbolise nationally and internationally.
Unfortunately, not everyone liked it:

Epileptics force Olympic logo offline as public’s alternative designs pour in-Sport-London 2012-TimesOnline

Oops! The video that accompanies the artwork above has now reportedly had to be modified. Evidently, the flashing lights and fuzzy camera shots caused epileptic seizures.


From Where is My Jetpack? blog
An online petition against the logo that had well over 50,000 signatures has disappeared. A new petition in support of the logo has appeared. (under 300 signatures in 2 days.)
Click on picture to view larger size and to read the captions



Monday, June 11, 2007

Wednesday Night Network Fights!

1 comment:
Advertising Age - MediaWorks - This Fall, the Nets Will Fight on Wednesday Night
ABC has two of its most anticipated dramas slated for 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. in "Pushing Daisies" and "Grey's" spinoff "Private Practice"; CBS is pairing controversial reality show "Kid Nation" with established hit "Criminal Minds"; Fox has the Kelsey Grammer-Patricia Heaton sitcom "Back to You" coupled with Brad Garrett's "Til Death" preceding "Bones"; and NBC is looking to blow its biggest hole yet in the night with "Deal or No Deal" and its "Bionic Woman" update.
I posted this so we could hold onto hope over the boring TV summer. Just about the time I set my faves on a timer so I do not miss anything--it changes. Oh, Lord, and the politics will ramp up then as well. May be a time to start learning a new hobby . . . LOL


Looking for a gift for a golfer?

1 comment:
In the 1980s, Ely Callaway believed he could revolutionize the golf club industry. Playing since he was 10 years old, Callaway knew golfing, golf clubs and knew what was available on the market.

In 1997, Callaway's Great Big Bertha® Titanium Driver was the No. 1 driver in use on each of the five major golf tours. Professional golfers, like Jack Nicklaus, were using Callaway's drivers and irons. They were winning more than any of the competitors. The rest, as they say, is history.

Please visit The World of Golf, sponsor of this post, for all you need in Callaway golf equipment and Callaway golf clubs. Remember Father's Day is coming ...


Click and Comment Monday

5 comments:
Here is how I use click & comment Monday. Start on a blog. You are here, how about my blog? If you like a post on my blog, leave me a comment.

Visit one of the blogs on my blog rolls or click a picture on the MyBlogLog or BlogCatalog. Leave a comment somewhere on that blog. Click a blog on their blogroll and comment on that blog if you like it. Repeat.

You can skip blogs, leave comments on more blogs, follow a blog roll or just Stumble around the Internet. Try to click and comment on at least 5 blogs if you have time. I guarantee you will find some cool blogs and you will increase your readership if you do this on Mondays. Only participate if you want to find new blogs and are willing to comment. This is not a Mr. Linky for SPAM. LOL!

To be added to the official C&C Monday blogroll, visit Cat.

You may view the blogroll here. Please comment before you add your URL in Mr. Linky. Thanks! If you have more than one blog, place the name of your blog in the name slot on Mr. Linky.
Click & Comment Monday Participants
1. Vedis
2. Vedis
3. Chase
4. Karen
5. Drew
6. Jenny

Get the C&C Monday code here

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.


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Sunday, June 10, 2007

Quality telecommunications equipment and service

No comments:
Having quality telecommunications equipment is something any company can do, but what separates them is the service. That's why I think you'll be happy to stay with a quality company like First Point, Inc. What's great about First Point is that not only are they a top telecom reseller, but they offer warranties, repair services, and a range of telecom cables and accessories. They really do offer the full package. With a company like First Point, I know you'll appreciate how you can make one call to one company and get all of your needs met, instead of having to call multiple places to fix your needs.

Blog post sponsored by BloggingAds.


Friday, June 8, 2007

Folding Tables and Community Service

3 comments:
I will be doing some computer training at the local workforce center next month. They have a pretty good training setup, but I want a table on which I can put my laptop and a projector. I do not want to spend much money because it is volunteer work, but I want something nice that I can use for other purposes.

I went to Best Furniture Online, sponsor of this post, and looked at folding tables. I found a Lightweight Plastic Folding Table (30" X 60") that does not weigh too much. I will only have to lug it into the center once. Then I can leave it in their storage room until I finish the series of computer classes.

Do you volunteer your services somewhere in your community? It is what we can do to make a difference and it only takes a few hours a week. Think about it, will you?

Transparency in the Marketplace

2 comments:
Members of the US Congress have asked eleven magazines for women to stop running cigarette advertisements. Not one magazine publisher would comment on the record about the request.

Advertising Age - MediaWorks - Congress Asks Women's Mags to Quit Their Smoking Habit
The publishers, then, are willing to take tobacco money but for the most part unwilling or unable to say why that's OK. Their silence makes some sense, of course. If magazine advertising works, it's hard to defend promoting addictive carcinogens to your readers. And it's their legal right to accept the ads. The question is, will it become unstylish to do so?
What a wonderful world this would be if all advertisers, including tobacco, liquor and oil companies, had to be transparent in their marketing policies. Alas, it appears only bloggers do so.

Network Marketing and Friends

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Do you have friends that sign you up for something like a "free" trip to see Branson real estate? I really hate it when I get a call and they say, "Jackie said you would be interested in this and we would like to extend you an offer..." AUGHHHH!

Jackie was also the one that tried to get me into prepaid legal. I told her I do not join anything that makes me pay upfront and recruit people. Been there, done that. I did not like it. Network marketing it is called. Bothering your friends and family is what I call it.

I have asked Jackie not to sign me up for these things, but she get so wrapped up in a program that she will do anything they ask.

The place in Branson is called StoneBridge Village and it sounds nice:
Imagine a life where every day seems to be a vacation with a breathtaking backdrop of lush, wooded hills, lakes, a championship golf course, panoramic sunrises, and astonishing sunsets.
I am half tempted to visit StoneBridge, sponsor of this post, dragging our 20+ year-old travel trailer, Beauty, behind our 20 year old van, The Beast. Jackie would probably get taken off all the network marketing lists. I know I would. LOL

Fructis Advertising is Cool

2 comments:
You have got to see this Fructis dandruff minisite. This is what I call interactivity! Move the mans hands around, scratch his head, look at the postcard on the mirror, open the cabinet, play the radio or handle the blow dryer. I have no idea what the bubble windows say because the language is French, I think, but it is a cool site.

Thanks to Adverblog for sharing.

Fantasies of a Spare Bedroom

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My son will be moving in a few days to an apartment (again). His new apartment is furnished, so he told me he is leaving behind all his home furniture. I just got my stepson and his friend to clean out his old bedroom, the one he left over a year ago. Now, I will have another junk room.

I was hoping that after the boys left, we could recover those rooms. You know, rip up the carpet, disinfect floors, patch and paint the walls. I would like to have a guest bedroom again. I think I will go with a futon instead of a bed. It makes more sense when you have small bedrooms.

I was browsing the website of Home and Living, sponsor of this post, for futons. Look a twhat I found: Portofino Golden Oak Full Size Futon By Elite Furniture. With free shipping!



Seven Proven Strategies for Maximizing Results

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Would you like to know how 1900+ marketers are maximizing their budgets, testing traffic-driving tactics and improving their conversion results?

ECommerce Marketing 2007: 7 Proven Strategies for Maximizing your Results

Omniture | Marketing Sherpa | eCommerce Webinar | Download

The Webinar is free. You do have to register before you download it.

Rooftop Advertising and Crop Circles

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While using the map feature at Ask.com, I noticed that a farmer had cut his field in the shape of the logo of his company. You would have to keep mowing or perhaps burn the field to keep the logo showing, but it would be worth it. Think how many people look at these maps daily.

I started thinking about how you might earn money from placing advertising on the roof of your home or business. My home is modest, so I could advertise something short like AT&T. Think about a 5,000 square foot home. You could advertise motorcycle sunglasses or eat at Outback Steakhouse.

I think I have discovered a new business. Maybe ADS Sports Eyewear, sponsor of this post, would like to have a short ad on my roof. I know! I can cut my backyard in the shape of eyeglasses. Maybe we need to rethink crop circles. They may be ancient methods of local advertising. LOL

Be a Millionaire!

4 comments:
I was out on the GMAC Real Estate site and I saw a button that said BE A MILLIONAIRE. I just had to click it. On the next page was a calculator telling you how long it would take--given the amount of money currently invested, monthly investment you expect to make, the hoped for rate of return, your millionaire target age and your current age--to reach millionaire level.

I input my information and I can become a millionaire if I live to be 130! I guess I need to expand my portfolio to include things like real estate investments. Either that, or start a Next Life Savings Plan now. LOL

Visit GMAC Real Estate, sponsor of this post, and see when you can become a millionaire. I hope you are younger than me.

Free AMA Webinar

2 comments:
How Purpose-Driven Online Communities Deliver Competitive Brand Advantage - American Marketing Association - www.marketingpower.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007
10am PT/ 11am MT/ 12pm CT/ 1pm ET

Presenters:
  • Paul Moylan, Director of Sales, Ramius Corporation
  • Paul Gilliham, Senior Manager, Web Marketing, Juniper Networks
  • Marla Chupack, Moderator, American Marketing Associatio
The price is free but registration is necessary.

From the website:
Learn how to use Purpose-Driven Online Communities to:
  • Satisfy your customers' desire to be heard
  • Connect to customers in new ways
  • Empower customers to solve their own and each other's problems
  • Work with your customers to make your products more innovative
  • Turn passionate customers into brand advocates
  • Deliver interactive services to your customers
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Thursday, June 7, 2007

Award-Winning Spy Sweeper

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Spyware can corrupt your computer, send all your private information to cyber criminals and destroy your home-based network. You really need anti-spyware protection like Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software to stop spyware from infecting your computer. Spy Sweeper can find even the most sophisticated spyware programs that use root kit technology to hide in your registry or systems files. How can malicious spyware hide in your computer?

Look at this code string:

SHX OGUONPR ZI RWP MAEJ ZUSBO-VCJSFPX OPKJCBLUSBP SGDURMPR

If you saw this in a temporary file or as a computer registry entry, would you recognize it as being an encrypted message? Copy the code above and go to secretcodebreaker.com. If you use the right key letter, you will decipher the code.

It now reads:

SPY SWEEPER IS THE MOST AWARD-WINNING ANTISPYWARE SOFTWARE

The code could have just as easily been a spyware program that would run in the background—while you pay bills, do your banking or shop online. Scary, eh?



When you buy and install Spy Sweeper, the software will automatically download updates and scan your system, making spyware protection a breeze. If you have any problems, Webroot Software, sponsor of this post, offers free online and phone support.




This Is So Funny!

2 comments:
Reebok - Sofa


Find out why this man is running for his life from a piece of living room furniture.
watch this ad





Just to show you that an advertisement does not have to be serious to be effective. I love this ad and the guy in it.

Margaritaville, Roxanne and The Wall

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It seems like all the old bands are touring this year. So far, I have heard The Police, Jimmy Buffet and Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) are touring in 2007.

I would love to see these bands, but most do not even dip into Texas when they tour. I remember last year we wanted to see the Rolling Stones. The closest performance was in Little Rock, Arkansas. We drove all the way there and stayed for a week so we could see them. Later that year, they added a play date in Austin, 30 miles from where we live!

Oh, if you want to attend any of these concerts, you can find all the concert tickets at VividSeats.com, the sponsor of this post.

IAB: What Do We Do With UGC?

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What to do with user generated content (UGC) was the topic at the Interactive Advertising Bureau User-Generated Content Conference held on June 5 in New York City. While ad agencies are both excited and daunted by the possibilities of UGC.

Advertising Age - Digital - Video Report: The Role of User-Generated Content in Advertising

Cheryl Guerin, VP-promotions and interactives, MasterCard International:
Recently, MasterCard ran a fairly structured, fill-in-the-blank consumer-created "Priceless" campaign. And even within the structure of the program "we were hard-pressed to find a lot of good ads," she said.
I guess I can understand this. There is a lot of dreck on YouTube. There is also a lot of dreck released as advertising campaigns on TV. I believe that, if UGC is refined by technology and edited by professional videographers, you might be amazed at what develops.

Are We Too Old for DisneyWorld?

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My son and I went to DisneyWorld for the Millenium Celebration. Most of the rides frightened him, so we did not ride them. He also was not real keen on seeing most of Epcot Center. I would like to return and truly explore both parks.

I have been thinking that maybe Michael and I could take an Orlando Vacation. Michael has not been to DisneyWorld or Epcot Center and I have a really good friend who lives in Florida that I would just love to see.

I am trying to decide if we want to RV out there and back or find a good flight and rent a hotel room. On MoreMouse.com, sponsor of this post, I found that we could rent a pool home, condo or town home. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Surveys and Market Research

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I belong to several survey panels involved in market research. I am paid for some of the surveys completed; for others, I receive an entry into a sweepstakes, usually for a cash prize. I have tested products like shampoo, household items and coffee.

Is it worth the time I spend on the surveys? In terms of monetary rewards, no. In terms of insight into marketing trends, it is invaluable. One of the survey companies is affiliated with Synovate, sponsor of this post.

If anyone is interested, I could compile a list of the survey companies and post it on this blog. Leave a comment if interested.

Another Episode of the Search Engine Wars

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Yahoo steps back and Ask steps up to Google. Another episode in Search Engine Wars.

Search Engine Marketing Blog by ineedhits: Yahoo! Admits Search Defeat to Google?

These comments came from said Tapan Bhat, vice president of Yahoo!'s personalized home page at the Next Web conference in Amsterdam.
The future of the web is about personalization. Where search was dominant, now the web is about 'me.' It's about weaving the web together in a way that is smart and personalized for the user...
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Where is Your Address?

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My stepson is now a pizza delivery driver. I always thought that would be an easy job, just driving around eating all the pizza you want. Turns out it is not so simple. Many people do not post their addresses where you may see them, especially at night.

He was complaining about it the other day and I told him that he should carry a flyer offering to install a house marker for people who do not have one. Of course, he thought this was a stupid idea. I told him that when I was growing up (after the dinosaurs), men would come around and offer to paint your house number on the curb. They had templates they used and it was quick and easy. They must have made a living marking house numbers because they were always back again the next year.

Today, he came in and asked if I would help him design a flyer for his new business. "Sure," I said, "what business is that?" He smiled sheepishly and said, "the house marking business." If you are looking for a distinctive look in house markers, you should visit SeattleLuxe.com, sponsor of this post. They have many distinctive products as well as house markers.


My Card is Not American Express!!

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Virgin spokesperson points finger at billboard installers who put Upper West Side billboards in Upper East Side neighborhoods. What is worse, the ads on the billboards trashed the neighborhoods in which they were placed. I expect to see these billboards tagged in short order. They are insultingly snobby, like the deNiro commercial about my town and my card ...

Adrants » Virgin: 'You Rule! Oops, Except Not.'
For its new geo-specific campaign "You Rule," meant to push its no-commitment cell phone service, Virgin Mobile made a big oops in the Big Apple, installing neighborhood-specific ads in the wrong neighborhoods.

The Police

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Win a New York fly-away to see The Police live.

Click the picture above to enter for your chance to win a free trip to see The Police in New York City! The Police was a band popular in the late 1970s to mid-1980s. Singer and bass guitarist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland rose to the top of rock. Their first album won eight Platinum records in the USA. But then The Police disbanded in the mid-1980s.

In 2007, The Police reunited to perform at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. They delighted fans when they announced they would be touring together as The Police and playing at the Live Earth concert in July 2007. Have you seen the new police cd? It is a compilation of 28 songs, the biggest hits from five original studio albums. It is being released at the launch of their world tour.

I love The Police. One of my favorite songs is Invisible Sun, and it is on the new police cd. Invisible Sun is about the conflict between the British and the Irish and has always struck a chord with me.

Invisible Sun

(One, two, three, four, five, six Oh oh oh oh oh oh)

I don't want to spend the rest of my life
Looking at the barrel of an Armalite
I don't want to spend the rest of my days
Keeping out of trouble like the soldiers say
I don't want to spend my time in hell
Looking at the walls of a prison cell
I don't ever want to play the part
Of a statistic on a government chart

There has to be an invisible sun
It gives its heat to everyone
There has to be an invisible sun
That gives us hope when the whole day's done

It's dark all day and it glows all night
Factory smoke and acetylene light
I face the day with me head caved in
Looking like something that the cat brought in

There has to be an invisible sun
It gives its heat to everyone
There has to be an invisible sun
That gives us hope when the whole day's done

And they're only going to change this place
By killing everybody in the human race
They would kill me for a cigarette
But I don't even wanna die just yet

There has to be an invisible sun
It gives its heat to everyone
There has to be an invisible sun
That gives us hope when the whole day's done

(Oh oh oh oh oh oh...)


You must remember that this song was sung during the 1980s, when music was in transition, from acid rock to reggae to pop to heavy metal. Only a few bands sang songs about political strife and a world in crisis. The Police was one of these bands. I believe they influenced many with their special mix of reggae-punk-rock. Certainly their songs have remained hits and may still be heard on the radio today.

Do not forget to click the picture above and enter to win a free trip to see The Police in New York City.



Payu2blog : Make money blogging

2 comments:
There are many different ways to Make Money Blogging, and Payu2blog is a program that can provide you a steady income. Payu2blog lets you set the topics and number of paid posts you wish to complete in one month. You may pick blackout dates for vacations or other busy times in your life. You receive payment to your PayPal account every two weeks for completed assignments, which pay $5 each. The posts must be 60 words long and contain one link. You do not have to endorse the advertiser, just provide a post relating to the subject matter and insert the link. You must complete all blog posts assigned to you. Visit Payu2blog, sponsor of this post, and join.


Marketing to Technology Buyers

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A study by KnowledgeStorm, in conjunction with MarketingSherpa, found the middle ground where the marketers' information meets buyers' demand.

Center for Media Research - Daily Brief
Tech Buyers Go Deep For Information and Bite on White Papers

Some findings may surprise the marketers who advertise to these technology buyers. Below are some abbreviated stats.
  • 56 percent of technology buyers use search phrases of three or more words, 19 percent use boolean operators, 6 percent use one word or an acronym.

  • 53 percent of technology buyers scan 3-5 pages of search results.

  • Sponsored links are read by 53 percent of technology buyers "frequently" or "sometimes." Thirty-four percent click on the link or ad "sometimes" or "frequently."

  • 80 percent of technology buyers say that "sometimes" to "frequently" offline marketing materials such as magazine advertisements or direct mail create sufficient interest for them to seek more information online.

  • More than 80 percent of technology buyers consider the type of content, overview provided (72 percent) and source of content (69 percent) before they register for it.

  • Almost 80 percent of technology buyers will register for a white paper, while only 38 percent will register for a demo and 31 percent for a Webcast.

  • Over 50 percent of technology buyers fill out profiles when they register for technology content online, 43 percent of technology buyers provide valid personal email addresses.
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California Homes

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I Stumbled Upon a website called Elegant Homes. I decided to look for luxury home in California, the home of the stars!

For $55,000,000, you may buy an Italian Renaissance mansion in Pacific Heights with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Designed in 1927 by architect Henry Smith, the home has seven bedrooms, six baths, library, music room, and tennis court.

If you want to spend less, say below $1,000,000, you will still be able to buy a 3 bedroom, 3 bath art deco style home in Palm Springs that has a pool and view of the mountains. You could also buy a traditional home in San Diego that has a backyard with pool, spa and built-in BBQ.

Visit Elegant Homes, sponsor of this post and see what your dream house looks like.

It is more like, 'O ia mau no (same as usual)

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Mahalo, a search engine from Jason Calacanis, uses human guides to create search engine results pages for the top 10,000 search terms and hot topics like new movies, current events, and, but of course, Jason Calacanis. Maybe Mahalo can find the real Jason Calacanis and the human guides can get him to stand up. LOL

MediaPost Publications - Aloha, Mahalo: I'm Betting On the Algorithm - 06/05/2007
. . . where's Calacanis coming from? Here's what he had to say to Allen Stern, of the CenterNetworks blog, who raised doubts about Mahalo's viability: "My point about SEO is that it is gaming system and done by weak people who have sites that shouldn't rank high. We are not trying to SEO--we are trying to help people avoid bad sites and find good ones." Stern happened to point out that Mahalo will ultimately gain visibility by creating optimized pages of links, adding, "It is interesting to me that after all of Jason's talk about SEO being dead, he launches the master SEO play."
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Woman in White or Henchman from Hell?

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What type of spooky story do you like? Do you like the tales of the spirits of the dead that continue to wander this world, destined never to reach home? Then you will like this tale of the Lady of White Rock Lake.

One hot July night, a young couple parked on the shore of White Rock Lake. When they turned on their headlights to leave, they saw a figure in white approaching their car. As the Woman in White walked slowly to the driver's window, they saw that she was dressed in a sheer white dress, dripping wet. The woman spoke in a soft, faltering voice.
I'm sorry to intrude, and I would not under any other circumstances, but I must find a way home immediately. I was in a boat that overturned. The others are safe. But I must get home.
The Woman in White climbed into the rumble seat, saying that she did not wish to get the couple wet, and gave them an address in Oak Cliff. The young couple felt an uneasiness concerning their passenger, but felt they should take her home. As they neared the Oak Cliff area, the young woman turned to the Lady in White in the rumble seat to ask directions. The rumble seat was empty. Nothing but a puddle of lake water remained.

After a search for the Woman in White, the couple went to the address she had given. Feeling foolish, they nevertheless knocked on the door. The door was opened by a man. When the man heard the story, he spoke in a troubled voice:
This is a very strange thing. You are the third couple who has come to me with this story. Three weeks ago, while sailing on White Rock Lake, my daughter was drowned.


What type of spooky story do you like? Perhaps you like the malevolent, Stephen King type of ghost with a knife in its hand? Well, you are going to love the ghosts that appear in 1408 Movie!



In the 1408 Movie, a man who has lost a child goes looking for places that ghosts are know to haunt. He has absolutely no luck finding a haunted space and is quite skeptical when he hears about The Dolphin Hotel. Apparently, there is one room, Room 1408, that is said to be haunted. In less than 100 years, 56 people have died in Room 1408. Some have died by their own hand, some through the actions of another. He is warned not to stay in the room--no one has ever lasted an hour in Room 1408--but he sees it as a challenge. He wants to have a paranormal experience.

After exactly one hour, the Henchmen from Hell arrive. While the skeptic watches, he sees several of the 56 people who died in Room 1406 appear. Then they die again and again. Some of the ghosts want to kill him, again and again. The Room 1408 wants him dead. When his daughter appears, he is horrified. . .

So, what type of ghost do you like: Woman in White or Henchman from Hell?

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