Media by Sistrunk

A man without borders

2012-01-15T05:31:00.000+09:00

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, first observed on January 20, 1986. Were he alive today (January 15), King would have celebrated his 83rd birthday. On this holiday weekend, millions of Americans are remembering the civil rights leader and human rights advocate.

King was a husband, a father, and a preacher. He was also the preeminent leader of a movement that continues to transform America and the world. One of the twentieth century's most influential men, he lived an extraordinary life.

To truly understand King, this writer believes that one should read his writings. Scholars and casual researchers can now gain access to these important jewels of history. Last January, for the first time, a major portion of King’s papers went public.

Computer access to the documents, which have been digitized and cataloged, are available at the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center. Click here to gain access the collection.

The documents include many of King’s speeches and personal writings from 1946 to 1968.
Journalists, historians, legislators and community leaders continue to examine whether King's appeal for peace with justice is as relevant today as it was when he was alive. A few years ago, an editorial in the Houston Chronicle attempted to place King's philosophy into present-day perspective. Here is an excerpt from the piece:

Although he rose to national prominence fighting racial segregation in the South, many of the issues roiling the United States 38 years after his assassination would be very familiar to Martin Luther King Jr.

Before his death, the Baptist minister had denounced America's involvement in the Vietnam War, a daring stance that fueled the growing opposition to the carnage in Southeast Asia. He was bitterly criticized in the media and by government officials for venturing beyond the sphere of civil rights, as if that were the only area in which he was entitled to an opinion.

With the country now split by the bloody, open-ended struggle in Iraq and by the mistaken justification for going to war, it's not hard to predict where King would stand on the matter.

Americans debate the revelation that their government is conducting warrantless surveillance of Americans inside the United States. King had plenty of experience on that score. He was relentlessly wiretapped and trailed by the FBI. Then FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was convinced that King was a communist sympathizer.

Just as he stood with refuse workers in Memphis in the last days before an assassin's bullet struck him down, King would championed the dispossessed evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, potent symbols of a race-based economic underclass that persists as a legacy of slavery and discrimination. The New Orleans nightmare that Katrina exposed indicates that the vision King enunciated in his "I Have a Dream" speech is not yet realized.
Like his role model for nonviolent protest, Mohandas K. Gandhi, King grew to be a world figure by embracing universal humanitarian concerns that surmounted ethnicity and religion. As he once said, "Evil is not driven out, but crowded out ... through the expulsive power of something good."

That's why the celebration of his life today cannot be limited to a single community or issue. African-Americans are justly proud that he rose from their ranks, but his life is significant to all Americans.

It's been four decades since King's death in 1968. For years, many scholars have suggested that King faced the same fate that has befallen many a historical figure - being frozen in a moment in time that ignores the full complexity of the man and his message.

Three years ago, Barack Obama took over as the country's chief executive officer. Many believe that with this historic presidency came the "thawing" of the King legacy.

Tags: Martin Luther King, King Holiday, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Media by Sistrunk

New year, new start

2012-01-01T10:10:00.001+09:00

He's not finished with you, either. ;-)

From my household to yours,

have a fantastic 2012!

Wishing you all the joys of Christmas

2011-12-25T19:36:00.000+09:00

Remembering the Christmas miracle and the treasure of friendship

During this joyous season, I remember the prophesy of peace - and the reason for the season of Christmas. It is also a time to be thankful for friends.

A FRIENDSHIP PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for a special gift,

one that cannot be bought

for any amount of money.

Thank you for a gift wrapped in beauty,

that is wonderful in all seasons and times.

Thank you for a gift that is always near

in times of need

and brings great joy.

Thank you for the gift that sparkles

with freshness every day.

Thank you for my friend.

May I never take this gift for granted.

Amen.

(by John C. Maxwell)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Two screens, one social life

2011-12-18T09:00:00.001+09:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.

I'm on the hunt for a new smartphone. Something that functional, capable of multitasking, and something with a little "heft" to it. While a touch screen isn't necessary, it would be nice to have it. I just made an interesting find that's worth checking out -- the LG DoublePlay™. This device, which is available exclusively by T-Mobile, includes:

TWO touch screens you can customize
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
Pullout keyboard with large keys
Wi-fi calling
5-megapixel camera with LED flash
720p HD video recorder
Phone weight of 6.7 oz.
Affordability
3.5-inch display

The second touch screen is designed to let you do two things at once -- surf the Web and send a text message, for instance. This touch screen is in the middle of the keyboard, something I've never seen before. It might take a little getting used to, but I'm certainly willing to try an Android that will make me work faster and smarter.

The Gingerbread, meanwhile, makes it possible for users to customize seven home screens and up to nine touchscreen shortcuts. One-touch navigation makes it easy.

Some people may complain about the weight of the phone, but I'm a little tough on wireless devices, so the weight is a plus for me. The high-quality camera and video recorder allow you to capture and share pictures and videos via messaging, email or social media (such as Facebook). When combining business and personal use, I easily spend five or more hours on social media sites each month. If you count blogging, it's more. A phone built for speed would be an asset to folks heavily involved in social networking.

I'm a mom who stays in touch with her kids via text messaging, so I expect good service delivery. I send out a few hundred texts messages each month. This wireless device offers several messaging options. This gives users the ability to send and receive messages from PCS and tablets. If you're really social (like my kids), you can also create group chats on the go. This phone seems to be built for speed, so I'd definitely check out how quickly (and efficiently) it delivers content.

All smartphones are not alike, so be sure to examine the specs on the LG DoublePlay™. In a recent review, Nicole Lee of CNET.com expressed concern for the pullout keyboard.

"The LG Doubleplay's quirky dual screen and split keyboard design is a little too strange for us," she wrote. "It's a hefty and bulky handset, and has poor battery life."

Still, for Lee, the bottom line is this: "The LG Doubleplay has excellent features for a midrange Android smartphone, but its bizarre design is not for everyone."

Based on what I've read and seen, the LG DoublePlay™ is at least worthy of a test drive. Check it out for yourself.

Now it's your turn. I'm interested in how you use smartphones.

1. How many hours do you spend texting or social networking on your phone?

2. How would the LG DoublePlay change the way you text or interact with social media?

Feel free to leave your answers in the comment section.

Remembering that infamous day

2011-12-07T03:05:00.000+09:00

December 7 is the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan. Pearl Harbor survivors have met at the site every five years for four decades. But they're now in their 80s or 90s. Many of the survivors aren't able to participate in a 70th reunion. Still, others have made every effort to report for one final roll call.

A few hundred survivors are expected to make the trip to Hawaii to recall the shocking air raid destroyed or heavily damaged 21 ships and 320 aircraft. The attack killed two-thousand, 390 people, wounded nearly 12-hundred others - and plunged the U.S. into World War II.

Related: Photos at About.com, Naval History Center

Tags: Pearl Harbor, World War II, Media by Sistrunk

Thanksgiving thoughts

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000+09:00

I awoke this morning with devout
thanksgiving for my friends,
the old and the new.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

There is a special place in my heart
for my blogging buddies.
You have showered me with a generosity of spirit and
friendship that knows no boundaries.
I will never forget your kindness.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Teacher could lose job for comments on Facebook

2011-11-11T09:07:00.001+09:00

A first-grade teacher in Paterson, New Jersey recently described her students as "future criminals" on Facebook. Parents complained that her remarks were offensive. A judge seems to agree. She could be fired.

According to Reuters:

Administrative Law Judge Ellen Bass ruled that the Paterson teacher, Jennifer O'Brien, "demonstrated a complete lack of sensitivity to the world in which her students live" and recommended that she lose her tenured position.

Paterson is a poor, urban New Jersey community with a high rate of violent crime. According to court documents, school officials interpreted O'Brien's comment as racially charged.

Paterson is a low-income, urban community with a high rate of violent crime. School officials
The state Department of Education states that the incident marks the first time in New Jersey that a public school teacher has faced such public scrutiny for social media behavior. School officials also say that this is also the first time a Paterson teacher has been disciplined in connection with the use of social media.

The teacher reportedly wrote the comment ("I'm not a teacher - I'm a warden for future criminals!") to her 333 Facebook friends after one of her first graders hit her and others stole money from her. Some of Facebook friends forwarded the comment to others. In time, the comment was brought to the attention of school officials.

Some experts believe that incidents like this one "are more about free speech than about social media such as Facebook, a public forum in which postings can be forwarded and ultimately read by anyone."

What do you think?

Honoring our military men and women

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000+09:00

Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France,

wait for the end of hostilities.

This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on Nov. 11, 1918,

two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

The history of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

President Dwight Eisenhower signed House Resolution 7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. An act approved in 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. After American forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Today we honor America's military men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

How important it is for us to recognize and
celebrate our heroes and she-roes!
~Maya Angelou~

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy~

Always remembering the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

11th Heaven!

2011-10-31T10:40:00.001+09:00

Online sites tout discount beauty products

2011-10-20T09:59:00.017+09:00

About a year ago, a close relative (a recent college graduate) started posting wig reviews. They were fascinating to watch. Frankly, I had no idea that young adults would have any interest in wigs. Being the curious sort, I checked YouTube to see if any other young women wore wigs. I found hundreds of reviews posted.

Storefront beauty supply stores have been around for years. However, more and more women are turning to online sites for discount beauty products. This is particularly true in the African-American community, where women may spend a great deal of time and money achieving stylish and unique hairstyles. That said, women of many cultures choose extensions (weave) to achieve their "perfect look." Others may choose a human hair half wig. This style has become popular because, when blended with your own hair, it offers a natural look. The same is true of lace front products.

Extensions and wigs also are used extensively in the broadcast news and entertainment industries. One of the things I observed while working in television news is that women viewers pay A LOT of attention to the hairstyles of female anchors. Only God knows how many calls I took from female viewers voicing their approval or dislike for the anchor's hair.

Some callers accused one particular anchor of changing her hair color too often. Meanwhile, fans of this same anchor would ask who did her hair. Because of the pressure to look perfect on camera, I am sure that a few female anchors purchase human or synthetic hair to help maintain a polished look.

Professional women in most industries often feel the need to augment their looks. Today's wigs are much more stylish and lighter than those of a decade ago. Hair accessories also reflect current fashion trends.

Using weave or the human hair half wig is not the only solution for women who want to have beautiful hair. Women of all socioeconomic levels seek hair products that will give their natural hair a shiny luster and beautiful length. Good shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products can be pricey. Ordering these products from an online beauty supply site might save you big bucks.

Case study explores the impact of social-media sites on the spread of disease

2011-10-19T23:44:00.004+09:00

A scientist examining attitudes toward the H1N1 vaccine has developed and implemented the first case study in how social-media sites can affect the spread of the disease. Marcel Salathé, an assistant professor of biology at Penn State University, explored how users of Twitter expressed their opinions about a new vaccine. According to ScienceDaily, he "then tracked how the users' attitudes correlated with vaccination rates, and how microbloggers with the same negative or positive feelings seemed to influence others in their social circles."

How live-chat software benefits business

2011-10-18T19:51:00.024+09:00

The Internet has made it easier to do business around the clock. But the old rules of business still apply. For many people, exemplary customer service can only happen when they connect with a live person. Providing good live-chat experiences pays off in increased sales and ROI (return on investment).
Smart sales executives understand that in order for their businesses to remain competitive, they must have a strong online presence. Savvy managers seeking to boost their bottom lines use software to live-chat with customers. Live support software enhances traditional customer engagement. online chat software will not only field questions from prospective students. It is important, however, to understand that all live-chat software is not alike.

Look for a product specially designed for your business. At the very minimum, your live chat software should:

allow you to see who is on your website
monitor prospective customer behavior and provide assistance in real time
increase online sales
enhance your marketing campaigns
reduce operational costs
be user friendly

Many organizations in the private and public sectors understand the importance of engaging clients online. Among those industries:

health care
travel
real estate
financial services
insurance
web hosting

Even universities are utilizing live chat in the recruitment of students. The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) uses live chat to engage prospective MBA students. According to the Wharton website:

Chats are hosted bi-weekly at 6:00 PM (18:00h), Eastern Standard Time (EST) or "Philly Time," every Wednesday during the school year. Chats give you the chance to interact with current students, and fellow applicants.

The webpage also includes a schedule of upcoming chats.

Is your organization looking for ways to boost customer loyalty? Live chat can help you improve in this area and enhance your credibility.

Good live chat software also helps visitors to your site find what they need before they get frustrated and leave your site. An effective program will also allow you to integrate live chat, voice, email, and self-service FAQ (frequently asked questions).

Bridge the gap between your site and visitors. Live chat allows your agents get instant insight into your customers' concerns. Look for software that helps you to create a ticket management system for customer inquiries -- one that allow you to log, route, track, and resolve these concerns.

Incorporate Google Analytics into your live chat. Measure the ROI of your online marketing and sales initiatives. With systematic, results-proven approach, you'll increase your chances of increasing sales. Armed with several strong components, you'll be able to establish a full-service, multilevel contact center.

Is the end near for Google+?

2011-10-18T18:30:00.000+09:00

What's going on with Google+? It seems to have lost momentum big-time.

A new report by Chitika, the data analytics company, suggests that Google+ traffic has dropped dramatically. Amid a huge amount of publicity last month, Google+ entered public beta with a striking interface, the rapid release of new features, and strong focus on user interaction. Yet, according to Chitika, traffic on Google's new social network fell 60%.

Google+ started strong. An Internet marketing research company, comScore, reported in July that Google's new social product attracted some 20 million visitors during its first month. Unofficial reports now estimate the number of Google+ users at 43 million. However, the growth spurt went kaput. Google+ users seem to have lost interest. Even on my stream, there's not much happening, incoming or outgoing.

Granted, the once-blazing program is only a few months old. Was there too much hype too early? Should we stamp "FAIL" on Google+ or simply give it more time?

Exploring prepaid cards

2011-10-15T10:08:00.009+09:00

In today's credit-driven world, it's difficult to live without a couple of things -- a bank account, and a credit or debit card. In the traditional world of finance, it's hard to cash payroll, unemployment, and Social Security checks.

Online retailers require that you have a credit or debit card to complete transactions. The same is true is you're trying to book a flight or rent a car. Consumers have essentially two choices when trying to purchase products and services, or paying bills: obtain a card or carry large amounts of cash.

Today many of us are trying to stay above water in a sluggish economy. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 9.1 percent of Americans are unemployed. It should be no surprise, then, that more and more people are turning to prepaid cards.

In a report examining the prepaid product industry, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia offered this observation: "Prepaid cards encompass a tremendous variety of products and applications. With few exceptions, the prepaid market is a market of niches."

According to Federal Reserve figures, 17% of Americans are now using prepaid products, such as the Green Dot Credit Card, as a financial management tool. Many users are hardworking Americans whose credit scores plummeted because of loss of income. However, not all users are strapped for cash. Financial institutions now offer prepaid cards for a variety of purposes:

Reloadable cards - With this product, you can choose how much money to load on it.
Payroll cards - Many companies that employ workers who don't want direct deposit into a bank account. For these employees, the business will load wages onto a secure card. Funds are available immediately.
Government-issued debit cards - These secured cards, issued by government agencies, are used to load cash benefits, such as Social Security, unemployment, and child support.
Teen cards - Parents who want to monitor their children's spending often find this reloadable card useful. The teen card is also a good way to teach teens responsible spending and budgeting habits.
Travel cards - Using these prepaid cards are safer than carrying cash, and they offer the convenience of travelers checks or debit cards.
Gift cards - This is one of the most popular cards on the market. You load money onto it once. Gift cards cannot be reloaded. (For the latest federal rules on gift cards, check out some excellent tips on the Federal Trade Commission's website.)

If you opt for a prepaid card, make sure you understand what features it offers. Unlike traditional credit cards, prepaid cards don't require that you have a stellar credit score or bank account. Prepaid cards begin with a zero balance until cash is added to them. You can use these cards for purchases or at ATMs. With each transaction, your balance will be reduced until it zeroes out.

With all prepaid cards, check to see if the one you're considering offers zero-liability protection in the event that your card is stolen or loss, or if you discover charges that you did not make. Like traditional credit cards, prepaid cards come with fees and restrictions. Make sure you understand the terms of agreement as well as your rights as a consumer.

Farewell to a visionary

2011-10-06T08:56:00.008+09:00

Apple has confirmed that former CEO Steve Jobs has died. The company released this statement:

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

Apple.com added, "If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com."

Get the most from your personal finance and checking accounts

2011-10-04T00:30:00.013+09:00

More and more consumers use the Internet to handle their personal finance and checking accounts. Aurora Bank checking account rates, for instance, attract new customers daily because of competitive rates. Typically, proponents of online banking are also attracted to other products, notably CDs (certificates of deposit), money market accounts, savings accounts, and home loans.

For any full service bank, checking remains one of the most popular products. If you're considering an online account, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provides several tips on safe banking:

Verify that an online bank is authentic and that your deposits are FDIC- protected.
Learn what you can about the bank from its website. The "About Us" section is a good place to start.
Protect your personal information, and beware of fraudulent websites.
To verify that accounts are FDIC-protected, check Bank Find, the agency's online database of FDIC-insured institutions. Don't guess or assume when it comes to insurance.
Know your rights as a bank customer. The FDIC website is an excellent resource on these issues.

When searching for an institution that offers checking accounts and online banking, make sure the services are secure and convenient. Smart consumers also check for competitive interest rates, and a nationwide network for ATM withdrawals. According to the Associated Press:

The average total cost for using an out-of-network ATM rose slightly to $3.81, from $3.74, the year before, the study found. That's including the fees charged by the customer's own bank and the ATM operator. The average overdraft fee also rose slightly to $30.83, from $30.47.

Other services you'll need are self-explanatory:

check writing
check card purchases
electronic transfers
direct deposit

You may even want to ask customer service if newer banking features are available. Among the newer offerings: online check deposit, debit card rewards, and ATM fee reimbursement. (Online banks tend to be more generous with the latter.) These products are particularly popular with consumers.

Many observers believe that free checking is quickly becoming a thing of the past. A study released by Bankrate.com last week found that free checking accounts with no strings attached are getting harder to find.

The good news is that you may be able to avoid the fees. Many banks will waive the charge is you establish a recurring direct deposit. You can also avoid a fee if you maintain a certain balance. Before opening a new account, check with the bank to learn all terms of agreement.

The happy pattern test

2011-10-04T00:04:00.001+09:00

Doing Your Own Thing Makes You Happy

You can't help but think outside the box. As far as you're concerned, you don't even know where the box is.

You have a delightful and colorful inner world. People would be stunned if they could see inside your head.

You get a lot of laughter out of life, and others are surprised by how easy it is to make you happy.

You prefer to not be a part of the crowd.

The Happy Pattern Test

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Taking a closer look at savings accounts

2011-10-03T17:53:00.020+09:00

Even on its best day, the banking industry struggles with its image. As more banks announce new fees, unhappy consumers, who are fearful in this unstable economy, are wondering what they can do to minimize the damage to their pocketbooks.

One thing that fed-up customers can do is change banks. But before they do so, they should do their homework. All banks are not alike. It pays to evaluate the bank products you use, and then compare the cost of those products with your bank's competitors.

I just did a query to find out what institution offers the best online savings account. I was surprised to learn that CNN Money placed Discover Bank at the top of the list.

Not sure how to do your homework? The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers some suggestions:

From time to time, check your accounts to make sure they are still meeting your needs.
Shop and compare. Check out other banks' websites and advertising to see if they offer better deals on the bank products you use the most.
If a certain service is essential to you, such as online bill payment, make sure the institution you're considering offers this service.
Dig deeper into the literature to make sure you know the most important fees, terms and limitations on the new accounts. You don't want any surprises, should you change accounts.
Before applying for a bank product online and supplying your personal data, make sure you're dealing with a legitimate financial institution. The FDIC provides a free service in this area. Call the agency at 1-877-275-3342 or check out FDIC Bank Find, an online directory of FDIC-insured institutions.

While you're doing your homework, check your credit reports for inaccurate or incomplete information that could prevent you from getting the best deals on credit cards, mortgages, or other loans.

So...

You completed your homework and decided that you want to change banks. Switching banks will take a little planning, but it doesn't have to be a big hassle if you follow a few simple steps.
Many banks provide "switch kits" online. If you cannot locate one, you can follow these simple steps. Let's say you're going to open a savings account.

Choose your new bank. You need to open the new account before you close the old one.
Open the new bank account. Make sure you have proper identification.
You'll need money for the new account.
Switch your automatic deposits.
Redirect your online payments.
Once your new account is open, balance your old account and stop using it.

Hint: Ask about any possible early withdrawal penalties before you close your old account. For Certificates of Deposit (CDs), it is important to double check maturity dates.

Here's hoping you have a great banking experience.

Tips on options trading

2011-10-03T15:32:00.002+09:00

After experiencing so much third-quarter turbulence, many investors seem to be laying low and seeking safe havens. U.S. stocks are exhibiting their worst quarterly loss since the 2008 financial crisis. While many investors are spooked, others continue to see opportunities to make money.

In the world of finance, options trading has large potential rewards, but it also comes with high potential risks. Still, to the savvy investor, options trading presents a world of opportunities.

If you're new to options trading, the Options Industry Council is a good place to start learning the basics. So just what is an option? According to the site:

An option is a contract to buy or sell a specific financial product officially known as the option's underlying instrument or underlying interest. For equity options, the underlying instrument is a stock, exchange-traded fund (ETF), or similar product. The contract itself is very precise. It establishes a specific price, called the strike price, at which the contract may be exercised, or acted on. And it has an expiration date. When an option expires, it no longer has value and no longer exists.

Options come in two varieties, calls and puts, and you can buy or sell either type. You make those choices - whether to buy or sell and whether to choose a call or a put - based on what you want to achieve as an options investor.**

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) also offers an excellent glossary of terms.

It's possible to generate income and manage risk with options. Still, educate yourself so that you'll understand the risks involved. This activity is not for the uninformed. The Options Industry Council provides some tips:

Establish a goal.
Know how to accomplish your goal. Read up on strategies.
Choose a broker with whom you have confidence -- one that is willing to work with you on your individual investment plan. One size does not fit all.
Find out what you're eligible for in your options agreement. Based on that agreement, your brokerage firm will certify you for a particular level of options trading.
Complete an options agreement form and any other necessary paperwork.
Watch the margins.

Read, read, read! The more informed you are, the more you'll improve your likelihood for success.

It's true that individual investors aren't feeling so confident these days. At the same time, however, Americans historically have seen themselves as go-getters and risk-takers.

When it comes to options trading, there is a time to be cautious, and a time to move forward. Investors who stay informed know the difference.

Bank checks are here to stay

2011-10-01T14:44:00.003+09:00

When banks first made debit cards available to consumers, I quickly embraced the convenience of the new product. Debit cards are great for paying everyday expenses, and the money comes out of your bank account immediately. I never realized that a day would come when some businesses would charge an extra fee for using plastic.

Many businesses, such as gasoline stations and doctor's offices, do not accept debit cards, but they'll take checks. Now that debit cards and online bill pay are easily accessible, I thought checks were becoming a thing of the past. I still needed checks to pay my church offering or to send an occasional check to my daughter. I thought I'd probably keep the checks on hand for another year. I was wrong.

Two years ago I noticed a trend -- consumers being charged a fee for each transaction at the gas station. Doctors' offices I visited stopped accepting bank cards but would accept checks.

Here's what happened: Banks targeted vendors with the new fees. Businesses such as gas stations and convenience stores, insisting that they have a low profit margins, passed on the cost to consumers. I remember when I first experienced the "shock" at the gas pump when I used my bank card.

When I looked at my receipt, I realized that I had been charged a $0.45 fee on top of the gas total. I ranting to my husband about this "outrage." Ultimately, the Obama administration established new regulations on the banking industry.

Shortly afterward, I paid a visit to a new doctor. When I arrived, I discovered that this physician did not accept cards but would accept bank checks. That's when I realized that checks would be around for a while.

I used to leave my checkbook at home. I don't anymore.

Facebook and the ultimate makeover

2011-10-01T09:29:00.009+09:00

The only thing that seems to be constant about Facebook is change. My son, the IT guy, posted this update a recently:

Hey folks, just a forewarning. Facebook is about to undergo a HUGE makeover. No, I'm not talking about bogus charging rumors (though they will sell apps, music, etc.) But take a look here to see how your Facebook profiles will change in a few weeks. I'm just bracing people for the inevitable. This is a link to an official Facebook page showing off the upcoming features. No virus, no spam, no forward, just an FYI. http://www.facebook.com/about/timeline

I checked out the official Facebook video on the subject. I then visited the social giant's blog post for additional details. Facebook makes reference to "the evolution of your profile" and "filling in the blanks." The headline to the post -- "Tell Your Story with Timeline."

It appears that FB encourages you to tell your life's story. For me, all this sharing is TMI (too much information). Of course, you can still control how much information you'll share. I guess I should have seen the writing on the wall when I noticed that FB profiles now prompt you for your blood type. I don't need to know everything about my online buddies, and I doubt that they'd want to know every minute detail about me.

The perception of technology in business vs. education

2011-09-22T11:57:00.001+09:00

Guest post by Lindsey Wright

Technology has become the most critical element of modern human life. Computers are used to look up stock prices or the latest news headlines. Communications devices make it possible to hold a meeting between executives thousands of miles apart. A business is dead in the water if it doesn't embrace the latest technology, yet the world of education seems to shy away. What gives?

With the exception of outlier cases like online college courses, educators' feelings about technology tend to be mixed. Technology isn't so much a bad thing to a teacher, but it can be misused and interfere with education. On the other hand, the business world is all about efficiency. While a big business may be able to get by because of the volume of the work it does, small and medium-sized businesses can't afford to be at any less than maximum efficiency, and must use technology to facilitate that pursuit of higher productivity.

What are the implications for schools that don't integrate technology? The most meaningful risk is that students won't be prepared for the workforce, but more immediately pressing is the possibility of noncompliance with the No Child Left Behind Act. The technology educational guidelines set forth by NCLB suggest students who are not literate in 21st century digital technology could cost schools funding.

Schools should therefore be introducing technology to students so that they have a broad base of skills in the technologies they'll need to succeed. Fortunately, technology seems to be gaining a foothold in schools slowly but surely. Internet access was present in one third of schools back in the mid '90s, but is provided in just about every school today. Meanwhile, over 80 percent of students aged 12 to 17 say they use digital technology on a regular basis to do schoolwork.

Because businesses expect a tech-savvy workforce, it's critical this trend continues. The Internet is becoming a huge tool for personal and professional networking as well as work itself. Aptitude with social media is becoming critical to success at work. Accordingly, it's imperative schools allow students to use these tools for school-related activities.

Of course students do typically use Facebook to talk to friends or post pictures, but this social aspect shouldn't lead administrators and teachers to overlook the educational uses for the Internet and social media. Almost a quarter of the average American's day is spent on Facebook or LinkedIn. Imagine the potential educational power of media that play so extensive a role in students' lives. Pretending these tools don't exist isn't going to change the pace of new technological development, nor the prevalence of new technologies in students' hands.

The bottom line is schools need to stop seeing technology as an evil force that erodes the minds of children. There is always the risk of misuse when technology is involved, but much more are there ways to use technology to get teachers' points across and engage children in the learning process. The business world demands its workers understand and make use of technology. Misguided and short-sighted traditionalism shouldn't drive education away from doing the same.

Lindsey Wright is fascinated with the potential of emerging educational technologies, particularly the online school, to transform the landscape of learning. She writes about web-based learning, electronic and mobile learning, and the possible future of education.

Can technology impede student learning?

2011-09-22T00:01:00.000+09:00

Computers, video games and multitasking may have helped improve people's visual skills, but they also appear to have contributed to an erosion in critical-thinking and analysis skills. That's according to new research published in the journal Science.

Reading, however, develops the imagination as well as deductive, reflection and critical-thinking stills, said researcher and UCLA psychology professor Patricia Greenfield. Greenfield also directs the Children's Digital Media Center of Los Angeles.

"No one medium is good for everything," she said. "If we want to develop a variety of skills, we need a balanced media diet."

Details on ScienceDaily.

The growing need for professional wireless communication

2011-09-21T05:03:00.000+09:00

More and more states in the U.S. are working to improve technology services in rural areas. Governments in developing countries, such as Sierra Leone, are doing the same. It's no surprise, then, that the need for managed wireless services is growing.

Even the U.S. government recognizes the need to improve wireless communication. Earlier this year, President Obama rolled out a plan known as the National Wireless Initiative. Under the program, wireless coverage would expand to 98% of Americans. According to a statement released by the White House:

One aspect of the President’s plan is to make more airwaves available (in scientific terms, some 500 Mhz of spectrum), to be available for enhanced cell phones and other wireless services—including dedicated public safety networks—over the next ten years. The President’s plan also supports advances in security, reliability and other critical features by investing in research and development in wireless technology.

Here is an example of how wireless communication can improve a community's quality of life. Chariton Valley Wireless Services in Missouri recently entered into a partnership with Globecomm Systems Inc. Globecomm was selected to host the carrier's enhanced and extended wireless network. The purpose was to provide state-of-the-art telecommunications services to businesses and residents in Northeast Missouri. Globecomm stated that its goal was "to keep subscribers in touch, logged on, entertained and communicating without complications at an affordable rate."

Increasingly, small wireless carriers like the one in Missouri are seeking professional business partners that offer hosted wireless solutions. The availability of new technology will allow more Americans to use wireless services to learn, work and play—regardless of where they live.

The art of anticipation in PR

2011-09-21T00:29:00.000+09:00

Preparing for touch questions is one of the foundations of good public relations. The questions may come from your customers, the media, or a government entity. Any organization at any moment might find itself under scrutiny.

Perhaps your company is preparing to streamline operations. Anticipating the touch questions - and preparing succinct responses - allows your company to face the public confidently and to manage your message. Another suggestion: Use the buddy system to prepare. Two or more heads are always better than one.

Audio conferencing, a communications management tool

2011-08-11T11:52:00.000+09:00

When you're working on an important project, nothing beats face-to-face meetings to keep the project moving and on schedule...if you're living in the perfect world. For most of us in the workforce, the world is not perfect and life comes at you fast.

Projects require meetings to communicate, especially if there are a number of team members involved. If you're working on a long project, your organization may need a series of meetings to communicate planning updates, expectations of team members, and troubleshoot possible issues.

Audio conferencing allows several parties to connect using devices, such as phones or computers. This technology offers a solution to parties who are separated by distance and don't have the luxury of travel time.

Audio conferencing is great, and even necessary, if you have a multitude of team members working at various locations. These events may also be referred to as a conference calls. High-quality technical support is important so that you can concentrate on the meeting. If you're in the market for a service provider, look for one that:

offers toll-free access
provides access to the conference bridge 24/7
offers round-the-clock tech support
accommodates a large number of participants

Various technologies exist to support conference calls and audio conferencing. At the very least, telephone companies offer three-way calling, which allows you and two other people to chat at the same time. For larger groups involving dozens of people, seek a company that has sophisticated, yet user-friendly service.

Your event may require the Internet. Make sure the company has a proven track record for providing good meeting experiences.

Funeral homes offer webcasting

2011-08-11T10:48:00.000+09:00

High tech has come to the multi-billion-dollar funeral home industry. Crematories are being equipped with touch screen controls. Quick response bar codes are being chiseled onto headstones for visitors to decipher using their smartphones.

In addition, funerals are being streamed online for friends and family members anywhere in the world. For friends and relatives who cannot attend services in person, the option allows loved ones to tune in to services on the Internet.

U.S. mortuaries aren't the only ones using this technology. Beliefnet.com reports that a funeral home in Wales is offering online services for $123 per viewer.

Source: New York Times

Tackling stock market turbulance

2011-08-11T07:38:00.000+09:00

On Tuesday the Federal Reserve announced it would keep interest rates low over the next two years in an effort to rejuvenate the stock market. Today Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke dropped by the White House for his third meeting this year with the president.

For the past several days, investors have suffered a roller coaster ride and a stock market slump. When Standard and Poors downgraded the U.S. credit rating, it just added to fretful times. When the The Dow Jones Industrial average dropped 600 points in one day, it was enough scare anyone. Factor in new concerns about Europe's debt crisis. Suddenly, it's as if the stock trading world went from bliss to distress at the flip of a switch.

When it comes to online trading, focused investors find ways to stay in the game, even during turbulent times. Now might be a good time to consider Firstrade, a leading discount online broker. Firstrade makes it possible for investors, beginners and veterans, to survive and enjoy the trading process. This online broker arms investors with first-class technology and a full line of investment products and tools. Attached 24/7 to your smartphone? Trade on the go with mobile trading solutions.

Firstrade allows customers to research companies and stock reports before these customers make investing decisions. Plan your individual retirement accounts (IRA accounts) with IRA retirement, education and investment calculators. Those interested in diversifying their portfolios with mutual funds can choose from more than 11,000 funds. In addition, an online community exists for shareholders who enjoy social networking.

Interested in taking control of your financial future? Add Firstrade to your team.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

A few thoughts on geography

2011-08-10T19:51:00.001+09:00

"Children can take lessons in that school via the Internet and can score extra points like in geography or history. That sounds very promising and is a fantastic basis for future steps."
-- Anatoly Karpov

"Coming out involves varying degrees of difficulty that are affected by class, race, religion, and geography."
-- Lance Loud

"Everything has to do with geography."
-- Judy Martz

"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies. Those whom God has so joined together, let no man put asunder."
-- John F. Kennedy

European tours

2011-08-06T13:19:00.000+09:00

I've reached a stage in my life when I want to travel more. For years I've dreamed of going on a few Europe tours. Countries that intrigue me include Spain and Portugal. Exploring the Iberian Peninsula might include checking out the world famous Prado Museum in Madrid, and touring the Moorish Alfama Quarter in Lisbon.

For the romantic in me, I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to visit France. I also see Italy tours in my future. In Italy I'd rather tour the roads less traveled. One relaxing and colorful possibility: checking out the country roads of Tuscany and Umbria. I've love to slow down and discover some of Italy's smaller towns. Perhaps I'd even get a chance to explore a restored palace. Sampling Tuscan cuisine would definitely be on my must-do list.

Our own country has some beautiful destinations. My friend Jim, who travels extensively, has nothing but praise for Alaska tours. I've seen the photos he has taken. The landscape is simply breathtaking. From what I hear, my itinerary should include riding the Denali Express train so that I can experience the spectacular scenery where wildlife thrives.

As long as I'm checking out the western United States, I might as well enjoy the tropical climate promised by our youngest state, Hawaii. Everyone I know who has traveled there tells me that I must make this trip. I hear that each island offers unique experiences. A trip to paradise works for me.

-------------------------------

Cultural exploration

2011-08-06T02:50:00.000+09:00

Shorten the word "anthropology." Take it traveling, and put it on the Internet. Spice it up with cultural immersion and exploration. The formula puts a new spin on travel journalism. Explore Pology Magazine.

Tags: Travel Writing, Culture, Magazines, Journalism, Media by Sistrunk

Discover the Net10 difference

2011-08-04T06:01:00.001+09:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

For many of us, cell phones have become an integral part of our lives. Mobile phones keep us in contact with our family. Thanks to the technology, we can contact our spouses at the supermarket if we left something off the grocery list. Kids can call their parents when they arrive safely at their destination. Even people who have been holdouts -- those who have voiced their opposition to cell phones -- are rethinking the value of mobile technology.

Recently, I had lunch with a longtime friend -- an attorney in private practice -- who has been saying for years that cell phones have no place in her life. Imagine my surprise when I saw a cell phone sitting next to her at the restaurant.

If you're thinking about changing cell phone carriers because of high bills, surprises on your statement or poor customer service, you'll find an alternative with the Net10 Unlimited Plan. It just might help you see the Light.

In the work that I do, clients want a way to get in touch with me at a moment's notice. There are times when I need to contact them at the drop of a hat, also.

On a personal level, my kids have moments when they need instant access to mom. I live on a budget, and I'm not one of those people who wants to spend close to $100 a month for cell phone usage. For people like me, the Net 10 Unlimited plan is worth considering. This plan offers national coverage, no contract, unlimited minutes, text and data usage for $50.00 per month. My children pay from $20 to $30 a month more unlimited plans with another carrier.

Here's how it works:

1. Buy and activate your Net10 phone. (Phones, by the way, come from major manufacturers you've become accustomed to.)

2. Test your Net10 phone.

3. Add airtime (when needed) before the service end date displayed on your phone.

4. Learn how easy it is to add air time.

By the way, minutes carry over to the next month.

If you are considering a switch to another company, take the time to hear from a real NET10 customer. Log on to Net10.com to see the company's various offerings. It's likely you'll find a plan tailor-made for you.

FCC focuses on "cramming" crackdown

2011-08-03T18:58:00.000+09:00

Opening the cell phone bill can be an ugly and dark experience. Over the years, these invoices have gained notoriety for being complex and cryptic. Many cell phone users have reluctantly paid invoices that contained services and fees without understanding all the charges. That could change soon. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing new rules to crack down on a loathsome scam known as "cramming."

Cramming refers those long, hard-to-understand bills that wireless and phone companies send. According to an editorial this week in the Chicago Sun-Times:

As many as 20 million people are “crammed” each year by third-party companies, some of which do nothing but cram, but only about one in 20 customers realizes it, according to the FCC. The bogus charges can be for anything from psychic hotlines to diet programs, often misleadingly labeled as a “service fee.”

The Senate Commerce Committee estimates Americans pay about $2 billion in mystery fees every year. Phone companies have little incentive to stop the charges because they get a cut of the revenues.

The FCC wants to increase phone bill transparency and disclosure, which will apply to mobile as well as landline phone bills.

Read PCMag.com for more.

The world of headsets

2011-08-03T13:26:00.000+09:00

When I began my academic and professional career simultaneously, I had no idea how much technology would impact my life. Without technology, radio and television news would not exist. In radio, headsets were just as important as my voice.

Today we use such equipment for business and leisure. Plantronics headsets offer a myriad of products to address communications solutions: computer headsets, office and call center headsets, mobile devices, residential headsets, and even equipment for aviation use.

When it comes to technology savvy, my kids go to the top of the class. They're young adults now. Both have toiled in call centers while connected to headsets, a computer and a desk. Both of my children also relax playing computer games. They're old pros when it comes to using headsets to augment their gaming experience. I'm not a true gamer, but I do enjoy the freedom wireless headsets give me at home, where I'm often multitasking.

When I ran a communications department for a major nonprofit, I required all staff to use headsets. For each of us, the standard work day included heavy telephone work and lots of writing. When all staff members began using headsets, we saw significant increase in productivity.

Many of us today rely on Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth represents another opportunity for an invaluable hands-free experience.

If you use any type of headset on a daily basis, you're going to need accessories. Plantronics accessories fit the bill. Check out HeadsetHome.com for details.

Sounding the alarm on cell phones

2011-06-02T10:59:00.000+09:00

We've heard the warning before, but now it's an official alert. Cell phone use may cause cancer. That's the world from the World Health Organization.

According to a group of 31 scientists from 14 countries, there is not enough long-term data to link cancer and cell phone use directly. However, officials believe there is enough information to issue an alert.

With this latest announcement, WHO now groups cell phones in the same hazard category as chloroform, lead, and engine exhaust.

The report comes as a proposed class action lawsuit against 19 defendants, mostly cellphone manufacturers and telecommunications companies, has landed at the Supreme Court. The defendants -- which include Nokia, AT&T and Samsung -- are accused of misrepresenting that their cellphones are safe, when they in fact knew of potential dangers.

Source: Reuters

Update: Still wondering about the basis of the alert? Listen to this NPR interview.

A 'thang' for Scrabble

2011-05-10T15:59:00.000+09:00

I can almost hear the collective sigh of language purists. Words like "thang," "grrl," and "innit" (short for isn't it) are among the the new additions to the Scrabble dictionary. So are "blingy" (used to describe flashy jewelry) and "Facebook." The brains behind the board game have added some 3,000 new words to the Collins Official Scrabble Words book, long considered the last word for word game fanatics, this writer included.

Some non-English words are also in the mix. I can now add "qin" to my vocabulary. For those of us who break out in a sweat when we find ourselves with a "Q" without the "U," "qin" is a bonus. A qin, by the way, is a Chinese musical instrument.

Some tricky words also made the list, among them "inbox," "heatwave," and "airgun." For those of you who have been dying to use terms related to Indian cookery, you may now score points with "keema", "alu" or "aloo," and "gobi."

(Via Globe and Mail)

AC, the key to summer survival

2011-04-27T01:43:00.000+09:00

In my travels to and from California, I've had many stopovers in Phoenix. I've never truly experienced the city, however, because my layovers are usually pretty short. But I'll never forget the time I did stay overnight in Phoenix.

My flight arrived several hours late -- about 11 p.m. on an August night. When I stepped outside to search for the shuttle, I was greeted with an incredible blast of heat. It was if I were in a furnace!

As if on cue, my husband, who was traveling with me, started talking about Phoenix air conditioning installation. Before we got married, he lived in Phoenix and Scottsdale and experienced the Arizona heat firsthand. He told me that people who live in the area typically run their air conditioners 365 days a year. I can understand why!

I have only had a brief encounter with that kind of blistering heat, but it was enough for me. I feel sorry for the hardworking people who toil all day and return home in the evening, expecting to relax and cool off. Instead, they come home to searing heat because the air conditioner went kaput. Suddenly, they find themselves in need of Phoenix AC repair. In my book, that situation rates right up there with other emergencies.

Surviving heat in the Arizona desert. That could be the makings of a reality TV show!

My guess is that when it comes to air conditioning repair Phoenix Arizona, good repair crews will make an effort to shorten waiting times. If you live in Phoenix (or anywhere where brutal heat is the norm), it pays to get your AC serviced before summer arrives.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Katie Couric to leave CBS Evening News

2011-04-27T01:40:00.000+09:00

Katie Couric has made it official. In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, Couric tells readers that she's decided to step down as anchor of the CBS Evening News. Couric said:

I'm really proud of the talented team on the CBS Evening News and the award-winning work we've been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I've done for 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. In making the decision to move on, I know the Evening News will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future.

Couric took the helm of the CBS Evening News in September of 2006. What's next for the 30-year news veteran? Click here to read more.

Writing is work

2011-04-27T01:20:00.000+09:00

People on the outside think there's something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn't like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that's all there is to it.
-- Harlan Ellison

Wrap your future around gold

2011-04-26T12:36:00.000+09:00

The economy is in a recovery mode, but it's still an uphill climb. The Federal Reserve Bank is charged with doing a balancing act -- controlling inflation and maximizing employment.

When the world is in economic turmoil, many investors turn their attention to precious metals, especially gold. Throughout the ages, gold has been a way to measure value in virtually all cultures.

You don’t have to work on Wall Street to invest in gold bullion. Take advantage of a free online resource that's available at Goldcoinsgain.com. Gold Coins Gain can quickly bring you up to speed if you want to buy bullion.

When it comes to precious metals, the market never closes. Adding gold to your portfolio can give you a lot of flexibility. Should you decide to buy bullion, you’re bound to get a good return on your investment.

These days, the faltering economy has almost everyone wondering if they’re adequately prepared for retirement. You’re never too young to start planning ahead. When securing your individual retirement account, a gold IRA is the way to ensure a good return on your investment. Buy gold bullion to include in a portfolio of stocks, bonds and cash. It can definitely offer strength and stability to that portfolio during market fluctuations.

Planning ahead – and securing your future with gold – is good business.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Everything's big in California

2011-04-21T14:31:00.000+09:00

California is in the news big-time and not in a good way. Major League Baseball announced that it's seizing control of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is challenging the commissioner's action.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that California agencies have handed out millions of dollars in interest-free salary and travel advances to their employees without collecting repayment. Gov. Jerry Brown and the state controller ordered a stop to the practice. They're hoping to collect on loans that remain unpaid.

Create a new logo

2011-04-20T16:28:00.000+09:00

Take a break from your deadline-driven day. Create a quick new logo for your Twitter account (or other social media) by visiting here.

Via Fine Art of Blogging

Party!

2011-04-05T09:10:00.000+09:00

SAJ Shirazi
is one of the most talented online writers
in the blogosphere.
He publishes several sites, including Light Within.

April 5 is Shi's birthday.

It's time to get the party started!
Visit Light Within

and celebrate with
The King

Is Twitter living up to the hype?

2011-03-23T04:18:00.000+09:00

An estimated 20% of Internet users now say they use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves, or to see updates about others. However, recent study suggests that the Twitter audience may not be as large as you think. Read more at my new blog, On Deadline.

The beauty of San Diego

2011-03-13T14:57:00.000+09:00

One of my favorite places to visit in Southern California is San Diego. My husband feels the same way. We're both impressed by the friendly people, beautiful neighborhoods, and the variety of cultural institutions near Balboa Park. If I want to check out the latest news on public radio, I simply tune in to 89.5 Fm, KPBS. For these and other reasons, it's likely that we'll relocate to San Diego. We've spent a lot of time in the desert. Let's give the ocean front some time!

I just heard about how changes to the city’s zoning laws that will make it easier for community gardens to flourish throughout the city. That's good news for hubby, who lives and breathes gardening. There's a lot of beauty in the city and in the suburbs.

For us, kicking back to enjoy the Pacific Ocean is thrill. The San Diego shore is exquisite. It can be busy and peaceful at the same time. Excursion boats offer fun activities for visitors and residents. I enjoy watching sailboats and yachts. On a future trip, I plan to tour the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier museum. I'd love to take my dad because he is so into aircraft carriers.

Until we make our move, I think we'll be visiting the San Diego metro area on a regular basis. I can't quite put it into words, but the city has just enough magic to intrigue me.

Critics and writers

2011-03-12T16:59:00.000+09:00

Confronted by an absolutely infuriating review, it is sometimes helpful for the victim to do a little personal research on the critic. Is there any truth to the rumor that he had no formal education beyond the age of eleven? In any event, is he able to construct a simple English sentence? Do his participles dangle? When moved to lyricism does he write "I had a fun time"? Was he ever arrested for burglary? I don't know that you will prove anything this way, but it is perfectly harmless and quite soothing.
- Jean Kerr

My desk is my best friend

2011-02-17T02:00:00.000+09:00

I have enjoyed dual careers in communications and education. As someone with some 20 years of experience under my belt, I've worked in a variety of work environments. I'm also used to working well over 40 hours a week. Since I spend so much time at work, and I'm pretty much inseparable from my computer and phone, I can be a bit picky when it comes to office desks.

Last year, while searching for a desk for my home office, I discovered CSN Stores. It was a great find. CSN has over 200 online stores where you can find just about anything, from office furniture to fitness equipment and cookware. Of course, I'm checking out the latter, too.

In the days ahead, I'll tell you about my latest find. Stay tuned!

2011-02-12T09:52:00.000+09:00

(Click on image to zoom in)

Credit: Rob Cottingham

AOL to buy Huffington Post

2011-02-07T15:13:00.000+09:00

AOL announced that it is acquiring The Huffington Post for a little over $300 million. According to AOL, the boards of directors of each company and shareholders of the Huffington Post have approved the transaction. However, it will take government approval to seal the deal.

The New York Times reported:

Arianna Huffington, the cable talk show pundit, author and doyenne of the political left, will take control of all of AOL’s editorial content as president and editor in chief of a newly created Huffington Post Media Group. The arrangement will give her oversight not only of AOL’s national, local and financial news operations, but also of the company’s other media enterprises like MapQuest and Moviefone.

Huffington also announced the merger on her site. The Huffington Post began as a liberal blog with a small staff in 2005 but now draws some 25 million visitors every month.

Blogging mistakes you don't want to make

2011-02-02T09:44:00.001+09:00

Whether you're blogging for fun or business, you want to make a good impression. That means you have to make a strong effort to attract and maintain your readers. After all, your blog is an extension of you. First impressions are important.

Many bloggers ignore the importance of being user-friendly. If your writing style and web design are too complex, you'll make it hard for new readers to understand and trust your site.

For those writers who publish professional blogs, one piece of advice cannot be stressed enough. Make sure your content is Internet-friendly! Traditional print media and marketing techniques often don't work on the Web. Too many sites have interesting content, but you may miss it because the posts are too long and awkwardly written. They read like research papers or investigative reports.

Many business blogs are jargon-heavy, another no-no. You'll never go wrong if you keep it simple.

Engage your audience. It will keep your readers coming back.

Politics permeates the streets of Cairo

2011-02-02T08:12:00.000+09:00

Tuesday was billed as a game-changer, the day of a "Million March" that would swell the crowd in Tahrir Square, along with its spirits, as protesters promised a decisive action that would deliver the message to Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, that no concession aside from his abdication would satisfy Egypt’s widespread unrest.

Final estimates of the size varied widely, but it was probably the largest demonstration modern Cairo has ever seen, and the message from Tahrir echoed clearly from the chants of the enormous crowd: "He's going, we're not going."

Throughout the morning, the Egyptian army fulfilled its promise to protect the civilian populace, providing an outer cordon of security and ushering demonstrators through barbed wire and concrete barriers with little or no resistance.

But it was often ordinary citizens - the protesters themselves - who performed the most stringent security checks, patting down young men, checking ID cards, and ushering away those who seemed to be a threat.

Focus

2011-01-08T05:20:00.000+09:00

It is not your environment;
It is not your history;
It is not your education or ability;
It is the quality of your mind
that predicts your future.
~ Benjamin E. Mays~

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T11:11:00.000+09:00

Remembering the Christmas miracle and the treasure of friendship

During this joyous season, I remember the prophesy of peace - and the reason for the season of Christmas. It is also a time to be thankful for friends.

A FRIENDSHIP PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for a special gift,

one that cannot be bought

for any amount of money.

Thank you for a gift wrapped in beauty,

that is wonderful in all seasons and times.

Thank you for a gift that is always near

in times of need

and brings great joy.

Thank you for the gift that sparkles

with freshness every day.

Thank you for my friend.

May I never take this gift for granted.

Amen.

(by John C. Maxwell)

M E R R Y

C H R I S T M A S !

Tags: Christmas, Holiday Greetings, Friendship, Media by Sistrunk

Christmas gift suggestions

2010-12-25T11:09:00.000+09:00

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.

-- Oren Arnold

The magic of diamonds

2010-12-21T14:30:00.000+09:00

My husband and I are about to celebrate our second Christmas together. We're looking forward to reliving some beautiful memories. One of those memories was going to the jewelry store to look at engagement rings.

I had been single for most of my adult life. I've seen women who were so giddy and excited about their rings. I even told my guy that he didn't have to get me a ring to mark our engagement. I told him that we could simply look at wedding bands. My guy, however, has other ideas.

He proclaimed that "you're really not engaged until you have a ring." With that, he marched me to a jewelry store where we looked at bridal sets that included diamond wedding bands. I was like a kid in a candy store!

It took me a while to pick my rings. At first, I was nervous. All of the sets looked so beautiful. Being the practical person that I am, and not wanting to spend of all my guy's money, I asked my new fiance about his budget. Then I checked out the pricing. It took me a while to make a final decision. I chose the perfect set.

The ring had to be sized. My fiance and I lived in different cities, and he insisted on flying out to me to bring me the ring. When he placed the engagement ring on my finger, it was a moment I'll never forget. I never truly understood the saying "diamonds are a girl's best friend" until I had my own.

Political humor

2010-10-28T02:14:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "This Sunday, Halloween, the scariest day of the year, unless you're a Democrat. Then, that would be next Tuesday."

George Lopez: "President Obama is actually starting to lose the support of black voters. It is getting so bad, they said by the time the election rolls around, he might not even vote for himself."

George Lopez: "It's unbelievable. Even Michelle Obama's mom...pulled her aside in the White House and said, 'Girl, you can do better than that.'"

(By the way, President Obama is appearing tonight on 'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart'.)

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Getting creative

2010-10-27T08:26:00.000+09:00

When you are completely absorbed or caught up in something, you become oblivious to things around you, or to the passage of time. It is this absorption in what you are doing that frees your unconscious and releases your creative imagination. -- Rollo May

How to get through a challenging interview

2010-10-21T02:03:00.000+09:00

Develop key talking points in your head and stick to them. No matter what the question is, always return to your key points.
It's important to have the right spokesperson. Sometimes it's the CEO. Sometimes it's someone else who has greater knowledge about the specific situation. Whenever possible, determine who the spokesperson will be before the media shows up.
Be emotionally appropriate. If someone has died or been seriously injured, look concerned. Avoid nervous laughter. Never appear angry at a reporter or anyone else.
Never lie.
Don't guess. Stick to the facts. If appropriate, make a commitment to get back to the reporter with answers to the questions that you can't answer right away.
Never say "No comment."

The last word?

2010-08-24T09:59:00.000+09:00

My favorite four-year old has been befriending little girls at his preschool, and his mother is annoyed. She's on record for saying, "Those floozies had better stay away from my son." The little charmer thinks he's just being sociable.

Recently, Mother told one of her friends about the "problem." The little charmer overhears. He tells Mom that he can have girlfriends because his uncles have girlfriends.

Mom says, "Your uncles are older. They can have girlfriends, but you can't."

The little one refused to be put off. His response: "Mine would be little ones, DUH!"

Remembering Harold Dow

2010-08-23T13:01:00.001+09:00

CBS's acclaimed "48 Hours Mystery" correspondent Harold Dow has passed away at age 62. He died suddenly Saturday morning.

Dow had been a correspondent for "48 Hours" for 20 years. He was also a contributor to the critically acclaimed 1986 documentary "48 Hours on Crack Street."

Dow had earned many awards over the years for his reporting, including five Emmys and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. He was a steady presence on the air, reporting on our country's milestones. CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports on the life of the journalism pioneer.

Mastering the PR game

2010-08-12T02:14:00.000+09:00

Effective media relations - whether it is for promoting publications, services or other products - requires a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary approach. A well-crafted approach incorporates strategic media planning, marketing, community relations and public engagement. When it comes to publications, expert writing and editing, attention to detail, and understanding of deadlines are critical.

Understanding that the media is an audience underlies successful promotional efforts. Webster defines audience as “a group of listeners or spectators: a reading, viewing, or listening public with a vested interest.” For this reason, it is important for you to succinctly convince editors and reporters that they have a vested interest in your product – to inform readers, listeners and viewers why your publication or service is important.

It’s your job to identify what sets your product apart from others. Be media savvy. Develop and nurture relationships with the media, as you would with any other audience. If you work those relationships just right – the payoff is HUGE!

When pitching your product or service to news organizations, one size does not fit all. Take time to understand the media culture. Tailor your media pieces to conform to the formats of radio, TV, print and the Internet. Stay ahead of the pack.

Political humor

2010-08-12T02:00:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "Yesterday, the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints visited the White House. .. Well, there's a switch, huh? People from New Orleans visiting a disaster area in Washington."

Jay Leno: "Reggie Bush and the entire team were there. It was like the old days. You had a mess in New Orleans, the economy in a recession, and a Bush in the White House."

Jimmy Fallon: "The 'Wall Street Journal' says there's a movement growing to replace Joe Biden with Hillary Clinton on the Democratic ticket in 2012. ... In response, Hillary said, 'Come on, that is just silly. Make it so.'"

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Writing tip

2010-08-12T01:26:00.000+09:00

Letting too many people comment on the style and substance of a document you have written is a surefire way to slow down progress. It also hampers communication.

The reason is simple. People who review the document feel compelled to change a word, add a phrase or leave some other imprint, even if the copy is well written. Unfortunately, some people equate wordiness with effective writing. Some even insist on imposing out-of-date grammar and writing styles. And let's be honest. Some people simply cannot write.

If you've ever faced this problem, there is a solution: Restrict comments on style to only one or two colleagues who are skilled enough to make such comments. From the others, insist that they read only for substance and accuracy. Always make the case for simple and concise writing, and stick to your guns.

Political humor

2010-07-28T00:53:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "Vice President Joe Biden has declared that the heavy lifting is over for the year. And it's time to begin campaigning and talking about all the White House accomplishments. ... The heavy lifting might be over, but it sounds like the heavy shoveling, just beginning, ladies and gentlemen."

Jay Leno: "A website called WikiLeaks has posted 90,000 classified military documents about the war in Afghanistan. It's a huge deal. And the Pentagon is outraged. The White House is furious. And of course, British Petroleum, relieved. 'Finally, a leak that has nothing to do with us.'"

Jay Leno: "President Obama and his family have planned a vacation to the Gulf Coast of Florida on August 14th. ... I guess after looking at those poll numbers, he wants to look at retirement villages."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Creating brand recognition and goodwill

2010-07-20T13:50:00.000+09:00

Any organization trying to raise and maintain visibility will use promotional products as part of its overall marketing campaign. This is true for start-ups as well as well-established companies.

My career has taken me to public broadcasting, commercial radio and television, universities, school districts, and a variety of nonprofit organizations. My employers never missed an opportunity to order personalized pens, shirts, bags, note pads, and other items as a way of creating brand recognition and good will.

Several years ago, I was on the management team of a new start-up, a nonprofit organization focused on education initiatives. There were many nonprofits in the city, but no one was providing specialized educational services to low-income parents. We took advantage of a unique opportunity to boast our existence and the services we offered.

Because we also offered training for parents, we needed incentive gifts to get parents in the door and keep them engaged. Custom coffee mugs were a favorite, as were writing instruments, shirts, magnets, and bags. Back-to-school events offered us an opportunity to give away backpacks. You can bet those were a bit hit.

A part of me is still a pencil and pen person, so when I see a pen or notepad that looks sharp, I try to grab it. I love collecting coffee mugs.

Before you place your order, make sure your logo will stand out and that you select colors that are eye-catching. You won’t regret it.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Political humor

2010-06-25T08:07:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "The bad news for McChrystal is he got fired for insulting the President. But the good news is, Fox said, 'We'll hire him.'"

Jon Stewart: McChrystal was removed "all because of one, month-long error in judgment, where he seemingly moved in with a dirty 'Rolling Stone' hippie."

Jay Leno: "Hey, [last week] was the 38th anniversary of the Watergate break-in," when "Republicans broke into Democratic headquarters, looking for their long-term plans and strategies. It...marked the last time anyone thought the Democrats had a plan worth stealing."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Kidzmet: Connecting enrichment teachers and students

2010-05-29T05:26:00.000+09:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of KidzmetJen. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's that time of year again -- when parents scurry to find summer enrichment programs for their children. I know. I've been there many times.

Kidzmet, a new website serving the California counties of St. Barbara and San Luis Obispo, offers parents a centralized location to browse through the various opportunities available for kids. Some moms favor academic enrichment, while dads might search for more sports-minded ventures. At Kidzmet.com, you'll find it all in one centralized location.

I tried out the search function to see how well it worked. We have a four-year old in our family (SK), so I entered his age, a zip code, and the type of opportunities I was seeking.

Educators and parents know about the brain drain that happens over the summer. Enrichment activities keep children engaged intellectually. Research suggests that these children perform better throughout the school year.

Physical activity is equally as important. SK is a very active toddler with a great imagination. He's our own "Calvin" (Calvin & Hobbes)! I think he'd love "Kids Dig Dirt," a program offered by the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. Another great possibility: "Discovery Camp (Extended Day) - Down on the Farm" at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Little SK could also benefit from gymnastic classes. Several are listed. This activity keeps him from jumping off the furniture at home. Nothing wears out a mom more than a wired four-year old!

If your child is in middle school or high school, don't fret. Kidzmet lists opportunities for them, too.

For moms and dads seeking to enroll more than one child in activities, the website makes it easy. Once parents take advantage of free registration at Kidzmet.com, they can create accounts for each of their children to keep track of the classes in which the kids are enrolled. Nice feature!

There's more. If you're a harried parent (and who isn't), wondering what's best for little Suzie or Tommy, Kidzmet offers an entire section on advice and ideas.

The folks who created Kidzmet tell me that it "was born to connect enrichment teachers with the students they were meant to teach by streamlining kids' activities planning in one central, easy-to-use portal." Connecting teachers and students -- that's a great public service.

We're on the move with a new logo

2010-05-27T22:43:00.000+09:00

Media by Sistrunk uses proven strategies to the raise visibility of your firm and spotlight key services, all on a budget. Find out how: http://ow.ly/1Oz6y

Resisting the seduction of clichés

2010-05-27T02:32:00.000+09:00

(This post first appeared here in August of 2005.)

Public relations writers fall for them. Reporters are lured by them. Communications veterans across the spectrum succumb to the sweet talk of the ever-present, easily accessible cliché. No writing style is immune to these overused phrases, even fiction. The media biz coined a term for these expressions - "groaners". If you're looking for a surefire way to annoy your audience, take the easy way out and slip a series of groaners into your copy.

Newswriting.com describes a groaner as "a hackneyed, overblown, stuffy or just plain silly cliché that turns up time after time in news scripts. Groaners show laziness on the part of writers, disrespect for the folks watching, and a general contempt for lively English." I agree. When it comes to many of these euphemisms, I believe in taking quick corrective action. Arrest these overused phrases. Blindfold them, give them a cigarette and place them before a firing squad.

When it comes to groaners, seasoned journalist Abe Rosenberg does a great job of identifying some of the worst offenders, often heard in TV news broadcasts. Here is a sampling of groaners from Newswriting.com:

Area residents - “Shhh, Tommy, don’t play the drums so loud. You’ll wake the area residents!” Normal people don’t refer to their neighbors this way. Why should we?

Famed - “Mommy, mommy, I just saw somebody famed over there!” When did “famous” become a dirty word?

Lay the Groundwork - Doesn’t anybody “prepare” anymore? Too many writers cling to these phrases (“Set The Stage” is another example) when talking about politics, foreign policy, war and peace, etc., as if big phrases made a story important. Important facts make a story important. References to theater and construction belong in stories about theater and construction.
Motorists - Where have all the drivers gone? Don’t fall into the DMV Handbook trap.

Somewhere, some wordsmith is hoping that I'll ease up on folks who like to incorporate clichés into their copy. I'm not completely heartless. As a journalist and PR practitioner, I have fallen into the same trap.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. If you want your copy to "sing," write as if you're holding a conversation with someone. Put your best foot forward. Work like a dog. Leave a lasting impression. In the end, your copy will be the best thing since sliced bread. Just do it.

R.I.P., Lena Horne

2010-05-10T22:40:00.000+09:00

FCC allows movie studios to prevent illegal copying of movies

2010-05-08T07:02:00.000+09:00

The Federal Communications Commission ruled on Friday to allow video-on-demand services to activate signals that would block the copying or other re-use in home entertainment systems of recent releases. According to the Los Angeles Times, the ruling is seen as a victory for the Motion Picture Association. of America, the chief lobbying group for the major studios.

The decision clears the way for people to watch movies in their home shortly after -- or even during -- their release in theaters. The ruling also will permit the use of a so-called selectable output control technology for watching first-run movies in the home. Currently, movies are only available for people to watch in the home on pay-per-view channels, usually about six months after they first appear in theaters and three months after they are released on DVD.

Political humor

2010-05-06T04:15:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "Hey, great news. They made an arrest in that failed Times Square bombing attempt. ... It turns out the suspect is a foreign-born, naturalized American citizen. You know what that means? He would have been fine in Arizona."

Jay Leno: "His name is Faisal Shahzad. ... What, is Snoop Dogg naming terrorists now? ... They're still looking for his brother, Fo Shizzle. They don't know where he is."

Jay Leno: "Well, here's something kind of embarrassing. The government has called off the Safety Awards for Excellence ceremony that was supposed to take place this week, in honor of outstanding safety and pollution prevention. And British Petroleum, the one that was responsible for the big oil spill in the Gulf, was one of the three finalists for the award. ... I believe the other two were China and the volcano in Iceland."

David Letterman: "Yeah, they plucked a guy off a plane. His name is Faisel Shahzad. They say he was a moody loner. Last year, he vacationed in the tribal regions of Pakistan. Well, no red flags there."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Obama calls for immigration fix, puts Arizona on notice

2010-04-24T01:37:00.000+09:00

President Obama, calling the new Arizona immigration bill "misguided," has asked the Justice Department to examine the legislation to see if it's legal. According to a report by The Associated Press, Obama said the federal government must enact immigration reform at the national level - or leave the door open to "irresponsibility by others."

The Arizona bill would require that police ask questions about a person's immigration status if they suspected the person might be in the United States illegally. Other provisions of the bill allow lawsuits against government agencies that hinder enforcement of immigration laws, and make it illegal to hire illegal immigrants for day labor or knowingly transport them.

The president suggested that the legislation was the result of a lack of action on immigration reform on a federal level.

"Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others," he said, pointing to the Arizona bill.

Obama added:

Over the years, many have attempted to confront this challenge, but passions are great and disagreements run deep. Yet surely we can all agree that when 11 million people in our country are living here illegally, outside the system, that's unacceptable. The American people demand and deserve a solution. And they deserve common-sense, comprehensive immigration reform grounded in the principles of responsibility and accountability.

Arizona has an estimated 460,000 undocumented immigrants and is the state with the most illegal border crossings. Gov. Jan Brewer has until Saturday to act on the measure. Brewer, a Republican, faces a tough re-election battle and growing anger in the state over illegal immigrants.

Republican Sen. Russell Pearce of Mesa, the sponsor of the bill, said it would aid police in cracking down on illegals and would help drive undocumented immigrants from the state.

Civil rights activists have said the bill would lead to racial profiling and deter Hispanics from reporting crimes.

Source: The Associated Press

UPDATE: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed the controversial immigration enforcement bill.

Related: Immigration rights groups 'horrified' by new Arizona law

Web solutions that give you a competitive edge

2010-04-22T13:56:00.000+09:00

More and more businesses are electing to outsource their IT needs, so it’s no surprise that web hosting firms are experiencing a rising demand for their services. For small- to medium-sized businesses, keeping up with the demands of IT infrastructure can be a challenge.

The economic crunch is forcing these firms to get creative and be more open- minded as they position and expand their organizations. Smart executives understand that e-commerce remains a strong force. However, it’s important to understand that not all web-hosting sites are alike.

Web hosting reviews, such as those available at WebHostingFan.com, can help take the mystery out of selecting the hosting firm that fits your needs. The site offers reviews, ratings, and an informative blog to keep you up to with the latest in trends, web development, and e-commerce.

The site provides tips for IT professionals and novices. Don’t miss the list of top 10 web hosting companies or the many informative reviews. Find out how companies like yours rate providers on affordability, reliability, uptime, and technical support.

Arm yourself with useful data. Web Hosting Fan's blog is updated regularly. Learn best practices when it comes to content management systems (CMS), web security, and choosing domain names. A couple of blog posts that I found particularly information offer “A Checklist for Website Security” and tips “Determining Which Host Will Work For Your Business.” Learn how to use social media to augment your website.

Web hosting is a crowded field, but you don’t have to agonize over your decision. Use free online resources to help you make an informed choice.

A first impression is a lasting one. If you want a strong web presence that positively impacts your bottom line, pick a results-driven web host that can take your company and website to the next level.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Invictus

2010-04-18T12:04:00.000+09:00

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

-- William Ernest Henley, English poet (1849–1903)

Note: Invictus is Latin for "unconquered." It is the title of the poem that inspired Nelson Mandela during the 27 years he spent in prison for fighting against apartheid.

Immigration rights groups 'horrified' by new Arizona law

2010-04-14T07:00:00.000+09:00

It's arguably the toughest measure in the country against undocumented immigrants. A new bill passed by the Arizona House makes it a crime to be an illegal immigrant in that state. It also permits local police to determine whether people are in the country legally.

According to a Los Angeles Times report: "Immigrant rights groups were horrified, and contended that Arizona had just been transformed into a police state."

The measure would create the new crime of willful failure to complete or carry an alien registration document. It would allow officers to arrest immigrants who are unable to show documents proving they're legally in the country. Read more

Party!

2010-04-05T08:07:00.000+09:00

SAJ Shirazi is the brainchild behind Light Within.

April 5 is Shi's birthday.
Let's get the party started!

Visit Light Within

and celebrate with
The King

New security checks on flights to the U.S.

2010-04-02T13:39:00.000+09:00

The Obama administration has signed off on a revamped security system that will screen U.S.-bound air passengers. The Los Angeles Times reports that "fliers from abroad will be evaluated based on personal traits rather than nationality."

The change will be announced Friday by the Department of Homeland Security. Under the new system, officials say, passengers on flights from all countries could be subject to special screening before boarding if they have personal characteristics that match the intelligence information about potential attackers.

The new protocols will replace extra scrutiny measures that had been imposed recently on all passengers from 14 countries, most of which are Muslim. President Obama ordered increased security after the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit. The revamped system will be put in place this month and will apply only to travelers flying into the United States.

Get creative with Web Hosting Geeks

2010-04-02T10:15:00.000+09:00

The recession may still be with us, but many entrepreneurs see the moment as an opportunity to expand their businesses or start brand-new ones. Smart executives also know that when it comes to Web presence, it pays to get more creative.

A well-executed web site can be a valuable marketing tool. Web development involves several key elements. One of the most important is web site hosting.

If you're looking for a new web hosting service, check out WebHostingGeeks.com. You'll find independent reviews of the best web hosting sites. These sites are rated based on several criteria, including affordability, reliability, state-of-the-art servers, and tech support. If you’re working on a tight budget – and most of us are – Web Hosting Geeks can identify providers that charge modest fees while giving you first-class service.

Options available include shared hosting, multiple domain hosting, and dedicated server hosting. With shared web hosting, a number of websites are on one server. Typically, the cost is just a few dollars a month. Dedicated hosting, meanwhile, means one website on one server. The client can enjoy a number of features, including visitor trackers, a single I.P. address, and extra bandwidth.

Multiple domain hosting refers to a small reseller web-hosting plan which permits you to host different web sites on the same account. There's no need to buy an additional hosting plan when you launch a new site.

Many businesses prefer the dedicated server, a form of Internet hosting where a server is used for only one account or domain. With WebHostingGeeks.com, companies find they have options.

A first impression is a lasting one. If you want a strong web presence that positively impacts your bottom line, it pays to do your homework. Then pick a results-driven web host that can take your company and website to the next level.

Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Media by Sistrunk

Political humor

2010-03-28T08:34:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "Well, President Obama signed the landmark healthcare reform bill into law, or as President Obama refers to it, 'The Rush Limbaugh Deportation Act.'"

Jay Leno: "I'll tell you how excited the President is. Today, he changed his slogan from 'Yes we can,' to 'Yes we finally did something.'"

Jay Leno: "Of course, the White House is now denying it made any side deals with members of Congress to pass this bill. See, I don't know if that's true. Did you see Mount Rushmore today? They're adding Dennis Kucinich's face to it."

Jimmy Kimmel: "President Obama won one of the great – they're calling it – the 'great legislative victories of the last 50 years'. He won healthcare reform approval to extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, or as the Republicans are calling it, 'Armageddon.'"

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Dumping on the passive voice

2010-03-24T05:44:00.000+09:00

IN THE DECADES since Ronald Reagan's famous non-apology for the Iran-Contra scandal - "mistakes were made" - we've gotten used to treating the passive voice as a shady customer. It's shifty and craven, weak and flabby, we say. But do we have any idea what we're talking about? - Jan Freeman, The Word

Do we writers get it all wrong when it comes to the passive voice? The Boston Globe's Jan Freeman thinks so. Read what she has to say in Active resistance.

Political humor

2010-03-16T00:46:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "There was a lawsuit to have 'In God We Trust' removed from our money. To give you an idea how bad the shape the dollar is in, you know who wanted 'In God We Trust' taken off? God."

Jay Leno: "President Obama announced ... that he has donated all his Nobel Peace Prize money to a charity that deals with those that have no hope -- the Democratic Party, I believe."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Prepare to give more than 100%

2010-03-16T00:44:00.000+09:00

Racing takes everything you've got — intellectually, emotionally, physically — and then you have to find about ten percent more and use that too.
- Janet Guthrie

Janet Guthrie's quote on racing could very well apply to working in public relations and journalism, particularly if you're serious about doing a stellar job. If your work calls upon you to toil in crisis communications, as mine does, it is hardly a glamorous occupation. It is hard work, time-consuming and labor-intensive.

If you aspire to work in broadcast news, my first career, be prepared to work long hours and meet multiple deadlines. Understand that there will be times when you must file a report on breaking news with very little information, but somehow sound credible.

The world of journalism is 24/7. Be prepared to work early mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and 16 to 24 hours straight during a presidential election or crisis - whatever it takes to get the job done. Believe it or not, my PR work has the same demands. Can you say "sleep deprivation"?

For serious journalists and PR professionals, the world of communications is hardly a cakewalk.

Have you worked in a stressful professional? It doesn't have to be media-related. How did you cope? Inquiring minds want to know!

Tags: Public Relations, PR, Media by Sistrunk

Break through your fears and Blast Off to a new life

2010-02-23T14:50:00.000+09:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Allison Maslan, author of "Blast Off!". All opinions are 100% mine.

“I can coach you to a brilliant new life, career or business.” We’ve often heard these words from motivational speakers or life coaches, but how many actually deliver with solid results?

Enter Allison Maslan. This strategist puts her personal imprint on her new book, Blast Off! The Surefire Success Plan to Launch Your Dreams into Reality. For its readers, Blast Off! serves as a launching pad for life and business.

One of the first things I noticed about it is that it’s well-written. Secondly, Maslan doesn’t just tell her readers what to do – she shows them – and her “Energizer bunny” spirit is evident throughout her lessons. Maslan provides a road map for goal setting and planning, and leaves you with the impression that you can get from here to there.

Blast Off! carries a list price of $24.00 and is available on Amazon for even less. As I flipped through the beginning pages, I slowed down to read “Your Daily Launch Tools.” In this section, Maslan addresses negatives thoughts and how to get rid of them at the beginning of your day so that you can move forward.

Maslan also helps you to explore your passions. After all, your motivation has to come from within, not from a book. For me, Maslan’s writings remind me of the importance of always having a plan and staying focused.

Blast Off! launched January 19. In addition to Amazon.com, it’s available at Borders, Barnes and Noble, and other top booksellers.

Thought for the day

2010-02-23T14:16:00.000+09:00

The man who makes a success of an important venture never wails for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a great lot of grit; but the man that succeeds has both.

Anyone can fail. The public admires the man who has enough confidence in himself to take a chance. These chances are the main things after all.

The man who tries to succeed must expect to be criticized. Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment of that which most people think can't be done.

~ C. V. White

Making the case for drop shipping

2010-02-17T15:09:00.000+09:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Inventory Source. All opinions are 100% mine.

E-tailing is the selling of goods and services on the Internet or through e-mail appeals. In this economy, many businesses can’t afford large staffs to ship goods, manage websites, and all other activities related to e-commerce. Many of these online merchants utilize Drop Ship Suppliers because they offer so many benefits.

A drop shipper is a company – or product merchant – that is willing to ship individual orders. One of the most trusted drop shippers is InventorySource.com.

If you’re an e-tailer who purchases products for resale, then you typically have to buy in bulk and have the items shipped to you. Then you have to ship the products to each customer. It’s a cumbersome process.

Not so with Inventory Source. This distributor will drop minimum shipping requirements and will ship directly to the customer. It also offers website hosting services. That means you can have a professional website filled with either your own products or drop ship products.

If you’re an overwhelmed, multi-tasking entrepreneur, Inventory Source will relieve you of the headaches associated with updating inventory, selling out of stock items, and finding true suppliers. This drop shipper can help anyone run e-commerce sales from a new website, an existing website, an existing blog, or even direct sales.

Take advantage of a full line of data services, such as:

Inventory and pricing management
Product loading and configuration
Reporting, tracking, and email management

Inventory Source stays a step ahead of the competition by offering automation of the inventory management process and supplier integration. That means you’ll find integration with all major marketplaces, including Ebay, Amazon, PriceGrabber, etc, and popular store platforms including Magento, Virtuemart, Yahoo Stores, Oscommerce, CRE Loaded, and Zencart.

Sell more…work less. Product sourcing by Inventory Source can save you time and and boost your profits.

Thoughts on growth

2010-02-17T14:15:00.000+09:00

People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.
~ Plato

The most meaningful engine of change, powerful enough to confront corporate power, may be not so much environmental quality, as the economic development and growth associated with the effort to improve it.
~ Barry Commoner

Explore the eSmart Tax advantage

2010-02-16T14:52:00.000+09:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of eSmart Tax. All opinions are 100% mine.

Many people I know get excited this time of year. They file their tax returns early, anxiously awaiting their refunds. Visions of sugarplums and electronic gadgets dance in their heads.

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the always-free basic edition
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That doesn’t mean that the rest of us are out in the cold. The basic edition allows us to file for free.

The basic e-file edition includes:

Federal tax preparation and e-file – All the forms you need are available with just a few mouse clicks.
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Ease and accuracy. That’s what eSmart Tax offers, even if your last name isn’t Johnson.

Political humor

2010-02-16T14:04:00.000+09:00

David Letterman: "John McCain knew it was Sarah Palin's birthday, and he did something very nice for her. He bought her a Toyota."

Jimmy Fallon: "Michelle Obama said that childhood obesity impacts national security because obesity is a common disqualifier for military service. That's great info for moms: 'Honey, you have two choices. You can eat that doughnut and play video games, or you can eat this salad and go to Iraq.'"

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Gmail users throw darts at Google Buzz

2010-02-16T11:12:00.000+09:00

Last week I wrote about the rollout of Google Buzz, the Internet giant's new social networking service. A few days later, Google is apologizing and making some changes, after many users raised privacy concerns. I'm not surprised. This is certainly not the type of "buzz" that Google had in mind.

I clicked on the Buzz icon last week out of curiosity. I was surprised to find that I was following several people and that many of my acquaintances were following me. Business colleagues, friends, and family members seemed to be lumped together. Not good. Like many others, I was annoyed.

Predictably, Google is planning updates to its new product. Read more about Buzz on the Official Google Blog.

Jamaica, the great escape

2010-02-16T07:48:00.000+09:00

It’s mid-February. That means my friend Dennis is giving thought to his combination birthday celebration and vacation. Last week he told me that he can’t wait until he can escape phones, email, and his workaholic lifestyle. Nothing would make Dennis happier than to lounge leisurely at a Jamaican resort with his favorite girl.

Breezes Resorts are just what the doctor ordered for those who need respite from life in the fast lane. After all, the whole point of a vacation is to get away from everything.

Dennis is no stranger to Jamaica, and he finds the concept of all-inclusive vacation packages appealing. A good package would allow him to take in the view, sample the cuisine, and relax in comfy accommodations – all while surrounding himself with breathtaking landscapes. My tip to my friend: Check out the early booking bonus.

As my buddy sees it, the Caribbean is about as close as you’ll get to paradise. Runaway Bay Jamaica is just one of many idyllic sites. The endless beaches, quiet coves, and lush landscape create the perfect setting for the great escape.

When it comes to this tropical wonderland, visitors can choose from several destinations, including including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril Jamaica. Negril’s seven-mile beach is a jewel. Looking for a vibrant nightlife? Don’t miss Montego Bay. Meanwhile, Ocho Rios boasts Dunn's River Falls, a great attraction, especially if you're into climbing.

Depending on where you are in Jamaica, you can take in caves, mountain top jungles and stunning blue waters, as well as land and water sports. When you’re not taking in all of the action, you can relax in a hammock under a palm tree and dream to your heart’s content.

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis.

Integrating Buzz into Gmail

2010-02-10T15:46:00.000+09:00

The world's No. 1 search engine on Tuesday launched Google Buzz, which allows users to quickly share messages, Web links and photos with friends and colleagues directly within Gmail, the company's popular email product. The company hopes that Buzz will help it catch up with online social networking leaders Facebook and Twitter.

In addition, a new arsenal of products make the new social networking features compatible with mobile devices such as smartphones based on Google's Android operating system.

Google's new technology strikingly resemble some of the key features of popular social networking services like Twitter and Facebook. The social networks continue to challenge Google for Web surfers' online time.

By integrating Buzz directly into Gmail, Google hopes to jumpstart its social networking push by leveraging the large pool of Gmail users.

According to Reuters, Gmail is the third most popular Web-based email in the world, with 176.5 million unique visitors in December. Microsoft's Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo Mail is No. 1 and No. 2, with 369.2 million and 303.7 million unique visitors, respectively.

Google said that it will roll out Buzz to Gmail users over the next few days.

Toyota shifts out of reverse, begins to repair image

2010-02-04T03:58:00.000+09:00

Toyota is clearly in a damage control mode, regrouping after its misguided handling of the recall issue. The automaker finally apologized and is stepping up efforts to repair faulty accelerator pedals.

Public relations practitioners will surely add the automaker to other case studies where manufacturers failed to disclose and act immediately when problems with products surfaced. Toyota, which had a stellar reputation, now has an uphill battle in reestablishing public confidence.

I've written previously about companies that endured PR nightmares because they were slow to acknowledge serious problems. If your company finds itself in a crisis situation, go public with the issue in a timely manner. Timely disclosure today means immediately.

The Firestone/Bridgestone tire scandal broke in late 2001 and early 2002. However, the company knew the tires involved were unreliable in 1997, and perhaps as early as 1991, according to trial lawyers.

Withholding the information - even if the company is trying to define the problem as narrowly as possible and find a solution - often gives the public the perception that the problem is serious and far-reaching. Toyota is learning this the hard way.

I'm also reminded of the West Virginia tragedy that occurred at the Saco Mine in January 2006. For a time, Saco officials allowed families to to believe that most of the workers' lives had been saved, when, in fact, all but one of the miners died. The company had to face glaring lights of the media and the outraged families of trapped miners.

Enhance your productivity and online presence

2010-02-03T16:00:00.000+09:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mavenlink. All opinions are 100% mine.

Technology innovations now make it possible for colleagues to work collaboratively and successfully without being in the same location. Many of us work on several projects simultaneously and face multiple deadlines daily.

If you’re like me, you’re always for looking for ways to work smarter and maximize your time. Recently, I came across Mavenlink and found that the technology platform offers a number of great options for those of us who multitask.

When working on any project, one of my biggest challenges is getting all of my documents in one place – where I can put my hands on them immediately and refer to them. As is often the case, those documents might include proposals, spreadsheets, and countless email. I spread out all over the place.

Mavenlink allows me to gain access to all of my project-related documents in one centralized location – a dashboard. Even better, the program allows me to create a virtual workspace and invite colleagues to work on a project already underway.

When you’re working as a team, everyone wants to dive in and keep things moving. It’s so important to see everyone’s work to make sure that we’re all on the same page. Last-minute improvements needed? No problem. Clients are impressed with any consultant who demonstrates stellar project management and keeps them in the loop.

As you continue to build your clientele, develop a profile that potential clients can see. Show off your work, too.

With all documents and conversations in one place, you’ll find that you can enhance:

marketing
negotiations
contract development
business networking
reputation management

You can even streamline your invoicing and payment systems.

You can test-drive Mavenlink at no cost. Just visit the website and set up a free account. The process is easy.

At one time or another, we all talk about taking the show on the road. The Mavenlink technology platform is the high-performance vehicle that will get you to the next level.

Political humor

2010-02-03T15:09:00.000+09:00

David Letterman: Top Ten Surprises In The $3.8 Trillion Federal Budget

10. Three point five trillion dollars given to committee fighting overspending.

9. President now has to pay $25 for each bag he brings aboard Air Force One.

8. Cut NASA budget so much, next mission is to New Haven, Connecticut.

7. Estimate does not include convenience fee of $3.95.

6. Government is raising the money by sending out a drunk Rip Torn to rob banks.

5. United States pays for Ahmadinejad's tan windbreakers.

4. It allocates five billion dollars for a giant wallet to hold all money.

3. Don't tell him, it's a surprise, but McCain's getting a new Craftmatic adjustable bed.

2. One billion dollars research grant to figure out what the hell iPad does.

1. The naked centerfold of senator-elect Scott Brown.

~ ~ ~

Jay Leno: "The Obama Administration has reversed itself and is now considering moving the trial of the 9/11 terrorists out of Manhattan after protests from Congress and the mayor of New York. ... See, they're going to do an off-Broadway version first, see if people like it. See, then if it does well, then they'll bring it into the city."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

The art of web hosting

2010-02-02T14:48:00.000+09:00

The economy is forcing businesses to get more innovative when it comes to their web presence. Nearly all organizations are trying to survive the recession on smaller budgets. However, smart executives understand that e-commerce remains a strong force.

A well-executed website can be a valuable marketing tool. Web development involves several key elements. One of the most important is web hosting.

Web hosting is an art, so look for a provider that best fits your needs. Pick a company that has a good reputation within the industry.

Two typical options available are shared hosting and dedicated server hosting. With shared web hosting, a number of websites are on one server. Typically, the cost is just a few dollars a month. Dedicated hosting, meanwhile, means one website on one server. The client can enjoy a number of features, including visitor trackers, a single I.P. address, and extra bandwidth.

If you feel unprepared to make online decisions, relax. Web Hosting Rating can help. Their site has been offering reviews, ratings, and awards about providers for several years. Ratings are based on several criteria, including customer satisfaction. Free articles are available to assist novices and veterans alike who are seeking IT solutions.

On the site, you’ll find an important list -- the Top 10 Web Hosting Providers -- Best Web Hosts for 2009. I’m checking out one provider in particular because it offers a number of goodies, is inexpensive, and targets itself to the needs of small businesses.

If you’re publishing your blog on WordPress, consider WordPress hosting. It’s become a popular option for many bloggers, who like having access to a web-based administrative panel. Because WordPress is a sought-after platform, it has plenty of community support from web developers.

Looking for a powerful website creation tool that also enhances your content management system (CMS)? Check out Drupal web hosting. This system that works for different types of websites, including personal blogs.

Do your homework before deciding on a web host. Find out how companies like yours rate providers on affordability, reliability, uptime, and technical support.

When it comes to web hosting, you don’t have to agonize over your decisions. Help is just a few mouse clicks away.

Sponsored Post - Original Content by Media by Sistrunk

For writers everywhere

2010-01-22T14:45:00.000+09:00

The joys of moving

2010-01-16T14:10:00.000+09:00

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment, then you undoubtedly have stories to tell – about property managers, neighbors, or the moving process itself. Several years ago, I never dreamed that the moving process would become an adventure.

I moved into my first apartment when I was in college. Living on campus was too expensive. I was working a lot while going to school, so I didn’t have a lot of time to hunt for a new place.

Many of the available apartments I saw were totally trashed. I couldn’t believe the owners would show the units without cleaning them. For me, this said a lot about the property managers, and what it said wasn’t good.

I lucked out when I finally found a studio apartment for a steal. All utilities were included in the rent. Cool!

The building was small. It was in a nice, quiet neighborhood, not far from campus, and the owner was on the premises every day. The tenant turnover was low, so it wasn't often that the owner had apartments for rent I was so thrilled when I signed my lease. I paid for six months rent up front.

Fast forward to a few years later when I decided I needed a bigger place. I decided to move in December. What was I thinking?!

Just a few days before moving day, the temperature dropped dramatically. For several days straight, the temperature (factoring wind chill) ranged from -30 to -50 degrees. The city was in a deep freeze!

On moving day, I couldn’t find a guy to pick up the moving van for me, so I went to get it myself. Two things made my experience with that truck memorable – the vehicle's heater didn't work, and it had manual transmission. I could drive a stick, thank goodness, but imagine trying to go through the gears when everything is frigid. It took all the strength I had to get the truck home! I didn’t actually move until nightfall, since I was counting on friends who worked during the day.

You really know who your real friends are when they show up to move you in minus 50-degree weather. You can bet I was happy when I finally settled into my brand new warm home!

A man without borders

2010-01-16T10:14:00.000+09:00

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, first observed on January 20, 1986. Were he alive today (January 15), King would have celebrated his 81st birthday. On this holiday weekend, millions of Americans are remembering the civil rights leader and human rights advocate.

King was a husband, a father, and a preacher. He was also the preeminent leader of a movement that continues to transform America and the world. One of the twentieth century's most influential men, he lived an extraordinary life.

To truly understand King, this writer believes that one should read his writings. Scholars and casual researchers can now gain access to these important jewels of history. Last January, for the first time, a major portion of King’s papers went public.

Computer access to the documents, which have been digitized and cataloged, are available at the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center. Click here to gain access the collection.

The documents include many of King’s speeches and personal writings from 1946 to 1968.

Journalists, historians, legislators and community leaders continue to examine whether King's appeal for peace with justice is as relevant today as it was when he was alive. A few years ago, an editorial in the Houston Chronicle attempted to place King's philosophy into present-day perspective. Here is an excerpt from the piece:

Although he rose to national prominence fighting racial segregation in the South, many of the issues roiling the United States 38 years after his assassination would be very familiar to Martin Luther King Jr.

Before his death, the Baptist minister had denounced America's involvement in the Vietnam War, a daring stance that fueled the growing opposition to the carnage in Southeast Asia. He was bitterly criticized in the media and by government officials for venturing beyond the sphere of civil rights, as if that were the only area in which he was entitled to an opinion.

With the country now split by the bloody, open-ended struggle in Iraq and by the mistaken justification for going to war, it's not hard to predict where King would stand on the matter.

Americans debate the revelation that their government is conducting warrantless surveillance of Americans inside the United States. King had plenty of experience on that score. He was relentlessly wiretapped and trailed by the FBI. Then FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was convinced that King was a communist sympathizer.

Just as he stood with refuse workers in Memphis in the last days before an assassin's bullet struck him down, King would championed the dispossessed evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, potent symbols of a race-based economic underclass that persists as a legacy of slavery and discrimination. The New Orleans nightmare that Katrina exposed indicates that the vision King enunciated in his "I Have a Dream" speech is not yet realized.
Like his role model for nonviolent protest, Mohandas K. Gandhi, King grew to be a world figure by embracing universal humanitarian concerns that surmounted ethnicity and religion. As he once said, "Evil is not driven out, but crowded out ... through the expulsive power of something good."
That's why the celebration of his life today cannot be limited to a single community or issue. African-Americans are justly proud that he rose from their ranks, but his life is significant to all Americans.

It's been nearly four decades since King's death in 1968. For years, many scholars have suggested that King faced the same fate that has befallen many a historical figure - being frozen in a moment in time that ignores the full complexity of the man and his message.

Last January, Barack Obama took over as the country's chief executive officer. With this historic presidency came the "thawing" the King legacy.

Tags: Martin Luther King, King Holiday, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Media by Sistrunk

Political humor

2010-01-15T06:40:00.000+09:00

Jay Leno: "A lot of people don't like these airport body scanners. They say they don't like security officials seeing naked images of their bodies. Have you seen most Americans lately? It's no picnic for the security people either."

Jay Leno: "And on Friday, the White House announced that President Obama's State of the Union address scheduled for next month will not air on the same night as the premiere of 'Lost' on ABC. ... Well, they did that because they thought viewers might get confused. See, lost is also the State of the Union: Lost jobs; lost wages; lost houses; lost businesses. So, the two -- you can get them mixed up."

Source: U.S. News & World Report