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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY #76: Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla's life.

Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.

But her summer plans change when she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive... or survive.

Expected publication: October 14th 2014

Is it possible to want a book based solely on the first three words of a books description? I know it is. Because I do!! Lies, secrets, and magic... I really didn't need to read on, but I did and now I'm so excited for the time when I will have a copy of Chasing Power in my hands!
What book are you patiently waiting for the release of?

  1. We're both waiting on this one. It seems really exciting!

    Happy Hump Day!

    Shane @ItchingforBooks

  2. Love that cover! Here's my WOW:

  3. It reminds me of the Control cover, but can't wait for this! :)

    Here's mine

    Kirsty @ StudioReads

  4. Ooh nice! Just saw this one a few blogs back! Hope you enjoy it too!

    Here's my WoW

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

  5. Haha, yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes just a little bit is all that's needed to know you want a book. And this on really does sound good. I can't believe I haven't discovered this before today! Thanks for sharing!
    My WoW.

Thanks so much for visiting YA Book Addict. Your comments are very much appreciated.

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Today everyone is selling something on line. But there are so many choices out there that it leaves one wondering what the best method is for me?

Today we are going to be covering many of the common carts and the pluses and minuses of each.

WooCommerce– This is a free shopping cart and has been relied on for years. The issue is if you want to accept payments from someone other than PayPal, you will need to buy add on packages. Most of the common ones will cost $49 upward to $199 each. As you can see, these extensions can add up quickly. Also there is a NEW policy by PayPal that if you are a NEW PayPal customer, you will have to have all of your WooCommerce purchases confirmed by the customer before payment will be processed.  As you can imagine this could be a headache for you, and the client.

Ithemes Exchange– This is a great little plugin that is similar to WooCommerce. The plug in is free however, like WooCommerce, the add-on pack is an additional $197.00 per year. This does give you over 20 add-ons including

  • Membership Add On
  • Shipping Charts
  • Canadian Tax and US Tax Charts
  • Hook ups to your Autoresponder
  • Product Variations
  • And lots more.

This plug in is very easy to install and configure and is recommended as a great starter cart.  It also does not have the PayPal restriction as WooCommerce has.

Ecwid Shopping Cart– This cart had both a free plan with 0% transaction fees as well as paid plans up to $69 a month. Their plans are based on the number of products. You would take payments via Paypal or it supports over 40 other payment providers. It also includes a complete shipping chart so that you can ship via multiple carries.

1Shopping Cart- This is a great cart with some great features. It includes a autoresponder and a basic CRM feature in the monthly fee.  They also have no limits on the number of contacts.  They allow you to hook up your favorite merchant account to the cart. If you do not have one, you can sign up through them and get a small discount. They also will lover the percentage that they take on the sale.  In many cases this is lower than the fee PayPal takes.  The starter package runs $34 per month and the ultimate package will cost you $249 per month.  Note the starter package DOES NOT include Affiliate management, but for $34 a month, this could be a cheaper option than paying for an autoresponder program and the additional PayPal fees.

Ontraport– This cart is a nice alternative to Infusionsoft. The cost of this cart starts at $79 a month and limits your contacts to 1000. The next package will cost you $279 a month and allows you to have 25,000.  This price also include the ability to add memberships and affiliate management. Like 1shopping cart, is also includes an advanced CRM and autoresponder programs.  There is also a “If-Then” feature that will help you expand and build your sales funnels via your shopping cart.

Infusionsoft This is considered one of the best carts out there. It can be expensive and is recommend for the coach who is making at least $75K or more. The prices start at $199 a month and can cost up to $599 a month for the complete system. It is also based on the number of contacts. The starter package only allows up to 2500 contacts. For coaches that have a large email base, they would have to buy the complete package that allows 10,000 contacts. This cart allows for a full build out of sales funnels, a complete CRM and a complete Sales mismanagement feature. It is important to note here that most coaches that choose this will also have to find a VA or an Infusionsoft certified professional to manage the program and build your funnels. Support is there to help but at times this could be limited and wait times could be a little long, however if you are earning the money and making the sales, this is a great option for the higher end coach.

It is also important to note that there are other ways to accept money. Today Mailchimp, Aweber and Active Campaign allow you the option now to add PayPal buttons to their emails and allow you to accept payment via this system. Also naturally, you can use the PayPal button codes as well to accept payments. In fact, ActiveCampaign also allows you to build funnels and many of the common features of Infusionsoft for a starting price of $9 per month up to $300 a month.  Again, this is based on the number of contacts that you have on your list.

There are also other free carts such as ZenCart, OpenCart and many others that you can also choose to use. Most of these also are hooked to using the PayPal or Stripe payments.

The key to find the right cart for you is to determine what do you really need from your shopping cart. Do you want a CRM? Multiple Shipping Platforms? Affiliate Management? Sales Funnels? Multiple Payment Methods? Autoresponders? Once you know what you really want, the next step is to compare pricing and also ask for a free trial and take the time to really test them to make sure they meet your needs.

If you are needing more assistance in picking or setting up your shopping cart, we are here to help. Click here to set up your free consultation call today.

Today, social media is prevalent. It’s the preferred communication among the younger set and studies have shown that a considerable amount of hours are spent on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram during work hours. Most companies would respond by banning social media site access in offices as it is believed to take away from the productivity of workers. But this strategy simply boomerangs negatively, with employees instead opting to resign and move where rules are not as strict or resort to checking their sites on their own devices with data plans anyway.

In a nutshell, this is the best way for companies to deal with it: lose in the battle but win the war. Accept that social media is not entirely good or bad in itself, it is just a matter of having the right perspective and providing the right controls – the kind that respects the employee and at the same time, benefits the organization. Here are some ways to accomplish this in the long term:

1. Have a social media policy.

Most strict rules come from a place of fear. For companies, they are usually afraid of what the employee will share and the amount of hours they will spend online. First of all, owners should work with HR in accomplishing a holistic rule list when it comes to content. What’s deemed as confidential? What can help the marketing team? Be specific and if needed, list down the documents which can harm the company if shared. The last thing the company wants is to have an open ended memo which can be interpreted in many ways. Having so also protects the employees from other colleagues who may want to malign them online.

Instead of coming from a place of fear, come from a place of opportunity. Word the policies in such a way that they benefit the employee instead of seeming to stifle them. The goal is not to censor them but to ensure their safety and privacy as well.

2. Set smart limits.

The amount of bandwidth that is used for watching movies on YouTube for example can be detrimental for the company. So instead of banning the sites altogether, opt to have a social media hour for example so that these sites are not on round the clock. Rules such as not allowing downloading of movies or music are understandable. If the company security is compromised, invest in tablets which anyone can use for socials instead of individual PCs logging in.

This way, employees shift their mindset from something negative to positive. They are seen as the responsible adults that they are who plays a big role in maintaining the professional integrity of their workplace.

3. Provide the content.

When it comes to marketing, employees are the best brand ambassadors. It’s literally a gold mine usually untapped by most organizations. Since people are inclined to use social media, why not make them talk about the efforts of the company as well?

Nothing beats a company’s employee when it comes to announcing all its messages. And with the right guidance, it just might be the secret sauce to the company’s sustainable success, one post at a time.

You have heard many positive things about hiring a virtual assistant. Friends in the industry may have informed you about how working with a virtual assistant has either made their life easier, added value to their business or both. After learning about these benefits, you are convinced that hiring one would definitely help you grow your business and free up more time to pursue your passions. But the question is, do you know where to find a virtual assistant?
Follow these tips to help you find a VA to hire.

1. Look for virtual assistant agencies.

The increasing demand for reliable and competent virtual assistants has led to the rise of VA agencies like These agencies may have VAs that specialize in one type of task such as copywriting or web design, or they can offer several services and serve as a one-stop shop for your business needs. To ensure that you are working with a legitimate agency, do a background check prior to hiring them or anyone from the agency. Ask for references, check their portfolio and see what their past clients say about them online. Once you decide to hire them, have a contract that stipulates the work hours, your requirements, and other conditions that you and your VA have agreed upon. It would also be prudent to have a non-disclosure agreement, especially if you plan to share your personal details or trade secrets with your VA.

2. Check freelancing platforms.

Popular freelancing platforms like Upwork (formerly oDesk) and Elance will help you find virtual assistants for various types of jobs. You can create a free account and post job ads for the type of VA you are looking for. There are literally millions of contractors on these freelancing platforms, and it may be challenging to attract the kind of applicants you need. The key here is to write a detailed job description that communicates what you need from your virtual assistant. Make your job description as enticing as possible by also including how your virtual assistant will benefit from working with you.

3. Post on social media.

Twitter is a good place to start. Just tweet about your job opening and add a #virtualassistant or #virtualstaff hashtag. You can also look for VA communities on LinkedIn and Google+ and post your job ads there. Any of these three ways will help you find your ideal virtual staff. To save your time, remember to be clear on your goals and the results that you are looking for from your VA and include these in your job posting.

Richard Branson said it best when he boldly declared that time is the new money. For many years, management has declared that those who work long hours are deemed more productive. But today, it just isn’t so: time is the new standard with which people are judged and the more hours of it spent on working, the worst it is for a person’s well-being and reputation.

For entrepreneurs, even more so. As the captain of their respective ships, they should be the ones at the forefront of espousing work life balance and showing the right way by being out the door by 5pm. Of course, this is easier said than done. With responsibilities ranging from business development to marketing to operations, what is a consummate business owner to do?

Here are some ways to help you fight the workaholism plague and get back your hours:

1. Hire people correctly.
No aspect of a business is affected by the concept of opportunity cost than human resources. As a prized commodity, people in a business can derail or fast track its progress. For the business owner, hiring correctly makes the big difference from sleeping eight hours a day to literally being hospitalized every two months due to exhaustion. It is not just about choosing the right people, but more so, hiring the people and putting them in the right places in the company where they can be most productive and effective. Also, the number of people to hire counts a lot.
In the end, the bucket stops at the top and if the owner cannot hire right, he or she will end up doing all the tasks needed to keep the business going. The best way to mitigate this problem is by opting for outsourcing. This does not place a big strain on the company budget but at the same time, it quickly fills the spots needed. Hiring a virtual assistant allows business owners to focus on conceptualizing strategies and other tasks that require high level decision-making.

2. Stop multitasking and know one’s strengths.
For one, it is not effective, and two, studies have shown that multitasking can successfully do just one thing: shrink one’s brain.
Instead, set a timeline for each task and delegate. This frees up the hands of the entrepreneur to focus on the things they do best. As much as control is the name of the game, it does not do anyone any good.

3. Rest.
It’s easy for people to run on adrenaline, but what good does it make a person? Exhaustion simply leads to bad decisions, which then lead to more wasted time rectifying mistakes whether big or small.
Instead, rest. Sleep the right amount of hours and wake up refreshed and ready to go. Have time for leisure and other pursuits as these will help fuel creativity. The time it took to take a nap or to go for a quick swim may save you from signing a wrong contract.

4. Know what matters and tackle them during peak performance hours.
As Robin Sharma, a leading motivational speaker and consultant for many CEO’s, says: what gets written down gets done. A list that’s filled to the brim is not a good list. Priorities are few or else, they’re not really what it’s supposed to be.

The best way to solve problems is by first knowing what time one is at the most optimum level of productivity. Then, begin with the hardest tasks. Eat thy frogs first and the rest shall be peanuts—with a few minutes to spare after.

Starting a business is one of the best and worst decisions a person can come up with. As much as being your own boss brings with it a level of freedom and independence, entrepreneurs are also the most stressed and harassed, having to deal with the needs of the business almost 24/7 without rest. While you can see business owners spend their weekdays doing activities they love other than business, it does not mean that they have fewer responsibilities.

Simply put, choosing to be in business is hard work and it takes a lot of commitment from a person when they finally take the plunge. Here are some ways to break into the jump and make it more manageable:

  1. Know the market.

The last thing a person can do is invest all their hard earned savings on a whim. It is important to remember that getting into business is part intuition and part calculated risk, but is never about gambling. Following one’s passion can be great, but it also makes for very risky business decision basis. Knowing your market is one of the first crucial steps that you should do when starting your own business.

Today however, an article on Entrepreneur suggests that knowing your market today shouldn’t be limited to getting details on their income, gender, ethnicity or education. Entrepreneur suggests taking your marketing strategies to the next level through personalization and customization and that means understanding the lifestyle of your customers. Understand the lifestyle of the generation where your target market belongs. You can also do your research by area. There are also tools that you can use to study your target market’s behavior, such as Google Analytics and Facebook Insights.

  1. Know the underserved market.

Another good way to get into business is by knowing the underserved market. What makes your life miserable? One may be surprised to know that it’s also what makes others’ unbearable and these underserved customers are actually willing to pay for a service or product to ease off the hassle.

Being in the underserved market also makes one a highly uncontested market, something the bigger players will be very wary to get into. This translates to income at the fastest way possible. In addition to knowing the underserved market, it would also be good to think of how you can beat the competition. Jim Koch of Boston Beer co. and Samuel Adams Boston Lager says in an article published in Business Insider that your business is only feasible if what you are offering is cheaper or better than the alternatives.

  1. Prepare for the worst.

Although getting into business is a true act of faith, one must also not get into it without a safety net of at least six months. Anything is possible in business, unfortunately, including bankruptcy. If the person has a family to support, blindly getting money into a business without ensuring that they can live comfortably is a reckless move.

Preparing should also include the right paper work to protect the name, the finances, and the assets of the business from unscrupulous people.

  1. Delegate.

Budget may be a concern when you are starting a new business. However, multitasking just to accomplish everything that needs to get done from accounting to financials would not be beneficial for your business. If hiring is not an option at the moment, consider outsourcing to virtual assistants. It is best to outsource tasks that are repetitive in nature, those that are time-consuming, and technical tasks that are not part of your skills set. As a business owner, it is important that you oversee all processes without losing your focus on growing and grooming the business to reach its full potential.

Coaching may be one of the most rewarding jobs out there. After all, what can be more fulfilling than making a living doing what you do best, leading others to accomplish their own goals and watching them grow and flourish as you nurture them? It comes as no surprise that coaching is also one of the fastest growing industries, with an annual revenue amounting to $2 billion.
However, the benefits of working as a coach do not come without challenges and this is where hiring virtual assistants can make a huge difference in how you conduct business. Whether you’re a life, business, health, career, sports, or a personal coach, you can benefit from having a virtual assistant. Read on to find out how hiring virtual assistants can add value to your coaching practice.
1. Increase productivity.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with business-building activities, especially when you are just starting out as a coach. You have to find the time for every important aspect of the business—accounting, administration, marketing, planning and strategizing, coaching your clients, and finding new clients. Delegating time-consuming tasks like scheduling, bookkeeping, research, managing emails, or even updating your social media pages to virtual assistants can help you maximize productivity and achieve the elusive work-life balance for busy coaches.
2. Focus on growing your business.
The more you delegate repetitive and administrative tasks to virtual assistants, the more you’ll be able to focus on growing your coaching practice. Finally, you can have more time to attend training and learning sessions for your career growth, work on growing your network, and strategize to attract more clients.
3. They can do it better than you.
The point of outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants is not just to help you save time by taking several tasks off your load, but also to ensure that these tasks are done in an efficient and excellent manner. If you hire reliable virtual assistants, you can count on them to deliver high-quality work because they specialize in the type of task you assign to them. This is advantageous for you and your virtual assistants because you’re both focusing on tasks that you enjoy doing.
4. Save money.
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of hiring a virtual assistants is it the cost-savings. This is a lot cheaper than having a full-time salaried employee. You just pay for the services you need and only when you need them.
Should you hire virtual assistants? Definitely yes if you want to experience the benefits listed above.

Interested in finding out more on how we can SAVE you money… Click here to make your appointment today and let’s talk.

In today’s competitive business environment it is essential to find ways to reduce costs and increase revenues while keeping productivity and quality high. One of the best ways to achieve this is through hiring and retention of outstanding employees.

Far too often hiring managers rush through the hiring process due to being reactive rather than proactive when filling positions. With some preplanning in the hiring process and implementation of sound strategies once people join your organization, you will lower the cost of doing business by considerable amounts.

As you prepare to hire consider the following:

• What type of person are you looking for?
• What are the values that drive your company?
• How difficult is the job you are filling?
• Do you have anyone internally who can do the job?
• How long will it take to find the right person for the position?
• What are you willing to negotiate with the potential candidate?

In looking for potential candidates you may want to try more than the traditional employee search. Tap into your network of professional connections. Some of your best candidates may be working for your competitors. Be careful about hiring someone just because they are a friend or family member. Not that friends and family members don’t make good employees – often they can be fantastic. And yet, if you are hiring them only because they are a friend or family member, you are setting yourself up for some big problems. With the wrong choice morale with other employees can go down. With the right choice it is just as likely to go up.

Think through the compensation package. Are the wages fair for the job, industry and market? Make sure your benefit package is competitive for your industry. Find out what other companies are offering as far as compensation and consider matching or beating their offerings.

There are occasions when someone may take a position without thinking through income, benefits or fit. Once they have gotten settled in and are feeling comfortable with the position and the company, they may realize the compensation and the job is not all it could be. That can cause some discontent on their part. To avoid this, do your homework.

Another key to keeping good employees is to make sure they are treated with respect, dignity and appreciation. This may seem like common sense and yet, it often doesn’t happen. I consult with various types of organizations employee retention and how to gain more commitment from the staff. I often will meet individually, in private, with a cross section of the staff. I spend at least an hour with each employee in a confidential meeting to find out their view of the company. Inevitably, the areas that are most lacking for the employee to be fully satisfied are communication and appreciation.

Once the area of discontent has been identified I design programs for the company in which to address the problems. What is amazing is the problem is often on the way to being solved by virtue of the fact the organization has brought me in. A common comment is, “Finally, someone is listening to me.”

Often, a company’s problems can be lessened with some good coaching and training of management. It is amazing how many managers and supervisors were put into their position without any training in interpersonal skills, management and supervisory skills, and how to communicate effectively. Nine times out of ten the people who need the most training are the ones who think they need it the least. And, they are often the biggest obstacle to the success of a company.

In order to stay competitive on all fronts you must keep your entire team on the leading edge. By doing so you will be in business for years to come with a happy, dedicated and productive team. And that will equal profits

Pinterest is hailed as the next big thing after Facebook and if this is the case then you should do the best you can to be one of the pioneering online businesses to make it big on Pinterest.

With this social networking site, it is important to understand that you can sink or swim with your photos. No matter how wonderfully worded your descriptions are, they won’t do any good if your photos are not worth repinning or if they do not qualify for a single like.

In order to make sure that your images are optimized for sharing and for search engine marketing, then you may want to consider the following tips.

Pin as many original photos as you can.

With photos that you have taken yourself, you get to choose where to link it. Obviously, it’s best to link it to your blog or website, as this will increase your chances of promoting your goods or services. Original photos are also better than repins because they have an increased likelihood of going viral as well.

Don’t forget keywords.

Keywords matter and they should be used as prominently as possible but without being too obvious about your focus on search engine marketing. Here are several ideal places for you to use your keywords in.

  • Replace generic file names with keyword-oriented names, e.g. IMG0014 to lemon_meringue.jpg
  • Include keywords in the first and last sentences of your pin description
  • Include at least one keyword in comments you post on related pins
  • Include a parent keyword in the title or name of your pinboard

Pay attention to the size of your photos.

More often than not, Internet users don’t really care about images that take too long to load – especially when they are accessing Pinterest using a mobile device. They don’t care much either for photos, which require them to scroll down, down, down to see it in its full size. Remember: they need to scroll back up just to repin or like your photo, and not all of them will have the time or interest to do so.

Images are not always photos.

At the end of the day, Pinterest is all about images – and these refer to not only the photos or pictures that you have taken with a camera. It can also be an artwork you’ve created with basic Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop. It can be a full-fledged poster, a visual strategy – anything that can be saved as an image can still be pinned to Pinterest.

In fact, if you are targeting markets that aren’t exactly enamored by reading (such as teenagers currently busy with prom preparations) then you would have better chances of capturing their attention with images that serve as summarized versions of your articles. But of course, with such images you should also provide a link to the actual full-length text. If they like your image enough, they’ll probably be willing to give its accompanying article or blog post a fair shot.

Always start and end your pin descriptions with one-liners.

Naturally, those one-liners must include your targeted keywords. Pinterest only gives you 500 characters to describe your pin and Pinterest users who repin your photos would like to use some of them. In order to make sure that they don’t completely erase everything you’ve written, leave them with one-liners they’ll find irresistible to share with others.

Knowing how Pinterest works is just the start. You should also establish a clear link between your Pinterest account and your blog or website. You must also be able to conveniently pin photos to your account even if you are not tied to a desk and with access to your computer or laptop.

Have Pinterest buttons on display on all your websites and blogs.

Pinterest itself has several free buttons that you can use. They already come with the necessary HTML codes to make embedding hassle-free. You should also check with your content management system or CMS provider if they have options for including Pinterest buttons with every blog post you upload. If not that then maybe there are widgets or tools related to Pinterest, which you can host on your blog or site.

Download Pinterest applications in your site.

Pinterest also has its own official mobile application that you can download and use for free. However, there are also a number of paid applications, which are designed to make pinning quick and easy even when you are using a mobile device.

One application, for instance, allows you to pin photos straight from your mobile device’s browser – something that the official Pinterest app actually can’t do at the moment.

Make a list of possible pins you can use.

Photos, which immediately capture your attention are definitely worth pinning – maybe not now but sometime in the future for sure. You just need to come with a great article or blog post to link such photos to your business. Be sure to list the sites where you’ve seen such photos. Give yourself some time, and they’ll prove handy to your business sooner or later.

Have a camera with you at all times.

The best photos to pin are those that you have taken yourself. As the original source of such photos, your link will then be used every time your photo is pinned and repinned by other Pinterest users. As such, you should not let any opportunity for taking beautiful photos go to waste. Have a camera with you at all times – preferably one with an excellent range of features that include HD resolution, panorama sweeps, options for editing, and filtering effects.

In most cases, the cameras of high-end smartphones would already suffice. It’s actually better if you use a camera phone since this will automatically give you access to the Internet and have it pinned to your board in no time.

Subscribe to a mobile Internet service.

Speaking of Internet access, that’s yet another thing you should have at all times as well. A mobile Internet service will not only enable you to monitor your online business effectively, but it can also make sure that you will be one of the first to pin photos of events that you may be covering with live blogging. With the help of some handy-dandy applications, live blogging and pinning can be easily performed with just a smartphone or tablet.

Hopefully, these tips will be enough to equip your business with all the necessary tools and resources for maximizing the marketing opportunities offered by Pinterest.

Marketing is one of the most important strategies in business because it introduces the business and its products to the consumers. Video marketing has the ability to take a business to another level as long as the business owner is ready to devote their time and resources. Today, most people are interested in video representation of information as opposed to the traditional text or audio.

With that said, anyone interested in effectively marketing their business should be ready and willing to use all the available resources to propel their businesses forward. It is important to understand video marketing well to get the optimum results. Here are highly effective video marketing tricks to assist you in succeeding.

Good Titles for your videos.

The power of a good title should not be overlooked in the distribution of online videos. Viewers are drawn by powerful and relevant titles which is why you should spend time in creating a title that will attract your target viewers. Keep in mind that the title should represent the content of the video. This means that it should not underrate the video or create a perception of something else.

Always remember that the title will pay a major role in determining the type of people who will be watching the video and taking the necessary action. A misleading title can attract a lot of viewers who will be disappointed in the video and will leave immediately. It is better to have a few viewers who are interested in what you have to offer than a huge useless traffic.

Be Original when coming up with content

People have seen quite a lot of things on videos and to get more attention, you will have to be unique and original. Instead of copying what most of the other people are doing, do your own research and put yourself in the viewer’s shoes. This will help you not only in creating something original, but in attracting the attention of the viewers.

Have A Marketing Strategy

It is crucial that you understand that making the video is just the first step. You will need to take the video where your viewers are and this calls for an effective marketing strategy. It is true that the video will be marketing your business but you will also need to market the video so that it can deliver positive results.

You should use all the necessary resources to ensure that as many viewers as possible are viewing the content. Embed the video on your business website and use social media to push the video to a wider audience. The more relevant viewers you get the more people you will have interested in your business and its products.

Have Goals

When you are creating a video to market your business, you should have goals. This is what you want the video to do for your business, do you want people to click on a link, visit a web site, take part in a survey, or like a social media page? Having well defined goals will assist you in achieving them by setting the marketing strategy properly.

It is possible to have a viral video which is useless because you have not given the viewers a way forward after they watch the video. Make sure you lay out everything in a funnel strategy where all efforts are focused on leading the audience to a particular direction that leads to more sales.

Be Consistent

People are always searching for fresh interesting content online and to succeed in video marketing, you should be consistent in positing new content. You also need to ensure that your new content is not only driven by quantity but also by quality. This means that you should be consistent in posting new content and also in keeping everything interesting to the viewers.

You Don’t Need A Fortune

Marketing does not have to be expensive. This also applies to all its strategies such as video marketing. You do not have to go all the way and get professionals to do the videos. Though quality is important, it is not a must that you break your bank account. Focus on high quality videos that are simple to cut down on the cost of the entire process.

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Lifewave Corsentials Testimonial

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In this 5 minute audio, a health practitioner shares the story of her incredible health transformation after using Corsentials for only a short time. It is well worth 5 minutes of your time to understand what Corsentials can do for you!

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6 Fully mastered and ready to blow your mind Psytrance tunes KStarâ˜…22 boom.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Guest Post: Peyton from California Wife

I am so glad that Peyton obliged to guest post for me this week! I adore her blog. Maybe it's because she is a native Hoosier, or because she loves reality t.v. just as much as I do, or probably because I live vicariously through her child-free life in California. Regardless, her blog is fantastic and you should definitely check her out if you have not already. Thanks again Peyton!

Hi, I'm Peyton from Life as a California Wife!  I'm a teacher, obsessive dog mom, and shopaholic who is still trying to adjust to the ways of life in the California desert after growing up in Indiana.  I tend to blog about a little bit of everything, but I definitely have a passion for fashion.

When Melanie asked me to write up a guest post for her while she is away this week I was ecstatic.  I absolutely love Melanie's blog and style, and was thrilled when we asked me to create my a lust list of my 5 dream items for fall.

Here are 5 of my favorite things for Fall...

Okay, let's be honest, this bag is totally NOT. GOING. TO. HAPPEN. If I could choose one new bag for fall though, this would totally be it!  Love the color, love the shape, love it all!

Ahh, who doesn't love Tory Burch?  I have beat my current riding boots to death, and will definitely need to invest in a new pair this fall.  Although this is a little more of an investment than I'll actually be making, this is the pair I would definitely love to snatch up.

Although I fully embraced the skinny jean trend, and still plan to, I'm thrilled that flares are back this fall!  I love how they look with the perfect boots, and a silk blouse.  I can't wait to embrace this trend once the temps drop!

I always break out my gold jewelry a lot more in the fall, and think this necklace would be a perfect addition.

If there was one dress I would love to add to my teacher wardrobe it would be a DVF wrap dress.  I absolutely love her dresses, and would love to own one.  They're so timeless and classic!

A huge thanks to Melanie for inviting me to guest post for her while she's away!

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  1. I adore Peyton! Great fall list. Those TB boots are on my list too, just waiting for them to go on sale!

  2. Great fall picks! I have had my eye on those TB beauties as well. I have a pair of her riding boots that I got the year her first store opened on Elizabeth Street. They are my favs.

  3. the tb boots are at the top of my list too!!

  4. great pics! I feel like fall is just around the corner! Hope you are doing well. xoxo Naina

  5. Those boots!! I've been loving them too!!

  6. Hi, Peyton! :)

    I am feeling super traditional about fall this year. So, plaids, brown riding boots, hats, burnt orange, and oxfords!

  7. Loving all of these!!! Peyton, your blog is darling too!

  8. I want those TB boots in a bad way!

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Essay Question

The ModCloth site asks, “How could you pass up this coral orange Plastic Island item?”

I’m a little confused, because they don’t have an essay section on the site, so I can’t answer the question. If they did, I could break out the standard five paragraph essay and explain:

I could pass up this coral orange Plastic Island item because it is hideous. First and foremost, it is not coral, it is orange. Coral is a soft, pinky hue that is surprisingly flattering on a wide variety of skin tones. Orange, on the other hand, is rarely flattering, to the point where when it is flattering on a person, it draws many compliments because of its rarity.

Another reason I could pass this up is because it is a puffy coat with, as written in the description, “three tiers of gathered volume.” In my day to day clothing, I try to avoid multiple tiers of gathered volume, as I find it is unflattering to my frame. Clothing, in my opinion, should not add bulk to one’s figure needlessly.

The jacket also features “chic ribbed sweater sleeves [that] detach at the elbow.” I do not often need a puffer jacket that only covers up to my elbow, as a puffer coat is usually restricted to cold weather. However, a puffer jacket with elbow-length sleeves does not warm forearms, and therefore, it fails to provide proper heat to all necessary extremities. Also, ripped sweater sleeves are ugly.

I would also be able to pass up this jacket because of its price. At $249.99, it will cost as much as a J.Crew coat, which will be of both better quality and style. While this jacket will one day be out of style, a J.Crew coat, such as the Wool Harbor Peacoat, the Wool Cashmere Crosby Coat, the Double-Cloth Camino Coat, or even the Sherpa Puffer Jacket will still be a classic style for years to come.

In sum, I would pass this coat up for many reason. I would not wear it because the color is wildly unflattering. I would also not wear it because it adds extra volume to my figure with its three tiers of volume. I find its ribbed sweater sleeves to be unattractive, and do not see a use for the jacket if you wear it with elbow-length sleeves. Finally, I believe that a more timeless jacket can be found for the same price, but will prove to be a better investment as it will not fall out of fashion within the season. For all these reasons, I would not wear this jacket.

ModCloth Take It or Sleeve It Jacket – $249.99
J.Crew Wool Harbor Peacoat – $220, or $240 with Thinsulate
J.Crew Wool-Cashmere Crosby Coat – $225
J.Crew Double Cloth Camino Coat – $195
J.Crew Sherpa Puffer Jacket – $168

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Yummy Plants 101. Love Life. Vegan. New Organic Tees from Yummy Plants!

Flax Seeds – Tiny Seeds That Pack a Powerful Nutritional Punch

Flax seeds are amazing. These tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Two common varieties are the brown and golden flax seeds, and the nutritional content seems to vary slightly depending on the variety.  According the nutritional information from the Nature’s Path brand of organic brown flax seeds, two tablespoons contain 4 grams of protein,  5 [...]


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MenuScheduleBooksThank YouLendersSponsorsPress Release
Calista Elders Council
570 3rd Ave # 219
Bethel, AK 99559
(907) 543-1541

Visit the Anchorage Museum!!
121 West Seventh Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501

Gathering grass
Tools for gathering

Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, L2327
Dr. Leuman M. Waugh, 1935

Kelugkaat (coarse grass) prepared for drying.

Utercimariameng arnait nutaan nangerrluteng. Erniyuunateng ella assiraqan arnait, carangllugnek caliarkameggnek quyurrluteng. Unuakumi tua-i arnat amlleret ayagnaurtut tua-i, ernerpak-llu tayima tua-i, atakuan-llu tua-i tekilluteng nutaan. Yuuciinateng tua-i carangllugnek keggatait ukut caqumaluteng, atmaitnek.
Iitaat, cat, kelugkaat, taperrnat, tamakut tamaa-i pitullruit atu'urkateng. Ilait-llu ilututaaqluteng waten tumyarat nunam qaingani, arnat aturturatullrit allamiaqan. Angutet tumyaraqenrilkait, arnat taugaam. Tuaten tua-i ayuqaqluteng uksuarmi, qenuvianun tua-i.

After people returned from fish camps, every day in good weather, women went out and gathered grass that they would work on later. Many women left in the morning and were gone all day. They'd finally come home in the evening. You couldn't tell they were people because their upper bodies were covered with grass they carried.
They collected iitaat [tall cottongrass], kelugkaat [coarse grass], taperrnat [coarse seashore grass] that they would use. Some trails that women used year after year were deep. They were trails only used by women and not men. That's what women did during fall until freeze-up.

--Frank Andrew, Kwigillingok

They spoke to the land's inhabitants

Berry Picking

Photo: James H. Barker

The Andrew and Wasuli families berry picking, Kotlik.

Nunam yui qalarulluki cali aviukarqetuluteng. Tauna iqvallerkarteng-llu pisqumaluku, maniitesqelluteng-llu piaqluteng piyukengameggnek. Iqvalrianun-llu maligut'langama tua-i niicugniaqluki tuatnaaqata.

They spoke to the land's inhabitants, nunam yui, and gave an offering [of food and water]. They asked that they be presented with berries or things they wanted. When I began accompanying berry pickers, I listened to them when they [gave offerings and asked for things].

--Frank Andrew, Kwigillingok

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved.
No Replication of Images or Design without Express Written Permission.

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Working with chain system Our stitching facilities are equipped with the latest high-tech machinery to maintain top quality.

Automated pocket hemmers, pocket setters, long seam over-lock, loop setters, fly stitching machines, semi-automatic waistband machines, screen printing department are only a few examples of how we add value to our product.

No of sewing machine are 200 excluding special machines Our stitching Floor producing 3000 per day.

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Where Umbrellas Dare Not Go :: Flying Silks

January 25, 2010 | • Gear & Gadgets

Do you ever need something larger than an umbrella or softbox? Not quite sure if you are wanting to deal with a massive Octabank? Try a 12×12′ silk! Tie it up to some stands like these Matthews Tall Boys and presto! Gorgeous light.

Did you click on the links? Expensive aren’t they? Not to rent!

PITA to carry around, set up, and use? Absolutely. Worth the pain in the ass it is to carry around, set up, and use? Absolutely. Want to do it on your own? Absolutely not. Bring a friend or two.

Silk’s are great because they cut ambient light, you can blow flash into them, you can use them as background material, they look cool blowing around in videos, etc, etc, etc.  Octa’s are cool because you can blow flash into them. (crickets) No etc, etc, etc. after talking about big octa’s. Don’t get me wrong, octabanks are amazing light modifiers.  LOVE them!  But if you need something that is just as much a pain in the a$$ to set up, sand bag, and move around as a large octa is, then consider using a silk.  I prefer the 12×12′ as it is really versatile at that size. I think we are paying about $25 a day to rent two silks.  That’s an affordable solution to a modifier that can do a number of things.

I can’t show the goods from today’s shoot but here is one that I really like from today showing the silk flying in the air like it just don’t care.

Cheers, Zack

  • zack said on January 25, 2010

    And yes, I know the light from a silk is different than an octa. Each has their place in a photographer’s tool kit but… You can’t beat a silk for the versatility you get out of it.

  • Darrell Harris said on January 26, 2010

    So, what are you lighting the silk with? Do you have to bounce the light first so it fills more of the silk or are you using a bare light right into the sheet? Zack, you teased me with that gorgeous light mod then left the party early….! 😉

  • Michael said on January 26, 2010

    The Mathews artificial silk is about $125 from B&H. The stands look a lot smaller on the B&H site.

    There is a certain photographer who claims that “borrowed” motel bed sheets work just as well. He also owns a 12′ silk.

  • Michael said on January 26, 2010

    The one nice thing about using panels is you can change the size of your light source without changing its fall off. Bring your light close and you get hard light, back it up and you get soft light, and your fall off is the same. Inverse square law from the panel surface. The light equivalent of Depth of field.

  • Henrik Bengtsson said on January 26, 2010

    I love a silk, you can use it in so many ways. Backlit like you have there, use it as an improvised diffuser, bounce material, clothing, sunscreen, etc.

    Every tool (including umbrellas 😉 have their place in your toolbox, but a sheet of silk cost very little (if you are lucky) and takes almost no space.

    And Darrell, you can do all of the above really. You can shoot straight through it (i tend to use two flashes behind it with wide reflectors to spread the light as even as possible). You could also use it as a standard white background and light it from the side.

  • Henrik Bengtsson said on January 26, 2010

    Oh. a quick tip to get your own silk.

    I found a material at a local textile supplier that is used for the inner curtains on showerdrapes. This was basically the perfect diffuser fabric, thin, pure white and extremely cheap. Cost me about $1 / feet of fabric. It was only about 5 feet wide though but still, its cheap 😀 So go have a look at the textile suppliers and see what they have. It may be a lot cheaper than renting it.

    And here is an example of a picture taken with that silk:

    (Zach: hope its ok to link that, if not just remove it)

  • Evan said on January 26, 2010

    This has DIY written all over it!

  • chi said on January 26, 2010

    yeah really, how do you light up a 12′ silk evenly? I’d bounce either a flash or continous light source off a wall, then have it come back and light the silk? I dunno man, i’m just bumping my gums.

  • Noah Shaye said on January 26, 2010

    Hi Henrik!

    Could you give us more details about where to buy that fabric?? Maybe a website? Thanks!

  • John C said on January 26, 2010

    My guess, one light really far back and full power…or two lights (one high and one low centered.)

  • Charlie said on January 26, 2010

    That sounds like a really versatile addition to every photographer’s camera bag, I’m suprised that I’ve not tried this yet, time to get motivated and go make some photographs.

  • uncle chris said on January 26, 2010

    love the hidden logo!

  • Glyn Dewis said on January 26, 2010

    Nice post Zack and the location looks awesome!

  • Josh R. said on January 26, 2010

    I have two piece of 3 yards each sports nylon that I bought from Jo-ann’s. Cheap and it works very well as a photographic silk. I just clamp it to stands and if it’s windy you can leave one side unclamped on the bottom so it won’t catch in the wind.

  • Steven said on January 26, 2010

    Nice shots. I kinda figured that when I saw that silk, something of epic proportions was about to be released. The lower photo is awesome. Great location too.

    I’ll help schlep gear around if you need me! Give me a call!

  • Antoine_fr said on January 26, 2010

    Ahah, just found your watermark 😉

  • Otto Rascon said on January 26, 2010

    I cannot wait to see what you shot. This shoot looks like all kinds of cool… I imagine plenty of movement and drama. Thanks Zack. Rock!

  • Henrik Bengtsson said on January 26, 2010

    Noah, it was from a textile supplier here in Sweden who had gotten a huge shipment. He buys & sells fabric shipments that the original buyer for some reason doesnt want anymore so its not always sure he has it in stock.

    But the fabric is a synthetic silk fabric so it should be possible to locate at a well stocked textile supplier. My suggestion would be to bring a softbox to a textile supplier and ask if they can help you locate this style of fabric. The things you need to look for is how much light is being let through and also that there is no colouring of the light.

    For the Swedes here it can be bought from http://www.skroten.se/ (site is in swedish, sorry ;D.

    And it really is a great tool to bring along. =) maybe not the 12×12 size but smaller versions for sure.

  • Tamara said on January 27, 2010

    The second image rocks. Fantastic. And thanks for sharing lighting details.

  • Steve B. said on January 28, 2010

    It is a cheaper more versatile option to the giant octabank – but the light from the octabank is so gorgeous. Would love to see a side by side comparison of light quality.

  • Mike Kang said on January 30, 2010

    Zack, you’re the man. I rent gear all the time, I didn’t even think to rent silks! Duh!

  • c.d.embrey said on February 2, 2010

    Why didn’t you rent a frame for the silk ? Makes it much more versatile. The ability to raise and tilt the silk gives you more options for getting the look you want. And it makes it easy to move.

    For bouncing, putting a 12×12 griff behind a 12×12 silk gives a nice soft light.

  • zack said on February 3, 2010

    CD- The frame put us over our rental budget and I knew I really didn’t need it for this job. Had I been flying it outdoors then I would have really needed the frame. I also wanted the ability to throw it up quickly and bring it down quickly. Tying it to two stands does the job and saves a bit of cash for this particular job.

  • Drew Lawrence said on February 6, 2010

    Nice ! Very ‘Dean Collins’….

  • anna said on February 25, 2010

    the silk just adds so much density and at the same time grandiosely graciousness

  • Asert said on March 22, 2010

    Amazing photo

  • Jass Foley said on April 19, 2010

    Can’t say enough about using silks. They do have a time and a place, but I’d take them over an octa when I want an ultra soft light. Found a great material supplier here (Ireland) that gives huge seamless synthetic at great price, so not gonna pass up the opportunity!

    Used a silk hanging from a lastolite backdrop frame last week, and worked a treat! http://jassfoley.com/mill/

  • Jannie Anderson said on July 8, 2010

    When I was a young camera assistant I worked mostly on television commercials that we shot on 35mm film.

    We were called to shoot a spot with Will Rogers Jr. sitting under an apple tree talking about apples. The director/ cameraman that I worked for, sent me to a local sailboat sail making shop and I had them make a 30’x40′ diffusion out of spinnaker material with grommets all around the outside. Then he got hold of some weather ballons and we raised it up in the air over the tree and anchored the corners to the ground by driving in old Ford axles. There was no wind, it gave the most beautiful light and in the end looked easy. Later when I became a director of photography I often used that same diffuser, once covering the gas pumps of a station in Californina and we tied it and another off to semi trailors set to block the wind behind the camera. It was pretty neat.

  • Alan Matthews said on August 17, 2010

    I want one of those contraptions. Silk? How can I buy one?

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Manik Jepun FotoPage
Supplier of Japanese Seed beads and beads embroidery supply
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Acrylic Love 25mm

Love 25 13(med pink)
Price: RM 6.00 / 10 pieces

Size: 25mm (widest length)

Colors available in stock:
Acrylic Love 25mm 13(med pink)

Made in Taiwan.
Grade A quality (shinier) due to thicker silver backing at the back compared to lower grade (hence cheaper) acrylic stones.

Note: other colors can be ordered, but I only take new stock on Saturday. You can refer to other acrylic shapes for other colors. There are actually 25 colors altogether.

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

The Root Of All Evil

Part-time Republican candidate and full-time white supremacist Wayne Allyn Root has some thoughts on Ferguson, Missouri and the shooting of Michael Brown, and the one thing he's fairly sure of is that racism in America was a solved problem until January 20, 2009.

“It’s like we’re reliving the 1960s with Barack Obama,” said Wayne Allyn Root during a radio appearance Wednesday. “He didn’t come in to help us end the specter of racism, he brought it back, folks.”
Root, a Fox News contributor and the 2008 Libertarian Party vice-presidential nominee, told religious right broadcaster Steve Deace that police had been cowed into submission by Obama, reported Right Wing Watch.

“Is it not a racist overreaction by the police department that is scared to death of being called racist to allow people to loot and burn and do nothing but stand by while stores are being looted and burned because the people doing the looting and burning might have dark skin, and therefore if you hit one of them, if you arrest any of them – if you kill one of them in a gunfight – you’ll be charged with even more racism?” Root argued.

To recap, Root is arguing that racism is worse than murder.  In fact, he's arguing that perceived racism is so awful, it makes people kill people in ways that can be perceived as racist, like some Moebius strip steamroller of shame.

The Tea Party activist claimed Ferguson police were deeply concerned about being perceived as racist.
“It’ll make the riots that much worse, and you’ll look that much worse in the eyes of a president who’s looking to indict police officers for racism,” Root said.

And it's all Obama's fault.  Of course it is.  Because no black man was ever shot by police before January 20, 2009.

PS, Wayne here is going to be running for Harry Reid's job in Nevada in 2016.  Good luck with that.

1 comment:

Horace Boothroyd III said...

With the polls showing an 80% chance for a GOP takeover in the Senate and the gibbering idiot Left working merrily to throw as many elections as it can get its filthy paws on, I have pretty much made my peace with the fact that nothing I can do might make a difference one way or another. I will cast my vote with a placid heart, drive over to help out in more competitive states, and make ready to face the coming shitstorm.

It can't be worse than eight years of Bush and Cheney, can it?

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Android 2.3.6 Coming to Nexus S!

Android 2.3.6 is rolling out on Nexus S phones this week, this will be a fun update. For those of you rooted on your Nexus S, I highly advise to just wait couple more days as there should be plenty of ROMs with Android 2.3.6 instead of trying to do the OTA update yourself. (Check

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Two youths given life term for robbery-cum-murder

Last Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 14:30

New Delhi: Two youths, held guilty on basis of circumstantial evidence of robbing and killing a man have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court.

While sentencing Mohammad Alam, 24 and Mohammad Iqhlak, 22 for murdering 30-year-old Satish, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Virender Kumar Goyal referred their third accomplice, a juvenile on the day of commission of the crime, to Juvenile Justice Board for separate sentencing.

"The offences committed has caused a huge loss to the family of the deceased, who was.. also an earning member of the family. Due to his murder, his family has also suffered a lot and lost the love and affection," ASJ Goyal said, while awarding the duo 10 years in jail for robbery and life term for murder. The two sentences will run concurrently.

The prosecution case dated back to March 20, 2010 when Satish had gone to a tent house for booking a generator, but went missing. His body was recovered after two days.

The police had worked out the blind murder case on secret information and arrested the trio, then working at a factory, and recovered from them various belongings, like mobile phone, wrist watch etc of the victim.

Convicting the trio, ASJ Goyal said that the prosecution has been able to complete the chain of circumstantial evidence against accused persons to the extent that mobile phone of Satish was recovered from accused Alam and his wrist watch was recovered from possession of juvenile for which no explanation has been given by the accused.

"Similarly, no explanation has been given by Alam about the possession of Mobile phone," the court said.

First Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 14:30

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MS Dhoni might play if India qualify for finals, says Virat Kohli

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 19:10

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: According to stand-in skipper Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni might be fit to play the final match of the ongoing tri-nation series if India manage to defeat Sri Lanka on Tuesday to seal their berth.

Kohli said during the toss ahead of the sixth ODI that Dhoni is recovering well and he played some soccer on Tuesday, so there are chances of him playing the final match, if they manage to reach that far.

Dhoni was ruled out of the ongoing tri-nation series in West Indies due to a hamstring injury. He has been rested for the upcoming Zimbabwe series where Kohli will once again lead the side.

The final match of the series will be played on July 11.

First Published: Tuesday, July 9, 2013 - 20:24

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Christ In Sunshine

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous
We are in danger of using our religion only in our dark hours, when we are in some trouble. But we need Christ just as much in our bright, prosperous, exalted hours as in the days of darkness, adversity, and depression. His religion is just as much for our hours of joy as for our days of grief. There are just as many stars in the sky at noon as at midnight, although we cannot see them in the sun's glare. And there are just as many comforts and promises and divine encouragements and blessings above us when we are in our noons of human gladness and earthly success as when we are in pain and shadow.

Psalms 4:7: Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. (KJV)
Psalms 5:11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. (KJV)
Psalms 9:2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. (KJV)
Psalms 16:8-11: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (KJV)
Psalms 30:11: Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; (KJV)
Psalms 32:11: Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (KJV)
Psalms 33:21: For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. (KJV)
Psalms 40:16: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. (KJV)
Psalms 51:8: Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (KJV)
Psalms 68:3: But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. (KJV)
John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (KJV)
2 Corinthians 4:6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV)
Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (KJV)
1 Thessalonians 5:16: Rejoice evermore. (KJV)
James 5:13: Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (KJV)
1 John 1:4-5: And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (KJV)

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Oral Health

Pyodontyl plus Double-Action Gum Care

Key ingredients Vitamin P, Panthenol, Xylitol and Ammonium Glycyrrhizate

work in synergy to

Reduce Sensitive Sensitive Bleeding Gums

Reduce Pain from Ulcerative Gums and

Promote Healthy Gum Tissue

Oral-B Essential Floss removes plaque where your brush can’t reach.

Flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Details HERE

Oral-B with CrossCross Bristles to lift out and sweep away hard to reach plagues and Soft Gum Stimulators to massage gums.

The bristles of an old toothbrush rub the sensitive parts of the inside of your mouth. Repeatedly using an old toothbrush can puncture the soft skin in the mouth which may lead to ulcers and sores.

Bacterial and viral infections can also sometimes cause mouth ulcers, although this is rare. The old toothbrush may be a reservoir of these nasty microbes. Change that toothbrush now and every three months or as recommended by your dentist.

Sensodyne Gentle Whitening breaks up stains to get your teeth whiter and is also gentle on your teeth. Like other Sensodyne toothpaste products, when used every day, Sensodyne Gentle Whitening relieves sensitive teeth by building a protective barrier that blocks the pain caused by hot, cold, sweet, acidic and other contact triggers and it keeps it from coming back. It also leaves a fresh, clean feeling in your mouth.

Potential Value of Statins/Omega-3 fatty acids Combination

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Residual risk of cardiovascular events after treatment with stain might be explained in part because patients have low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

Several large trials and meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated that statin therapy significantly reduces LDL-C levels and incidence of cardiovascular events.

In spite of the efficacy of statin therapy in these studies, statins did not eliminate cardiovascular risk. Rather, significant residual cardiovascular risk remains after treatment with statins, especially in high-risk patients such as those with diabetes.

Now, Kurisu S and colleagues Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences has shown that the lipid-lowering therapy with strong statin reduced n-3 PUFAs in proportion to the decrease in the LDL cholesterol level in patients with coronary artery disease.

The study population consisted of 46 patients with coronary artery disease whose low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was more than 100 mg/dl. Lipid-lowering therapy was performed with a strong statin including atorvastatin (n = 22), rosuvastatin (n = 9) or pitavastatin (n = 15). Serum PUFA levels were determined by gas chromatography. The treatment with strong statin decreased the sum of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA) levels (195 ± 41 to 184 ± 44 μg/ml, P < 0.05) as well as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels (233 ± 71 to 200 ± 72 μg/ml, P < 0.001). These effects of strong statin resulted in a significant decrease in ratio of the sum of EPA and DHA levels to the sum of DGLA and AA levels (1.20 ± 0.27 to 1.10 ± 0.35, P < 0.05). The percent decrease in the LDL cholesterol level correlated significantly with that in the sum of EPA and DHA levels (r = 0.38, P < 0.01).

As athero-sclerosis has an important inflammatory component and n-3 PUFAs are potent anti-inflammatory agents, it is possible that such anti-inflammatory effects contribute towards their protection against cardiovascular disease.

Thus the combination of statins with n-3 PUFAs, popularly referred to as omega-3 fatty acids, may have potential value in in patients with coronary artery disease.

Talk to your doctor if you are already on statins.

Kurisu S, Ishibashi K, Kato Y, Mitsuba N, Dohi Y, Nishioka K, Kihara Y. Effects of lipid-lowering therapy with strong statin on serum polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in patients with coronary artery disease. Heart Vessels. 2011 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Tamiflu Reduces the Duration of Influenza… BUT

A new review of medical evidence, conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, has raised questions about the risk-benefit profile of oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The review found that the drug could reduce the duration of influenza, however, it has not been proven to reduce the incidence of complications from the flu nor did they find sufficient evidence that it could reduce transmission of the virus. Based on its review, the Cochrane Collaboration has asked Roche to release unpublished data on oseltamivir. Investigators derived their conclusions from 15 published studies and nearly 30,000 pages of 'clinical study reports.'

Jefferson, Tom; Jones, Mark A.; Doshi, Peter; et al. Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Preventing and Treating Influenza in Healthy Adults and Children - A Review of Clinical Study Reports. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (01/12)

Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways:

(1) by direct contact with infected individuals;

(2) by contact with contaminated objects (called fomites, such asLink toys, doorknobs);

(3) by inhalation of virus-laden aerosolized particles (droplets).

The contribution of each mode to overall transmission of influenza is not known. However, CDC recommendations to control influenza virus transmission in health care settings include measures that minimize spread by aerosol and fomite mechanisms.

Influenza transmission can be reduced by covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing*, and by washing hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Source: Virology Blog by By Vincent Racaniello

*While coughing may produce several hundred droplets, a good sneeze can generate up to 20,000. See “Vampire Cough” video

Health Tip: Avoid the Flu During Travel

Suggestions to remain healthy

Plane or bus travel is a prime way to pick up or spread the flu. But there are steps you can take to help avoid getting others sick or getting sick yourself.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

  • Get a flu shot before you travel.
  • Pack a kit of hand sanitizer, soap, tissues and pain relievers.
  • Don't travel if you don't feel well or suspect you might have the flu.
  • Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, rather than your hands.
  • Wash your hands frequently with water and soap.
  • Stay away from people who are sick. Try not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose.

10 Things Unhappy People Have in Common

We all want to be happy in some way or another. We strive each day to find the path of happiness whatever we think it is. But some of us come up way short. Some of us make mistakes day in and day out that take us away from the shining beacon of happiness at the end of the tunnel.

Are you striving to find peace? Are you striving to locate that inner glow that you know must exist? Are you coming up short or finding happiness that’s always fleeting? Life is a journey and on it we find what works and what doesn’t work. However, the most unhappy people tend to have a few things in common. If you’re looking to find peace, balance, and joy in your life, here’s what NOT to do. These people have it all wrong:

1. They Hate Their Jobs

You spend eight hours, sometimes much more at work. If you hate your job you can’t help but hate your life because you’re spending 40 out of the 168 hours in a week doing something you can’t stand. What’s worse, we often take our anger from work home with us, bringing that disgruntled attitude into our homes. I’m not saying go out and quit your job tomorrow. Instead, take an aerial view of your life. Why don’t you love your job? What’s missing? Is it the career itself? Is it your boss or your company? What’s your passion? What are you good at? Take time to answer these questions and then make a plan to move towards change, however long it takes.

2. They’re Constantly Worried About Money

Studies have proven that being rich won’t make us any happier. A Princeton University study showed that people needed an annual income of $75,000 per year per household and no more to be happy. Above that amount, more cash has no effect on “emotional well-being.” What this really means is that you need to be able to comfortably pay bills and save without worrying about finances. On the other hand, financial uncertainty does make us unhappy so this is another chance for evaluation. Are you overspending? What can you downsize? How can you minimize your life so that you can afford it? This is in no way an easy question, but it’s part of the journey.

Related: 5 Ways to Change Your Relationship to Money

3. They Don’t Have Any Active Hobbies

Happiness is linked to activity level. You have to move to feel good. What about yoga, hiking, swimming, surfing, biking, or running? Happiness is also linked to doing what you love so find active hobbies that make you happy and get to it.

Related: Get Physical!

4. They Have Wandering Minds.

According to Science News, “[a] wandering mind often stumbles downhill emotionally. People spend nearly half their waking lives thinking about stuff other than what they’re actually doing, and these imaginary rambles frequently feel bad, according to a new study.” The more you can focus on what you’re doing when you’re doing it, the happier you are. Meditation allows you to learn to focus on the present moment so you can actually live the life you’ve been given.

Related: 8 Ways Meditation Can Change Your Life

5. They Commute a Long Distance

A long commute can take a toll on your life and after a while it can really bring you down. How much of your life are you losing in commute? It’s hard on a relationship as well. A recent Swedish study found that divorce rates were higher the longer the commute.

6. They Think “Stuff” Will Make Them Happy

Unhappy people are constantly trying to fill the void by consuming, whether it be alcohol, food, or shopping. But the problem is happiness can’t be consumed, it’s cultivated from within. Meeting desires only brings fleeting happiness.

Related: 5 Mental Habits for Cutting Consumption

7. They’re Lonely

Cultivating relationships is important for both your health and your happiness. And that doesn’t just mean how good you are at social networking. Unfortunately nowadays more than a few of us view our laptop as our very best friend. Single or not, married or not, it’s important to always strive both to make friends and to keep them while also keeping close ties to family.

Related: Loneliness Harms Health: Why You Need Friends

8. They Don’t Like Their Town

So often we feel stuck in our lives. We live in a town that we no longer love and aren’t sure how to feel better about the situation. This is another opportunity to take a step back and ask why you feel the way you do. Is it the town or is it you? Get the newspaper and look into new events, volunteer some place new, or, well, move. Who says you have to live in the same place your whole life? I certainly haven’t. I’ve already tried out Charlottesville, Athens, Washington DC, Florence, Charleston, and Columbia and I’m just getting started.

9. They Don’t Have Pets

Pets serve as support and provide unconditional love that we grow to depend on but at the same time, they don’t disrupt other human relationships, according to a new study. If you’re considering pet ownership, adopt a pet in need and follow this guide to responsible pet ownership.

Related: 6 Health Benefits of Having Pets

10. They Don’t Like Themselves

We make ourselves happy by the way we view life and by learning to enjoy the moment. We make ourselves happy by the way we view ourselves. By opening our hearts we find peace but that peace has to first start off with you. If you dislike yourself, you can never be happy so give yourself a break. Learn to love yourself, you deserve it!

20 Easy Ways to Be Happier
5 Happiness Boosters That Do More Harm Than Good
5 Ways to Practice Happiness

Written by Sara Novak, Planet Green

Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment and dedicated to helping people understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Its two robust websites, and, offer original, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.

Sara Novak specializes in food policy and health writing and is devoted to living mindfully in all of her daily pursuits. She’s a health and wellness expert for
Discovery Health and recently launched her own food and wellness Web site Serene Kitchen.

Black Tea Lowers BP

Black Tea Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (BP) is a leading risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease. Small changes in BP due to dietary modification may have a significant impact on the prevalence of hypertension and risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr Jonathan Hodgson (University of Western Australia, Perth) and colleagues reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine that regular consumption of black tea reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure between 2 to 3 mm Hg

In their study, the group randomized 95 men and women with a daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure between 115 and 150 mm Hg to three cups of black tea daily or to placebo that matched the tea in flavor and caffeine content (approximately 96 mg of caffeine per day). There were no significant differences between patient groups at baseline.

Daily consumption of the tea resulted in a significantly lower 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with the control arm. The net-effect difference in systolic blood pressure at three and six months was -2.7 mm Hg and -2.0 mm Hg, respectively (p=0.006 at three months, p=0.05 at six months). Diastolic blood pressure was reduced 2.3 mm Hg and 2.1 mm Hg at three and six months, respectively (p<0.001 at three months, p=0.003 at six months).

Black tea is a common source of flavonoids, which have been suggested to contribute to vascular health. The researchers point out that they have shown that flavonoids augment nitric-oxide status and reduce plasma concentration of endothelin-1, both of which could contribute to reductions in vascular tone and reduced blood pressure.

Hodgson JM, Puddey IB, Woodman RJ, et al. Effects of black tea on blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med 2012; 172:186-188.

Beautiful Music from Woorabinda

“Outside my Window” by Cindy Hill, Richard Accoom and Malcolm Freeman from Woorabinda

Uploaded to Youtube by BimaVideos on August 23, 2011 and recommended by Robbo (Andrew Roberts), a pharmacist living and working in one of the most remote parts of Australia caring for aboriginal health and who still finds the time to blog on Biting the Dust.

Andy Rooney on Sex!

Picture credit:

Andrew Aitken "Andy" Rooney (January 14, 1919 – November 4, 2011) was an American radio and television writer. Andy Rooney is dead at 92. He will be remembered for the many pithy things he said in his weekly broadcast "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney," a part of the CBS News program 60 Minutes from 1978 to 2011.

Unfortunately, he is also remembered for things he didn't say, though folks on the Internet claim he did.

So, we are not sure about these clever remarks on SEX that Ah Guan of Singapore sent us and attributed to Andy but they are such great laughs:

1. When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory....I don't remember what I chose.

2. Your birth certificate is an apology letter from the condom factory.

3. A wife is a sex object. Every time you ask for sex, she objects.

4. Impotence: nature's way of saying, "No hard feelings..."

5. There are only two four letter words that are offensive to men - 'don't' and 'stop', unless they are used together.

6. Panties: not the best thing on earth, but next to the best thing on earth.

7. There are three stages in a man's life: Tri-Weekly, Try Weekly and Try Weakly.

8. Virginity can be cured.

9. Virginity is not dignity, it's lack of opportunity.

10. Having sex is like playing bridge - if you don't have a good partner, you better have a good hand.

11. I tried phone sex once, but the holes in the dial were too small.

12. Marriage is the only war where you get to sleep with the enemy.

13. Question: What's an Australian kiss? Answer: The same thing as a French kiss, only down under.

14. A couple just married were happy with the whole thing. He was happy with the Hole and she was happy with the Thing.

15. Question: Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact? Answer: Breasts don't have eyes.

16. Despite the old saying, 'Don't take your troubles to bed', many men still sleep with their wives!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sleep Disturbance Associated with Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders

Picture credit:

Sleep Problems Increase Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Obesity

People who suffer from sleep disturbances are at major risk for obesity, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

For the first time in such a large and diverse sample, analyzing the data of over 130,000 people, the new research also indicates that general sleep disturbance (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or sleeping too much) may play a role in the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Difficulty Falling Asleep, Difficulty Staying Asleep, Too Much Sleep, Also Associated

“Previous studies have demonstrated that those who get less sleep are more likely to also be obese, have diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and are more likely to die sooner, but this new analysis has revealed that other sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or even too much sleep, are also associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health issues,” said Michael A. Grandner, PhD, research associate at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at Penn and lead author of the study.

The researchers examined associations between sleep disturbances and other health conditions, focusing on perceived sleep quality, rather than just sleep duration. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic and health risk factors, patients with sleep disturbances at least three nights per week on average were 35 percent more likely to be obese, 54 percent more likely to have diabetes, 98 percent more likely to have coronary artery disease, 80 percent more likely to have had a heart attack, and 102 percent more likely to have had a stroke.

Sleep, Diet and Physical Activity Important Part of Health

“This study is one of the largest ever to link sleep problems with important cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It joins other studies that show that sleep is an important part of health, just like diet and physical activity,” said Philip R. Gehrman, PhD, CBSM, assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, clinical director of the Penn Medicine Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program, and senior study author.

“We all know what it feels like to not sleep well sometimes. And now we can clearly show that those who have chronic sleep problems are also much more likely to have chronic health problems as well. As a society, we need to make healthy sleep a priority”

The researchers say that future studies are needed to show whether sleep problems predict the new onset of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and whether treatment of sleep problems improves long term health and longevity. The research was funded, in part, by a grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

<<< * >>>

The above story is adapted by The Zestzfulness Team from the January 20, 2012 news release by the University of Pennsylvania.

The study is published online ahead of print in the Journal of Sleep Research: Grandner MA, Jackson NJ, Pak VM, Gehrman PR. Sleep disturbance is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. J Sleep Res. 2011 Dec 12. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2011.00990.x.

Read our earlier posts on sleep problems

Poor Sleep Quality and Cardiovascular Diseases

Growing evidence links sleep quality to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and an increased production of inflammatory hormones and changes in blood vessel function may be one mechanism by which sleep deprivation ...

Extremes of sleep duration increase BMI, SAT, and VAT

The authors proposed that short sleep may impact fat accumulation by promoting increased caloric intake via increased hunger, or by reducing energy expenditure via altered thermoregulation and increased fatigue. ...

Too Little or Too Much Sleep Harmful

King et al at University of Chicago Medical Center found that not getting enough sleep increases the risk of clogged up arteries and heart disease (2). Conversely, sleeping well appears to prevent calcified deposits in the ...

and Get a Better Night's Sleep here:

Don't rely on a pot of coffee to keep you awake -- Instead of turning to a pot of coffee to keep you awake during the day, experts say you should focus on getting better sleep at night. The National Sleep Foundation offers these ...

Another Funny One-Liner

Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. "Yes" is the answer.

Author unknown.

In the Year of the Dragon

We did not draw this picture, we got it HERE

Sunday, January 22, 2012

In The Year Of The Dragon

Picture credit:

The Zestzfulness Team Wishes You

Wisdom Muse

Prosperity Motivation Laughter

Family Friends Dream Success Memory Patience

Hope Luck Beauty Creativity Trust Compassion Faith

Inspiration Peace on Earth Happiness Confidence Joy Curiosity

Thoughtfulness Courage Freedom Love Discovery Gratitude Forgiveness

The choice of font type, size and color is random but the essence of our wish for you this year of the dragon and of the year of all the other animals in the Chinese zodiac is simply:

Mindfulness and Loving Kindness

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Exercise : Scientists Isolate Link to Health Benefits

Scientists isolate protein linking exercise to health benefits

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have isolated a protein produced in muscle cells that triggers some of the important benefits from exercise. The protein, which researchers named 'irisin,' switches on genes that convert adipose tissue to beneficial fats that help the body burn more off more excess calories than exercise alone.

Hormone discovery could yield exercise-mimicking drugs for metabolic and other disorders.

The scientists said their findings merely scratch the surface of irisin's multiple effects. They are continuing to explore the hormone's possible benefits in metabolic diseases like diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity, which constitute a growing epidemic around the world, as well as neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson's disease.Link

Bruce Spiegelman, PhD, a cell biologist at Dana-Farber and senior author of the report added that as growing evidence implicates obesity and physical inactivity in cancer development, it's conceivable irisin-based drugs may have value in prevention and treatment of the disease.

Boström P, Wu J, Jedrychowski MP, Korde A, Ye L et al. A PGC1-α-dependent myokine that drives brown-fat-like development of white fat and thermogenesis. Nature doi:10.1038/nature1077. Published online 11 January 2012

The Zestzfulness Team says,

“Why wait, get out and exercise regularly!”

The Taxi

Picture credit :

A woman and her ten-year-old son were riding in a taxi in Vancouver.

It was raining and all the prostitutes were standing under the awnings.

"Mom" said the boy "what are all those women doing?"

"They're waiting for their husbands to get off work" she replied.

The taxi driver turns around and says "Geez lady, why don't you tell him the truth? They're hookers, boy! They have sex with men for money."

The little boy's eyes get wide and he says "Is that true Mom?"

His mother, glaring hard at the driver, answers in the affirmative.

After a few minutes, the kid asks "Mom, what happens to the babies those women have?"

"Most of them become politicians taxi drivers" she said.

Submitted by SC Khoo, original author unknown.


text:
Hongbo Zhang

I am a senior software engineer specialized in functional programming, meta-programming and transpilers.

I was a contributor to OCaml compiler, the creator of Fan, which is a Lispy style meta-programming system for OCaml and creator of OCamlscript, which compiles OCaml to highly readable JavaScript.

Recently I am impressed by the capability of modern Javascript, the whole Fan and OCamlscript compiler is transformed into JS, so that you can play with it in your browser without running a server: iFan, OCamlscript.

The rise of ReactJS, NodeJS sparks my interest in front-end programming as well.

Open source Contribution

Past Experience


text:
Friday, January 04, 2013

Final Fantasy Tactics: Save Early, Save Often

Final Fantasy Tactics differs from other games in the Final Fantasy series in that it isn't a traditional turn based RPG. Instead it's played on a grid with relevant positioning. It is still turn based in the sense that every unit has a timer and takes actions when that timer fills up, and it's still Final Fantasy in the sense that you're choosing between fight actions or Final Fantasyesque spells and abilities. It uses an evolved job system continuing on from FFIII and FFV and does a pretty darn good job of it. It also tends to put you into actual even fights a lot of the time. 6 guys on 6 guys with comparable abilities. Where it takes two hits on either side to take a guy out. And where death is permanent if you don't raise them fast enough...

This means every fight matters in the game, even random encounters. In a normal Final Fantasy game most fights are irrelevant. They give you some experience and gold and drain some of your mana or potion supply. Bosses can be deadly but no one (except a solo thief) loses to a couple imps. In FFT the first fights are not jokes at all. I started up and lost a character in the first fight. I didn't save the game and immediately lost the next fight. I chose to defend stupid Argus and he went and charged deep into enemy lines and got taken out. Game Over. Start over from the beginning, idiot person who didn't save.

I like games that are hard. I like that all the fights matter more than in a normal game. I don't like how long it takes to reload a game, or how often I need to save. I feel like the game would be better if it used a 'try again' feature like Final Fantasy Mystic Quest did, but because it doesn't you need to save all the time. All the time. And even more often than that!

In other news, it turns out someone did put together a hack to fix the PSP animation slowdown issue. I had to find and install a custom firmware thing in order to run the hack, but it seemed to work just fine. And the fact that it was so easy for this guy to hack it just makes me more bitter at Square for having the issue in the first place. Boo!

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text:
Monday, November 25, 2013

Psyche Delectus: The Spider Wizards of Ith

Dread sorcerers of the Winterlands,
Their cloaks deny
the shape of their intent.
They walk as men do,
triumvirate terrors of the snow.
They pretend fireside intimacy,
in truth seeking only succor
from the sanguine cup of a heart.
Where they pass
only wind and bones live henceforth.
Beware the Wizards of Ith!
Heed the sound of the midnight knock
and show your face at winter's door!
Let no occulted visage enter,
lest the morn find you
entangled in the web
of your own ignorance,
husk dry and empty
of all the essence that gave you life.
Recommended Listening:
 {Digital Images manipulated in Adobe Photoshop}

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