Quintura launches a unique search interface with interactive tag cloud and icons.
Add this to your list of social search engines. Quintura, a visual search engine, generates a cloud and a list of search engine results, allowing you to visually navigate and easily refine your search in order to find information faster.
Moms, check out the Quintura for Kids search engine. Next, Quintura for Women.
Tags: Quintura, visual search, kid search, women search
28 February 2007
Technology cannot replace a good surgeon
My age and my eyesight appears to be negatively correlated. I figure by the time I am 80, I will be blind as a bat. I have considered laser eye surgery to correct my eyesight for the past 25 years. I have always worried about the long-term effects of the surgery on the eye.
I recently read an article in US News & World Report entitled, A Lighter, Defter Touch-Years of refinement have made laser eye surgery better than ever (Michelle Andrew 2/25/07). This article discusses the different types of eye surgeries and the technology behind each one. Now you have about eight choices for corrective eye surgery.
The article quotes Glenn Hagele, founder and Executive Director of the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance, regarding the importance of surgeon selection when considering laser eye surgery. What he says makes a lot of sense to me: "No amount of technology can make up for an inferior surgeon." I visited the USAEyes.org website. There is a lot of good information as well as a listing of certified eye surgeons who meet certain standards for postoperative visual acuity and patient satisfaction.
Visit USAEyes.org, sponsor of this post, for free information about conventional or wavefront custom Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, P-IOL, CK, or RLE. Then find a surgeon with a good record of vision outcomes and patient satisfaction.
I think it is great that someone has rated eye surgeons on quality of correction and patient satisfaction. Now, if they could just do the same for all the other specialties! LOL
I recently read an article in US News & World Report entitled, A Lighter, Defter Touch-Years of refinement have made laser eye surgery better than ever (Michelle Andrew 2/25/07). This article discusses the different types of eye surgeries and the technology behind each one. Now you have about eight choices for corrective eye surgery.
The article quotes Glenn Hagele, founder and Executive Director of the Council for Refractive Surgery Quality Assurance, regarding the importance of surgeon selection when considering laser eye surgery. What he says makes a lot of sense to me: "No amount of technology can make up for an inferior surgeon." I visited the USAEyes.org website. There is a lot of good information as well as a listing of certified eye surgeons who meet certain standards for postoperative visual acuity and patient satisfaction.
Visit USAEyes.org, sponsor of this post, for free information about conventional or wavefront custom Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, P-IOL, CK, or RLE. Then find a surgeon with a good record of vision outcomes and patient satisfaction.
I think it is great that someone has rated eye surgeons on quality of correction and patient satisfaction. Now, if they could just do the same for all the other specialties! LOL
27 February 2007
What Do Men Watch?
One report about what men 18-34 years old ...
Research Brief » Blog Archive » Men 18 to 34 Years Old Are Key Online Video Viewers
Research Brief » Blog Archive » Men 18 to 34 Years Old Are Key Online Video Viewers
- Men aged 18-34 account for 41% of those who view video online on a daily basis, while comprising just 14% of the online subscribers sample
- Men aged 18-34 account for over two-thirds of adults who view YouTube and other user-generated content daily
- Just 8% of those who watch video online strongly agree that they now watch TV less often
25 February 2007
The Ultimate Gift in theaters on March 9
The Ultimate Gift, a movie starring Abigail Breslin, James Garner, Ali Hillis, Drew Fuller and Brian Dennehy, will be in theaters on March 9. This movie is based on the book, The Ultimate Gift, an underground best seller that has sold 4 million copies around the world. The message of the book and the movie is:
The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away.This is the movie that everyone will be talking about! The movie has been prescreened at 300 charity events, which resulted in over $5 million in donations to charity. What is even better is that schools are incorporating the message into their curriculum. The movie also sparked a teen philanthropy initiative called Show Of Hands.
Would you like to be involved? Support the charitable cause of your choice through the unique Weekend Of Giving promotion for The Ultimate Gift. Visit the website and get all the details of the promotion and to find out when this wonderful movie will be in your local theater.
This is the official site of the movie "The Ultimate Gift" and the grass-roots movement its starting to help charities and give to others.
In the meantime, think of the charity you would like to support. If you do not have any preferences, I would ask you to support the Save Darfur Coalition.
24 February 2007
Blog Your Blessing : Middle East Peace
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You.
Great and wonderful are Your works, wondrous are your ways.
Thank You for the many splendoured variety of Your creation.
Thank You for the many ways we affirm Your presence and
purpose, and the freedom to do so.
Forgive our violation of Your creation.
Forgive our violence toward each other.
We stand in awe and gratitude for Your persistent love
for each and all of Your children:
Christian, Jew, Muslim,
as well as those with other faiths.
Grant to all and our leaders attributes of the strong;
mutual respect in words and deed,
restraint in the exercise of power, and
the will for peace with justice, for all.
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You. Amen.
Great and wonderful are Your works, wondrous are your ways.
Thank You for the many splendoured variety of Your creation.
Thank You for the many ways we affirm Your presence and
purpose, and the freedom to do so.
Forgive our violation of Your creation.
Forgive our violence toward each other.
We stand in awe and gratitude for Your persistent love
for each and all of Your children:
Christian, Jew, Muslim,
as well as those with other faiths.
Grant to all and our leaders attributes of the strong;
mutual respect in words and deed,
restraint in the exercise of power, and
the will for peace with justice, for all.
Eternal God, Creator of the universe, there is no God but You. Amen.
This prayer was written by Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy and was used in many places in inter-religious worships around the time of the Gulf War in 1991. I thought it might be worthwhile to post it so that we could try again for peace in the Middle East.
Would You Like to Blog Your Blessing on Sundays? Spend part of your day on Sunday (or not) reading through the blessings of an eclectic mixture of bloggers: the blessing bloggers
Tags: Blog Your Blessings, Blue Panther Blog, Sunday post
MySpace Marketing
If you use MySpace, this article is a must read.
MySpace Marketing Tips, Tricks, and Hints | Marketing Profs
MySpace Marketing Tips, Tricks, and Hints | Marketing Profs
Tags: marketing, MySpace
23 February 2007
Credit Cards : Useful Tool or Severe Handicap?
Well, I saw this opportunity and I just had to write this blog post about my experience with credit cards. It was only one credit card, but what a lot of trouble it caused me. It was one of those 0% credit cards with 0% balance transfers. I transferred my high interest rate credit card balances to this one credit card. I thought it would be easier to have one payment and I could not beat that interest rate-ZERO!
Then I received my first statement in the mail. My minimum payment was $350 a month toward the balance! If I missed a payment or was late with a payment, I would be hit with a $35.00 late fee AND my credit card interest rate would rocket to 28.99%. Suddenly, I was not so happy. In fact, I got a little worried. I always pay my bills, but things happen.
Sure enough, three months later we had a 100-year flood in San Marcos and the city was shut down for three days. Guess what? My payment for that month was late by one day. I was hit with a $35 fee and that 28.99% interest rate as fast as you can say "gotcha."
I called the credit card company and explained about the 100 year flood and my payment being late by only one day. It was not long after Hurricane Katrina, so they were lenient. They said they would reverse the fee and lower my interest rate back to 0%. The next month I had to call them to remind them to reverse the 28.99% and the late fee. This went on for a few months. They would fix something, but leave the interest rate high, or tack on the late fee again. By the time I got it all straightened out, the 0% interest rate was over. I felt like I had been through a war! LOL
I would have to save that credit cards are great tools, but they may be severe handicaps as well--to your credit score, your credit history and your sanity.
Then I received my first statement in the mail. My minimum payment was $350 a month toward the balance! If I missed a payment or was late with a payment, I would be hit with a $35.00 late fee AND my credit card interest rate would rocket to 28.99%. Suddenly, I was not so happy. In fact, I got a little worried. I always pay my bills, but things happen.
Sure enough, three months later we had a 100-year flood in San Marcos and the city was shut down for three days. Guess what? My payment for that month was late by one day. I was hit with a $35 fee and that 28.99% interest rate as fast as you can say "gotcha."
I called the credit card company and explained about the 100 year flood and my payment being late by only one day. It was not long after Hurricane Katrina, so they were lenient. They said they would reverse the fee and lower my interest rate back to 0%. The next month I had to call them to remind them to reverse the 28.99% and the late fee. This went on for a few months. They would fix something, but leave the interest rate high, or tack on the late fee again. By the time I got it all straightened out, the 0% interest rate was over. I felt like I had been through a war! LOL
I would have to save that credit cards are great tools, but they may be severe handicaps as well--to your credit score, your credit history and your sanity.
22 February 2007
Child Suicide is Not Advertising Tool
Chupa Chups. It's the end of the world without it.
Agency: Lowe Bull, Johannesburg, South Africa.Creative Director: Gareth Lessing,
Art director: Adam Livesey,
Copywriter: Matthew Brink
If you find the use of suicide in advertising targeted at children offensive, please drop a note on the contact page of Chupa Chups Group or leave a message for Lowe Bull.
I do not know what it costs to call South Africa, but I have a feeling I will soon find out. There are 3 phone numbers and one email listed on the Lowe Bull of South Africa website.
email info@lowebull.com
Johannesburg Telephone +27 11 780 6100
Cape Town telephone +27 21 422 5220
Durbin Telephone +27 32 941 5000
I Googled the advertising agency name and was rewarded with this:
Contact Person Gillian Rightford
Tel: 011-780 6100
Fax: 011-706 2636
email: gillian.rightford@lowebull.com
Address: St. Andrews Office Park,
Meadowbrook Lane, Epsom Downs, Bryanston
Worldwide office: http://www.loweworldwide.com
Pictures and credits thanks to AdHunt.
Tags: offensive advertising, Chupa Chups, child suicide
21 February 2007
Joanna gets naked for PETA advertisements
If you have believe in a cause, you must be willing to give it your all! Joanna Krupa does just that with three different posters for People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). While I do not approve of using sex to sell anything, I would have to turn a blind eye to this one. The campaign is tastefully done, and the animals can use the help.
Fur Is Dead > Features > Joanna Krupa: 'I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur'
Enter to win! PETA is printing a limited amount of Joanna posters. One lucky fan will receive a PETA T-shirt and a PETA hat signed by Joanna as well as one signed copy of each poster. Twenty runners-up will receive a personal copy of each poster.
Death, Addiction and Rape : Is This Advertising?
Marketers Struggle With the 'Dark' Side is a disturbing article as it traces the advertising trend toward the dark side.
- An ad in Esquire shows a woman, fully clothed in a tight dress and spiked heels, lies on her back, hips raised as a bare-chested man holds her down and four other men look on.
- Volkswagen pulled a TV ad that featured a man about to commit suicide by jumping off a roof. This is just one of several suicide-themed advertisements being viewed.
- Bud Light ran an ad for SuperBowl that showed a man bashing his friend with a rock during a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
- Coors Light ran an ad in which a man hacked off the bride's head in an ice sculpture to cool the beer.
- St. Pauli beer implies in an ad that women are disposable; once you're finished you just discard her.
- Dior touts addiction and death to sell lipstick.
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19 February 2007
Angels Wear Prada, Too!
I have been wanting to see the movie, The Devil Wears Prada. So when I saw these sunglasses, I knew I would have to write about them!
BestBuyEyeglasses.com carries the largest selection of Prada eyewear at the best prices you will find anywhere.
Send in your prescription to have BestBuyEyeglasses.com make your fashionable glasses with corrective lenses. All orders come with an easy return policy. Use this discount code: ETP5P and get an extra 5 percent off. So get your Prada Sunglasses at BestBuyEyeglasses today.
BestBuyEyeglasses.com carries the largest selection of Prada eyewear at the best prices you will find anywhere.
Send in your prescription to have BestBuyEyeglasses.com make your fashionable glasses with corrective lenses. All orders come with an easy return policy. Use this discount code: ETP5P and get an extra 5 percent off. So get your Prada Sunglasses at BestBuyEyeglasses today.
18 February 2007
Research Bytes
eMarketer is a great source for worldwide research:
The worldwide total of DSL and cable broadband users will grow by an average of 9% annually over the next five years, reaching 480 million subscribers by 2012, according to new data from ABI Research.
USA
The US remains the single largest Internet market in the world with 181.9 million Internet users in 2006, but China is likely to take the lead before the decade is out.
England
A survey of the behaviors of English pensioners (AXA) has discovered a generation of silver surfers. The study shows that surfing the Internet has overtaken more traditional pastimes such as gardening.
Germany
One-third of Germans ages 16 and older go online for medical advice. The joint study by BITKOM and Eurostat claims that almost half of the Dutch do the same.
India
The Indian media market is expected to grow from revenues of $9.2 billion in 2007 to $17 billion by 2012 (India Media Market 2007 report from Heernet Ventures).
Japan
Japanese Telecommunications Carriers Association (TCA) trade group reported that mobile phone subscriptions in Japan had topped 100 million.
China
Total advertising spending in China amounted to $36.9 billion in 2006, from CTR Market Research.
Tags: research bytes, worldwide research, eMarketer
The worldwide total of DSL and cable broadband users will grow by an average of 9% annually over the next five years, reaching 480 million subscribers by 2012, according to new data from ABI Research.
USA
The US remains the single largest Internet market in the world with 181.9 million Internet users in 2006, but China is likely to take the lead before the decade is out.
England
A survey of the behaviors of English pensioners (AXA) has discovered a generation of silver surfers. The study shows that surfing the Internet has overtaken more traditional pastimes such as gardening.
Germany
One-third of Germans ages 16 and older go online for medical advice. The joint study by BITKOM and Eurostat claims that almost half of the Dutch do the same.
India
The Indian media market is expected to grow from revenues of $9.2 billion in 2007 to $17 billion by 2012 (India Media Market 2007 report from Heernet Ventures).
Japan
Japanese Telecommunications Carriers Association (TCA) trade group reported that mobile phone subscriptions in Japan had topped 100 million.
China
Total advertising spending in China amounted to $36.9 billion in 2006, from CTR Market Research.
Tags: research bytes, worldwide research, eMarketer
Blog Your Blessing : Always Remember
7th Century Early Medieval Stone SculptureAberlemno Roadside, Scotland
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
Irish Blessing
(author unknown)
Would You Like to Blog Your Blessing on Sundays? Spend part of your day on Sunday (or not) reading through the blessings of an eclectic mixture of bloggers: the blessing bloggers.
16 February 2007
SXSW Music Conference Schedule
The SXSW Music Conference Schedule is up and its is a winner!
The keynote speaker is Pete Townshend from the Who. Other featured speakers are Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, Gilberto Gil, Terry McBride, Iggy Pop, Rickie Lee Jones, Booker T Jones, Chuck D, Tom Anderson, Lou Adler and Michelle Phillips. From Wednesday and Crash Courses through Saturday and Monterey Pop At 40, there will be 70+ sessions.
The Music Conference is separate from the Music Festival, which take place in the evenings. You may find the tentative Music Festival here.
The keynote speaker is Pete Townshend from the Who. Other featured speakers are Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, Gilberto Gil, Terry McBride, Iggy Pop, Rickie Lee Jones, Booker T Jones, Chuck D, Tom Anderson, Lou Adler and Michelle Phillips. From Wednesday and Crash Courses through Saturday and Monterey Pop At 40, there will be 70+ sessions.
The Music Conference is separate from the Music Festival, which take place in the evenings. You may find the tentative Music Festival here.
14 February 2007
Google to offer Cost Per Click Advertising
Google launches cost-per-click ad service » Online Trend News » News :: Receptional Internet Marketing
Using the AdWords website targeting service, companies can choose to have their advertising shown on specific websites within the Google ad network. Advertisers may further winnow their advertising and pay only for click-throughs to their website. This is useful if you want to extend a special offer, test drive two or three different ads or advertise only during certain day parts. Cost per click advertising campaigns are more expensive than pay per impression.
Using the AdWords website targeting service, companies can choose to have their advertising shown on specific websites within the Google ad network. Advertisers may further winnow their advertising and pay only for click-throughs to their website. This is useful if you want to extend a special offer, test drive two or three different ads or advertise only during certain day parts. Cost per click advertising campaigns are more expensive than pay per impression.
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13 February 2007
Unclutter your blog or website with DHTML
I have been looking for a way to integrate drop-down navigation menus to my websites. On my RV travel website, I have many submenus that I wish to be navigable, but not to clutter the navigation interface.
In fact, I have been thinking of have 2-3 different navigation paths through my website. Some people are looking for tourism type information, so I could route them through one way. Others are looking for maintenance tips and parts and accessories for their older RV, so they would follow another path. Still others are looking for the social aspect of RV travel, so I could direct their steps to what the information they want.
While I have just about decided what pages would be on which path, I have been stymied by the limitations of my FrontPage web software until I discovered the AllWebMenus DHTML Menu builder.
AllWebMenus is a DHTML/JavaScript menu builder lets users create any kind of drop down or popup menu for their website without any experience with DHTML or knowledge of JavaScript. AllWebMenus supports popular web page authoring packages like Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Adobe Golive, Visual InterDev, HomeSite and CuteHTML
You can visit the Likno website, sponsor of this post, to view the demo or to download the fully functional trial version of AllWebMenus. With this software, you may design drop-down or popup menus on the WYSIWYG interface and test the appearance and behavior of your menus in the simulated cross-platform browser.
Once you purchase AllWebMenus Pro or AllWebMenus Lite, you may customize your menus with predefined themes and link these menus to your website with a few clicks. As a registered user, you receive complete support from the AllWebMenus team, access to detailed documentation, automatic notification of updates, and all updates of version 4 as they are released.
You will also gain access to the Likno user area where you may download the AllWebMenus Manual in PDF, get instant information by browsing the Hints, Tips & Troubleshooting section, learn how to use AllWebMenus features with demonstrations, and contact Likno Support.
In fact, I have been thinking of have 2-3 different navigation paths through my website. Some people are looking for tourism type information, so I could route them through one way. Others are looking for maintenance tips and parts and accessories for their older RV, so they would follow another path. Still others are looking for the social aspect of RV travel, so I could direct their steps to what the information they want.
While I have just about decided what pages would be on which path, I have been stymied by the limitations of my FrontPage web software until I discovered the AllWebMenus DHTML Menu builder.
AllWebMenus is a DHTML/JavaScript menu builder lets users create any kind of drop down or popup menu for their website without any experience with DHTML or knowledge of JavaScript. AllWebMenus supports popular web page authoring packages like Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Adobe Golive, Visual InterDev, HomeSite and CuteHTML
You can visit the Likno website, sponsor of this post, to view the demo or to download the fully functional trial version of AllWebMenus. With this software, you may design drop-down or popup menus on the WYSIWYG interface and test the appearance and behavior of your menus in the simulated cross-platform browser.
Once you purchase AllWebMenus Pro or AllWebMenus Lite, you may customize your menus with predefined themes and link these menus to your website with a few clicks. As a registered user, you receive complete support from the AllWebMenus team, access to detailed documentation, automatic notification of updates, and all updates of version 4 as they are released.
You will also gain access to the Likno user area where you may download the AllWebMenus Manual in PDF, get instant information by browsing the Hints, Tips & Troubleshooting section, learn how to use AllWebMenus features with demonstrations, and contact Likno Support.
Google This . . .
Okay, now I am getting a little ticked off at Google. They have put the word verification back on CoolAdzine for Marketers blog and Texas RV Travel blog because their robot uncovered:
characteristics of a spam blog. (What's a spam blog?) Since you're an actual person reading this, your blog is probably not a spam blog. Automated spam detection is inherently fuzzy, and we sincerely apologize for this false positive.Now I await their review with baited breath. I have had these three blogs for years on blogger. They told me I should use the *new* and *improved* blogger. One of the main reasons I did this is because they said they would take the word verification off when I was posting. Now I have these ugly blogs that really do not have as many *features* and *upgrades* as promised. I have to fill in the word verification to even save a draft. AUUUUGGGGHHHH
12 February 2007
Are you dreaming of a web-based business?
MerchantOS is a web-based point of sale (POS) and inventory control system for small businesses. This system will help you compete in the fast-paced world of online commerce. This system will work with all existing hardware (barcode scanners, printers and registers) and can process layaways and special orders.
If you have ever dreamed of starting your own business or taking your business online, you may want to take the tour for this pos software. This includes:
With the reporting functions of this system, you can see get a complete customer sales history, inventory status, as well as instant access to profit, loss, taxes, and inventory levels. By using QuickBooks you can easily download your data from MerchantOS.
Visit MerchantOS, sponsor of this post, and take a 3-minute tour of the system and then click on DEMO to try this easy yet powerful system. It will not cost you anything but five minutes to try out this web-based POS system.
If you have ever dreamed of starting your own business or taking your business online, you may want to take the tour for this pos software. This includes:
- Software updates and enhancements.
- Integrated credit card processing.
- Data backups.
- Secure connections.
- 24/7/365 system monitoring.
- Telephone support.
With the reporting functions of this system, you can see get a complete customer sales history, inventory status, as well as instant access to profit, loss, taxes, and inventory levels. By using QuickBooks you can easily download your data from MerchantOS.
Visit MerchantOS, sponsor of this post, and take a 3-minute tour of the system and then click on DEMO to try this easy yet powerful system. It will not cost you anything but five minutes to try out this web-based POS system.
Got Insurance?
I was searching for insurance information and I happened upon the website of Insure 121.
Insure 121 had some great insurance guides with information of use to anyone, no matter where you live. How To Reduce Your Family Car Insurance Premiums is a useful guide for anyone with teens or college-aged children. I liked 5 Ways To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums. Did you know that by naming the drivers on your policy, you may save money? Not to mention, you have a reason NOT to let your children drive your car.
They are located in the United Kingdom and offer car insurance as well as access to compare car insurance rates from many companies. They also offer home insurance, travelers insurance, pet insurance and RVing insurance.
As I was browsing, I was amazed to discover that your credit score may be held against you as far as acquiring coverage. I guess the insurance companies think that responsible bill paying is an indicator of your driving ability? Get the scoop, visit Insure 121, sponsor of this post for more information.
Insure 121 had some great insurance guides with information of use to anyone, no matter where you live. How To Reduce Your Family Car Insurance Premiums is a useful guide for anyone with teens or college-aged children. I liked 5 Ways To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums. Did you know that by naming the drivers on your policy, you may save money? Not to mention, you have a reason NOT to let your children drive your car.
They are located in the United Kingdom and offer car insurance as well as access to compare car insurance rates from many companies. They also offer home insurance, travelers insurance, pet insurance and RVing insurance.
As I was browsing, I was amazed to discover that your credit score may be held against you as far as acquiring coverage. I guess the insurance companies think that responsible bill paying is an indicator of your driving ability? Get the scoop, visit Insure 121, sponsor of this post for more information.
11 February 2007
Blog Your Blessing Sunday : Martin Luther
All who call on God in true faith, earnestlyfrom the heart, will certainly be heard,
and will receive what they have asked
and desired, although not in the hour
or in the measure, or the very
thing which they ask.
Yet they will obtain somethinggreater and more glorious
than they had dared to ask.
Yet they will obtain somethinggreater and more glorious
Martin Luther
The Blue Panther Experience is host for Blog Your Blessings. Click this link, grab the blogroll code, add the code to your blog, leave a comment on Blue Panther Experience and post your blessing. Quick and easy!
Tags: Blog Your Blessings, Blue Panther Blog, Sunday post
10 February 2007
Do Not Forget Valentine's Day
Ecards are appropriate for any ocassion. If your friend or family member has an email account, you may send a personalized ecard that is just right for a birthday, anniversary or graduation.
Although you may sign up for a free 30-day trial membership, you should just join for a year. It only costs $13.99 and then you may send unlimited ecards!
You may schedule different ecards to arrive on specific dates for different occasions. Never again will you have that sinking feeling that you missed someone's birthday or anniversary.
My girlfriend and I usually exchange funny birthday cards; we look for funny cards all year to give each other. Last birthday, she gave me 5 birthday cards! This year, she is living in Costa Rica, so I am going to send her ecards.
I was looking for free, funny birthday eCards, but I got sidetracked into ecards for Valentine's Day at Egreetings.com, the sponsor of this post. This card was called Cupid's Pick Up Lines and it was hysterical.
Although you may sign up for a free 30-day trial membership, you should just join for a year. It only costs $13.99 and then you may send unlimited ecards!
You may schedule different ecards to arrive on specific dates for different occasions. Never again will you have that sinking feeling that you missed someone's birthday or anniversary.
My girlfriend and I usually exchange funny birthday cards; we look for funny cards all year to give each other. Last birthday, she gave me 5 birthday cards! This year, she is living in Costa Rica, so I am going to send her ecards.
I was looking for free, funny birthday eCards, but I got sidetracked into ecards for Valentine's Day at Egreetings.com, the sponsor of this post. This card was called Cupid's Pick Up Lines and it was hysterical.
User generated content going begging for viewers
A study conducted by InsightExpress for Advertising.com researched the online video viewing habits of 500 adults ages 18 and older.
InsightExpress found:
InsightExpress found:
- Almost a third of the respondents were likely to watch streaming music videos.
- Nearly half of streaming video viewers are likely to watch news clips or music videos. Almost 88 percent of streaming video are viewed at home.
- Viewers ages 35+ were 24 percent more likely to watch news clips than the overall group.
- Conversely, respondents ages 18-34 were 38 percent more likely to watch streamed music videos than the group as a whole.
One surprising finding was that only 20 percent of those who view streaming video are likely to view user-generated content. With all the buzz about YouTube, you would think this number would be must higher.
For more on who watches online video, and what they watch, see eMarketer's recent Internet Video Audience report.
Tags: online video, streaming video,consumer generated content
eMarketer09 February 2007
Segmenting Cellular Users by Age
Behavioral differences and attitudes among the key wireless consumer segments have allowed cell phone users to be put into the following categories:
- The Cellular Generation - 18-24 year olds grew up with cell phones and view cell phones as a part of their daily lives.
- Transitioners - 25 to 34 year olds began using cell phones during their teen years and early adulthood.
- Adult Adopters - 35 years olds and over adults tend to showing limited interest in emerging technologies and view the phone as a tool.
Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore Telecommunications Solutions, says
During the past decade, cell phones have dramatically changed the communication habits of American consumers... As cell phones continue to evolve in terms of design, functionality, and features, it is vital that cell phone providers and manufacturers understand the differing needs and desires of these distinct consumer segments.While 26 percent of the Cellular Generation and 25 percent of Transitioners admit that trends influence their selection of cell phones, only10 percent of Adult Adopters are interested in "trendiness."
In addtion, 41 percent of the Cellular Generation want a personalized experience, with options such as color schemes and ring tones, while only 19 percent of Adult Adopters feel the same.
Over 75 percent of both the Cellular Generation and Transitioners are able to access the Internet on their cell phones, but Transitioners are more likely to subscribe to Internet services. Adult adopters have been the slowest to adopt this new technology.
For more information, read the press release here.
08 February 2007
SPLOG Network Uncovered
Last month, I wrote a blog post on my Texas RV Travel blog about the new Airstream and Ford Concept Car. Airstream is an RV manufacturer and I thought the vehicle might be of interest to my readers.
A few days later, I received an invitation by email to join ford-bloggers.com. Wary of being tangled up in another flog episode, I sent a reply by email requesting more information. Specifically, I wanted to know who was the sponsor of this Ford-blogger.com site and if there was corporate involvement. I was never contacted again.
Now I was curious! I wanted to know if this Ford-blogger.com was a public relations or advertising agency FLOG or a content-rich niche SPLOG? What can I say? I love puzzles.
Below is the email invitation I received. I put ______ (fill-in-the-blank) where the name of the blog changes. If you receive an email like the one below, it is a scam. Do not fall for it and link your blog to any of these splogs.
Tags: splog, splog network, Craig Cantin, email invitation
A few days later, I received an invitation by email to join ford-bloggers.com. Wary of being tangled up in another flog episode, I sent a reply by email requesting more information. Specifically, I wanted to know who was the sponsor of this Ford-blogger.com site and if there was corporate involvement. I was never contacted again.
Now I was curious! I wanted to know if this Ford-blogger.com was a public relations or advertising agency FLOG or a content-rich niche SPLOG? What can I say? I love puzzles.
- First, I went to Who-is to look up the owner of the domain. Of course, it was registered at Go Daddy, so there was no information except the site was registered last year for one year.
- Next, I searched for Craig Cantin, the name used on the email invitation. I found a Craig Cantin of green-bloggers.com, but no more information.
- Third, I searched for a text string used in the invitation: "and make a positive contribution to the Internet community. Would you be interested in joining"
- So far, I have discovered apple-computer-bloggers, christian-bloggers, american-idol-bloggers, green-bloggers, honda-bloggers, and ferrari-bloggers.
Below is the email invitation I received. I put ______ (fill-in-the-blank) where the name of the blog changes. If you receive an email like the one below, it is a scam. Do not fall for it and link your blog to any of these splogs.
Dear blog author:
We recently came across your site, _______ while searching for bloggers who blog about _______ issues.
A small group of us have started a new site called _______ Bloggers . Our intent is to bring _______ bloggers closer together, and make a positive contribution to the Internet community.
Would you be interested in joining _______ Bloggers ? Please take a few minutes to have a look at what we are trying to do, and if you are interested, there is a sign up page to get the ball rolling. We would greatly appreciate your support in this endeavour.
If you do not feel that your blog would be a good fit for _______ Bloggers , but enjoy this subject area, come visit us and one of our member bloggers. You can also check our FAQ Section to learn more about _______ Bloggers .
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on _______ Bloggers .
Craig Cantin
_______ Bloggers
info@_______-bloggers.com
Tags: splog, splog network, Craig Cantin, email invitation
06 February 2007
Free Webcast: Tapping Into the Blogosphere
Look Who's Blogging:
Tapping into the Blogosphere for Brand Insight
Tapping into the Blogosphere for Brand Insight
Thursday, February 22, 2007
10am PT/ 11am MT/ 12pm CT/ 1pm ET
10am PT/ 11am MT/ 12pm CT/ 1pm ET
Janet Eden-Harris, CEO, Umbria Inc.
Peter Kim, Sr. Analyst, Forrester Research
Marla Chupack Moderator, American Marketing Association
Free webcast from American Marketing Association: Registration required
Use blogging to build engagement and determine the effectiveness of your advertising.Tags: advertising, blogging, webcast, American Marketing Association
03 February 2007
Blog Your Blessing Sunday : Be at Peace
I am one with my father and the universe.
I am one with mother earth.
I am one with everyone within the reach of my voice.
And, in this togetherness, we ask the divine intelligence
to eradicate all negatives from our hearts, from our minds,
from our words, and from our actions.
And, so be it.
I am one with mother earth.
I am one with everyone within the reach of my voice.
And, in this togetherness, we ask the divine intelligence
to eradicate all negatives from our hearts, from our minds,
from our words, and from our actions.
And, so be it.
The Blue Panther Experience is host for Blog Your Blessings. Click this link, grab the blogroll code, add the code to your blog, leave a comment on Blue Panther Experience and post your blessing. Quick and easy!
Tags: Blog Your Blessings, Blue Panther Blog, Sunday post
02 February 2007
Blogger, Computer and Me
Howdy! I am trying to update all my blogs to the new Blogger. Two down and one to go. Not quite as easy as I was led to believe, but then I did not have a choice. I went to login and it MADE me choose new Blogger.
At the same time, my laptop power supply went kaput, so I have been using dial up with my husband's laptop. That lasted three days, and then I went looking for laptops. I found an HP laptop with Windows XP Media Edition, so I purchased it! It was the last one left, so I took it right off the shelf. Luckily, I asked a question about software compatibility and Windows Vista. Software for previous Windows operating systems will not run under Windows Vista. I have two websites, three blogs and a business. I cannot survive without MS Office and I could not afford to replace it AND buy a new laptop.
Built in obsolescence. I should have seen it coming. Bill Gates announced Windows Vista on Monday, every computer in San Marcos is loaded with Vista OS by Thursday, so I go looking for a new laptop on Friday. Life is funny that way. LOL
Hopefully, I will be back in action this weekend. Looking forward to Blog Your Blessing this Sunday!
At the same time, my laptop power supply went kaput, so I have been using dial up with my husband's laptop. That lasted three days, and then I went looking for laptops. I found an HP laptop with Windows XP Media Edition, so I purchased it! It was the last one left, so I took it right off the shelf. Luckily, I asked a question about software compatibility and Windows Vista. Software for previous Windows operating systems will not run under Windows Vista. I have two websites, three blogs and a business. I cannot survive without MS Office and I could not afford to replace it AND buy a new laptop.
Built in obsolescence. I should have seen it coming. Bill Gates announced Windows Vista on Monday, every computer in San Marcos is loaded with Vista OS by Thursday, so I go looking for a new laptop on Friday. Life is funny that way. LOL
Hopefully, I will be back in action this weekend. Looking forward to Blog Your Blessing this Sunday!
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