Its All About YOU!
May 26, 2007
The Hottest Word on the Web
Did you know marketing people and copywriters are developing a science about writing for readers in this new medium called the Web? In fact, they use carefully selected words to catch a reader’s attention. Here are a few:
- New
- True
- Authority
- Sexual
- Guaranteed
- Bonus
- First
- Quick
- Now
- Catch
- Fast
- Personal
- Spiritual
- Success
- Free
These words are not in any order of importance or frequency. If you have been surfing the Web for any length of time you will see these words a lot. I have intentionally omitted the BIG word on the Web until now. Most web usability experts, agree the word with the strongest appeal is…YOU! Yes, YOU is the hottest word on the Web.
Tune in to WIIFM
You probably don’t write ad copy for a large advertising agency but you can still learn from what they know. It’s agreed by many marketers that most people are listening to WIIFM in their heads. What’s WIIFM? It means "What’s In It For Me?" That’s right; people want to know, “What will I get?” out of a large banner ad on a web site or even the little article you worked so hard to write.
Housetraining Tips for Your Dog or Puppy
May 26, 2007
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play, chew, drink, eat or sleep. Start by putting them on a leash and tethering them to you. That way you can be aware of them when they start sniffing the ground (usually a cue the puppy needs to go potty). Pick them up and carry them outside. When they go potty, tell them “good potty” and give a cookie as a reward. Do not let your puppy off leash until they have finished going so they get into the habit of going potty, then playing. Many puppies will want to go outside just to play if you let them off leash first.
What if my puppy has an accident?
He will. Do not punish your puppy though. If you catch your puppy in the act then clap your hands or pick them up - this will make your puppy stop going. Get him outside FAST and let him finish up out there. Reward him for going outside. Clean up the mess with natures miracle which will remove the odor completely.
Do NOT rub their nose in it, swat them with a newspaper, or isolate your puppy. It will only teach them to not go in front of you.
A World That Doesnt Care
May 26, 2007
War bombs may explode demolishing man and land.
Hurricanes may devastate and leave us entirely bare.
Earthquakes may devour and swallow up old landmarks.
But nothing is as destructive as a world that doesn’t care.
Smog may be an atrocious bother in our daily living.
We all suffer significantly from pollution in the air.
Intoxicants may be debilitating to those who will imbibe.
But nothing is as troublesome as a world that doesn’t care.
Embezzlers may run off with money not their own.
A spouse may engage in an extra-marital affair.
Some folks may be malicious, evil, mean and rude.
But nothing is as tragic as a world that doesn’t care.
The rich may all get richer as the poor languish behind.
The aged may find their last days are lived in solitaire.
The young may be lost in a confusing world maze.
But nothing is as dreadful as a world that doesn’t care.
Diabetes may be incurable and challenge the appetite.
Cancer may be ubiquitous, creating turmoil and despair.
Kidneys may suddenly fail and require dialysis.
But nothing is as fatal as a world that doesn’t care.
How To Write for the Web
May 26, 2007
The Scanning Reader
Writing for the Web is different than writing for print. The differences are slight but significant. First, people don’t really read online; they scan because of what is called the "flicker rate" of a computer monitor. This means people read 25% slower online than in print publications. What does this mean for you as a writer? It means you have to write differently to connect with readers.
Begin at the End
Writing for the Web is like good journalism. Use the old, “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How” journalistic formula when you write for the web. This is called the inverted pyramid. Put your conclusion at the beginning and then write the details. The Web is a no-nonsense, grab-it-and-go, and give-it-to-me-now medium. You must connect with a reader immediately or you lose them.
Write Chunky
Since the reader is scanning rather than reading you must break your text down into bite size portions. You’ll notice this article has short, chunky segments. Each segment only needs 75 words or less. This opens up the white space surrounding the text and provides comfortable reading. Chunky writing takes some practice but it is quite easy. When you write chunky, create strong headlines and subheadings. Make your main points and move the reader along. Also, use short bulleted or numbered lists like this:
Light Up Your Garden And Brighten Your Life
May 25, 2007
Extending Your Living Space
The garden is fast being considered to be an extension to your living space and homeowners are putting as much effort into creating a harmonious environment outside as they are inside. A beautiful garden is also considered to be one of the biggest selling features of a home and can certainly help to add value and appeal.
As the short days of winter recede, many of us will be starting to think about our gardens and dreaming up projects and schemes that we plan to undertake when the days become longer and the weather warmer. For many traditionalists this will mean planting borders, manicuring the lawn and cultivating a myriad of blooms that will add colour and life to their gardens throughout the summer, whilst others will view their garden purely as an area in which to relax.
10 Reasons to Create and Give a Gift Basket!
May 25, 2007
10. A Themed Gift Basket is for everyone and every occasion.
9. Gift Baskets can be created easily with minimal time and effort.
8. Creating a Gift Baskets will save you time and money!
7. Gift Baskets can be made in a variety of sizes and price ranges, making them ideal for the budget conscious giver.
6. By creating a Themed Gift Basket, you tailored the basket for the particular occasion.
5. Filling the Gift Baskets with lots presents represents excellent value to the recipient!
4. Gift Baskets convey the feelings of the sender in a way that is unique and personal.
3. Lets fact it, who doesn’t love to receive a Gift Basket!
2. Gift Baskets make wonderful gifts for the person who has everything.
1. Giving a Handmade Gift Baskets makes you look good!
How often have you found yourself shopping for that "hard-to-buy-for" person who has everything. If you are like me, you have taken hours and are still not happy with your choice. With a gift basket you can tailor your basket to the theme, person or type of function you are attending. Most gift baskets include consumable products (ie. bath or body products, yummy treats, food products). In fact the possibilities are endless for what you can put in a gift basket!
Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?
May 25, 2007
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa Apso. The puppies especially are just irresistible but before one decides to purchase a Lhasa just because the kids are begging for one, there are some things that should be known about this particular breed. Historically, Lhasa Apsos were kept by the monasteries and nobility in Tibet as indoor watch dogs. They would sleep by their masters and with their high intelligence plus keen sense of hearing, would warn of any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were never bought or sold in Tibet. Instead, the Dalai Lama sent Lhasa Apsos in pairs to the emperors of China as gifts. High ranking visitors to Tibet also received them as gifts.
A Writers Inner Battle
May 25, 2007
There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate the drive, self-esteem, and human spirit of many aspiring Writers of any age. These Writers are faced with an obstacle that make them stop, think twice and question their right to be a part of a respected community. This even leads them to doubt their ambition of pursuing their literary or journalistic calling.
It is that inner voice echoing: "Huh! Who do you think you are, a J. K. Rowling in the making?" or "Oh my God, stop pretending you have a literary mind!" and more similar lines of thinking. Some may call it a fiend while others may describe it as the self-defeating aspect of a person.
If you have been afflicted as I have been, do not worry, the voice speaks only in behalf of detractors, real or imagined. It is not the embodiment of the authentic gift of creativity you and I were born with.
When you know you have a great idea brewing in your head that you could almost see it completed in your mind, strike the keys; When the voice blows its cacophony horn, resist the urge to stop.
Mind and Behavior
Making Music As A Lefty
May 24, 2007
Author Interview with Ryan Thomson, seacoast New Hampshire resident, and author of a new book advocating left handed violin playing by lefties. - Playing Violin and Fiddle Left Handed.
This piece started out as an actual interview for an internet website article, but the author has expanded it into its present form, while maintaining the "interview" format.
What an interesting book! What prompted you to put this book together?
Almost every single time I’ve played in public for the last 10 years a listener has asked me why I hold my violin differently from other players, or has commented on the fact that they’ve never before seen someone play a violin left handed. For example, If you look at any orchestra, you’ll notice that every violinist is playing right handed! Its been this way for hundreds of years. Right and left handed people alike play the violin right handed. Violin teachers instruct all of their students to play right handed whether or not they are naturally right handed.
Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children
May 24, 2007
Top five dog breeds for homes with children
* Beagle
* Bernese Mountain Dog
* Bichon Frise
* Bloodhound
* Boston Terrier
* Boxer
* Brittany Spaniel
* Bulldog
* Coonhound
* English Setter
* Foxhound
* Gordon Setter
* Irish Setter
* Keeshond
* Labrador Retriever
* Mastiff
* Newfoundland
* Pugs
* Samoyed
* Siberian Husky
* Springer Spaniel
* Standard Poodles
* Vizsla
With proper training of both the children and the dog, any one of the above breeds should be able to adapt without many problems. Of course, there are some individuals, both human and canine, that simply refuse to get along.
Watch for warning signs like overprotection of food, toys, bed, or an area that he has claimed as his own. Be especially careful with very young todlers that may crawl right up to the dog while it is eating. Even small dogs can leave a nasty bite on a small child. Be careful not to let children play tug of war or wrestle with dominant breeds, when the dog wins, he will feel empowered and will consider your child inferior. This may lead to more aggressive actions against your child.
