tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043199086062964662024-02-18T19:28:35.859-08:00Buzz ChicMaria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-14106269060181243752012-04-24T07:12:00.000-07:002012-04-24T07:12:07.767-07:00Spring Cleaning for Your Finances<br />
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Financial Spring Cleaning</div>
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by Shaunna Privratsky</div>
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Don't your finances deserve an annual cleaning?</div>
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The birds are chirping, the grass is greening up, and it's the time of year again for spring cleaning. Instead of reaching for the feather duster and the mop, why don't you give your finances a spring cleaning?</div>
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1. Taxing, not waxing. The tax deadline is approaching, so gather all your documents like W-2s and year-end tax statements. Now is a great time to check on your deductions.</div>
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Are you having too much taken out or not enough? If you have a child who turned 18, maybe you need to change your number of dependents.</div>
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2. Shine a light on your property taxes. Take a look at the annual statement for property taxes. You may be paying too much if your house was recently appraised at a much lower amount. It doesn't hurt to check, and this will help your mortgage payment go down if there is a discrepancy.</div>
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3. Dust off your insurance policies. At least once a year, go over all your insurance policies and look for deductions.</div>
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Check around, and let your current agent know you are. When I needed to add my teenaged daughter to our auto insurance, she initially quoted me a whopping $129 a month extra. After checking with all the major companies and getting lower quotes, I let her know, and mysteriously the price dropped down to $60 a month. "It must have been a computer glitch,"</div>
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she said.</div>
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You can get extra discounts when you combine all your policies with one company. Also, if you added any safety features to your home, or any energy efficient products, you also qualify for extra savings.</div>
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4. Watch out for speed bumps in the budget. Every year, an unexpected bill pops up. But are they really unexpected? Every six months the paper subscription rolls around. Every three months one of the cars needs an oil change. There is always a jump in the budget when planning a getaway. November rolls around and there's lots of extra food to buy, a gift list to fill, and extra postage for mailing. Sit down and make a list of these not-so-frequent bills, and this year you will be prepared.</div>
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5. De-clutter your debt repayment plan. If you have been making minimum payments only, you know you will be in debt for a long time. Make a concentrated effort to be debt free by adding extra to one bill until that is paid off. Then move the extra payment to the next bill in line, until you are living happily debt-free.</div>
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6. Energize your emergency fund. If you have been adding regularly to your savings, bump it up a bit, even if it's just an extra $10 a month. Every little bit counts, and the money will be there when you need it.</div>
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7. Scrutinize your savings for retirement. If you have an IRA, there is a nine-day window when you can make changes, whether moving it to a higher paying interest rate, cashing out a portion for approved reasons like buying a first home, education expenses if you are going back to school, or certain medical expenses. Make sure you are still getting the best return on your investment.</div>
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8. Streamline your routine. Make bill paying a breeze by automating your payments with online banking. Most banks still offer it for free. Just estimate how much the bill will be and make sure the money is in the account before the due date, which you can usually specify. For bills that fluctuate like energy bills and water, add a cushion to avoid overdrafts. It is easy to keep track of through your computer or phone, or checking with the company directly. No more lost checks in the mail or late payment fees.</div>
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Now that your finances are in order, reward yourself by planning your summer vacation. By scouting out deals early, you are getting a jumpstart on saving money and giving yourself something to look forward to. You'll be worry free when you spring clean your green.</div>
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Take the Next Step:</div>
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- For more on financial spring cleaning or doing a financial checkup at any time during the year, please visit <<a href="http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-d.htm#financecheck">http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-d.htm#financecheck</a>></div>
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<br /></div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-46487738866067081932012-04-24T07:11:00.001-07:002012-04-24T07:11:53.908-07:00Time Flies - Enjoy your Time With Your Children!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40448182" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-27326630452977387222012-03-04T16:30:00.001-08:002012-03-04T16:30:31.292-08:00Spring Cleaning for Your Finances<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoPlainText">Financial Spring Cleaning</div><div class="MsoPlainText">by Shaunna Privratsky</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Don't your finances deserve an annual cleaning?</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">The birds are chirping, the grass is greening up, and it's the time of year again for spring cleaning. Instead of reaching for the feather duster and the mop, why don't you give your finances a spring cleaning?</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">1. Taxing, not waxing. The tax deadline is approaching, so gather all your documents like W-2s and year-end tax statements. Now is a great time to check on your deductions.</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Are you having too much taken out or not enough? If you have a child who turned 18, maybe you need to change your number of dependents.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">2. Shine a light on your property taxes. Take a look at the annual statement for property taxes. You may be paying too much if your house was recently appraised at a much lower amount. It doesn't hurt to check, and this will help your mortgage payment go down if there is a discrepancy.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">3. Dust off your insurance policies. At least once a year, go over all your insurance policies and look for deductions.</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Check around, and let your current agent know you are. When I needed to add my teenaged daughter to our auto insurance, she initially quoted me a whopping $129 a month extra. After checking with all the major companies and getting lower quotes, I let her know, and mysteriously the price dropped down to $60 a month. "It must have been a computer glitch,"</div><div class="MsoPlainText">she said.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">You can get extra discounts when you combine all your policies with one company. Also, if you added any safety features to your home, or any energy efficient products, you also qualify for extra savings.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">4. Watch out for speed bumps in the budget. Every year, an unexpected bill pops up. But are they really unexpected? Every six months the paper subscription rolls around. Every three months one of the cars needs an oil change. There is always a jump in the budget when planning a getaway. November rolls around and there's lots of extra food to buy, a gift list to fill, and extra postage for mailing. Sit down and make a list of these not-so-frequent bills, and this year you will be prepared.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">5. De-clutter your debt repayment plan. If you have been making minimum payments only, you know you will be in debt for a long time. Make a concentrated effort to be debt free by adding extra to one bill until that is paid off. Then move the extra payment to the next bill in line, until you are living happily debt-free.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">6. Energize your emergency fund. If you have been adding regularly to your savings, bump it up a bit, even if it's just an extra $10 a month. Every little bit counts, and the money will be there when you need it.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">7. Scrutinize your savings for retirement. If you have an IRA, there is a nine-day window when you can make changes, whether moving it to a higher paying interest rate, cashing out a portion for approved reasons like buying a first home, education expenses if you are going back to school, or certain medical expenses. Make sure you are still getting the best return on your investment.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">8. Streamline your routine. Make bill paying a breeze by automating your payments with online banking. Most banks still offer it for free. Just estimate how much the bill will be and make sure the money is in the account before the due date, which you can usually specify. For bills that fluctuate like energy bills and water, add a cushion to avoid overdrafts. It is easy to keep track of through your computer or phone, or checking with the company directly. No more lost checks in the mail or late payment fees.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Now that your finances are in order, reward yourself by planning your summer vacation. By scouting out deals early, you are getting a jumpstart on saving money and giving yourself something to look forward to. You'll be worry free when you spring clean your green.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Take the Next Step:</div><div class="MsoPlainText">- For more on financial spring cleaning or doing a financial checkup at any time during the year, please visit <<a href="http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-d.htm#financecheck">http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-d.htm#financecheck</a>></div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-28454240564478741562012-02-16T08:56:00.000-08:002012-02-16T08:56:00.289-08:00How to Handle Negative FeedbackWe touched on this a few times last year but since we are asked at least 3 times a week by friends and colleagues, we figured why not....<br />
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You can't make everyone happy. Sometimes no matter how hard you try someone will always find something to complain about, be upset by, or just not like. You know this is true in your everyday personal life, so it stands to reason that your business will eventually, have to right a wrong, even if it isn't actually a wrong.<br />
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People are funny. Some know that you can't jump quick enough to make them happy, while others always feel slighted and have to let you and everyone know. And, since we are human, we all make the occasional mistake. So, whether the negative feedback is valid or not, the way you handle it should be consistent and could mean the difference between sinking or swimming. <br />
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Never feel that negativity is the end! Don't lose sleep over it! Don't shy away or delete the negative comment. Face it head on. Addressing your customer in a public forum is never the best way to handle a tense situation. Apologize quickly, than take the action private with a private message to the customer but a public message that you are sorry and that you have sent them a message and want to fix it.<br />
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This shows your customers and potential customers that you are considerate and want to diffuse a situation. Plus, your customers may feel the need to come to your defense which is always a good thing. Turns that negative situation right into a positive one. <br />
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<a href="http://links.mkt2849.com/ctt?kn=5&ms=Mzg3OTM3MDgS1&r=ODQ4MzExMzQzNAS2&b=0&j=MTI5NDAzMzA0S0&mt=1&rt=0"><b><span style="color: #336699; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></b></a><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100.0%;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img align="left" height="6" src="http://www.manta.com/manta/images/newsletters/sep.gif" width="200" /><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-54283131864994915492012-02-15T08:50:00.000-08:002012-02-15T08:50:00.499-08:00The Best Time To Ask For Referrals<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Word of Mouth is the highest compliment your customers can give you.</i></div><br />
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The best time to ask is immediately after you have completed a service for them or delivered to them. If not in person, make a follow up call, and find out if they received what they were expecting. Ask them to write about your company whether that means on Facebook, Twitter or a paragraph for you to add to your website. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">It doesn't hurt to ask, you may just get the quote you are looking for. <span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-77667193184885154812012-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:36:00.876-08:00Make Your Customer's Feel Extra SpecialAs someone who does a lot of ordering, I can tell you that the packages I remember where the ones that included a hand written note, or something extra like a lollipop. <br />
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Recently, I ordered some DVD's from a company called <a href="http://www.yesvideo.com/">Yes Video</a>. Yes Video takes your VHS tapes, photos, Video Camera Cassettes and puts them onto DVD for you. <br />
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My family was very excited to receive the package since some of them where baby videos that we had never viewed. The DVD's were amazing but before we even got to them there was a Thank You label attached to a package of popcorn! How classy is that!? We would definitely watch the movies as a family and popcorn was the perfect addition. We were all thrilled to get this bag of popcorn that we could have purchased in any store but there it was conveniently in my movie box!<br />
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I will remember this company for the next batch of movies I send out and have already told 5 people in three days how great their service is. <br />
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The moral of this story is, it doesn't have to cost a lot to make an impression and taking a few moments to add that little something makes all the difference to whether the customer will remember you and more importantly, pass on your company's information.Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-43667620716224448992012-01-02T12:22:00.001-08:002012-01-02T12:22:00.521-08:00FREE???? Chili's DesertWho doesn't love dessert? Personally I am always too full to eat it and end up taking it home. The New Red Velvet Molten Dessert from <a href="http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/home.aspx">Chili</a>'s looks awesome.<br />
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For a free dessert use this coupon. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><a href="http://chilis.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=23622355025&_X=OdGu0hi2gQIY0&MemberID=23651031250">http://Chilis.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=23622355025&_X=OdGu0hi2gQIY0&MemberID=23651031250</a></span>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-45187380447693751182011-12-14T12:24:00.001-08:002011-12-14T12:24:14.433-08:00USA Network Releases Top Ideas and Influencers of 2011<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">JAY-Z & <span class="il">KANYE</span> WEST’S WATCH THE THRONE, THE FILM THE TREE OF LIFE, SPOTIFY AND MISS PIGGY</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">AMONG USA NETWORK’S TOP “<span class="il">CHARACTER</span> <span class="il">APPROVED</span>”</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">IDEAS AND INFLUENCERS OF 2011</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">USA wraps up the year by posting eleven <span class="il">Character</span> <span class="il">Approved</span> Top 10 of 2011 Lists and a Special Holiday Gift Guide at<a href="http://characterblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">characterblog.com</span></a></span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>NEW YORK, NEW YORK – December 12, 2011</b> – USA Network’s </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Blog (</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><a href="http://characterblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">characterblog.com</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">) has chosen Jay-Z and </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Kanye</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> West’s Watch The Throne, the film The Tree Life, Spotify and Miss Piggy as some of the biggest cultural influencers, trends and ideas of 2011. Each of the eleven experts who contribute weekly updates to the blog handpicked their top people, places and/or things that have had the greatest impact in 2011 across architecture, art, design, fashion, film, food, music, social good, technology, theatre, and writing. The lists also include those whose work will be felt for years to come, such as the artist Ai Weiwei, actor Elizabeth Taylor, and playwright Larry Kramer along with the release of the documentary We Were Here about the AIDS crisis in the eighties. </span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span">The </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Top 10 Lists are an example of how USA has expanded the scope and reach of its </span><span class="il">CharacterApproved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> multimedia cultural initiative centered around the annual </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Awards. This past year, USA celebrated the award recipients on the </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> website (</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><a href="http://characterapproved.usanetwork.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">characterapproved.usanetwork.com</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">) and with a one-hour television special, </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">CHARACTER</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">APPROVED</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">: HONORING 12 CULTURAL TRAILBLAZERS, featuring exclusive interviews with twelve real “characters” who are changing the face of American culture. The </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Character</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Approved</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> blog was created to pay tribute all year long to the people, innovations, and trends that are positively affecting our culture and are deserving of the network’s “</span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">character</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> seal of approval.”</span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span">In addition to the Top 10 Lists, USA has created a new way to honor the characters in our own lives with the second annual 2011 </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Holiday Gift Guide: </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/11/usa-character-approved-holiday-gift-guide.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/11/usa-</span><span class="il"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;">character</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-</span><span class="il"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;">approved</span></span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">-holiday-gift-guide.php</span></a></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">. The guide is designed to help consumers find the perfect gift for every </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">character</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> on their list including The Culture Hound, The Adventurer, The Entertainer, The Fashion Maven, The Nester, The Sharp-Dressed Man, The Technophile, The Younger Set and The 11th Hour Shopper.</span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b><u>2011 </u></b></span><span class="il"><b>CHARACTER</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u> </u></b></span><span class="il"><b>APPROVED</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><u> 10 LISTS</u></b></span><b><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span">ARCHITECTURE</span></b><span class="apple-style-span"> - Link: </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-architecture.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-architecture.php</span></a></span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Secret Picnic NYC</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. The 9/11 Memorial Opening</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. The Flint Project</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Rethink LA</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. New Summer Parks</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Clip, Stamp, Fold</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. The New Skyscraper</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Building 2.0</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. The Architectural Bench</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">10. The New Market</span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>ART</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-art.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-art.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Ai Weiwei</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Art in the Streets show at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. Zevs</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Lucian Freud</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Nan Goldin</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Mick Ebeling's Eyewriter</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Michael Kalish's 24M project</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Swoon in Haiti</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Alexander McQueen's posthumous show at The Costume Institute with The Metropolitan Museum of Art</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">10. MoMa: Everyone is Welcome Visitors with Disabilities Program</span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>DESIGN</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-design.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-design.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Airbus Plane</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Architect Barbie</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. BMW Concept Vehicles</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Dyson Hot Heater</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Electronic Temporary Tattoos</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Scrap Metal Tables by SF-based Bevara Design House</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. QuaDror</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Shwood</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Edible Cups by The Way We See The World</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Tables and sculptures by Jordan Warasaka</span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>FASHION</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-ten-of-2011-fashion.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-ten-of-2011-fashion.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Elizabeth Taylor</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. The Rise of Haider Ackermann</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. H&M presents The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Collection</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. The Olsen Twins Rise Nominated for CFDA Award</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. The Rise of Fashion Bloggers</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. The Return of Tom Ford</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. The Missoni for Target Collection</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. The Return of Miss Piggy</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Burberry's Christopher Bailey</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. New York Fashion Week 'Runway Wedding'</span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>FILM</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-film.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-film.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Drive</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. We Were Here</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Moneyball</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Warrior/Gavin O'Conner</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Attack the Block</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Joseph Gordon-Levitt</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. The Adventures of Tintin</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. The Trip</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. The Tree of Life</span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><b>FOOD </b>- Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-food.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-food.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Chef: Joshua Skenes </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Cookbook: Off the Menu </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. Food Truck: Avedano's Meat Wagon </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Restaurant: Next</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Gift Idea: SQIRL Preserves </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Phone App: Nosh </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Cooking School: Culture Kitchen</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Cookbook: Stephanie Izard’s Girl in the Kitchen </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Micro-Distillery: Middle West Spirits</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Chef/Memoir: Gabrielle Hamilton</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">MUSIC</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-music.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-music.php</span></a></span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Sleeper Agent</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. St. Vincent</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. The Weeknd</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Portugal The Man</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Turntable.fm</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. My Morning Jacket</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Mister Heavenly</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Jimmy Fallon</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Spotify</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. </span><span class="il">Kanye</span><span class="apple-style-span"> West + Jay Z's Watch the Throne</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><b>SOCIAL GOOD </b>- Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-ten-for-2011.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-ten-for-2011.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Justin Bieber</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Monique Coleman</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. MENA for Citizen Media</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Occupyinsideout</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Zainab Salbi</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Collaborative Consumption</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Warby Parker</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Japan Society</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Water for People</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Fonderie47</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><b>TECHNOLOGY</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10---technology.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10---technology.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Projected Multitouch</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Jawbone Up Wristband</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. Flipboard</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. Sonamba</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Square</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Kindle Fire</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Nokia Flexible Skin</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Siri (iPhone voice assist)</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Storify</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Color</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><b>THEATRE</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-theatre.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-theatre.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Kristin Chenoweth </span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Billie Joe Armstrong</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. Lin-Manuel Miranda</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. THE BOOK OF MORMON</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Broadway Dreams Foundation</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Jordan Roth</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Idina Menzel</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Nikki M. James</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Larry Kramer</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Elaine Paige</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><b>WRITING</b> - Link: <a href="http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-writing.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.characterblog.com/2011/12/top-10-of-2011-writing.php</span></a></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">1. Walter Isaacson, Steve Jobs</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. Maira Kalman, book designer</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">3. Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">4. New Directions</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">5. Joyce Carol Oates, A Widow's Story</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">6. Cherie Priest, Ganymede</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">7. Neal Stephenson, REAMDE</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">8. Jesmyn Ward, Salvage the Bones</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">9. Alexander Yates, Moondogs</span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">10. Atavist and Byliner</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><b>ABOUT USA </b></span><span class="il"><b>CHARACTER</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><span class="il"><b>APPROVED</b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b> BLOG</b></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span">The USA Network </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Blog (<a href="http://www.characterblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.characterblog.com</span></a>) celebrates the people, places and things that are transforming the American cultural landscape. They’re </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span">–worthy of USA Network’s “</span><span class="il">character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> seal of approval.” The blog site is updated regularly and features exclusive content in the following eleven categories: Architecture, Art, Design, Fashion, Film, Food, Music, Social Good, Technology, Theatre and Writing. The </span><span class="il">CharacterApproved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Blog is an outgrowth of USA Network’s annual </span><span class="il">Character</span><span class="apple-style-span"> </span><span class="il">Approved</span><span class="apple-style-span"> Awards that pay tribute to the innovators who are influencing our opinions, our style, and our view of the world.</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-76786191666095377702011-11-22T17:55:00.001-08:002011-11-22T17:55:12.624-08:00Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday at Overstock<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">On <b>Black Friday</b> overstockArt.com is offering the following special: </span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Black Friday Gallery: overstockArt.com will unlock its secret Black Friday gallery at 1 a.m. CST on November 25, 2011. A special coupon code will be revealed, allowing customers to receive 50% off artwork (not including frames) purchased from the special gallery. The special gallery will be revealed at <a href="http://www.overstockart.com/black-friday.html">http://www.overstockart.com/black-friday.html</a>.</span> <span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <b>Small Business Saturday</b> specials overstockArt.com will be offering on November 26, 2011 includes: </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">overstockArt.com discount code: 40% off artwork (not including frames) purchased on <a href="http://www.overstockart.com/">overstockArt.com</a> from 1:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. CST using the coupon code SmallBizSaturday.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">ArtistBe.com discount code: 20% off artwork (not including frames) purchased on <a href="http://www.artistbe.com/">ArtistBe.com</a> from 1:01 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. CST using the coupon code SmallBizSaturday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <b>Cyber Monday</b> specials overstockArt.com will be offering on November 28, 2011 include: </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Early Bird Special: 50% artwork (not including frames) from 1:01 a.m. CST – 12 p.m. CST using the coupon code CyberMondayEarlyBird.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">After that, 40% off artwork (not including frames) until 11:59 p.m. CST using the coupon code CyberMonday.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-6249914890286895152011-11-22T11:48:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:48:24.773-08:00What You Need To Know About The Kindle Fire<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <a b0051vvob2="" gp="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" product="" ref="as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=reesspace-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0051VVOB2"" www.amazon.com="">Kindle Fire</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=reesspace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0051VVOB2&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> is HOT!<br />
<br />
<b>- Study Highlights<br />
<br />
Retrevo Asked: Would you consider buying the recently announced 7" Android tablet made by Amazon, priced at $199 instead of a 9.7" iPad 2 this holiday season?</b> (Respondents are people interested in buying a tablet)<br />
- 44% of people said they would consider the 7" Android Tablet<br />
- 44% said they didn't know enough about the Amazon tablet to make that decision<br />
- 12% said no, they'd still buy an iPad<br />
<br />
<b>Retrevo Asked: Do you know what the Amazon Kindle Fire is?<br />
</b>- 35% said an e-reader from Amazon<br />
- 32% said a tablet computer from Amazon<br />
- 32% said they didn't know<br />
- 1% said "something else"<br />
<br />
<b>Retrevo Asked: Are you planning on buying a tablet this holiday season?<br />
</b>- 20% of tablet owners said yes, an iPad<br />
- 10% of all respondents said yes, an iPad<br />
- 27% of tablet owners said yes, the Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet<br />
- 12% of all respondents said, yes, the Amazon Kindle Fire Tablet<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>- Title: Why the Amazon Kindle Fire Could Be Hot This Holiday Season<br />
</b>URL: <u><span style="color: #6d710f;"><a href="http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/11/why-amazon-kindle-fire-could-be-hot-holiday-season">http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/11/why-amazon-kindle-fire-could-be-hot-holiday-season</a></span></u><br />
By Andrew Eisner, Retrevo.com Director of Community and Content<br />
<br />
The new Amazon Kindle Fire tablet is about to go on sale. Amazon claims they have received so many pre-orders they are building “millions more than already planned.” Apple has sold more than 25 million iPads to date (11.6 million in Q3 alone). In this Pulse Study, Retrevo looks at what consumers know about the new Amazon tablet and whether or not they plan on buying one.<br />
<br />
<b>Can Amazon Take a Bite Out of Apple’s Market Share?<br />
</b>It looks like this will be a very good holiday season for tablet computers with only 31% of respondents in this study saying they are not interested in a tablet. Out of the remaining 69% who are interested in buying a tablet or possibly learning more about them, 44% of them would be willing to consider a smaller, 7-inch Amazon Kindle Fire. At the same time only 12% say they wouldn’t even consider anything other than an iPad. With this much “acceptance” of a smaller tablet and the large price difference, conditions seem right for the Amazon Fire to become a hot item this year. Although the study didn’t ask specifically about the Barnes and Noble Nook, the recently announced, $249 Nook tablet could also be an attractive alternative to an iPad.<br />
<br />
<b>Should Amazon Have Named Their New Tablet a “Kindle?”<br />
</b>The Amazon Kindle is a strong brand and a popular e-reader however, it looks like Amazon may have to spend some marketing dollars if it wants consumers to perceive Kindle as a tablet too. In this study, which was conducted after Amazon announced the Fire, the majority of respondents (35%) thought the Kindle Fire was an e-reader. <br />
<br />
<b>Does Tablet Size Matter? <br />
</b>Although size is a very subjective aspect of a tablet computer, it looks like a 7-inch tablet could be very popular. In fact, this could not only help boost Kindle Fire sales but also Barnes and Noble’s new 7-inch Nook Tablet as well as other smaller and lighter Android tablets. Perhaps there are a lot of iPad owners who feel the iPad is a tad heavy and difficult to hold in one hand because only about half the iPad 2 owners said the iPad was “just right.” Of course, that’s not to say there won’t be strong demand for 10-inch or 8-inch, or some other sized tablet in fact, we’ve heard rumors of a 10-inch (or 8.9-inch) Amazon tablet following close on the heels of the 7-inch Fire. On the other hand, iPad owners might be interested in a smaller, lighter iPad as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Dawn of the Two Tablet Household<br />
</b>We don’t know if families are tired of fighting over the iPad or the new $199 Kindle Fire looks irresistible but it appears that a large number of existing tablet owners are planning on buying another tablet this holiday season. To be honest, the numbers looked a bit high to us but that’s what the data revealed. Actually, the idea of the two tablet household is already here as we found more than 27% of iPad 2 owners indicating they owned another tablet. Curiously, when we include people who don’t own a tablet the number of buyers looking at iPads and Kindle Fires are smaller and closer to each other. Could it be thattablet owners are more likely to buy a second tablet this year than someone buying their first tablet?<br />
<br />
<b>Conclusion:<br />
</b>Up until now, no tablet has been able to compete with Apple’s iPad. Operating System confusion and lack of “tablet” apps on the Android side may have helped keep Android tablets at bay however, the iPad 2 is starting to show its age and the new Kindle Fire is about to make the scene with a very attractive $199 price point. As popular as the Kindle Fire appears in this study, whether it lives up to expectations on things like battery life, performance, image quality, etc, the picture could get brighter or less bright for the Kindle Fire. Amazon may also benefit from the timing of their tablet. With the iPad 2 nearly a year old and the iPad 3 rumored to not be available until next year (missing the holiday season), Amazon may have timed the launch of their tablet just right. We also think it’s interesting that the strongest competition the Apple iPad may experience this season could very well come from book and content sellers (Amazon and Barnes and Noble) rather than other tablet manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola.<br />
<br />
<b>About Retrevo Pulse Report<br />
</b>The Retrevo Pulse is an ongoing study of people and electronics from the consumer electronics shopping and review site Retrevo.com. The data for this report came from a study of online individuals conducted exclusively for Retrevo in October of 2011, by an independent panel. The sample size was over 1,000 distributed across gender, age, income and location in the United States. Most responses have a confidence interval of 4% at a 95% confidence level.<br />
<br />
<b>About Retrevo<br />
</b>Retrevo.com is one of the largest consumer electronics review and shopping sites in the world, helping people decide what to buy, when to buy, and where to buy. Retrevo uses artificial intelligence to analyze and graphically summarize more than 100 million real-time data points from across the web to give shoppers the most comprehensive, unbiased, up-to-date product information they need to make smart, confident purchasing decisions for electronics.<br />
<br />
<b>URL:</b> <u><span style="color: #6d710e;"><a href="http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/11/why-amazon-kindle-fire-could-be-hot-holiday-season">http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/11/why-amazon-kindle-fire-could-be-hot-holiday-season</a></span></u></span>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-8760928646617135562011-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:002011-11-22T11:43:26.285-08:001-2-3 Shop<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Cyber Monday is now the biggest shopping day of the holiday season, and you can believe that shoppers and retailers aren’t the only ones paying attention. With cyber-sales and cyber-shopping comes cybercrime. Increased online activity means consumers and their PCs will have increased exposure to a variety of undesirable threats – viruses, malware, spyware and more. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Have no fear - there are many ways the 40 percent of consumers recently surveyed by Valpak who plan to shop online this holiday season can keep themselves safe during Cyber Monday, including these five, easy-to-follow tips below: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Keep it Clean</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: To prepare for increased online time, conduct a thorough PC cleaning. <a href="http://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimcleaner.php">SlimCleaner</a>, a free, downloadable application from SlimWare Utilities, allows users to eliminate unnecessary adware and malware from their PCs. The application can be run post-Cyber Monday as well, to ensure prime PC health after heavy browsing. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Be Proactive</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Prevent problems and limit exposure to threats. Only make purchases on secure, password-protected networks. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Go Solo</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Choose one credit card to use for all Cyber Monday purchases. This will limit and consolidate damage if personal information is stolen online. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Keep Current</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Install the latest version of anti-virus protection to keep PCs safe from viruses and threats. <a href="http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage">AVG Technologies</a> provides a free, easy-to-download anti-virus application, which will keep PCs safe from threats, especially when browsing unfamiliar sites. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Be Your Own Sheriff</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Regularly check bank account activity to ensure no random purchases have been made. Immediately report any unusual activity to a bank representative and freeze the account to prevent additional fraudulent charges.</span></div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-80060058968913885222011-11-08T15:45:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:45:53.787-08:00Ivory Has New Spokesperson<h1 class="epi-fontLg bwalignc"> <span class="bwuline"><b>Award Winner Melissa McCarthy Named Ivory Brand "Soap" Person</b></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0BCHuot201xSZvx7__e0ps8VU8PSAgvNblyw88rz45XijWVN4rFkuZvw8IkENYLYurDkQIeQqbSjtn9J-vB0bABRpQDacYtAqs91Ug-U9lH-75BBImYzWKJQN1GvaRxIeFiePn4c70Il/s1600/Soap_Dish_page_R3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0BCHuot201xSZvx7__e0ps8VU8PSAgvNblyw88rz45XijWVN4rFkuZvw8IkENYLYurDkQIeQqbSjtn9J-vB0bABRpQDacYtAqs91Ug-U9lH-75BBImYzWKJQN1GvaRxIeFiePn4c70Il/s320/Soap_Dish_page_R3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h1 class="epi-fontLg bwalignc"><span class="bwuline"><b> </b></span> </h1><div id="story_subheadline"><div class="bwalignc"><i>Actress/Comedian Brings Simple Everyday Humor to Ivory's New Social Community, the “Soap Dish”</i> </div></div>CINCINNATI--(<a href="http://www.businesswire.com/">BUSINESS WIRE</a>)--Ivory, one of Procter & Gamble's (NYSE:PG) most iconic consumer brands, today announced that Emmy award-winner Melissa McCarthy will serve as the brand spokesperson and host of its new online social community, the “Soap Dish,” where she will engage with women and dish about life’s simple truths. Today’s launch and celebrity partnership announcement are all part of the “holistic reinvention” of the brand which kicked-off last month with the debut of modernized packaging and a new advertising campaign. <br />
<blockquote>“We couldn’t think of a better spokesperson for Ivory”</blockquote>With her recent Emmy win for her role on CBS’ sitcom <i>Mike & Molly</i> and the wildly successful blockbuster film <i>Bridesmaids</i>, McCarthy has become one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood. A seasoned comedian and character actress, McCarthy’s greatest appeal is her down-to-earth charm, relatable sense of humor and honest approach to her own busy life as a wife and working mother of two. <br />
“I grew up using Ivory and that smell always reminds me of when I was a kid,” McCarthy said. “As a working mom of two, I love anything that simplifies my life. So when one bar of soap can handle backyard dirt, spaghetti hands, and the unidentified crusty bits under my girls’ necks - I’m in.” <br />
Born from the insights of a national “mom” survey commissioned by Ivory, the Soap Dish is a light-hearted social community that offers women an outlet to share in the everyday humor and honesty of their lives in an unapologetic manner. The community lives on the Ivory Facebook page (<a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Facebook.com%2FIvory&esheet=50058686&lan=en-US&anchor=www.Facebook.com%2FIvory&index=1&md5=f6e7904efc2d94a2fad6e8e5d1c5acbf" target="_blank">www.Facebook.com/Ivory</a>) and is a place where today’s modern mom can come and just dish – share opinions, ideas, and maybe a little attitude on what it is that makes her life so complicated. As host of the Soap Dish, McCarthy will invite Ivory fans and followers to join her in dishing about everyday topics ranging from motherhood, marriage and meatloaf to much more. <br />
“We couldn’t think of a better spokesperson for Ivory,” said Jay Sethi, Ivory brand manager. “Melissa’s humor, simple charm and down-to-earth attitude fit with every bit of Ivory’s persona. More than refreshingly honest and sincere, she is every woman and a modern mom, and we think our fans will absolutely love her.” <br />
<span class="bwuline">The Ivory Moms Survey</span> <br />
In an effort to better understand today’s women and moms, the brand commissioned a national survey of 1,017 moms to uncover attitudes and insights surrounding the realities of her everyday life and role as wife, mother, daughter and more. <br />
Not surprising, the results revealed quite a bit about today’s mom. For instance, 80 percent of moms surveyed feel that motherhood is more complicated today than it was for their own mothers 20 years ago. However, more than half (54 percent) say they’re balancing life as a mother <span class="bwuline">better</span> than their own mom did. Perhaps the secret to it all? 66 percent confessed to hiding in the bathroom for much needed “me” time. <br />
The complete survey questions and results will be shared throughout the Soap Dish community, as Ivory encourages women to laugh, live and share their everyday issues with others. <br />
To visit Ivory’s “Soap Dish” forum and dish with Melissa McCarthy and other moms on what complicates their lives, consumers can visit Ivory’s Face book fanpage at: <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fivory&esheet=50058686&lan=en-US&anchor=www.facebook.com%2Fivory&index=2&md5=de237d7c7e664cec64d666de582a6898" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/ivory</a>. To learn more about Ivory’s products and where they are available in your local area, visit Ivory on Facebook (<a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fivory&esheet=50058686&lan=en-US&anchor=www.facebook.com%2Fivory&index=3&md5=49f87b2420c0743d12d64337cb198b21" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/ivory</a>) or on Twitter (@Ivory) and YouTube (<a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fivory&esheet=50058686&lan=en-US&anchor=www.youtube.com%2Fivory&index=4&md5=f3cf991b6f7cf2c19ee7eef243143491" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/ivory</a>) <br />
<span class="bwuline"><b>About Procter & Gamble</b></span> <br />
P&G touches and improves the lives of about 4.4 billion people around the world with its portfolio of trusted, quality brands. The Company's leadership brands include Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, and Ambi Pur®. With operations in about 80 countries, P&G brands are available in more than 180 countries worldwide. Please visit <a href="http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pg.com&esheet=50058686&lan=en-US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pg.com&index=5&md5=c4b1f38c7e3bcb520aaa5f46052a2f4e" target="_blank">http://www.pg.com</a> for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-16421226568907406582011-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:36:36.969-08:002011 Big East Men's Soccer Championship<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<div align="center" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">See Soccer's Rising Stars THIS WEEKEND</span></i></strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></div><div align="center" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">at the 2011 BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship at Red Bull Arena</span></i></strong><b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></i></b></div><div align="center" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">UConn, Louisville, St. John's & Villanova to Play for Title</span></i></strong><b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></i></b></div><div align="center" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><a href="http://bigeast.org/Sports/BIGEASTSoccer.aspx"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://app1.sportssignup.com/Files/GetEncoded?Id=79414d5434786a663348334f566732513265615043673d3d" /></span></a></span></div><h5 style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Soccer Fans: Don't miss your chance to see some of the nation's top collegiate soccer players compete in the <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">2011 BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship</span></strong> at the state-of-the-art Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey <u>THIS WEEKEND</u> - <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Friday, November 11</span></strong> and <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Sunday, November 13</span></strong>. The 2011 BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship features four of the nation's top teams -- <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">UConn, Louisville, St. John's & Villanova</span></strong>, showcasing some of the best collegiate talent in men's soccer, all in one place, and all in one weekend.</span></h5><h5 style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Two-Day Ticket Packages</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> start at <u>just $10</u> for student/youth tickets (under 21) and <u>just $16.00</u> for adults. <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Single Day Tickets</span></strong> <u>start at $6</u> for student/youth and <u>just $10 for adults</u>. Groups of 10 or more also qualify for discounted tickets to one or both days, with student/youth tickets starting at only $4. The semifinals will start at 5 PM ET and approximately 7:30 PM ET on November 11, with the title game at 12:00 PM ET on November 13. The Tournament Champion will receive the league's automatic berth into the 48-team NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship. </span></h5><h5 style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">To purchase <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship </span></strong>tickets or to get more information, call <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">1.877.RB.SOCCER</span></strong> or visit <strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=idhm7ybab&et=1108535463388&s=0&e=001ZnvzWqSdedu7QufGLwmmYIc9Fi0KboVuHEBIfFQLVoilBOX5FqltqCOUsNPhFOlfo4phnebSStpW1DdHeOaqeTW597SvJKGzqatyeqbfLChNKH4kcBd8yw==" target="_blank">www.BigEastSoccer.com</a></span></strong>.</span></h5><h5 style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span></h5><h5 style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The Big East Conference features some of the country's elite soccer programs. Its sixteen member schools are the University of Cincinnati, the University of Connecticut, DePaul University, Georgetown University, the University of Louisville, Marquette University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Pittsburgh, Providence College, Rutgers University, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, the University of South Florida, Syracuse University, Villanova University and West Virginia University.</span></h5>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-63163970294296789352011-10-26T11:30:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:30:03.450-07:00Home Shopping Network Gift Giveaway<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">HSN LAUNCHES MULTIPLATFORM HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN, "MORE AMAZING GIFTS, ONE AMAZING DESTINATION”</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">-- “AMAZING GIFT GIVEAWAY” $150,000 INSTANT WIN GAME AND SWEEPSTAKES –</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-- Star-Studded Lineup includes Mary J. Blige, Kate Walsh, Queen Latifah, Vern Yip and </span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jenny McCarthy – </span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA (October 20, 2011) – Multichannel retailer HSN kicked off the holiday shopping season with its multiplatform campaign “More Amazing Gifts, One Amazing Destination.” The comprehensive 360 degree marketing campaign will include a one-of-a-kind, interactive scavenger hunt helping customers discover the season’s most unique, exciting gifts– all presented by today’s hottest designers, celebrities and trusted experts. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">HSN’s star-studded holiday line-up includes new fall fashions from<b> Mariah Carey,</b> <b>IMAN, Naeem Khan, Queen Latifah </b>and<b> Twiggy</b>; home solutions and décor from <b>Nate Berkus, Joy Mangano, Jenny McCarthy, </b>and<b> Vern Yip</b>; and beauty from<b> Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Flavin-Stallone </b>and<b> Kate Walsh,</b> as well as many more great gift ideas from HSN favorites<b>. </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Running until December 20, customers are invited to play HSN’s “Amazing Gift Giveaway $150,000 Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes”, sponsored by Kraft Foods. Residing in the <a href="http://arcade.hsn.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">HSN Arcade</span></a>, this weekly game will cross all of HSN’s platforms – TV, online, mobile and social. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Players can receive promotional offers ranging from 10-15% off; $20 gift cards, free shipping/handling and special Kraft Foods holiday offers. Starting October 28, winners will be announced live on-air each week during HSN’s Gift Friday shows and will have a chance to win all the amazing gifts featured during the 4 PM (EST) hour. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Additionally, weekly online video “super challenges” will guide players as they hunt for clues to earn their chance to earn additional entries into the grand prize sweepstakes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">To help shoppers find the perfect gift for everyone on their list The Holiday Gift Store, found on HSN.com, provides customers with gift options that fit any budget – gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts under $100 and gifts of luxury. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Part of the company's overall "HSN Cares" philanthropic campaign, HSN has once again kicked off its 2011 holiday shopping season with the return of its heART HSN 2011 Designer Ornament Collection, a compilation of beautiful, limited-edition designer ornaments, personally designed by 40 HSN partners. Available exclusively on HSN and HSN.com, 100% of the profits - no less than 30% of the purchase price of each ornament - will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Additionally, launching November 1, HSN will partner with St. Jude this holiday season for its annual <i>Thanks and Giving®</i> campaign to support their lifesaving work of finding cures for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Check in for new and exciting updates throughout the holiday season – anytime, anywhere - on HSN, <a href="http://www.hsn.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";">HSN.com</span></a> and HSN mobile. </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"># # #</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-18591385434736937682011-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:002011-10-24T16:07:49.809-07:00The Lost Fountain by Peter Andrew Sacco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7xs7srgjx5fQJlzIVrxwrInPJEAKn-x7xdoeif1c1qO05Pu0-jIVe9vHc20YNTxT23pX4HncVKKOqnecOOnmdluKq3wVRl7Iu0SLSBRRZ7JOdDQRm4sW8cBr6ZHHw3C22UCHyiZ0-z4/s1600/9781592996131-250x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7xs7srgjx5fQJlzIVrxwrInPJEAKn-x7xdoeif1c1qO05Pu0-jIVe9vHc20YNTxT23pX4HncVKKOqnecOOnmdluKq3wVRl7Iu0SLSBRRZ7JOdDQRm4sW8cBr6ZHHw3C22UCHyiZ0-z4/s1600/9781592996131-250x250.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">What if you could turn back Father Time and become younger? Noah, a 12-year old boy, and his two friends set out to find the fabled Fountain of Youth, believing it can save the leader's younger brother who is afflicted with Progeria disease (premature aging). Unbeknownst to the boys, however, they are in a race to find the fountain with a greedy archaeologist who is hot on their trail. With the ghost of Ponce de León on their side, the boys learn that if one truly believes, anything can be accomplished, and that even the most seemingly remote dream can be reached. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">The Lost Fountain is an uplifting, unrelenting tale for anyone considering himself a possibility thinker. The story is a timely exposé offering hope and goodness to all ages, especially today's children and youth.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: teal;"><i><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">50% of the proceeds will be donated to The Progeria Research Foundation</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After hearing about this book, I was very interested in learning more. Thankfully, I was able to speak with author Peter Andrew Sacco the amazing author and find out all about him and his book. Here is what he had to say:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Are there any particular spots you like to go to when you write? </b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
<i>I find that the spot where you write doesn't matter as much as the mental focus I have going in to writing that day as well as a couple of cups of Java do help! I can truly say that I have actually written 7 books and a couple of scripts as well as a plethora of magazine articles at Starbucks. People always ask how can you concentrate there? Well, I find writing in solitude to be very mundane and feeling like you are in the land of the living inspires you. I also find I can bounce ideas off of the folks/patrons at Starbucks who I have come to know very well over the one I frequent the last 7 years. Interestingly, if I am stuck for developing characters I "people watch" and they give me ideas for characters. I also pay attention to different mannerisms and styles they wear and I incorporate them into my character development. </i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>For my crime/suspense thriller Jack or Jill, a large part of the plots location is in Niagara Falls. Furthermore, the criminal psychologist in the novel meets with the detective heading the case (who is also his love interest) at the Starbucks I write out of. So basically, I write about what I know so sometimes go to the places in the book and write from there. For example, in Jack or Jill, the hero of the story needs to solve the 1888 Jack the Ripper killings to solve the modern day killings in Niagara Falls, so writing from spots featured in the story makes it that much more real. Heads or Tails which is the second book in the series also takes in Niagara Falls, Canada, Niagara Falls, New York and Buffalo, as well as Hamilton and Toronto, so many of the plots sites are places I go to as well as write from.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I would also say I enjoy writing out back on the largest deck of the tropical rainforest I created in my back yard. Writing next to the pond brings peace and tranquility. However, I am only limited to writing there spring, summers and lately later into autumn with the great weather changes we have been having.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>"The Lost Fountain" addresses the effects and issues of Progeria. Does it have a particular significance to you? How do you go about researching these sort of topics? </b></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>For me, I first saw the disease on television on a talk show. It was very heart-wrenching to see these young kids aging so quickly. They were pillars of courage and strength in my books and I developed an amazing respect for them. I was at Disney World in Florida waiting to go on a ride with a friend when I saw a child with Progeria. It touched me in a way I have never forgotten. You just want to reach out and hug them...hug them all. As you can see I am a hugger!</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>In terms of researching topics, Google searches are modern day magic! Having completed a Ph.D. in psychology, my early years researching for essays and projects entailed cruel, old school methods of tracking things down keeping you in libraries for days. Today, you can find what you want so fast and easy. It is amazing how many experts I have connected with on-line or on Facebook who are great sources of information.</i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Where do you get your story ideas?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Great question! Often times I get them while I am meditating or out for long walks. Sometimes I will be at the gym working out and "bam" something comes to me and the proverbial light bulb goes on! I would also like to say that looking at people and their mannerisms will sometimes help develop characters in my mind so I have the character before the story and the story gets developed as the character evolves in my mind.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 10pt;"><br />
<b>4. How do you choose your characters?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 10pt;"><i>Another great question! I would say very carefully! I need to find characters that have great charm, charisma and can entertain. I believe a great story is paramount, but the characters have to fit into the story, develop the story and become one with the story. It is like an orchestra--lots of instruments that together make beautiful music to create a masterful finished piece. With that said, the characters, plots and settings create the overture for a masterpiece of a story. I am not saying that my stories are masterpieces, but I have been known to hold people's interests by the unique stories my characters tell and portray! In the end, I always choose characters who are willing to provide twists to my stories and do things outside of "character".</i><br />
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<i>To Order <a href="http://petersacco.com/">Peter Sacco</a>'s book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592996132/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aroundthelake-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1592996132">The Lost Fountain</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aroundthelake-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1592996132&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" />, Jack or Jill<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=aroundthelake-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1606107038&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> or more information about <a href="http://www.progeriaresearch.org/">Progeria,</a> click on the links. </i><br />
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</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-35376824580914032762011-10-23T15:20:00.000-07:002011-10-23T15:20:12.106-07:00Are the End of Days Coming?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Grim Reaper: End of Days – Are We Doomed For A 2012 Plague To Wipe Out Humanity?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">West Palm Beach, FL, October 20, 2011</span></b> – NY Times bestselling author Steve Alten’s epic new book, Grim Reaper: End of Days (Tor/Forge – St. Martin’s Press) introduces readers to the dangers of biological warfare. Grim Reaper will open your eyes.<br />
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Believing she has been chosen by God to bring on Revelations, Ft. Detrick microbiologist Mary Klipot releases a man-made version of Bubonic Plague at the U.N. – exactly six-hundred and sixty-six years after the Black Death nearly wiped out humanity, the near End of Days event summoning the Grim Reaper to walk the earth.<br />
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Alten’s novel is The Stand meets Contagion, posing an all-too-real scenario in a post 9/11 society where public safety is an illusion. What really would happen if humanity was struck with an unstoppable plague? What if this plague was contained on an island? What if you could eradicate said island. Would you do it? Does God factor into this? Would He “stand by” and let man create his own Armageddon or step in to keep with scripture and wait for the appointed time to unleash His? OR… are they one and the same? The answers to those questions are not in this book, they’re inside you. They’re also inside the characters in this book. We get to observe the pain and unimaginable suffering they must witness (and in some cases, cause).<br />
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As one reviewer proclaims, this will not be one of the best books you will read this year. This will be one of the best books you will read, period.<br />
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For more information, please visit </span><a href="http://www.ascotmedianews.com/em12all/lt.php?c=2493&m=314&nl=30&s=8052ecab6be984f8d484b7c26731949b&lid=11625&l=-http--www.stevealten.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.SteveAlten.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.<br />
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###</span>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-71977017897603481152011-10-16T16:35:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:35:51.500-07:00Indican Pictures Presents The Truth About Angels<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">FILM TITLE</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: #a50021; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.indicanpictures.com/films/drama/the-truth-about-angels/"><span style="color: #a50021;">The Truth About Angels</span></a></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">CAST</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #1d0ba5; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2127038/">Candice Accola</a></span></b><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(WB’s Vampire Diaries, Drop Dead Diva, Dead Girl, Juno</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">) </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0974320/">Michael Azria</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(Looney Tunes, L.I.E. Queen of the Damned, Boys Life)</span></i></b><span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068042/">Ashley Bell</a> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(The Last Exorcism, The United States of Tara, State of Play)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1010931/">Monique Gabriel Curnan</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(Fox’s Lie to Me, Fast & Furious, Dark Night, Che)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2218604/">Dree Hemingway</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(The Face of Gucci, Sex & A Girl, Gigantic, Greek)</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0395914/">Bobby Hosea</a> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(Fox’s Bones, Independence Day, 61, Lincoln Heights)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1483970/">Antonio Del Prete</a></span></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(Mission Impossible II, Summerland/TV series, Frasier/TV series)</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005350/">Simon Rex</a></span></b><b><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;">(Jack & Jill, Scary Movie 3&4, MTV VJ, Rise: Blood Hunter)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></i></b><strong><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; padding: 0in;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"></span> <span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"></span> <span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"></span> <span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"></span> <span style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in;"></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">TRAILER/PREVIEW</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><a href="http://www.indicanpictures.com/films/drama/the-truth-about-angels/">http://www.indicanpictures.com/films/drama/the-truth-about-angels/</a></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">RELEASE DATE</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Oct 11, 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">FILM FESTIVALS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Best Feature</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> – </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Milan</span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> International Film Festival</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Film Selection</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> – </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">New Directors</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Nominee</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> – </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Prism Awards</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Film Selection</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> – </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Portobello Film Festival</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Film Selection</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> – </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Ischia</span></b></em><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"> Film and Music Festival</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">FILMS SPECS:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">running time – <b>81mins</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">format – <b>1:78 HD</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">director – <b>Lichelli Lazar-Lea</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">sound – <b>Dolby SR</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">genre – <b>suspense drama</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">SYNOPSIS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Pablo</span><b><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1483970/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Antonio Del Prete</span></a> – M:13)</span></b></em><b><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">is feeling trapped in his turbulent relationship with his wife </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1010931/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Monique Gabriela Curnen</span></a> – The Dark Knight, Unusuals)</span></b></em><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> when his oldest friend Kane </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005350/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Simon Rex</span></a> – Scary Movie 3, Rapper Dirt Nasty)</span></b></em><em><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></em><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">turns up with an offer he can’t refuse. Together with Kane’s sidekick Ben G </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0974320/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Michael Azria</span></a> – </span></b></em><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">of the <a href="http://www.bcbgmaxazriagroup.com/fall2011/index.php?p=cGFnZT1mdWxsX2Jsb2cmaWQ9MTk0&lnt=dGl0bGU=&section=fashionfiles&cat=4"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">BCBG MAXAZRIA</span></a> designer collection)</span></i></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Pablo is introduced into the exotic world of the ultra exclusive where the parties are legendary, the money extraordinary and the decadence knows no bounds. Intrigued by the mysterious Kristi </span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">(<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2218604/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Dree </span></a></span></b></em><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Hemingway </span></i></b></span><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2218604/"><span style="color: #5f5f5f; text-decoration: none;">- Gucci model, great granddaughter of </span><span style="color: #5f5f5f;">Ernest</span><span style="color: #5f5f5f; text-decoration: none;">)</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">, </span></a></span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><b><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Pablo faces temptation and becomes embroiled in the dark underbelly of the shiny world he once coveted…</span></span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b>In My Honest Opinion:</b><br />
This is one of those movies you will either love or hate. When we first meet Pablo we see a dad coming home from work and excited to see his baby. The sink is full of dishes, a tired mom is trying to feed a tired baby and she is unhappy. She asks Pablo to run a bath for the baby, he asks "can I just catch my breath?" Mom explains she has been up since 6:00 am and needs a break too and heads off to run the bath herself. Pablo receives a call from his oldest friend Kane and heads out in a limo for the night. He is excited about the prospect of an exciting evening and leaves his tired wife at home.<br />
<br />
In Kane's exciting world, we see drugs, sex, money, beautiful woman, etc. Pablo runs into a mysterious woman named Kristi, Dree Hemingway who entices him to follow her. He does. Suddenly he is in poppa mode taking care of her when she becomes unconscious. We don't know if she is drunk or has been drugged but he settles her and heads out to get help.<br />
<br />
We see her unconscious body being raped (disturbing) by a Kane's sidekick Ben G. Pablo punches Ben and Ben tells him she came here for this. Once again Pablo is taking care of her. She falls out of the tub and hits her head and is bleeding. When he explains to Kane that they need to find an ambulance Kane explains that they can't call because it will hurt his career and end Pablo's marriage. Pablo is torn and eventually is forced to leave. The end of the party is as disturbing as it gets and we see how society is so dumb to the fact that we are all people and what is right and wrong.<br />
<br />
The life that Pablo thought was so bad suddenly seems quite the opposite and we are left to watch Pablo cry over his sleeping daughter. Did Pablo need to see such derelict behavior to appreciate what he had? Are people really so desensitized that they could simply step over the body of a girl and go on with their lives without ever thinking about it again?<br />
<br />
The movie was shot in 13 nights which is rather impressive and the acting is quite good. The religious undertones of the movie are there and I enjoyed the Greek names sprinkled throughout the party.<br />
<br />
I found the movie even more interesting when I heard that the director and the actor who plays Pablo are married and wrote the movie after their daughter was born and worried about raising her in Los Angeles and the Entertainment world. <br />
<br />
Pablo's cleansing at the end when he finally understands the harsh realities his daughter will have to face in this world made me want to cry for his rebirth!<br />
<br />
<b>Disclaimer</b>: I received a complimentary copy of this DVD for my honest opinion from Indican Pictures. All opinions are mine. Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-41758121327225590092011-10-03T07:33:00.000-07:002011-10-03T07:56:37.322-07:00Sounds Great, Wish I Could Be There! If You Are In California....<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt; line-height: 75%;">West Coast Premiere at Screamfest</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 28pt; line-height: 75%;">Tuesday, October 18, 2011</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt;"><img border="0" height="38" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://img2.ymlp182.com/k7wr_image002_1.png" width="237" /></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 75%; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #fff856; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 75%;">An official selection of Screamfest</span></i></b><b><i><sup><span style="color: #fff856; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 75%;"> </span></sup></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #fff856; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 75%;">2011</span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="243" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://img2.ymlp182.com/k7wr_image004_23.jpg" width="176" /> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Tuesday, October 18<sup>th</sup> at 10:00PM</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Chinese 6 Theater – Level 3</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Hollywood & Highland</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">6801 Hollywood Boulevard</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Hollywood, CA 90028</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -27pt; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://img2.ymlp182.com/k7wr_image006_22.jpg" width="234" /> <img border="0" height="132" id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://img2.ymlp182.com/k7wr_image008_9.jpg" width="233" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>A crucial display of balance of craft and</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i>patience in building layers of suspense under a horrific setting that goes beyond any urban</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i>explorer's worst nightmare.</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Variety</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>URBAN EXPLORER transcends the genre with the triple threat of incredible locations, a tour-de-force performance by Klaus Stiglmeier and a director who <br />
knows how to keenly build tension. It is one of our favorite horror discoveries<br />
of the year and Klaus Stiglmeier is hands-down one of our favorite performances.<br />
We’ll follow him down any tunnel he goes…</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Fest </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4-R1WGdiBEw" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Fetscher shows that he has a great future in cinematography,<br />
</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>managing to pull the viewer into a claustrophobic, Nazi-haunted world. </i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>He also has a wicked sense of humor.</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Austin 360</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; text-align: center;"><b><i>Ultimately satisfying.</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; text-align: center;">Indie Wire</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><b><i>URBAN EXPLORER </i></b>is a horrifying and thrilling adventure that <br />
investigates 25,000 tunnels on 6 levels underneath Berlin with secrets that <br />
were never meant to see the light of day. When four young travelers sign-up for <br />
an underground adventure through a subterranean maze of Nazi secrets, they are<br />
unaware of the horror they’re about to encounter. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;">They meet their guide at a club in Berlin where they all exchange fake names <br />
just in case the police get involved; this underground exploration isn’t exactly legal. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;">Through a door in the basement of the club they embark on their adventure, eager <br />
to explore a place few have seen. They soon realize, however, they are not alone in the tunnels. Not only are they in a physically dangerous, decaying location but they are also in the heart of Nazism, the unspoken shame of the city. The government has sealed off the area to keep Neo-Nazis from building shrines.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;">Subterranean Berlin is still partially in ruins and all of the incredible underground bunkers in the film are authentic. Daredevil director Andy Fetscher was in fact arrested and put in jail for breaking into the forbidden underground and continuing<br />
to shoot without permit or permission. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;">When the urban explorers become lost, confused, frightened and helpless, an<br />
eccentric old man (Stiglmeier) comes to their rescue. He guides them to safety,<br />
feeds them, and bandages their wounds. All seems well at first, but percolating<br />
just below the surface are rumblings that this stranger may not in fact be their savior. He might be the absolute last person on earth they would like to be with in <br />
an underground bunker. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Will they remember the way back to civilization, and if they do, will they be able to escape?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-25205455296735108722011-09-23T10:22:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:25:16.285-07:00Wood Ear Buds and Cases by Vers<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Introducing the Vers 7E enhanced bass earphones.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Vers expands its line of hand crafted solid wood earphones</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">to provide a more immersive experience for mobile movies, videos and games.</span></b></span></b></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">WAYLAND, Mass., September 23, 2011 -- Vers has added a new member to their line of sustainably built earphones. Combining the natural beauty and acoustic properties of Walnut and Bamboo, they are the most environmentally thoughtful earphones available on the market. The new Vers 7E rounds out the Vers line that brings the look, feel and natural acoustic qualities of wood to the world of mobile sound.</span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mailboto10.com/ulscommon/F52/7e_walnut_bamboo_f34_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://www.mailboto10.com/ulscommon/F52/7e_walnut_bamboo_f34_sm.jpg" style="height: 196px; width: 227px;" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span><br />
<span class="mceitemhidden"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Vers 7E enhanced bass earphones, in Bamboo (left) Walnut (right)</span></span></div><br />
“Our customers tell us that they are using their mobile devices for much more then just music listening – their smart phones and tablets are quickly becoming their platform of choice for not just music, but for watching movies, videos and playing games,” says David Laituri, creative director and founder of Vers. “The new Vers 7E was developed with this shift in mind, delivering deeper, enhanced bass for a more engaging personal entertainment experience.” The earphones compliment Vers’ popular wood cases for iPhone, iPad and iTouch.<br />
<br />
Wood is simply the very best material for sound reproduction – it’s rigid, allowing the music to be heard as intended, but provides a natural warmth to the music not possible with plastic earphones,” says Laituri. “Like our popular Vers sound systems and cases, the Vers 7E earphone line was created with the same passion for performance, beauty and sustainability; for each tree we use in production, 100 are re-planted through our partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forestry Service. Use a tree – plant a forest; we’re excited to be able to go beyond achieving sustainability to helping to restore the environment where it’s needed most.<br />
<br />
Vers 7E sound isolation earphones with microphone are MSRP $69.99 and are offered in Walnut and Bamboo. See the entire Vers line of products, find a retailer, or buy at <a href="http://www.versaudio.com/">www.versaudio.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mailboto10.com/ulscommon/F52/iPad2Walnut_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://www.mailboto10.com/ulscommon/F52/iPad2Walnut_sm.jpg" style="height: 166px; width: 254px;" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="198" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://www.mailboto10.com/ulscommon/F52/iphone4_slimcase_bamboo_sm.jpg" style="height: 166px; width: 167px;" width="200" /> </div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Other recently introduced items include the Vers Slimcase for iPhone 4 and Slimcase for iPad 2. Both are pictured above. There are cases for earlier versions of both devices as well.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Vers hand-crafted wood iPod/iPhone/iPad sound system and mobile accessory brand was founded in 2007 and is distributed in over 30 countries worldwide. Vers is committed to making beautiful, high quality sound systems and mobile accessories that are more environmentally thfrom beginning to end. Visit </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.versaudio.com/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">www.versaudio.com</span></a></span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> for more details on sustainability efforts, retailers, product specifications and company information. Consumer questions? </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="mailto:info@versaudio.com"><span style="font-weight: normal;">info@versaudio.com</span></a></span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.</span></i></span>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-5054029244858814192011-09-23T10:05:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:05:51.645-07:00Dr. STITCH Safety Tips for Soccer Moms<div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1V6vuXGcYE/Tny8Kg4XD6I/AAAAAAAAF58/2GgvP06l1eQ/s1600/277084_215479035147514_2102126438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1V6vuXGcYE/Tny8Kg4XD6I/AAAAAAAAF58/2GgvP06l1eQ/s320/277084_215479035147514_2102126438_n.jpg" width="106" /></a>New York, September 22, 2011 – The fall intramural soccer season is “off and kicking” on Long Island and in schools and parks across the U.S. Kids who enjoy playing soccer and parents who shuttle back and forth from the games every weekend should be aware of a few safety tips so their children don’t end up with unnecessary injuries.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">“Taking basic precautions can avoid turning a fun and healthy activity into a trip to the ER,” commented Dr. Rachel A. Ruotolo, craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon and partner at Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, which offers a 24-hour emergency plastic surgery service, Dr.</div><div class="MsoPlainText">STITCH™. “Obviously, a hospital is the last place any parent or child wants to be following a soccer game.”</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">Dr.STITCH™ recommends the following tips for a safe and enjoyable fall soccer season:<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">•Shin guards are required and the only form of body protection that is</div><div class="MsoPlainText">worn when playing soccer. Be sure they are properly fitted to protect the lower legs.<br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">•Warm up before each practice and game. Cold muscles are more prone to</div><div class="MsoPlainText">injury.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
•Stretching also helps to prevent soccer related injury. This reduces</div><div class="MsoPlainText">both muscular imbalance and tightness.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
•If there is any type of head injury, take caution, a lot of times people</div><div class="MsoPlainText">get right back up and on the field. The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be apparent right away. The most common symptoms are headache, amnesia, dizziness and confusion.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
•Be prepared moms and carry your own first aid kit with instant cold</div><div class="MsoPlainText">packs, wraps, bandages, and bacitracin.</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><br />
Dr. Ruotolo adds, “Parents should keep in mind that although injuries can be part of the game, you should be prepared for the unexpected, but most importantly, have fun.”<br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText"><b>About Dr. STITCH™</b></div><div class="MsoPlainText">Dr. STITCH™ is Long Island Plastic Surgical Group’s 24 hour emergency service for expert laceration repair, treatment of complex wounds, broken noses, burns, and facial traumas. You can call Dr. STITCH 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and one of our plastic surgeons will meet you at the emergency room or in one of our convenient office locations.<br />
<br />
With over 200 years of combined experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, it's no wonder families across Long Island trust Dr. STITCH.<br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText">For further information about Dr. STITCH™ or Long Island Plastic Surgical Group please call 917-476-1099, email <a href="mailto:amazur1013@gmail.com">amazur1013@gmail.com</a> or visit <a href="http://www.lipsg.com/">www.lipsg.com</a>.</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-16712321228150417082011-09-23T09:58:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:58:52.560-07:00Yahoo! Sports Launches ‘Elite Athlete Workouts’<h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The New Web Series Works Out With Top Athletes</span></i></h2><h2 align="center" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></i></h2><div class="MsoNormal">Yahoo! Sports, the number one online sports destination, has launched a new web show, ‘Elite Athlete Workouts’. The fresh new series provides an exclusive look at the health and fitness routines of today’s top professional athletes. The series, which features athletes from across the sports landscape sharing their personal workouts and nutritional tips, and can be found at <a href="http://www.sports.yahoo.com/">www.sports.yahoo.com</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Each week ‘Elite Athlete Workouts’ gives viewers insider access to their favorite athletes’ keys to success, providing sneak peeks into their workout routines and tips that anyone can follow. Viewers can watch athletes including Georges St. Pierre, Larry Fitzgerald, and Floyd Mayweather demonstrating techniques as they work out and sharing insights into their diets.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Janet Evans is featured in this week’s ‘Elite Athlete Workouts’ videos. Janet, a four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer and 40-year-old mom, shares her journey to an Olympic comeback with viewers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To see the videos, please visit<span style="color: #1f497d;"> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/janet-evans">http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/janet-evans</a>. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-40455686709915605822011-09-19T12:22:00.000-07:002011-09-19T12:22:31.643-07:00Family Game Night Is September 28th!<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="250" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m521/klueckhpr/NFGN-Badge2011-MECH.jpg" style="border: 0px solid black; display: inline; height: 250px; margin: 0px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></div>The kids are in full swing back at school and it’s almost time for fall traditions like apple picking and hayrides. The lazy days of summer have come to an end and there’s plenty to look forward to this month as we play new games, prepare to celebrate National Family Game Night on September 28 and continue saving, cleaning and recycling with the Great Games Trade-In.<br />
<br />
<b><u>CRANIUM BRAIN-BREAKS</u></b><br />
Got a minute? That’s all you’ll need to play one of the two hundred games in the all-new Cranium Brain Breaks. This game is perfect for those few spare moments in the day when you don’t have time for a full game, but have a couple minutes for fun before the next scheduled activity. Each of the 200 different games can be played in 60 seconds or less and is stored in a compact purple brain-shaped case.<br />
All of the classic Cranium categories of Creative Cat, Word Worm, Star Performer and Data Head are included so everyone in the family can take a stab at sculpting with the Cranium clay, showcasing their hidden acting talents or flexing their brain muscles as everyone works together to successfully complete the challenges. Here’s one to start with now! Order the following items from lightest to heaviest:<br />
<br />
· Oldest player’s favorite book<br />
· Baseball bat<br />
· Youngest player<br />
· Family pet<br />
<br />
Cranium Brain Breaks is currently available at mass merchandise retailers nationwide for $14.99.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>THE GREAT GAMES TRADE-IN</u></b><br />
Visit <a href="http://familygamenight.com/">FamilyGameNight.com</a> to print coupons for up to <b>$83 dollars in savings</b> on new and favorite games, as well as pre-paid shipping labels to send in your old games to Recyclebank.<br />
<br />
<b><u>FAMILY GAME NIGHT SHOW ON THE HUB</u></b><br />
An all-new season of the “Family Game Night” show is back on The Hub! Tune in on Friday nights to see new episodes of families going head-to-head in larger-than-life versions of your favorite Hasbro games at 7 p.m. ET, or check your local listings.<br />
<br />
<i>Be sure to find Hasbro Games on the web: </i><br />
<u>Facebook</u><br />
Family Game Night: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffamilygamenight">www.facebook.com/familygamenight</a><br />
Scrabble: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fofficialscrabble">www.facebook.com/officialscrabble</a><br />
Monopoly: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmonopoly">www.facebook.com/monopoly</a><br />
Trivial Pursuit: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftrivialpursuit">www.facebook.com/trivialpursuit</a><br />
Cranium: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcranium">www.facebook.com/cranium</a><br />
<u>Twitter</u><br />
FamilyGameNight: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Ffamilygamenight">www.twitter.com/familygamenight</a><br />
Trivial Pursuit: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Ftpexperiment">www.twitter.com/trivialpursuit</a>_<br />
Cranium: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=85797998&msgid=1062850&act=4U6L&c=379122&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Fplaycranium">www.twitter.com/playcranium</a><br />
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</div>Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-70086996745576566582011-09-13T17:42:00.001-07:002011-09-13T17:42:40.389-07:00Walt Disney’s Spooky Buddies - DVD<div id="widget-13-root"><!-- --></div><script type="text/javascript"
src="http://www.partnershub.com/embeds/11/spooky-buddies/widget/spooky-buddies.js"></scri
pt>
Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-61130180398118225112011-09-06T08:54:00.001-07:002011-09-06T08:54:58.752-07:00Henry's Restaurant Speaks Up About School Lunches</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-family: ""; font-size: 13.5pt;">******Henry's Tips for Packing School Lunches*******</span></b></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><i>Simple Beverage -- keep them hydrated and you keep them healthy</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Often our kids are like adults and their lack of focus and energy are related to dehydration. Solve this and often you can arrive at a mealtime in much better shape. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Do Pack This - </span></i></b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">Water, coconut water, diluted fresh vegetable and fruit juices </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i>Don</i></b><b><i>'</i></b><b><i>t Pack This - </i></b>anything that's not natural and contains unnecessary sugar or artificial sweeteners. E.g. Tang, Hi-C, Vitamin Water, chocolate milk.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Vegetables as the Main Attraction</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Try to include veggies in or as the main attraction. They're not just a side dish anymore! Vegetables are often the greatest challenge for parents. Offer them early <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">and often and you might be surprised at the response you get. Vegetables are packed </span>with micronutrients and fiber -- two essentials for little bodies.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most people over estimate the amount of protein that children need. Children over <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">the age of 4 require .5 grams of protein per pound of body weight or less, that means </span>your 50-pound child needs roughly 25 grams of protein per day. When you consider <span style="letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">that a slice of wheat bread, hummus and an egg each contain about 7 grams of </span>protein per serving. It's not that hard to get protein. What is hard to get is those phyto-nutrients from fruits and veggies that will help boost a child's immune <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">system, provide major vitamins and minerals for better performance in school and </span>help prevent major diseases down the road.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Do Pack This - </span></i></b><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Carrots with hummus, romaine wraps filled with guacamole and salsa, celery and bean dip, soup, fruit and yogurt with granola are several ideas that work as </span>main dishes.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i>Don</i></b><b><i>'</i></b><b><i>t Pack This </i></b>- Any processed, sliced meats; white breads; sugary spreads.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>A Whole New Side Show -- Beware Snacks</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">All too often, parents succumb to marketing hype and children show up at school with </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">"</span>snacks" that are loaded with fillers and sodium. The classic "goldfish" that so many <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">toddlers nibble on sport a whopping 210 mg of sodium per one ounce (and most kids </span>gobble more than that). Even more alarming is pretzels which sound off at 310 mg of sodium per serving. Accompanying the ubiquitous bread/meat/cheese sandwich, this combination of sandwich plus "snack" provides too much sodium, carbohydrates and saturated fat for growing bodies.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><b><i>Do Pack This - </i></b>dates, prunes, raisins, any unsweetened dried fruit, pumpkin seeds <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">and sunflower seeds are all natural, vitamin-mineral rich foods that will nourish and </span>satiate the sweet/salt tooth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><b><i>Don</i></b><b><i>'</i></b><b><i>t Pack This - </i></b>pretty much any snack that comes in a packet. Like Michael Pollan <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">says, we are trying to serve food, not packaging. Anything with preservatives, a lot of </span>salt, fat or sugar.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Add Some Love -- Making Food Fun</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Put a little love in the lunch bag! Make food fun. Don</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">'</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">t just leave it to the food marketers. Write a note, clip out a funny magazine picture or print a family picture </span>and draw mustaches on everyone! If you do this every once in awhile your child will <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">be surprised to find a personal touch from home in the middle of a loud, crazy school </span>day that will make her smile.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Engage Your Child</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">You are reading this, so clearly having a great school lunch for your child is high on your list of priorities. Make sure to discuss this with your child. Let them know that you are planning their meal and ask them what they want. In an ideal world, ask them if they want to help prepare their school lunch. You never know, you might just get </span>lucky.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Engage Your Partner </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Preparing lunch for school every day during the busy school year is a huge task by any standard. Try to make discussion of school food part of your planning conversation with your partner. Any and all efforts to support a healthy packed lunch for school are appreciated. And another voice telling your child about family priorities is key to success.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">A parting word: That thoughtfully packed lunch may come back un-touched on </span>certain days and it's important for parents not to take this too personally. When the children get hungry, they will eat. It's our job to have nutritious foods at every meal from which they can choose and to let go.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">*****IMPROVING SCHOOL LUNCHES FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL*****</span></b></span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i> Prioritize</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">When we turn our children over to a school, we have the right to demand that they </span>are kept safe and returned in at least as good shape as when we dropped them off at school. This includes what you are feeding our children and what you are teaching our <span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">children about food. Make improving school food your priority for your time at the </span>school.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><i> Participate</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1pt;">All of the most effective changes in the quality of school food have been </span>accomplished through the efforts of parents. This is not work that can be left to overworked and underfunded school administrations, teachers or school boards. Parental involvement is needed in every step of this process</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b><i>Activate</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Making change happen in your child's school will not happen by itself. This is an issue where parents are needed in a leadership role. School communities are stuck in some really unhealthy patterns and parents are needed to take positions ahead of the curve on this one. Being actively involved in all food related activities in your child's school will set the tone for change.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b><i>Engage</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of the great aspects of advocating for improved school food is that everyone is in <span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">agreement. The more you speak up about the need for change, the more allies you </span>find. Students are the first and most important beneficiaries of great school food, but so are the teachers, the staff and the administration. Teachers at many schools spend over $100 and 10 hours every week preparing food to bring to school. Engage them in your efforts and gain friends and allies.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b><i>Advocate</i></b></div><div class="MsoCommentText">Make some clear and concise choices about exactly what you are seeking and stay on message. Once you have your message abundantly clear (practice on friends, spouses <span style="letter-spacing: 0.3pt;">and your kids), advocate for your changes to everyone: school boards, principals, </span>school food workers, teachers, etc.. Everyone stands to benefit from improved school food. <span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">There are now many organizations advocating change in the quality of school food, like the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food </span><a href="http://www.healthylunches.org/">http://www.healthylunches.org</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">Join them and gain valuable teammates for your efforts. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><i>Grow </i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">The tipping point for a healthy school food program is having a garden-to-table </span>program that feeds the school. Fresh vegetables grown by a school community change the funding game, give schools a connection to their food like nothing else and lead to endless curriculum opportunities.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><i>Teach</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">Lasting change in the food culture of any community must have an educational </span>component. Americans are exposed to up to 10,000 food-marketing images a day, the vast majority of which are not healthy. When a school commits to having nutrition, <span style="letter-spacing: 1pt;">gardening and food preparation in their curriculum, the rate of change is </span>extraordinary.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><i> Repeat</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is not a one-time effort. Set a pace you can sustain and stay on it. Often we <span style="letter-spacing: 0.3pt;">overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in five </span>years. This is a marathon, not a sprint.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">About Henry: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">Henry Rinehart </span></b><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">is the owner of the critically acclaimed <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_847561639">HENRY</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_847561639"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;">'</span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"><a href="http://www.henrysnyc.com/">s</a>, a modern </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">American bistro on Manhattan's Upper West Side. He</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">'</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">s also the proud parent of 6- year-old Jules. As the owner of a thriving neighborhood restaurant and a hands-on </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.4pt;">caregiver, Henry has seen (and experienced himself!) what works and what </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">clearly does not work when it comes to school food. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">Henry and his wife Dinneen Viggiano, a yoga teacher and health coach, serve on </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;">the board of the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food. The </span>NYCHSF works closely with the Office School Food at the NYC Department of Ed and with Boards of Education statewide and have developed recipes for plant based entrees that are used city wide in the NYC and Ithaca school systems. Alongside HENRY's Chef Mark Barrett, Henry has led city wide trainings for DOE cooks on cooking and cooking the plant based entree recipes. Also, NYCHSF has developed sound bites (called Wellness Wakeup) and supporting posters that advocate for healthier nutritional choices for kids through the school PA every day. Over 17,000 kids hear these messages every day and the program has spread to Philadelphia and Aruba!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Also, Henry, his wife Dinneen and Chef Mark Barrett developed a parent forum called "Feeding Our Families" a roundtable conversation about challenges and successes in feeding pre-K kids. Henry regularly conducts school tours of his kitchen at HENRY's and hosts healthy lunch dates as part of educational rewards for kid<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">s.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104319908606296466.post-26937049864041645632011-09-03T15:57:00.000-07:002011-09-03T15:57:00.829-07:00CKR/Chasing Kid Rock by Dawn ScovilleI have never met Dawn. I have never read her book CKR but I wanted to tell you about it because I know a lot of my readers love their books. They also love good people with big hearts who go out of their way to be kind to others and do what they can to help.
During Hurricane Irene, a personal friend of mine Stacey and her family were displaced along with 3 other families when their home was condemned. With damaged belongs and her two boys in tow, single Mom Stacey, turned to her community through Facebook and through a forum of Kid Rock Mega fans she belongs to.
Stacey's community is working to throw a benefit and local Facebook pages have been posting how to donate to Stacey and her boys as they search for a place to stay and she replaces things she has lost. Dawn, has also moved forward and started a fund for Stacey and her boys (you can see it <a href="http://dawnscovill.blogspot.com/2011/08/kid-rock-friend-needs-our-help.html?zx=31565153628eba03">here</a>).
Dawn, if you ever read this, thank you for all you have done. Thanks for thinking of others and putting their needs above yours. This is truly a wonderful trait that is getting harder and harder to find in people. I am sure you didn't do this for fanfare but a little publicity never hurt anybody. My readers love to read and love hearing about new books. Plus, like you, they are wonderful people. I receive Christmas cards, care packages, photos and emails from them often. They will love hearing about your good deed and might even have a new book to add to their must read list!
So, dear readers, here is what I found out about Dawn's book.
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<a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/203619_231842240166295_3234329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/203619_231842240166295_3234329_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Product Description</b>
After his wife kicks him out of the house, 40-year-old Ted Seever doesn't think going to the Daytona 500 with his two, philandering best friends is a good idea. When the girl of his dreams turns up on the trip, his situation grows all the more desperate. From the city streets and back roads of Palm Beach County to Orlando and Daytona and back, Ted struggles to save his marriage and make sense of his predicament, all the while wishing he could be more like his rock idol, living the life he's always wanted. If only he could convince his wife to go for it...<br />
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<b>About the Author</b>
Dawn Scovill is a free spirit and free thinker who lives with her husband and two children in Jupiter, Florida. Her blog, <a href="http://dawnscovill.blogspot.com/">DAWN'S ALTER EGO</a>, has been "amusing the sh*t out of readers since 2006." She authored the SexEd column for South Florida's CLOSER magazine and released her first novel, IMMORTAL BONDS (paranormal suspense), in 2007. Thrilled CKR is finally in print after five long years, she's currently at work on an historical novel set in Malta, circa 1565, and toying with the idea of bringing the real story of Johnny Appleseed to life ... via screenplay. Stay tuned. This chick's goin' places. ;)<br />
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Please "Like" Dawn on Facebook! <br />
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Thank you in advance.<br />
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Purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463560869/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=reesspace-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1463560869">C.K.R.: Chasing Kid Rock</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=1463560869&camp=217145&creative=399373" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />Maria's Spacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11060118062069758281noreply@blogger.com1