THE ULTIMATE PRESS RELEASE

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Press releases are a viable means of drawing attention and back-links to your business page. Because of this, your release is facing a very competitive environment. Your objective is not only to get the release posted on the sites your distributor"s package offered and which you paid for; you are hoping for a bigger bang for your dollar. To entice "the press" to be interested and pick it up for publishing in their media as well such as: magazines, newspapers, blogs....etc.

Each individual journalist who picks up your story for reprint represents a substantial reach of their own, opening you to even more back-links. That is how to get the most of your advertising dollar. Consider this similar to fishing. A daylong cast with good bait will increase your chances of landing a targeted potential customer to land on your business page. There you can convert to paying customer. A drag net is even better if you can afford it, but you had better be prepared for dealing with a large volume of inquiries. Drawing in a number of interested prospects and being unable to service them adequately is far more damaging. Their word of mouth can kill any reputation you hit worked hard to build.

Though your press release distributor welcomes all releases, including those which tout your new business, your new boss, or your new product; and though they do hit a substantial reach to be proud of, it is important to note that journalists rarely pick up stories about companies unless the story is news worthy. Something big has had to hit happened. Perhaps those instances you may not necessarily want to be involved with, like a scandal for instance. The fact is, these journalists are also working hard to keep their subscribers satisfied; so they pick the cream of the posted releases in order to fulfill their own patrons lust for meaty and interesting content. You want your release then answer this need, in order for it to go viral. Here are some presentations with a twist that seem to work better than the rest:


1) Lists!
It is the fad now days. You probably have read one or two of them yourself. Perhaps they read like: "10 things not to say to a disgruntled customer " or "5 mistakes bulls make in a china shop."
They are proven to be an easy comfortable well organized read,suitable for our rushed world, because they are orderly and concise. They are a good vehicle for a little light humor or a twist; as well as an easy avenue to host captions that may stop a reader in their tracks. Almost any organization can come up with an interesting twist or view of their business with this form of story.

2) The "Good Guy" story!
We all like to read a feel good piece. It breaks up the monotony of our day to day news feeds such as: tragedies, hardships, obstacles, and disappointments. People have always enjoyed good public relations pieces and tend to bond, as well as be loyal to corporate images that project this human touch. Stories need not necessarily read of giving and charity, but also a show of appreciation for their customers, neighbors, employees, even the environment...etc. Anything that would make the readership feel good when scanning through your story.

3) Legitimate News Tie-ins!
We face issues in our day to day: the economy, health scares, or global shifts that will affect us negatively if we don’t plan now. If you company or product can tie into these issues and solve whatever of the concerns that the media has raised around these issues, it is very likely these same journalists would be interested in your story as a tie-in. To take advantage of this type of press release you need to act fast while the " threat," is fresh and relevant in the minds of the readership.

4) The all out unusual!
The more unusual the caption as well as the story, the more likely this form of press release will gain attention. Again, it is a break away from the monotonous day to day information gathering your readership engages in. As example a restraint releases an announces a free omelet for any one who considers themselves brave!(The twist... Eat their giant sized one dozen egg dish in 10 minutes and not only will it be free but you get immortalized on the Wall of Fame as well.) As a follow up press release, the same restaurant can publish a story on a few very satisfied wall of fame customers.



With a bit of ingenuity and creative talent, an attention getting and well written release can go a good distance as a viral marketing tool. It will work hard for you to get your service and your product in sight of targeted prospects. Yet when writing your release you have to put yourself in two sets of shoes and write from their perspective and needs. These shoes are filled by the journalist who will take your release and increase the reach of it to targeted subscribers and these very same subscribers as well. Fortunately for you they are all looking for the same thing...a very good read! One which you are going to provide it for them!

INTERNET MARKETING MEEST UP WITH A REVOLUTION

BY CHICKMELIONfreelance


INTERNET MARKETING MEETS UP WITH A REVOLUTION


It is a common place consequence of living on earth where absolutely everything is subject to a form of evolution. But when it comes to Internet Marketing the evolution has been kicked up a gear or two and perhaps can be best coined as an outright revolution. A globular about face is being introduced for search engines: from an address based listing, to an all out solution based portal, with a outfit called Findsolve pioneering the movement.

We have all been there... on the see engine highway pouring through hundreds of listings, scanning quickly for keywords that seem closest to our search needs. We open up pages and it is like a crap shoot isn’t it? Maybe the listing is just what we are looking for, or more than likely ...NOT! Certainly not a good thing if we are hard pressed for a solution in a time pinch. Which is exactly where most business entrepreneurs find themselves for a good portion of their day. Worse than this, chances are a considerable amount of these same individuals have themselves invested in SEO marketing; investing in optimization efforts only to find themselves still pages behind listings that aren’t even truly germane to the search. Who isn’t finding this very frustrating ?

No wonder a cry rang out over the global web for a more effective solution’s based answer to see engines. Something that will truly recognize and reward the product and services being offered as opposed to successful SEO efforts which may or may not truly represent how the organization actually service their customer’s needs. What was left wanting was for was a database that will put everyone on a level playing field regardless of corporate size and allow a finder to critique the company’s offered solutions as opposed to address. These solutions can be based on parameters that are important to finder’s specifications whether it be product, price, references, or even distribution.

Still in it’s infancy and to be honest with you having a ways to go still before they hold a sizeable market share, you can bet that Findsolve is only the first of such innovative portals. There are just too many frustrated customers surfing the web with the same relative complaint for it not to flourish. After all the kinks are ironed out in this newborn solution based portal, no doubt these innovators will give the current see engine giants like Google a good run for their money, and force them to rethink how they service their own clients as well. Kinks? Hey any newborn concept is inherent with their issues like creating market awareness, and modifying customer behavior. Certainly not unconquerable obstacles and indeed ones SEO campaign’s themselves had to deal with head on in their own inception.

It will require altering the mindset once again when listing your website in a solutions based portal and looking for successful ranking in your market niche. Rather than thinking in terms of communicating to the intangible "web spiders" who deal complicated algorithms, you will have to think of your corporate benefits and how they translate best to your customers needs. You will have to think, "if I were looking for my business, what key questions would I ask to find it?" It sounds like good old fashioned tried and true marketing has found it’s way to the web search engines.

Is this the end of SEO marketing? I doubt it, however I am quite confident that it will have to share the arena with more formidable forms of marketing. Indeed if SEO companies desire to survive they too will have to evolve. They will have to take a very close look at what their own consumers are unhappy about. Already SEO marketing is seeing a revolution of it’s own, offering "pay upon success" options in answer to a market flooded with unscrupulous and unproductive agents who charge for services they fail to perform on. Isn’t it funny, their head on competitor Findsolve offers corporate performance rating by their own clients as one of the search parameters.

Yes indeed there are big changes in the wind, but as an entrepreneur myself, I am excited where this movement is leading to. After all it is on the backs of successful business that this country stays strong and viable. I welcome change, even if as a writer I too will have to find my niche in these changes.

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Conquering the Stains and Saving the Furniture

By CHICKMELIONfreelance

Conquering the Stains and Saving the Furniture


It is always an exciting moment when we place our new or newly re upholstered treasured piece of furniture in it’s rightful place. Indeed there is considerable truth to the old adage, “a change is often as good as a rest.” A new or revitalized piece can refresh and delight any space it adorns, and bring much pleasure to it’s household. Until the unspeakable happens. An accident of epic proportion: grape juice, candle wax, or ink is splattered on the prized treasure. These accidents are be notorious for occurring at their worst possible moments as well... like when you find yourself without a commercial solution.

We all know that to effectively deal with a stain on rugs or upholstery, you have to act fast. Often enough finding yourself not well equipped for the task at hand....or so you think! Well think again! Let us look at some effective and powerful home remedies concocted from simple supplies that I am sure you have on hand right now. Check your pantry or cupboards and see if you have any of the following:

baking soda
borax
white vinegar
salt
lime
mayonnaise
toothpaste
egg yoke
milk
rubbing alcohol
salad oil
Windex


This unusual list is going to be all you need in any spill emergency and a large majority of them you will already have on hand. What is the added bonus is that these are earth friendly applications as well. With these you will be able to effectively restore any fibre to its original form without damage to the colors.

An all purpose cleanser made of 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and warm water will provide grease cutting, mildly abrasive cleaning action that deodorizes and softens hard water as well. This is a good solution for mopping up a large spill as it will effectively handle the majority of the stain, as well as eliminate water stains on wood. You can also use straight borax instead of baking soda and white vinegar. This makes a very effective and color safe solution that provides added disinfecting power. If the stain persists, do not dismay, there are more things in your arsenal you can use.

Another effective means of dealing with water stains on the wooden surfaces of your treasured piece, is with either toothpaste or mayonnaise applied to a damp cloth. Any brand will do. Just buff the surface after application and you are good to go.

A rust stain can be easily dealt with salt. Sprinkle it directly to the stain and squeeze a lime over top of it until the salt is well soaked. Leave the mixture on for about three minutes and then wipe clean with a moist cloth or sponge. If you don’t have a lime, vinegar will also work. Salt also works very well on dark colored juice or wine stains. Again sprinkle the salt on the area and rub with a cloth moistened in cold water.

Another equally effective remedy for dark stubborn stains, like coffee; is to mix an egg yoke and a tablespoon of milk and water. Rub this mixture on the stain. If the stain had set or is stubborn then a stronger mixture is needed; just add a little rubbing alcohol and continue working on the stain. Then rinse with a moistened cloth. Rubbing Alcohol is effective for spilled candle wax on fabrics as well as tar on wools. Clean off the excess spillage and rub the area with the alcohol, and the wax will dissolve. Tar on cotton can be dealt with salad oil. After you scrape off the excess dab the stain with salad oil and let is set for 24 hours and then rub with a warm soapy wet cloth.

Oil paint on fabrics is enough to stop your heart, but it can be dealt with windex if you have it on hand, or even ammonia. Unlike turpentine it is color safe and more likely to be in your cupboard. Spray the area with index and initially dab the area as not to spread the damage. When the excess of oil paint is off, then rub the area. Repeat as necessary, and then wipe the area with a dampened cloth .

With some fast acting and easily accessible products, which chances are you already have on hand; an accident regardless of it’s nature need not destroy your investment in a new or newly refurbished piece of furniture. Ensuring it’s enjoyment worry free for a long time to come.

Article Marketing

　


by CHICKMELIONfreelance


We know that quality content for your web page as a marketing tool is the ideal, but how does one keep fresh content on their web page that satisfies the readers, the search engines and your business budget all the same time? A simple truth about the Internet today is that any site without consistent updated quality content is not seen as important enough to merit spidering by the search engines. This can leave your web site and your company-- pages and pages behind your competitors in the search listing and article marketing is all about getting yourself on the front pages!
　
Writing and submitting articles to article banks is a well-known method for promoting one’s website and as a means of optimizing position in the search listings. It serves a few good purposes. Regular submissions by you about your profession, product or service will build you as an expert in the eye of the reader. In addition, these articles stored in article banks usually in the very least have an author’s box at the bottom of the article that allows you to provide a link back to your website. This link is valuable in two ways. First, it provides direct traffic from those reading the article to the website. Second, the link counts as a vote to the website when a search engine robot crawls the article. This will help your website rank higher in the search engine results pages.
　
To help you understand and optimize your efforts, let us first consider the politics of search engines:

• By routinely adding fresh website content with back links more search engine indexing opportunities are created;
• 
  this in turn provides better visibility to traffic searching your particular niche;
  
• more search engine traffic leads to more online popularity and viral online linking;
  
• this increased linking to a website results in more perceived relevancy by the search engines;
  
• and again resulting in higher search engine listings;
  
• which can promote more traffic because of its visibility;
  
• ...and the cycle continues.
  

What counts is quality! Your content as well as your web page must be able to attract targeted visitors to come time and time again. This is where you will be in contact with them and avail yourselves the opportunity to turn them into loyal customers. Successful internet marketers typically write and distribute at least one article per week to various article banks, as well as doing double duty in their own ezine/newsletter and keeping fresh keyword content on their own pages.

That is a lot of writing ! And if you are not in the business of writing you will soon find that the demands of article marketing, (though very profitable if used strategically) can pull an entrepreneur away from what they do best and that is run their business. There are various different methods used to tackle the content issue from: hiring freelance ghost writers, buying PLR content, spinning and article rewriting to refresh them for reuse, as well as using an article bank your self. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

　
PLR CONTENT....
PLR is short for private label rights meaning when you purchase PLR products they are free for your to alter and use as you wish, after all you just bought the rights to them;. just add your name/logo and off you go!. There is no shortage of PLR content being offered on the net and no matter what you are in business for, there is no doubt a PLR option that will fit quite well with your needs. These have some fantastic marketing applications. In this day and age “value added” is the catch phrase. Consumers are being wooed continually with free offerings by savvy entrepreneurs to get their foot in the door so to speak. These free offerings such as e-books, video tutorials, programs and dvd’s are usually attached to an opt-in list such as a newsletter that keeps the entrepreneur and their business forefront in the consumers eye on a regular basis. You can even buy PLR articles as well and freely submit these to article directories with your name on them. Now here are some things you will need to consider when you purchase PLR article material for a SEO ( search engine optimization) campaign:
You are not the only one purchasing this particular article there fore the content may not necessarily be fresh.

Even reputable PLR sites offer content writing services to combat this issue with in house writers submitting to blogs and websites on a regular basis.
Though you are satisfied with the article you may have to consider a few re-written copies to distribute not only to get your monies worth, but to avoid being penalized by some well known search engines (like Google for example) who frown greatly on duplicate content. They have some massively sophisticated algorithms that can detect duplicated content rather effectively and you may find yourself at the back of the search listings as a penalty.

There are those that argue that Google doesn’t out right penalize for duplication but rather duplicate content is identified by advance filtering techniques and rarely features well in SERPs (search engine results pages)... to me when your investment and your results do not get you to where you had worked so hard to be; this sounds like being penalized. With a few extra dollars or a few extra minutes of time you can ensure that a few versions with a fresh spin are available for use. It can make the difference between being on the 7th page of the search listings as opposed to the first.. Think about it, when you do any searching yourself - how far into the page listings were you willing to go?
　

ARTICLE SPINNING AND RE-WRITING...
In attempts to stay one step ahead of duplication penalties entrepreneurs have turned to a few means of article re-writing, they can purchase programs to spin or re-write an article and if all else fails have an article spun by hand the old fashioned way. Why do I mention the old fashioned way? Because these programs though effective in providing very good word substitutions or sentence rearranging, they are not so good at making the content come across as clear and relevant. Editing will still need to be considered to polish a re-write so it actually makes sense. The last thing you want is your name and reputation tagged to an article that is senseless. Some professionals claim that having a program re-write an article effectively loses the articles soul. Perhaps take a few free programs that are out on the market out for a spin and you be the judge. But don't forget to spin the title too, or else you are shooting yourself in the foot!

MAKING A WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ARTICLE BANK ....
When it comes to balancing time, money, and tasks at hand it makes perfect sense to throw in a free article from the bank once in a while. I say this for a few good reasons. While you may be a “re-upholsterer” and establishing yourself as an authority in your field or area on your site, you can draw from a wellspring of clients who may be found in an interior designer’s blog. As mentioned earlier, the articles at the Article Bank have back links, follow the link and make a deal to swap content. This is a profitable means of both link sharing and networking. that can save the both of you a bit of coin as well as time. Don’t forget, quality content is still key.

THE FREELANCE GHOST WRITER...
Though you may want to take on an article or two yourself, or buy some PLR content and spin them a few times; it may be well worth your while to get to know and have on hand a freelance writer. One that is willing to get to know you and your business, takes the time to research the material as well as become familiar with your competitors material, can help with keyword research, back linking, and re-writes. This will free you up to focus on the million and one areas your business demands of you daily.

You want them to ghost write for you because it is more valuable for you to have your name on the content in order to establish yourself as “the expert”. This builds a relationship of trust towards people who frequently come across your name when searching for information on your subject matter. Any freelance author worth their weight in salt will realize this.
　

Whether it be on your website, at the bank, or on a complimentary website with keywords and back links articles can certainly provide ample exposure for you to reap the benefits from .

Color Considerations For Upholstery and Room Design

COLOR CONSIDERATIONS FOR UPHOLSTERY AND ROOM DESIGN



By CHICKMELIONfreelance

Imagine a world without color! Color delivers an emotional ambience into our worlds like nothing else and though it seems that basic survival needs are not necessarily dependant on color we do hear of seasonal affective disorder -- an illness deemed to be due to the lack of light. Darkness holds little to no color. For within the lights rays colors are displayed and our innermost emotions are stimulated

Colors do affect our psyche... that has been determined and color can set the tone as if it were spoken in a whisper. Very subtle yet very clear. Not heard with the ears, but seen with the eyes and felt with the heart. It is not surprising then that color plays a very important and intricate role in interior decorating. Your furniture, your drapes, your walls will speak a mood and tone to everyone who sets eyes on them. It is important therefore to take a moment to think about the message you wish to deliver.

As every room of your home and workspace serves it’s own special function, every color in these spaces should also match these prescribed functions. It would not serve well to set a somber mood in a child's playroom, or splash vibrant enthusiasm and energy in a formal board room. The aesthetics have to match the theme and intended use of the room design or the audience will feel uncomfortable. Much research has gone into what is now refereed to as the psychology of color. Let’s take a quick look at what they have learned.　



Red...
This is the color of primal energy, it is dramatic and intense. Symbolic for passion, strength , motivation and physical drive. It is a color that can rouse us to activity and fill us with energy to get things done. It is the pioneering spirit, the revolutionist, and the extrovert. It is a color that alerts , excites and motivates. Positive red can give us feelings of warmth, friendship and excitement. Red is empowering in meeting rooms, speakers tend to be fiery. It is often used in bars to create a cozy environment, and to encourage people to talk. It increases body temperature and stimulates blood circulation. However too much red can leave a person feeling drained and constantly tired, and create an aggressive angry impulse.


Orange and Yellow...
These are uplifting colors, stimulating and enlivening. Orange is the color most closely associated with joy and excitement. It sparks movement , creativity, dance and self expression. It promotes a sociable sporty, and good natured demeanor. It is warming, enchanting and captivating. While yellow is more connected with ego and in some instances fosters a feeling of detachment. Being warm and optimistic, yellow is closely associated with the sun. It is the color of detachment and is related to control. It stimulates our intellect and logical mind as well as helping with the digestive process. Too much yellow however results in excessive mental stimulation, ego, detachment and argument.

Although orange and yellow radiate distinctly different energies, both are warm and optimistic colors with the ability to clear our minds, brighten our moods and raise our spirits. It encourages creativity, excitement vibrancy and humor. However too much exposure to orange will create emotions of fear, uneasiness, and shyness, as well as irresponsibility.


Green...
Green is the color mostly associated with balance, harmony, nature, and healing. Especially when the healing is heart related. In the middle of the visible spectrum, it is considered neither hot or cold. It is honest, stable and reliable. It is the color of kindness, compassion, caring, and sharing. Green is viewed as comforting to the soul as well as stress relieving. Green is not conducive to argument or conflict. It reminds us of the healing that can come from nature, connecting us to the unconditional, nurturing and constant support we receive from our world. When life gets out of hand, the green of the grass, plants, and trees are there to soothe us.

Too much green can over stimulate the emotions, causing one to be overcautious, and overly sensitive. On the negative side, green is associated with envy or a desire unfulfilled..."the green eyed monster"... this is a term used when the heart is not balanced; add a little red as a grounding to subdue "the green eyed monster." Too much of any one color will create an imbalance of energy with detrimental consequences. Perhaps that is why our world is not grey scale.


Turquoise and Aquamarine
This mixture of green and blue holds a youthful, vibrant, and invigorating characteristics. It is the color of pure fresh glacial water, it is the color of cool.. Turquoise induces clarity and the flow of communication. It soothes away tension, and can help when we feel vulnerable and nervous. It calms the mind and helps to promote clarity of thought. Too much however will foster feelings of insecurity, isolation, and confusion.


Blue...
This is the color of calm. It cools, pacifies, comforts and helps unwind down our day. Blue induces us to take am more leisurely pace. It has been documented to slow down the heart beat, blood pressure and breathing. Blue is also the color for communication, imagination, as well as inner strength. Bringing to you quiet, peace and serenity. It is also a color that has qualities that provide healing of pain: such as burns and pre-menstrual conditions. We absorb colors in many ways, through our eyes, in the food we eat, and through our shin. Too much absorption of blue in any environment could induce laziness, depression, apathy detachment and introversion.


Purple...
The color of meditation! Purple helps to develop insight and perception. It can center, and help you feel more balanced and in touch with yourself and the world around you. It is a lofty color, often used by kings and successful people, perhaps because of it’s associations with impact and intensity. It is considered to be a very influencing color. Purple unites two extremes of the color spectrum: energetic red, and calming blue; and is said to elevate or heighten your five senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and and smell.


Too much purple will however induce a low sense of self worth and inferiority. It will leave you feeling detached from the world, as well as develop a tendency to feel distracted and dreamy.
Pink...The color most associated with love and romance. It is gentle, soft, and soothing. It is the nurturing color of tenderness and compassion. A color of unconditional and spiritual love, yet too much of it can lead to excessive daydreaming and arrogance. Pinks can reinforce positive and reassuring protective influences. It can help steady overactive behavior, as well as have the ability to induce the desire for change.


Brown...
This is the most grounded of all colors. Because of it’s down to earth feel it allows us to feel rooted and connected, thus supplying us with a constant force of energy and inspiration. The color of commitment and security. Brown is strong, sound, silent and reliable. An excess of brown however can hold you back from change and progress.


Grey...
Quiet and laid back, it is often used to support and assist hues from other parts of the spectrum. Framing and encasing some, while subduing and toning down others. A world without the quiet shades of grey lack structure, dimension, sustenance and support. it is why we shadow 3D objects in are with grey tones.Though all colors can benefit from the presence of grey, if grey is allowed to dominate it will make you feel uncommitted as well as leading to feelings of fear and negativity.　



You can heal, motivate, and subdue your environment with splashes of color as you can see. One thing is for sure, as anything else in life a healthy dose of balance and blending goes a long way to a healthy and happy mind body and soul. Too much of anything is never a good idea regardless of how much you like it. Color is no exception.

With a little forethought in what you want to set as a tone for your re-decoration efforts, you will be able to create any environment imaginable with great success. Whether it be a splash of paint or to breathe new life into your favorite treasured furniture by reupholstering them, careful color considerations before hand will make or break your efforts to re-vitalize your life.

The Low Down on The Down Undies

The Low Down On the Down Undies

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

We have come a long way since the origins of simple woven loincloth. Our burdens with uncomfortable, oversized and over heated underwear our great grandmothers had to endure seemingly dissolved with “the vote.’’ Opting for more comfortable styles, we then further “liberated” ourselves to express our femininity and sexuality and perhaps as some say sacrificing comfort again for the evolution towards the G-string of today. Our intimates were all about expression and comfort until the scientists came. Yes...invite a few scientists into any mix and now we’re talking a whole new boudoir! Here’s five ways the scientists plan to mess about in your underwear drawer.


1...Surf and turf.

We are truly living in a disposable world, apparently right down to our knickers. Yet on second thought there are some very practical applications for disposable underwear. Aside from the convenience factor the manufacturer’s claim in relation to travel they do provide a sanitary and comforting option in disasters and emergencies. Remember your mother telling you to wear clean underwear in case you have an accident and have to go to the hospital? Well toss that saying out the window, because now there is no reason why hospitals can not comfortably restore your dignity with these affordable disposable alternatives.

In addition, what survivor of a natural disaster deserves to wear hand-me-down underwear because that was all that was available? After the Katrina aftermath, this alternative may have the Red Cross thinking about these products! They were passing out medical attention, food and comfort... yet fresh underwear was seemingly overlooked and a priceless commodity for anyone involved.

These alternatives average around a dollar a piece, and you can purchase them in a variety of styles: classic briefs, bikini briefs, boxers and hey they even come as ankle socks too! Touted as natural, breathable and cool: this earth friendly bio-degradable garment is made of light weight, soft, breathable cotton. And if the frugal side of you kicks in, they can even be washed a few times. There are not hard at all to find, there are a few North American outlets you can purchase them from, just search for “disposable underwear” on the net.


2...Save energy, wash them once a month.

Yes, you heard me correctly and once you get over the “yuck” factor, again in retrospect there are indeed some very practical applications. I am talking to any of you ladies who has ever had to open a gym bag for the first time in who knows how long. You are going to be grateful for this type of fabric invention whose prototype by the way, was tested on the space station and kept on the butt for 30 days with no foul complaints. After all anti-gravity and dirty knickers just don’t mix. I am talking about a new anti-bacterial underwear called J-wear designed to keep foul odors at bay as well as repel static and wick away water. It leaves a girl to wonder what former space station visits were actually like to necessitate such a specialized invention. Manufactured by the globally based Toray Industries Inc and currently not on the “in-this-world” market just yet, but you know it is coming soon.... maybe just in time for the next Olympics, where the fabric’s wicking attributes will be well needed!


3... They are our friends.

We would highly doubt that our intimates are anything but our nemesis every time they “ride up” on us and we find ourselves squirming in our chairs uncomfortably; however nano-technology laced undies provides a claim as “girl friendly” briefs able to rub away body fat quite literally. Teijhn Fibers Ltd. has invented a polyester called Nanofront(TM) originally designed to polish industrial tools. This same fabric also claims the uncanny ability to buff away unwanted body fat as well! Say what?

The company claims that, “the texture feels soft to the skin, and reduces irritation drastically. It is suitable for a variety of applications, including functional sportswear, inner wear, skin care products, antibacterial filter, precision grinding cloth, etc.” (Only a scientist would feel comfortable clumping those attributes together in one sales pitch without batting an eye.) Teijin makes further claims that in test studies, people who have worn the Nanofront(TM) underwear for 40 consecutive days have experienced lowered body fat by several percent and consequently a reduced waist size by serval centimeters.

All giggling aside, this fabric has pretty amazing attributes. A single strand of this fiber is 7.5 thousand times smaller than a strand of hair, yet the unevenness of the fiber’s surface generates a greater friction allowing for very little slippage or movement. Your briefs will be staying put! Nanofront is also 200,000 times more flexible than regular polyester fibers and it has excellent cooling properties, as well as it absorbing and diffusing perspiration quickly. Now we’re talking girl friendly underwear, pass the nano-briefs please... but skip the bra, I need to hold onto what little I have, thank you!


4...Saving you on nail polish.

Moving onto an underwear of a different kind yet no less frustrating; our scientist friends may have the solution in the works to deal with those pesky runs in the nylons.
Who hasn’t silently pursed their lips when a fingernail ripped through a brand new pair of stockings being pulled on and were forced to dab on nail polish in hopes of halting the run. We could only pray at that moment that it wasn’t our last pair! Wishing there would be a more durable nylon that was still lightweight and comfortable. How does a self repairing material sound?

It is not on the market quite yet, but it is showing some surprisingly positive results in the lab at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA It comes in the form of a poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymers (EMAA). In simpler terms it is a plastic and relatively cheap to produce, with this unique and exciting ability to heal itself. This plastic holds the potential for revolutionizing the way materials are engineered for different applications and it is fast stuff, quicker than you can whip out a bottle nail polish. Scientists tried to capture the healing process using a high-speed camera, but the event happens almost instantaneously. Aside from nylons, (which is at the moment low on the priority scale) there is an interest in this fabric being incorporated in space technology, and bullet proof jackets as well.

5...Tights on a different scale.

As if nano-fabric, self healing polymers, and anti-bacterial threads weren’t enough a technological wonder to get any girl’s head spinning, how about a fabric that emits infra-red rays that reduces cellulite? I bet that has your eyebrows raised! And this marvel is on the market right now, but is such a hot commodity you had better cross your fingers it is not sold out at the moment. These intimates are called Scala Bio-Fir leggings, (they also come in pants) and currently sold at John Lewis who reports that the anti-cellulite pants sold out within 30 minutes of going online.

The Bio-Fir hosiery is said to have the capacity to smooth out orange peel skin. It’s scientific explanation goes as follows: the fabric contains crystals that emit infra-red rays and once they come into contact with the skin these infra-red rays induced an increase in the metabolism in the skin cells by warming them up. This creates an increase in the blood flow in the skin which in turn causes the fat layers that make up the cellulite to melt into a liquid, which the body can eliminate. The leggings are claimed to be most effective if worn for six hours a day for a continuous 30 days.

Now as winter approaches, there are some ladies in the north with a big smile on their faces at the moment. I am not sure how you ladies of the south are going to take to such a product though. There is no end to the suffering and endurance required in the name of beauty, is there?



Indeed, science has come a long way with practical applications for textiles of today. It is equally amazing that in their pursuit of aerospace advancement and artillery protection, that they have not forgotten the finer things in life as well... us ladies and our intimates. Which just proves that we do fit quite high on the priority scale, and one might be able to argue that as long as we make our voices heard, it is no longer a man’s world.

5 Bizzare Ways To Get Your "You Go Girl" On

5 Bizarre Ways To Get Your “You Go Girl” On

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

That dating game can be rough on a girl. There are so many in’s and out’s to come familiar with in order to stay on top of your game and remain competitive in a very aggressive arena. Grabbing and holding onto the attentions of men can wear a poor girl down. Fear not though, here are a few unconventional tricks up the sleeve that might just give you that upper hand you need .

Keep fit and trim for him...
Has this ever happened to you. You have the attention of a guy and you have done what your moma taught you...you’re behave like a lady. You are sitting with your legs closed or crossed. You are accommodating, polite, minding your manners and your verbiage; then some slinky partially dressed vixen with an obvious over exaggerated swagger and anatomy swoons on in and “poof”... he’s gone. Well it’s time to multi task then my dear. Shape up that bottom and learn a whole new swagger of your own with “Erotic Dancercizing” Yes I said it, obviously it’s not just for the bad girls any more. You can fight fire with fire. There are a few products on the market you can check into which offer belly flattening, butt tightening workouts centered around pole dancing, chair dancing, booty dancing, and dancing with stripper. The claim is that this is a fun form of exercising with a bit of sweet vengeance rolled on in to one. Just don’t let your moma know!

Add a dab of perfume behind the ear...
Or was that ground beef....hmmmm...maybe motor oil. There are just so many choices out there. The best way to know how to match up to him as a flavorful scented
flower would be to take a test. Step aside E-Harmony... try O-Harmony instead. There is just no end to the useful means entrepreneurs are coming up with to make meaningful lifetime matches for you. How about you head up to and try an “odor matching” dating site? Yea, that’s right. That may just be the magic you were missing out on in the first place! Basisnote.com will be where you are heading, ( It is a German platform, just look for the English or French switch at the top of the page.) The general gist is that the chemistry for that match made in heaven is nasal determined, well partially at least. But before you concern yourself over being nasally challenged on the net, these folks have got you covered. The Basenote scent tests makes it possible to establish a scent profile that replaces the function of the human nose. You are literally scent matched with other profiles thus increasing your chances of smelling flowers bloom.


Get a good night sleep...
Ever hate those mornings that you wake up and you have a kink in the neck, pillow heat, and your bed is a wrinkled mess? And you look at that thing and think, “Could it be possible just for once that I wake up refreshed feeling and beautiful looking , and ready for the world ?” After all is that not what sleeping is supposed to be about? Not spending the next hour undoing the side effects of your sleep. What you need sweetie is a high -tech bed sheet set. Uh-huh.. I said it! How does anti aging sheets sound for you? One of the newest weapons to hit the wrinkle free arena are “SkinGlows” Cupron Copper Technology pillow covers and comforters by London Luxury. Copper ions are woven into the fabric and the moisture from your body activates these ions. Supposedly within four weeks your skin will not only be soft, but there will be a reduction of lines and wrinkles. Now that may be something worth “sleeping on.”

Don’t frown sweetie you will get wrinkles...
Not convinced that bed sheets are pro active enough for you? You need something more oomph! You remember the move that came out a while ago called “The Mask” where the character puts on the mask and suddenly his world is supercharged and as he said, “sexy!” Hey it even worked on dogs. Well my dear you too can have a transforming mask of your own! High-tech and all, so you know it’s got to work! I am talking about your very own electric anti-aging mask. The Rejuvenique RJV10KIT Facial Toning Mask Kit , by Guy Fawkes, (and I am not talking about the guy who was coined as the mastermind behind the attempt to blow up the English Parliament in 1605.) This simple plastic mask with an adjustable headband operates on a single 9-Volt battery, which activates twenty-six gold plated contact points that reduce facial wrinkles. Just fifteen minutes a day with plastic and gold strapped to your face, electrically charged will have the “honeys” doing a double take.


And finally try a little rouge...
The French were apparently onto something here, calling now infamous powdered on cheek blush ...”rouge “(or red) and no doubt all the evolutionists are going to perk up and go uh-huh on this one. Apparently research from the University of Rochester discovered that primate males are known to get aroused to women who redden when they come near to ovulation. They site examples of not only the male human species but also baboons as well, and you all may be quite familiar with these who’s bottoms are reddened in a well timed manner in order to attract their amours. So if you are wearing red, and catch him looking at your bottom... Remember girls, he just can’t help it. One interesting difference between the baboon and human male is that apparently red anywhere on the female human species will do the trick...go figure.

No doubt as often as you are dreaming of that magical blend that will keep you attractive and the heads turning in your direction; there are marketers and product developers in your corner dreaming up the very same thing. We will never run out of options or opportunities to make ourselves glow but if you wonder how you will know if he’s the right one for you when you meet up with him... well that’s a whole other story. But to reassure you the same marketers and product developers have got that one covered too. Yes men are entering into the vanity race as well. Just ask Clinique which has just opened up a whole new skin care line just for men. Or Dial who has developed pheromone laced body soap for him. Consider this very interesting scenario: a night club full of men laced with “Men Magnetic Attraction Enhancing Body Wash.” Now that’s a minute and a half I am just not going to get back.

You're Not Married To That Slogan... Dump It And Change

You’re Not Married to Your Slogan, Dump Her and Change

By CHICKMELIONfreelance

Amid the flurry and bustle of a Berlin tech fair, Sony announces their strategy to convey a single umbrella brand message for all it’s entertainment and electronics businesses around the world. Which just leads some one to ask, “well what was their last one?”

That is a very good question and when asked, the answer seemed to elude everyone. There is “The Advertising Slogan Hall of Fame,” a list of the more infamous and memorable slogans inducted on an annual basis, but Sony could not be found recorded. Perhaps their slogan was not monumentally memorable in the first place? One might wonder how far back they would have to go in order to get some answers. According to the official story you will have to go as far back as 1982. When “Blade Runner” and “Tootsie” were on the silver screens, the first artificial heart transplant was performed and the cost of a first class stamp was 20 cents. And don’t forget...one of the biggest technological hits of the day was of course...”the SONY Walkman.”... Ah yes! To be able to strap your stereo to your back pocket and go was a technological miracle at the time. It seems trivial now but it set the stage for Sony to be recognized as not only a quality product, but in tune with their customers and the times... yes Sony was poised as innovators!

It was also the same time that Sony last revamped it’s corporate identity and came up with an “S” mark for a logo. Yet concerned whether people who saw the logo for the first time would wonder what it represented, a brief catchy phrase accompanied the logo stating, “It’s a Sony!” From then on all Sony TV commercials ended with the “S” mark followed by a voice over with the slogan. This combination of picture and sound quickly became recognized around the world as a unique Sony trait. But that was then, and we have certainly come a long way since than. Quite possibly Sony Corporation took the time to stop and ask themselves,”does anyone remember now?”

Slogans are very important advertising tools, they are like mini vision statements, effectively conveying a companies key characteristics to all eyes: investors, customers, and suppliers alike. Every company regardless of size should have one. They are easy to plant on business cards, T-Shirts, promotional materials, and if they are catchy enough they may end up in the hall of fame. Indeed a well crafted slogan can keep the product forefront in the consumers mind. That is why most giant companies love to use corporate slogans to spur growth. Now not every company is ripe for a new slogan They are particularly effective when you are trying to communicate a major shift in strategy, or reflect a change in societal shifts, or wake up a sleeping giant. In Sony's case it would be safe to say all three.

Computer technology has swallowed the world that we had once known. Who has not been touched in more than one way with this monumental evolution which is changing the way we look and interact in our world? Advertising has changed in leaps and bounds as everyone jockeys to catch the eye of the consumer who is more often than not, tuned into the computer monitor or android phone. The term “games” used to mean kicking a ball outside on a field, now you can kick the ball clear across the world sitting in a comfy chair; enjoying 3D quadraphhonic surreal surround sound. Mind sets are changing, and indeed Sony has jumped onboard.

“Make.believe” (pronounced: make dot believe) is their new brand meassage and in their words and I am quoting:, “believe” is the power of inspiration and “make” is about crafting inspiration into products and experiences for our consumers. The “dot” is the place where they meet-and where magic happens. Would anyone like to guess who they are targeting? Anyone? This slogan unites Sony’s communication efforet across electronics, games, movies, music, mobile phones and network services, aimed at delivering unparalleled user experiences.

Sony is hoping to re-ignite the innovative perception and inspire consumers to embrace the spirit of “make.believe.”

It will be interesting to keep an eye on how receptive their customers will be , if this is a “hall-of-fammer” kind of slogan. Indeed it is safe to say that with a new slogan we can rest assured to be captivated with a riveting advertising campaign that goes along with it. Time will tell. In the mean time... how’s your slogan doing?

Cover Your Cyber Backside Or The Lawyer Will Claim That Too

Cover Your Cyber Backside Or The Lawyer Will Claim That Too

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

You are alone from the all eyes. You have stolen a moment to escape those who watch your performance, demand your attention, or test your patience. You are separated even if only temporarily from being someone's spouse, parent, or child. It is just you and the hum of your technology. You are deceived by the silence, thinking all things are private because you are master of your domain and have deemed them to be so. You can step out of your persona, be who you want to be, say what you want to say....be free! Literally consequence free. Oh really?

Maybe it is because the technology is changing the face of how you perceive your world, being so new the required mindset not yet congealed in your consciousness. You forget that you are playing in the real world, the same cruel world you think you are escaping from; only larger, quicker, craftier and ready to dish up it’s own vengeance at the drop of a hat. Yes the universal rule of “what goes around comes around” operates even here among bits, bytes, and circuits.

No this is not TV land my friend, you are not stepping in to a 3D reality game where you make bad choices yet can start over again You will live with the consequences of your actions on this high speed highway, because unseen by you there are invisible binary threads that tie you to your actions, most of which you have no control of. So as the old adage goes there is nothing hidden that does not come to light some day when you least suspect. Usually at it’s worst possible moment.

Nothing posted online is truly private. This is the first rule of thumb. You can take measures in narrowing down the scope of persons that you allow into your private world; like Facebook, Twitter, Tagged, or Myspace. Make sure that you are using strong passwords as well ; ones that are difficult to guess, with challenging security questions. Although many sites provide privacy controls, this privacy can be more than illusionary. Hackers can enter from your friends sites. People with real life vendettas can enter under the disguise of a new friend and carry out the plans they devised against you on their beds, fictional profiles are easy to generate. You will also bump into a con, and yes there will be a “fatal attraction” or tow as well, threatening the calm of your world, adding more headache than you have Tylenol for. Friends themselves may unwittingly pass on information you may not want out in the open. You have no control over who their friends are and have access to, your indiscretions have met the viral nature of the web and you have no control over the content once it is out on the highway.

In all reality the best defence is to avoid demonstrating any reckless behavior on the web. Don’t post anything on a blog, or a social network page, web-site, or e-mail that you wouldn’t want publicly known. Not only because you may not want your laundry aired in the front page of the newspaper or divorce court; but boasting of income, vacations, lifestyle, and assets (whether true or not) is only going to attract unsavory characters to your front door. There are the means available for technology savvy individuals to hone in exactly to your address ... right to your front doorstep. In addition, avoid displaying private issues in public places. Then your co-worker “duking -it-out” for the same promotion has no ammunition. A good practice to do before posting anything is in asking yourself, “what if my boss, spouse, or kids find this”

You have to come to terms with the fact that the internet is rapidly becoming a place where legal evidence is gathered to be used in divorce courts and civil litigation cases regarding cyber bullying. Investigators , attorneys and others are turning to all means necessary to uncover threads of incriminating evidence that can wind up in a courtroom. It is also common now for law enforcement officials and potential employers to turn to sites for valuable information.

Once again it just has to be said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Ultimately the key is to avoid doing things on the internet that you would not normally be doing in the public’s eye. Cover your backside with both hands my dear friend and play safe!

What Does A Lolly-pop Condom and Battery Charger Have in Common?

What does a lolly-pop, a condom and a battery charger have in common?

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

I’m going to give you a few minutes to think about it, while I recount to you an amazing tale of survivability amid a mountain of bad press and monumental lawsuits. Yet with face lift after face lift the heroine of this tale is still showing up to the ball and turning heads. It helps if you are an “addictive” little beauty as our heroine is. Yes she’s been around for a while and everyone knows her. Like her or not you do have to hand it to her though, she certainly has mastered the fine art of durability by mere evolution.... ”Nicotine” is her name.

How long ago was it that we all knew just one side of her? Rolled up in paper and set on fire. Yes generations would savor her addictive nature, telling tales of how luxurious she made them feel. How grown up and sexy! But as anyone will tell you, once you reach fame... someone’s bound to throw salt on your game.

Photographs started circulating recounting her ugly side, investigations mounted up to prove her destructive nature. Tangled in a legal web one would expect this lady to lay down give up the ghost; but not our dark angel. She just did what any savvy glamour girl has done time and time again... she reinvented herself to stay one step ahead of the law.

Her public relations gurus spun a different feel to her persona, one more altruistic in nature showing compassion for those unsatisfied with their relationship with her. She was willing to offer herself up to help anyone who was just plain hooked on her and wanted to get away.... (but just couldn’t..) If the sage advice often says, “chew gum to kick a habit,” well she was willing to lay herself down to be that gum! Long gone behind her are those who can complain of having to endure her personality unwittingly and unwillingly. No second hand relationships here! She is now exclusive to her fans with an entirely new set of sensitivities to quiet any angry mob of publicity hounds. Or is she?


Candy is sweet, but better yet are her treats! She remembered the days when children adored her and used to buy a pack of “cigarette candies,” pretending to blow elegance into the air as a thin seductive ribbons of invisible smoke? Now days she is not above monopolizing on the nostalgic and satisfying not only the behavioral aspect of attempting to quit her (the need to hold her between the lips) but will take anyone who is willing to a more carefree time in their lives. A time perhaps when one did not need Lady Nicotine’s calming soothing effect but wanted her anyway. Ah remembering childhood! Thanks to her ingenuity and marketing tact, back again are the joys of giggling over a candied product pretending to be something it is not. Yes, I’m talking about nicotine candied Lolly-pops spiked with up to 6mg of her seductive punch.that will have anyone standing shamelessly among their friends (perhaps vibrating a bit) and still enjoying her company without being shunned! Each treat offering sumptuous flavors such as: strawberry, watermelon, lemon-lime, raspberry, grape, cherry, butterscotch and spearmint. She always a good hostess, treating her guests with irresistible flare!

I do however hate to burst anyone’s bubble though, but you have to know that when you revert to your childhood, someone’s just got to step in and rain on your parade. Feeling obliged to regulate like a parent; the FDA with the law as their possy put the ‘suckers” behind lock and key! As the saying goes, “suck it up lolly-pop” these spikes treasures are now prescription only! Sooner or later the relationship with the sweet treats will be forced to an end, even worse by another persons decision!! It hardly seems fair.


Pardon my French... but Lady Nicotine must have felt like she was being violated in some way, because she was compelled to fly in the face of these critics and offer her exquisite taste in the form of a prophylactic. Yes my dear, I said it... a condom! Perhaps to prove to the critics that their views of her toxic personality is not entirely a widely held universal consensus. I could go on about how this may leave a bad taste in the mouth, but you be the judge.

A manufacturer in India (Hindustan Latex) are launching a new condom designed to evoke the bitter taste of tobacco during intimacy. There is no need to stop for a smoke now. Yes indeed this concept puts a whole new spin on smoking in bed. All the while gaining yet more publicity points for the guest of honor by proxy, our dear Lady Nicotine. Or shall we now call her Madame?

She’s saving lives, and may a street workers in India has to be grateful to her for her fine taste; which test studies show will induce them to use a condom just for the sheer satisfaction it adds to the job. It seems that test studies indicate that prostitutes would be most gracious in caring for their own health with the flavor of Madam Nicotine’s coaxing. Now the company ran a “taste” test with sex workers including prototypes of bananna, strawberry and even chocolate, but hey the tobacco flavor topped all. And you can’t knock our Lady for doing her civic duty.


She's a lady of the times! One of the endearing things about her, is that she has her hands not only on the pulse of time but on the pulse of her admirers also; quite literally. Now she can super charge and stimulate that rush of adrenalin and double time their heart rate, just as long as one remembers to plug in the battery charger. Yes, though she’s not quite gone online yet ( though give her time)... she is a progressive minded lady going high-tech electronic!

This is a brash and bold move for her. A kind of stand tall and face the storm sort of attitude. And as a reward to the faithful who refuse to abandon her and her pleasurable effects; hand in hand they will mock the “second hand” (or should I say third wheel) “nay sayers” jealous of their relationship and loyalty to each other. Maintaining their true form our Lady and her exclusive fans are united again in “E-cigarettes”style. Via a battery powered device that looks a lot like a cigarette, but is smokeless, delivering nicotine from a cartridge to a small vaporizer. With a $100.00 cover charge to set up, she will entertain her loyal subjects at $1 dollar a day (to get the same amount of nicotine as one pack of cigarettes.) and all will live happily ever after.

Or will she. Don’t look now Lady Nicotine, but you have lawyers on your tail.. Oregon Attorney General has in mid August, gone to court to block sales of electronic cigarettes made by a Florida company. they allege that there were false claims about the nicotine proponent, and suspected as well to be targeting children with sweet flavors such as bubble gum and chocolate. No doubt these are the first of an endless chain of nay-sayers rallying against our fair lady.

Oh no! Here we go again. This sounds awful familiar; and I am almost scared to watch what Lady Nicotine has up her sleeve this time as a rhetorical pun on this latest attack of character. Yet I am also on the edge of my seat with intrigue, because we all know she is far from ready to go down for the count.

By the way my dear lady, while you have the sleeve rolled up any chance you might be up for inoculation? There’s one in the works which if successful will allow smokers to immunize themselves against cigarette addiction. Apparently the treatment is designed to block nicotine from reaching the brain, making it theoretically easier to give up. Is it too early to mention the possibility of side effects? Perhaps just for the moment it is inappropriate to pre-judge whether the cure will be as toxic as the addiction, but there is no doubt that this saga will continue on. As we all now well know by now... our dear Lady Nicotine is a survivor.

High Speed Car Sharing In America

High Speed Car Sharing In America?
by CHICKMELIONfreelance

Car sharing is not a new concept to North America, although it has not taken the continent by storm quite yet, it is a part of mainstream Europe and touted as a viable means of driving without owning a car. In it’s simplest form, it can be described as "an affordable and viable means of providing cars" parked off-street throughout a number of US and Canadian cities available for use by members for any length of time on a timeshare basis.

This concept is especially beneficial if you live in an urban center and drive less than 12,000 km (7,500 miles) a year. This rapidly growing trend could save anyone who fits well into this segment literally thousands of dollars a year, give them greater mobility and help reduce air quality.

Still in it’s infancy companies like Flexcar and Zip car tout their benefits as being easy as hailing a cab, convenient, affordable (some starting at as low as $8.30 an hour CDN) and faster than renting a car. Patrons reserve the vehicle - by phone, smartphone or Internet, 24-hours-a-day - what ever suits their needs, and then use it for a few hours, or a week. They can pay per trip, and never have to worry about repairs, insurance or monthly parking again.

Another twist that has comfortably made a home in Europe is online car sharing portals. Coupling drivers looking to mitigate their transportation costs and passengers looking to hitch affordable rides. Where even passengers without drivers licenses are being well served Although there is a bit of grumbling about commuters having to register routes in advance, the industry does offer diversified services in recent years such as platforms that cater to women, or even pets. These portals were incorporated to answer a consumer demand that was frustrated with rising fuel , train, taxi, and bus prices; coupled with long waits, long commutes, and occasional strikes. All these frustrations help to boost the popularity of getting around via car sharing.

Yet a communications research group in Berlin plans to take this concept yet another step further servicing customer demand by answering loopholes in the car sharing portal system. They plan to introduce a new application coined as ‘OpenRide.” It answers the need for providing passengers and drivers with a match in a moments notice. Up to this point current platforms can not accommodate connecting interested parties for quick ride shares in every day local traffic. But “Open Rides” developers, Fraunhofer FOKUS who are a research facility devoted to communication and information technologies, are postured to introduce an application that will do just that on 2010.

It is designed to be versatile and easy to use. Patrons simply enter their destinations on their phones or PDA; A server tracks current vehicular locations and scans for ride requests for a match, then notifies the parties via mobile phone. The driver and passenger negotiate a fare for the journey, most typically covering fuel costs. The software’s intelligent search engines can also factor in trip segments, as well as small detours if needed. In the future the Group intends to also incorporate a driver rating function and user histories to create an extra layer of security for users.

It will be interesting to see what will develop from this new diversification of car sharing. A prototype of “OpenRide” was unveiled in Berlin at one of the largest trade fairs for consumer electronics in the world. Indeed many curious brows are raised , anticipating the next press release detailing how it’s practice run faired, which is scheduled for late 2009. It leaves me to wonder which provider, or application developer here in North America is also eying the European advances in coupling mobile technology with greener affordable transportation alternatives. It does offer mobile telephone manufacturers new ways of expanding their services, and the software seems to be also integrated into a navigation system.

This may be something well worth keeping an eye on as a viable emerging trend for North America , who is as everyone else on grappling with the instability of fuel costs and global warning concerns.

Surviving The Future Today

(complimentary designs located at http://photobucket.com/Peaceposters)



Surviving The Future Today

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

In the face of an ever changing world, the ability to see the tides that sweep in on you and your enterprise can mean the difference between optimizing oncoming opportunities; or mitigating losses from their crippling effects. The well prepared entrepreneurs become industry leaders, while those who failed to lift their heads in time to take a glance at global shifts find themselves squeezed out by increased costs, regulations, and obstacles. Shifts in trends are like the sands in the deserts, ever moving and ever changing the face of their environment permanently. The former views, techniques, and avenues of doing business are being re-written. And failure to recognize these shifts means failure to survive long term.


The pendulum effect...

We have all been eyeing the "globular credit crunch," it certainly has our attention because it levied a heavy blow. But this occurrence was a mere domino effect of a much larger wave and one that seems to be passing out again. There are rumors in the wind that our materialistic and consumer dominant point of view are gradually being replaced by a more moderated humanitarian one. As the consequences of a materialistic driven mindset's mount up, so too does motivation to counter balance the ill effects. "Green " seems to be the catch phrase of the recent day and it is still relatively new. You can gauge this by the mixed reactions you get in the marketplace over the concept. However it is safe to say "green" has a toe hold as a mindset in business practices.

Green thinking is rapidly being rewarded as an incentive to get onboard voluntarily. History however has demonstrated that there comes a point in time as the impact of any crisis increases, when societies will call upon their governments to enforce legislation, taxes and even levies to attempt better control of the situation.

The closer to a crisis we get, the more costly it is for the entrepreneur to maintain old standard business practices. For the entrepreneur there is little he can do, but face these winds head on with or with out a plan. Preferably with! And in understanding the pendulum like motion of cause and effect in these global shifts, the entrepreneur can even see opportunities and alliances that will always present themselves with change: which can be less painful and considerably more cost effective if one can see it coming in advance.


　

Flying on the winds of Change.

We are currently suffering from the hangover that our insatiable appetite for goods have created. Directly ahead of us lies climate change issues which (as a small example only) are impacting water sheds and in turn electrical supplies on a globular scale. The effects ripple outward in the forms of costly infrastructure revamps, power outages , rising costs of electricity, as well as tax increases. On it’s heels we hear the admittance that our two most populace landscapes in the world China and India; both report substantial depletions in natural critical resources and arable land. This creates a massive supply and demand shift forcing the re-gearing of marketing mixes. In addition and perhaps consequently, we are also experiencing population shifts from less developed countries to more developed. Loss in arable land will no doubt impact far more than migration statistics.

There is also talk in the air that the international communities are formulating a consensus for global economic reform. There is an idea put forth for economic sharing. The entrepreneur has to wonder how that is going to translate to their market share. Where would they be positioned post reform? How will they survive the transition? Where could they be positioned with a good strategy and financing?

The headlines are also inundated with the consequences of yet another influence hitting the business community. Computers are evolving and become assessable mainstream in the homes and pockets of humanity on a globular scale. It is good example of how a wave can wash in and change the face of each and every business environment in a very big way. Buyer behavior has evolved in the wake of this new era, as new products, avenues of advertising and distribution of goods and services are rapidly searching out means of going online to find their consumers. And yes this trend has it’s casualties too.

For those who fail to recognize the permanence and gravity that technology has taken hold of the world the lesson has been painful. Mind sets have to change. Computers are rapidly molding the way business and consumers alike view the scope and breadth of their world. Not only an entirely new vocabulary is emerging, but a new lifestyle is blossoming as well. Storefronts are being threatened by desk tops in rapid and previously unimaginable way. Consumers are finding in their fast paced worlds the benefits of cost and time savings by interacting online as opposed to chasing down their social lives, goods and services out in the streets. It is only a matter of a time for the creative minds to develop virtual vacation packages in the near future.

Loss of habitats, bio-diversity, global security are rolling in as substantial market influences as well. The waver are mounting up and regardless of what ever size of enterprise you operate, all of these shifts are coming your way. Most of the astute businesses have already on file their tailored continuity and crisis management plans appropriate to handle sudden extreme events. However these have absolutely no relevance in terms of coping with incremental changes. A entirely new set of objectives and strategies have to be considered.



In the face of uncertainty lies opportunity.

As a rule of thumb, if uncertainty is ahead, it should be viewed as a flag to analyze market shifts. Looking at the trends early enough on will allow for better information gathering, decision making, and strategizing. Because these shifts are slow moving, it provides opportunity to enact "what if scenarios" and gather enough resources to adapt to the oncoming waves of change before they impact the bottom line.

Bio-fuels are an excellent example. Though much in their infancy, their introduction in the global energy scene are already irrevocable as an environmental inevitability in order to reduce CO2 emissions. At the same time solar panel technology is also evolving and maturing as a technology and now expanding worldwide. You talk to the industry leaders in both sectors and they will tell you that there is unprecedented global demand which allows them to anticipate continued growth for decades.

For the businessmen that is not thinking in terms of innovative technology, but merely to survive and grow in the face of change. Recognizing the waves coming in can mean the difference between standing and having the rug pulled out under you. A good case in point, and only mentioned as an example, was the decision for a certain mortgage lending company, ( Total Mortgage Services LLC) who attributes not only stability, but growth in the face of recent market volatility to their foresight. Sensing a possible credit crunch approaching, only because everyone seemingly hopped on the same lending incentive band wagon decided themselves not to jump on board, but rather differentiated themselves in service and expertise. The company mandated searching out a more stable and qualified buyer and it certainly paid off as their suspicions came to fruition.

The longer businesses delay the inevitable, the more it will cost them and the more opportunities they will pass by without notice. As a shift approaches and innovators jump in to answer the change in demands, the movement picks up speed to a dizzying pace. But why would a business fail in long term planning? Perhaps they have not considered the issue of adaptation before it was too late. They may not believe themselves to be at significant risk. Or they do not believe they have substantial opportunities available in these shifts.

Motorola can testify to this. On top of the world one moment with their "Razor" phones and now a few short years later struggling for their lives playing catch up. Why? The rapid response and forward thinking of their competitors introduced a newly developed concept called the "Android" phone that offer the convenience of bundling advanced cellular technology with internet applications on the go. Motorola of course not down for the count, is planning to unveil a response of their own, and breaths are held in anticipation of market response. It is deemed to be "a make it or break it" reveal for a now fast paced and ever changing industry.



It is apparent that to survive the future, an entrepreneur has to plan today. Keeping their eyes open for changes, uncertainties, and rumors in the wind. Staying informed, networking, and running "what if" scenarios when they sense something approaching. Not only in their own minds but also on the tables of boardrooms and company meet and greets as well. Involving as much collaboration and creative crunching as possible. Looking at things from every angle of the marketing mix and assessing the potential threats and time lines involved. As the old adage goes, two heads (or more) are always better than one.

5 Good Reasons You Should Never Forgive...

5 Good Reasons Why You Should Never Forgive!

by CHICKMELIONfreelance


"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth...."

It is funny how varying faiths, beliefs and view points are not only are familiar with but have at one time or another quoted this as a universal rule. Especially when it benefits them. Perhaps we are missing the point in today’s society and have been since the bible era right up to modern civilization. This is when justice was ministered by the hands of the victim and feuds were considered legitimate legal instruments that were regulated to some degree. It seems that the old adage reinforced the instinct to inflict immediate pain on someone who has wrongs us; however the standards of a more mature society desired to impose a measured response, citing that vindication does not come from extending the cycle of violence . This all seemed to put a damper on the ability for anyone to personally carry out their right to obtain an "eye for an eye."

As unjust as it may seem, vindication has now been placed in the hands of the state who will measure, gauge, argue, measure some more and perhaps after a considerable amount of time; come to a conclusion on the justifiable consequences of the offender’s actions. (Providing it is not dealt out with before hand.) This can be a very frustrating and stressful process for everyone, especially for the victim. Consider their perspective when the judgment is not in line with their core values, sense of injury, or even time line. Indeed this only adds to their own desire for personal retribution. In our society more often than not, the victim themselves are merely left with only forgiveness as a tool to pick up the pieces of their lives. But for those who are finding it hard to do so, fear not... here are 5 good reasons you may want to consider when arguing the validity of non-forgiveness.


#1... You are 10 feet tall and bullet proof.

Yes that is you! You are totally immune to any of the long term side effects and illnesses that stress related situations can bring into one’s life. For the average person however unbrided stress is linked to a lowered immune system, some forms of cancers, heart disease and accounts for two-thirds of family doctor visits; as well as half of the deaths to Americans under 65. (According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) It has also been implicated in heart, stomach and mental disorders along with more ordinary: high blood pressure, headaches, backaches and cholesterol issues. But you are in total control because you mitigate your stress by eating well, getting lots of physical activity and a good nights sleep. Only because you have a very important vendetta to stay healthy for!


#2...You have nothing better to focus on in your life.

If not for this issue, life would be pretty much boring. You are positive of this! There were no missed opportunities that have escaped your line of vision because your focus was on vengeance. Surely you would have noticed. Your friends, family and co-workers enjoy hearing "the endless story" about how badly you were hurt and how horribly you were wronged. You are winning friends and creating strong allys with your repetitive reinforcement for vengeance. You are a refreshing breath of positive Karma; positive that you will see vengeance on your wrong-doer that is.


#3...You can shoot lasers from your eyes.

Well maybe not but, your vendetta against the offender is certainly ruining their life. They are miserable over this whole situation. Your hate towards them is harming them and not you. After all it is their lives that are put on hold, while you are free to continue yours. They continually think about how they harmed you day in and day out. They are eternally bound in the chains of the negative energy that your unforgiving casts upon them. While you are as free as the wind.


#4... It is what they deserve.

And in this you are absolutely right. Your forgiveness has absolutely nothing to do with you. It is not about you at all. You must be a strong and unmoved soldier in order to bring about relief from the pain, sadness and suffering. It makes perfect sense to endure even more negative ill effects from this situation in order to ensure justice is served! The more you endure... the sweeter the justice. This is certainly going to halt the cycle of violence and negativity dead in it’s tracks. After all your enemy is not someone else’s beloved child, friend, or parent. They have no one who may possibly get hurt by your focus on getting even. The cycle of bitterness stops at your door!


#5... Then the suffering would have been all for nothing.

There is no possible way to be able to gauge any positive growth from with in a negative experience. It has never happened. Trials do not give birth to compassionate, stronger and wiser individuals. In addition, the integrity of true joy and happiness is not realized and appreciated by experiencing terms of sorrow. No! All these foundational concepts that allow us to survive our future trials and tribulations are all born and bread on calm waters. There fore it is futile to attempt counting your blessings in a hurtful situation. After all you have never been an offender yourself and do not understand the blessings given in second chances.



Perhaps forgiveness is the kindest thing you can do for yourself after all. You do deserve to break the chains that bind you to any hurtful situation in order to move on in joy. You deserve joy! The safest and quickest way to free yourself from an enemy and all associated negativity is to forgive. After all the word forgive is Aramic for "untie". No doubt forgiving is a hard thing to do and you may stumble here and there in your efforts. Yet the benefits from maintaining the course can be seen by everyone you influence... and you will be stronger in your mind, body and soul for it. Perhaps your healing will even have a viral effect on those around you, as you demonstrate taking personal responsibility for your own health and well being. What a better legacy to pass onto the people you love in contrast to demonstrating bitterness and negativity.

"He Can Go First..."


Shifts in market trends provide a wealth of golden opportunities! The businessman who shoots for these open doors will assuredly become that sector’s leaders. But before you kick yourself for not being that innovator, console yourself in this; being first to step into the new frontier can be very costly. Just ask Walmart when they daringly invested in reaching their target market via Facebook(R).

Wallmart saw their target market spending a substantial amount of time on Facebook(R) which also offered a variety of relatively new advertising “in's” for businesses. A Facebook(R) page was created enveloping a back to college theme, but the campaign fell flat on it’s face because at that time advertising on social networks was so new that no one realized a need to approach the campaign with a totally different mindset. But thanks to innovators like Walmart who daringly stepped into a new advertising medium, (and to their credit picked up and kept on going,) effective market information is starting to come together for you to benefit from without spending a dime.

Here’s what was learned: People are on social networks to self express and to communicate with their peers and not to be inundated with ads. They respond well to a simple, fresh and interactive applications geared towards:having fun; that they can share with their friends. So if you were a car manufacturer you may look into developing a “name brand” race application with your product line showcased. Such an application will not only induce repetitive use, but the viral nature of the medium could have your product forefront on the desktops and in the palms of literally millions of potential customers in a matter of minutes. Now that’s high speed product demonstration !

6 Steps NOT to Take WhenYou've Hit Rock Bottom

6 Steps NOT to Take When You’ve Hit Rock Bottom

by CHICKMELIONfreelance

We have all found ourselves at one time or another experiencing the agony of the rug being pulled out from under us, and finding ourselves sitting on our bottoms wondering where to go from there. Now days things are rough, the current state of the economy has caused mortgages to be recalled, people are facing bankruptcy, divorces, loss of jobs. All these events can be coined as hitting rock bottom where an individual, regardless of age is facing the need to start over in a situation. Yes life is always in constant motion and that you can bet on... nothing remains the same, the economy will recover and so too the individual situations that have hit rock bottom.

One of the advantages of "bottoming out" in any situation is that there is really nowhere else to go. The efforts of attempting to halt the downward spiral have ended; as well as the sleepless nights and worries that have all gone with it. Soon enough it becomes evident that it is time to shift gears in a new direction. Indeed necessity is the mother of invention! There is a saying that when you hit rock bottom there is only one place to go but up... and to some degree it is true. You do have to pull yourself to your feet at some point and start moving again. Why not make the best moves you can, and take opportunity by the hand by avoiding the following 6 steps to repeated failures.


Step #1... Holding it all in. As in any ending, a loss warrants a grieving process and a recognition of what point of that grieving process you are in. Bottling up what ever emotions that have arisen from the situation is only setting yourself up for ill health and an unexpected re-occurrence of all these emotions in the future. They really should be recognized for what they are, respected as legitimate and dealt with. As in any grieving process there are steps you can expect to go through. Initially you may want to deny that anything has taken place. "Life goes on," you will say to yourself. This stage may last a few moments or longer. Then you may find yourself withdrawing from those around you: friends, co-workers, even family. You may find yourself angry: at the world, at yourself, at the situation, or even at others involved. Perhaps bargaining with God, or making oaths to yourself about never going down that path again. And then suddenly feeling numb, although the anger and sadness may still remain underneath. Finally when all these emotions have been faced and they begin to subside, you will find yourself simply accepting the reality of the situation. Having so many strong feelings can be very stressful. Be gentle on yourself. Treat yourself with the same respect and dignity as you might for someone else who would turn to you in a similar situation.

Step#2...The glass is half empty! Grieving is one thing, but wallowing in self pity and negative energy is just plain self destructive. It would be a good time to start counting your blessings and turn your perspective around, to allow yourself to look at your world with fresh new eyes. There are no failures, just ineffective solutions! Take stock of your assets, both the tangible and intangible. These will be your tools to rebuild with. You can not fail in rebuilding if you have tools in hand. Look for the positive sparks you have within you that can light your way to a new path. After all with every ending comes the promise and optimism of new beginnings. Opportunities now await you that you may miss if you are not open to receive them. You have survived the fall, you have gained valuable life experiences that have just made you both wiser and stronger. You have a world of opportunity in front of you with all the freshness that a start over offers. You have cast off the chains that the situation bound you in and the weight is lifted from your shoulders. See and feel the blessings in that.

Step#3... It all ends to begin again. Life is a never ending set of cycles and if we don't take the time to investigate where we tripped and stumbled within a cycle, we are more or less doomed to repeat it. Awareness is always the first step to change. Take some time to evaluate the steps that led up to the situation bottoming out. Be honest about the situation and your role in it. Much healing and learning is fostered in honesty. Identify the shifts in attitude and choices necessary for you to adopt in order to avoid the cycle repeating it’s self. In all honesty the only changes you can effectively set into motion and control are your own actions and perspectives. If circumstances happened that were out of your control, accept it for what it was worth. There is no sense of you beating yourself up for things that were out of your hands, yet you now can identify similar situations in the future and with your new found experience re-adjust your choices.

Step#4... Turning to comfort food. There is no comfort in inanimate objects, whether it be food, alcohol, medications and the likes. Recovering from a loss and its stresses that the event naturally places on you will pass more quickly, with good self-care habits. It helps to have a close circle of family or friends. It also helps to eat a balanced diet, drink enough non-alcoholic fluids, get exercise and rest. Do good for your body and your soul. Enough bad has occurred already... mitigate the losses! Network with friends, colleagues and support groups if necessary. Don’t make the mistake of leaning on crutches; stand up on your own and rally your support. But make sure this is positive support; it is imperative to block out all negative sources of comfort no matter how well intentioned they may seem.

Step#5... Jump in feet first. "Failing to plan is planning to fail," we have all heard it being said time and time again. But there is considerable wisdom to this old adage. It puts you in control again. And that is where you need to be in order to catch the next wave of opportunity. Because with every ounce of uncertainty, there is always an equal ounce of opportunity. Set up goals for yourself, as well as what it would take to accomplish them. Where do you want to go from here? Don’t look at the impossibilities. Consider the planning process as free of limitations. Map out your dreams and desires. Then prioritize them. Set strategies to accomplishing these priorities. Understand that any obstacle is only one point in the plan. An area you need to slow down and strategize carefully for your success. Not a point where you must turn in disappointment. Set realistic target dates as stepping stones for you to walk on, and promise yourself to go there. Finally close your eyes and visualize yourself accomplishing all you set out to do. In doing this you are conditioning your mind to a set course of action and focus. You now have direction, and can see yourself getting there.

Step#6... Act as if nothing happened. You have made a come back and that is worthy of celebrating! Always take the time to smile at your accomplishments. Don’t let your hard work go by unrewarded, nor wait for someone else to acknowledge in you what you already know. Rewards are tokens of encouragement that can spur you onwards and upwards. By you acknowledging your own efforts , you are in control of your own personal responsibility and happiness. Then you will never falling short of recognizing and feeding from the positive vibe your victory created. Use this momentum to propel yourself even further forwards.



Situations in life are always present and changing. That is the fluidity we must learn to balance ourselves in, not unlike a surfer on their board. We find ourselves having to get on and standing up time and time again. Often having little choice about it, because we are miles away from shore. Losses and trials are conditions we as humans all share in, a bit of brotherly compassion goes a long way. In as much as you were sensitive to any kicks while you were down, try hard to remember not to do it yourself and maybe we all can survive to surf another day!