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MAGICAL ALIENATION Book #2 in the Samantha Brennan & Annabelle Haggerty Magical Mystery Series Winner of the 2012 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards 2012 Lefty Award Nominee! International Book Awards 2012 Finalist
Click to see my AM Arizona TV appearance, and hear what I had to say about HIGH CRIMES ON THE MAGICAL PLANE, Book #1 in the Samantha Brennan & Annabelle Haggerty Magical Mystery Series Read an excerpt Order it. Check out the first book in the series, HIGH CRIMES ON THE MAGICAL PLANE.
When fake psychic Samantha Brennan heads to Sedona, Arizona, as the spiritual adviser of the aging bad boy of rock, Rand Riker — she never expects to uncover the most shocking secret the government has kept for the last sixty years: the truth about the being in the spaceship that crashed in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. But questions abound in Sedona in the days leading up to an awesome harmonic convergence, which sends Sedona's mysterious energy off the charts. Such as why Rand defends the most reviled man in the country, militia guru Normal Frankly, accused to trying to kill Arizona's charismatic senator, Kenny Campbell. Or why Kenny's real definition of family values doesn't jibe with what he claims in the photo ops. Even Samantha's favorite partner in crime, goddess-in-hiding Special Agent Annabelle Haggerty of the FBI wrestles with the most destructive paradox of her life. With gods and goddesses wielding unimaginable powers, and the shape shifting rock people twisting the very surface of the earth, as Sedona heads into the darkest night the planet has ever seen, Samantha wonders which, if any of them, will survive it. But she should know by now that when Celtic gods are involved, nothing is ever as it appears. MAGICAL ALIENATION takes the urban fantasy-mystery trend into brand new territory — beyond vampires and werewolves — to creatures that are both wacky and wonderful. MAGICAL ALIENATION is in turns enchanting, suspenseful, funny, sexy and touching. It will appeal to readers in the mystery, fantasy and romance genres, as well as to metaphysical and New Age readers.
"With few modern followers, a goddess has to find new work. "Magical Alienation" is a blend of modern fantasy and mystery as a sham of a psychic in Samantha Brennan finds alliance with Celtic goddess turned government agent as they investigate an unusual happening surrounding Roswell. As one would expect, aliens may be involved and they may not have the best of intents for the world. With old protectors of the planet rising to the challenge, Kris Neri creates a fun adventure with plenty of twists. 'Magical Alienation' is worth considering for fans of the modern fantasy genre, recommended." --Small Press Bookwatch
"My favorite aspect of Neri's novels is the Samantha Brennan character, who is absolutely hilarious. Samantha's self-deprecating and whimsical personality is written to perfection by Neri. Samantha is the driving force behind this book. I found myself on several occasions chuckling out loud as I read along with Samantha's play-by-play style inner dialogue and constant frustration over others' attempts to go to do and be more. The best way I an describe this book is if you could take Neil Gaiman's AMERICAN GODS, and somehow inject it with laughing gas. MAGICAL ALIENATION is a fun read speculative fiction fans will have no problem enjoying." -- Tales of the Talisman
"I know this sounds so implausible – fake psychics, Celtic gods and goddesses, militia, rock stars and aliens from Area 51. But, somehow, Kris Neri makes it work perfectly in her second Samantha Brennan and Annabelle Haggerty Magical Mystery, Magical Alienation.... You do have to suspend disbelief to appreciate this novel, but it's easy to do. Neri sucks readers into Samantha Brennan's world. And, the author, who lives in Sedona, does a wonderful job in describing the area and its beauty and attraction for so many people. In this book, it becomes the center of the universe for nuts of all types, from aliens to gods to militia to false psychics. Magical Alienation is a treat for any readers who appreciate fantasy laced with mystery and humor." - Lesa Holstine, Lesa's Book Critiques "Magical Alienation is an excellent read featuring an endearing fake psychic who's not as fake as she'd like to be, amid a hilarious tangle of gods and goddesses. Samantha and her Celtic-goddess sidekick Haggerty make this book a winner!" — Allyson James, National bestselling author of Stormwalker "MAGICAL ALIENATION is fearless, frenetic, and funny. Kris Neri's tale of gods and rock stars and fake psychics has more twists and turns than a French braid, and she employs all her mystery-writer's chops to keep readers spellbound from beginning to end, wondering who's really who and what's really next." — Jeff Mariotte, author of the Dark Vengeance Series "What a fresh, fun read! Magical Alienation tugs at all the sensitive spots. It's intriguing and IMPOSSIBLE to put down! Get this book. You will not be disappointed!" — Darynda Jones, author of SECOND GRAVE TO THE LEFT "What fun! MAGICAL ALIENATION is a sparkling, woo-woo romp." — Barbara D'Amato, author of OTHER EYES "Magic, mystery, mayhem…Magical Alienation has it all. A sassy spiritual advisor to the stars who is admittedly 'no more psychic than a tire iron,' ancient (and sexy) Celtic gods, and a sometimes sinister, mysterious inhabitant of 51 make for one fun, sometimes creepy tale of paranormal adventure. If you hold the secret suspicion that mythical creatures not only exist, but are present in our modern lives, check out Neri's Magical Alienation. You'll be glad you did." — Juliet Blackwell, National Bestselling author of Hexes and Hemlines and If Walls Could Talk "...I strongly suggest that you buy, borrow or steal a copy of the book. I'm giving it FIVE stars and a bullet point. I can't wait for Madam Samantha, and Haggerty's next case to appear on the bookshelves of a store near you." -NoraAdrienne's Reviews
"...a witty irreverent and enthralling paranormal thriller. Fast-paced, readers will enjoy the fascinating return of Brennan and Haggerty on their latest magical mystery tour." - Harriet Klausner, Genre-Go-Round "MAGICAL ALIENATION is a fairly fast-paced adventure. The explanation behind the mystery is detailed and interesting. The Gods and Goddesses portion of the novel will make the reader laugh, bite their nails, and avidly read on. Mystery readers should look into this one." - Freshfiction.com
"Magical Alienation is a mystical romp of mystery, romance and fantasy. This witty, page-turner will keep you guessing and begging for more. Move over J.K. Rowling, Kris Neri's book with its cast of characters of gods, goddesses, rock stars, as well as main character, the amusing, fake psychic, Samantha Brennan, is as refreshing as a Sedona spa." - Sally Marks, Author of Erase Negativity and Embrace the Magic Within "I found myself laughing at the whimsy and humorous characters, scowling at the bad guys and just plain enjoying the start to finish wild ride of this very humorous, very creative and entertaining read. Fun, Fun, Fun!" - R.P. Dahlke, All-Mystery E-Newsletter "You've gotta love a mortal protagonist that reduces a Celtic god to groveling. Beneath Samantha Brennan's fashionista exterior is a character with character, willing to confront a philandering politician and a two-timing deity. And who among us can resist the charm of a plus-size heroine? Kris Neri has written another engaging tale of women righting wrongs. Her duo of Annabelle (goddess/FBI agent) and Samantha (mortal/fake psychic) confront aging rock stars, militiamen, aliens and gods to unravel the mystery of what happened at Roswell in 1947. Magical Alienation is a page turner, with a plot driven by characters I want to follow on many more adventures." — Therese Ambrose Smith, author of WAX "MAGICAL ALIENATION is one of a kind. Funny, fanciful and dominated by two very different woman. One a pseudo-psychic, who has more powers than she gives herself credit for; the other an FBI agent who is actually an ancient goddess wanting to deny her powers. In a world populated by humans, gods and demigods these two work to resolve the issue of an imprisoned alien while a war between the superhuman factions takes place in heaven. Mysterious, quirky, and full of the unexpected." — Connie Flynn, fantasy, romance and mystery author and co-founder to Bootcamp for Novelists Online, a writing school.
"...a neat cross between fantasy and suspense, with romance overtones thrown in...subplots converge in Sedona for the thrilling climax of this magic-studded read." -- Suspense Magazine


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Spa installations, fed by a strongly mineralised water source flowing at 36°C, massage, packs and baths, fitness pavilion, sauna pavilion, thermal- and business hotel ****. Check out our seasonal offers ! ...Read more
The visitor center "Centre Européen houses the "Musée Européen Schengen" (European Museum), a permanent exhibition about the European Union and the Schengen Agreement as well as "Europe-direct-information centre"...Read more
On board the MS "Princesse Marie-Astrid" you will discover the lovely Moselle valley from a completely new perspective. Built in 2010 for some 500 passengers (220 can stay below deck), this majestic and luxurious boat reminds us of the famous lo...Read more
The nature reserve Haff Réimech, on the bottom of the wine slopes between Schengen and Remich, is well known for its large diversity of birds and its flora and fauna. With this in mind, the nature reserve Biodiversum was created on an artificial ...Read more
This exciting trail runs mainly through the protected natural area Manternacher Fiels. From the starting point at Burfeld you ascend into the protected natural area and pass by an impressive canyon forest. From there you climb up through the gigantic rock s...Read more
The Moselle River is one of the major rivers of Luxembourg. Its trajectory along the Luxembourg border runs 39 km in length to form a natural boundary with Germany. Moselle lends its name to one of the most beautiful valleys of Luxembourg, famous for its wineries, charming hotels and medieval towns. "D'Musel," as it is affectionately known by its inhabitants, is also a region of traditions, such as the cavalcade of Remich and the grape and wine festival in Grevenmacher.
Wines of the Moselle valley in Luxembourg
The valley of the Moselle in Luxembourg is famous for its steep hills and vineyards. It is the birthplace of Luxembourg wines, mostly white varieties such as Riesling, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris. The hinterland of the Moselle is home to large plantations of fruit trees for the production of fresh juices, liqueurs and schnapps. Themed hikes, such as the wine route, are fully dedicated to the discovery of this region.
Water sports on the river
Although renowned as a culinary destination, the Moselle region also attracts water sports enthusiasts and hikers. Swimming, water skiing or Nordic walking are just some of the activities that are practiced on and around the River Moselle. With the abundance of water, many small cruises are organized on the Moselle the whole year through.
Schengen Accord – a significant milestone in European history
It was in the Luxembourg Moselle region, specifically on the Moselle river in the wine village of Schengen, that the treaty which bears its name was first signed in June 1985. The Schengen Accord is one of the most important agreements in European history. The treaty provided for the removal of all border controls between 5 European countries together under the name of the Schengen Area. The European Museum in Schengen recalls the origin and impact of this agreement on the 26 states that are currently members.
Ehnen is renowned for its unique circular church and its Wine Museum. In a beautiful 18th century home, it exhibits tools and objects informing about the work in the vineyards...
Capital of the Luxembourg Moselle.Important vine-growing, commercial and administrative centre in very pleasant surroundings. A bridge links Grevenmacher with the German bank....
A small town situated in the south-eastern part of the country, protected from the winds by the surrounding hills. Mondorf Le Domaine Thermal is situated in a magnificent park of...
Recreation area. Numerous lakes, created by the extraction of sand in the region, form part of a nature reserve. Archeological site of a burial chamber "op Mecheren"....
The pearl of the Moselle, small tourist town situated amidst vineyards on the bank of the river Moselleand an important wine and trading centre. Its picturesque corners and old...
Schengen - The birthplace of a Europe without borders The name Schengen is synonymous with open borders and unrestrained mobility. The Schengen Agreement is considered worldwide...
ORT Région Moselle Luxembourgeoise
52, route du Vin
L-5405 Bech-Kleinmacher
Looking for a hotel in Luxembourg? Choose from a multitude of small family-run hotels and luxurious castles ideally located in the most beautiful...
Looking for a restaurant in Luxembourg? Follow the restaurant guide for Luxembourg and discover a unique gastronomic offer that is highly appetising.
Discover Luxembourg's magnificent five distinct regions with a spot of camping! Come to your getaway in the heart of nature. Mobile home rentals are...
Looking for a rental for your holiday in Luxembourg? Discover an exceptional offer of cottages and guest houses for families, groups and couples.
Looking for quality, low cost accommodation in Luxembourg? Discover modern, roomy and fully furnished youth hostels.

subset: commoncrawl


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Photos from Florida's Capital City (and occasionally a few from other interesting places I have been fortunate enough to visit in my travels!)
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Paddling Trail
A sign marking one of the access points of the Lake Jackson Blueway, which is one of Florida's Designated Paddling Trails (the link provides information about all of the paddling trails in the state). I had to zoom way out on the lake to get the second photo of someone enjoying the trail. You can visit this link to find out more information about this particular paddling trail, including maps, a description and access point locations.
Linking to signs, signs.
13 comments:
- Marleen said...
Seems a perfect spot for paddling but how about alligators?
- May 10, 2017 at 4:11 AM
- Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...
Sinalização muito importante.
Um abraço e boa semana.
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
- May 10, 2017 at 4:47 AM
- biebkriebels said...
A nice sign, I have never seen before.
- May 10, 2017 at 5:21 AM
- Revrunner said...
One could easily get disoriented in a place like that.
- May 10, 2017 at 6:28 AM
- Sandra said...
and I can SEE the trail of water in the water. to cool! love it
- May 10, 2017 at 8:00 AM
- Lowell said...
Nice shots, Lois! I didn't know there was such a thing as "paddling trails." I learn so much from you!
- May 10, 2017 at 10:31 AM
- Sharon Anck said...
I would have never thought about such a thing but it's easy to see why those trails are needed.
- May 10, 2017 at 10:55 AM
- William Kendall said...
It looks like a great place to paddle in, as long as the gators behave themselves!
- May 10, 2017 at 11:06 AM
- bill burke said...
He looks like he is enjoying paddling. It looks like fun and very peaceful.
- May 10, 2017 at 3:26 PM
- RedPat said...
A great idea!
- May 10, 2017 at 3:34 PM
- jennyfreckles said...
Looks like a good way to see the scenery.
- May 10, 2017 at 4:38 PM
- Halcyon said...
It's funny to think of a waterway as a trail. Great sign though! Hope it gets more people interested in using the "trail". :-)
- May 11, 2017 at 8:50 AM
- Small City Scenes said...
"Just Paddling Madeleine home"
Paddling trails how interesting
- May 11, 2017 at 12:11 PM


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All Films.All Above Board.NOW INCLUDES TV SHOWS & TV LISTINGS
Zombie action horror. Pharmaceutical company, Newgen Industries, have recently tested a new drug on 30,000 participants with almost all of them suffering serious reactions. The only exception is Angela Mills (MyAnna Buring), who is currently preparing to leave the city. The head of the company, Dr. Brooke (Del Henney), sends ex-mercenary Cole (Craig Fairbrass) after her, believing she may hold the solution to the epidemic. As the contagious beings grow in numbers, Cole is bitten, but can he find a cure before it is too late?


text: New to the forum here. I'm taking delivery of MX soon. Just trying to get the charging solution setup first. Whats up with HPWC not available for purchase on Tesla website? I sent an inquiry and got no replies. Anybody have insight if they are planning to add back option to enable 48A charging for MX?


text: It would b nice to know what version the replacement drive units are that folks are getting. On your repair order it will say something like this. Replaced vehicles rear drive unit assembly. Secured rear suspension and topped off all fluids. IR Part Quantity 1 ASY,PTRAIN, RMN,MDLS,BASE,CMC,HS,FA2+ (1025276-00-Q) "Q" is the version number, yes they started with "A" Is anyone beyond Q maybe R, S, T. Hopefully not W,X,Y or Z


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Latest News
2 killed after Porsche driver loses control in Fort Lauderdale
Dried blood marked the spot Thursday where an out-of-control Porsche hopped a curb, plowed through the bushes and mowed down two men in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
The 22-year old woman who was behind the wheel — Alyza Rachel Russell — may have been under the influence "of some substance," Fort Lauderdale police said.
Russell has not been arrested in the men's deaths, pending results of a toxicology report which could take six to eight weeks, said police spokeswoman DeAnna Greenlaw. Police obtained a search warrant to draw blood in order to test for alcohol and other substances.
Russell was heading west on Broward Boulevard when she lost control of the car at Southwest Fifth Avenue, near the Museum of Science and the Fort Lauderdale Performing Arts Center, police say.
"It was like a scene out of a movie," said Michael Lacey, who saw the crash unfold as he sat in the parking lot on a curb just after 2 a.m. "I heard a screech and a loud crash."
Lacey said it looked like Russell was trying to turn onto Southwest Fifth Avenue, but missed, and sailed through two palm trees and shrubbery before hitting the men, who may have been homeless. Their names have not been released pending notification to next of kin.
The first man, who was sitting on the curb "never saw it coming," Lacey said.
The car kept going and hit the second man, who was standing with his bicycle. His body was dragged by the car through the parking lot.
"It looked like [Russell] was trying to get away," Lacey said, saying he could see the tires spinning even though at least one was flat. "The guy was all wrapped up in the wheel. She had to be messed up on something."
Two passengers were inside the maroon Porsche Panamera, according to police, but their names will not be released until the case is closed because they are part of the investigation, said Greenlaw.
Red light cameras on Broward Boulevard may have captured the accident, but Greenlaw said all video obtained will not be released until after the investigation is completed.
Byron Campbell, who was in his work truck across the street in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven told WFOR-CBS 4 that the car was going "at a high rate of speed."
"For whatever reason they were going so fast," Campbell said. "It never had to happen."
Campbell said he immediately knew something bad happened and he called 911.
"I knew people were over there. [The homeless] sleep over there all the time," he told the news channel.
According to court records, Russell was charged with driving without a license and driving without lights in June 2012. At the time she was driving a 2009 Porsche. She plead no contest to the charge and adjudication was withheld, records show.
According to Russell's Facebook page, which was taken down mid-Thursday, she studied international relations at American University in Washington, D.C., and attended Leysin American School in Leysin, Switzerland. She works for Interiors by Steven G. in Fort Lauderdale, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Thursday morning's fatal accident is reminiscent of a driving fatality that took place on Miami Beach in January.
Karlie Tomica, 20, was on her way home from a bartending shift at Nikki Beach in Miami Beach when she struck and killed popular chef Stefano Riccioletti. Tomica left the scene and a good Samaritan followed her home.
A toxicology report showed that her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. She was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with death, DUI manslaughter, DUI/property damage and resisting an officer without violence.
She is on house arrest, pending trial.


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To celebrate releasing his latest liqueur, our friend Rim Vilgalys at Brothers Vilgalys Spirits concocted this wintertime sipper using only NC-ingredients, and it's delicious!
Servings: cocktail
- Stir gently and slowly with ice enough to dilute a small bit, serve in a tumbler with a twist of orange.
Share this Recipe


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Going Beyond Social Media
Filed Under Best Practices, Blogging, Case Studies, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Promoting Yourself, Public Relations, Search and Social, Web Marketing, Website Traffic | 2 Comments
I would love to spend my entire workday blogging, social bookmarking and business networking. However, long ago I discovered that combining these activities with other outreach is both more efficient and more far reaching than relying on social media alone to build a web presence.
Not only social media but search engine optimization, press releases, email marketing — and even advertising — all figure in my web strategy.
Our company represents luxury watch brand Ferragamo Timepieces in the US and Caribbean markets. Industry leader Paul Ziff was appointed US and Caribbean Ferragamo President, and I was responsible as Social Media Director for spreading the word about the appointment and about Ferragamo.
I had about a week to implement a plan and capitalize on the news before it became stale and irrelevant. Our company was ready to host numerous sales meetings in Las Vegas, and I needed to create adequate buzz before the start of the meetings.
The effort consisted of writing and publishing web content related to Paul Ziff and Ferragamo, distributing press releases about Paul's appointment, and emailing the news to a very large list. We were able to impact several thousand people, thanks to excellent resources and superb teamwork:
- Marketing expert, blogger and watch enthusiast, John Sealander, did a marvelous job writing all the web content. I merely added a few links and images.
- Paul Ziff wrote the press release, which was effectively distributed by eRealeases — via PR Newswire — and through their own channels. Our story was picked up by several hundred news websites.
- Our huge quantity of email messages were delivered and tracked by Green Wave Email Marketing, under the direction of software guru, David Alexander, my good friend of more than 40 years. I use Aweber to manage my blog subscribers, but I prefer Green Wave for my email marketing because David's service provides greater flexibility and more personalized attention. In my opinion, Green Wave is more geared to mainstream business than Aweber.
- I leveraged search and social strategies and techniques to drive additional traffic to John's content on our company website and blogs.
Please subscribe to my blog and share ways in which you're going beyond social media.
|Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to my RSS feed or by e-mail. Visit my About, Services, Media Buzz and Connect pages to learn about Building Your Audience and Brand on the Web. See also my Disclosure Policy regarding affiliations and compensation.
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Growing Our Social Media Group
Filed Under Announcements, Blogging, Career Choices, News, Public Relations, Web Marketing | 4 Comments
I work at a watch company for which social media and web marketing are key tools for accelerating its business expansion.
As Social Media Director, I flew with our team to Basel, Switzerland in March to attend Baselworld, the grandest and most important watch and jewelry event of the year.
Social Media Help Wanted
I explained in My Social Media Mission Abroad that I was visiting at Baselworld 2011 with the dozens of watch brands we represent to discuss social media collaboration and ideas for future projects.
I realized, of course, that I'd need substantial help to carry out the social media plans made in Basel.
Besides freelance writers who can appreciate and blog about luxury, fashion and watches, I'm also looking locally in the Greater New York area for an art director, PR expert and advertising specialist.
New Social Media Profit Centers
For decades, I've been intrapreneurial. Now, in addition to leveraging our Internet properties to promote our firm and its many watch brands, it's my intention, as well, to turn these websites into profit centers and totally new income streams.
So far we have several work-at-home bloggers and a few candidates for the in-house positions. To recommend someone or apply yourself for any of these opportunities, check out my Connect page.
Social Media Watch
I'll keep you informed about our social media moves and their effectiveness. Please subscribe and join me on Facebook — and don't hesitate to leave me a comment.
|Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to my RSS feed or by e-mail. Visit my About, Services, Media Buzz and Connect pages to learn about Building Your Audience and Brand on the Web. See also my Disclosure Policy regarding affiliations and compensation.
|Sharing is Caring! Use the handy SHARE widget.
5 Top List Building Destinations
Filed Under Blogging, Facebook, List Building, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Ning Sites, Public Relations, Social Media and Social Networking Sites, Twitter, Web Marketing | 14 Comments
I've written about list building extensively in connection with social media.
It's time to revisit social media list building once again. In this article, however, I focus more on where to build lists than how to build them. In other words, I focus on social media list building destinations.
A few remarks are in order before I address the where-to of list building.
Importance of List Building
In List Building Using Twitter, I discuss the importance of list building in marketing. List building is equally important in PR, CRM and other types of communication.
Reach is the quantity of people your message reaches, while frequency is the average number of times each person is reached.
Frequency builds trust and drives your message home. Advertising without frequency is rarely effective. Marketers rely on list building to repeatedly reach their audience and achieve their target frequency levels.
New List Building Paradigm
In List Building Paradigm Shift, I discard the stereotype of list building as "a well-written lead capture page linked by a web form to an auto- responder" and redefine it as the process of acquiring and nurturing followers.
More precisely:
List building is the process of subscribing members of your target audience, in order to engage and nurture them and brand yourself and that which you represent.
This definition leaves plenty of room for creativity and customization of the list building process, yet it defines our objectives: engaging, nurturing and branding. Prescribing our objectives enables you to gauge the relative merits of each list building venue at your disposal.
List Building Destinations
These are my five favorite venues for list building. They are just as useful to owners of static websites as they are to bloggers.
I use all of them and let people choose for themselves which they prefer.
- Autoresponders - Reports of the death of email have been greatly exaggerated. Everybody receives email and knows how email works. Every website should provide email subscription. Emails sent to opt-in subscribers will have an open rate of about 30% and a click through rate of approximately 10%, which is excellent. The downside of email subscription in general is anonymity, lack of interactivity and changes of address. I use an autoresponder service to maintain my database and deliver my email. My service has a high delivery rate, many important features, good customer service, and it integrates with Google's FeedBurner RSS if you have a blog.
- Ning Social Networks - You can connect with members of a Ning network, interact with them and broadcast messages to them as the site creator, as an administrator, as a group creator and as a friend. They all work. However, only as the site creator do you actually own their data. My primary Ning site is Small Business Network. Subscription through Ning can be powerful, but it takes much more work to join a Ning site than to opt into an email list. A big problem with Ning is that if somebody joins more than one site or group of yours, they can receive duplicate mail from you. If you're already established on Ning, incorporate it in your list building strategy. If not, to Ning or not to Ning will not be an easy question to answer.
- Facebook - A Facebook fan page widget lets Facebook members register for your page with one click. Based on my experience, response to posts runs at around 5%, about half the rate of email, which is good. The quality of traffic is superb with high average time spent on site. Your posts on Facebook can promote interaction and draw comments themselves from the members of your page, which helps you brand yourself. The potential also exists with Facebook pages to benefit from viral effects.
- Twitter - Posts on Twitter, or tweets as they're called, can easily be retweeted and spread virally throughout the site. In a future post, I might list the reasons why, not withstanding the viral effect, I like Twitter much less than I like Facebook for list building. Nevertheless, I'm very happy to make Twitter subscription available, and I love all the traffic it brings me. (I'm @larrybrauner.)
- Google Friend Connect - This is Google's attempt to add a social element to every website. I doubt that it's very successful from a social perspective, but it's from Google, so I'm in. If Google uses or will use GFC membership to assess the relevance of websites, I'm covered. One nice feature of GFC is its newsletters. Make sure you enable them and use them to email your GFC subscribers.
I also use RSS subscription for my blog, but it doesn't support interaction, and I believe that the response rate from RSS is very low.
If you're not yet a subscriber, please choose a destination and subscribe.
Your comments about list building or social media list building destinations are welcome.
|Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to my RSS feed or by e-mail. Visit my About, Services, Media Buzz and Connect pages to learn about Building Your Audience and Brand on the Web. See also my Disclosure Policy regarding affiliations and compensation.
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8 Reasons Why You Might NOT Be Promoting Yourself Enough
Filed Under Announcements, Best of 2010, Facebook, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Promoting Yourself, Public Relations | 28 Comments
Our website promotion event and social media party was an enormous success. Hundreds actively participated, introducing their web sites, engaging in dialog and making new connections.
Fortunately, the time frame for the networking phase of the event is open-ended, so drop by my Facebook page any time to meet some new people and check out what they're up to. I'll be busy working on the page for a few more days, reviewing web sites I haven't yet visited.
Our four-day event was in part an experiment, as Tom Woolf pointed out. A key takeaway for me is that many people are promoting their products, services, companies interests and causes but not sufficiently promoting them- selves.
Keeping a low profile may occasionally be appropriate. However, in general, self-promotion is integral to social media marketing and public relations.
These are eight reasons why self-promotion and injecting yourself into your content are very important:
- You transcend your interests. No interest or group of interests, no matter how passionate you are about them, can fully define you as a person. Admittedly, this point is too existential, so…
- Your subject matter might lose relevance. For example, your product can be discontinued or your company can go out of business. Your content will become irrelevant with no residual benefit from the effort you put into creating and promoting it. However…
- You're always relevant as a person. You have inherent value, and you're completely portable from one venue to another.
- You and I are unique. People aren't interchangeable, but products, services and organizations tend to be.
- You and I are memorable. People will come to remember us and our faces once they see us a few times.
- People prefer to do business with people they know, like and trust. It has always been that way, even before Al Gore allegedly invented the Internet. You and I can relate to people and build solid social capital.
- Synergy. Our diverse interests and content work to build a bigger and more insightful picture of us.
- Social media is uhh, social. You and I are social. Our jewelry and weight loss products merely facilitate social interaction. People relate to people, and their relationships are ongoing.
More about promoting yourself and personal branding in upcoming articles.
At this time, you can probably suggest additional reasons for keeping it social, and I expect that you will.
|Did you enjoy this article? Subscribe to my RSS feed or by e-mail. Visit my About, Services, Media Buzz and Connect pages to learn about Building Your Audience and Brand on the Web. See also my Disclosure Policy regarding affiliations and compensation.
|Sharing is Caring!
Facebook Fan Page Event Going Viral and Attracting Hundreds Already
Filed Under Facebook, Networking and Marketing Strategy, News, Outside the Box, Public Relations, Social Media and Social Networking Sites | 21 Comments
A few days into 2010, I launched a major publicity event in connection with my upcoming 58th birthday. The event will take place right on my Facebook fan page.
This event's premise is that each guest will post a link on my Facebook fan page, visible for all to see. They may link to a blog, a website or even a profile on one of the major social networking sites. I agreed to follow their link with the intention of commenting, sharing the link, or submitting it to social bookmarking sites.
When I undertook this unusual event, I was aware that I would be busy with it for weeks. I planned it very carefully with seven key objectives in mind:
- Win Win - I wanted each event participant to benefit, not only me.
- Interaction - I wanted to interact with each participant and start or nurture relationships. Community engagement is always a challenge.
- Meeting People - I wanted to expand my network and connect with new people.
- Collaboration - I wanted to share my expertise and influence. I believed that a good number of participants would want to do the same. Collaboration is a primary theme for me in 2010.
- Branding - I wanted to demonstrate that I could conceptualize and implement a creative and meaningful social media event as part of my overall walking the walk strategy.
- Leverage - In 2009 I reached out to many people. I wanted to do something that would include them and permit them to support me.
- Momentum - After a slow 2009 holiday season, I wanted to build new momentum. Last year's momentum was sustained by the articles I wrote and the growth of my network. This year's momentum will be sustained by community-oriented projects as well.
The initial reaction to my event on Facebook, Twitter and blogs has been very encouraging.
- Tom Woolf, author of The PRagmatist, was enthusiastic: "I want to give Larry Brauner a nod for trying a different kind of social media experiment."
- W. James Wright in Tweet it Toronto lamented "This is one for the 'Wish I Woulda Thoughta That File.'"
- Rachel McAlpine in Contented Blog said "How quickly the shiny- new Facebook became boring-boring same-old same-old. I'm happy to say that Larry's virtual party has already seeded my brain with other social marketing ideas."
As I prepare to publish this article, 260 people have indicated that they're "Attending" and 165 that they're "Maybe Attending." Entries will be accepted until the end of the event on January 14. I cover the details in 4+ Day Blog and Website Promotion Event and Social Media Party. It would help greatly if you could tweet that article (using this pre-formatted link).
If you could Digg this article and share it with acquaintances in the media, you'd be doing me an enormous favor.
Before I go, I must not forget to mention that there will be door prizes. The prizes and the winners will be announced some time after the completion of the event. Also, in case you're new here and wondering, subscribing and commenting are the accepted norms.
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Why Blogs Make More Sense
Filed Under Blogging, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Public Relations, Social Media and Social Networking Sites, Web Marketing | 25 Comments
As we begin 2010, I wish you real success, both online and off, in the year ahead.
In a video I've already already shown you, marketing expert Darren Rouse, author of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, explains in detail his blog-centric approach to building a web presence, in which his blogs are his home base, and social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube are his outposts.
Some readers have questioned the necessity of starting a blog, since a blog can consume more time than a business might be prepared to invest in their social media initiative.
I agree that starting a blog is not absolutely necessary.
Businesses can choose among various alternatives when establishing their social media home bases. However, these alternatives are less ideal than a blog for one or more of the following reasons:
- Inadequate Control - When a site is owned by someone else, they modify the terms or remove users arbitrarily, not caring at all that it's your home base.
- Inadequate Communication - The site's features don't sufficiently enable two-way communication between you and your community members.
- Inadequate Flexibility - The structure, linking or other features of the site are too rigid.
- Too Resource Intensive - The expense far exceeds the alternative cost of starting and maintaining a blog.
These are some major alternatives to the blog-centric approach and the reasons they are problematic:
- Static Website -Inadequate communication and flexibility.
- Your Own Ning Network or Facebook Page - Inadequate control and flexibility.
- LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Squidoo etc. - Inadequate control, communication and flexibility.
- Self-Hosted Social Networking Site - Too resource intensive.
Note also that search engines are consistently receptive to blogs, and that some social media sites and Facebook apps cater to blogs and bloggers.
If I couldn't use a blog for whatever reason, a static website (equipped for lead capture) coupled with a Facebook Page or perhaps my own Ning (or SocialGO) social networking sites might be workable, but…
There ain't nothing like a blog!
Start 2010 off right: Subscribe and leave a comment.
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8 Social Media Marketing Basics
Filed Under Best of 2009, Blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, List Building, Ning Sites, Personal Development and Success, Public Relations, Search Engines, Social Media and Social Networking Sites, Targeting, Twitter | 17 Comments
I've bookmarked and skimmed a dozen or more articles that project the path of social media in 2010. Collectively these articles represent many days of researching and writing.
Search Social Media 2010 on Google, and you'll be able to compile your own social media 2010 reading list. If the information in all the articles isn't sufficiently comprehensive, a list of 44+ social media books to buy and read can help fill the gaps.
Not that I don't like reading about trends and innovations — I do. However, I learned long ago that the bleeding edge cuts both ways, and there's merit in waiting until the timing is right.
Blogs and Facebook have been around for years, yet only recently have they emerged as key tools for main- stream businesses.
I suggest that we watch and see how social media and technology play out in 2010, but that we focus on the basics and build our web presences right now using techniques and resources at our fingertips.
Here are my eight social media marketing basics for building a web presence 2010:
- Core Marketing and PR Competencies - Analytics, branding, communication, competitive intelligence, design, list building, market segmentation, marketing research, targeting, etc.
- High-Quality Relevant Content - Producing and sharing articles, videos, podcasts, pictures, conference calls and talk shows.
- Search Engine Optimization - Social media and SEO complement each other. Read Social Media vs. Search Engine Optimization and Website vs. Web Presence.
- Blogging - Also in Website vs. Web Presence, Darren Rouse, author of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, shares in a video his blog-centric approach to social media marketing, an approach to which I subscribe.
- Social Networking Sites - Nearly any social media site can present opportunities to network. By social networking sites, I mean sites that exist primarily for networking rather than content sharing.The principal social networking sites for business are LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You can also throw into the mix Ning and other niche social networking sites.
- Content Sharing Sites - Two of the most popular content sharing sites are YouTube and Flickr, but there are many more.
- Social Bookmarking Sites - There are hundreds of business and social bookmarking sites. Two of my favorite sites are Business Exchange and StumbleUpon.
- Blog and Web Site Networks - There are many blog and website networks. My favorites include Entrecard, NetworkedBlogs, Technorati, MyBlogLog, BlogCatalog and Google Friend Connect.
With these social media basics, you can build a huge web presence in 2010. It's not possession of the latest technology or an inside scoop on a new FB app that'll enable you to soar in 2010. Your success will depend largely upon your own creativity, skills, efficiency and inner motivation.
I hope you have already mastered the all-important skills of subscribing to blogs and commenting on blog posts.
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10 Tips for Choosing a Social Media Consultant
Filed Under Best Practices, Best of 2009, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Public Relations, Social Media and Social Networking Sites, Web Marketing | 29 Comments
I hesitate to write an article about choosing a social media consultant because of concerns about bias and my obvious conflict of interests.
After writing Social Media Carpetbaggers and Snake Oil Salesmen, readers remarked that they had heard enough about the kinds of social media consultants to avoid and were ready to learn how to choose a good social media consultant.
The ten guidelines I present below are best practices for choosing and hiring social media consultants but can be adapted for choosing an SEO consultant, an Internet marketing consultant, or another type of business consultant.
Oh by the way, when I say "he", I mean "he, she or they." Biased I may be, but that biased, I'm not.
#1 - Walking the Walk - Many businesses know little about social media. For such a business, choosing and hiring a social media consultant is on a par with choosing a brain surgeon or hiring a rocket scientist. If there's no one in your business who knows about social media, enlist the help of an expert. Most high school or college kids can qualify.
Here are ten ways to tell whether your candidate is walking the walk:
- Established Blog - He has a blog and has been posting consistently to it for at least a year, and all the recent blog posts have comments.
- Articulate - He writes and speaks well and will be able to help you develop and evaluate content.
- Blog Subscribers - The subscriber count widget on his blog shows the number of subscribed readers. The more, the merrier.
- Web Presence - Google him and his blog. Each search should return at least a few pages of relevant results.
- Linking Out - His blog ought to link out to other blogs and websites.
- Facebook - With everybody and his brother joining Facebook these days, I expect that you will find him on Facebook too. He'll have many friends on his Facebook profile and fans on his page, if he has set one up.
- Twitter - While Twitter may not be a good fit for your business, each and every social media consultant has a profile on Twitter. More important than the number of people following him are the number of lists following him and how, judging by their names, the curators of those Twitter lists seem to characterize him.
- LinkedIn - Everybody in business is joining LinkedIn. There's a good chance that he'll be on LinkedIn and have more than 500 connections there.
- People Person - He needs to understand people. On his blog, Facebook and Twitter he interacts with people who respect him.
- Social Bookmarking - It's probably too much for you to check whether he uses social bookmarking sites, but ask. If he's puzzled, that's a bad sign. Some popular social bookmarking and content sharing sites are Digg, Delicious, Propeller, Flickr, YouTube, Reddit, diigo, Jumptags, Business Exchange and Google.
#2 - Past Accomplishments - Past successes help predict future ones, even in an unrelated field. Ask for and check references. Past employers and clients aren't likely to report any misgivings, but perhaps you can still learn something valuable. A lukewarm reference may signal dissatisfaction.
#3 - Questions Asked - Does he ask great questions about your business and what you want to accomplish, or is he selling to you like a used car salesman? Don't choose a consultant who fails to ask meaningful questions.
#4 - Appreciating Your Business - The person who is meant to be your social media consultant will "get" what your business is all about and appreciate or even share some of your passion for it.
#5 - Chemistry - You and he will hopefully work together for a long time. Rapport, communication and comfort are essential for a good long-term fit.
#6 - Sharp Thinking - Your social media program will consist of planning, execution and analytics. Therefore, your ideal social media consultant should be strong strategically, tactically and quantitatively.
#7 - Breadth and Depth - In order to see the big picture and master the details, not only is sharp thinking a must, your social media consultant should know a whole lot about a whole lot of things. Sharp thinking and extensive knowledge combine to promote creativity and excellence.
#8 - Money Issues - You have budgetary considerations, but never choose a social media consultant just because he's cheap. Don't let money impair your judgment. Find the right person to help you build your web presence and negotiate the terms with him.
# 9 - Distance Matters - All other things being equal, it's helpful if your social media consultant is local to you or within reasonable flying time and cost. However, don't let distance stop you from choosing the best social media consultant for your business.
#10 - Small Assignments - Don't make a long term commitment on Day 1. Hire your consultant for preliminary planning and competitive analysis. If he performs well, let him work to develop a more comprehensive plan, etc.
We've reached the point in the post where you usually comment. Make me look good.
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Social Media Carpetbaggers and Snake Oil Salesmen
Filed Under Measurement and Tracking, Networking and Marketing Strategy, News, Public Relations, Web Marketing | 19 Comments
In the past week, social media hype and the competency of social media consultants have been analyzed from different vantage points by prominent writers.
ClickZ published an article, Here Come the Social Media Carpetbaggers by Rebecca Lieb.
Social Media Carpetbaggers
Rebecca pointed out that a combination of the recession, the decline of traditional media, and the nearly zero cost and barrier-to-entry into social media has spawned 21st century "social media carpetbaggers, in all flavors and colors of the rainbow."
Which carpetbaggers?
It's reputable marketers who have built deservedly strong reputations in other digital disciplines: branding, creative, strategy, search, media, and a host of other specialties, who are suddenly labeling themselves "social."
These carpetbaggers are anxious to get their piece of social media marketing, and their dog-and-pony shows and social media clichés substitute for real experience, competence and substance.
Social Media Snake Oil
Business Week published Beware Social Media Snake Oil by Stephen Baker which portrayed social media consulting as sizzle more than steak.
Stephen criticized rigidity, conflicts of interest, reliance on soft metrics, and in the worst of cases, pure hype:
"It's a bit of a Wild West scenario," blogs David Armano, a consultant with the Dachis Group of Austin, Texas. Without naming names, he compares some consultants to "snake oil salesmen."
Beyond Social Media Snake Oil
The David Armano just cited added to the discussion in a subsequent article on his blog, Life After Social Media Snake Oil. David made some astute comparisons between the social media "hype and fuzzy metrics" and the denial surrounding the dot com bubble.
David ended his article by connecting the past and the future:
The true believers who stuck with the Web even when the bubble burst became the people you wanted to work with. If there is a shakeout in the social space, the same will happen. The true believers will remain, while others flock to the next hot field.
Social Media in Perspective
Mark Evans also picked up on the Business Week piece. Mark concludes that we need more perspective:
All the hype surrounding social media and tools such as Twitter and Facebook overshadow the fact that effective marketing and communications will continue to include a variety of tools. To counter all the happy talk from social media consultants about what could be, the biggest thing needed right now is perspective.
My Comments on What I've Read
I have several comments to make on the articles I've read:
- Not only social media, but web development, and website, social media and search engine optimization all have more than enough carpetbaggers and snake oil salesmen. In all these areas, service providers, and even their completed work, are difficult to evaluate. Licensing isn't required either, so they can easily hang up shingles and start practices. Sadly, they're practicing on your company.
- In the case of Rebecca Lieb's marketing firm turned social media carpetbagger, it's unfortunate that they haven't yet developed the strategic alliances they will need to compensate for a lack of experience that cannot be otherwise mitigated in the short run.
- Measuring ROI and developing other hard metrics was a concern shared by several authors. I protested already in my article, The Social Media ROI Obsession, that much of social media marketing is really public relations, and that the use of softer metrics may be appropriate in such a case.
- While the absence of clear financial justification may cause the social media marketing bubble to burst, I expect that public and customer relations, as well as B2B prospecting will continue to make good use of social media.
And now, it's your turn to comment on another hot topic.
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The Social Media ROI Obsession
Filed Under Best of 2009, Communication, Networking and Marketing Strategy, Public Relations, Social Media and Social Networking Sites | 13 Comments
As a business community, are we obsessed with return on investment? Is our preoccupation with measuring social media ROI counterproductive?
In this article I look at social media from what might be a novel perspective. I hope to convince you that social media use need not impact the bottom line over the short term, and that our belief that it ought to is impeding our progress.
I expect to provide a few other takeaways as well.
Are Marketing and PR Merging?
I was speaking with Jeffrey Cole, the marketing PR expert behind JJC Communications LLC, an agency using both social media and traditional public relations to achieve clients' goals. Jeff authors the blog PR 101.
I asked Jeff whether he agreed with me that marketing and public relations were converging. He said he agreed, and that he believed advertising was converging with them as well.
Can You Put a Value on Reputation?
I saw a video and article posted by Chris Boyer, creator of the Hospital Online Marketing Education site on Ning and online marketing consultant at Healthgrades. Chris was discussing social media and the importance of his four R's:
- Reach
- Relationship
- Reputation
- Return on investment
Regarding return on investment, Chris pointed out that measuring the ROI of social media was like trying to measure the ROI of a friendship.
I agreed with Chris' assessment of social media, but let me ask you this question: What about measuring the ROI of your reputation? Could you possibly place a value on your reputation? I say no. Your reputation is invaluable.
Public Relations
Defining PR, the Public Relations Society of America states that PR "helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other."
The PRSA definition of PR implies relationship, Chris Boyer's 2nd R of social media. Even the term itself, public relations, suggests relationship. The key word is relations. According to the Council of Public Relations Firms, public relations also:
- "Builds and protects reputations." Reputation is Chris' 3rd R.
- "Extends reach, frequency and the message of an advertising campaign." Reach is Chris' 1st R.
Marketing tends to revolve around cost per acquisition and ROI. However, public relations relies on softer metrics, and since reputation is invaluable, PR almost never requires ROI justification.
Public relations and social media are a perfect pairing according to Chris' four R's.
According to the American Marketing Association, "Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large."
The key word in this definition is offerings. Nothing is mentioned about reputation, although communicating and exchanging seem to correspond to reach and relationship.
Given marketing's basic orientation toward advertising offerings, an activity in conflict with social media, and that it tends to revolve around cost per acquisition and return on investment, marketing and social media might be incompatible.
There are marketing-related activities that are obvious exceptions.
Customer Relationship Management
Although customer relationship management and customer service are marketing functions, they differ from marketing conceptually.
CRM and customer service focus on relationships more than offerings and are tracked using soft metrics such as time to answer call, call length, first call resolution, sales, saves, etc.
Many attempts to interact with customers on Twitter and to broadcast limited-time offers to them have been successful.
Selling, according to Wikipedia, is "persuading someone to buy one's product or service," i.e., to buy one's offerings, and relationship is certainly essential for selling success. However, the key word here is persuading.
Social networking sites such as LinkedIn can support the sales process and replace much less convenient offline meetings.
Social media prospecting, if done well, can open doors which have been closed until now. Perhaps though, the persuading part of selling will go more smoothly if taken offline.
One-to-one selling using business networking sites to make connections is working for many people.
Image Advertising
As I said above, marketing almost always requires ROI justification.
There are some marketing efforts that don't directly increase sales. Big companies can advertise their brands like Coke and Pepsi in order to maintain parity and to create economic barriers to entry into their markets.
These marketing campaigns are brand and reputation centric, and as such the public relations function could presumably conduct the very same campaigns just as effectively.
Social Media Marketing
If social media is largely a public relations tool, then what is social media marketing or social marketing?
Social marketing is web PR as practiced by marketing people who hope (pray?) that their social media outreach will eventually spill over into sales and justify their efforts.
We as marketers find it difficult to admit to ourselves and to others that we're engaged in PR, but we are.
Do our companies really need more PR?
Marketers have long understood the importance of listening to customers. Today social media facilitates useful dialogue with and understanding of both customers and prospects.
The Long Tail of Social Media
Social media is an investment with a very long tail. The content we create and the relationships we build can continue to bring a return far into the future. The revenue in the ROI equation is the present value of future dividends arising from our social media investment.
Social media used wisely ought to pay off. We can't yet say exactly how-so nor how-much-so, but we'll never find out unless we remove the impediment to progress, our obsession with social media ROI.
I found 35 social media KPIs to help measure engagement on the web and think that you'll like it. I'm regularly researching and bookmarking new articles for you on my new Bookmarks page.
Keep the faith.. and leave me your comment.
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Entrepreneur, strategic consultant and professional speaker specialising in technology, education and social impact.
In 2012 I co-founded and scaled Code Club, a global network of over 13,000 after school coding clubs for 9-13 year olds until 2016 when I led it to a merger with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
I believe in equal opportunity for all people no matter who they are or where they come from - the companies I work with are all using technology to increase access to education, training, networks, finance and support for those who need it most.
I'm evangelical about lifelong learning and excited about the new opportunities that technology provides in this area - I'm happiest at the intersection of innovative technology, social impact and education.
I currently advise a growing portfolio of early stage education and technology (software and hardware) companies in Europe and North America. My advisory and consultancy roles cover: building communities, motivating volunteers, scaling operations, building valuable partnerships, fundraising for not for profits and building an effective team.
I speak regularly about social impact, technology, education, and starts ups at conferences around the world.


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Our Case Management Supervisor, Elizabeth Higgins, joined our team in 2013 and specialized in employment and housing. A former employee of the Department of Children and Families, she also worked with families and children with mental health needs. At LTLC, Beth is overseeing our tireless team of case managers and services that end homelessness.
"Having the opportunity to work in the social work field has been a great experience. Working at LTLC has been opening my eyes. Often, people jump so quickly into conclusions about homeless individuals. They could see them carrying a sign on the streets and start judging them without knowing what's happening in their life that brought them to that point."
Leading our Housing Case Managers, Beth ensures that all of our clients get the support they need to eventually transition into housing and remain independent.


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Don't forget to keep refreshing this page and checking back to get the most up-to-date results coverage!
After four title matches and the return of John Cena last week, SmackDown is ready to move on to the Royal Rumble. Speaking of the Royal Rumble, John Cena & AJ Styles will have a contract signing for their championship match. Stick around! Coverage starts at 8 pm EST.
PROMO (In-Ring): Miz and Maryse are here to start off our 2017 SmackDown adventure. Miz says his News Years resolution is to be more forgiving, and there is one person that owes him an apology. That person is Renee Young. He invited Renee out, and she doesn't appear. He says he is holding the show hostage until Renee comes out to give a formal apology. Miz can't believe that she would sacrifice her journalistic integrity for dirty deeds with Dean Ambrose. That brings Dean out. Miz hides behind Maryse, who then slaps Dean. Miz tucks tail and starts to leave, and Maryse joins him. As they're leaving, Dean says the hard part of his night is over because she hits a lot harder than he does.
*Commercial Break*
MATCH: Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
RESULTS: Baron Corbin wins via pinfall.
THOUGHTS: This was a great match. I'm glad Corbin won, but I hope this is just a one off match.
After the match, Corbin grabs a chair to attack Dolph but then Kalisto comes out. When Dolph comes to his senses, he superkicks Kalisto! Heel turn, baby.
*Commercial Break*
PROMO (Backstage): Carmella asks Ellsworth if he would escort her to the ring for her match later tonight.
PROMO (Backstage): Ziggler comes into the locker room throwing trashcans and chairs, and then Apollo Crews says what he did to Kalisto was uncalled for. Ziggler attacks, and they are separated by Mojo and Rhyno.
*Commercial Break*
MATCH: Becky Lynch vs. La Luchadora
RESULTS: Becky Lynch via submission.
THOUGHTS: This was confusing..
After the match Becky unmasks La Luchadora for it to be Alexa Bliss! But then another La Luchadora comes out and helps Alexa beat down Becky.
*Commercial Break*
CONTRACT SIGNING: Daniel Bryan presides over the contract signing for John Cena & AJ Styles for the Royal Rumble. AJ is trying to figure out why they are even having this contract signing. He looks at Daniel Bryan and says that they go back over 12 years. From high school gyms to selling out arena's they did what they did because they love wrestling. He says that John Cena isn't like that, yet he returns after four months to get a title shot. Daniel Bryan says that last week SD beat Raw for the first time in ratings, and thats because AJ Styles main evented that show, and John Cena made his big return. So they are going to keep the momentum going and give them the match that will blow the roof off. John Cena vs. AJ Styles. And AJ shouldn't be worried since he already beat John. AJ ridicules him for getting a title shot from his brother in law, and the fact that SmackDown beat Raw in ratings with him as champ not John Cena. They can be successful without John Cena. AJ says everything he said about The Rock is now true about John Cena. He lost his passion, and left the business high and dry. Sure, John has been great for WWE for a long time. And puts emphasis on the has been. AJ says that its even more pathetic that when he looks in the mirror he will never be The Rock in Hollywood, and in the ring he will never be AJ Styles. AJ signs the contract. John says that part of being a man is admitting when you're wrong, apologizing, and pushing back when someone steps over the line. He says AJ made the biggest mistake of his life, he pissed off John Cena. He says he is right, he needs a win to prove he belongs even though he never left. He has lost all respect for AJ Styles, and he is nothing but a punk bitch. He sarcastically congratulates AJ Styles for bowing up to John Cena, but he is about to make him look even more stupid. He says he still has his passion and even more of it, and then signs the contract. After he signs, out comes Baron Corbin. Corbin says that he won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal, and announces he is in the Royal Rumble and will be winning it. And he doesn't matter which of them is champ, he is leaving WrestleMania as champ. Cena says that he wants to pick a fight with Baron, and throws the table. Then gets blindsided by AJ.
PROMO (Backstage): Maryse is backstage and comes up to Renee and lays a wicked slap on her. She says that she deserves it, and she should never lay her hands on her husband again.
*Commercial Break*
MATCH: Carmella (w James Ellsworth) vs. Aliyah
RESULTS: Carmella wins via submission.
THOUGHTS: Seeing Ellsworth actually get involved in the match to help Carmella is weird..
*Commercial Break*
MATCH: American Alpha vs. Breezango
RESULTS: American Alpha wins via pinfall.
THOUGHTS: This lasted about 8 seconds. I expected The Wyatt Family to show up.
Oh.. There's The Wyatt Family. Bray pops up on the screen saying that nothing last forever so they need to cherish this while they can. Bray says that they may think they have broken the family, but they've only made it stronger. Next week they reclaim their titles.
*Commercial Break*
PROMO (In-Ring): Nikki is here to address Natalya. Nikki says she wishes she could hate Natty, but she can't. Nikki says her and her sister have worked for everything they have and to make the Bella name mean something, and not just feeding off a family legacy like the Harts. Every family has a nobody, and thats Natty. Natty says she expected her to attack her family, and that she believes Brie and Nikki have gotten everything they have from their sex appeal. But beauty fades, and when hers does John will leave her and she will die alone. Nikki snaps and hits a huge forearm knocking Natty out and leaves.
*Commercial Break*
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: The Miz (c) (w Maryse) vs. Dean Ambrose
During the match, Maryse is tossed from ringside.
RESULTS: Dean Ambrose wins via pinfall becoming the new Intercontinental Championship.
THOUGHTS: I really don't like this. Unless Miz wins the Royal Rumble I didn't want Miz to lose the belt.


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I just got back from China where I ran quite a bit on a treadmill. Great to be back in Pasadena.
On Sunday I ran up Brown Mt to join the Ken Burton Trail restoration work again. This great trail, build in the early 1990s by the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association (MWBA), links the end of the Mt. Brown fireroad with the Gabrielino trail just upstream from Oakwild. It was an old favorite of mine, but was damaged in the 2009 Station Fire and has been closed off since. Local mountain bikers (MWBA, CORBA) are rebuilding the trail. Here is a CORBA status update written after the last trail work day in November:
The mountain bikers are a great group- I had no idea they put so much into trail work in the local mountains. I met three bikers who, it turns out, also served as (bike-mounted) trail sweeps at the AC100 last year. These are the same folks that did last minute trail clearing for the race after storms during race week brought down deadfall in certain sections of the race course. I've been sharing the trail work dates on local trail running FB pages but so far no other trail runners have shown up.
Its been fun to work with these folks: Load up a pack with work boots and work clothes, a bow saw and water, then run up to the KBT trailhead (7 miles, 2000 ft), trot in on the KB trail to the worksite, change into work clothes and spend the day clearing trail and grading with a MacLeod, carted up by the bikers on a trailer. Then change back into running shoes and run down. Good for a 17 miler (plus a solid upper body workout!)


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"Because basketball courts in the summer got girls there" - "Summertime" by Fresh Prince
While the presence of the opposite gender at basketball games in the summer shouldn't be your only motivation to play ball, we completely understand the need the need to look fresh. However, we will not sacrifice looking fresh for a lack of performance. Thankfully, the last few years have seen a boom in shoe technology which has left us with a ton of options when it come to playing. Whether your game is built for the hardwood, or it shines the most when it is keeping it real on the blacktop, we have you covered as far as what you should be rocking during the hotter months of the year. From court feel, to the best cushioning around, to the best traction around, check out the The Best Basketball Sneakers For the Summer.
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23 July, 2012
Guest Review of BREAKING BAD 5.02: 'Madrigal'
Shawn returns to guest write a review and this time his will be the only one because I am dying from the black plague. So enjoy his opinion! Note, his thoughts do not necessarily represent those of the crazed staff of writers at whateverthisis. Nor is he held to any standard in writing. ENJOY!
Serialized shows like Chuck or Breaking Bad focus on one character and create a journey that allows the character to evolve from one person to another. Along the way different people enter their orbit and are affected by the decisions they make over the journey. Everything is from their point of view and so every decision they make and every choice they choose has an effect on the story going forward. It is an incredibly intimate storytelling method and it creates the biggest problem for a show..... what happens when the main character reaches the end of the journey set in the beginning? What happens when everything was about that protagonist/antagonist and outside characters and story was not developed as well? What happens when the main character is at the top and master of all he survey's? What happens when an NBC or AMC decide that they will renew your show even though the odds of that happening was the same odds as world peace?
I think there are 2 very major reasons (and a few minor ones too) why this season of Breaking Bad has not been up to its usual greatness, the first being that Vince Gilligan created in the first 4 seasons a story of Walter White becoming Scarface and at the end of season 4 that journey was complete. He has said in various interviews that the end of season 4 could have been a great series finale and that Walt's journey had been complete. Now this is the same thing that happened to CHUCK, Season 1 flowed well into 2 and season 2 flowed well into its best season 3....at the end of 3.13 or 3.19 that was a potential end of the series, Chuck went from boy to man to spy to hero and along the way got the girl. Chris Fedak and Josh Schwartz like Vince Gilligan thought this was the end and created endings to the journey's of their leader with the thought that the end was nigh. Vince Gilligan had every right to make the same call, if anyone witnessed the AMC - Mad Men contract negotiation war....they would know that there was a chance that if AMC would fuck with Mad Men than what would they do to Breaking Bad? and so the question arises, what does a show like Chuck or Breaking Bad do when they get renewed and were not expecting it? you get weak seasons 4 and 5 of Chuck and you get a weak season 5 of Breaking Bad thus far. That brings me to my second point, with everything being about Walt or Chuck...how do you move a show forward when the characters were at their highest point? I mean are we now going to see character regression, progression, contrivances, bullshit?
After the jump we shall delve into what I liked and what I found problematic about this episode and season thus far.
"Madrigal" continues the domino effect of Walt killing Gus, Gus' Office is checked and bank numbers are found and employees are rooted out by the DEA and certain employees get nervous and take hits on on the other employees and a German executive commits suicide on a toilet! None of that would have been a problem on any other show but this is Breaking Bad. Would Gus have really left his Bank account numbers and passwords on a picture frame? or would he have left the laptop full of evidence in his legal business? would Gus have done any number of these stupid things when we have come to know him as such a perfectionist? Vince Gilligan has said that getting an unexpected renewal means they have to start the story from scratch and they have done that but they have taken a lot of shortcuts to ramp up the tension and that is not Breaking Bad, Breaking Bad is methodical and takes its time and plays the long game....this is unsettling to say the least. This makes Mikes decision to join Walt and Jesse feel contrived and bullshitty...Gus exposes Mike and all his fortune doing something Gus would never do and so Mike is forced to do something Mike would never do because of something Gus would never have done and now we can continue the story of Walt, Jesse, Mike and Saul owning the South's Drug trade! Awesome!
That rant aside there are some very good moments in this episode. Jonathan Banks was brilliant as Mike in this episode, just fucking fantastic. His minimalistic approach to acting allows us to slow down and see a man who is weary and tired and frustrated with all this bullshit that is happening all around him. He has Walt being an unpredictable piece of dynamite waiting to go off at any time, he has the winging bitch whose name I have forgotten taking out on him and all his guys and he has Hank grilling him and cracking wise with him and calling him by his first name even though he did not give Hank permission to do so. His humanity of not killing Lydia because she has a daughter and he has a granddaughter was a nice moment for our wise guy and I look forward to where this goes next.
Walt and Jesse had few scenes in this episode but they were good ones. Aaron Paul just keeps breaking my heart with his phenomenal performance as Jesse, when he broke down and started crying about how he was sorry for being stupid...I got to say Walt's death cannot come soon enough. Walt continues to manipulate and connive and keep Jesse under his thumb and as Mike keeps saying...Jesse should just run as fast as he can from the man who knocks.
So a weak second episode that is for sure, and a very shaky start to the final season. I am a sucker though for shows like these that swing for the fences and try their best even though they are under constant threat of cancellation. Chuck withered off and limped into the sunset due to having to create 50 different series finales, Breaking Bad has had to create at least 3 series finales and I do feel for the show runners when they are caught between a rock and a hard place...a studio and network who are trying to nickel and dime everything. I have hope that Breaking Bad will get better and look forward to it doing so....until then adios.
Episode Rating 75 out of 100
--Shawn Mahone
7 comments:
- AnonymousJuly 23, 2012 at 6:46 PM
I actually liked this episode.ReplyDelete
I apparently liked this episode more than Shawn.ReplyDelete
- Shawn MahoneJuly 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM
On the Breaking Bad Insider Podcast Vince Gilligan said his writers spent 3 weeks per episode working out all the kinks and making sure everything is perfect. Other shows do not get that, not by a long shot and so I thought with that amount time they should have avoided the issues I brought up, Lydia erked me more than I let on, I did not think it was an awful episode just not Breaking Bad awesome.ReplyDelete
Anyhow, one mans opion.Replies
I thought what they got right, they got really right and overshadowed more of the nagging problems. I'd have given it 88 out of 100.Delete
But I do agree that Mike's decision was contrived. But most of this series is written this way. It seems like every important decision is tied up this way. There are no happy accidents of actual life. Everything lines up.
Don't use a car bomb? You will later because nothing goes to waste on this show (which is how I figured out last season's finale before I watched the episode). So, ask Mike to join you? See a meeting in a diner about killing people? No worries, they will both work things out where Mike joins the crew.
Once you start to notice these things, the show will rarely, if ever, surprise you.
- AnonymousJuly 24, 2012 at 12:28 AM
Breaking Bad got renewed for season 4 and 5 and they weren't expecting to?ReplyDelete
is that the truth?Replies
I don't know about a season 4 since that's when I started watching new episodes. But a 5th season was pretty much a lock once the show did well in the ratings. However, this show shoots its entire season before airing, so they had no idea what would happen in that regard.Delete
- Shawn MahoneJuly 24, 2012 at 8:39 AM
Mad Men and Breaking Bad's ratings have improved year on year but they still suck compared to cable standards. I mean in the early going Mad Men's rating's were under a million (I think). Compare these ratings to The Walking Dead and you see that being renewed was never a certainty, though being Emmy winners would definately help. The AMC, Lionsgate and Wiener war must have had an effect on Breaking Bad too during season 4 but on the plus side Vince Gilligan comes across as a much nioer guy than Matt Wiener, Matt Wiener comes across as a guy who needs to be punched in the face, lol, repeatedly. So maybe AMC went easier with Sony, you never know.Delete


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Home >> FAQs/Tutorials >> Oracle Tutorials
Oracle Tutorials - DROP TABLE Statement
By: FYIcenter.com
(Continued from previous topic...)
How To Drop an Existing Table?
If you want to delete an existing table and its data rows, you can use
the DROP TABLE statement as shown in this script:
SQL> connect HR/fyicenter
SQL> CREATE TABLE emp_dept_10
2 AS SELECT * FROM employees WHERE department_id=10;
Table created.
SQL> DROP TABLE emp_dept_10;
Table dropped.
Be careful, when you use the DROP TABLE statement. All data rows are gone too.
(Continued on next topic...)
Oracle Tutorials:
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Related Resources:
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After watering and caring for her plants for the past month, Linda now has some blooming flowers! They still could use a bit of color… Can you help make her garden bright and vibrant? Ask your parents to download and print this coloring page and bring Linda's garden to life! budurl.me/Worksheet114
Filed under: Coloring Pages, Spring, Worksheet of the Week | Tagged: coloring page, Spring, worksheet of the week | Leave a comment »


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Hot Doc magazine reveals that the head of the Greek Police induced violent acts against immigrants in one of his speeches. Amnesty International intervened by demanding the investigation of the case by the government. The audio file with the statements of the Police Chief [in Greek] Amnesty International issued a statement demanding the prompt investigation … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: December 2013
"…suspended by their necks"
By katerina Kati and Maria Dima Chilling documents emerge from the court case against Golden Dawn: the blood-thirsty oath of storm troops, initiation of children, black propaganda and plans of mass murder of opponents. Photographic documents of Golden Dawn members saluting in a Nazi fashion in front of Golden Dawn's symbols and wearing Ku Klux … Continue reading
Indictment of Coast Guard officers for torture of refugee
It is a case going back to 2007 when the refugee was transported to the port of Chios. The allegations regarded torture involving strangling, suffocation, mock execution and other forms of blatant violations of human dignity. Six and three years on parole, respectively, were the sentences decided by the 5-member Naval Court of Pireaus for … Continue reading
They knifed high school students and promised members jobs in the public sector!
Neonazis slammed in shocking testimonies New disturbing information – in addition to an already grave collection of evidence – has been made available to Court of Appeal investigative judges Mesdames Ioanna Klapa and Maria Dimitropoulou, who have taken over from special investigative judges Messrs Spiros Georgouleas and Charalampos Papakostas in putting together charges against the … Continue reading
School exclusion for Roma students
20/11/13 DIMAR's MP Maria Giannakaki and the Greek Helsinki Monitor have lodged a complaint against the principal of a primary school in Spata who has denied the acceptance of children from the Kiafas settlement and has furthermore mislead the minister of Education By Dimitris Aggelidis A matter of misinformation of the Parliament regarding the condemned … Continue reading


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File photo by Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, died this morning, according to Associated Press reports quoting a family friend. Doctors advised against further treatment of her cancer, which had spread to her liver. She was 61 years old.
Her family released a statement saying "[T]oday we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life. On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family."
President Obama issued a statement on Edwards' passing saying: "In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."
Edwards, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, leaves behind three children. Their son Wade died in a car accident at the age of 16. Edwards was a lawyer and best-selling author who also played a prominent role in her husband's presidential campaigns and more recently in the push for health care reform. Elizabeth and John Edwards separated this year after Mr. Edwards admitted to having an affair.
In 2007, Judy Woodruff reported on Elizabeth Edwards announcing that her breast cancer, first diagnosed in 2004, had returned but would not stop his bid for the Democratic nomination. Dr. Julie Gralow, associate director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and an oncologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, spoke with Woodruff about breast cancer and innovations in cancer treatment.
After learning of her prognosis, Edwards posted a statement on her Facebook page, saying:
You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.
With love,
December 6, 2010
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Edwards spoke to NPR last year about "Facing Life's Adversities."
She talked to Charlie Rose in a two-part interview about her book 'Resilience' in 2009.


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Ecological Assessment of Effects (AEE)
AB Ecology Ltd is well experienced in the area of ecological assessments of effects for both large and small scale projects. We have experience in urban and rural subdivision; infrastructure, development; stream works, discharges and abstractions.
We use a variety of scientific methodologies (see services) to help quantify effects of a given activity and determine options for avoidance, remedy or mitigation. Our comprehensive technical reports are tailored to provide robust information to support applications for activities requiring a resource consent.
Using in-house knowledge and our associate networks, AB Ecology can provide ecological support from project conception right through to expert advice and evidence for Environment Court hearings.
Examples of projects
Project name: Puhinui Reserve Equestrian facility
Client - Sporthorse NZ
An assessment and inventory of botanical and habitat values as part of a feasibility study for a proposed international standard equestrian facility at Puhinui Reserve, Manukau.
Project name: Eocene Developments Subdivision
Client - Eocene Developments
Assessment of botanical, wildlife habitat and freshwater habitat values on two large properties near
Kaiwaka, Kaipara District. Evaluation of the ecological significance and recommendations for protection, management and enhancement.
Project name: Whangarei Heights Subdivision
Client - Whangarei Heights Ltd
Ecological assessment of effects for proposed 200-lot subdivision on outskirts of Whangarei, Northland.
Project name: Duck Trust Subdivision
Client: Duck Trust Ltd
Botanical assessment of ecological effects of 60-lot subdivision at Mangawhai, Northland.
Project name: Oborn Subdivision
Client - Oborn Consulting Group Ltd
Botanical and freshwater assessment of effects of 44-lot subdivision at Lang Cove, Northland.


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Year : 2014
Style : Progressive Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 175 mb
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Skyliner is a hurricane of any and all shades of traditional and power metal, with a progressive mind's eye at the center of the storm. Built on a vicious DIY attitude, entirely self-made and contained, Skyliner has never compromised, either in evolving and perfecting their art since the first demo in 2005, or in delivering (literally) explosive live shows in metal-hostile territory, ever providing the local scene with a dose of healthy fear. In the compositions, Skyliner throws away the life jackets, providing an emotional punch to the gut centered around personal tragedy, victory, and spiritual exploration rather than latching onto the tried-and-true/tried-and-failed fantasy concepts often prevelant in metal descended from the traditional style. There won't be any shelter found musically, either, as the band eschews the overproduced notion of modern metal and lets the raging riffs, fluid leads, deluge of bass, thundering drums/percussion, commanding vocals, and pulse of keyboards all flow equally together but seperate, forming a unique surge of power that never leaves out the blood, rain, sweat, or tears. In 2013, Skyliner signed a worldwide record deal with Limb Music Germany and will be releasing the full-length debut, 'Outsiders', mixed and mastered by Jamie King (Scale The Summit, Between The Buried And Me), in the first half of 2014.At its dark heart, Skyliner is a tide of discontent and a voyage to freedom, and the tempest has now arrived to devastate all islands of fraud. The waves are shifting. The condition - black. You've been warned.
To be in a band remotely related to the realms of Progressive and Power, is to be an immensely accomplished instrumentalist in your own right. However, it is all too easy for entire bands to be lost in the sea of generic driven mass, regardless of the title of 'progressive', swamped in unusual and atonal melodic progressions and multi-rhythmic drumming. Sometimes even the lyrics can become a drawl; who wants to hear about the same knight fighting the same dragon across 10 different bands? This is where Floridians SKYLINER come into play, ablaze with fresh ideologies, tried-and-true Power Metal establishments with Progressive embellishments, and very real lyrical philosophies.The intro track blew me away with its eerie soundscape and powerful vocal delivery, not unlike a cross between VOLBEAT's Michael Poulsen and ex-ICED EARTH vocalist Matthew Barlow. Pulling no punches is "Symphony in Black" delivering a speedy and uplifting cascade of riffs steeped in creative melodies. Jake delivers a unique vocal effort, sticking to an aggressive Heavy Metal approach with unusual, yet catchy inflections in his melodies. "Forever Young" is a powerful track that hits home with passages evolving in both speed and technicality, with abrupt crescendos marked by drastic blast-offs in tempo; an incredibly solid track with creative drumming and even more diverse vocal performances.I would devote a significant portion of my writing towards the epic "Worlds of Conflict", wherein the lads "pulled a DREAM THEATER" and wrote an enormous, 21-minute track. Rarely does one hear something of such epic proportions. Never stale, it seamlessly weaves in and out of passages of their own individuality that coalesce into powerful crescendos, or on the other hand may diverge into various sentient soundscapes. The bass work in this track is thoroughly impressive, going past a meat-and-potatoes approach to offer an astounding array of dynamics to add to a track that would ordinarily require a great amount of fleshing-out. I stress, this is not something you would chuck on to fit the mood. Absorb it, and embrace it.Individually, the tracks are excellent. The 21 minute monster is at a masterpiece level, I cannot get enough of it. If I had a single qualm it would be that each of the tracks are 'too' different from the next, that the album feels more like a collection of works as opposed to, well, an 'album'. But then, I could be wrong; I could be too used to listening to 2-hour, drawlish concept albums. It is my belief that the end product was their 100% intention. They have done this right.
Jake Becker - Vocals, Guitars (2000-present)
Ben 'The Ben' Brenner - Drums, Percussion (2000-present)
David Lee Redding - Bass, Vocals (backing)
Ashley Flynn - Keyboards
1. Signals 02:56
2. Symphony in Black 07:07
3. Undying Wings 06:34
4. Forever Young 07:55
5. Aria of the Waters 08:26
6. The Human Residue 07:36
7. Dawn of the Dead 07:20
8. The Alchemist 06:57
9. Worlds of Conflict 21:01
Please my link you can´t spread further and don´t upload to other hostings!!!
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Clubs / Bars
- Spike Blake - Half of Dueling Pianos is largely a corporate level touring act... BUT occasionally Spike performs at bars/clubs.
- Spike does not perform at the typical dueling pianos bars such as Howl at the Moon, or Ernie Biggs. Spike takes his Half of Dueling Pianos show to bars/clubs for One Night HIGH IMPACT performances.
- These bars / clubs typically have bands on a regular basis, but Spike and his team helps them market his show ( if they need help) as "AN EVENT" instead of the 4 hour exhaustive marathon most bands and bar goers endure.
- Spike offers them a whole different level of entertainment that usually is a big marquee draw.
- Spike toured the country in the 80's playing tons of clubs as the lead singer for the biggest Rock band in the mid west - The Clique.
- Throughout the 90's he toured the U.S.A. (based out of Nashville) as the leader of one of the nations most popular country acts - The Spike Blake Band,
So when it comes to knowing how to entertain a crowd in a bar or club, Spike is second to none!
Bar / Club Video
Bar / Club Testimonial
We have had several bands here before with good success. But Spike, with his "Half of Dueling Pianos Show" brought the crowd to their feet. He had customers singing and dancing that we had never seen get that excited here. Do NOT have Spike entertain you if you are not ready for one of the most "High Energy "shows you have ever participated in. Spike had not even left the building when we had people asking when he would be back or telling us we have to get him back.
We are looking forward to having Spike back to repeat his amazing show. Thanks Spike for a great evening.
Dave & Enola Kerns, owners.


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The Challenge: Bodice
Fabric: Silk Taffeta and Cotton Velveteen
Pattern: TV 405 Vest Basque
Year: 1872
Notions: Buttons, thread,
How historically accurate is it? 70%
Hours to complete: 15?
First worn: Planning to wear to the Easter Bonnet Promenade
Total cost: All from stash
Finished the buttons last night. I am happy to have completed this within 2 weeks. I will have to look at adding more details later but for now it looks pretty good. Here are a couple more pictures. I need to iron the skirts and I will need a correct petticoat. It doesn't fit well on m dress dummy but that's okay when I wear it I will get some pictures then.
Side view of completed outfit.
Definitely need to add a bottom trim or ruffle.


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The smart phone and the tablet are transforming the web landscape. Not only is mobile changing the web, it is transforming our communication and buying habits.
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Here are the facts.
In 2012 Ebay's mobile payment volume
PayPal's mobile volume was
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Some of our Magento Responsive Website Designs
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Make more sales
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Gain a competitive advantage over your competitors
Improve your search engine optimisation
Are you considering designing and upgrading your website for mobile?
The team at Infinity can help you. Talk to us now for more information and a free quote.


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Operating a corporation is not a walk in the park. A person must be very careful and innovative in running a business. Managing a business is a big responsibility for homeowners and protecting your business is one of those duties. Many trade laws apply to the state in which you conduct your business, and these laws are used to settle disputes between a company and a customer or another company. It is not pleasant for the homeowner to know everything about the laws, so the best way to hire commercial litigators.
There are several legal problems involved in running a business. B. Customer claims and claims, claims of other companies, patent laws, liability for premises and product liability. To solve any problems, experienced lawyers are needed who can solve these problems with ease. Many commercial litigators can do this job, but they will not all suit your business. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer for your business.
When choosing a commercial litigation lawyer for your business, it is essential that you understand your needs. The requirements may vary by a patent expert for companies that do a lot of research while securing a claims settlement application is required if you own a private company. The requirements depend on the nature of your business and the type of legal issues you fall into. Keep these tips in thought when picking a commercial lawyer for your business.
Be patient
It is very important to have patience in choosing a lawyer in Encino for your business. A bad choice can be harmful to you and your business. You need to be very patient in finding lawyers and be sure to consult with all the commercial litigation attorneys available in your area before choosing one. Many online websites offer you the service of finding a lawyer for your business. You need to specify your needs on these pages, and you will be looking for the lawyers that best suit your needs. These sites are known to deliver accurate results. However, it is recommended that you review all options before making your decision.
Lawyers from Steven J Horn Law Offices, a business law firm in Encino, play an important role in protecting your business from legal issues. Business lawyers provide the necessary services and make sure that your business never gets stuck in a legal problem. They help you by giving you good advice on how to deal with complicated situations and also help you with the comparisons and claims that a competing customer or business can have with you. If you engage in research, these lawyers can help you with patent rights and ensure that all your inventions and intellectual property remain secure and are not copied by any of your competing companies.
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