Saturday, August 18, 2012

Self-Published Books Are Dynamic 'Business Cards' ? Publishing ...

For those?who want to learn more about marketing their?books ??and do so free or at?low-cost ? guess what? The tools are right in front of?you like low hanging fruit, ready to be picked :)

To publish and?market your big??masterpiece? for lucrative purposes, you might first?try self-publishing smaller works?for non-lucrative purposes (and they might even?make a few bucks, too).?

Are you with me? Or are you thoroughly confused?

Self-publishing can cut through tons of red tape and?time-consuming study programs to give you instant credibility,?expertise, build your fan base and establish a platform from which to launch your ?masterpiece? (and subsequent works)?? not to mention a calling card that showcases your talent.

All of this assumes, of course, that you possess a modicum of talent.

Scott Steinberg, a professional keynote speaker, business strategist?and?CEO of TechSavvy Global, a management consulting and market research firm,?explains more in this article from Huff Post Business:

What the Publishing Industry Doesn?t Want You to Know

Outside of 50 Shades of Grey, self-publishing a book is seldom lucrative ? but for entrepreneurs, executives and authors alike, it can also be an exercise that?s well worth taking. Not only do self-published works establish subject matter expertise, provide a platform for growing visibility via media and speaking engagements, and offer a vehicle through which to rise above increasingly impenetrable volumes of marketing-, PR- and social media-generated noise. They also act as a signature calling card for you and your business; heighten trust and engagement; serve as demonstrations of your talents and services; provide a low-risk way to test potential markets; act as a unique promotional leave-behind; let you cost-effectively garner fan feedback; create added revenue streams; and, most importantly, offer an immediate way to set an individual, brand or company apart.

An inside secret: Many authors actually refer to them as ?business cards? ? because that?s exactly how they can function. Many savvy content creators likewise use them to create direct customer relationships, build a community following and create a stable income-generating platform through which to launch future products, services, and startups. But the truly wise? They?ll leverage such opportunities to create heightened visibility, open doors (including securing otherwise unattainable networking, speaking and consulting opportunities) and negotiate better deals. Successful authors not only enjoy heightened awareness and a boost in perceived value. They may further find it?s far easier to bargain with prospective publishing partners, should they wish to expand into new areas or volumes. Establish audience demand, build ongoing revenue channels and cultivate one-to-one customer relationships, and you not only mitigate risk for all parties involved. If you can prove out demand for your works, and are already bringing money in the door, you?ll also be able to negotiate better deals. Leverage gained can allow you to comfortably refuse onerous terms, retain greater equity in creations and enjoy the freedom to step away from failing partnerships without fear.

Better still, thanks to the rise of technology, online and social media tools, suddenly, anyone can advertise and promote their works affordably ? meaning, for the most part, that you can tell coaches and consultants to take a hike. However, for those who do choose to go the DIY route, it also bears remembering: Even in the best of cases, from a promotional standpoint, due to the sheer volume of products, services and announcements competing for attention, you?re still screaming into a wind tunnel. Happily though, with a little ingenuity and a good hook, you too can effectively market your works to the masses, potentially scoring high-profile placements and media mentions. Interested in getting started? Having successfully launched new publishing label READ.ME, and launched two back-to-back bestsellers (The Crowdfunding Bible and Modern Parent?s Guide) featured in dozens of leading press outlets, we counsel keeping in mind the following hints, tips and advice.

Read and learn more

Get this Publishing/Writing Blog on Kindle :) ))

Source: http://gator1965.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/self-published-books-are-dynamic-business-cards/

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Thanks For Celebrating Gizmodo Day With Us [Video]

Gizmodo just turned 10 and last night we celebrated with meetups all over the map. And it was a blast and a half. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/khBURxhjoTM/thanks-for-celebrating-gizmodo-day-with-us-last-night

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Critiquing ?Hope Springs?: Find out what you won't learn about ...

August 17, 2012 by couplewise.com

The following review has been written from the perspective of a sex therapist, Dr. Barbara Bartlik, MD (http://drbarbaramd.com/) and Gary Krane, PhD, co-founder of couplewise.com.

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ImageThe recently released movie, ?Hope Springs,? (GET TICKETS) depicts couples? counseling and in a sensitive and realistic manner, providing viewers with a glimpse of what couples? therapy actually is like. In addition, the film portrays sexuality in older people in a positive light, which is rare in our society. The film also underscores the importance of good communication and demonstrates how couples can grow in their relationship beyond that which they thought they were capable. We highly recommend the film for people in significant relationships, whether they are new or longstanding. Nonetheless, viewers should realize that the filmmaker?s creative process involved taking liberties with the subject matter, so the treatment depicted deviated from that which is standard in the following ways:

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Sexual Fantasies

For example, most therapists would never ask a patient about specific sexual fantasies in front of his or her partner, as did the therapist, Dr. Feld, played by Steve Carell. In ?real life?, couples? therapists are discreet. When they ask that question it?s with respect for patient privacy concerns. They will ask it when the partner is not present, or in a more subtle way, such as, ?Is there something you want to do sexually with your partner, which you don?t do now?? The response to the fantasy question is important because often it can point therapy in the direction of the person?s true desires.

Fantasies are deeply ingrained and not easy to change. The fact is, to get aroused, the vast majority of couples in longstanding, satisfying sexual relationships conjure up sexual images that bear little resemblance to their partner or what they do when they are having sex with him or her. However, in some cases, revealing specifics about fantasies to a partner can hurt that partner?s feelings and do harm to the relationship.

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Holding

When couples stop having sex, they often discontinue other forms of touching as well, usually because it could lead to discomfort about whether or not to attempt sexual intimacy. Holding one another for extended periods of time as Dr. Feld suggested, may be a valuable initial exercise for a couple who has stopped touching. However, normally when such touching exercises are given, they are accompanied by a caveat to not have any intercourse (More on this below). The road back to sexual intimacy may require physical exercises designed to break down the barriers to touching.

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Sensual Massage

The second exercise prescribed by Dr. Feld, to give a sensual massage, is a mainstay of couples-sex therapy. However, in the movie, Kay, played by Meryl Streep, and Arnold, played by Tommy Lee Jones, attempt the massage completely clothed. Usually, it is done naked or, if preferred, in underwear. Professional therapists instruct couples at first to touch only the non-sexual areas of the body (all but the breasts, genitals, and anal areas). Later these areas are included, with gradually increasing degrees of stimulation.

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Homework Assignments

!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!

Do not read this section unless you have seen the movie

In addition, Dr. Feld failed at the onset to specifically advise Kay and Arnold not to attempt sexual Imageintercourse early on in the course of the homework assignments. Ironically, most sex therapy treatment starts with this prohibition, to reduce the risk of failure. One night when Kay and Arnold get sexually aroused together and he attempts penetration, he loses his erection and they both feel dejected. Kay assumes incorrectly that this occurred because he looked at her face and found her unattractive, whereas it was more likely that his anxiety got in the way. In therapy, we like to proceed slowly and build upon the couples? success. We don?t expect them to go from not getting aroused together at all, to intercourse and orgasm all at once. We advise them to pleasure themselves in front of one another, to have orgasms in each others? presence, to stimulate one anothers? genitals, and then briefly to penetrate without experiencing orgasm.

We also teach men that it is normal for erections to come and go, and that it is not the end of the world or the end of the lovemaking session if they lose one. After a period of time in therapy, the couple progresses to intercourse and then they are more likely to succeed. Through therapy, they also learn that a lot of pleasure can be had without intercourse and their sex life will be richer and more varied for it. This is particularly important as people age and their bodies change. It?s unrealistic to expect performance in any physical endeavor to be on par with that of a 25 year old; instead people are encouraged to be mentally flexible and creative in the way they find sexual pleasure.

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Cost of Treatments

ImageFinally, the cost of treatment. Kay found an intensive one week couples therapy treatment program 1500 miles from home that cost $4000. Most people would consider that pricey, if not prohibitive, but it is important to know that there are numerous less expensive options. Many counseling programs are provided in different localities several times a year and offer a combination of lectures, group therapy, and couples sessions over the course of a few days for considerably less than $4000. In addition, a couple could enter couples sex therapy with a local therapist, weekly, or more or less frequently. The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) provides lists of therapists in most locations. Costs start at about $100 a session, and may even be covered by health insurance.

The most reasonable and cost effective option for those unable to afford a professional therapist is an online form of couples counseling, such as couplewise.com. In full disclosure, we (the authors) both work with couplewise.com. Each person who enrolls goes through a quick process clarifying their most important relationship needs, deciding how well these needs are being satisfied and then decides what to share with their partner and when, as well as how often to regularly check in with regard to these needs.

Based on this, the couple can then choose from different tools to help get whichever needs they agree upon to be better met. Once couplewise.com integrates its conflict resolution interactive video tool (expected in the next 2-3 weeks), the advice they will receive will be similar to that which they would from a live cognitive behavioral therapist, and in some ways in the near future, will be more comprehensive:

Like its other tools (eg MotivateMyPartner to go live this weekend), couplewise.com hopes to draw advice and tactics from not just from one expert, but various experts, and also from other husbands, boyfriends, girlfriends and wives (vetted by professionals) who have solved the same or similar challenges the user faces. Considering ROI (return on investment) the cost of couplewise.com will be extremely appealing.

Two other films that depict sexuality in older individuals in a positive light that we recommend are, ?Something?s Gotta Give,? and, another film starring Meryl Streep, ?It?s Complicated.?

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AUTHORS

Barbara Bartlik, M.D. (http://drbarbaramd.com/) is a psychiatrist in New York City who practices couples-sex therapy and integrative psychiatry.

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Gary Krane PhD is an educational psychologist, author of Simple Fun for Busy People and the co-founder of couplewise.com.

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Source: http://couplewise.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/critiquing-hope-springs-find-out-what-you-wont-learn-about-couples-counseling-and-sex-therapy-from-the-movie/

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Friday, August 17, 2012

UK denies right-to-die legal challenge

FILE - In this family photo released in Jan. 2012 by Tony and Jane Nicklinson, former corporate manager, rugby player, skydiving sports enthusiast Tony Nicklinson sits at his home in Wiltshire, England, where following a stroke he suffers from locked-in syndrome. The High Court in London has rejected an attempt by Tony Nicklinson suffering from locked-in syndrome to overturn Britain?s euthanasia law by refusing to legally allow doctors to end his life. (AP Photo/Tony and Jane Nicklinson)

FILE - In this family photo released in Jan. 2012 by Tony and Jane Nicklinson, former corporate manager, rugby player, skydiving sports enthusiast Tony Nicklinson sits at his home in Wiltshire, England, where following a stroke he suffers from locked-in syndrome. The High Court in London has rejected an attempt by Tony Nicklinson suffering from locked-in syndrome to overturn Britain?s euthanasia law by refusing to legally allow doctors to end his life. (AP Photo/Tony and Jane Nicklinson)

(AP) ? Britain's High Court on Thursday rejected an attempt by a man who has locked-in syndrome to overturn the country's euthanasia law by refusing to legally allow doctors to end his life.

Tony Nicklinson had a stroke in 2005 that left him unable to speak or move below his neck. He requires constant care and communicates mostly by blinking, although his mind has remained unaffected and his condition is not terminal.

In January, the 58-year-old asked the High Court to declare that any doctor who kills him with his consent will not be charged with murder.

The High Court ruled that challenges from Nicklinson and another man named only as Martin to allow others to help them die without being prosecuted were a matter for Parliament to decide.

Nicklinson said he was "devastated and heartbroken" and planned to appeal the decision.

"I am saddened that the law wants to condemn me to a life of increasing indignity and misery," he said in a statement.

Martin, 47, also has locked-in syndrome and asked for the court to allow professionals to help him die either by withholding food and water or by helping him go to a clinic in Switzerland to die. His wife said she respects his wishes, but does not want to help kill him.

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where patients are completely paralyzed, and only able to blink. Patients are conscious and don't have any intellectual problems, but they are unable to speak or move.

The judges wrote that they were both "tragic cases," but said to allow euthanasia as a possible defense to murder "would usurp the proper role of Parliament."

Nicklinson had argued that British law violated his right to "private and family life" as guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, on the grounds that being able to choose how to die is a matter of personal autonomy. He has previously described his life as "a living nightmare."

Legal experts weren't surprised by the ruling.

"This is a really slippery case," said Richard Huxtable, deputy director of the Ethics in Medicine department at Bristol University. "Although the courts have been willing to look at guidance around assisted suicide, this is about as far as they have been willing to go.

"The feeling seems to be that only Parliament could give adequate thought to what sort of law should be in place and the safeguards required."

In Europe, only Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands allow euthanasia. Switzerland allows assisted suicide and is the only country that helps foreigners die at a clinic near Zurich.

"It's very clear courts are unwilling to make the radical shift in our understanding of murder by allowing euthanasia," said Arthur Caplan, director of medical ethics at New York University's Langone Medical Center.

"But they did leave a small door open for prosecutorial discretion," he said, pointing out the judges acknowledged that the decision to prosecute people who helped others to die were not always straightforward.

Britain's top prosecutor has previously said that people who help loved ones commit suicide won't necessarily be charged with murder.

Caplan said the British cases were a major departure from past euthanasia debates because neither man is terminally ill.

"Most of the cases which triggered legislation in the past were about dying people and their quality of life," he said. "We will see more of these discussions as people live longer and we decide what to do about those who are severely impaired."

Nicklinson said he hoped the courts would grant him another hearing later this year. Experts said he could take his case to the Supreme Court or to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/bbd825583c8542898e6fa7d440b9febc/Article_2012-08-16-EU-MED-Britain-Euthanasia/id-2ea34b1952914b87a28987c28fabe094

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AP PHOTOS: Seattle's Hernandez tosses perfect game

SEATTLE (AP) ? Seattle's Felix Hernandez has long talked of his desire to achieve pitching perfection. He finally accomplished it Wednesday against the Tampa Rays Rays.

It was the third perfect game in baseball this season ? a first ? joining gems by Chicago's Philip Humber in April and San Francisco's Matt Cain in June.

"I don't have any words to explain this," Hernandez said afterward, speaking on the field to the crowd. "I've been working so hard to throw one and today is for you guys."

Here are images from King Felix's perfect day.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ap-photos-seattles-hernandez-tosses-perfect-game-001322006--spt.html

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If cats could talk, what would they tell us? ? Pet Care Villa | Pet Care ...

(ARA) ? In 2005, a group of French archaeologists discovered the remains of an 8-month-old cat buried with its human owner at a Neolithic site in Cyprus, leading some to believe cats may have been domesticated as far back as 10,000 years ago. While I?m no archaeologist, I?m certain that cats were as much of a mystery back then as they are today. We think we know everything there is to know about cats, but we really don?t ? and what we don?t know can hurt them, including the dangers of flea infestations.

If cats could talk, they would set the record straight about the Top 10 Cat Myths. But they can?t talk, which is why Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health Division?s Advantage(R) II for cats asked me and my ?side cat,? Pasha, to speak up for them, since we?re the ?Cat Myth Busters!?

While we take care of busting the myths, Bayer?s Advantage II takes care of killing fleas. Lucky for Pasha, Advantage II kills through contact, so fleas don?t have to bite to die.

Myth #1: There are more dogs as pets, than cats.

Fact: According to the Humane Society of the U.S., Americans have 86 million cat pets, versus 78 million dog pets ? so cats rule!

Myth #2: Cats who don?t scratch more than usual don?t have fleas.

Fact: Even if cats don?t itch or scratch more than normal, they may still have fleas. In fact, some cats tolerate fleas in their fur. What may look like a cat?s normal nibbling could actually be their reaction to irritating fleas. And fleas can cause more than just itching; in fact, constant scratching from flea infestations can lead to hair loss and other skin issues. Additionally, fleas can cause secondary allergic reactions and problems such as tapeworm infections, cat scratch disease and anemia.

Myth #3: Cats are cold and aloof, so they don?t make good pets.

Fact: Cats can be just as social and affectionate as dogs. For instance, if your cat?s ears and tail are standing up ? even if she?s not slobbering all over your face like Fido ? she?s probably glad to see you!

Myth #4: A purring cat is a happy cat.

Fact: Cats purr, not only when they are happy, but also when they feel uncomfortable, like when they are recovering from an injury.

Myth #5: Keeping cats indoors prevents them from getting fleas.

Fact: Indoor cats may be at risk for fleas. In fact, fleas can be brought into the home by other pets without you even realizing it.

And remember, the minute you let your indoor cat outside ? even for only a few moments and even on a leash ? your ?indoor? cat becomes an ?outdoor? cat, potentially exposed to fleas.

Myth #6: Cats only smell with their noses.

Fact: Cats smell with their noses and also with their mouths. So when a cat appears to be smiling, she may just be opening her mouth slightly so that she can better sniff out the situation!

Myth #7: Cats take care of themselves, and so are low maintenance.

Fact: Cats may seem like they groom themselves more and complain less than dogs, but they need just as much healthcare as dogs, including application of a flea preventive once a month, 12 months a year, and at least an annual check-up by your vet. The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study revealed forty percent of cats have not been to the vet in the last year, which is especially harmful for older cats since they are more prone to diabetes, kidney failure and cancer.

Myth #8: Cats only need flea prevention during the summer months.

Fact: Since fleas in virtually any weather can pose problems to your cat, the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends providing pets with year-round flea control.

Myth #9: Cats and dogs are arch-enemies.

Fact: ?Fighting like cats and dogs? is an old cat?s tale! Cats and dogs can be buddies if they?re introduced to each other gradually, allowing them to get familiar with each other. Spaying or neutering cat and dog pets may limit aggressive tendencies.

Myth #10: Milk is good for cats.

Fact: Many cats are lactose intolerant, so even if a cat enjoys milk, it may be hard for her to digest.

Pasha and I have come up with a ?win-win? game plan for you to learn more about protecting your cats against fleas, while protecting cats in shelters, too. And it?s easy! Visit CatMythBusters.com to play our myth game and join the PetParents.com community, which gives you access to helpful tips and resources. For every new PetParents.com member, a donation of Bayer?s Advantage II for cats will be made to AdoptaPet.com, a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.

Ten cat myths busted: mission accomplished! Until next time, this is Wendy Diamond and Pasha reminding you to love your cat and treat her monthly with a flea preventive like Bayer?s Advantage II for cats!

Wendy Diamond is America?s foremost pet lifestyle expert and a frequent contributor to the Today Show, Good Morning America and other national media outlets. Pasha is a Russian Blue cat with his paw on the pulse of the top feline trends. Together, this dynamic duo is known as the ?Cat Myth Busters!? For more information on Bayer?s Advantage II for cats, visit CatMythBusters.com.

Article source: http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/pets/if-cats-could-talk-what-would-they-tell-us8067950101-166463456.html

Source: http://www.petcarevilla.com/if-cats-could-talk-what-would-they-tell-us/

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Advice On How To Do Plumbing Right

Proper plumbing is essential to maintaining your home. No matter how prepared you are, plumbing problems can crop up, and calling in a professional can be costly. In this article, you will find several excellent pieces of advice that will help you improve, maintain, or fix your plumbing.

Check your fixtures to ensure the overflow holes are clear of debris and mineral build-up. Overflow holes drain water if a sink begins to overfill, so they need to be clear at all times. Inspect and clean the overflow holes as part of your regular household maintenance.

Apply glue made specifically for the material your pipes are made of to ensure a tight seal. Home improvement and plumbing stores carry the products you need and also offer great advice.

Make sure to clean out the dryers lint trap. This will ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and prevents fires. You also need to be sure the lint trap is free of holes or small openings that could allow lint to get to your pipes. This could result in other problems in your home to deal with.

If you have any water in your dishwasher that should not be there, check the connection on your kitchen sink. The hose going from the dishwasher to the sink needs to angle uphill before going back downhill to prevent water from both being mixed.

Don?t use drain cleaners if you can avoid it. The chemicals found in drain cleaners are very corrosive, and can end up damaging your pipes if you use them too much. Sometimes, finding a professional to fix a blocked drain is the best way to solve the problem.

When you install a water heater, take a close look at the drainage and make sure the pipe is connected. It is usually a recirculation pipe. This pipe is essential to keeping your water nice and warm without wasting water, which will help keep your bills down.

Wait to give compensation to a plumber until they are finished with their work. It is customary for many companies to require you to put money down before they begin the job, but always wait to pay the rest of the balance until the job is totally finished. It is vital that you check your plumber has done all the work he promised before you have over the full payment. This will protect you against being scammed by fraudulent tradesmen.

This article should have shown you all the tips and tricks you need to start repairing your plumbing by yourself. This knowledge is extremely valuable not only for fixing up your own home, but also for not having to rely on other people.

Source: http://www.plumbingelf.com/advice-on-how-to-do-plumbing-right

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