Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

A great way for teachers to introduce new units…

Friday, September 3rd, 2010


Here’s a great teaching strategy you can use to activate and build upon background knowledge at the beginning of a new unit of study.

It’s called: “List-Group-Label”

The steps are quite simple:

1. At the beginning of a new unit have each student generate a list of words/phrases/names that they would associate with the new topic.

2. Next, put students into groups and have them combine their individual lists.

3. Next, have students group their words/phrases/names into categories.

4. Finally, have students label the categories.

For example, I may tell my students to create a list of everything they can think of related to the topic of the American Revolution. Next, I put students into groups and they start combining lists, grouping words/phrases/names into categories, and then label their categories.

Students usually come up with categories such as Causes of the Revolution, Effects of the Revolution, Major Battles, Important Events, Famous People, and Famous Quotes. Each category has items from their various lists written under it.

This activity works great to not only tap into and build upon prior knowledge, but it also effectively sparks the students’ interest in the new topic.

5 MUST DO’S AFTER A SUCCESSFUL VIRAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

I have talked a lot about what to do to create and promote viral content. I wanted to give some tips that have helped me ensure that my future campaigns have equal success.

First and this should be obvious before any viral launch you should have a set of metrics and goals you are looking to achieve and track. Whether that is sales, traffic, leads or links. What is it that you are looking to achieve as a result of a viral campaign? I am going to manly talk about learning from your mistakes to make future virals better as well as links and traffic as that is the most common/general goal of successful viral marketing.

Back To The Future Amp Feedback1.) Feedback: Believe me there is very few things more painful then reading through hundreds of snarky comments left by the social media middle class, but beneath all the noise there may be some useful feedback. Look for repeating trends left in the comments regarding actual constructive criticism, these can be learning opportunities for you to better prepare your next piece. You will often see actual feedback about your site, regarding your design, layout or even how dumb your bio pic looks. Hopefully you can gather which feedback might have some merit and make some definitive decisions regarding your site or content. Again this will be “needle in a haystack” but if there are certain things on your domain that do not sit well with your audience you may want to change them before your next piece.

Magnifying Glass2.) Analysis: We will talk about referring domain data below but first you will want to pay attention to some things like what time of day the piece “went viral” or what day it did? How long did it take to reach critical mass on the social sites? How many Diggs, Thumbs Up/Reviews, Tweets/RT’s? Every piece is going to be different but it can help you plan and execute later if you know all of this. I know some people that only launch on Tuesdays or only start the process at a certain time of day. I like to plan things for Tues-Thurs and so they are aimed to reach critical mass for mid day. You need to find what works for you.

RSS Subscriber3.) Conversions: What type of conversions were you looking for if any? More RSS Subscribers? More Twitter Followers? Comments? Newsletters? Leads? Sales? All of these things can benefit from successful viral marketing. If you were looking to get one or more of the above, did you? If you did, why do you think you did? If you didn’t, why not? Maybe you need to make your call to action more prominent, or maybe less prominent? Maybe you need to make your RSS Button bigger or have a reminder at the bottom of the post instead of just relying on your Orange button on the side nav? Maybe your Twitter account info needs to be better located? What type of content brings more of the goal you are setting out for? Does a more specific list/tips type post get you more leads? Does an informational type post get you more Twitter followers or RSS subscribers? You need to test and test and pay attention and make note as to the answers to all these questions.

I have seen posts literally bring hundreds/thousands of new RSS subscribers or Twitter followers. I have seen virals bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in new business within days. I have seen them bring thousands of leads, and it is important that I know why, when and how. *Tip make sure you use analytics to track what referring sources brought these conversions. You can use BLVD Status to track out going clicks and other stuff more specific to viral success.

Traffic Jam4.) Referring Traffic: There are really two parts to this section; first, traffic counts from the different social sites/blogs that you targeted and second, traffic counts from sites/blogs you did not target and otherwise didn’t really expect. You may know how much potential traffic Digg can bring (just had one last week with more than 200k) StumbleUpon can get up into the 30-50k range now, Reddit is often 9-20k and I have seen Twitter do 10-20k, I know it can do more and on avg I see it do about 3-5k (*Twitter specific articles usually get the most traffic on Twitter). It is good to note how much each one does, but the gold nugget here is the second part, which is to watch for the traffic sources that surprise you. Did you know that a foreign sitesimilar to Digg/Reddit can bring over 20k to your site without breaking a sweat.

There are numerous blogs and social sites you might not frequent that can do serious traffic and link damage. Make note of these and if your next viral does not get submitted there, then submit them yourself or find someone you know that uses those sites. Either way it is a quick way to build your arsenal.

Rolodex5.) Rolodex: This is saved for last cause it is so simple yet most people I talk to never do it. Generally speaking gaining high quality relevant links that you couldn’t otherwise get through any other means is the main reason for the majority of viral campaigns. This is a legit reason, I have gotten hundreds of thousands of links that you could never get any other way, no matter how big the link building team or how much money you had. If you want a link from WSJ or NY Post, Newsweek, USA Today etc. you gonna get those from a link broker (notice how I kept Forbesout of that list :) ? Creating something truly viral and useful is the best way to get links from the big dogs. And getting links from the big dogs is what may be the difference between you out ranking your competitor.

One of the most important things you can take from this post is this; if you get a link from a big dog site, contact them and thank them. Put that author/editor on your radar, tweet their good stuff, comment on it, build a relationship and the next time you have a viral that is worthy of the big dog love send them a link. The only thing better than a link from the largest most trusted site in your industry is two links from the largest most trusted site in your industry. I am in no way suggesting you should spam and bug these people, I know how annoying it is to get asked to blog about stuff. What you are doing is finding someone that likes the content you create and you are establishing a relationship with them that can be beneficial to both parties. It is a business contact that you create, nourish etc. and it is so simple and it works well and the next time your piece gets buried and gets sub par traffic you can still come out on top with some killer relevant links. After all isn’t that the reason you started out building the content in the first place?

Large Study Confirms Negative Link between Marijuana and Cancer

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010


Countless individuals have diverse opinions and knowledge on the subject of associating smoked cannabis and cancer. For instance, some people think that the tar marijuana creates contains 50% more of the chemicals associated to cancer as compared to tobacco smoke. Others think that the smoke from burned marijuana leaves contains known carcinogens that triggers or increases the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some individuals think that a single marijuana cigarette is able to deposit 4 times as much of the tar equivalent to tobacco.

On the other hand, scientists have never ceased to explore on decisive evidence that will prove no association exists between smoked cannabis and cancer. In fact, on a study conducted to 2,000 people, scientists were shocked to know that no increase in the risk of cancer development was found on marijuana smokers.

The researchers of a large study on smoked cannabis and cancer had admitted having expected an increase in cancer with heavy marijuana use. However, upon conducting a study on the residents of Los Angeles County, they found that even heavy marijuana smokers had no increased risk cancer, specifically in the lungs. The study on smoked cannabis and cancer had involved residents from Los Angeles who were interviewed by the scientists.

Among the participants, 611 were lung cancer patients; 601 with head or neck cancer under the age of 60, and 1,040 healthy controls. The scientists have discovered that seventy percent of patients with other cancers and eighty percent of the lung cancer patients were tobacco smokers. On the other hand, at least half of both groups had smoked marijuana.

In other studies prior to the large study, greater risk of cancer development were evident in tobacco smokers. However, for the large study, after having controlled for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and matching patients and controls according to gender, neighborhood, and age, marijuana did not reflect any manifestation in spite its unhealthy factors.

According to the scientists, marijuana has lesser filtration through the cigarette rod because it is packed more loosely as compared to tobacco. Furthermore, the scientists said that smoked cannabis is smoked differently from tobacco; marijuana smokers hold their breath longer, which allows more time for fine components to enter the lungs.

On the other hand, the study did not reveal how smoked cannabis manages to avoid causing cancer. In a speculation by the scientists, they had stated that the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, which is the THC chemical, induces aging cells to die prior to being cancerous. The large study on the possible link between smoked cannabis and cancer was presented in San Diego at a meeting of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego.

Build your own PVC plastic ship’s telescope for a play system

Friday, August 27th, 2010

The popularity of pirates right now cannot be overestimated. ThePirates of the Caribbean franchise has made being a pirate cooler than a slushie on a hot summer day. If your children are fortunate enough to have a wooden play system in the backyard, here is an easy DIY project to turn it into their own pirate ship or defensive fort.

Treasures to be “acquired” for the project:

1 piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe; 1 piece 3/4″ PVC pipe; 1 piece 1″ PVC pipe; 1- 3/4″ floor flange PVC; 1- 3/4″ male adapter PVC; 2- 3/4″ caps PVC; 1- 3/4″ tee PVC; 1- 3/4″x1/2″ coupling PVC; 1- 3/4″x1″ coupling PVC; 1″x2″ coupling PVC; primer for PVC glue; PVC glue; plastic spray paint (C’mon, who wants a white telescope?); 1- 1/4″x1″ hex bolt galvanized or stainless steel; 3- 1/4″ washers galvanized or stainless steel; 1- 1/4″ nylon lock nut galvanized or stainless steel


First step is to assemble the joint so the telescope will be able to rotate. This is key to make sure your kids are not stuck with a stationary unit that is pointing at the wall or worse, the 105 year old neighbor lady’s master bathroom! Drill 1/4″ holes in the center of each of the 2- 3/4″ PVC caps. Next insert the hex bolt with a washer through the 1st cap from the inside. Put a washer over the bolt and on top of the cap. Place the 2nd cap over the bolt. Place the last washer over the bolt and secure with the nylon lock nut. Only tighten enough to give it a little friction with out binding. It should look like you just bolted the two caps together end to end with a washer in between them. You can use a little dry lube here to make sure it will operate smoothly and with out squeaking.

Next build the telescope body. Assembly of all of these pieces will require gluing; so make sure you DRY fit them all 1st to make sure you have built a telescope to the size you desire. Failure to do this may result in pre mature balding and global warming… or maybe it will just result in a LOT of frustration for you. Also make sure you use primer before putting each glued joint together to make sure that you have the strongest welds possible. There is NO right size so feel free to play around with lengths. Start on the big end with the 2″x1″ coupling. Use a very short piece of 1″ PVC pipe to connect that coupling to the 1″x3/4″ coupling. A longer piece of 3/4″ PVC pipe will connect this assembly to the 3/4″ tee. Use a very short piece of 3/4″ PVC pipe to connect the tee to the 3/4″x1/2″ coupling. Finish with a piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe to complete the telescope. Later you will use a length of 3/4″ PVC pipe in the bottom of the tee for its support leg. Like I said you will have to play around with DRY fits and lengths to get the look you want. An overall length of about 24″ usually looks right, but go with what makes you happy. Make sure you sand the cut end of the telescope to make sure that no one gets any strange scratches around their eyes that will require you to explain things to your spouse. “Chicks dig scars” will not get you off the hook for not sanding!

3rd step is to build the base to attach the telescope to the rail. Screw the floor flange to the wooden rail. Thread the male adapter into the flange very tightly. Glue a short piece of 3/4″ PVC pipe into the male adapter. Glue one side of your rotating assembly onto that 3/4″ PVC pic sticking out of the male adapter.

The 4th step is to attach the telescope assembly to the base assembly. Here you will benefit from the help of you child or children. Use their height as a guide to decide how long of a piece of 3/4″ PVC to use to connect the bottom of the tee from the telescope to the rotating assembly. When you have the length decided on, cut the 3/4″ PVC pipe to size and again DRY fit it together to make sure you got the size right before you assemble it. As the kids grow you can cut and glue more pipe to lengthen the support leg to accommodate changing heights.

The last step is to pick a color of spray paint (get the kind designed for use on plastic) and then paint you new telescope a nice piratey color. After it dries it is time to sit back, accept the accolades of the kids and watch as their little dreams of becoming pirates and sailing the ocean blue in search of treasure and adventure! (And maybe some ice cream and candy)

p.s. Don’t be surprised when the other fathers in the neighborhood hit you up to help them do the same for their kids!

Lox of Bagels

Sunday, August 8th, 2010


Lox of Bagels is in a mostly industrial area right off of Nimitz Highway.  I normally stop by here on Saturday mornings on my way to the office and grab myself a bag of bagel puffs (rounds of cinnamon raisin bagel dough filled with cream cheese) to go.  The bagels here are fresh and they are pretty good and so are the sandwiches.

(I still miss H & H Bagels.  I used to visit the shop on 80th and Broadway every week when I worked right up the street.)

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Ham, egg and cheese on a whole wheat bagel (US$3.95).

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Turkey on an everything bagel (US$5.25).

Lox of Bagels
111 Sand Island Access Road
Telephone: 808.845.2855

Easy woodworking plans,

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

if they are worth your time, will usually have clear lists of components that you simply simply simply will need.  They ought to usually have the precise quantity of lumber that you simply simply will need, preferably in exact cuts too.  Maintaining this list with you when you go to the lumber yard will help reduce additional trips that you simply simply make, particularly should you buy additional bulk wood in situation of mistakes or even the occasional mess-up.  Also use these material lists to maintain stock of all of the nails, screws, and bolts that you simply simply simply will require.  Purchase all needed resources prior to you begin your project, because 1 from the important parts from the new craftsman’s motivation is momentum.

Please pay unique attention towards the word Simple!  Easy woodworking plans ought to be just that – simple to understand.  The guidelines ought to be somewhat basic to the untrained eye, and you won’t have to be concerned about an overly complicated task that will have you bogged down for hours.  The good thing about finding easy woodworking plans is that you will probably be able to accomplish your personal searching so that you simply simply can pick your own task that can be done inside a timely manner.  Finishing projects both quickly and superbly will construct self-confidence and your knowledge base, which will permit you to quickly take on more complex projects

Do not overexert yourself though.  Many individuals carry woodworking as a hobby, which signifies it is important to begin simple which means you do not get burned out.  As you gain experience and understanding, then you are capable to try the much more complicated projects.

Introducing Fujifilm Cameras

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Fujifilm may have started as a manufacturer of photographic film, but the company’s decision to branch into many areas of business — including a transition to a digital camera manufacturer in the past several years — has been a succesful one. In 2007, Fujifilm cameras ranked eighth worldwide in number of digital cameras manufactured, with about 8.3 million units, according to a Techno Systems Research report. Fujifilm cameras, sometimes shortened to Fuji cameras, held a market share of about 6.3%.

Fujifilm offers several digital cameras under the Finepix brand name, including point and shoot models and digital SLR models.

Fujifilm’s History

Founded in 1934 as Fuji Photo Film Co., the company filled a desire from the Japanese government for a domestic photography film manufacturing industry. Fuji Photo quickly expanded, opening several factories and establishing subsidiary companies.

By 1965, the company established an American subsidiary in Valhalla, N.Y., called Fuji Photo Film USA. European branches soon followed. Some subsidiaries began using the Fujifilm name in the mid-1990s as the company began transitioning its business offerings away from heavy reliance on photographic film, and the entire company officially became Fujifilm in 2006.

During its company’s history, Fujifilm has offered photographic film, motion picture film, x-ray film, color reversal film (slides), microfilm, color negatives, 8mm motion picture film, and videotape. Beyond film, the company also has offered computer storage tape, computer floppy disks, offset printing plates, digital x-ray imaging, and medical imaging systems.

Fujifilm made its first digital still camera in 1988, the DS-1P, and it was the world’s first digital camera with removeable media. The company also created the first one-time-use recyclable film camera, the QuickSnap, in 1986

real estate and HUD Homes – “How To Get Help From FHA And Refinance A Home Loan With Bad Credit”

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

The US Federal Housing Administration offers loans that enable individuals to acquire a home with a down payment as low as 3% – a percentage comparatively lower than most limits for regular loans. Thus, the loan program under the FHA – a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development – is ideal for first-timers and those with limited funding. It should be noted that the FHA insures your loan and does not offer home loans. In case of a default, an insurance fund will cover payment for the lending institution. To do a FHA refinance home loan with bad credit, this aspect can be a real challenge for most people.

An FHA loan applicant should be backed up by a positive credit history, a reasonable income level and adequate cash down payment to close the loan. To qualify under the program, a borrower should also settle closing costs worth about 2%-3% of the house price. This could also include fees for attorneys, title search and insurance, FHA insurance funding, and loan origination.

The borrower’s monthly housing cost must not surpass 29% of his gross monthly income to qualify for the loan. Property taxes, mortgage principal and interest and insurance are computed to determine total housing cost. This total housing cost and long-term debt make up total monthly cost, which must not exceed 41% of gross monthly income. Credit card balances, auto loans and other borrowings are included under long-term debt.

These percentages reflect greater leniency on the part of the FHA, as the ceiling for total housing cost under conventional loans is at 26%-28%, while the cap for total monthly cost is at 33%-36%.

Can You Really Get A FHA Refinance Home Loan With Bad Credit?

The agency has been allowing refinancing schemes on insured loans since the start of the 1980s. A “streamlined” FHA refinance covers the lender’s underwriting and documentation requirements, and does not imply the absence of costs. Key conditions of a refinance include FHA insurance of the target mortgage, updated payments, and a reduction in the payments made by the borrower due to the refinance. Borrowers must note that a FHA refinance home loan with bad credit also bars any cash take-out on the home loan.

For lending institutions, one refinancing approach they can follow is the “no cost” plan, which does not entail out-of-pocket costs for the borrower but will involve higher loan interest rates compared to a cash settlement of closing costs. The premium from the higher charge will he used by the lender to cover the transaction’s closing costs. With a FHA home loan bad credit lender, this can be the factor to approve a loan. With a FHA refinance home loan bad credit option, the lender can also choose to integrate the closing costs with the new mortgage amount, assuming appraisal of a target equity level for the asset. The alternative to this scheme is to exclude appraisal, but this means the original mortgage amount will remain higher than the new mortgage. Insured mortgage programs under the FHA for single families include a plan covering disaster victims; the energy-efficient mortgage program; reverse or home equity conversion mortgage; title I home improvements; rehabilitation mortgage; and a program covering Indian reservations and similar restricted property.

Is There FHA Refinance Home Loan Bad Credit Options For Disaster Victims?

The Section 203(h) program for disaster victims enables the FHA to cover loans by applicants whose homes have been destroyed by natural disasters and are either rebuilding their home or chosen to acquire a new house. The reverse mortgage or HECM, which targets the country’s senior citizens, allows the cash conversion of part of the individual’s home equity. The federally-insured program is often sought by older Americans to augment social security, cover home improvements and finance medical emergencies. When you are considering a FHA refinance home loan bad credit lender, be sure to have an experienced accountant and attorney explain the details before you sign your refinance documents

Review Of High-End Bonika Scissors

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

The number 1 bonika shears you can find are a collection of many types of shears.
5″ Bonika Classic Cobalt

The Bonika scissor Classic Cobalt is the best quality hair cutting shear Bonika Cobalt shearhaircutting scissors has produced. hand crafted from Japanese steel and forgings in a From Japan factory that has manufactured the highest worth hair cutting shears for Japan for over 50 years.

These are the best hair shears.
The Bonika hair cutting shear Classic Cobalt was assembled from hand by Japanese-made from Japanese steel and Japanese forgings in a From Japan factory that has created from scratch the highest quality hair cutting hair cutting shears for Japan for over 50 years.
Many of you’ve looked at the rest you know, but you’ve seen the best of the line, name brand hair shears at much higher prices crafted with the same steel and craftsmanship from this same haircutting shear factory. We think our hair shear is even finer. We have an incredibly malleable and relaxing thumb hole that fits practically every hand. We also have the Bonika hair cutting shear name which stands for integrity and family pride in our product. Every haircutting hair shear is double inspected at our facilities here in Atlanta, GA before we release it to you.

This is the best hair cutting haircutting scissor Bonika haircutting shear hair cutting hair shears has produced.

Are you are able to handle this??

Are your able to handle this??

Are you ready for the scissor that will take you all the way to the peak?

You can be the best choosing a Classic.

Each haircutting shear is individually serial numbered and will be recorded to you.

The best features: From Japan forged stainless steel with cobalt alloys
Bonika Feature – Superior smoothness and strength
Feature: Satisfaction Guaranteed
Bonika Feature: Lifetime certificate
The top features: Incredibly handy and relaxing thumb hole that fits practically every hand
Features: Each haircutting scissor is individually serial numbered filed to you

5″ Jazzy haircutting scissors by Bonika

This light haircutting haircutting shear has the qualities and features most requested by best hairstylists. Designed with the specifications of some of the apex cosmetology schools in the US.

Many of you are looking for light weight hair cutting shears, the Jazzy hair shears are our lightest. Although they are light shears and inexpensive, they are very sharp and extremely high class. Please email us for quantity pricing for cosmetology schools.

For the novice or graduate
Can high class and low price ever harmonize? Yes they can in the light weight hair shears we call the Jazzy shears.

This light hair cutting haircutting scissor has the qualities and features most requested by apex hairstylists.

The top features: Forged steel for a buttery cut and a regular flat screw that never gets in the way (easily adjusted with a penny or dime).
The top features: A fixed finger rest that is so useful
Bonika Feature: This is a light hair shear with an offset style handle. The design most preferred by cosmetology schools across the US. It is also popular with professional stylists, home stylists as well as cosmetology students.
Feature: A pretty style with the rainbow color screw or a black screw (see the option description, style varies with length)
Feature: Jazzy hair shears come in 5‚Äù, 5.5‚Äù, 6‚Äù or 6.5″ The lefty comes in 5.5‚Äù. The thinner has 30 teeth and is also available as a lefty or right handed scissor.
* All come with a case and the famous Bonika lifetime guarantee, 90 day accident policy and 30 day satisfaction guarantee!
For those of you are looking for light weight hair cutting shears, the Jazzy hair cutting scissors are our lightest. Even though they are light hair cutting hair shears and inexpensive, they are very sharp and are high worth. I think you will like our Jazzy haircutting scissors. We have been please with the number of best cosmetology schools that have selected these hair cutting shears for their advanced students.

The Different Types of Orthopedic Pillows

Monday, July 12th, 2010

The orthopedic pillows are special pillows that help correct the body position while sleeping. The pillows follow orthopedic guidelines to ensure proper and correct support to the different parts of the body. It also helps in alleviating sleep for people with medical conditions. These come in either foam or fiber. There is currently a pillow called the memory foam pillow which can take the form of the body when being used but eventually returns back to its natural shape as a pillow.

There are different kinds of orthopedic pillows specifically made for the different parts of the body.

• The body orthopedic pillow is that kind which is almost the size of the body length of the person. It supports the whole body especially if the person sleeps sideways.

• The neck pillow is shaped like a horse shoe and fits just right for the neck. This keeps the neck from tilting backwards too much. It is used mostly by travelers who sit most of the time and by people who suffer from neck pain.

• The wedge pillow is shaped like a triangle and is used for sleeping in a diagonal position.

• The cervical pillow has a curved design that would support the neck, shoulders and the head.

This is usually used by people who sleep on the back or sideways position. This keeps the neck correctly aligned with the spine for better sleep.

• The lumbar pillow supports the lower back and is used while the person is in a sitting position.

• The donut pillow is usually round but with an empty space or a hole in the middle. It is used by a person who is suffering from hemorrhoids and some colon problems.

• The memory foam pillow is shaped similar to a square chair cushion which helps relieve back pain.

• The quad cushion is another kind of memory foam pillow which is usually used by pregnant women. It is placed between the thighs and knees. It helps relief back pain and helps in having a good sleep.