As the economy has gotten worse vendors are looking at new ways to get consumers exited about their HD TV and through the advancement in 3D technology they are hoping to drive sales. While the LCD market is only expected to grow 17% this year which is down from 28% in 2008. The new advancements and the move to all digital broadcasts that started in June will likely get some customers looking at upgrading their current set. The newest T’s that were unveiled at the trade show are now starting to come to market just in time for football season and the Christmas and holiday shopping blitz.

All in all the CES show showcased a lot of new technology that has been in development and finally ready for the market. The work and logistical coordination that goes on at these shows is a technical feat on its own. From providing promotional calendars to consumers that participated in the trade show there are countless technicians in the background maintain the networks . As we enter into a new year and the economy looks to get back on track so that people will feel comfortable spending on these cool new gadgets let’s hope that we all have a great year and by this summer we will be watching the 3D premier of the latest Hollywood release.

So many companies are looking for ways to capitalize on the various social media channels and blogs that appear to be growing daily. Many of them have hired outside bloggers to help them create and drive content to the web in hope to catch the attention of current and future customers. There are various Marketing analytics programs that are available in order to help measure and quantify what exactly is working and what is wasting time and resources. Some of those programs enable you to :

• Empower marketing teams to build Web pages on the fly, without sacrificing feature set or control

• Utilize the extensive out-of-the box features or take advantage of the open architecture

• Easily build and offer wikis, blogs, forums and the latest in social networking

• Eliminate risky channels and make the most of your online  investment with an integrated e-commerce platform

• Provide top tier results through a broad enterprise search

• Easily offer RSS, secure subscriptions and web alerts

• Synchronize content, functionality and membership data securely, from staging to production and back

As companies continue to maximize their brand reach and frequency the method of delivery will be constantly evolving so that you must know and be able to change your marketing mix in order to meet the demands of your customers.

I realize that endorse the WSJ all the time, but who else in major media are endorsing renewable energy as they do or even at the extent they do. How about taking the majority of the back section of the paper? In today’s Journal Record, Alex Frangos reports how architects would create a green home with sustainable energy efficiency. Some are starting to use led tube light in new and remodels in order to gain better energy use.You absolutely must look at the Energy section to see the fantastic ideas that were created. Of course I am biased, but all three plans published in the paper make use of both wind and solar power. The argument that underlies their creativity is a challenge to all of us because we must redefine just what home is, what it looks like, how we live etc. We built major sub divided neighborhoods in the hey day for simple bedroom communities with little to no upkeep so we could focus on what is important; our careers. We drank from the trough of careerism and materialism, commuted back home slept and did some more. In fact, the suburb was just a bigger condo or apartment. Well, now that we realize that material growth cannot sustain itself and we still have those bills and mortgages its time to step up and create a house that makes sense for these times.

William McDonough created a home like a tree. What he has created is a new way of using solar. Instead of the panels, the PV would be woven into the fabric of the exterior. The article goes in more depth, but suffice it to say, Mr McDonough is meeting the challenge of the aesthetically poor solar power panels. They are ugly but they do not have to be. He goes on to show how better roof lines are in order, creating a habitat and garden plus using car batteries to capture solar energy which could also put power to the homes grid.

I thank the WSJ for again bringing to the forefront of what must be accepted; we are in new times and we must rethink the way we live and build a home!

I know that many of us struggle with creating and maintaining good advertising on our sites to keep them up and running. Many of us creating them have very little return on investment and most of the time it is because of very poor tracking and analysis. This company is very skilled in tracking information. With their tools tagged to your ad you will get the critical info of phone calls, clicks and emails generated by your ad. This type of info allows us to create better targeting all the while our competition will have no idea what is happening behind the scenes of the ad. Through some more advanced tools available for your calls center called predictive dialers you can automate some of your outbound calling in order to reach out to those customers that click through your ads. I read several testimonials on their site to show that regular businesses had no idea who was responding to their ads, now they know and perhaps more important they learn what does not work. Give them a try.

There are numerous procedures available today to enhance your looks. There are elective surgeries like breast enhancements to injectable solutions to decrease wrinkles or eyes that will give you a younger more appealing lure. The simple solution that many use are the Crest Whitestrips to help enhance your smile which is a simple cosmetic fix. There is a growing trend for men to have some type of plastic surgery done. Primarily those that are getting back into the dating scene after a divorce and looking to get rid of those love handles. There are certain risks with any surgery and this is why when looking for cosmetic surgeons you should always check to see their board qualifications and whether or not they belong to any professional associations.

When considering any type of plastic surgery you should always check their credentials and make sure that they are board certified in the field that they are working in. This can be done through local professional associations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. These large professional groups have a code of ethics and standards that Dr.’s must adhere to be part of the organization and can help patients when questions arise. With the rise in little boutique shops you would be surprised who is behind the scalpel.

This Christmas will be the first time in 6 years that we will not be traveling to in-laws to celebrate the holidays. We would travel across the country and drag our Christmas presents with us to show our love and appreciation. We will also be able to take in the amazing Christmas Lights displays that have become a family tradition on top of the hill where we used to live. It is amazing the simple things that you started when you were young can be passed on your to kids. With the holidays fast approaching now is the time to start planning for those special family gatherings so that you are able to enjoy time with family and not busy rushing around. The world is changing and making time for the family to enjoy and create new traditions is going to be more important than ever.

Ok gang, its time to take matters into our own hands begin backing up our computers or netbooks. It seems to me long ago, perhaps during the who MS 3.1 days, that backing up was always a priority and just became a routine habit. With everyone being connected to internet and storing all their photos and files within their netbook/laptop it makes sense to always have a backup. Some of the netbook accessories can even help protect your laptop if you drop it which can cause data loss. Now, i cant remember the last time I did a back up. I recall the days I would get out all those floppys and back up the computer just in case the computer crashed. What happened? Go to and you will find some alarming statistics along with a quick and cheap remedy. Many sites will allow you back up your computer for as little as $2.00 and it will only take 5 minutes to do.

Go to Online backup is easier than you think”offers automated 24 hours a day back up service for your selected folders which means they will be backed immediately after your close the program. Pretty cool huh! As easy as closing the program! Further the data will be compressed and then encrypted before leaving the PC. That means your data that is stored is in the encrypted format. Very clever . Finally, if and very safe. So when you suffer a computer crash, you can get your data back almost immediately.

No one knows when their laptop may be stolen or when the next computer crash would be. I cant imagine losing the many documents that mean so much to me when I could have prevented in the first place. That is why companies like gearzap that carry an extensive line of tech-air cases and banana covers to help your protect your investment while you are at school or on the road. For those that are headed off to school this Fall you may want to get a cool new netbook bag that will help show your style and personality. Having one of these new bags can help you keep your netbook safe and easily identify your netbook in those crowded study halls on campus.

Wow, has this summer flown by or what? I can hardly believe that very soon the crisp morning air will arrive, the leaves will turn and the romping of bucks will be seen at twilight. Its only August, but if you think about it is a great time to begin reloading our spent shells and prepare for the bug hunt this fall. There are numerous websites out there that get us up to speed, but the true home of the “Re loaders Experts” for reloading supplies is at www.sinclairintl.com. This is a great site for every hunter and for every re-loader from novice to expert. Their reloading equipment is top notch and user friendly. What I really like is the ease of shopping, where I can look at all the kits and get complete details of what I am buying. They simply have everything you will need to get ready this year from deburring tools and other case preparation tools to loading blocks, shell holders, presses and reloading dies. Right now they are having a special on their reloading log book and Berry’s Tumbler. You can request a catalog as well as sign up to their newsletter via email to keep up on what is new and on sale. They have a great customer service department and great shipping terms. Plus they also offer a multitude of other gun related parts, tools and videos. However, this is your one stop reloading site for all your needs from start to finish.

It simply amazing how many websites are out there selling gun parts. You could spend hours shifting through them all, looking for price, shipping, content etc. What I want and I would recommend is to find one with these items plus customer service. That is a real challenge to any store online; how do you bring customer service to your clients? Well, one store offering gun parts has brought us technical video clips to educate us and retain customer loyalty. I just watched a complete program on how to build your AR-15. They also offer clips form there trademarked “Gun Tech” series on gun sights, product reviews such as for Brownells competition three gun case, scope ring alignment and even how to use ear plugs. Here is an excellent clip of Brownell’s AR-15 Magazine I love companies that love what they do and seek to keep me the customer happy by offering these free how to clips. When was the last time you saw that? Plus, their prices are right on the money too.  They offer top of line parts for your shotgun, rifle, pistol and outstanding how to books and videos. They show you exactly how their shopping cart works by walking you through all the steps and finally a great guarantee. They have been around for 70 years now and still offer a 100% money back guarantee. They also offer a flat shipping rate of $11.50 so you don’t have to shop everywhere looking for that final price. I love their honesty and transparency.

Seems that Americans have found that America has much to offer in the way of free recreation, that is our National Park system. I applaud the recent efforts of reducing or even having free day and multiple national parks this year. What a great way to spend time with our families! Dads have an opportunity to show their kids what being a man is all about and as a family unit how we can be good stewards of our land. If you can just convince your family that sleeping on the ground or even a wobbly air mattress. What I have found is yet a better appreciation for the land that we cherish and defend. Americans could use a little attention to land we have versus so many countries who can never match our natural resources. Perhaps we are all a little spoiled. Pick any national park, imprint in on your mind and think if it could ever be matched elsewhere. I challenge you to do so. Your tax dollar has hopefully been used well, to clear paths, make roads and hired outstanding rangers and guides. You should listen to the college degrees these guys have. You will be blown away. Take advantage of the free parks this year.

The  Sealy mattresses that we have would be great to take as long as you could fold up. There are several ways to stay comfortable while you are staying in the woods or at a campsite.

Any ideas?

Summer is in full swing and like so many couples, summer is the time for wedding anniversaries. I don’t care what the economy may say to you but we must never forget our loved one on the anniversary of your wedding day. Of course, the dog house is always available. One of the main topics on my page is the use of alternate power so when I think of a great gift for my wife, I think of a solar watch. I found a great one at www.bluedial.com This one amazing site that has a flurry of watches to choose from. I for one am looking very closely at the Casio Ladies LWQ120DA-AV that has a great look and fashion and runs on solar power. Then comes my best man from the wedding who quickly reminds me that is great, but your wife is not looking for practicality. She is looking or a beautiful watch that says just how much you love her. That is when the Citizen watches come into the conversation. Wow, just look at the number of choices I will have. There are 313 Ladies Citizen watches to choose from. But then I look at the closeout specials and behold, I found a lovely, Gucci Watch, specifically the YA116502 with its dazzling band and unique face. She has worked so hard for the family and is a great bride; she deserves the very best. You must remember your anniversary and never go stingy on her.

Even with the new economy, some things just do not change. Our home is still our castle and if you are married, you know just how much a wife wants to beautify her home. Friends and family still come by, there are still summer parties and in fact with people going out less, wives want to have their house ready to display. One idea that we wives should continue to strive for is having a very warm scent about our home. When you first walk into a home and the front door opens, you will immediately get a smell and invariably will make a judgment call. Do you smell the cat, the dog, the evening dinner? Why not make that first impression a warm scent from a candle such as candle within an apothecary jars? At www.jarstore.com, you find a multitude of candles to choose from, all in a decorative jar with pleasant colors a warm scents to make you house a home. With apothecary jars, you can choose the size of the a jar such as clear and frosted as well as the style of the lid. I for one love their honeysuckle and the fresh cut grass for the hot summer months. You can sell all the seasonal scents at their website, especially to get ready for the fall where they have several chosen just for that season. The website is very well designed and easy to get around. As you know, my biggest issue is always the customer service, where jarstore.com excels. You can click if you have a broken jar, need an update or Order info. Make your home a welcoming home by using scented candles this year.

Its been two years now and Michael Vick has  paid his for his crime. He was recently released from Leavenworth KS for doing time for the most famous football athlete crime that I can remember. Drugs, abuse, DUIs seem to run rampant but we quickly forget about them. However, abuse a dog and you might as well wear a Scarlet letter on your jersey for life. No matter the affair you may have on the road, or abuse but you had better keep your hands off the dogs. Of course, this was a most serious matter in that you gambling, mating perhaps and the burial of dead dogs on your property. That being said, we need to think of two issues here. The NFL commissioner now has the decision to make if Vick should be reinstated. Second, should we think about the mentality of football players, is this the norm? Obviously, he is not the most brilliant player known to man. How could you be so stupid as to think you could pull this off, look at the company he kept! It was only a matter of time. Then again, a narcissist would never care because they love themselves so much that what they do and how if affects others around them is of no consequence. But that is a matter for another day.

Should he be reinstated. I am going to say yes. He has done his time and now the Market forces are in play. Just like business, for football is a business, let the teams decide if they want him back and how much they want to pay. It is their decision if they want this type of guy to help their brand. What would Joe Montana think if Vick wore his beloved teams uniform? Oakland would never care, just think about their 1970′s team days. So that is next question. What team should take him?

We have recently added the zynga.com app to our iPhone that allows us to play Texas Hold em with friends and others from across the globe. They give you up to 5k Zynga poker chips just for joining and then additional chips for inviting others to join you. Now keep in mind that this is all for entertainment. You can also buy drinks and food items for others at the poker table and even talk a little smack if you get a card on the river.
Now you can avoid all the smoke and lines and play cards online to find the latest updates and sites to play with the best payouts. The site is simple and easy for anyone to navigate and find your game. I especially like their bingo tips that help you get the most out of your online playing experience. For example they tell that you should find a room that has fewer players thus increasing your chances to win. This makes a lot of sense since you are playing against fewer player your chances of getting the blackout or winning one of the other games is much better.