Why KISS Strategy Effective In Content Marketing?

Content marketing is a long-term marketing strategy that big brands are applying to build their presence online.
[Connected Link : http://tomcat-post.blogspot.in/2015/04/what-is-content-marketing.html]

Content in the form of written words, podcasts, info graphics, apps, videos, games are the new age tools that Digital Marketers are applying. Real advertising like TV commercials, print ads, hoardings are still there but the amount of money required for making them alive are very high so brands are now taking up

Content Marketing to get higher returns in very less price.

In order to create influential content on the web, it's advisable to follow the KISS (Keep It Simple and Stupid) strategy.

Almost every content marketers, who follows this strategy gets 100% results. Nobody will read a University research before buying something online. Online buyers need quick and informative content. Usage of words, which needs a dictionary to decipher, should be avoided if you want to write an effective sales copy. According research, content written on the web should be written for a customer in a hurry. Almost 80% of your work is done if your content has a killer headline.

Content Marketing is the newest form of Marketing, which is getting huge momentum and many jobs are slowly created around the web for people who thinks.

I want to bring David Ogilvy here as he said, people who can't think, can't write well. Write simple if you aren't writing a novel. Chetan Bhagat is the most popular writer because he knew this. He is a writer for the mass because he writes what general public speaks. Once you follow these strategies, you will be able to sell things like a master online.

There's nothing like doing what you love, so write and earn millions.

Keep it simple, stupid !

Article Courtesy :
Pallav Gogoi  -
[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140905082624-24931415-why-kiss-strategy-effective-in-content-marketing]
For Further Reading:
http://tomcat-post.blogspot.in/2010/03/social-media-marketing-optimization-for.html

Motorola Talkabout - T400 Two Way Radio Review

Rugged, Packed with Features and ready for an Adventure

Whether taking your family on a camping expedition or going backpacking alone, a set of walkie-talkies is a highly essential item. There are an assortment of two-way radios in the market, and most of the new ones have a wide range of frequency options, with some of them weighing less than half a pound. It is here where the Motorola Two-way Radios come in. These small, but effective devices can help you keep in touch with the outside world where cell phone services dare not tread.

The Motorola Talkabout-T400 Two Way Radio.

The Motorola Talkabout-T400 Two Way Radio is an excellent camping and hiking walkie-talkie, and is a necessary item, perfect for camping and outdoor family excursions. It has a durable, light, waterproof body, and is packed full of features. In terms of price and functionality, it is good value for money.

Features

The radio has 22 channels to choose from, including GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) and FRS (Family Radio Service) frequencies. It also has 121 privacy codes, which totals to 2,662 combination options, making it really easy to locate an open channel network. If you are still facing difficulties in finding a frequency, then you have the option of running a channel scan. You also have access to private channels and hands-free operations. The Motorola Talkabout T-400 can also access NOAA weather channels**, and if there is a local emergency, your radio will signal you.

There are three ways to operate your radio. First, there is the option of utilizing the NiMH batteries (rechargeable), which you can use it for close to eight and a half hours. Alternately, you can plug in the tiny USB cable to an electrical outlet, or hook it up to your automobile adaptor, or connect it to your computer. You can also use the three AA batteries on the go for up to 21 hours.

It also allows keeping your hands free while hiking or climbing any rocky terrain. In other words, the iVOX / VOX acts like a speakerphone and facilitates hands-free communication.

Another interesting feature is the QT or the Quiet Talk facility, which permits nonstop communication with other Motorola radios that share this feature. It can filter any annoying transmissions from non-Motorola radios, particularly in busy and high traffic zones. The T-400 also has the facility of communicating with any radio that has the FRS/GMRS feature, irrespective of its brand, as long as it shares matching channel and privacy codes.

The Talkabout T-400 has a backlit screen in addition to displaying valuable information. The battery meter will notify you when you need to recharge the radio. The built-in LED flashlight guarantees that you will not have to worry during unforeseen emergencies or power failures. Alternately, you can also use three AA batteries (to be purchased separately) in case of an emergency.

The unit, as mentioned earlier, also has the SCAN feature to identify which channels are in use. It can also be programmed to transmit a distinct tone when you finish your conversation. In other words, it would be like replying "Roger" or "Over" after you complete your conversation. You can also personalize the radio to notify you when your batteries are low. There is also the keypad lock facility that prevents your personalized settings from being accidentally changed. It also prevents the user from accidentally pressing the keys while on the go

Help & Support

Although the Motorola Talkabout T-400 comes with a one-year warranty, the company could have increased that period, as it is much shorter than most comparable devices.

If you need any help with your T-400, you can always access the website and download any manuals or FAQs. Alternately, you can also contact support agents by email or via phone.

Price Range

The Motorola Talkabout T-400 is priced at around $69.00 (inclusive of a discount of $11.00 on shipping) at Amazon.com.  However, you are likely to get an used one at a reduced price.

Customer Reviews (Amazon.com)

The average overall performance points for the T-400, collected from over 50 users is 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com.

Pros

The Motorola Talkabout T-400 albeit having a tough exterior, is compact and handy in size. The rubberized grips are easy to hold, with the controls and buttons providing a solid feel. The unit does not appear cheap and the yellow color of the family model makes it very easy to spot. The volume comes forth as good with fairly loud and clear communication.

Cons

However, there are a few aspects where it does not measure up. For example, although it specifies a coverage area of about 35 miles, the actual range will vary depending on terrain and conditions. It should be noted that this range is over calm waters or open plains, and if you are using it in the mountains, you can expect a range of only around two miles or less. While most users also complained that the batteries lasted for just about a day, some users felt that a charging base or cradle, would have made a huge difference. Few users also felt that the unit could have done with an SOS function as well.

Personal Review
I am a big fan of mobile phones and don’t really fancy the walkie-talkie very much. Maybe it is because of the multiple functions that cell phones provide. Truth told, I find it a bit comical to watch people stick something the size of a small brick in to their ear. However, after researching the entire week on the internet, my findings have completely altered my perception about two-way radios. For someone who loves the outdoors, the T400 appears to be pure bliss. 

In short, the Motorola Talkabout T400 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio comes across as a nice tough little two-way radio set, with built-in LED torches and a weather radio. It is an extremely useful accessory to have while out camping or on any outdoor excursions in an area where there is limited cell coverage. In short, it is truly rugged, packed with features and ready for an adventure.


Motorola Talkabout-T400 Packaging Includes

•    TWO MotorolaT400 radios (2)
•    TWO Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
•    TWO Micro-USB wall charging cables
•    Wall adapter
•    Charging tray
•    Swivel belt carry holsters
•    ONE Accessory brochure
•    ONE User Guide/ Product manual

Motorola Talkabout-T400 (Images)

 

Image -  Motorola Talkabout-T400 Two Way Radio [Image]

 Product Description

Motorola Talkabout-T400 (General Info)
Note: This information was taken directly from the Motorola Solutions, Inc. site.
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/talkabout--t400.html#tabproductinfo

•    Band: GMRS/FRS
•    Range (miles) - Up to 35-mile range
•    Top Mid Base Ranges (miles) - 35/6/2
•    Indoor range: 4 floors (approximate)
•    Dimensions - 7.54 in. H x 2.26 in. W x 1.37 in. D  
•    Weight (without battery) - 0.418 lbs.
•    Weight (with battery) - 0.43 lbs.
•    IP Rating - IP54 weatherproof
•    Channel monitor - Yes
•    Channels - 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes  [in optimum conditions]
•    QT (Quiet Talk) Interruption Filter - Yes
•    Priority scan - Yes
•    Monitor - Yes
•    Auto squelch - Yes
•    11 Weather Channels (7 NOAA) with alert feature - Yes


Motorola Talkabout-T400 (Interface)

•    VOX iVOX Hands-free Communication With or Without Accessories - Yes
•    Flashlight - Yes
•    Call Tones - 20 regular
•    Backlight - Yes
•    Keypad lock - Yes
•    Keypad tones - Yes
•    Timer – Yes

Motorola Talkabout-T400 (Power)

•    Battery Life - 21 hr. alkaline (3 AA) or 8.5hr. NiMH [premium Alkaline cells not supplied]
•    Battery type - NiMH battery pack , 3 AA
•    Power: 0.5 watt
•    Rechargeable - Yes
•    Mini-USB Charging Port - Yes
•    Eco Smart - Yes
•    LCD Battery Meter - Yes
•    Battery save power save – Yes


Ref. Sources:

•    http://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/consumer-two-way-radios/talkabout--t400.html
•    http://www.techwholesale.com/motorola-talkabout-t400.html
•    http://www.motorolasolutions.com/content/dam/msi/docs/products/two-way-radios/consumer/t400/Talkabout-T400-data-sheet.pdf
•    http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products/Two-Way-Radio-Comparison.aspx

Customer Reviews and Price Details:

•    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Motorola-Talkabout-T400-Two-way-Radio-22-X-Gmrs-frs-Uhf-184800-Ft-t4b32201yaraav/46524762
•    http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Talkabout-T400-Rechargeable-Two-Way/product-reviews/B00W75BLVS
•    http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Talkabout-T400-Rechargeable-Two-Way/dp/B00W75BLVS/ref=sr_1_1?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1444981425&sr=1-1&keywords=Motorola+Talkabout-T400+Two+Way+Radio

NOAA Weather Channel

** To keep in touch with changing weather conditions, weather alerts will provide you with warnings of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. You can tune in to one of seven NOAA channels (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on your T400, and you will always know what to pack with continuous local and regional weather broadcasting. However, NOAA radio service may not be available in all areas. Please check with your local weather office for frequency and details, or visit www.weather.gov/nwr, (Canada: www.msc.ec.gc.ca/msb/weatheradio ).

Deutsche Bank Mistakenly Transferred $6B To American Hedge Fund Client's Account: FT Report

A junior member of the Deutsche Bank foreign exchange sales team nearly cost the Bank billions at a time when it is already under intense scrutiny from regulators. He accidentally sent a hedge fund client $6 billion while their boss was on holiday.

[Image 1: A junior member of the Deutsche Bank foreign exchange sales team was reportedly responsible for Deutsche Bank's mistake ( M. Spencer Green/AP)]

[Image Courtesy: http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_large/public/thumbnails/image/2015/10/20/10/Trader-headinhands.jpg]

The client supposedly received a $6 billion payment due to a slip-up from the bank's foreign exchange desk in June. However, the money was recovered the same day. Nevertheless, the incident was reported to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the UK Financial Conduct Authority reported the Financial Times.

The details emerged yesterday just hours after the German investment bank said that it would ditch several of its top managers as part of a shake-up of the struggling business under its new British chief executive.

It was believed that the junior trader had erroneously processed a gross amount, instead of a net value. In other words, the trade had “too many zeroes,” one of the members of the staff told the newspaper. Although it was only a virtual transaction, it was enough to cause a scare.

Neither the employee’s name has been announced, nor was the Deutsche Bank available for comment.

Two co-chief executives of the bank, Juergen Fitschen and Anshu Jain had resigned in June following alleged slip-ups and missed profit targets. They were replaced by the new co-CEO John Cryan.

The new co-CEO John Cryan is splitting its investment bank into two separate unit’s structure after €6bn third quarter loss. Cryan plans to shed assets and shrink the bank and has launched a major business and management shake-up, as part of a strategic overhaul

Cryan had sent a memo in July to employees citing “antiquated and inadequate technology” and too much reliance on “manual labor” as core problems, which have hurt the bank’s efficiency.

Bank Errors in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 occur at times, and a big erroneous trade can influence the market. It is unclear whether Deutsche Bank’s June error had any effect on currency prices, reported The Wall Street Journal

Nevil Shute - A Town Like Alice Review

I happened to read this novel, while in school. I was a western novel freak and I still don't know how this novel got into my head. Maybe, it was to show others, that I too read books, other than comics and westerns.

However, this book was the one that made me start a long over affair with books, other than westerns.

Unfortunately, I am now more dependent on the net and movies now, and it is quite sad for someone who used to read a book a day. Although, I do try and catch up, but my attention wanders soon after. Maybe the love for books will return some day.

It was an uncle who introduced Nevil Shute to me. Uncle Radhakrishnan (RIP) was an avid reader. He used to read and smoke his "Scissors" with a cup of tea for hours. I used to be in awe just watching him. He then used to tell me the stories that he had read. He used to be busy with office work, and slowly and he would ask me to read and complete the story. Looking back, I think that was the turning point, when Alice came in to my head.

Now, you might be wondering what made this book return now.... maybe because, I was watching Alicia Silverstone’s "Clueless" the other day... which by the way is absolutely clueless......and I switched channels to one of the popular music stations... and the song, "Who the f'**k is Alice" was playing.... So, I thought this was a sign, a sort of deja vu... I must write a piece on the book and perhaps that will give uncle the much-needed rest from my head.

So, here it is... I am just "shueting out"

Now a small intro from wikipedia...

Nevil Shute Norway (17 January 1899 – 12 January 1960) was an English novelist, and aeronautical engineer who spent his later years in Australia. He used his full name in his engineering career, and Nevil Shute as his pen name to protect his engineering career from any potential negative publicity in connection with his novels. Shute died in Melbourne in 1960 after a stroke.

A Town Like Alice is a classic romance (among other things), by Nevil Shute. It was published in 1950, and reflects the bias and prejudices of its time, but it is also a powerful book about a smart, tough, resourceful young woman. It is more of an economic development and romance novel, when Shute had newly settled in Australia.

And a brief review on the story...from Carrie,

Jean Paget, a young Englishwoman, becomes romantically interested in a fellow prisoner of World War II in Malaya, and after liberation emigrates to Australia to be with him, where she attempts, by investing her substantial financial inheritance, to generate economic prosperity in a small outback community — to turn it into "a town like Alice" i.e. Alice Springs.

It is also a story about healing – after the war, Jean feels “About a hundred years old,” and when she finds out that Joe Harmon is alive, she begins to come alive herself again. Joe and Jean are touching, sweet, and sexy together and very funny. It is also a story that is very strong in depiction of place – London, Malaysia, and Australia come to vivid life in the pages. It is a short book full of powerful moments.

Jean survives in Malaysia because she takes time to learn the language, she respects the culture, and she adopts many Malaysian habits that make her life much easier and more comfortable.

I have read this two times, and each time and what strikes you is the way, Jean and Joe accept one another. They are very funny together, and are adamant that they will not attempt to change each other, even though they are both willing to change themselves. They trust each other completely and they balance each other well and they have great sex (off page – it’s implied)

The novel was adapted to a film in 1956 as A Town Like Alice. It starred Virginia McKenna and Peter Finch, directed by Jack Lee. This film was known as Rape of Malaya in U.S. cinemas, and by various other titles in non-English-speaking countries

Ivory And Rhino Horns Shipment Seized in Vietnam

Rhino Horns And Ivory Shipment Which Were Supposed To Have Originated From Mozambique Were Seized By Vietnamese Custom Officers.

[Image 1: Law enforcement officials examining the ivory and rhino horns that were seized by the customs officers at the Vietnamese Port of Da Nang.]
[ Image Courtesy : http://cdn.static.tuoitre.vn/i/s500/2015/08/DcGPBshZ.jpg ]

Customs officers in Vietnam confiscated nearly one metric ton of rhino horns and ivory, which were supposed to have originated from Mozambique.

Vietnamese state media reported on Friday, that custom officers at the Tien Sa Port in Vietnam have seized over 593 kilograms of elephant tusks  and 142 kilograms of rhino horn chunks, hidden in fake marble, as reported by Yahoo News.

The shipment of rhino horns and ivory were supposed to have originated from Mozambique, and that the haul was discovered at the central port of Da Nang yesterday, said the Vietnamese Tuoi Tre newspaper.

The rhino horn trade was banned globally by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1977. However, the trade has flourished thanks to demand from Vietnam and China, who have been long been accused of being one of the world's worst countries for trade in endangered species, reported The ABC News.

Vietnamese people believe that the rhino horn can cure just about anything including cancer. Local superstitions also credit it with having aphrodisiacal and medicinal properties.

In Aug. 2014, France destroyed its stockpile of over 15,000 pieces of seized ivory products. While, China destroyed six tons of ivory and the United States burned down its ivory stockpile for the first time in Nov. 2014.

After intense pressure from conservation groups, Hong Kong, in May 2014, had destroyed about 30 tons of ivory seized from smugglers. This marked an important step in combating the illegal trade in elephant tusks, reported The Guardian.

Vietnam could be the latest country to destroy its stockpiles of illegal wildlife products.

Susan Lieberman, Executive Director of conservation policy, Wildlife Conservation Society applauded the move, especially because of Vietnam’s reputation as a global player in illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.

However, does destroying ivory save elephants? Karl Mathiesen from The Guardian investigates

Control Dramas Never Work The Way We Want

Control dramas never works.

Unless you’re dealing with a child and even then control tactics only causes resistance. You’re not running a boot camp, you’re running an organization. Begin by trusting that employees, by nature, want to do good work. Be available to give them advice.

It's obvious that it has become very difficult to function with images nowadays, i.e., on a virtual reality basis.

Now returning to where we started.... the market at present, works on a funny standard, that is a 1,2, and 1,2,0 and a 1,2,3 standard. So basically you got to write down each move [i.e., if you have the time and you are quick on the uptake, by market standards] or else, you are lost!

So, where were we now ?

Now did someone say some-thing ?

Must make an appointment with my psychiatrist!

Now let’s create A as the demand and B as the supply and C as the constant. so that whenever there is a break in communication we can always move over to the other side. In other words, you have to know both sides……….

Oops... ego beckons.... Let’s bathe in it.... or else C cannot control the neurotic....

Now where do the male and female elements fit in such a process ?

NLP or neuro-linguistic-programming should be a lot more organized.... as few understand it

One of the hottest ideas in today’s minds, or let me put it in a better way "the current market mindset" is driven by female masturbation....

P1ersonally, I have nothing against it nor in anybody pleasuring herself, it is just the fact that I don’t own a vibrator store. I could have at least could have made a killing out of this mindset.

Leaving bad investments and dreams aside, if this mindset continues we can definitely expect a lot of ideas to "flow"

The most interesting and humorous aspect is that the female community is going at it with no "hang-ups" let alone, any qualms in discussing same. It is just another "finger in the pie" aspect. Worst case - fingers in different pies, at least from their point of view....

They don’t even need a gynecologist these days

Does this mindset extend to the male species, some of you may ask ?

The male has been at it for centuries.

Unfortunately this turn of mindset has been quite shocking for the member. He for one has never thought of competition from the opposite species. In a way the male member has lost its usual regalia and position and as a result needs some coaxing to even to get in to his previous position, let alone get going...

The jamming is so much that he misinterprets any ideas and as a result he ends up in the man-hole - this for sure isn’t the right path to ecstasy.

It is funny that all this while.... the male species had their fingers in any hole they could find and suddenly, they are out of a job and landing in their own.

Absolutely a drastic thought....

We need a change...

Or else, after the glitter fades, beneath the leather and lace, we're just scared, trying to learn how to love, amid the gaudy after images. And when darkness falls, and we crouch naked and are alone in our slack, aging bodies, snuffling with fear, and snarling at the grinning phantasms of our toilet-flushed dreams, with a fistful of pills to keep us company.

For starters, we could try and think the opposite ... with their members and the male man-hole...

Masturbation apart, let's take on an another issue - to use our ability to laugh.

It is the most powerful thing that we have been given and it is our greatest gift, especially if we can "laugh at ourselves".

When you make fun of what frightens you, you get a mastery over it and gain control.

So go ahead, act silly.

Let yourself act silly and share it.

What is Content Marketing

Content marketing is the new market formula for online advertising.

It gives businesses a whole lot of new opportunities in addition to the wide reach that it provides. It allows to businesses to penetrate their market objective faster and easier. In addition, it gives businesses that personal connection to its consumers which would have taken conventional advertising a lot more slower. It is faster, cheaper and lot less cumbersome compared to conventional advertising. In short, content marketing is knowing what your consumers want and translating that need through content.

The key to understanding content marketing is to know what tickles the market’s fancy. You have to put yourself into the customer’s shoes and start thinking like a consumer and make your content relevant. Make it feel that each word is addressed directly to the consumer. Once you have learned to achieve that personal connection with your consumer, you can easily achieve your market objective.

Basically, one of the easiest ways to retain existing clients is to show them that their product choice is still the best decision that they have made. It also makes them feel how valuable their brand is, and gives them a sudden urge to be a part of their lifestyle. This way, by going the content, the consumer is hooked on to the product thereby creating a brand loyalty to the product and is able to relate to the product on a personal level. This is what defines effective content marketing.

Three Things You Should Know Before Investing

It is a well-accepted fact that you invest your funds if you want to increase your wealth more successfully.

However, investments are considered risky, but smart investors minimize risk by educating themselves and also avoiding the common scams and frauds. Investment scams have risen in the last decade according to information from the BBB (Better Business Bureau and the FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority).

Listed below are three key steps to be aware of before you take the investment plunge.

Firstly, what exactly do you know about investment – One of the cardinal rules is that if you don’t understand an investment option, avoid it. If you plan to invest in stock funds, it would largely help if you first understand its methodology; how they work and operate. Most stocks and bonds are easy to understand and the funds such as mutual funds and exchange traded funds are also not too complex and are a good place to start your investment education. You can take on more complicated investments as your knowledge increases.

Identify and understand your risk tolerance – Prior to investing, it is better to understand your risk tolerance or how much risk that you will be able to withstand. The “financial risk tolerance” indicates the level of money that you can afford to lose, while the “emotional risk tolerance” indicates your emotional tolerance; whether a loss would put you out of your comfort zone into the anxiety zone.

The next step is about where you plan to invest - While there are a number of brokers out in the market; you have to consider all options depending on your needs and the cost of investing.

While investing can be a great way to build wealth, doing a little research before you plunge will go a long way.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Depression And How to Prevent It

I could research the net and go on about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM)... but today, I'm too tired to go to all that effort (pun intended !)

So today, I will share something I do know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) .. I know about CFS quite well as I've lived with it for over 12 years..

Chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is a puzzling condition wherein the afflicted experiences fatigue, tiredness and physical pain for a long period of time.  It is believed that there are over 2 million people who experience CFS in America. Chronic fatigue syndrome can frequently cause problems with work and social adjustment.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS can be a very devastating problem if not treated with sufficient care and concern. Fatigue is defined as feelings of extreme exhaustion and tiredness. A person who suffers from chronic fatigue feels restless and is not able to perform his daily duties as he or she does not have the energy to do so.

Chronic fatigue depression is a complex disorder that cannot be improved by bed rest but instead deteriorates by any activity. People with intense fatigue often function at a significantly lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness.

It is widely perceived that there is no cure for fatigue syndrome. Sleeping, bed rest, and even relaxation will not much help in relieving chronic fatigue syndrome. As the body experiences physical pain and depression, it is also known as fibromyalgia syndrome. A person who is suffering from fatigue will be aware of what is happening to them, but is unable to do anything so as to function better.

Even healthy people are affected by this condition. They may experience weakness, extreme fatigue and also experience problems in concentration, muscles or lymph nodes and severe pain in joints. As per statistics it is women who are likely to be affected by chronic fatigue syndrome.

How To Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome treatments are complex as the illness itself and there are no specific drugs in the form of medication, or anti-depressants for CFS.

What Is Sleep Apnea And How Is it Different From Narcolepsy

Since I was “technically” an epileptic, I was on the usual anti-epileptic drugs. However, little did the doctors realize that my real problem was narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Can’t blame the doctors because narcolepsy is usually mistaken to be a fainting or a seizure disorder.

As of now, my epileptic seizures have virtually disappeared, thanks to a good stress-reduction plan and my midday naps and good support from all around.

Another point I noticed was that I now rarely sleep off while watching television or at work, which was a pretty common thing during the earlier days. In other words, my sleep apnea and narcolepsy symptoms have also gone away..

But, what is sleep apnea and narcolepsy?

Google Reverses Its Policy On The Blogger Adult Content Ban

Days after announcing a ban on publishing sexually explicit images, Google has reversed its decision to impose the said blanket ban on adult content on Blogger.

Earlier this week Google announced its plans to change its content policy on Blogger. In a statement posted online, the company said that from March 23 this year users "won't be able to publicly share images and video that are sexually explicit or show graphic nudity."

The notice to Bloggers behind the "adult" door read:

"In the coming weeks, we'll no longer allow blogs that contain sexually explicit or graphic nude images or video. We'll still allow nudity presented in artistic, educational, documentary, or scientific contexts, or presented where there are other substantial benefits to the public from not taking action on the content.  The new policy will go into effect on the 23rd of March 2015. After this policy goes into effect, Google will restrict access to any blog identified as being in violation of our revised policy. No content will be deleted, but only blog authors and those with whom they have expressly shared the blog will be able to see the content we've made private."

This U-turn was mainly due to public outrage following its earlier announcement. The move could even have seen a mass exodus from the platform, which meant that Google had to take the negative responses into account.

Can We Survive Without Facebook and Twitter

Social media communication tools such as Facebook and Twitter have profoundly changed our lives and how we interact with one another and the world around us.

If we look back about ten years ago, apart from Orkut and MySpace (which were more like online friend communities), social media was virtually an unknown entity. However, in recent years social media has significantly impacted most of our daily lives and is going to only further influence us.

Tools such as Facebook and Twitter might have been unimaginable for most people at the beginning of this decade.

How Emotional Eating Can Sabotage Your Weight Loss Efforts

Am a binge and at times an emotional eater and was doing some research to overcome it... Below are the findings...please take note of it if any of you have this problem.

Remanufactured Transmissions Versus Rebuilt Transmissions

Its been a while that I have been drifting away from this blog's so called niche and that's technology and auto sections.

So I plan in focusing on these areas occasionally,or else this would just out to be a sister to my other blog, make money online through blogging.

Here goes...

Top Ten Adsense Earners In India

Just another additional post to my post a few days, confirming that you can make money by blogging.

Funnily most of these blogs are tech, and their main income is through google adsense.

These bloggers are not any superheroes, but normal human beings just like you and me who make money online through blogging.

Well... hope you also get inspired and make money blogging.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

A List Of My All Time Favorite Books

A friend of mine had asked me sometime ago about my favorite books that I had read..

I just couldn't blurt out a few, as there were so many... (Please note there are only a few current generation authors, as I would like to list them separately..)

So, I decided to compile a list and keep it somewhere...

Well, here they are.... just about all of them are good - wouldn't do justice by rating them... but then again, we are biased some way or  the other down the line...

Church Bulletin Board

Believe it or not, these actually appeared in various church bulletins:

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptised at both ends.

Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk, come early.

Wednesday the ladies liturgy society will meet. Mr. Johnson will sing, 'Put Me In My Little Bed,' accompanied by the pastor.

Lesson in Economics

One day a tourist comes to the only hotel in a debt ridden town in Kenya.

He lays a 100 dollar note on the table and goes to inspect the rooms.

The Current Market Mindset

One of the most hottest ideas or let me put it in a better way "thing" in today’s minds is female masturbation…..

Personally, I have nothing against it nor anybody pleasuring himself, or for that matter herself.. it is just the fact that I don’t own a vibrator store.. at lease could have made a killing out of this mindset..

Leaving bad investments and dreams aside, if this mindset continues we can definitely expect a lot of "ideas to flow"... As they say, let your love flow..(music courtesy, Bellamy Brothers)..

IGATE Hit By A New Sexual Harassment Case

The New Jersey-based IT services company IGate has been hit by yet another sexual harassment case, with a senior executive accused of harassing a female employee who resisted his sexual advances.

In a lawsuit filed in a California court, the employee, Karetha Dodd, alleged Mukund Srinath, her immediate supervisor in the company’s legal department, repeatedly sought a sexual relationship with her. Dodo has alleged she was promised a promotion, which never came. Things worsened after she complained about Srinath. “Unable to endure these conditions”, she resigned, she said in her lawsuit.

What is Ghost Writing

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism but to steal from many and re-writing it is research....

That's ghost-writing for you !!!

The Importance Of Grammar

Making Money Messing Around Facebook - Free Report

It is an obvious fact that the social media has become one of the biggest drivers of sales and new customers for businesses?

Companies that used to spend millions of dollars on radio advertising, TV commercials and billboard signs, are now shifting huge chunks of their marketing budgets to social media sites like Facebook.

Safe Text

The Crab With The Golden Claws

Sometime back, it was discovered by the CIA that both Osama bin Laden and Bush had something in common

When asked what the issue was, the secret service officials played down the issue.

When pressed for an answer, it was discovered that the answer was crabs.

It was discovered that both Osama and crabs tend to irritate Bush..

Sic !!

The Social Engineer

A policeman arrested a prostitute in the Hospital area and was taken to court this morning.

Her lawyer vehemently denied that she was a prostitute and that she had been contracted to finish a job at the newly built laboratory. When asked to be specific, the lawyer replied that she was a “social engineer” and her specialty was to build and destroy erections.

However, the judge has decided to issue taxes on the Social Engineer, as it was understood that she had not paid any taxes...

One Does Not Have To Blog About Blogging To Create A Winning Blog

There is a huge misconception that one has to blog about blogging to create a winning blog or a blog  that brings in money.. In other words, people believe that blogs cannot be successful unless they are about blogging, social media or the usual affiliate marketing blah !

Hogwash..

Teens And Drugs

Teens experiment with drugs for many reasons.

It could be for fun, curiosity, socializing, boredom, being different from others, relaxation or from pressure from their friends. The drugs that teenagers commonly use are tobacco and cannabis (also known as marijuana, pot, or hash). According to statistics that have been released by and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) reports, cannabis (pot) is the most favored illicit drug around, and one out of five teens have tried marijuana / cannabis at least once.

Many youngsters usually try drugs during some stage in their life, with statistics showing that as many as nearly 45% are tempted to dabble in illicit drugs during their teens. Although there is no guarantee that your teen will never do drugs, there are however many methods to reduce that possibility.

Parents worry about their child becoming dependent on illegal drugs such as speed, ecstasy, acid, cocaine and heroin. However, they fail to understand that they face a bigger threat in the use of drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. Parents should understand that adolescence is a period of experimentation despite the best of parenting skills. However, parents can always reduce the risk of their teen doing drugs with some clever strategies.

Some tips include

• Encourage a trusting and open relationship with your teen from an early age.
• Try to model an appropriate conduct such as moderate drinking, no tobacco, and no illicit drugs.
• Educate them frankly on the dangers that accompany drugs.
• Establish guidelines on what is acceptable and what is not, viz., alcohol, and drugs.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, good food, and sports.
• Encourage social behavior and allow your teen more than one friend circle.
• Help them develop responsibility and good decision-making skills from a very young age 
• Despite the above and should they still get into the drug cycle, check for these warning signs;
• Emotional – sudden personality changes, low self worth, mood swings, gets easily irritable, irresponsible behavior, depression and a general lack of interest in activities.
• Physical – Tired, glazed and bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, sudden weight loss, change in appetite, tremors, impaired co-ordination, and an irritable cough.
• School – Reduced interest in school activities, drop in grades, disciplinary problems, unexplained absenteeism, and gets into fights easily.
• Family- Withdrawal from family members, getting into unwarranted arguments, breaking of family rules and may steal money.
• Social – New social circle, friends who are not interested in school and home activities, change in dress code, grooming, hobbies, unusual smell in body and breath, and even problems with the law

Warning Signs of Abused Drugs

• Marijuana/ Cannabis/ Pot - glazed bloodshot eyes, loss of interest, weight loss or gain, sleepiness, depression, lack of interest, loud laughter and loud voice while talking.
• Depressants (Xanax, GHB, Valium) - dilated pupils, poor judgment, difficulty in concentrating, drunk like state, clumsiness, tremor, poor judgment, and sleepy state.
• Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine) - euphoria, dilated pupils, anxiety, hyperactivity, irritability, excessive talking, depression, excessive sleeping at odd times, going long periods without eating or sleeping, dry mouth and weight loss.
• Inhalants (aerosols, glues, vapors) – anxiety, watery eyes, nose secretions, rashes around the nose and mouth, impaired vision or memory, nausea and headache, drowsiness and an appearance of intoxication, poor muscle control, irritability and presence of lots of aerosol cans in the trash.
• Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD) – bizarre behavior, paranoia, dilated pupils, aggression, mood swings, hallucinations, lonely, detached, egoistic, confused and slurred speech.
• Heroin – needle marks, sweating, coughing, vomiting, sleeping at odd times, sniffling, contracted pupils, twitching, no response of pupils to light and a loss of appetite.

If you suspect your teen is using drugs:

• Don’t panic or react on your first impulse – be calm and think it over.
• Don’t snoop or search your teen’s room for any evidence, especially without their knowledge.
• After establishing the facts, discuss the issue calmly with your teen when you both are relaxed.
• If your teen acknowledges that they are doing drugs, don’t issue an ultimatum, but instead try to help.
• They might need help and not a lecture on the risks of drug usage.
• Nonetheless, if they are very young and are new users, try and educate them.
• There is the risk that an older teen may not stop using the drug, despite what you say.
• Discuss the possibility of seeking professional help.
• If your teen is in trouble with the law, help them but be stern that they may have to pay for any penalties and fines levied.
• Lay down the rules. Your teen should be aware that doing drugs comes with specific consequences.
• Monitor your teenager’s activity and whom she hangs out with.
• Routine check for potential hiding places. Common places are between books on a shelf, backpacks, make-up cases. Your teen must be clearly aware that this is the consequence for them using drugs.
• Introduce them to new social activities, hobbies, interests, and clubs.

The below information are the results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (SAMHSA) reports.

Use of Selected Illicit Drugs among Persons Aged 12 or Older: 2002-2009

Reasons for Not Receiving Substance Use Treatment among Persons Aged 12 or Older Who Needed and Made an Effort to Get Treatment But Did Not Receive Treatment and Felt They Needed Treatment: 2006-2009

Perceived Need for and Effort Made to Receive Specialty Treatment among Persons Aged 12 or Older Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Illicit Drug or Alcohol Use: 2009

The good side is that with the right counseling and treatment and proper support, you can thwart the disruptive effects that the drug has on your teen. The first obstacle for your teen is that they should realize that they have a drug problem and that they need help.

Seeking counseling will be the best thing that has happened to them...

Outsourcing And The Desi Dream

When Gautam had come to US to do his Masters in Computer Science he had the standard immigrant dream - dollars, a house, two cars and two kids. Well not quite. Sure he wanted all these things but what he wanted most of all was to live his fantasy nurtured through years of watching MTV and Channel V. In his dreams, life in US was a never-ending hedonistic pleasure-trip of bikini-clad girls dancing on the beach and partying the night away in a psychedelically lit disco. And so the day he got admission into graduate school in US he thought that the gateway to heaven had finally opened.

However the educational system brought him back to reality with harsh lashings of its whip. He found out soon enough that the only thing he could play around with was the Linux kernel, the only promiscuous mode he would ever see would be in computer networks.

Infact, he and a couple of his friends took the campus bus and went to a bar to pick up some chicks. All that happened was that they sat there, drank alone, stared at each other, ogled the ladies who did not seem to even look at them through their cascading locks of gold and came back even more frustrated than before.

His friends still went to bars regularly; one of them even took the phone number of a girl he danced with on New Year's but well that was all they could do. Gautam after the few days had stopped frequenting bars and pubs as there was no way he could ever get noticed. Sadly, he realized that when it comes to hitting on chicks in bars, it does matter if you are brown.

And so Gautam stayed in a loft with 2 other desis while the American students downstairs would start partying from Thursday night he had to be contented with peering down at the girls making out with the guys on the porch and listening to the cries of passion emanating through the thin wooden walls while he ate his vegetable chow-mein from his small white bowl.

He had tried chatting with girls on the Net but he could not trust anything on chat as it was obvious that the girls who wanted to talk hot were not really girls at all. And the girls, the very few that there were, would be immensely boring and trying to make a friendship of the long term variety - something that Gautam did not have the time for.

I mean after nights of endless coding he reasoned that talking about his family, his hobbies and his zodiac sign was a waste of effort when all he wanted was to get down to business.

One night he had returned from school at 2:30. The code had core-dumped without any explanation, his advisor was breathing down his neck, and the Chinese TA had put a B on an assignment unfairly. A night like any other night he thought as Gautam threw his head back on the torn couch and tried to collect his thoughts. His apartment mates Ajay and Vikas had gone shopping in the evening and God knows where they were so late maybe sleeping.

In a reflex action, he started surfing the channels on his TV - was there anything good on?

All infomercials, the fat burning grille, the get-rich-by-selling-real-estate, the amazingly loaded laptop that will be sold out in 10 minutes - Nothing new and then something caught his eye.

Are you tired? Asked a blonde and that too a gorgeous piece of work.

Yes he was Gautam thought. Most definitely.

She was then joined by another bountiful babe who pouted: Are you lonely?

Oh Yes, tell me about it.

Another brunette with a generous display piped in: We are waiting for your call big boy.

Then a voice-over said encouragingly: We have real girls in your area who want to meet you and have a good time. Call 1-900-HOTTIES to blow your mind.

A cut to the three girls now slithering among themselves: What are you waiting for? Call 1-900-HOTTIES

the phone lay on the adjoining couch. Gautam looked at it longingly. Was this the real way to meet local girls? Of course not, this is a phone sex line; he knew all about them. He flipped the channel again - a Discovery channel special on the mating habits of the Siberian bear. Why not give it a try?

What if the girls from his university were doing it for money? What if something happens and at the worst, there would be a real girl talking dirty on the other side - just the perfect arrangement. No aggravation of conversation, just jump to the good parts, no threat of rejection, total confidentiality and he realized that the rate on the ad was $1.49 per minute. Besides, it said that the first 3 minutes were also free. If he kept it down to 10 minutes then it could be a deal.

He had just been paid and come to thinks of it he owed something to himself.

He hesitated a bit and then his hand reached out to the phone. An automated husky voice greeted him and asked him to punch in his credit card number. Gautam thought again should he go ahead?

If he did so, there was no turning back. But it is said that one who hesitates, definitely loses. So he punched in his MasterCard. A reassuring voice told him that his card was being authorized and that he would not be charged till 3 minutes into a conversation with a real girl. Gautam liked the sound of that-nothing sleazy, full and fair business. In India sleaze means getting ripped off but here in US there is honor in smut. One of the many things he liked about the country.

A real female voice came on: Hi sir how would you like to be addressed?

Gautam asked: Am I being charged from now?

The friendly voice replied: No sir not yet. I am the pleasure facilitator (what a beautiful job Gautam thought). My job is to know a little bit about what you would like so that we can give you a fantastic experience. Yes sir how would you like to be addressed? Just the first name only sir.

Gautam thought of providing a false identity...but then he wanted to be addressed by his own name. It was more personal and heck who would ever know? But then again from his experiences in the bars he thought better of it and replied in his best American accent (which was pretty good)

Bob !

So Bob! What kind of girl would you like: Swedish exchange-student, Japanese schoolgirl, Russian dominatrix, Vietnamese submissive, all-American cheerleader or an ebony pleasure-queen?

Wow Gautam thought-a buffet of succulent ladies. He thought for a while and said: How about an all-American cheerleader?

Sure Bob. We aim to please at 1-900-HOTTIES. Please wait why we redirect our call to your dream date. Your 3 minutes begin after she picks up the phone. Again congratulation on your choice...and enjoy

Gautam waited with bated breath. This sure beats the hell out of hanging endlessly in places where none even looked back at you. Instant, hassle-free gratification. In a few seconds he would be speaking to an All-American cheerleader

Click...and then an undecipherable voice...apparently a unmistakable Southern accent...Gautam could only make out a howdy partner and the rest of her words were lost in a mumble. Gautam in his American accent kept on repeating... Could you please try and speak a bit louder? But he could make neither head nor tail of what the girl was drawling. And in the corner of his brain the clock was ticking - the free minutes would be over in a flash and he had not yet understood what the hell she was trying to say.

And then straining to hear he could make out the background sound...despite the very thick Texan accent there was something very familiar with the ambient noise which was also contributing to her voice being drowned out. And finally he realized that sound; the unmistakable drone of heavy traffic and riotous blowing of horns. In which country are horns blown like this?

India! The penny dropped. The cheats had transferred his call to India! Texan beauty indeed... Gautam's voice rose - Has his call been Outsourced to India?

The voice at the other end immediately changed. A beautiful voice spoke in clear English: I apologize sir, but yes, your call has been outsourced to India.

Actually to keep operating costs down, the company has had to globalize these calls. Sir this is just a fantasy-I hope you understand, our parent company, has no legal obligation to provide you with the all-American girl you asked for. I apologize for my accent: I normally do the Japanese and the Vietnamese girl, but the girl who does the all-American cheerleader has just quit her job and I apologize profusely on behalf of the company

She continued with an amazingly sexy voice...However truth be told I am from India - the land of Kamasutra where the girls are as lush as the mighty Ganga and know how to please - I can be quite a handful. So tell me sir have you ever heard of the “flying monkey” position? Allow me to enlighten you in graphic details!

Gautam's indignation had been replaced by sympathy. Poor Indian girl must be some college kid forced to do this because of financial constraints. Which Indian girl would ever do such things on her own? And the teary voice of the girl had aroused the man in Gautam - poor lady. It was not her fault that the Texas girl quit. If this was an American he would abuse the poor Indian and hang up. But not Gautam. Even though he wanted to settle in US, he still loved his country. And its girls. And something about this girl's helplessness also excited him. He wondered why.

Gautam put on his best chivalrous knight tone. Reverting to his own accent he said: Hi I am Gautam not Bob. I am an Indian student too so you need not tell me about the Kamasutra - I live by it (well a white lie but as she said this was all a fantasy!).

The girl laughed a beautiful cadence - This girl really had an amazingly sexy voice.

She said: Hi Gautam, I am Monica and am all excited to meet you...Now, if I may ask you, where abouts in India do you come from?

Gautam glanced at the watch. Goddamn this was costing him plenty and they had not even talked a bit of what he had paid for. But he liked this-actually this conversation was much more exciting than a few minutes of mechanized huffing and puffing that he would have hoped to get.

Baroda, he replied.

Hey Baroda - that's cool I am from Baroda too, her voice rose a level. They have found a common ground, a connection source. You must be one of those geniuses who go to US after their engineering. Gautam smiled self-contentedly.

Gautam then launched into a rant about how lonely he was. At least that would serve as a justification for dialing a sex chat line. The girl was more than understanding about Gautam's loneliness. So don't you have a girlfriend there? Some hot blonde in US who can look after your needs?

Gautam sighed. Of course not, or why else would he be calling here?

Well no Monica. I prefer brown skin - fairness turns me off.

The musical voice cooed. So Gautam do you have any girlfriend in India?

Gautam was feeling exceedingly honest. Somewhere subconsciously he was falling in lust with this goddess of love. And he needed to start this relationship by making a clean breast of things

No Monica I do not. There was a girl in my locality I used to love and lust.

Monica giggled: Tell me about her.

Gautam was breathing noticeably heavier now. Oh god he thought, this lady knew how to press the right buttons. He then launched into a lurid description of a girl who lived in the same housing society and whom he had spent countless nights thinking about and was soon lost in explicit details of her anatomical attributes. Gautam thought of how delectably perverted this conversation had become but what amazed him was how accepting and understanding this Indian girl was. It was another matter that he was doing All the hot talking, the girl was merely encouraging him to go on and in the end he would have to foot the bill. Which Gautam realized must be quite high now. But he was no longer thinking with his head.

Wow Gautam. Your dream girl seems to be right out of the Khajuraho temple so is she the only one?

Gautam was talking in an impassioned whisper by now. She had an even hotter elder sister I have often fantasized about both of them together.

The girl giggled again: So what were their names? And tell me about the fantasies involving both of them? Shweta and Anila - Well there was this one time when... The girl's tone changed a bit: Shweta and Anila Gupta

Was this one of them? Gautam's head was now turning cartwheels. Could it really be that one of the two goddesses was actually a phone sex operator? And that he had been talking dirty to one of those unattainable fairies for so long? Gautam excitedly replied: Yes, yes, do you know them?

Suddenly the line became silent. Had he been disconnected or had the girl been so ashamed of being found out that she had disconnected? Oh no! Please no! As he yelled...Hello! Hello! Are you there?

The voice had now undergone a metamorphosis. Bastard...she shouted...I know you... You are that potbellied idiot who used to stay in No 24 and would try to peek into our house...Go tell your dirty ideas to your own sister you bastard...Shameless idiot... One more thought about the two of them, I shall gouge out your hungry eyes and feed them to the crows and twist your little thingie out and leave it among the green chillies to dry... You got that! Scumbag?

Your parents sent you to US to study and this is how you spend your time there - Shameless Monkey.

A click of the telephone disconnecting and another automated voice... Thank you for using 1-900-HOTTIES. Your credit card has been charged $98.78 including call time, tax and state surcharges. Thank you once again and we hope to do business with you in the future.

Ninety Nine Dollars - that was almost what he spent on a month's grocery. But cash was the last thing on Gautam's mind as he sat on the couch- His head in his hands. He had recognized the voice that had berated him in the end. It was Kokila Aunty, the mother of Shweta and Anila, roly-poly and the local gossip server who offered Pujas three times a day. Now how on earth could she be a sex-phone operator? Well evidently she was and Gautam had just spent $98.78 unloading his fantasies onto a lady pushing the wrong side of 50 and if that was not bad enough, his reputation in the housing colony was toast.

He knew very well that if ladies like Kokila Aunty wanted to take down a reputation she could do that effectively without getting herself scorched. He remembered the case of an uncle, an old bachelor who he found nice enough but who was whispered to be a gay pedophile. Now the rumor mill had a new goat on the block - Gautam the local pervert. How was he ever going to return? With his hands shaking he reached for his laptop. So much code still needed to be written. At least no one here in US knew of this, that was the only saving grace.

Dude.....Gautam looked up and his apartment mates were standing in the corridor. Ajay was doubled up on the ground laughing and Vikas was staring at Gautam his mouth agape.

And then it suddenly came to him. They had been to Wal-Mart’s that evening and bought an extension handset.

Suddenly everything went blank !!!!!