Friday, August 31, 2012

Trouble with the chair: Clint mocked for RNC bit

Actor Clint Eastwood addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Actor Clint Eastwood addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Actor Clint Eastwood addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Actor Clint Eastwood speaks to an empty chair while addressed delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Actor Clint Eastwood talks to an empty chair during his address to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Clint Eastwood earned plenty of bad reviews for his latest performance: a bizarre, rambling endorsement of Mitt Romney.

"Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic," tweeted film critic Roger Ebert as Eastwood adlibbed Thursday night to an audience of millions ? and one empty chair ? on stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. "He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him."

Eastwood carried on a kooky, long-winded conversation with an imaginary President Barack Obama, telling him that he failed to deliver on his promises, and it's time for Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, to take over.

"Mr. President, how do you handle promises that you have made when you were running for election, and how do you handle them? I mean, what do you say to people?" he said at one point to the empty chair.

Twitter was instantly ablaze with comments mocking the Oscar-winning director of "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby."

"Clint has now eclipsed the total word count of his last three films," tweeted film critic Richard Roeper during the speech, which was intended to last five minutes but went on for nearly 12.

Howard Kurtz, host of CNN's "Reliable Sources," said "Clint's empty chair act" was the "weirdest convention moment I have ever seen." Joe Scarborough, the conservative host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," declared that "a great night for Mitt Romney just got sidetracked by Clint Eastwood."

Minutes after Eastwood began his speech, someone created an (at)InvisibleObama account on Twitter. It has already amassed 30,000 followers and counting.

"I heard that Clint Eastwood was channeling me at the RNC," tweeted comic actor Bob Newhart, known for his one-sided conversation bits. "My lawyers and I are drafting our lawsuit."

The 82-year-old actor and director also talked about Oprah Winfrey, Obama's unfulfilled promise to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and lawyers. At one point, he referenced dismissing Obama and making a change.

"When somebody doesn't do the job, you gotta let 'em go," Eastwood said. The tough-guy actor of "Dirty Harry" fame then drew a finger across his throat.

The Obama campaign shot back afterward by tweeting a photo of the back of the president's chair, with Obama's head peeking over it, along with the line: "This seat's taken."

Eastwood, a fiscal conservative who takes left-leaning stands on social issues such as gay marriage and environmental protections, made waves with conservatives earlier this year when he starred in a Super Bowl spot for Chrysler, a company that benefited from government support. Eastwood, who endorsed Romney earlier this month at a campaign event in Sun Valley, Idaho, and once served as mayor of Carmel, Calif., defended his appearance in the commercial, noting it had nothing to do with his politics.

Inside the convention, the crowd cheered Eastwood's entrance and shouted his famed catchphrase, "Go ahead, make my day." But backstage, stern-faced Romney aides winced at times as Eastwood's remarks stretched on. After his speech, Romney's camp defended Eastwood.

"He's an American icon," Romney spokeswoman Gail Gitcho told CNN's Piers Morgan. "You can't look at him at through the same political lens that you would other politicians. He's Clint Eastwood."

There was seemingly more discussion Thursday night on Twitter about Eastwood's awkward performance than Romney's actual acceptance speech.

"Is this a segment for 'Mrs. Eastwood and Company'?" asked "Star Trek" actor Zachary Quinto on Twitter, referencing the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"-like E! reality series starring Eastwood's wife, Dina.

Several celebrities and comedians lightheartedly hypothesized on the micro-blogging site how Democrats could top the over-the-top routine at their own convention in Charlotte, N.C., next week.

"To restore balance to the universe, Obama must have Tommy Chong onstage at the DNC talking to a steak," joked Patton Oswalt.

Original "Star Trek" actor George Takei said he was "drafting a DNC speech to (an) imaginary Romney in an empty factory."

"Saturday Night Live" cast member Seth Myers had an entirely different idea: "(Vice President Joe) Biden has to go shirtless for DNC to top it."

For Hollywood veteran Eastwood, his chance to rebound likely comes Sept. 21 in more familiar territory. That's when his next film, the baseball drama "Trouble With the Curve," opens.

___

Follow AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/derrikjlang.

___

Associated Press writers Donna Cassata, Kasie Hunt, Steve Peoples and Philip Elliott in Tampa, Fla., and Leanne Italie in New York contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-08-31-Clint%20Eastwood/id-862debabb4ee4388914fbf29302090d8

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Chinese Search Engines Baidu, Qihoo Fight for Top Spot


May the best Chinese search engine win in the war between leader Baidu and newcomer Qihoo 360.

Internet security service provider Qihoo introduced its 360 search on Aug. 16, earning a spot as the country's second-most popular search engine behind runaway market leader Baidu within a few days, according to China Radio International (CRI).

And now the hijinks have begun in earnest. Reminiscent of childhood playground antics, the two companies have been pushing each other around, starting with Baidu's forced redirections of results from 360, pulling searchers to Baidu's homepage when they input queries in 360.

In retaliation, Qihoo later removed some of its sub-searches, including news, maps, and MP3s?all of which are Baidu's products ?and replaced them with its own, and those of rivals Google and Sogou, CRI reported.

In a Wednesday announcement on its website, Qihoo said that its new 360 search engine is aimed at injecting new vitality into the Internet search market.

"People want to see effective competition in the market," the announcement said.

Qihoo began developing search engine technology in 2005, but switched over to Internet security before its engine was complete. Now, the new site runs on more than 13,000 servers, with more than 200 billion index pages online, according to Qihoo.

IT think tank Chinalabs.com board chairman Fang Xingdong told CRI that Qihoo has a chance to put a dent in Baidu's long-running dominance of the Chinese search market.

Baidu held 78.6 percent of the Chinese search market in the second quarter of 2012, according to Analysys International. Google, with 15.7 percent of the market, and Sogou, with 2.9 percent, rounded out the Top 3.

As of July, China boasted more than 530 million Internet users, according to the China Internet Network Information Center. The country's Internet user base is on pace to nearly double itself over the past four years?at the end of 2008, just 298 million users in China had access to the Internet.

For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409125,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05079TX1K0000993

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Why All Online Businesses Need Internet Marketing | Internet ...


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The need for Internet marketing is very important to any ecommerce business, or any business that is online hoping to make money. Marketing is a process of taking information and getting it out to the general public. It takes quality timing, construction and expert assistance to make any marketing campaign complete. As with an advertising campaign for a local company in the offline world, the goal of advertising is to increase brand recognition and to drive sales. Online, the only way to accomplish these goals is through Internet marketing techniques.

What Is Internet Marketing?

Internet marketing is the means of getting your business, website or idea out into the general online public. Because of the size of the Internet, in comparison with a local market, the marketing methods have to be much more targeted to reach a larger audience. This does mean that your product or service is broadcast to more potential clients or customers. In many ways, a successful Internet marketing campaign can provide a business with the customers, orders, referrals or sales they need to sustain themselves both online and offline. Anyone who is considering getting online or increasing their online revenue needs Internet marketing strategies to help make that happen.

What Are Internet Marketing Strategies?

If you hired an ad agency to help tell the offline world about your company, chances are good that you would spend time coming up with a marketing strategy. This is simply a timeline, to do list and a step-by-step action plan of what will be done to advertise. The same is true online. You will want to have a game plan of the ways you will market, the people you will target, how you will do so and an action plan to getting it all done. Internet marketing strategies can help a business to go from making small or no profits online, to making a sizable return on their investment.

Making It A Success

As you consider Internet marketing?s importance for your business, keep in mind that you do need to invest in quality. Having a professional who knows the industry makes sense. Again, just like in the offline world, you would hire someone to handling your advertising campaign that knows the market and can translate your invested dollars into profits. This is the same as online marketing. You need to know when to do things, what to do and how to make them happen.

Internet marketing is necessary for nearly all businesses that want to draw potential customers to their websites. This increase in traffic should be targeted to people that are most likely to make a purchase from your company. The underlying goal should be the same: get your business? name out there so that people know you are the best company to invest in to solve their problem. A successful marketing program is sure to provide this to your business if the Internet marketing has been done correctly.



Targeted Email Advertising

Source: http://www.majon.com/blog/internet-marketing/2012/08/why-all-online-businesses-need-internet-marketing/

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What It Means To Be A Best Friend | Thought Catalog

We often take for granted how precious a thing it is to be a best friend, how many people can?t freely use that term, how many have never experienced that very particular kind of love. When you think about it, to pronounce someone in your life as being more important than all of those other friends somehow, as being on a different plane of relationship that, despite not being romantic, is still profoundly important, is incredible. So many wait for the cue from their most-beloved friend to be able to tack on the profound, terrifying modifier of ?best.? Who wants to be the person who prematurely proclaims the other their one-and-only-best-friend, when they were not ready to take that leap themselves? It?s the ?I love you? of platonic relationships, and to be able to securely declare that with someone is a privilege not bestowed upon everyone.

But holding that title for someone else is as much about commitment and honor and respect as a romantic relationship is ? it involves compromise, trust, and a mutual growth that allows certain friends to last through decades and incredible life changes. Keeping in touch and maintaining a level of intimacy that was easy to achieve when both of you were in the same school and had no real responsibilities becomes a serious investment when life begins to insert itself between the two of you and attempt to pry you apart. Being ready to stay up late for phone calls, to truly listen to each other?s problems (and not just wait to pounce on the end of their sentence and start speaking yourself), and make the effort to visit are all part of what is expected of you if you want to be a best friend. Showing another human being that you care about them and that their happiness and presence in your life is important to you on a regular basis is, though it may sound obvious, a fairly big commitment in practice.

Because this isn?t a romantic relationship, though, the obvious expectations and requests for a certain amount of effort or deference can?t easily be vocalized. A couple would be expected to tell each other what their needs are, to request that a certain gesture be made or that more involvement is needed on one end. Often, however, friendships can go years in a state of slow withering, not feeling comfortable saying, ?Hey, I need to talk to you more often,? but so profoundly needing that contact. Being a best friend means having to make that effort without being asked, or to even prompt the question yourself. To understand the role that a confidant and platonic partner plays in another?s life is to be ready to treat with care, to hold gently and speak softly. It means knowing that they may not be able to tell you as easily as they could their romantic partner, that they have been taught by society (like all of us) that friendship should go perfectly smoothly or not at all, never to be actively worked on.

And yet, working on things is such an essential part of being a best friend. You will have disagreements, you will want different things, you will fight. Having an argument or taking a few days off to think about things is no more out of place in a deep friendship than it would be in a marriage. You are two distinct people with lives that are constantly molding you into different people, and you don?t have the glue that keeps many relationships together ? cohabitation, marriage, children ? you are expected to navigate this changing landscape as entirely separate entities. Being a best friends means being willing to learn and adapt, to understand that you cannot control this person or make them be who you want them to be, that you love them precisely because they are their own person.

You are the keeper of their secrets, the one they cried in front of, the one they are able to be fully themselves with. You were there through different relationships the way a people weathers different administrations, learning intimately what it is they are looking for and the mistakes they are making ? mistakes you know you have to let them make for themselves, just as they allow you yours. Seeing this part of another human being, watching as they turn into people they wouldn?t have recognized a few short years ago, is nothing short of a gift. Just as they keep feelings, confessions, and desires tucked away safely for you ? things that would have been too heavy a load to carry on your own ? you are charged with being this person for them, with talking to them about family and relationships and all of the other topics we often feel we have no one to turn to for. Being a best friend is to be a therapist when we are still so very deeply in the process of figuring things out for ourselves.

It may sound like a job, and in many ways, it is. It?s not a straight line cutting through your life that starts with ?meet this perfect person? and ends with ?die laughing as old people drinking tea.? It?s something that demands admitting you?re wrong, making sacrifices, and coming to understand that the decisions you wouldn?t make for yourself may be the right ones for them. To have a love like this ? one that you cannot control or tie down or even really fully define ? is as precious as it is rare. We have endless guidebooks on how to navigate romantic relationships, but so few that tell us what to do when our best friend moves to a new city for the first time and we have to learn how to redesign our patterns and communication to bridge the gap. There are endless questions and challenges to be faced in a best friendship, almost all of which we have to figure out entirely for ourselves. But when everything is going wrong and there is only one person you know you can call who will be there free of judgment, of imposing their worldview on you, you cannot say it isn?t worth it. TC mark

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Source: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2012/what-it-means-to-be-a-best-friend/

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White Knights

White Knights

A crew of space travelers posing as traffickers in sentient beings buy off and rescue "defectives" from a colony obsessed with genetic purity that exploits them, and takes on various jobs and tasks to support their operation in the meantime.

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This topic is an Out Of Character part of the roleplay, ?White Knights?. Anything posted here will also show up there.

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You may edit this first post as you see fit.

"Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you." -Tyrion Lannister, A Song of Ice and Fire

"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." -Elie Wiesel

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MartianJusticiar
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Been ages since I saw an awesome sci-fi RP. I'd like to join, although I might be in one too many roleplays already. If one of 'em snuffs it in time, then sign me up! :D

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Investing In Oil Penny Stocks | PennyStocks123.Com

Posted by Sonja in stock market tips

oil penny stock investmentWith prices steadily hovering around $100 a barrel, it?s no wonder that investor interest is piqued by oil stocks. Despite all of the current interest in developing alternative sources of energy, fossil fuels are still the primary energy choice of developed economies and will continue to retain their first-tier position so long as there are exploration and drilling companies willing to exploit new technologies, such as horizontal drilling, to reach untapped reserves. Extraction activities continue both offshore and onshore at a steady pace, and while the major oil companies show no signs of slowing down their operations, their efforts are matched by the numerous small-cap oil firms looking to make their mark in the fossil fuel arena. With so many choices to pick from, how will you know which oil penny stocks are the best investment candidates?
While all penny stock opportunities should be thoroughly researched before an investor commits his funds, an investment in oil stocks requires a particular type of due diligence. Unless the target company is involved in the oil sector in an ancillary way (such as pipeline engineering and construction, drill and rig parts or distribution of crude), the first step in vetting a prospective investment in an oil company is to ensure that the company has the rights, through either ownership or long-term lease, to carry out exploration activities in its designated location(s). In addition, the company should be in possession of geologists? reports confirming that reserves sufficient to merit the investment of capital and labor into the endeavor are present, and the company must also be able to demonstrate that they are in possession of all permits and licenses necessary to operate legally. If all three of these crucial items are not in place, retail penny stock investors should not consider getting involved with the company.
Assuming that the legal and geological bases of doing business are properly in place, it?s prudent to have a thorough look at the company?s finances. Oil companies have a high need for capital as a matter of course, since the costs associated with both offshore and onshore drilling are extremely high; any serious investment candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient cash on hand, or access to cash through committed financing, to fund at least a year?s worth of operations, because current shareholders will find their value diluted if the company must issue additional stock to raise money for continued exploration. Look for companies that have more than one lease, or that are drilling in more than one location, in order to increase the chances of a rise in revenue and value; ideally, look for companies that have already generated positive results through operations in one location, and are diversifying by expanding operations to include additional locations. Such firms will be the first of the small-caps to benefit from momentum trading as the price of oil continues to rise.
Because the price of oil stocks is so highly influenced by external economic factors, knowing when to get out of your position is of exaggerated importance when investing in oil penny stocks. In general, look for moments of opportunity occurring after spikes in barrel prices, however, more specifically, if you?ve had the good fortune to invest in an oil stock that strikes it big, consider selling as the stock price approaches resistance levels: the chances of the same company hitting it big twice are just too slim. As an alternative, you can always invest in an energy-heavy ETF or mutual fund, but there?s really no reason not to take a gamble on a penny oil stock or two: the buy-in is relatively inexpensive, and the payoff can be significant.
Oil penny stocks are issued by all sorts of companies involved in exploration and drilling. Between those that drill onshore and those whose operations are located offshore, those whose efforts are concentrated on new fields and those who specialize in extracting reserves left behind after the majors have moved on to greener pastures, there?s something for everyone. As emerging economies such as India and China continue to build wealth, needing even more cars and energy, the need for oil will correspondingly continue to increase; surely, among all of this activity, there?s an oil penny stock or two that?s a perfect fit for your risk profile and your portfolio.

Source: http://www.pennystocks123.com/stock-market-tips/investing-in-oil-penny-stocks.html

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Home Remodeling Los Angeles - Maximize Your Home's ...

by Eternity Construction, Inc.

to Eternity Construction, Inc.

Today, more people are choosing professional remodeling services to upgrade or transform both the indoor and outdoor areas of their homes. Instead of moving to an entirely new property, families prefer remodeling for an effective, convenient way to maximize their home's livability in less time. If you want to add value and elegance to your residential property, select a reliable remodeling contractor that will give you quality work affordably and on-time. The best service providers have years of experience, so you can enjoy savings on home renovation projects, while still getting the quality work you deserve. They can easily remodel your existing house to your specifications, so your family can avoid the disruption of buying a new home. Trust your remodeling company to install stylish home furnishing accessories that are to your personal taste and individual preferences.

There is no need to waste your time, money, and effort on remodeling companies that try and fail to understand your needs. An internet search will give you many options for leading Home Remodeling Los Angeles companies, along with client feedback to help you make a decision. Choose a company with skilled, knowledgeable, and qualified designers that can produce 3D computer design before any work begins. That means you know you will be satisfied, as any adjustments can be made without additional time and expense. Reputable companies ensure your entire remodeling project is managed by a professional, specialized team of architects and designers. Whether you just want to add an extra room or you want to completely renovate your home, quality construction companies are available for the work at competitive prices.

A number of companies focus their business on remodeling Los Angeles and nearby areas, so they know they understand the needs of your neighborhood. They carefully research and conduct a thorough inspection of your residential space to design phenomenal plans for your project at unbeatable prices. Good construction teams have the creative skills necessary to provide you with the following services:

Renovation of rooms

Installation of new flooring

Changes to your bathroom and kitchen

Remodeling of kitchen with decorative and functional accessories

You can upgrade the appearance of your kitchen by installing such fittings as decorative wooden countertops, racks, knife holder drawers, open shelving, glass doors, tile and wood flooring, and more. Good construction companies have experts on staff with complete understanding of today's advanced bathroom remodeling Los Angeles techniques, so you can enjoy all of the benefits of high-quality renovations. Expand your space with the addition of a new room or an entire new level, so you can avoid the hassle of moving. Your construction company should put your preferences at the top of their priority list, ensuring you are fully satisfied with your Ventura Remodeling services. Have a look at some of the remarkable projects already completed in your neighborhood, supervised by the experts at your local remodeling companies. Transform the interior of your home at a price you can afford with the high-quality, affordable work of a remodeling and construction specialist.

Keywords: Bathroom remodeling Los Angeles, remodeling Los Angeles, Ventura Remodeling, Home Remodeling Los Angeles

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

FM to meet tax officials today: What's on the agenda? | Firstpost

New Delhi: With an aim to bring in clarity and ?non-adversarial? tax administration, Finance Minister P Chidambaram will meet senior officials of the Central Board of
Excise and Customs (CBEC) here today.

At the conference of the Chief Commissioners and Directors General of Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, Chidambaram will also discuss ? a fair mechanism for dispute
resolution,? according to a Finance Ministry statement.

Chidambaram?s first meeting with the top CBEC officials since he took charge in the Finance Ministry, comes in the backdrop of contraction in the industrial growth amid slowdown
in economy.

PTI

The industrial output showed contraction at 0.1 percent in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal against a growth of of 6.9 percent in the same period last year . ?? The slowdown is showing its impact on the revenue collection of the government which is facing a fiscal
pressure.

Against the annual growth target of 27 per cent, indirect tax ? customs, excise and service tax ? collections during the first four months of this fiscal rose by 22 per cent. The Budget for the fiscal 2012-13 had set a target of indirect tax collection at Rs 5.05 lakh crore. In the
April-July period, the collection stood at Rs 1.45 lakh crore.

In his first public statement after taking charge of the finance portfolio on August 1, Chidambaram had assured investors ?clarity in tax laws, a stable tax regime, a non-adversarial tax administration and a fair mechanism for dispute resolution?.

The investors responded well to his statement as is evident from the foreign institutional investors pumping in over Rs 6,700 crore in the equity market this month so far.

PTI

Firstpost encourages open discussion and debate, but please adhere to the rules below, before posting. Comments that are found to be in violation of any one or more of the guidelines will be automatically deleted:

Personal attacks/name calling will not be tolerated. This applies to comments directed at the author, other commenters and other politicians/public figures

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Comments will be moderated for abusive and offensive language.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/economy/fm-to-meet-tax-officials-today-whats-on-the-agenda-432835.html

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Friday, August 24, 2012

Meteorologist Joe Bastardi: 'Heh, stop the panic over the [GOP] convention. Storm is not going to hit from SW. If from SE comes from land. If offshore, not that bad'

'If convention were in Miami, or Naples, or Charleston ( if my track up 80west holds) thats one thing. But this is not set up for major (hit) at Tampa'

Source: http://www.climatedepot.com/a/17195/Meteorologist-Joe-Bastardi-Heh-stop-the-panic-over-the-GOP-convention-Storm-is-not-going-to-hit-from-SW-If-from-SE-comes-from-land-If-offshore-not-that-bad

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

David Fincher No Longer Attached to Cleopatra

david-fincher-cleopatra

It appears we?ll never get to see David Fincher?s iteration of Cleopatra.? The director began eyeing the project back in March of 2011, but now it appears that talks between Fincher and Sony have broken off and he?s no longer involved.? Angelina Jolie has long been attached to star in the film based on Stacy Schiff?s book Cleopatra: A Life.? Fincher?s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button scribe Eric Roth entered talks to pen the screenplay late last year, but the last update about the project came from Fincher himself last December:

?Cleopatra,?I haven?t even begun. I?ve just spoken with Angie [Angelina Jolie] and?Eric [Roth]?and I?m trying to figure out how to weigh in. It?s just a discussion about what can it be, what are people expecting, what do we need to do to destroy that??

Hit the jump for more on the future of Cleopatra and what other projects Fincher is circling for his feature film follow-up to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

david-fincher-cleopatraNews of Fincher?s non-involvement comes via Vulture, who reports that Sony is now ?seeking other candidates? for the director?s chair including Brokeback Mountain?s Ang Lee, though they?re quick to point out that no offer has been made and no negotiations have taken place.? Scott Rudin is presumably still producing the project.

Sony was eager to stay in the David Fincher business following 2010?s The Social Network, but the studio and Fincher apparently butted heads quite a bit during the production of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.? That film was far from a box-office disaster, but it wasn?t exactly the runaway hit that Sony was hoping for.? Development on the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire, continues to remain in the scripting stage with no firm commitment from Fincher on whether he plans to come back and direct the sequel or not.

Fincher recently wrapped his first foray into television, the pilot for the Netflix political thriller series House of Cards with Kevin Spacey.? He?s also developing a big-screen adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea which he previously stated will probably be 70% CG.? He has yet to settle on his next feature film project, but I sincerely hope it?s 20,000 Leagues.? Seven scribe Andrew Kevin Walker came on to do some rewrite work on Scott Z. Burns? initial script late last year, though we haven?t heard much about the film in the meantime since Fincher has been busy with House of Cards.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1925781/news/1925781/

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Migraine Cure Ebook, Health & Fitness

STOP PAIN and Migraine Headaches

STOP PAIN and Migraine Headaches

Are you in constant pain caused by anything from arthritis to muscle aches to bad knees? STOP PAIN IN 60 SECONDS! ** CALL NOW (800) 316-4197 Warrior Mist TM CALL NOW (800) 316-4197 ** Faster acting than a pill and safer than any drug RELIEVES ALL TYPES OF PAIN INCLUDING -Migraine Headaches -Tooth & Arthritis -Muscle Pain -Rheumatoid Arthritis! -MUCH MORE Hundreds of Treatments per bottle 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE Safe for Daily Use - No Side Effects - Last for 8 Hours Dr. David Richardson, MD Board Certified Anesthesiologist (Licensed, Arizona State Board of Medicine) says Warrior Mist is a revolution in pain relief. ** Warrior Mist TM CALL NOW (800) 316-4197 **
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The Rachel Zoe Project - Taylor's in a Mood Season: 2

The Rachel Zoe Project - Taylor's in a Mood Season: 2

The Rachel Zoe Project Season: 2 Episode: 8 Rachel is really late for a photoshoot and Taylor is in a mood.
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Migraine, Headache and Dizziness Relief

Migraine, Headache and Dizziness Relief

Dr. Roy Jolley Explains the connection between the Temporomandibular Joint and Neurological disorders...including Migraines, Headaches, Dizziness and Fibromyalgia.
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Migraine...The Simple Drug Free Solution From Health Scan

Migraine...The Simple Drug Free Solution From Health Scan

LEARN HOW SIMPLE IT IS TO CURE YOUR MIGRAINE/HEADACHES WITH A SIMPLE ONE HOUR TEST FROM HEALTH SCAN. NO MEDICATION REQUIRED. ALSO, IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE HEALTH PROBLEMS SHOWN BELOW THEN CONTACT HEALTH SCAN FOR THE SIMPLE ?DRUG FREE?ANSWER: Arthritis - Asthma - Athletes Foot - Bloated Stomach Blood Pressure problems Catarrh - Colitis - Concentration problems - Constipation Coughing - Cramp - Crohn's Disease Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E) Depression - Dermatitis - Diarrhoea - Dizziness Eczema - Epilepsy - Eye Sensitivity Gout - Tourette Syndrome Haemorrhoids - Hay fever - Headaches - Heartburn Hot Flushes - Hyperactivity Irritability - Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lack of Libido - Leg Ulcers Lethargy - Loss of Sense of Smell Loss of Confidence Memory Loss - Migraine - Mood Swings - Sleep problems Mouth Ulcers - Nausea Palpitations - Panic Attacks - Pre-menstrual Tension Rhinitis - Sciatica - Sinusitis - Sneezing Snoring - Stress - Sweating Thrush - Tinnitus Vomiting - Weight Gain or Loss www.healthscan.co.uk
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Tags: Migraine Headaches Headache Health Scan Food Intolerance Allergy Testing Pain Arthritis
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Migraine Part 3, Summerville NuHealth Chiropractic

Migraine Part 3, Summerville NuHealth Chiropractic

Dr. Christopher Nubel of NuHealth Chiropractic in Summerville SC shows headache and migraine sufferers how to reduce or eliminate headache and migraine pain. www.NuHealthChiropractic.com
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Tags: Chiropractic Summerville Nuhealth Health South Carolina Headache Back Backache Low
Categories: Science & Tech

Herbal Medicine & Home Remedies : Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches

Herbal Medicine & Home Remedies : Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches

A few home remedies for migraine headaches include aroma therapy, which can be augmented through the use of essential oils, such as frankincense, lavender or peppermint. Discover how acupressure can be used to treat migraine headaches with help from a certified herbal information specialist in this free video on herbalism and alternative medicine.
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Benefits of Noni (in DXN Morinzhi Juice)

Benefits of Noni (in DXN Morinzhi Juice)

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Fibromyalgia Treatment with Hippocrates Health Institute Dire...

Fibromyalgia Treatment with Hippocrates Health Institute Dire...

Fibromyalgia treatment and migraine headaches are the subject of this interview of Hippocrates Health Institute Director by Cindy Soto. Specifically, a caller had asked about how the program at Hippocrates Institute could help her with fybromialgia and daily migraine headaches. http://www.hippocrateshealthlifestyle.com Related to: fibromyalgia diet symptoms of fibromyalgia migraine symptoms migraine treatment
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How to Fight a Summer Migraine

How to Fight a Summer Migraine

One in six 16 to 65 years olds in the UK suffer from migraines, and for many of those summer means pain. The symptoms of migraine - throbbing headaches, nausea and vomiting - can be triggered by all kinds of things you would associate with the summertime. In this video, media GP Dr Catherine Hood explores what they are, and how a summer migraine can be eased. This includes the 4head Quickstrip, an advanced hydro-gel patch that provides instant relief from migraines and painful headaches when applied to the forehead.
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Migraine Headaches & Acupuncture

Migraine Headaches & Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraine headaches. This news report profiles a Denver area clinic, Whole Health Center, for their successful work with patients suffering from migraines. 303-4HEALTH 3034HEALTH.com
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Source: http://loans.ptjobsdb.com/categories/36-health-fitness/22441-migraine-cure-ebook-health-fitness.html

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Westport CT ? CT Green Real Estate

Culturally inclined and upscale in its overall atmosphere, the desirable community of Westport covers 22 square miles. With its sandy beaches, scenic shoreline, and inland woods, Westport is a former summer resort that remained a center for artists while it evolved into a bedroom community for leading New York executives. Architectural styles range from historic Victorians and country estates to beachfront cottages and handsome contemporaries. ?Shopping on Main Street is a destination spot. ?From the renowned performances at Westport Country Playhouse to the beaches of Sherwood Island State Park, & Compo, the area provides fine cultural, ?recreational and dining opportunities.

Westport Town website

Demographics ??Town Profile
School Information ??Board of Education? ? ??School Reports
Recreation ??Newcomers Club? ??Parks & Rec? ? ?Library? ?Levitt Pavilion ? ?Westport Country Playhouse?? Downtown Merchants Assoc ? ? Sherwood Island State Park
Golf? & Tennis ?Longshore? ? ?Birchwood Country Club? ? ??Westport Tennis Club? ?Sylvan Tennis?? ?Hunt Club
Equestrian ? ?Hunt Club
Local News Sources ?The?Patch?? ?Westport?News? ? The?Daily Voice
Articles ? ?Connecticut Magazine ranks?Westport #1?best?city with population 25-50,000.

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Categories: Towns, Westport CT | Permalink.

Source: http://ctgreenrealestate.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/westport-ct/

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Liverpool seek to bounce back in trip to Scotland

Liverpool can put the disappointment of their opening Premier League game under new coach Brendan Rodgers behind them when they head north of the border to face Hearts in their Europa League play-off first leg on Thursday.

The Anfield club suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, leaving Rodgers to insist that he will need time to turn their fortunes around.

The pressure will be very much on if they slip up against the Scottish Cup holders in Edinburgh, but captain Steven Gerrard is confident that Liverpool can get back on track.

"It's important that the likes of myself and the other experienced players take responsibility for a poor defeat," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"We have to put it behind us. We've got to dust ourselves down and bounce back against Hearts on Thursday night. We have to react in the right manner and look to put things right in the coming games."

It would be a huge shock if Liverpool -- who edged out Gomel of Belarus in the third qualifying round -- failed to come through this two-legged tie and take a place in the group stage of the competition.

However, what in the past would have been classed as a 'Battle of Britain' is now something of a mismatch.

Where once Scottish clubs were able to compete more or less on a par with their southern neighbours, the vast sums of money thrown at the English game over the last two decades have left them lagging behind.

While the Anfield board have reportedly splashed out close to ?30 million ($47.3 million) on Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi this summer, cash-strapped Hearts have seen a whole host of players leave without being able to replace them.

A year ago the Jam Tarts lost 5-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the same stage of the competition, while on Saturday they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by 10-man Inverness in the Scottish Premier League.

"It's a totally different kettle of fish, playing against Liverpool, and we'll have to rise to the challenge," says Hearts manager John McGlynn.

"They're obviously a fantastic football club. They suffered a 3-0 defeat themselves on Saturday but only time will tell whether that is an advantage or disadvantage to us."

Elsewhere, Newcastle United will face Greek club Atromitos in Athens.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who saw his side beat Tottenham 2-1 in their Premier League opener at the weekend, is likely to rest key players with Saturday's trip to Chelsea in mind, while Hatem Ben Arfa is suspended.

"The fact we will have to juggle our playing staff for the Premier League and the Europa League fixtures means we have to take a bit of a gamble with our chances of progressing in Europe," admitted Pardew.

"There isn't a lot of money in it, not unless you win the thing. Not compared to the Premier League.

"I am still, of course, looking forward to the challenge. You want to pit your wits against other nationalities, other managers with different types of football."

In other games, Scottish side Motherwell face Spain's Levante, who are competing in Europe for the first time, last season's runners-up Athletic Bilbao face HJK Helsinki, and Inter Milan take on Vaslui of Romania.

Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart face Dinamo Moscow, whose line-up includes former Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi.

And big-spending Russians Anzhi Makhachkala, coached by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, face AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands, who were quarter-finalists last season.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/liverpool-seek-bounce-back-trip-scotland-052442836--sow.html

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How can a broker help you insure boats? | Finance Fox

Whether you enjoy the thrill of tearing along the water in a speedboat or like gently cruising down a river in a yacht at the weekend, I think boats are fantastic luxury vehicles to own, be it for leisure or racing purposes. If you do possess one, however, it is vital you invest in comprehensive insurance.

Although it may not be something you initially give too much thought towards ? especially if you have just bought a new vessel ? it is crucial that all boat owners have a good standard of cover. Indeed, it?s an idea to treat insuring a boat in much the same way you would a luxury car. This is why, I think, you ought to call on the services of an insurance broker.

Indeed, high street insurance companies are often unable to provide cover for a boat, after all it?s not something that the average Brit is likely to own. So, if you want the peace of mind that you?ll be protected while out on the water you should turn to an expert broker for help.

As organisations such as these have close working relationships with specialist insurance providers, they are able to offer you policies that have been tailored to meet your specific needs. Just like sports cars, luxury boats tend to have a high price tag attached to them and, in the event that they are damaged by vandals or require repairing, can be expensive to fix. Without a sufficient insurance policy, however, such costs are likely to have to come out of your own pocket and, as they can run into several thousand pounds, could leave a major dent in your wallet.

By seeking out cover through a broker, however, you ought to find you have a wide-ranging policy that will protect your watercraft without resulting in financial loss.

Of course, the specific level of cover you choose to obtain will depend on a range of factors ? including your budget and the type of vessel you own ? but it?s definitely worth getting third-party liability insurance. That way, you?ll be protected if you end up damaging another boat while out on the water. If you enjoy racing your vessel, meanwhile, I think it?s worth seeking out additional cover. Although certain boat policies may cover racing as standard, in other cases you might need to pay an additional premium to be protected.

If you are looking to insure your boat, it is vital that you make as much effort as possible to safeguard it. In just the same way as you would protect a luxury car by keeping it in a garage when it is not in use, you ought to keep your yacht or dinghy securely tied down in a marina mooring. Doing so should not only make it more difficult for thieves to steal, but could also enable brokers to provide you with cheaper cover. Holding sailing qualifications, such as the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, and building up a no-claims bonus should also help you to get a discount on your policy. Of course, these are things you ought to tell a broker about so that they can help to secure you a protection plan that meets your needs perfectly.

Whether you have a luxury yacht or a motor cruiser, by turning to organisations such as?Certis Insurance brokers?you can be confident of getting comprehensive cover for high-end assets.

Do you own a boat? What have your experiences of insuring it been like?

?

Source: http://www.financefox.co.uk/how-can-a-broker-help-you-insure-boats/

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What is Body Building

What is Body Building

Article by Mandarock























Men is considered to be complete when she has sound brain, soul as well as body. The principle role is definitely played from the fit physique, when your body is suit automatically that mind and the soul turns into fit.

The way to keep the entire body fit? Several people possess various opinions and views about human body fitness. Once one?s body is match, we take up steps to keep up and create it from a healthy style. Healthy indicates keeping you fit with balanced diet and adjoining.

Healthy encircling, it is outright having a nice and calm environment with no pollution. At present environment devoid of pollution will be rare. Every places, they are polluted often by weather or normal water or audio. Adapting you to these surroundings along with maintaining balanced life makes men fit as their intended purpose, soul as well as body.

Now coming to the point of appropriate food choices, the comprehensive nutritious plus balanced eating habits is reported to be healthy. Whenever a man will be perfect in such a he seems to generate his system. body building for some individuals is some sort of craze, for those people its professional and some people think about it as maintain health and fitness to lead a beautiful life.

body building generally means building associated with body plus muscles. Just how are these body muscle tissue built? The dependable unit to create the physique muscles is usually proteins. Proteins tend to be compounds regarding amino acids. Groupings of amino acids form the protein. You will discover two forms of amino acids crucial and non-essential amino acids.

Essential amino acids usually are not produced or obtained in the body. Non-essential amino acids are present in the entire body. These necessary amino acids are usually taken because of the body by means of external absorption. In event these amino acids will be growth factors obtained in DNA. DNA is a genetic factor of each one individual. DNA determines the sperm and physical aspects or maybe the characteristics of every individual.Some substance amino acids by using proteins are present in the particular muscles.

That structural as well as functional unit of muscle mass is sarcomre. These sarcomeres includes proteins, which might be through lively movements and also exercises multiplies and accumulates the complete muscle structure.A one muscle bulk involves many an incredible number of sarcomre. The workout routines when done activate each one sarcomre in the different scope.

Exercise allows more blood vessels supply towards muscles in addition to provides breathable air, nutrition for any proteins. On the whole proteins are called as ?body builders?.body building is physical exercise with a variety of machineries. In developing of muscle tissue they maintain another diet, kind of rest and so on. They do plenty of activity to keep the muscle structures effective. The diet plan includes many fat consumption.

Fat, once the exercises are performed breaks down and converts as glucose that provides the electricity. Say by way of example for the building up of biceps or maybe the limb muscles different exercises are generally performed. They will use dumbells, lifting weights pull ups and so on. it varies for each muscle from the body.

Thus finally, body building to the extent is definitely healthy. Anything of which crosses it has the limit will bring about doing poor quality. They lead to adverse problems and resulted in many negative effects.

To safely body make, check out and about Vince Delmonte?s Zero Nonsense Body development, it?s essentially a web based muscle making guide aimed to show people easy methods to successfully plus safely create muscle. Never let the particular name deceive you, it?s not a full on body building guide (although it may possibly be) it helps you work at your special pace and also make the gains you would like.

Top Article : How To Build Muscle Fast And The Ultimate Pull Up Program

About the Author

Manda Rock is the author of How to Gain Weight and Build Muscle for Hardgainers., if you just want more quality information on how to gain weight and build muscle, please visit www.gainmusclesize.net












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Source: http://weight-loss-for-dummies-diet.com/articles/what-is-body-building.html

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Squalor surrounds South Africa's platinum treasure chest

MARIKANA, South Africa (Reuters) - Children play and dogs and chickens forage near sewage spilling from pit latrines in the shadow of Lonmin's Marikana mine in South Africa which extracts the platinum used to make jewelry and auto parts.

Ramshackle settlements cluster around this mine operated by the world no. 3 platinum producer and around others in the North West Province, the world's prime platinum mining region.

"This is no way to live or grow children. Fifty people share one toilet. We don't have water," said a woman who identified herself as Pinky, the wife of a striking rock drill operator at Marikana who shares a one-room tin box with her husband and two children.

The mine and its squalid settlement was the scene of labor violence last week which killed 40 miners, two police and two security guards, the deadliest security incident in South Africa since the end of white minority rule 18 years ago.

A report this week by the Bench Marks Foundation, a church-linked organization that monitors corporate responsibility, found that living conditions for South Africa's black miners on the platinum belt were the worst in the country.

"The conditions in the township constructed by Lonmin are appalling. There are broken down drainage systems spilling directly into the river at three different points," Bench Marks Foundation executive director John Capel said, adding this situation had been left unattended for the last five years.

It was not supposed to be this way.

South Africa's former liberation movement and now ruling African National Congress was born out of South Africa's fight against apartheid, which also included rejection of the exploitation of poor black miners toiling in the country's fabled gold reefs and other mineral deposits.

Nelson Mandela's ANC promised a better life for all when it took power with the end of apartheid in 1994.

But despite Africa's largest economy devoting billions of dollars to infrastructure, housing, healthcare and education, income disparity and unemployment have mushroomed while chronic joblessness has helped entrench a massive underclass.

"BACK TO THE DARK YEARS"

These circumstances, combined with ballooning living costs and a demand for better pay, led to the violent strike by Marikana workers which culminated in the police shooting of 34 miners on Thursday.

They died in a hail of gunfire after running into a line of police at the sprawling mine facility about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

The violence rekindled memories of apartheid-era clashes when police representing the white minority rulers fired on masses of blacks seeking freedom. This time it was the ANC government's police, black and white, who shot the workers, all black.

"In an instant our country was plunged back into the dark years of our past and we saw the rainbow nation fast disappearing in the wake of such brutality," Mathole Motshekga the ANC's chief whip said during a parliamentary debate on Tuesday.

While mineworkers have seen their wages steadily increase over the years and mining firms have built schools, hospitals and roads to help communities around shafts, many of the 500,000 people in the sector still have trouble making ends meet.

Lonmin provides male workers who live by themselves with shared quarters in solid brick dormitories with electricity and running water.

Those workers who wish to be with their partners and children are given a "sleep out" allowance to find accommodation either at the nearby shantytown, Wonderkop, or elsewhere.

"Wages and other allowances are negotiated under union agreements and the amounts decided on are not up to the company," Lonmin spokeswoman Sue Vey said.

"Those who have families live outside mine property and the conditions there are by their own design."

The base pay for miners is about $500 a month but when production bonuses and benefits are added the average miner grosses nearly double that, according to industry and government data.

But the money goes quickly. Most miners maintain two households, with one on or near the mine site and the other for extended families who live apart from them. The average miner supports 8-10 people, according to industry data.

DRILLING IS "BREATHING DUST"

A large portion of the 3,000 workers who went on strike at Lonmin are rock drill operators who operate hand-held machines breaking apart rock walls for the ore which yields the platinum.

A rock drill operator who gave his name as Isaac left his village in impoverished Lesotho for the riches of South Africa's mines nine years ago. Now he struggles to eke out a living.

He has been off the job for almost two weeks demanding a salary of 12,500 rand ($1,500) a month, arguing the hardship endured underground is not reflected in his pay packet.

His pay-slip shows he earns 8,763.88 rand ($1,100) a month which includes an allowance of 1,000 rand to live off mine property.

After deductions for tax, medical aid and "deferred pay" of 1,300 rand a month, which will form part of a lump sum payment at the end of his contract, Isaac takes home 4,556 rand ($550).

"That's not enough. I have four children to support in Lesotho and eight other family members. I have to pay rent, buy groceries, pay debts and try to live here."

Using a mop wedged in a plastic chair, Isaac explains how to control the heavy, gyrating drill while it chips away at meters of rock face a day.

"The conditions underground are tough. It is hot, dusty, you struggle to breath," he says, displaying heavily calloused hands.

"You are breathing dust particles all day. If we need to go to the toilet, we have to wait until home time. It takes an hour to walk to the toilet underground," Isaac said.

Following what is being called the "Marikana massacre", tensions in mines across South Africa are running high with fears that labor unrest over low wages and poor living conditions could spread to other mines.

"You work so hard, for so little. You might as well be dead," said a 23-year-old Lonmin worker from Umtata in South Africa's eastern regions who works on lighting the underground tunnels. He asked to be called Thulani, fearing reprisals if his name was published.

($1 = 8.2180 South African rand)

(Additional reporting by Tshepo Tshabalala and Sherilee Laxmidas; Editing by Pascal Fletcher and Peter Graff)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/squalor-surrounds-south-africas-platinum-treasure-chest-170151423--finance.html

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Marketing Is DEAD! - Especially In Real Estate

Marketing Is Dead

Rest In Peace

I was reading an article the other day, titled ?Marketing Is Dead?. It wasn?t emailed to me, it wasn?t in a newsletter, door hanger, postcard or flyer in fact ? it wasn?t even in print. I found it ? on Twitter. At first when I saw the title I chuckled to myself and thought ?OK, what idiot said that!? Of COURSE marketing is not dead!? . After all, I am in marketing ? and if you are in real estate sales ? you are as well.

I started reading the article just waiting to poke holes in what the author ? Bill Lee ? said.

1st paragraph:

?Traditional marketing ? including advertising, public relations, branding and corporate communications ? is dead. Many people in traditional marketing roles and organizations may not realize they?re operating within a dead paradigm?

I thought ?ha ha, this dude is smoking something! What an IDIOT!?

2nd paragraph:

First, buyers are no longer paying much attention. Several studies have confirmed that in the ?buyer?s decision journey,? traditional marketing communications just aren?t relevant. Buyers are checking out product and service information in their own way, often through the Internet, and often from sources outside the firm such as word-of-mouth or customer reviews.

Oh crap. This guy might be on to something. I had just bought something on Amazon ? after reading the consumer reviews OF COURSE! I kept reading.

4th paragraph

Third, in today?s increasingly social media-infused environment, traditional marketing and sales not only doesn?t work so well, it doesn?t make sense. Think about it: an organization hires people ? employees, agencies, consultants, partners ? who don?t come from the buyer?s world and whose interests aren?t necessarily aligned with his, and expects them to persuade the buyer to spend his hard-earned money on something. Huh? When you try to extend traditional marketing logic into the world of social media, it simply doesn?t work. Just ask Facebook, which finds itself mired in an ongoing debate about whether marketing on Facebook is effective.

The kicker:

?traditional marketing isn?t really working anywhere?

Consumer Behavior

I saw this in my own behavior. I knew it was certainly true in the world of real estate sales. Consumers don?t want to be SOLD to anymore. Sold ? on TV, Radio, Postcards, Flyers, Billboards, Bus Stop Ads, Yellow Pages, Print real estate books, Cold Calls, Banner Ads, Branded Coffee Mugs, Pens, Pads, sports schedules, magnetized calendars, wrapped Hummers and on and on and on. I had LONG ago tuned that ?stuff? out. I knew from my own experience that I was not looking in my mailbox, TV, Radio when I had a need. I was, as Bill Lee pointed out ? turning to the Internet. So is your ideal client .

Bill?s assertion ?Marketing Is Dead?, may not apply to all industries but I believe it certainly does to real estate. One of the reasons: The product. One of the 4 p?s in the marketing bible. PRODUCT, PLACE, PRICE, PROMOTION. The product, regardless of what anyone has told you ? is not you {at least not initially}, it?s the home. It?s the knowledge you possess. This is what consumers are looking for when they, like 98% of consumers, ?turn to the Internet. Yet most real estate agents marketing, really ADVERTISING,?IS ALL ABOUT THEM. ?Top Producer, Presidents Circle, Top 10% REALTORS etc?. Think about it as if you were buying a car. Are you looking for the car or the salesperson to sell it to you? I bet you are researching the car: colors, MPG, style, trim, models, interior, # of airbags, towing capacity, safety features, price, dealer incentives ?etc. Even IF you stumbled upon a sales person while researching the car, you would likely be turned off by the salesperson talking about how AWESOME he THINKS he/she is.

A problem

Many real estate agents are not marketing on the internet, not effectively anyway ? most have template, flash based real estate websites with the same canned content as 100?s or even 1000?s of other real estate agents {in their area} and ?a glamour shot {arms crossed, leaning on a SOLD sign} that was never meant to be found online. Most real estate agents are still marketing to consumers in ways they clearly do not respond well to. Add to that the demographic of age: the average homebuyer is 26, average REALTOR? ? FIFTY SEVEN. HOUSTON: We Have A Problem.

Traditional Real Estate Marketing

Before the Internet was mainstream in the real estate space, all a real estate agent needed to be an effective marketer was money. Money to create postcards, flyers, yellow page ads, sports schedules, sponsored grocery carts etc. The numbers were there. I knew REALTORS? that could tell me: ?If I send a 5,000 piece mailer, it will result in 10 listings?. That was before. Now direct mail campaigns are often cost prohibitive and offer little return for most agents that don?t understand WHO their ideal client is and what problems they face. One reason: Consumer behavior has shifted to the Internet.

To make matters worse, consumers often can not tell where one real estate agent or brokerage ends and another begins. Many of them all said they were the BEST. Many of them said they sold more homes that their competition, many of them offered a FREE CMA, many of them allowed consumers to ?search the MLS like a REALTOR?!?. These ?vanilla? or canned messages lent themselves to the commoditization of the REALTOR?. ?If they are all the same, if they can all allow me to search the MLS, why not choose the first one I find??

New Marketing

New marketing in the real estate space relies on real estate agents providing value. Not necessarily??Why you should choose me? {that?s selling} but, creating content a consumer would look for when they have a need. Content is: blog posts, videos, charts, graphs, screencasts, downloadable PDF?s, Market charts, Pod Casts, IDX and more. Not: best agent in Phoenix, #1 team in Maricopa County, Best real estate brokerage ? consumers could care less about that. No, I?m talking about value: How to avoid foreclosure, buying a home at trustee sale, how to sell your home, neighborhood profiles, 5 things NOT to do when buying a short sale, Foreclosure timeline in Arizona, Homes For Sale and so on. Content that is geared towards making a consumer SMARTER or making their lives ? EASIER. Content that offers HELP. Homes for sale. Content they are looking for ? right now.

Takeaway

Your real estate marketing needs to change in response to a shift in consumer behavior. Your ideal client is looking on the Internet for you even though ? they don?t know you exist. Many don?t even care WHO they work with. You can grow your real estate business by helping them find yon online, by creating the content they are looking for. If you are a real estate agent in Phoenix, Grand Canyon Title can help. We will teach you HOW to get found online. Our series of real estate marketing classes focus on the HOW TO. Because we do it as well. WordPress, Content Creation, Video, Basics Of SEO, PPC, Screencast, Indexable IDX, Twitter, facebook, Pinterest and how to tie them all together to drive traffic {consumers} to your website.

So, I AM RELIEVED. If marketing is dead, I don?t have to worry about it. Whew! But ? what about you???

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Stephen

Hi I'm Stephen Garner, I'm just a guy in the title industry {in Phoenix} trying to change how real estate agents market themselves and their services. To that end, I teach my clients HOW TO leverage sales technologies like WordPress, Content, Video, Camtasia, Final Cut X, iMovie and indexable IDX solutions to convey value and help your ideal client find you online when they are most interested in learning about you and your services. I work for escrows. Hire me!

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Source: http://mytitleguy.com/2012/08/marketing-is-dead-especially-in-real-estate/

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