Monday, April 30, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: For a friend, grieving.
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: For a friend, grieving.: By Dr. Jeffrey Lant Author’s program note. Many great musicians have written notable funeral music. The need for such music is great when...
For a friend, grieving.
By Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Author’s program note. Many great musicians have written notable funeral music. The need for such music is great when a beloved one passes… because words, no matter how apt, seem inadequate to their soothing task, now urgent; and so we look to music for the solace words cannot give. Thus I have selected Edvard Grieg’s “Funeral March for Rikard Nordraak” composed in 1866 to accompany these reflections.
It was written in honor of his friend and fellow Norwegian composer Rikard Nordraak, who died in March of that year, just 23 years old.
As a posthumous gift to his friend, Grieg wrote this piece at once, writing it as a piano piece in A minor. He so valued it that not only did he travel with it so that it could be immediately available for his concerts… but he directed it be played at his own funeral. And so it was, in 1907, in an orchestration by Grieg’s friend and colleague Johan Halvorsen.
You will find it in any search engine. It is at once sombre, intimate, and, as all such music must be, uplifting. For it is the privilege of music to inspire and guide us to a better place where we can remember uninterrupted and without rush or hurray. As I listen, I feel sure Grieg knew that place, and I want you to know it, too.
My dear friend,
We men of science and education, we men of sophistication and travels, we men of thought and reflection, we think we will be ready when the news arrives… but we are all, despite calm reflections and thoughtful preparations, caught unawares by the unfathomable realities of the death of the person we love.
The news catches you up. Whatever you are doing, no matter how important it was just a moment ago, is important no longer. You r thoughts, all your thoughts are now about the great voyage already commenced by the dear departed.
We know this death. We have seen it before and yet… and yet… this death is unlike any which has come before because it touches you so in the core of your humanity. This is your friend who has died… your friend now gone… your friend in the process of leaving you forever and everything that was his, forever. And you scream, this cannot be… yet you are a man of science and understand when humans die. But science cannot help us here… any of us.
You want to rush to any window and throw up the sash, to see the heavens clearly… to see, though you know you cannot see, the great spirit of your friend ascending… as surely it must be.
You want to run and open your front door, racing out into the courtyard, where in the brightness of autumnal night, an unimagined immensity of stars overhead, you are sure, you are sure some trace of that great ascending spirit can be seen.
Yet you see nothing but what you have always seen… and this will not do, for a great event is occurring, as your friend is leaving you forever… and going where he must go and you cannot. You feel a sense of uncontrollable urgency… that this injustice cannot be, that this friend cannot and must not be taken from you and far away, forever, gone for all eternity. There is panic in your mind and in your heart. Something is happening that sore afflicts you… and yet there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that you can do, can think, can say. This is where despair begins… and the pain is unbearable. Now you truly know loss and wonder that any human can bear it.
And yet we humans do bear it… it is the hardest thing we must do… nothing is more difficult for all this occurs to us, in front of us, around us… yet nothing we say or do matters, and this maddens us and reminds us of our immutable limitations and how we, so grand and significant in our own minds, are as nothing set against the immensities of time, space, and of God, whom now we recall and beg for understanding, relief, and serenity.
And God hears us.
And gives us the balm of grief.
And it is this grief you are feeling now and which has brought me to you, to succor and relieve you at this great moment of great loss. For no human should ever grieve alone, burdened by memory. God does not demand so much of us; He recognizes the frailty of our humanity. And gives us each other for comfort.
Thus I shall sit with you a companionable while, no words necessary between you and me. And we shall, from time to time, speak of indifferent subjects, and so break the gloom. And in this amiable silence, you will, I know, think of the one gone before… for that matter is pressing.
Then, for I know you so well, you will remind me of a tale of this friend now gone, a tale you told me once in happier days. A tale of wit and joy and laughter… for your friend departed was clever and had a touch of devilry about him. And we shall laugh together… and thus I shall advance my task, the task of helping you resurrect joyous memories… the memories that bridge despair and make bearable so much unbearable sadness. Such memories offer a lifetime of solace… and it is my task to prompt you to remember, as if you with your great heart ever needed such prompting, much less now. In this room, in the gentle silence, there is healing. There is life and there is vibrant memory. So necessary. So soothing. So peaceful that, for an instant, we forget the sad occasion which brings us together and expect the friend to knock and, smiling, come within.
But just as we must never be overwhelmed by this occasion and the burden of memory, so we must never forget and so push away the bright memories that remain… for in these memories of him are many of the best memories of you. And we must never risk these in our reaching for serenity. For such serenity, if it comes at the cost of memory, was too high bought.
So, remember….
Go out now in the chill autumnal night and now look up again. There, though you still cannot see, there your friend, his spirit, ascends with your love and grief, intermingled for eternity. Look now and in your mind’s eye see all rise together. You a part of him, as all who know him and remember also are, for he traverses eternity with friends, and that, too, is solace.
Grieve! Grieve! This night away… and the day that follows… and let the warm tears flow, for he well deserves this final salute.. yours so rich and freely given.
A life has ended… a dear life… a life beloved, a life which has given and accepted love… this life is complete now and truly gone. But as it ascends unto eternity it calls down to us, the living, for the continuation of our love in memory and stark remembrance.
Look up, for his great and unending spirit speaks to you now… and bids you fond farewell. Give it now… and fully… for if he leaves this part of him with you, so he takes, and forever too, a great part of you with him, and so wherever he is going, you, his friend, are going too for evermore and forever, always remembered, never forgotten, and always loved. For he was rich in that as you have always also been.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: Marketing and Advertising Advice.
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: Marketing and Advertising Advice.: f you have your own small business, it’s important to decide exactly who you will be marketing your products or services to. After all, you...
Marketing and Advertising Advice.
If you have your own small business, it’s important to decide exactly
who you will be marketing your products or services to. After all, you
probably don’t have the time or the money to market to everyone. And
even if you did, it is not recommended.
You’ll want to select what is called a “target audience.” This is an identifiable group of people you believe will be the best prospects for your business.
But for many small business owners, narrowing their focus to one primary group of people can be a challenging task. They want to help everyone – and very often their product or service CAN help a variety of people.
It also goes against human nature to narrow your focus in order to grow a business. Common sense seems to tell us if we want to grow our business big, we need to appeal to more people.
In reality the opposite is true. When we narrow our focus to a particular group of people we become an expert in solving their particular problems. We get to know them very well and we can develop additional products and services to fill their needs.
So how do you decide who to market to?
Following are 5 tips:
1) Think about the type of people who can MOST benefit from what you have to offer.
2) Think about who you would most enjoy helping, or working with.
3. Think about the type of people who will be easiest to reach, AND who will be most receptive to what you are selling. These will be people who KNOW they have THE problem you can solve and are LOOKING for a solution.
4) Know that just because you select a particular group of people to focus your marketing on, does NOT mean you can’t help others who may come to you. It only means you’re going to focus your proactive marketing efforts on the target group you select.
5) Lastly, don’t over-think it. Listen to your gut, pick a group you feel you can really help and proceed with the development of your marketing plan. Marketing is a fluid process. The important thing is to start. You can always refine your audience and your plan later as you learn more.
You’ll want to select what is called a “target audience.” This is an identifiable group of people you believe will be the best prospects for your business.
But for many small business owners, narrowing their focus to one primary group of people can be a challenging task. They want to help everyone – and very often their product or service CAN help a variety of people.
It also goes against human nature to narrow your focus in order to grow a business. Common sense seems to tell us if we want to grow our business big, we need to appeal to more people.
In reality the opposite is true. When we narrow our focus to a particular group of people we become an expert in solving their particular problems. We get to know them very well and we can develop additional products and services to fill their needs.
So how do you decide who to market to?
Following are 5 tips:
1) Think about the type of people who can MOST benefit from what you have to offer.
2) Think about who you would most enjoy helping, or working with.
3. Think about the type of people who will be easiest to reach, AND who will be most receptive to what you are selling. These will be people who KNOW they have THE problem you can solve and are LOOKING for a solution.
4) Know that just because you select a particular group of people to focus your marketing on, does NOT mean you can’t help others who may come to you. It only means you’re going to focus your proactive marketing efforts on the target group you select.
5) Lastly, don’t over-think it. Listen to your gut, pick a group you feel you can really help and proceed with the development of your marketing plan. Marketing is a fluid process. The important thing is to start. You can always refine your audience and your plan later as you learn more.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: What to do when your customer says "NO!"
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: What to do when your customer says "NO!": by Dr. Jeffrey Lant It’s sad, but it’s going to happen to you today: a prospect is going to say no to your offer. That, however, is NOT imp...
What to do when your customer says "NO!"
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
It’s sad, but it’s going to happen to you today: a prospect
is going to say no to your offer. That, however, is NOT
important. What is, is knowing what to do when it
happens. That’s what separates the men from the
boys; the business people who will profit from those
who won’t!
It’s sad, but it’s going to happen to you today: a prospect
is going to say no to your offer. That, however, is NOT
important. What is, is knowing what to do when it
happens. That’s what separates the men from the
boys; the business people who will profit from those
who won’t!
1) Prepare for the decline
People who succeed in business do not expect
every single prospect to purchase what they’re
selling immediately, effortlessly. No way!
every single prospect to purchase what they’re
selling immediately, effortlessly. No way!
Instead, they anticipate that while some will
buy, many will not. Their job is to anticipate those
declines and to prepare in advance what to do
when they get them.
buy, many will not. Their job is to anticipate those
declines and to prepare in advance what to do
when they get them.
2) Write down every potential objection you
will hear. Then answer them.
will hear. Then answer them.
The worst possible way to handle an objection
is spontaneously, on the fly. To render the best
reply, you must consider the best reply, crafting,
improving it as you go.
is spontaneously, on the fly. To render the best
reply, you must consider the best reply, crafting,
improving it as you go.
Face it: some people are going to decline
your offer. You should be prepared to respond
immediately when it happens. This means
brainstorming all possible objections… and
coming up with the best, most telling responses.
Your use of these responses must be swift and
sure. There’s no time for improvisation when your
sale hangs in the balance!
your offer. You should be prepared to respond
immediately when it happens. This means
brainstorming all possible objections… and
coming up with the best, most telling responses.
Your use of these responses must be swift and
sure. There’s no time for improvisation when your
sale hangs in the balance!
3) Ask customers why they’ve declined your
offer.
offer.
Successful business people, people who get
rich from business, are never daunted by
hearing “No!” from a customer. They see this
response, however adamant, as nothing but a
milestone on the way to making that sale.
rich from business, are never daunted by
hearing “No!” from a customer. They see this
response, however adamant, as nothing but a
milestone on the way to making that sale.
Successful marketers know that any “no” means
“tell me more”, not “go away, get lost.”
“tell me more”, not “go away, get lost.”
4) Ask why
The first step upon hearing the customer decline
your offer… is to ask why.
your offer… is to ask why.
Treat “why” as an essential tool in making the sale.
The minute your prospect starts telling you why…
you are on your way to a certain sale because the
very act of answering this question means the prospect
is willing to work with you to reverse the very answer
they’ve just given you! Thus asking “why” is essential
to getting to yes.
The minute your prospect starts telling you why…
you are on your way to a certain sale because the
very act of answering this question means the prospect
is willing to work with you to reverse the very answer
they’ve just given you! Thus asking “why” is essential
to getting to yes.
5) Listen carefully
While your customer is explaining why she declined
your offer, LISTEN. The natural tendency is to barge
ahead, overwhelming the customer. This is a mistake.
Instead, ask the customer why she declined; then give
her the time and courtesy to listen to her response
without any interruption whatsoever.
your offer, LISTEN. The natural tendency is to barge
ahead, overwhelming the customer. This is a mistake.
Instead, ask the customer why she declined; then give
her the time and courtesy to listen to her response
without any interruption whatsoever.
6) Make sure the customer understands your original
offer.
By asking the customer why she has declined your
offer, you may discover that she doesn’t really understand
what you are offering. If she doesn’t, present the offer again,
making sure the customer understands absolutely
everything you are offering and its substantial value and
utility.
offer.
By asking the customer why she has declined your
offer, you may discover that she doesn’t really understand
what you are offering. If she doesn’t, present the offer again,
making sure the customer understands absolutely
everything you are offering and its substantial value and
utility.
7) When your initial offer is not enough
If you have presented your offer clearly… if you feel
the customer understands it but is still not willing to
bite, it’s time to IMPROVE YOUR OFFER!
the customer understands it but is still not willing to
bite, it’s time to IMPROVE YOUR OFFER!
Now hear this: before you ask a single customer for
a sale, you must brainstorm every single thing you
can offer prospects to induce them to buy.
a sale, you must brainstorm every single thing you
can offer prospects to induce them to buy.
You must NEVER try to improvise an offer when
you are speaking to a customer. Instead, you should
have at your finger tips the extra goodies you can offer
a customer, goodies that will make the sale without breaking
the bank!
you are speaking to a customer. Instead, you should
have at your finger tips the extra goodies you can offer
a customer, goodies that will make the sale without breaking
the bank!
“Ms. Prospect, I see you want to get our widget… and
I want you to have it. I’m going to improve my original
offer to make sure you get it! Let me show you what
you can get if you purchase today!”
I want you to have it. I’m going to improve my original
offer to make sure you get it! Let me show you what
you can get if you purchase today!”
When money — or lack thereof –is the problem
Be prepared to hear from customers over and
over again that money is the problem. This may or
may not be true. Your job is to be prepared either way.
over again that money is the problem. This may or
may not be true. Your job is to be prepared either way.
Ask your customers if they would purchase your
product if they had the money. If they say yes, then
your job becomes improving the offer until the
customer understands it would be foolish not to
buy. Improving the offer may well induce the customer
to ‘fess up and buy… or risk losing the terrific offer
you have made. Improve the offer and in a minute or
two people who have just told you they’re broke will
magically “find” the funds. With improved offers, this
happens time after time!
product if they had the money. If they say yes, then
your job becomes improving the offer until the
customer understands it would be foolish not to
buy. Improving the offer may well induce the customer
to ‘fess up and buy… or risk losing the terrific offer
you have made. Improve the offer and in a minute or
two people who have just told you they’re broke will
magically “find” the funds. With improved offers, this
happens time after time!
Note: make it clear to your prospect exactly what
this improved offer contains. Also, be sure the
customer understands that this is a limited-time
offer and that it cannot and will not be repeated.
Make sure the customers understands; this is
essential in ensuring acceptance of this offer!
this improved offer contains. Also, be sure the
customer understands that this is a limited-time
offer and that it cannot and will not be repeated.
Make sure the customers understands; this is
essential in ensuring acceptance of this offer!
9) When lack of money really is the problem
Of course, some people — particularly in our difficult
economic days — really are broke. They need a different
approach. For this situation, too, you should have
planned in advance. Can you offer
economic days — really are broke. They need a different
approach. For this situation, too, you should have
planned in advance. Can you offer
* improved payment terms
* readily available credit resources (like
those at www.paypal.com)
* details on how to secure a pre-paid credit
card, etc.
* readily available credit resources (like
those at www.paypal.com)
* details on how to secure a pre-paid credit
card, etc.
In short are you ready to be helpful when your
interested, but cash challenged, customer is
ready to act? That’s mandatory… if you want this
sale!
interested, but cash challenged, customer is
ready to act? That’s mandatory… if you want this
sale!
Turning a no into a yes is what determines your
business success!
business success!
Let me be blunt: you cannot achieve maximum
business success and the profits that go with it
unless and until you can turn no into yes. Therefore,
mastering the steps in this article is essential to
your maximum well being.
business success and the profits that go with it
unless and until you can turn no into yes. Therefore,
mastering the steps in this article is essential to
your maximum well being.
Thus, start today. Never let a prospect go until
you have exhausted every approach to securing
his business. Treat this as a great game, a game
constantly testing your skills and ingenuity; one
with the greatest possible benefits to both your
customer and yourself. For you, hearing the word
no only focuses and concentrates your efforts.
After all, YOU are prepared for this moment. You
know what to do and when to it. You are more
determined to make this sale than the prospect is
to decline it. As a result, this is not just a sale
you will wish for; it is a sale you will get!
you have exhausted every approach to securing
his business. Treat this as a great game, a game
constantly testing your skills and ingenuity; one
with the greatest possible benefits to both your
customer and yourself. For you, hearing the word
no only focuses and concentrates your efforts.
After all, YOU are prepared for this moment. You
know what to do and when to it. You are more
determined to make this sale than the prospect is
to decline it. As a result, this is not just a sale
you will wish for; it is a sale you will get!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: All Roads Lead Through Communication When Working ...
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: All Roads Lead Through Communication When Working ...: All of us have observed the word “marriage usually takes work” or perhaps “you’ve got to work in your marriage”. Precisely, what does that ...
All Roads Lead Through Communication When Working on Your Marriage
All of us have observed the word “marriage usually takes work” or perhaps “you’ve got to work in your marriage”. Precisely, what does that mean? My partner and i by no means had a school in education for that. In college, My partner and i certainly not observed which type indexed by my personal selections. The neighborhood college will not market this type of training course. On-line educational institutions usually do not include this topic of their choices. The church doesn’t offer you instructional classes, training courses or workshops into it. Now how does one learn how to develop relationship?
If you select to have hitched, you already know your lives together will eventually contain critical troubles and also significant measures. Usually we anticipate managing financial situation, getting a residence, getting mothers and fathers, facing profession alterations and problems, placing your children through school, looking after aging mother and father, retirement. We know we might face severe illness the other day time deal with the death in our spouse.
Yet did you enter wedding ceremony educated adequate and completely ready to effectively deal with every matter? Not likely. Somewhat, you believed that you simply along with your wife or husband can learn how to handle each issue since it arrived; but doesn’t it be preferable to be prepared in advance for every possibility your marriage will certainly bring-to communicate with the other person concerning your individual preferences with regard to occasions that may happen and also strategy ahead of time for what you would carry out? That sort involving “work” will help you have a very profitable union.
Each of you needs to be conscious of the feelings and needs from the additional so that you can work together with and your husband or wife because event needs. In case you are geared up upfront to take care of marriage concerns, about to catch trapped simply by surprise by the requirements with the circumstance or perhaps the anticipation of one’s companion.
Not everyone requirements pre-marriage advising, however every few may benefit coming from pre-marriage conversation along with preparing as well owning an on-going technique of maintaining strategies up-to-date. I really believe which within your union it is possible to a lot more effectively handle the difficulties that come together with a business-like approach to matrimony communication which includes employing approaches for taking care of relationship troubles in manners that ensure you will be able to deal successfully together while they come your way. The key towards the plan– along with the planning-is conversation as part of your marriage. It is possible to transform your relationship by studying and ultizing powerful transmission approaches the two pre and post you’re wedded.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: Can You Prevent Aging Naturally? – Anti Aging Skin...
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: Can You Prevent Aging Naturally? – Anti Aging Skin...: There is nothing more natural than the aging process. You can help reduce the impact of various aging factors if you implement a preventio...
Wrinkle, Wrinkle, Go Away! Anti Aging Skin Care Elucidation.
There is nothing more natural than the aging process. You can help reduce the impact of various aging factors if you implement a prevention strategy and implement some natural skin care rejuvenation techniques. Sun is considered to have a major effect on the premature aging of the skin. Photo damage is another name for sun damage, and the effect it is currently having on your skin may have begun many years ago. Prevention is the best way to reduce sun damage to your skin. Here are some of the best anti aging tips you can get to make sure your skin looks amazing.
Top Tips To Prevent Photo Damage From The Sun:
* Wear a good quality high SPF factor sun screen on your neck and face throughout the day. Ensure that it prevents both UV A and B damage.
* Also wear a hat when you head outside, even if it is only for a short time and not particularly sunny.
* Avoid sun bathing – But be aware that the body does in fact get almost all of it’s vitamin D from the sun, so a little sun (a few minutes a day) is good for you.
* Ideally, you should choose a make-up with a built in SPF of 15 or more.
* Also wear a hat when you head outside, even if it is only for a short time and not particularly sunny.
* Avoid sun bathing – But be aware that the body does in fact get almost all of it’s vitamin D from the sun, so a little sun (a few minutes a day) is good for you.
* Ideally, you should choose a make-up with a built in SPF of 15 or more.
Free radicals are talked about all the time. But what is it? A Free radical is essentially a molecule that is unstable, and can be produced by a variety of sources, including pollution and chemicals that are found in many everyday situations. A fat ridden diet can also increase the free radicals that are in your body. Premature aging as well as ill health can all be increased by unwanted free radicals.
Preventing Free Radical Damage:
* Utilise high quality anti aging skin care products. Some, which contain the well know Acai berry, are extremely high in antioxidants.
* Diet is important – Brightly colored fruits such as strawberries and blueberries are excellent for your health and well-being.
* Antioxidants can be taken on a daily basis – Consider products high in vitamin A and vitamin E.
* Diet is important – Brightly colored fruits such as strawberries and blueberries are excellent for your health and well-being.
* Antioxidants can be taken on a daily basis – Consider products high in vitamin A and vitamin E.
As you can see, anti oxidants are at the forefront of your anti aging strategy. An anti aging skin care cream with these active ingredients may help reduce the amount harmful substances that pass into your body through the skin. Pollutants and other airborne contaminants will hasten the aging process. These creams may help to reduce those adverse effects.
How Can You Prevent These Contaminants Entering Your Body?
The use of anti aging skin care products with high anti oxidant properties may help Regular washing of the face, each morning and evening should be a ritual. Then apply a good anti wrinkle cream liberally.
Drink More Water:
* Drinking water regularly is an essential factor to healthy living, and the appearance and health of your skin are fundamentally linked to hydration.
* Make sure you drink around 2 litres of water a day, so 4 x 500ml bottles.
* Drink a good sized glass of water when you get up in the morning, and keep a bottle with you all the time. This will encourage regular drinking.
* And remember, when you feel thirsty, you are already in the early stages of dehydration.
* Make sure you drink around 2 litres of water a day, so 4 x 500ml bottles.
* Drink a good sized glass of water when you get up in the morning, and keep a bottle with you all the time. This will encourage regular drinking.
* And remember, when you feel thirsty, you are already in the early stages of dehydration.
All these tips, along with regular exercise and a reduction in stress, will help you to look and feel youthful. High quality anti aging skin care cream is another important part of the plan to look good and reduce wrinkles. Beware though, of some of the anti wrinkle creams on the market. Some do not live up to the hype. Fancy packaging and highly dubious claims are often the only thing that these manufacturers have to offer. So beware, think smart, and use these beauty tips to help you look younger and more vibrant. Good luck.
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: How to research and write the cleanest, clearest, ...
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: How to research and write the cleanest, clearest, ...: by Dr. Jeffrey Lant Millions of people worldwide are waking up to the fact that they are going to have a blog — no ifs, ands, or buts. Th...
How to research and write the cleanest, clearest, most persuasive blog copy on earth — fast, too!
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Millions of people worldwide are waking up to the fact that they are going to have a blog — no ifs, ands, or buts. That a blog — a personal marketing and communications device — is no longer a luxury. If you expect to stay on the cutting edge of the ‘net, you’re going to be a blog publisher, or else.
If you’ve accepted this fact, you’re on the right road. If you haven’t, you’re already a dinosaur… but let’s, for purposes of today’s discussion, suppose that you have decided to produce a blog… and want the results to be superb, meaning to create a blog that’s timely, well-written, persuasive and that delivers the cash, too.
Here are some key recommendations to produce this necessary result:
1) The most effective blogs are published on a regular, announced schedule, not just when you feel like it.
This point should need no discussion… but it does. One of the major problems I see in my work with blog publishers (I write their articles for them) is that these folks still see the business of blogging as something casual, episodic, to be done when and if they have the time.
Whoa!
That’s completely wrong. Blogs, like every other periodical on earth, must have a regular date and time they will be written and released This gives your readers something solid to hold on to, to look forward to. You want your readers to know that you are a person of deadlines and schedules; someone they can rely on.
Stop thinking of your blog as something you can do whenever you feel like it, catch as catch can. Is this how you want your customers, your readers to see you? Not if you value their business.
2) Resolve to say Something Important in every issue of your blog.
When you see most blogs, you have to wonder why their “publishers” ever got out of bed to do them. Trivia! Drivel! Published so that their publishers can say they have a blog… rather than to say something timely! Significant! Motivating!
Now hear this: if you’re one of these myopic blogsters, you’re sabotaging your success. Blogs work because they deliver useful information that informs, persuades, excites and enthuses your readers… just the way all great publishers have from the very first day of the very first publisher.
Publishers present stories that lift up the readers…. and do everything in their power to create, develop, and maintain the crucial link between publisher and reader, creating prosperity for both.
3) Create the all-important blog article idea file.
Visit my office in Cambridge, Massachusetts ,and you see an assembly line for the creation of intellectual property. The first crucial link in this production process is the article idea file. It’s a must.
Start with a pair of good scissors and the most important newspaper in your area. Supplement this material with the most important newspaper(s) in your country. Add other specialty publications to this list, publications which follow developments in your given field.
Go through these publications regularly and cut out articles that contain information of value and interest to your readers. Make sure every one of these articles is dated… then file for future use. As you become more and more proficient at your essential blog business, you will realize the crucial significance of this article “compost heap”… and you will make it a key part of your day to add to it by wielding your scissors and cutting out the crucial story ideas and information you need.
4) Each Monday, brainstorm the articles you will need for the week.
Post your draft titles and the date you intend to do them. Remember, your blog should have a format; your articles should fit into this format. My articles, for instance, (including this one) are 3 single-spaced pages in length, about 1,500 words. A lively, timely article of this length and substance anchors your blog and gives it “heft”, the feeling of importance and “must read” value.
5) Do a subject search in the major search engines.
To gather necessary background information and to see what others may have said on the topic, use the search engines assiduously. This is vital. Search engines not only post critical information on any given topic, but tell you when this information was posted. In tracking a developing story, such data are vital.
6) Always, always, always search Wikipedia (founded 2001).
Frankly, for blog publishers and researchers of every kind, Wikipedia takes the cake. As a very active blog content writer, I can confirm that I visit it every single day, and not once either. You will, too — if you want your articles to be informative, grounded by fact and not just your opinions.
7) Write your article copy.
Articles,as noted above, should be of a particular length and format, just like various departments in other publications. These should be written in the second person (“you”).
Paragraphs should be limited to 6-8 lines for easy readability; line length should be limited to 10-14 words, again for easy reading. If you bury your readers under a mountain of intimidating text, they will repay your efforts by.. skipping the arduous task you have assigned them.
Edit, proofread, post.
Your blog copy production line should chugging along nicely at this point. Now’s the time to polish with the finishing touches that transform a good article into a great one.
Read your article aloud. This will help you determine whether your sentences are balanced, or not; your construction difficult to comprehend, or mellifluous.
Make sure you have checked your spelling and any facts of which you’re uncertain. Proofreading is a must for your credibility and the value of what you’ve written and will present to the world.
To conclude the production process, post the article on your website and in your blog. You are not merely a blog publisher, you are, better, a publisher, part of the great tradition. Enjoy a moment of joyful reverie, but only a minute. After all, your next deadline already looms, and you must and shall be ready.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: ‘Help me! Help me! For God’s sake, help me…’ but a...
Life Styles of The Rich and Famous: ‘Help me! Help me! For God’s sake, help me…’ but a...: By Dr. Jeffrey Lant Author’s program note. Do you remember the theme music for the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock classic “Vertigo”? That music wa...
‘Help me! Help me! For God’s sake, help me…’ but answer came there none, a tale of horror and primal fear.
By Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Author’s program note. Do you remember the theme music for the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock classic “Vertigo”? That music was composed by master mood manipulator Bernard Herrmann, one of the best. I selected this music, of course, because it accentuates the words of the article; also because I suffer from vertigo, and know the fear of falling, out of control, unable to stop. It is terrifying. You will easily find this tune in any search engine. Find it now… and play it loud. You are about not just to read but participate in a story of primal fear… and this music sets just the right mood of alarm, panic, and heartrending despair.
It was a late July 2011 evening in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the household of the unidentified man at the center of this story was in shock, sorrow and lamentations. Their 80-year old patriarch had died unexpectedly after complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. The family had been through this before; he suffered from acute asthma. They had urged him to lay down and rest, never thinking that these pains were any different from those which came before, that this time they signalled the end. However, they did and within just a couple of hours the family was dealing with the shock and horror of his unexpected death.
In due course the family called in an undertaker to help.
The morgue was owned by Ayanda Maqolo who asked his driver to visit the family, work with its members at this difficult moment, and take the body for burial. It was in every way a standard case, the most difficult part, as always, dealing with the grieving family and the usual “What if…” questions, wondering if they couldn’t have done more… if there wasn’t something they might have done. The driver did his best to reassure and comfort, but he was on a tight schedule… and he had things to do before taking the body away.
He therefore set about examining the body, checking the victim’s pulse, looking for a heartbeat… but, as Maqolo said, there was no sign of life, none at all. Again, it was all standard, absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. The poor old gentleman was well and truly dead, but then he was eighty and ailing.
And so the driver took the body to Maqolo’s morgue, put it into a locked, refrigerated compartment. It was now an object subject to rules and regulations, on its way to cremation. The owner locked up for the night, going home to his family, glad to be alive.
But the old gentleman wasn’t dead. He was as alive as you or me. And now he was alone, more alone than he had ever been….
Perhaps the coolness of the facility helped… but in a while the old gentleman began to stir. He thought he was dreaming… and in this dream he was on his back, confined in a small compartment, just big enough for him. He sensed he was not alone… that there was something else, many somethings near at hand. He shook himself… he didn’t like this dream… and, besides, he needed the loo, as old gentlemen do.
But in an instant, he knew that this wasn’t a dream. It was terrifying reality. He didn’t know where he was… but he knew he was trapped there. He began to scream for help; these screams didn’t sound like him; they sounded like yelps of terror and despair, sounds he had never heard himself make before. There was no answer…. nothing stirred in this facility of death, where oblivion was always the order of the day.
After a while, his strength abated; his were no longer sharp and piercing but the pathetic sounds a wounded animal makes as its lifeblood runs out and its smells death. Besides now his cool compartment smelled. A supremely clean man, he now lay in his own dirt and urine, frightened… disgusted. This was not the way in which he wanted to meet his God.
And now he passed into a new, different stage. At first, like all victims of every accident, his focus was on his escape. He was certain he would escape; that getting out was simply a matter of shouting the right number of screams… kicking the door the right number of times… and persisting. But that hadn’t worked… and he knew the acute sensation that the world and he were now disconnected and that the living were already in the process of moving on, even discussing how they would spend the little windfall his death would provide.
Now he flashed angry… He thought: they always tolerated me just for the money; they never truly loved me or even wanted me around. His vulgar daughter-in-law was the worst of all… she had always had her eye on the money. And then, alone in the dark recalling the miseries, insults and humiliations of life, he considered how easily she might have doctored his food…. or his medicine. She had motive, access, and no doubt the potion required to simulate death. He felt indignation, rage, hatred… and he beat on the unyielding bright steel compartment with renewed energy fueled by murderous wrath. If he was doomed to die here… he would go happy with her blood on his hands. This thought irradiated his withered face with a happiness formed from bile, acid and disdain.
Trapped on his back, able to wiggle fingers and toes, but little more, every sense was accentuated. It was as if he were experiencing them for the first time. He could smell the smells of old age and evacuation… and… then he remembered. When his aunt had died in a car accident when he was a boy, his father went to the morgue to identify her; he had insisted on you going too; it was a thing a boy must know. Now he knew he was in a morgue… and that the somethings around him were each a formerly sentient human, now a husk awaiting the flames… and he sobbed. For he knew that that was his fate, too.
He beat on his cage, with every ounce of his dwindling strength. For he was not ready to go… not ready to die… he had life to claim and not a moment to relinquish.
He was old, alone, buried, unheard, despairing… and yet alive.
He tried to comport himself for God, for now he knew (how had he ever doubted) that God was real and waiting… but he kept reverting to thoughts of life… and how he was being cheated of what was his, for all there was little of it left. It’s mine, he shrieked. Mine! And he thought he saw the countenance of God, smiling, beckoning… calling him home…
… and so he passed into uneasy sleep.
Then he felt, rather than saw, there was a pinprick of bright light… which motivated him to beat on his compartment and scream for assistance. His unearthly yells were heard… and frightened the workers, who always knew the devil and his helpers were real. And now they were in this very room… purveyors of mayhem and damnation. Maqolo, as owner, though frightened out of his wits, went forward and with fearful trepidation unlocked the fetid compartment where a pale, agitated but grateful old gentleman with great civility asked to be taken out… and taken home. His family was ecstatic though his daughter-in-law looked apprehensive as well she might.
The old gentleman had passed 21 hours in desperation… weighed down by doom, death a growing possibility. He had screamed for God and deliverance… losing hope, sobbing as he confronted the theft of his life. But this time, God answered the prayers of torment and dismay… and gave the man a renewed lease on life and a profound relief at the shear joy of escaping death, with a new ability to live! Live! And be grateful. Still the unloved and suspected daughter-in-law had best step lively….
Author’s program note. Do you remember the theme music for the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock classic “Vertigo”? That music was composed by master mood manipulator Bernard Herrmann, one of the best. I selected this music, of course, because it accentuates the words of the article; also because I suffer from vertigo, and know the fear of falling, out of control, unable to stop. It is terrifying. You will easily find this tune in any search engine. Find it now… and play it loud. You are about not just to read but participate in a story of primal fear… and this music sets just the right mood of alarm, panic, and heartrending despair.
It was a late July 2011 evening in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the household of the unidentified man at the center of this story was in shock, sorrow and lamentations. Their 80-year old patriarch had died unexpectedly after complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. The family had been through this before; he suffered from acute asthma. They had urged him to lay down and rest, never thinking that these pains were any different from those which came before, that this time they signalled the end. However, they did and within just a couple of hours the family was dealing with the shock and horror of his unexpected death.
In due course the family called in an undertaker to help.
The morgue was owned by Ayanda Maqolo who asked his driver to visit the family, work with its members at this difficult moment, and take the body for burial. It was in every way a standard case, the most difficult part, as always, dealing with the grieving family and the usual “What if…” questions, wondering if they couldn’t have done more… if there wasn’t something they might have done. The driver did his best to reassure and comfort, but he was on a tight schedule… and he had things to do before taking the body away.
He therefore set about examining the body, checking the victim’s pulse, looking for a heartbeat… but, as Maqolo said, there was no sign of life, none at all. Again, it was all standard, absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. The poor old gentleman was well and truly dead, but then he was eighty and ailing.
And so the driver took the body to Maqolo’s morgue, put it into a locked, refrigerated compartment. It was now an object subject to rules and regulations, on its way to cremation. The owner locked up for the night, going home to his family, glad to be alive.
But the old gentleman wasn’t dead. He was as alive as you or me. And now he was alone, more alone than he had ever been….
Perhaps the coolness of the facility helped… but in a while the old gentleman began to stir. He thought he was dreaming… and in this dream he was on his back, confined in a small compartment, just big enough for him. He sensed he was not alone… that there was something else, many somethings near at hand. He shook himself… he didn’t like this dream… and, besides, he needed the loo, as old gentlemen do.
But in an instant, he knew that this wasn’t a dream. It was terrifying reality. He didn’t know where he was… but he knew he was trapped there. He began to scream for help; these screams didn’t sound like him; they sounded like yelps of terror and despair, sounds he had never heard himself make before. There was no answer…. nothing stirred in this facility of death, where oblivion was always the order of the day.
After a while, his strength abated; his were no longer sharp and piercing but the pathetic sounds a wounded animal makes as its lifeblood runs out and its smells death. Besides now his cool compartment smelled. A supremely clean man, he now lay in his own dirt and urine, frightened… disgusted. This was not the way in which he wanted to meet his God.
And now he passed into a new, different stage. At first, like all victims of every accident, his focus was on his escape. He was certain he would escape; that getting out was simply a matter of shouting the right number of screams… kicking the door the right number of times… and persisting. But that hadn’t worked… and he knew the acute sensation that the world and he were now disconnected and that the living were already in the process of moving on, even discussing how they would spend the little windfall his death would provide.
Now he flashed angry… He thought: they always tolerated me just for the money; they never truly loved me or even wanted me around. His vulgar daughter-in-law was the worst of all… she had always had her eye on the money. And then, alone in the dark recalling the miseries, insults and humiliations of life, he considered how easily she might have doctored his food…. or his medicine. She had motive, access, and no doubt the potion required to simulate death. He felt indignation, rage, hatred… and he beat on the unyielding bright steel compartment with renewed energy fueled by murderous wrath. If he was doomed to die here… he would go happy with her blood on his hands. This thought irradiated his withered face with a happiness formed from bile, acid and disdain.
Trapped on his back, able to wiggle fingers and toes, but little more, every sense was accentuated. It was as if he were experiencing them for the first time. He could smell the smells of old age and evacuation… and… then he remembered. When his aunt had died in a car accident when he was a boy, his father went to the morgue to identify her; he had insisted on you going too; it was a thing a boy must know. Now he knew he was in a morgue… and that the somethings around him were each a formerly sentient human, now a husk awaiting the flames… and he sobbed. For he knew that that was his fate, too.
He beat on his cage, with every ounce of his dwindling strength. For he was not ready to go… not ready to die… he had life to claim and not a moment to relinquish.
He was old, alone, buried, unheard, despairing… and yet alive.
He tried to comport himself for God, for now he knew (how had he ever doubted) that God was real and waiting… but he kept reverting to thoughts of life… and how he was being cheated of what was his, for all there was little of it left. It’s mine, he shrieked. Mine! And he thought he saw the countenance of God, smiling, beckoning… calling him home…
… and so he passed into uneasy sleep.
Then he felt, rather than saw, there was a pinprick of bright light… which motivated him to beat on his compartment and scream for assistance. His unearthly yells were heard… and frightened the workers, who always knew the devil and his helpers were real. And now they were in this very room… purveyors of mayhem and damnation. Maqolo, as owner, though frightened out of his wits, went forward and with fearful trepidation unlocked the fetid compartment where a pale, agitated but grateful old gentleman with great civility asked to be taken out… and taken home. His family was ecstatic though his daughter-in-law looked apprehensive as well she might.
The old gentleman had passed 21 hours in desperation… weighed down by doom, death a growing possibility. He had screamed for God and deliverance… losing hope, sobbing as he confronted the theft of his life. But this time, God answered the prayers of torment and dismay… and gave the man a renewed lease on life and a profound relief at the shear joy of escaping death, with a new ability to live! Live! And be grateful. Still the unloved and suspected daughter-in-law had best step lively….
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