Tom’s Weekly Tips, Links and Tidbits Newsletter

because

Because friends don't let friends stay ignorant

Wednesday 22nd August 2012





G’day,

I hope this finds you fit and well,
better today than you were yesterday.

Lest you be lulled into any false sense of security about the state of the economy in the USA, here is a piece that factually and with stats and graphs, tells it like it really is.

http://acrossthestreetnet.wordpress.com/2012/08/19/shhhh-its-even-worse-than-the-great-depression/

And if think that has nothing to do with you or Australia, sorry to have to wake you up from dreaming, but it very definitely does! The actions undertaken by our government are not calculated to help you or small businesses grow and prosper. As such, we have bigger problems coming our way too. Remember, an emergency is only catastrophic when it is not planned for. What is your contingency plan?




Contents

Computing | Health | Humour | Other
Public Relations and Marketing




Computers


Aussie SMBs get jitters over internet use: MYOB

It's stunning to me that it is still less than 40 percent of Australia's businesses that have a website.
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/312019,aussie-smbs-get-jitters-over-internet-use-myob.aspx



Should Linking To Copyrighted Material Be Illegal?

With the announcement from Google that their ranking algoritm will now include copyright takedown notices, this provides some great background to that decision.
http://www.webpronews.com/should-linking-to-copyrighted-material-be-illegal-2012-08



2 IT megatrends you should know about

HP Blog article by David Twohy
http://h30458.www3.hp.com/au/en/smb/1217347.html



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Health


The Sad Truth To Why Most People May Not Wake Up!

Data on how fluoride in water and mercury in vaccinations are leading to a dumbed down population iuncapable of attaining high IQ levels.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElrXrE8AmIc



Shocking Story Reveals How the FDA Is Recklessly Abandoning Drug Safety

Summary Conclusion: The only real solution isn't minor changes to the existing structure, but a complete reform of the FDA. But until then, please, don't risk your money or your life on a paradigm designed to profit from your ill health. Instead, switch to natural methods that will allow your body to heal itself without the need for the deadly drugs being pushed on you by the drug companies and the FDA.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/13/drug-safety-whistleblower.aspx



Thyroid Disfunction

Thyroid Disfunction

It has been established that sodium fluoride has the ability to alter your endocrine function, yet this fact is being ignored by the agencies and associations that continue to promote the practice of water fluoridation. This altered function can involve your thyroid, parathyroid, and pineal glands, as well as your adrenals, pancreas, and pituitary.

The thyroid also palys a large part in your body's immune system. To stay well you need to look after your thyroid.



Plato Says Cure The Whole

Plato Says Cure The Whole



Cancer Risk From Mobile Phone Usage

...the higher the exposure, the longer the exposure, the greater the risk!
http://www.magdahavas.com/interphone_parotid_gland_tumors_brain_tumor/



You Are Not Your Body

You Are Not Your Body



An Open Letter to Consumer Reports: 10 Misinformation Hazards in Your “10 Surprising Dangers of Vitamins and Supplements” Article

Great response to another vitamin hatchet job.
http://www.citizens.org/?p=3091



GM Files: Horrifying New Disease Contains Identical Material to GM “Food”

Nightmare on Elm Street’s Dinner Table. Thank you, Monsanto!
http://www.sott.net/articles/show/170833-GM-Files-Horrifying-New-Disease-Contains-Identical-Material-to-GM-Food



Beetroot

Health Benefits: nature’s Viagra, lessens tumor cell growth, low in calories, no saturated fat, stimulates liver function, Fiber, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Phosphorus, Potassium, boosts energy, fights Cataracts, Anti-inflammatory, natural colon cleaner



Be Happier

These foods and actions increase your happiness level.



California Proposition 37

California Proposition 37



Please sign this petition so save the bees!

We need to stop harmful chemicals killing our bees and threatening over 40% or more of our current food sources on this planet.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/bayer_save_the_bees/?cl=1764391395&v=13899



Advocates and Industry Giants Take Sides in California's Label Law Proposition

Lines are being drawn and money raised in the fight over Prop 37 – the California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act – which would require foods with genetically modified organisms to be labeled. The California Democratic Party, minus three Monsanto-funded defecting elected officials, has officially endorsed the proposition along with companies such as Amy's Kitchen.

Standing firmly on a pile of advertising and lobbying dollars is the DC-based Grocery Manufacturer's Association (GMA) which has contributed $375,000 so far to the opposition effort. The GMA is backed by the $1.2 trillion "Big Food" industry and boasts a membership list of companies with familiar household names such ConAgra Foods, J.M. Smucker, Hormel Foods, Kellogg Co., Coca-Cola North America and PepsiCo – many of which are reinforcing the GMA funds with money of their own.

Major grassroots efforts will be needed to pass Prop 37. Opponents such as the deceptively named Coalition Against Costly Food Labeling Proposition will be garnering support from across the country. To find out the truth about the labeling bill, visit
http://www.carighttoknow.org/



Petition to Stop Toxic Food Permit

The US federal government has just embraced a more coordinated and intensive safety review policy for proposed genetically engineered crops. There's now a new procedure to review GMOs that requires the USDA and EPA to review data on proposed crops in tandem, rather than separately. This groundbreaking change is a direct result of your advocacy for labeling, so thank you.

But our job isn't over: The USDA and EPA are about to apply this extra scrutiny on Dow's 2,4-D-resistant corn called "Enlist." It's genetically engineered to withstand large doses of 2,4-D, which some studies have shown may be linked to reproductive abnormalities, birth defects, and several forms of cancer. The USDA and EPA must continue to hear the concerns of consumers like you – will you speak out again today?

Please contact Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and EPA Administrator Jackson and tell them we do not want 2,4,-D corn to be approved.
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50202/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8255



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Humour


Noah's Greatest Ordeal

Noah's Greatest Ordeal



The Deadly Facts About Water

The Deadly Facts About Water



Genetics. This is how it worrks.

Genetics. This is how it works.



Died From Not Forwarding That Email

Died From Not Forwarding That Email



Police On Bikes

Police On Bikes



Spiders

Spiders



The Groom Is A Cable Guy

The Groom Is A Cable Guy



One Liners...

I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.

One of these new shoes isn't right.

I used to be afraid of renting; now I have an Apartment Complex!

I heard the garbage man outside talking trash.



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Other


Personal Revolution

Personal Revolution



Why War?

I just signed the petition "Hold an inquiry into the Iraq war" and wanted to ask if you could add your name too.
http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/hold-an-inquiry-into-the-iraq-war



Self Discipline

There is an old definition for self discipline:
Doing what should be done,
when it should be done,
whether you like it or not!


Find A Workout Buddy

Find A Workout Buddy

This may be so, but it is a sad thing that it is.
The ultimate accountability is to oneself.
You are with yourself always.
If you make an agreement with yourself, keep it.
You should NEVER need to rely on another person to keep your word.
Those who cannot trust themselves are not happy people.
When you can fully trust yourself you will be truly happy.

There is an old definition for self discipline:
Doing what should be done,
when it should be done,
whether you like it or not!

Self discipline is a mental muscle.
It needs to be exercised to gain strength.
On what are you going to exercise your muscle today?



Traitor Quote From Cicero

Traitor Quote From Cicero

There's the overt criminals who steal by force, then the covert ones who steal by outright lies, deceit and deception. The nickname for them is con men. That's short for confidence man - one who steals from you by first gaining your confidence, making you believe an untruth.

While the papers and news put our attention on the former, it is the latter who are more prevalent at higher strata and therefore more destructive, partly because it is not suspected and partly because they control those who would otherwise defend us from them.

So in evaluating people look mostly at what and how good are their products, what they have produced.

You will live a longer, happier and more prosperous life if you learn to tell people by their products rather than their sales pitch. Any fool can lie, and most fools and all cowards do. They cannot confront the consequences of telling the truth, so they lie.



Make Good Art

Make Good Art



Whistle Blower

Whistle Blower

http://www.davidchasetaylor.com/



To Thine Own Self Be True

To Thine Own Self Be True



Heaven On Earth Is A Choice We Make

Heaven On Earth Is A Choice We Make



The Foolish Man Seeks Happiness In The Distance

The Foolish Man Seeks Happiness In The Distance



Startling Evidence That Central Banks And Wall Street Insiders Are Rapidly Preparing For Something BIG

?"Soros, who manages funds through various accounts in the US and the Cayman Islands, has reportedly unloaded over one million shares of stock in financial companies and banks that include Citigroup (420,000 shares), JP Morgan (701,400 shares) and Goldman Sachs (120,000 shares). The total value of the stock sales amounts to nearly $50 million.

What’s equally as interesting as his sale of major financials is where Soros has shifted his money. At the same time he was selling bank stocks, he was acquiring some 884,000 shares (approx. $130 million) of Gold via the SPDR Gold Trust.

Why would you dump over a million shares of stock in major banks and purchase more than 100 million dollars worth of gold?"

Well, it would make perfect sense if you believed that a collapse of the financial system was about to happen.
http://www.infowars.com/startling-evidence-that-central-banks-and-wall-street-insiders-are-rapidly-preparing-for-something-big/



Eisenhower Quote

Eisenhower Quote



If You Thought The Cold War Was Over...

Here is Russian president Medvedev (currently the prime minister) describing the steps toward nuclear war that Russia has taken pushed by the crazed warmongers in Washington wallowing in their insane hubris
http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/#.UDC1sieqmzI.facebook



The World Is NOT Overpopulated

The World Is NOT Overpopulated



You Are Only One Thought Away From Changing Your Life

You Are Only One Thought Away From Changing Your Life



Wikileaks Damages US Credibility

Wikileaks Damages US Credibility



Make Your Own Water Colour Paints!

These are super, and I mean SUPER-easy to make.
http://happyhooligans.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/home-made-water-colour-paints/



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Public Relations and Marketing


If You Write Ads... ...The 5/40 Secret to Headline Success

Here is a newsletter I receive from American Writers & Artists Inc. It has some great suggestions in it for coming up with ideas for a great headline for an ad.

Dear Tom,

Today, we're going to take a break from hearing from our Bootcamp presenters. Instead, I'm going to give you my personal strategy for writing effective headlines.

This strategy is not for you only if you're going to Bootcamp. It's one you can use anytime to help bolster headline effectiveness. And if you are going to Bootcamp and the Job Fair, it'll work great for Job Fair specs.

100 headlines? Really?

Many Circle of Success members have told me they've heard that they should write 100 headlines before picking the one that best suits their promo.

It's true your headline accounts for about 20-25% of your letter's success. And because of that, you should spend at least that amount of time developing your final headline. But actually sitting down and writing 100 potential ones is a daunting task. One I'm afraid discourages many copywriters from trying to write more than one.

The thinking goes something like this: "I know I should write 100 headlines. But I just don't have the time. And I couldn't think of that many anyway. Oh well. I'll just do one and hope it's good enough."

Kind of a "headline burnout" before even getting started. So, to prevent headline burnout, here's what I recommend.

Don't worry about writing 100 headlines. Instead, start with 5 and work toward generating around 40 by the time you're ready to submit your copy to a client. Here's how I do it.

The 5 headline pre-write

I develop 5 to 10 headlines before I write any copy. Writing headlines before you write the copy really helps you focus on the Big Idea and core benefits. These are my "working headlines."

Then, during the period of time I'm involved with the actual body copy (though not necessarily writing it), I come up with headlines without trying to think about them.

This is how most creative ideas come about. They pop up when you're not looking directly for them. You just have to be ready for them when they arrive.

Typically, these thoughts come to me as I'm showering, starting to fall asleep, working on crossword puzzles, driving, or doing something not directly related to writing copy. Pushing though the barrier

By the time the first draft of the body copy is finished, I'll have around 20 possible headlines written out on lined yellow paper.

I handwrite all these ideas because that's how my creative energies work best. You may be different. But if you're 40 years old or older, your creativity is probably tied to the physical act of writing.

I take this list of potential headlines I developed while writing the body copy and number each one. When I get to the end, I add the next number at the end of the list. This signals my brain that I have to do more.

Then I start adding as many as I can in one sitting, always adding the next number at the end of the list. Again, a subconscious signal to keep going.

Some of my headlines may vary by no more than a preposition or some other "insignificant" word. But even though they might seem it, these words really are never insignificant.

During this process, I also include variations in formatting. For example, I might decide the deck copy (the sub-headline under the main headline) might work better as an "eyebrow" (the headline on top of the main headline, usually in a smaller font size). Or maybe it can be tweaked to be the main headline. Everything is up for grabs.

When I'm stuck — when my brain just cannot come up with one more new or variant idea — I leave the list. I work on another part of the promotion, perhaps strengthening sidebars or the like. Or go out to coffee. Or workout.

When my creativity has been recharged, I get back to my list of headlines.

Following this technique — and coming back several times after the well seems dry — I'm able to come up with at least 40 possible headlines. Often even more. The trick is to tell yourself you don't have to get them all at once.

Once I have this list of 40-plus headline ideas, I let it rest for a while. After two or three days (more if I have that luxury), I go back and start pulling out the ones I like the best.

A springboard for headline ideas

Where can you get your ideas for your first headlines?

When I'm researching the product, I highlight or write down key ideas and benefits. Benefits are the best place to derive headlines. When looking at benefits, be sure to go beyond the superficial ones. Delve into the deeper benefits that will truly impact your prospect's life.

I also look at the USP (Unique Sales Proposition). What one, two, or three things about your product make it different from your competitors' offering?

I'll also look at other promos for headline ideas — ideas, not words. These promos don't necessarily even have to be for the same product. Examine them to see how the copywriter structured the headline. How did he focus on benefits? What sort of Big Idea did he use?

Never feel like you're writing in a vacuum. Other promos can be great stepping-stones for new headline ideas.

One final word of advice: Always carry a small notebook and pen with you to jot down ideas.

Yours for a successful copywriting career,
Signed
Will Newman
http://www.awaionline.com/articles/



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Until next time,
dream big dreams,
read widely,
think well of your fellow man,
eat food that is good for you
and do the important things
that make a difference -
they are rarely the urgent ones!

Tom

How To Live The Healthiest Life
How To Live The Healthiest Life

Tom Grimshaw creates software, healthy snacks and
is also an optimum wellness researcher/writer who
enjoys bringing you the oldest and newest tips to
improve each of your 12 pillars of Optimal Health.

Check out the special report he has compiled here
How to Live The Healthiest Life




Most of the content herein has been copied from someone else. Especially the images. My goodness some people are talented at creating aesthetics! The small bits that are of my creation are copyright 2012 by Tom Grimshaw - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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