Skydiving equipment must be inspected on a fairly regular basis and the benefit of this routine is fewer malfunctions. Malfunctions are just what they sound like, failures in various materials and functions, and failure is not an option for most people. Not that all malfunctions have life changing outcomes, but the rule goes that the fewer malfunctions you have the better chance you have of a successful landings. Success, of course, can cover a broad range of landings, we will qualify it as walking, limping or crawling off the landing area. Whether or not you have dirt, grass or red ants all over your jump suit is not of particular concern. Welcome to skydiving.
Recently, FAA rules have been reviewed regarding the frequency of these inspections and the public was rewarded with a long contested change giving skydivers less frequent reserve repacks. Regulations per the FAA are observed at all US dropzones and skydiving gear is routinely checked to ensure safety is job one. The reserve is not supposed to be needed, just like an air bag, but once its out it better work.
To see the article, visit the official USPA website story:
http://uspa.org/NewsEvents/News/tabid/59/Default.aspx#4832
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Utopia
current.com has a cable broadcast that highlights viewer created content. One story talked briefly, less than a minute, on the Federation of Damanhur and it's temple.
I was intrigued enough to visit the website.
The temple is extraordinary.
See for yourself.
http://www.thetemples.org/
I was intrigued enough to visit the website.
The temple is extraordinary.
See for yourself.
http://www.thetemples.org/
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What is Skydiving?
There is a wind tunnel in Orlando of which I have been a patron. It has been nearly eight years ago but I wil never forget it. It was not housed in a temperature controlled environment so, not unlike jumping at altitude in winter, the bitterly cold blast was much like actual skydiving. This particular January, the boys were in West Virginia with their dad and I am discovering how bitterly cold it can get in Florida. Temperatures on New Year's Eve dropped to the 30's with a wind chill making it feel like 15 degrees. Ther were four of us that decided that it would be fun to jump in the wind tunnel whilst the temperatures hovered just above freeze my butt off.
Kate and I left her place in Royal Palm Beach early, planning a pick up of Dale and Shane in Jupiter Farms before heading to Orlando. We made it there without incident and each took turns riding the wind tunnel. We came prepared with gloves, mittens, hats, suits, etc. I think we were even wearing long underwear. The video above shows the amazing flight that can be acheived both in the wind tunnel and while skydiving. Expensive but worth it.
15 minutes in the wind tunnel: $125
the thrill of flying and the mastering of wind: priceless
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Blog Friends
Fellow bloggers in the Artemis world.
Sister Kelly often posts stories and pictures related to her business in Weissport, Pennsylvania. She started a quilt shop ten years ago and it's grown to include many characters.
Her blog:
http://the-quiltery.blogspot.com/
A neighbor and good friend has also entered the journalistic world of blogging, although she is more of a photo blogger and is quite talented.
Jenalee has many subjects (sounds like she's a Queen) but her favorites of the hour, as evidenced by her blog, are her two and her fiance's two Golden Retrievers.
I am impressed with her creative eye.
Her blog:
http://barefootinflorida1.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
I am off to Clewiston, Florida today to drop off my rig for its quarterly repack. Pain the buttocks but that's the rules for now. The weather doesn't look accommodating for skydiving but our trip is not about jumping. Brock is heading down with me, and although it's a long drive, one and half hours, we'll keep ourselves entertained nonetheless. He has never been to the drop zone. His love of airplanes could make this a very exciting trip for him. I want him to see the skydivers fly in so if it looks like there won't be jumpers today we may postpone our excursion.
ttfn
Sister Kelly often posts stories and pictures related to her business in Weissport, Pennsylvania. She started a quilt shop ten years ago and it's grown to include many characters.
Her blog:
http://the-quiltery.blogspot.com/
A neighbor and good friend has also entered the journalistic world of blogging, although she is more of a photo blogger and is quite talented.
Jenalee has many subjects (sounds like she's a Queen) but her favorites of the hour, as evidenced by her blog, are her two and her fiance's two Golden Retrievers.
I am impressed with her creative eye.
Her blog:
http://barefootinflorida1.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html
I am off to Clewiston, Florida today to drop off my rig for its quarterly repack. Pain the buttocks but that's the rules for now. The weather doesn't look accommodating for skydiving but our trip is not about jumping. Brock is heading down with me, and although it's a long drive, one and half hours, we'll keep ourselves entertained nonetheless. He has never been to the drop zone. His love of airplanes could make this a very exciting trip for him. I want him to see the skydivers fly in so if it looks like there won't be jumpers today we may postpone our excursion.
ttfn
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Fall of the House of ....
How to finish the line? An old schooler might say "Usher" if they are Poe fans. I suppose you don't have to be a Poe fan to finish with that line, but you would know it was Poe anyhoo.
How about finishing it with "...wall street, banking, mortgages, the stock market, your portfolio or you piece of mind" for starters. The current situation with the American economy has many running for the hills, blaming the rich, or blaming the poor, but the fact remains that most will not be accountable for their own actions. The middle class, historically striving to emulate the wealthy class, having forgotten or ignored the fundamental principles of wealth generation, and were seduced by the real estate and banking industries into living beyond their means. The greed on either side has resulted in the Fall of the House of the Middle Class.
History repeating itself leaves very little for the historians to do. Who has been speculating for years that the mortgage industry was leading the Middle Class into a vortex of financial ruin whilst taking the banking industry, the real estate industry and the public peace of mind with it?
The tried and true financial leaders will have stuck to their guns, advocating fixed loans, emergency funds and conservative and diversified portfolios.
I have had the privilege and honor of representing such a firm and for the last seven years have been guiding my clients, and anyone else who would listen, to reduce their debt, live below their means and save for "just in case". Well, just in case is happening.
What about Congress? How can their intervention be a good thing? Governing free enterprise?
Isn't that an OXYMORON? Speaking of morons, Washington Mutual fell like a house of cards, eh?
Again, the Fall of the House of WaMu; who didn't see that coming a year ago?
I'll tell you who, the middle class. They were duped, used, abused and left for the sharks.
As it always is. When the smoke cleared and the profits run off with, who is left to pick up the pieces? That's right, the middle class, paying for it with increases in taxes when the government steps in to bail out ravaged banks and financial companies. Where are the proud CEO's and CFO's now? Spending the millions they made a month over the last 5-7 years while the middle guy loses his house, his family and his pride.
Educate yourself and if you don't, shame on you.
Diana Clinton
How about finishing it with "...wall street, banking, mortgages, the stock market, your portfolio or you piece of mind" for starters. The current situation with the American economy has many running for the hills, blaming the rich, or blaming the poor, but the fact remains that most will not be accountable for their own actions. The middle class, historically striving to emulate the wealthy class, having forgotten or ignored the fundamental principles of wealth generation, and were seduced by the real estate and banking industries into living beyond their means. The greed on either side has resulted in the Fall of the House of the Middle Class.
History repeating itself leaves very little for the historians to do. Who has been speculating for years that the mortgage industry was leading the Middle Class into a vortex of financial ruin whilst taking the banking industry, the real estate industry and the public peace of mind with it?
The tried and true financial leaders will have stuck to their guns, advocating fixed loans, emergency funds and conservative and diversified portfolios.
I have had the privilege and honor of representing such a firm and for the last seven years have been guiding my clients, and anyone else who would listen, to reduce their debt, live below their means and save for "just in case". Well, just in case is happening.
What about Congress? How can their intervention be a good thing? Governing free enterprise?
Isn't that an OXYMORON? Speaking of morons, Washington Mutual fell like a house of cards, eh?
Again, the Fall of the House of WaMu; who didn't see that coming a year ago?
I'll tell you who, the middle class. They were duped, used, abused and left for the sharks.
As it always is. When the smoke cleared and the profits run off with, who is left to pick up the pieces? That's right, the middle class, paying for it with increases in taxes when the government steps in to bail out ravaged banks and financial companies. Where are the proud CEO's and CFO's now? Spending the millions they made a month over the last 5-7 years while the middle guy loses his house, his family and his pride.
Educate yourself and if you don't, shame on you.
Diana Clinton
Sisterly Love
Bloggers unite. I just spoke with my older sister who has been running a successful quilt shop in Weissport, PA for nearly a decade and found out she is a blogger. A newly established blogger, but then who isn't?
Her shop hosts many events and classes as well as being the home of an antique mall, a futures and commodities brokerage and a haunt for a very large cat.
Visit her blog at: http://the-quiltery.blogspot.com/
Great to see you on the web dahling!
Diana
Her shop hosts many events and classes as well as being the home of an antique mall, a futures and commodities brokerage and a haunt for a very large cat.
Visit her blog at: http://the-quiltery.blogspot.com/
Great to see you on the web dahling!
Diana
Friday, August 29, 2008
Numbers of Skydivers Up
Even with the price of gas you can't keep skydivers out of the air. While other air sports have seen a decline in association memberships, the USPA has experienced a steady increase, attributed to a very well run marketing campaign.
Many dropzones have successful event planning campaigns that encourage new jumpers to take the plunge while providing extracurricular activities for experienced jumpers like hopping out of a helicopter or hot air balloon.
The advancement in skydiving technology cannot be overlooked, with safety devices and performance materials giving the sport credibility. Common skydiving equipment: Reserve Canopy, Automatic Deployment Device, Digital Audible Altimeter, Helmet, High Performance Canopy.
Thinking of going skydiving? Best thing you'll ever do that day if you decide to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. The answer to the timeless question "why jump out of a perfectly good airplane"- Because the door was open....
Become a skydiver interactive tool >>
http://www.uspa.org/BecomeaSkydiver/YourFirstJump/tabid/67/Default.aspx
Many dropzones have successful event planning campaigns that encourage new jumpers to take the plunge while providing extracurricular activities for experienced jumpers like hopping out of a helicopter or hot air balloon.
The advancement in skydiving technology cannot be overlooked, with safety devices and performance materials giving the sport credibility. Common skydiving equipment: Reserve Canopy, Automatic Deployment Device, Digital Audible Altimeter, Helmet, High Performance Canopy.
Thinking of going skydiving? Best thing you'll ever do that day if you decide to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. The answer to the timeless question "why jump out of a perfectly good airplane"- Because the door was open....
Become a skydiver interactive tool >>
http://www.uspa.org/BecomeaSkydiver/YourFirstJump/tabid/67/Default.aspx
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Victory Gardening
By Barbara L. Minton
Natural News, August 23, 2008
Victory gardens are popping up all over. Last seen during World War II, these gardens now represent our fight to regain control of our lives and our health. They are the first battlefields against the increasing corporate tyranny, a battle that may end with us throwing off the philosophy of every man for himself and a realization that we are all together in this thing called life.
Full story linked in title.
Natural News, August 23, 2008
Victory gardens are popping up all over. Last seen during World War II, these gardens now represent our fight to regain control of our lives and our health. They are the first battlefields against the increasing corporate tyranny, a battle that may end with us throwing off the philosophy of every man for himself and a realization that we are all together in this thing called life.
Full story linked in title.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Skin repair review
Skin repair review
Is StriVectin SD the New Botox?
Dec 19 '04 :: by Jo
The Bottom Line
You must stay out of the sun and keep your skin moisturized. After that, some ingredients seem to help but more permanent solutions are an option for many including me.
I am the first one to admit that I want to look the age I feel or close to it. I know I will never look 30 again. However people have taken me for 35, 40, 45; certainly not 52. In 1999 I had Cosmetic Surgery.Since then I have mentioned that I have had injections of Restylane in my review of Lancome Resolution D-Contraxol Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Treatment.
In the meantime each time I went into Filene‘s I read the box and thought about buying a product called StriVectin SD. The product was selling for around $165.00. I saw what was touted as a similar product in Vitamin World called Strixaderm MD for much less. The sign said that it was similar to StriVectin SD but had one ingredient missing. It was selling for about $60.
I have recently seen a product called PreVentin-AT at CVS for less than $30 which also compares itself to StriVectin SD. The day I went into Filene’s back in September to by more Lancome Resolution, I decided to try StriVectin SD. I want to look at these three products, compare what is in them to find out if saving $100 makes sense. I do know that I will continue with this type of line and stop buying the multitude of products by L’Oreal, Neutrogena on and on and on that claim to turn back the clock. I am also going to let you know what I found on the Internet about skin care.
Although I have repeatedly (in comments primarily) said that I really do not think these creams can turn the clock back, I do believe there are some ingredients in them that add collagen, plump up the skin, and temporarily make face lines look less deep or they may smooth them out. It was not until I used Lancome that I truly saw a difference and not since I have used StriVectin SD that I am convinced there is something about it that works.
Having said all this I recently had my second injection of Restylane. Restylane is the new collagen injection that has come out on the market. What is good about it is that it is made with non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Collagen, which you can still get, is animal based and requires testing for allergies. Collagen is less expensive and lasts for a shorter period of time than Restylane. This last injection was $550 for one syringe full and lasts for about 6 months.
I do not believe anything can do what Restylane does for me. We can keep trying and spending money on over the counter products that “appear” to minimize lines. Perhaps if you are 25 and stay out of the sun the product will help. I do not think that most products will do anything about the deep line I had around my lip that Restylane took care of or around my mouth. StriVectin SD has helped enormously with fine lines around my eyes (They are not deep enough and really cannot be seen unless I smile so my doctor will not use Botox unless he can see a line when my face is relaxed. Ditto for the tiny line between my brows.) I use StriVectin SD in conjunction with my Restylane injections for those areas, my neck and my hands. I also use it over the areas that have been injected because I find it to be a nice moisturizer and we know that one reason skin ages or looks aged is due to dryness.
Skin Care:
Please remember that any website (According to my daughter who is in medical school a website which does not end with edu or org can only be taken with a grain of salt. I hear this on a weekly basis. This is one of them called skincare.com.) I found the information helpful and interesting however. This has been adapted from that site.
Chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin. Elastin is the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.
Looking at my mom who is 74 you will see a woman with many, many lines. She has been a sun worshiper. I grew up using baby oil and iodine and baking in the sun. You will pay for that beautiful tan later on if you care about wrinkles. Always use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) or at least 15. I will not even go into the direct link the sun has to skin cancer.
After years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below. Note: I have not listed all the brands that the site does.
Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in M.D. Forte and SkinScience products.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C and MD Forte products. I have reviewed so many beauty products. This is just one of the many times I have researched them. You will find others who believe that Vitamin E cannot be absorbed through the skin and used topically is a waste of money.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again and SkinScience products.
Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin‘s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm and MD Forte.
Idebenone -Idebenone is the synthetic variant of the natural compound ubiquinone. Both powerful antioxidants, idebenone and ubiquinone shield skin from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and smooth skin texture.
N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides - Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova. You will also find it in the Neutrogena line. I know since that was one of the many I tried.
Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.
Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line.
TNS - The biotechnology of the skin‘s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex.
A closer look at Strivectin-SD and its clones:
StriVectin comes in a 2 ounce cream for $75. I have only seen the 6 ounce cream which is what I own. It was first marketed as an intensive repair for existing stretch marks. It claims to be clinically proven to reduce the length, depth and texture of existing marks; it corrects discoloration, stimulates collagen synthesis and has significant measurable results in 93% of the subject tested. (We have no idea who the subjects were or if this study was random thus a true scientifically sound study.
There is a lot of information about this product in the brochure it comes with.
Essentially StriVectin-SD is based on Klein Becker's proprietary Striadril Complex consisting of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract. Striadril, an active ingredient containing patented pentapeptides that significantly improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, stretch marks, and minor skin imperfections by aiding the build-up of collagen. Unlike many other anti-aging treatments, Striadril is more stable, causes less irritation, safer, and more effective. http://www.cosmeticsurgery-news.com/strivectin_sd.html
It was discovered that this stretch mark miracle also reduced the appearance of lines and wrinkles. We have the word appearance please note. The active, wrinkle-reducing compound in StriVectin was shown to increase collagen I synthesis, increase collagen IV synthesis, and reduce wrinkles by as much as 68%. StriVectin was also found to increase firmness, improve the appearance of age-spots and dark under-eye circles as well as reduce the actual length, depth and volume of wrinkles. (There is the word appearance again.) At well over $100, I want these lines gone not just the appearance of them gone!
Let’s look at the ingredients in StriVectin-SD:
Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Striadril Complex, Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate
The proprietary ingredients in Striadil Complex are Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Butylene Glycol, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice PTH.
PreVentin-AT found at CVS at a fraction of the cost (also 6 ounces) tells us that it is for fine lines and deep wrinkles; that is significantly diminished the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
There are no proprietary ingredients in PreVentin-AT; perhaps the reason for the price. There may be something to the Striadil Complex. The ingredients are:
Water; Stearic Acid; Acetyl Hexapeptide-3; Glycerin; Cetyl Alcohol; Glyceryl Stearate; Propylene Glycol; Butylene Glycol; Isopropyl Palmitate; Triethanolamine; Polyglyceryl-Methacrylate; Palmitoyl Oligopeptide; Cocoa Butter; Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein; Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch; Aloe Barbadensis Gel; Ethyl Macadamiate; Sorbitan Olivate; Dimethicone; Dimethicone Copolyol; Peppermint Oil; Diazolidinyl Urea; Methylparaben; Propylparaben; Mango Butter; Disodium EDTA; PEG-8 Dimethicone and Octyldodecanol and Propylene Glycol and Zea Mays and Tocopheryl Acetate and Cholecalciferol and Retinyl Palmitate and Ascorbic Acid and Pyridoxine HCL and Silica and Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica; Extracts of: Cucumber; Green Tea; Grapeseed; Peach; Seaweed; Lemon; Calendula; Ginkgo Biloba; Ginger
Strixaderm contains Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/Capric/Triglycerides, Almond oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orietalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCI, Algae Extract, Stri Vera Blend (Aloe vera, yeast extract, urea, Butylene Glycol, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice Extract), Glycerin, PPG -12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG - 100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Note the Stri Vera Blend which PreVentin-AT does not seem to contain.
There are warnings for these products. They are to be used only topically; test the product on your skin (the insider of your elbow is a good place) before beginning to use it. Once you start using it if you have any terrible redness or itching, stop using it. Keep it out of the reach of children and use it only if you are over 18 or with your doctor’s permission. StriVentin also recommends that pregnant or nursing moms should not use the product.
I use it just as directed. After I wash and dry my face I apply the cream. I use it 2 times a day; sometimes three which is fine. StriVectin is concentrated. They all are concentrated. I am not getting into the color, shape of the tube or smell. If that is information you want, let me know. I am not reviewing the product per se. I will say that a little goes a long way. I massage it into my neck and hands but I dab gently under my eyes and where the Restylane has been injected.
My final thoughts:
I hope my little briefing on skin care and this new treatment has been of help. Is it the new Botox? Not in my opinion. Does StriVectin work? Yes it does. Do the others? If you have used them, let me know. For a fraction of the price trying Preventin might be the way to go but then again it is missing that key propriety blend.
I do think there are ingredients such as caffeine, green tea and copper that have some beauty benefits but I do think they are temporary. StriVectin and its clones are no match for Restylane or Botox but they are non-invasive products. They all claim to help smooth out skin and diminish lines. I have noticed an improvement in my neck though there were few lines to begin with. However now I see none.
If you choose cosmetic surgery, the only permanent (and even that is not forever) and ultimate anti-aging treatment, make sure your surgeon is Board Certified, shows you before and after pictures and has done many procedures. I highly recommend the website www.faceforum.com. Good luck!
Is StriVectin SD the New Botox?
Dec 19 '04 :: by Jo
The Bottom Line
You must stay out of the sun and keep your skin moisturized. After that, some ingredients seem to help but more permanent solutions are an option for many including me.
I am the first one to admit that I want to look the age I feel or close to it. I know I will never look 30 again. However people have taken me for 35, 40, 45; certainly not 52. In 1999 I had Cosmetic Surgery.Since then I have mentioned that I have had injections of Restylane in my review of Lancome Resolution D-Contraxol Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Treatment.
In the meantime each time I went into Filene‘s I read the box and thought about buying a product called StriVectin SD. The product was selling for around $165.00. I saw what was touted as a similar product in Vitamin World called Strixaderm MD for much less. The sign said that it was similar to StriVectin SD but had one ingredient missing. It was selling for about $60.
I have recently seen a product called PreVentin-AT at CVS for less than $30 which also compares itself to StriVectin SD. The day I went into Filene’s back in September to by more Lancome Resolution, I decided to try StriVectin SD. I want to look at these three products, compare what is in them to find out if saving $100 makes sense. I do know that I will continue with this type of line and stop buying the multitude of products by L’Oreal, Neutrogena on and on and on that claim to turn back the clock. I am also going to let you know what I found on the Internet about skin care.
Although I have repeatedly (in comments primarily) said that I really do not think these creams can turn the clock back, I do believe there are some ingredients in them that add collagen, plump up the skin, and temporarily make face lines look less deep or they may smooth them out. It was not until I used Lancome that I truly saw a difference and not since I have used StriVectin SD that I am convinced there is something about it that works.
Having said all this I recently had my second injection of Restylane. Restylane is the new collagen injection that has come out on the market. What is good about it is that it is made with non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Collagen, which you can still get, is animal based and requires testing for allergies. Collagen is less expensive and lasts for a shorter period of time than Restylane. This last injection was $550 for one syringe full and lasts for about 6 months.
I do not believe anything can do what Restylane does for me. We can keep trying and spending money on over the counter products that “appear” to minimize lines. Perhaps if you are 25 and stay out of the sun the product will help. I do not think that most products will do anything about the deep line I had around my lip that Restylane took care of or around my mouth. StriVectin SD has helped enormously with fine lines around my eyes (They are not deep enough and really cannot be seen unless I smile so my doctor will not use Botox unless he can see a line when my face is relaxed. Ditto for the tiny line between my brows.) I use StriVectin SD in conjunction with my Restylane injections for those areas, my neck and my hands. I also use it over the areas that have been injected because I find it to be a nice moisturizer and we know that one reason skin ages or looks aged is due to dryness.
Skin Care:
Please remember that any website (According to my daughter who is in medical school a website which does not end with edu or org can only be taken with a grain of salt. I hear this on a weekly basis. This is one of them called skincare.com.) I found the information helpful and interesting however. This has been adapted from that site.
Chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin. Elastin is the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another. As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier and underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With the loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag; it appears less supple and wrinkles form.
Looking at my mom who is 74 you will see a woman with many, many lines. She has been a sun worshiper. I grew up using baby oil and iodine and baking in the sun. You will pay for that beautiful tan later on if you care about wrinkles. Always use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) or at least 15. I will not even go into the direct link the sun has to skin cancer.
After years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products, which are specified below. Note: I have not listed all the brands that the site does.
Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines. Vitamin A or Retinol is the main ingredient found in M.D. Forte and SkinScience products.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns. This healing ingredient is found in SkinCeuticals, Cellex C and Obagi Cffectives skin care products.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection. Vitamin E is found in Cellex C and MD Forte products. I have reviewed so many beauty products. This is just one of the many times I have researched them. You will find others who believe that Vitamin E cannot be absorbed through the skin and used topically is a waste of money.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general. AHAs are the main ingredients found in MD Forte, TYK Young Again and SkinScience products.
Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin‘s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses. Glycolic acid is found in products by Gly Derm and MD Forte.
Idebenone -Idebenone is the synthetic variant of the natural compound ubiquinone. Both powerful antioxidants, idebenone and ubiquinone shield skin from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dryness and smooth skin texture.
N-6 furfuryladenine (kinetin) - The nature-identical plant growth factor, furfuryladenine, retards the aging of plant cells as well as in vitro human skin fibroblasts. This natural, anti-aging ingredient has been proven to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and is exclusively found in Kinerase creams and lotions. This is a proven alternative for people with sensitive skin or people who are sensitive to products containing Retinol and Vitamin C.
Copper Peptides - Copper Peptides are the latest scientific breakthrough in skin rejuvenation. Copper has been found to naturally firm the skin, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is the main ingredient in products by Neova. You will also find it in the Neutrogena line. I know since that was one of the many I tried.
Pal-KTTKS - Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.
Green Tea Extract - Green tea's anti-inflammatory and anti-growth qualities are found in many skin care products designed to reduce the appearance of puffiness, wrinkles, fine lines and large pores. Green Tea is found in the Dr. Brandt skin care line.
TNS - The biotechnology of the skin‘s natural healing process has arrived with the first tissue repairing complex containing growth factors found in normal, healthy skin. Unlike anything else currently on the market, TNS is the next level of skin rejuvenation that delivers dramatic results, for smoother, softer, younger looking skin. TNS is found in SkinMedica's TNS Recovery Complex.
A closer look at Strivectin-SD and its clones:
StriVectin comes in a 2 ounce cream for $75. I have only seen the 6 ounce cream which is what I own. It was first marketed as an intensive repair for existing stretch marks. It claims to be clinically proven to reduce the length, depth and texture of existing marks; it corrects discoloration, stimulates collagen synthesis and has significant measurable results in 93% of the subject tested. (We have no idea who the subjects were or if this study was random thus a true scientifically sound study.
There is a lot of information about this product in the brochure it comes with.
Essentially StriVectin-SD is based on Klein Becker's proprietary Striadril Complex consisting of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract. Striadril, an active ingredient containing patented pentapeptides that significantly improve the appearance of facial wrinkles, stretch marks, and minor skin imperfections by aiding the build-up of collagen. Unlike many other anti-aging treatments, Striadril is more stable, causes less irritation, safer, and more effective. http://www.cosmeticsurgery-news.com/strivectin_sd.html
It was discovered that this stretch mark miracle also reduced the appearance of lines and wrinkles. We have the word appearance please note. The active, wrinkle-reducing compound in StriVectin was shown to increase collagen I synthesis, increase collagen IV synthesis, and reduce wrinkles by as much as 68%. StriVectin was also found to increase firmness, improve the appearance of age-spots and dark under-eye circles as well as reduce the actual length, depth and volume of wrinkles. (There is the word appearance again.) At well over $100, I want these lines gone not just the appearance of them gone!
Let’s look at the ingredients in StriVectin-SD:
Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Striadril Complex, Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate
The proprietary ingredients in Striadil Complex are Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Butylene Glycol, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice PTH.
PreVentin-AT found at CVS at a fraction of the cost (also 6 ounces) tells us that it is for fine lines and deep wrinkles; that is significantly diminished the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
There are no proprietary ingredients in PreVentin-AT; perhaps the reason for the price. There may be something to the Striadil Complex. The ingredients are:
Water; Stearic Acid; Acetyl Hexapeptide-3; Glycerin; Cetyl Alcohol; Glyceryl Stearate; Propylene Glycol; Butylene Glycol; Isopropyl Palmitate; Triethanolamine; Polyglyceryl-Methacrylate; Palmitoyl Oligopeptide; Cocoa Butter; Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein; Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch; Aloe Barbadensis Gel; Ethyl Macadamiate; Sorbitan Olivate; Dimethicone; Dimethicone Copolyol; Peppermint Oil; Diazolidinyl Urea; Methylparaben; Propylparaben; Mango Butter; Disodium EDTA; PEG-8 Dimethicone and Octyldodecanol and Propylene Glycol and Zea Mays and Tocopheryl Acetate and Cholecalciferol and Retinyl Palmitate and Ascorbic Acid and Pyridoxine HCL and Silica and Sodium Propoxyhydroxypropyl Thiosulfate Silica; Extracts of: Cucumber; Green Tea; Grapeseed; Peach; Seaweed; Lemon; Calendula; Ginkgo Biloba; Ginger
Strixaderm contains Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/Capric/Triglycerides, Almond oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orietalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCI, Algae Extract, Stri Vera Blend (Aloe vera, yeast extract, urea, Butylene Glycol, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice Extract), Glycerin, PPG -12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate and PEG - 100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.
Note the Stri Vera Blend which PreVentin-AT does not seem to contain.
There are warnings for these products. They are to be used only topically; test the product on your skin (the insider of your elbow is a good place) before beginning to use it. Once you start using it if you have any terrible redness or itching, stop using it. Keep it out of the reach of children and use it only if you are over 18 or with your doctor’s permission. StriVentin also recommends that pregnant or nursing moms should not use the product.
I use it just as directed. After I wash and dry my face I apply the cream. I use it 2 times a day; sometimes three which is fine. StriVectin is concentrated. They all are concentrated. I am not getting into the color, shape of the tube or smell. If that is information you want, let me know. I am not reviewing the product per se. I will say that a little goes a long way. I massage it into my neck and hands but I dab gently under my eyes and where the Restylane has been injected.
My final thoughts:
I hope my little briefing on skin care and this new treatment has been of help. Is it the new Botox? Not in my opinion. Does StriVectin work? Yes it does. Do the others? If you have used them, let me know. For a fraction of the price trying Preventin might be the way to go but then again it is missing that key propriety blend.
I do think there are ingredients such as caffeine, green tea and copper that have some beauty benefits but I do think they are temporary. StriVectin and its clones are no match for Restylane or Botox but they are non-invasive products. They all claim to help smooth out skin and diminish lines. I have noticed an improvement in my neck though there were few lines to begin with. However now I see none.
If you choose cosmetic surgery, the only permanent (and even that is not forever) and ultimate anti-aging treatment, make sure your surgeon is Board Certified, shows you before and after pictures and has done many procedures. I highly recommend the website www.faceforum.com. Good luck!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Perspectives on Global Warming
Summer felt like we were definitely heading for an equatorial climate full time. What will it mean to our industrious nature when we are truly facing the effects global warming?
Will science step in with the solution? How will technology impact the global demand? How will corporations impact the recovery?
The food supply is linked to the water supply which is linked to the climate.
One article explores the reality we are exposed to daily and ywhy "the Henny Penny syndrome" has yet to take hold.
Glacier water is a huge resource of which access will become quite limited and expensive should the current channels of delivery dry up... see the whole story at Organic Consumer.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Getting things done
Posting seemed like it would be something I could work into my routine but alas, with vacation, summer fitness schedules, paying contract work and the need to rest in between, there doesn't seem to be the time to fit in creative writing.
Writer's block can also keep me away from the keys. What to publish??
There are so many thoughts bouncing around inside the head, which ones can I lasso and put to script? Any attempt is better than no attempt, here anyway, but not maybe in skydiving.
Speaking of skydiving, my other passion which has taken a back seat to raising three boys, managing a competitive soccer program and running my own design and marketing firm, I do allocate at least one day every quarter to keep myself current. Pathetic really. There will be time again for such things. I hope.
To describe skydiving to someone who has no stomach for "throwing yourself out of a perfectly good airplane" would be like trying to describe death by lethal injection. You are never gonna try it so why even describe it. So, for those that have the hutspa (sp) to take the leap, go for it and smile all the way down. You will remember the moment for the rest of your life and it will be worth it!
ttfn
Writer's block can also keep me away from the keys. What to publish??
There are so many thoughts bouncing around inside the head, which ones can I lasso and put to script? Any attempt is better than no attempt, here anyway, but not maybe in skydiving.
Speaking of skydiving, my other passion which has taken a back seat to raising three boys, managing a competitive soccer program and running my own design and marketing firm, I do allocate at least one day every quarter to keep myself current. Pathetic really. There will be time again for such things. I hope.
To describe skydiving to someone who has no stomach for "throwing yourself out of a perfectly good airplane" would be like trying to describe death by lethal injection. You are never gonna try it so why even describe it. So, for those that have the hutspa (sp) to take the leap, go for it and smile all the way down. You will remember the moment for the rest of your life and it will be worth it!
ttfn
Monday, April 28, 2008
Convenient Converting and I don't mean religion
Because I have lived with a television as part of my culture for my entire life, I can say with much bias that this insturment has the power to influence like no other in the history of man and womankind. Consider the millions that schedule activities around television programming or the billions spent on service and equipment in order to allow television on demand.
Our whole lives can be summed up by the programming we accept as illustration of reality. Television is so bold as to give us reality television (scripted, edited and completely out of context-of course). How could we possibly separate television from reality now?
Billions of dollars have been spent by our government to convert television analog to digital so that all red blooded American can have access to better pictures and more programming. Billions that should have gone to schools that need basic supplies let alone digital television. How does mankind justify ignorance. Root word: ignore. Ignorance is not stupidity. Ignorance is being able to know but choosing not to know. Choice can be summed up by the following illustration:
Check your local tv listing for programming that is not produced by network television or corporate America, corporate anyting. You may not be able to distinguish who is producing the programming but one can surely make the distinction between daytime and nighttime soap operas, mindless sitcoms and self-serving investigative reporting. Check out the science channel, the discovery channel or the local public school district broadcast. We have one and it is not bad.
Getting involved in solutions requires choice. Make the choice to be less ignorant, don't ignore what your environment, your body or your family for programming that will make you sicker, sorrier or sadder.
Make it a great day.
Artemis
Our whole lives can be summed up by the programming we accept as illustration of reality. Television is so bold as to give us reality television (scripted, edited and completely out of context-of course). How could we possibly separate television from reality now?
Billions of dollars have been spent by our government to convert television analog to digital so that all red blooded American can have access to better pictures and more programming. Billions that should have gone to schools that need basic supplies let alone digital television. How does mankind justify ignorance. Root word: ignore. Ignorance is not stupidity. Ignorance is being able to know but choosing not to know. Choice can be summed up by the following illustration:
Check your local tv listing for programming that is not produced by network television or corporate America, corporate anyting. You may not be able to distinguish who is producing the programming but one can surely make the distinction between daytime and nighttime soap operas, mindless sitcoms and self-serving investigative reporting. Check out the science channel, the discovery channel or the local public school district broadcast. We have one and it is not bad.
Getting involved in solutions requires choice. Make the choice to be less ignorant, don't ignore what your environment, your body or your family for programming that will make you sicker, sorrier or sadder.
Make it a great day.
Artemis
Monday, April 14, 2008
Spring Break Blues
We spent the week in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Carolinas. Breathtaking!
Grandfather Mountains deserves a mention or two. We spent a few days in Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding communitites and managed to run into the head of the local travel soccer club. And I thought we had issues! My hat's off to the leadership whose current project has them rounding up almost 2 millions dollars. Perhaps we have been setting our sights too low? Hmmm.
This club has managed to acquire the property to establish their very own home fields. Makes me wonder if we could do that in our area?? Alas, I suffer along with them and signed up on the silent auction for a week's stay at a local condo. Guess what happens next. You got it. I get to go back to the is beautiful area to use my silent auction winnings. Perhaps this summer I will attend the Apalachian Arts Festival in Boone held each year at the Appalachian State University.
Back to the vacation, and the mountains and traveling with three boys of various maturity.
Quite varied I might add. We survived our own company and enjoyed our stay a great deal.
Spending some time exploring the town and the beauty of the region was a great way to spend our break.
My blogging didn't go unnoticed. I spent some time figuring out the messages I want to promote and reading more of the book I purchased before I began this adventure. What will soon follow will be the compilation of weeks of study and research that only scratches the surface of the endeaver and the global impact it will have.
Whew, that was a mouthful should I ever need to utter it verbally. For now it resides on this clean white and very bright "page."
ttfn
Grandfather Mountains deserves a mention or two. We spent a few days in Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding communitites and managed to run into the head of the local travel soccer club. And I thought we had issues! My hat's off to the leadership whose current project has them rounding up almost 2 millions dollars. Perhaps we have been setting our sights too low? Hmmm.
This club has managed to acquire the property to establish their very own home fields. Makes me wonder if we could do that in our area?? Alas, I suffer along with them and signed up on the silent auction for a week's stay at a local condo. Guess what happens next. You got it. I get to go back to the is beautiful area to use my silent auction winnings. Perhaps this summer I will attend the Apalachian Arts Festival in Boone held each year at the Appalachian State University.
Back to the vacation, and the mountains and traveling with three boys of various maturity.
Quite varied I might add. We survived our own company and enjoyed our stay a great deal.
Spending some time exploring the town and the beauty of the region was a great way to spend our break.
My blogging didn't go unnoticed. I spent some time figuring out the messages I want to promote and reading more of the book I purchased before I began this adventure. What will soon follow will be the compilation of weeks of study and research that only scratches the surface of the endeaver and the global impact it will have.
Whew, that was a mouthful should I ever need to utter it verbally. For now it resides on this clean white and very bright "page."
ttfn
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Chronicals
The regularity of my postings doesn't seem to match the eagerness with which I initially launched this campaign into the world of blogging. But don't let that be the only indication of my commitment to this project as I have been very busy researching in order to understand the real benefit of blogging and how to use it effectively to reach the audience.
You see, I have several projects that will soon be using blogs to broadcast and educate, all for very different purposes. One is a small town youth sports association, another a coaching system for soccer and a third a very successful custom trim and cabinet company that is ready to take over the world, one county at a time.
Understanding what works and doesn't work gives me the focus I need to approach these projects with the right ammunition.
Off to Ft. Lauderdale for compliance training in the world of financial services, yet another one of the skills I have acquired through training, education, testing, in the field and on the phone.
More to come on the trials and tribulations of starting a blog.
Regards,
Artemis
You see, I have several projects that will soon be using blogs to broadcast and educate, all for very different purposes. One is a small town youth sports association, another a coaching system for soccer and a third a very successful custom trim and cabinet company that is ready to take over the world, one county at a time.
Understanding what works and doesn't work gives me the focus I need to approach these projects with the right ammunition.
Off to Ft. Lauderdale for compliance training in the world of financial services, yet another one of the skills I have acquired through training, education, testing, in the field and on the phone.
More to come on the trials and tribulations of starting a blog.
Regards,
Artemis
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Blogging 101
Blogging for the newbie starts here. Each post bringing me closer to understanding the dynamics of the blog world. How can this help my business? How can this tool be used for non-proft? Will people read it? When should I post? What should I read? What is an RSS feed and how do I get one from my site to yours?
Each discovery bringing forth new questions. Do I have time for this? Will this evolve before I figure it out? Yes and no to everything because anything is possible right?
Please join me on the journey of discovery.
What I know so far: There are more journal sites and programs than I will ever have time to investigate but I have looked at Moveable Type and Word Press, Blogger (obviously), MySpace, Feedburner, and Typepad.
There are several blogs on my list to create, mostly for the benefit of others. I don't enjoy writing, never having been able to focus long enough to incorporate coherence into my dialog. This should be a test of fire.
Having researched for nearly a day where to start the blogging adventure, I settled on Blogger for a couple of reasons. Ease of use and ties to Google. We'll see if that equation adds up to success.
The next stage in the process will be incoporating the blog into the various happenings of my personal and business life. Several clients are interested in increasing traffic to their websites, building brand awareness through email marketing and positioning their company as a leader in the industry. Blog posts are part of that formula in my opinion. Humble it may be, but now it's out there.
Some things I have implemented into my routine to encourage the blog gene are keeping an observation journal, saving interesting websites (http://www.craiglistfoundation.org/) and more research on success with blogging for the newbie!
I'll keep you posted.
Artemis
Each discovery bringing forth new questions. Do I have time for this? Will this evolve before I figure it out? Yes and no to everything because anything is possible right?
Please join me on the journey of discovery.
What I know so far: There are more journal sites and programs than I will ever have time to investigate but I have looked at Moveable Type and Word Press, Blogger (obviously), MySpace, Feedburner, and Typepad.
There are several blogs on my list to create, mostly for the benefit of others. I don't enjoy writing, never having been able to focus long enough to incorporate coherence into my dialog. This should be a test of fire.
Having researched for nearly a day where to start the blogging adventure, I settled on Blogger for a couple of reasons. Ease of use and ties to Google. We'll see if that equation adds up to success.
The next stage in the process will be incoporating the blog into the various happenings of my personal and business life. Several clients are interested in increasing traffic to their websites, building brand awareness through email marketing and positioning their company as a leader in the industry. Blog posts are part of that formula in my opinion. Humble it may be, but now it's out there.
Some things I have implemented into my routine to encourage the blog gene are keeping an observation journal, saving interesting websites (http://www.craiglistfoundation.org/) and more research on success with blogging for the newbie!
I'll keep you posted.
Artemis
Monday, March 3, 2008
..on finding out that I was to become a blogger...
Wishing for a mistake is what people are hoping for. An accident. They buy lottery tickets hoping to change their life by changing their fortune. They stay in a job that is creating such stress in their life that they are either suffering from some rare case of intestinal disease or relying on pharmaceutical companines to pump out the latest and greatest anxiety pill. All the while, hoping for a hurricane to blow their house away so they can collect the insurance claim and move out of state. How can anyone see opportunity when they are blinded by wishful thinking?
Those things that we are attracting to us seem random. Good and bad.
The reason for this dialog is to paint the picture of graphic designer turned financial consultant who is still presented with the chance to do this creative work. Mistake, happy accident? No way.
There are no accidents and the older you get, with more experiences and occurances to associate with, the mystery of your life begins to unravel. Each thread represents a part of this life. Each connection having a direct impact on the content of your life at the moment in time.
The web is a vast network of such threads, interconnecting a million different ways. More and more people have integrated the web into their lives and benefit from the tool that it is, like language. Language and communication have enabled great acheivements. It is the glue that holds civilization together. The web is a civilization. The languagle of the web enormous.
However, the ease of communication on the web not only eliminates language barriers, it is the parent to new ones. An evolution in communication is happening, has happened. E-speak will attempt to address the future of communication.
Text and the American teenager?
Generational launguage
Evolution speak: new virtual text language?
E-speak: fingers?
Language theories?
Those things that we are attracting to us seem random. Good and bad.
The reason for this dialog is to paint the picture of graphic designer turned financial consultant who is still presented with the chance to do this creative work. Mistake, happy accident? No way.
There are no accidents and the older you get, with more experiences and occurances to associate with, the mystery of your life begins to unravel. Each thread represents a part of this life. Each connection having a direct impact on the content of your life at the moment in time.
The web is a vast network of such threads, interconnecting a million different ways. More and more people have integrated the web into their lives and benefit from the tool that it is, like language. Language and communication have enabled great acheivements. It is the glue that holds civilization together. The web is a civilization. The languagle of the web enormous.
However, the ease of communication on the web not only eliminates language barriers, it is the parent to new ones. An evolution in communication is happening, has happened. E-speak will attempt to address the future of communication.
Text and the American teenager?
Generational launguage
Evolution speak: new virtual text language?
E-speak: fingers?
Language theories?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)