Saturday, January 30, 2010

2 Million iPhone Wine Recommendations

iPhone App Makes 2 Million Wine Recommendations in First 6 Months

Hello Vino provides wine recommendations to consumers at the point of purchase through its free iPhone app and mobile Web sites.

Modesto, CA, December 04, 2009 -- The free Hello Vino iPhone app has served over 2 million wine brand recommendations to consumers since its release in June, 2009. Current trends indicate a 20% increase in recommendations each month, with tremendous 250% growth in the month of November due to Thanksgiving-related activity. December is expected to surpass previous performance due to the upcoming holidays.

Hello Vino has also launched its new advertising program, connecting brand-specific wine recommendations to consumers. The program is free for wineries to enter their wines into the Hello Vino database, which will be served to consumers at random. Wineries can then choose to purchase premium placement for their wines on a cost-per-click basis. The Hello Vino service is free to consumers and is available on any cell phone through an iPhone app, mobile Web site or text messaging.

The new brand advertising program offers wineries a highly targeted, simple to use self-service system with direct access to wine consumers. Designed to support wineries of all sizes, the program, its specifications and reporting tools are available to winery representatives on the Hello Vino Web site at
http://www.HelloVino.com.

Hello Vino ranks #1 on the 5 Must-Have iPhone Apps for Wine Lovers on Mashable.com and #1 on the Top 50 Wine iPhone Apps report by Vintank, a digital think tank for the wine industry. Hello Vino offers brand recommendations with the vintage, price, winery, region, notes, reviews and industry scores (when applicable). Over 300 varietal styles are currently available to consumers searching for wine pairings, gifts, or by taste, flavor, or region.

"Hello Vino has carefully built a service to address the needs and concerns of consumers making wine purchases, and at the same time, provided a viable point of sale option for wineries in the mobile space," said Jim McNamee, co-founder and Marketing Manager.

With a growing number of iPhones being sold (7MM in Q4 2009, 33MM to date, according to Apple), Hello Vino offers both mobile advertising opportunities for brands and an intuitive, user-friendly resource for consumers. Available on iTunes, Hello Vino version 1.1 contains new features, including the ability to share pairings and wine brands to consumers' social networks through Twitter and Facebook, allowing for greater brand exposure.

About Hello Vino:

Hello Vino delivers wine recommendations to PCs and mobile phones, providing wine consumers with the perfect bottle for a meal, occasion, or gift. The free service is available on any cell phone through a mobile Web site, free iPhone app, or text messaging service.

Hello Vino launched its Web site (HelloVino.com) and mobile wine pairing service at the Boston Wine Expo on January 24, 2009. More information, including video demonstrations and photos, is available at
http://www.HelloVino.com.

Contact:
Jim McNamee, Marketing Manager
jim@hellovino.com
(978) 808-6006
www.HelloVino.com

Contact Information
Hello Vino, LLC
Jim McNamee, Marketing Manager
978-808-6006
jim@hellovino.com
www.hellovino.com

Friday, January 29, 2010

User Safe iPhone Application

 iTravelAlert: The iPhone Application That Keeps Its Users Safe While Traveling

iTravelAlert is designed to provide its users with essential information on current travel warnings, disease outbreaks and more.

Panama City, Panama, December 17, 2009 -- iTravelAlert, E-MAGINE's first iPhone app, has been officially launched. E-MAGINE developed iTravelAlert to provide millions of iPhone and iPod Touch users with essential travel and health information, keeping them informed and safe. Suggested vaccinations, disease outbreak news, current travel alerts and warnings can all easily be accessed through this application. iTravelAlert is currently the only app that offers full real-time information and news on international travel safety and health.
http://www.itravelalert.com

In the past, traveling was carefree but times have changed. Now the fear of terror attacks and pandemic outbreaks leave even the most seasoned traveler feeling insecure. iTravelAlert give its users peace of mind to focus on business or pleasure.

"iTravelAlert is not just for business executives or frequent travelers who want to be informed about current threats around the world, but also for families and friends who want to stay on top of what's happening in countries where their loved ones are traveling or living," said Josef Holm, CEO of E-MAGINE.

The iTravelAlert app offers the following features:
· Homeland Security News
· Emergency and Disaster News
· H1N1 Pandemic News
· Disease Outbreak News
· Avian Influenza News
· Current Travel Alerts
· Current Travel Warnings

iTravelAlert acquires all of its information from the most serious sources, such as the World Health Organization and the Department of Homeland Security. All news feeds are in real time, insuring that iTravelAlert is always up to date.

Now anybody with an iPhone or iPod Touch can stay thoroughly informed about secure traveling whenever they go anywhere in the world. The app is now available in the iTunes App Store, for USD $1.99. It can easily be found by searching for "Travel Alert." To check out the application go to
http://www.itravelalert.com.

About E-MAGINE:
The E-MAGINE group is a privately owned, international information technology and business development agency with a strong focus on research and innovation.

E-MAGINE offers custom solutions, which are specifically tailored after the individual specifications of their clients.
http://www.e-magine.com

Contact Information
E-MAGINE
Claudia Stehli
0041786743232
pr@e-magine.com
http://www.itravelalert.com

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Launch of National Moving Month

National Moving Month Launched in Australia

The busiest month for home moves celebrated by the launch of the first 'National Moving Month' by Citymove, with an exciting new competition to mark it.

Sydney, Australia, November 28 -- A study by Citymove has determined that December is usually the busiest month for home relocations as people rush to begin their new lives in their new home in time for the New Year, creating a fresh start across the board. With this in mind, Citymove have decided to launch 'National Moving Month'.

To mark the start of the month and to coincide with a giveaway launched in conjunction with National Moving Month, new research has been released by Citymove, discovering some of the more bizarre requests made by customers when organising removal services.

The strangest thing ever moved by Citymove was a four tonne truck full of single service handy wipes. James Wheeler, director of Citymove said: "The wipes were the kind you get when buying chicken from a fast food place, like baby wipes. Except these were being rebranded by someone and then being handed out to the prostitutes in Kings Cross for them to use after...servicing clients."

Among the many other things Citymove have relocated, customers have made requests to move:
· A small goldfish bowl (using a four tonne truck)
· 25kg of Ice cream from Sydney to Brisbane in an unrefrigerated lorry (costing $550)
· A car between states, with a dog on the backseat. (Alive, more biting than kicking)
· Australia's largest floor tiles, with each measuring 3mx2m.

However, the strangest request made to Citymove according to James was repeatedly made. "We actually had a six month period of regular phone calls from someone who always wanted to hire two 'fit and muscular men' to move one small box from one room to another. After much questioning we found out it was a drag queen looking to book herself a private show!"

The exciting giveaway Citymove is launching relates to this research. They want to find out from people, their weird and wonderful moving stories. People may visit www.nationalmovingmonth.org and send in a story, leave an email address and Citymove will be in touch to give everyone who enters a $50 voucher off their next relocation with Citymove, making sure everyone wins. For further information or interviews, contact marketing coordinator Adam Robinson either by email adam.robinson@citymove.com.au or call 1300 72 9994. Visit www.nationalmovingmonth.org throughout the month for further details on the competition, informative articles on home moves and much more.

About Citymove
Citymove have been in operation for ten years and move over 25,000 people annually. Citymove operate in all major Australian cities and handle both local and interstate moves.

Contact Information
Citymove
Adam Robinson
1300 72 9994
adam.robinson@citymove.com.au
http://www.citymove.com.au/cms/

 

Monday, December 14, 2009

Fashion Jewelry Holiday Sample Sale

Janna Conner - Holiday Sample Sale - Fashion Jewelry

Janna Conner Designs is celebrating the Holidays with a sample sale up to 70% off this Friday - Saturday at their Downtown L.A. Design Studio.

Los Angeles, CA, December 11, 2009 -- Janna Conner Designs is celebrating the Holidays with a sample sale up to 70% off their jewelry this Friday - Saturday at their Downtown L.A. Design Studio.

For two days only, draped chain necklaces, swarovski crystal earrings, semi precious bracelets, enamel studded cuffs and all kinds of jewelry samples will be available for sale.

Founded in 1999, Janna Conner Designs has been committed to the creation of beautiful and wearable pieces of jewelry. Each piece is carefully hand-crafted in Janna Conner's Los Angeles design studio, using only the highest quality semi-precious stones, and natural minerals.

Her jewelry line is carried nationwide at the finest boutiques like Kitson, Fred Segal and Henri Bendels.

www.jannaconner.com
www.facebook.com/jannaconnerdesigns

Friday, December 11, 2009: 9 am to 5 pm
Saturday, December 12, 2009: 11 am to 4 pm
Metered street parking.

Cash/VISA/AMEX/MC Accepted.

Janna Conner Designs
155 W. Washington Blvd.
Suite 208
Los Angeles, Ca 90015
213.741.2137

Friday, December 4, 2009

Newspaper Turns Up Heat On Car Soup

Star Tribune Partners with CarSoup.com

CarSoup.com and Star Tribune Create Online and Sales Partnership.

Minneapolis, MN, November 15, 2009 -- The Star Tribune and CarSoup.com, two local market leaders in automotive advertising services, have entered into a partnership agreement designed to leverage the two companies' strengths in the Twin Cities market.

CarSoup.com, which connects buyers and sellers of car and power sports recreational vehicles through its state-of- the-art website, will become the Star Tribune's automotive web platform, replacing the current StarTribune.com/cars site. In turn, the Star Tribune will become the local sales arm for CarSoup.com products and services in the Twin Cities metro area for both dealership and for-sale-by-owner advertising.

Under the terms of the partnership, beginning Dec. 1, 2009, consumers will be able to access CarSoup.com vehicle listings and products through StarTribune.com, as well as through KMSP-TV's Myfox9.com and CarSoup.com directly. CarSoup.com offers consumers extensive new and used vehicle search capabilities, service coupons and specials from local businesses, vehicle research data and financing pre-approval options.

"We are very excited about the potential of this partnership," said Jamie Flaws, vice president of classified advertising at the Star Tribune. "The Star Tribune benefits from CarSoup's well-known brand, outstanding technology and exceptional automotive website, and CarSoup benefits from the Star Tribune's strong sales force, promotional power and extensive market reach."

"This is a natural pairing of two great brands, "said Larry Cuneo, CEO and founder of CarSoup.com and president of Cuneo Advertising. "We fully expect that both CarSoup and Star Tribune will grow market share as we work together to expand user and advertiser relationships."

CarSoup.com was founded in the Twin Cities in 1998 and is ranked among the top 15 Minnesota e-commerce companies. It now operates in 40 states and serves more than 20 million page views monthly.

The Star Tribune and StarTribune.com combined reach more than two-thirds of the Twin Cities market over the course of a month. StarTribune.com is the leading local news and information website in the market, with more than 85 million page views and almost six million unique visitors monthly.

Looking to post an ad on CarSoup? Become our fan on Facebook to stay tuned to exclusive deals for our fans.

Contact Information
CarSoup.com
Nick Cybela
(866) 768-7411
ncybela@cuneoadvertising.com
www.carsoup.com

Friday, November 13, 2009

Get Married Magazine

Get Married

by Tanya Irwin , Friday, November 13, 2009
Condé Nast recently shuttered Elegant Bride and Modern Bride. How can a new bridal magazine possibly survive in these trying times? Get Married is hoping to carve out a niche by focusing on being "the new shopping and trend guide for the savvy bride."

One forward-thinking aspect to the magazine is the Microsoft Tags, which offer the ability to instantly shop for the wedding products featured on its pages. Via the Tags, brides can connect instantly to Web sites, videos, images and information directly on Web-enabled mobile devices. Note to advertisers: The Tags enable the ability to track campaign success via impressions.

Even without the tags, the magazine has partnered with many of the biggest brands in the bridal business. Nearly 80% of the magazine products are available in its online wedding shop (shop.getmarried.com). The cover includes a blurb for a 10% off coupon for the shop.

The magazine includes editorial features on real brides, wedding professionals and experts, plus an array of trend roundups and product profiles. The "What's Hot" section acknowledges that brides have individual tastes and doesn't try to push a cookie-cutter, "one style fits all" wedding theme. Each page showcases a style, including the "Jackie O," "urban cowgirl," "beachy clean," "pink princess" and "preppy grey and yellow." There are a lot of clever and whimsical items for each theme, such as invitations, guest favors, cakes and dresses.

Although the magazine specifically defines itself as being aimed at budget-conscious brides, there's also a fair number of do-it-yourself projects that will appeal to anyone who would welcome some cost-cutting for their big day. The cover photo of the inaugural issue is of a place setting with an ornately decorated guest favor that brides can make themselves. A DIY wedding story shows two tables with items that brides can put together without the help of a party planner or interior designer.

A four-page spread on invitation styles provides lots of eye candy with "fanciful and vibrant"' examples. These are a far cry from the boring and bland invites that were standard fare 14 years ago when I got married. Rebel that I am, I made my own invites. Nowadays I'd be perfectly happy to pick any one of these. Hmmm, I wonder if a 15-year commitment ceremony might be in my future.

In "Real Weddings," couples who have already tied the knot are featured each month.This issue focused on one of the contestants in NBC's "The Biggest Loser" as well as several non-celebrity couples. The stories are sweet, focusing not only on the weddings but how the couples met and how the husband-to-be popped the question.

One standing feature, "Destination Hotspot," spotlights locations that could be considered for a wedding or honeymoon. Of course, this is a great place in the magazine to sell lots of travel-related ads. Hmmm, maybe this magazine will be around a while.

MAG STATS

Published by: Get Married Media

Frequency: Quarterly

Web site: www.getmarried.com

Post your response to the public Magazine Rack blog.

See what others are saying on the Magazine Rack blog.
Irwin can be reached at tanya@mediapost.com.

Magazine Rack for Friday, November 13, 2009:
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=117392

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving a copy of your own, please visit our site - www.mediapost.com - and become a complimentary member.
For advertising opportunities see our online media kit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd rather not receive this newsletter in the future
click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We welcome and appreciate forwarding of our newsletters in their entirety or in part with proper attribution.
(c) 2009 MediaPost Communications, 1140 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001








 

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Cash for Gold Craze

A Jewelers Perspective on the Cash for Gold Craze

5 tips on how not to get ripped off selling your old gold jewelry.

Ashland, OR, August 07, 2009 -- Is there value to consumers in taking advantage of the ubiquitous cash for gold promotions? An industry expert weighs in. Recently the media has been flooded with advertisements encouraging consumers to cash in on their gold jewelry. Even sign-swingers can be seen on busy street corners waving passerby's into pawn shops with the promise of "top dollar" for gold chains, class rings, outdated-looking pendants, etc. Unfortunately, according to the business news website MarketWatch.com, consumers may be getting gored on gold prices. And, there are plenty of complaints and cries of scam posted on the Net. Certainly sellers need to be wary - they're probably getting short-changed. With the price of gold hovering close to $1,000 and ounce, what exactly does "top dollar" mean? Who makes the determination?

"People simply don't know if their being low-balled on the overall value of their jewelry", according to 30-year veteran of the fine jewelry industry, Ron Hansen of GoldAndGems.com Fine Jewelry. "If you find yourself financially-strapped and truly need to convert your jewelry to its cash value, your best bet is to take the items to your local jeweler." A full-service jewelry store typically is a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) - the industry's guardian of ethics and integrity. Here are JVC's tips for selling gold jewelry.

Tips for Selling Gold Jewelry

1. Choose a reputable jeweler, someone that's known to you or has been recommended by a trusted source. Preferably, select a jeweler that's a member of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.

2. Set off on your expedition with reasonable expectations. When you bought the jewelry you paid for more than the value of the gold. The price included labor, packaging and the retail mark-up of the item. The jeweler will only pay you for the actual gold in an object. Since gold is always blended with other metals to make jewelry, expect that a substantial percentage of the object is made of something other than gold.

3. Don't expect to be paid for the non-gold component of the jewelry. The jeweler may conduct a test to determine how much gold is in the jewelry - known in the trade as its "karat fineness." This is called a "scratch" or "acid" test. Expect the jeweler to actually scratch the gold to conduct the test.

4. The price offered to you by the jeweler may not be the market price of gold that day. Prices are not regulated, so the parties are free to negotiate a price that's acceptable to both sides.

5. Bring a form of government issued identification. Some jewelers are also required by anti-money laundering laws to obtain seller identification.

With rare exceptions, it's unlikely that weight value will come anywhere close to the original cost of the item. If you're not completely cash-strapped, but simply tempted by the relentless media push to empty your jewelry box, then ask yourself if you truly want to sell something as scrap that at one time held some sentiment for you. Talk to your jeweler about redesigning or refurbishing your outdated treasures.

A certified jeweler is highly skilled at appraisal, design consultation, model making, carving, metallurgy, filing, burnishing, polishing, gem-setting and much more. With a fine jeweler's touch, almost any unwanted jewelry becomes valuable again and saves you the hassle of selling your old gold jewelry.

Contact Information
============================

Gold and Gems Fine Jewelry
Ron Hansen
541-488-2753
web@goldandgems.com
http://www.goldandgems.com/

Gold and Gems Fine Jewelry
25 N. Main St,
Ashland, Oregon 97520
877.917.8477
 

Scrap Gold And Silver Recycled Into Jewelry

Hawaiian Alchemy; Jewelry Manufacturer Launches New Process to Turn Old Items Into New

Designs 'N Gold, a Hawaiian jewelry manufacturer has devised a method of turning old, broken and unused jewelry into a new piece of jewelry to help save customers money while at the same time helping to save the planet.

Aiea, HI, August 08, 2009 -- Designs N Gold, a Hawaii based Hawaiian jewelry manufacturer, is pleased to announce the launch of their method for turning old, broken and unused jewelry into new Hawaiian heirlooms bracelets, rings, pendants or other types of jewelry.

Clients who wish to recycle old gold and silver can choose from 2000+ design molds or custom design an entirely new piece of jewelry for themselves or as a gift for a loved one. Clients are also able to keep cherished mementos in a new form of jewelry rather than selling it as scrap gold and silver where dealers may pay them pennies on the dollar.

Recycling also helps save the planet. For every ounce of scrap gold or silver that is recycled into new jewelry, the need for the mining companies to mine a ton of earth is reduced. It is estimated that for an average 18-karat gold ring leaves 20 tons of polluted mining waste behind. There are also pollution risks. For example in 1992 in Summitville, Colorado (USA), a containment dam that held mine waste from a gold mining operation burst. The escaped toxic waste killed all life along a 25 km stretch of a nearby river. Finally, recycling also reduces the consumption of resources and energy.

"Our jewelers/engravers enjoy taking scrap and turning it into a beautiful piece of jewelry which gives them them a great since of pride" said Hawaiian born and raised Colette Aoki, owner of Designs 'N Gold. "Recycling old, broken and unused jewelry into new Hawaiian jewelry not only saves our clients money but also allows them to be a part of helping to save our planet's precious resources for future generations."

Colette's customers who have had a chance to try this process are very enthusiastic. Susan of San Diego, CA writes "Thanks very much for the follow-up. I received the bracelet on Friday of last week- it is so beautiful! I am really happy with it". While April of Maui, Hawaii writes "I received the ring, yesterday and I was already so anxious to open the box. Opened it and oh my. Why, it's surely the ultimate beautiful ring I have ever seen. Most of all it's well made. Thank your designer from the bottom of my heart. I have been sharing with people about your business. I am spreading the word of the great job you all have done."

About Designs 'N Gold
The owner of Designs 'N Gold, Colette Aoki, has been in the jewelry business in Hawaii since 1976. Over that period she has designed jewelry for thousands of clients in Hawaii as well as worldwide. In 1985 she acquired the jewelry manufacturer, Designs 'N Gold, which gave her the ability to control the entire jewelry making process from design to finished product. Designs 'N Gold's expert jewelers and engravers create each piece of Hawaiian jewelry including pendants, earrings, bracelets, and wedding rings.

Contact Information
Designs 'N Gold
Colette Aoki
808-484-2699
caoki@aloha.com
www.designsngold.com
98-1277 Kaahumanu St. 106-339
Aiea, HI
96701

 

Thursday, July 23, 2009

People Magazine

People

by William J. McGee , Thursday, July 23, 2009
Most of us undoubtedly think of magazines as year-round reads, not tied to a particular season. But I know quite a few newsstand buyers who equate People, Us, and other frothy entertainment mags with beach chairs and chaise lounges. I even had a friend who only bought People in May and June, just so she could stock her beach house with a few weeks' worth of guilty reading pleasures each summer.

And why not? Earlier this month I promised my teenage son he could spend the first few weeks away from his grueling high school curriculum, free from any serious intellectual pursuits. As for the rest of us, maybe being tasked with nothing more challenging than identifying body parts in an annual celebrity bathing suit issue is a necessary form of battery-charging on vacation.

If so, People remains up to the task. According to the Publishers Information Bureau, it's still the largest of all the 800-pound gorillas, with the highest ad revenue for the year to date. And as noted on this site last year by Phyllis Fine, People still stands out from other gossip and tabloidy mags because it "acknowledges humans beyond the Hollywood axis," focusing not just on the famous, but on interesting unknowns.

As Jeff Goldblum's character so memorably stated in "The Big Chill," the average People article can be read during a bathroom visit. Heck -- if anything, that challenge should be upped to about 2.5 articles. And there remains something vaguely summery about the content; the pages themselves seem particularly well suited to withstand suntan lotion and sand.

Even the correction in the July 20th issue makes for great beach reading: "In our July 6th issue we incorrectly printed the location of where Christina Aguilera shopped. She shopped at Color Me Mine in Studio City and not at the store's Beverly Hills location. We regret the error." Not exactly an editorial transgression to rival what or when Dick Cheney knew about yellowcake uranium in Iraq -- but then how many among us can spend all 52 weeks of the year mulling such weighty topics?

Yet despite the fluff, People seems to view itself as something of a periodical of record when it comes to celebs. For example, Karl Malden's short obituary on the Passages page was reported sooner, more thoroughly, and more eloquently by scores of other media outlets. Yet Passages reminds us this mag itself arose from Time's People page -- which dryly documented weddings, births, and deaths -- and that dogged spirit lives on somehow, even amidst the treatises on Beyonce's mascara.

This issue also contains a single-page "Life is About Choices" piece that details Sarah Palin's sudden resignation as Alaska's governor yet doesn't provide new or particularly noteworthy information or insights. With hundreds of newspapers, news magazines, and blogs covering the same story, the question arises why People would even bother.

However, when the magazine does focus its full editorial and photographic resources on a story, few rivals can touch it. Thus the cover story on Michael Jackson's memorial service, which is the type of event People was founded for in the first place.

What's interesting is how Jackson's passing so polarized the country, as reflected in the cautious commentaries issued by the White House and Congress and cable news shows. Clearly the millions of heartbroken fans seemed to be matched by at least as many who viewed MJ as tragic at best and a child abuser at worst. That's another debate for another forum, but it's worth noting that People quite deliberately did not attempt to take the journalistic middle road: "Farewell to a King" offers a passing reference to "his troubles offstage" but is as much about praising as it is about burying.

The 10th anniversary of the untimely death of another scion of another famous American family makes for an even better read. "My Friend John" provides personal commentary and photos from Sasha Chermayeff, a close and long-time pal of JFK Jr. It's People at its best: original, interesting, and even compelling. Just as interesting is the portrait of a San Diego man who founded a nonprofit organization that provides needy families with rides to local hospitals, a profile unlikely to make the cut in rival mags.

But there's plenty of nonsense in these pages too. Most entertainment mags would be happy to print a photo of Kim Kardashian in a red bikini on a waterslide. People ups the ante by printing two versions side-by-side and then, in the spirit of a preschooler's activity book, challenges sharp-eyed readers to find ten differences ("#6: Her bikini top has no clasp in the middle.")

The Kardashian reference reminds us that ultimately People has evolved into a litmus test for each succeeding generation. I'll confess I was hit by a severe case of culture shock several weeks back when I stood before a newsstand and saw the same woman in the same orange bikini simultaneously gracing the covers of seven -- seven! -- gossip rags. I had the odd sensation I was in another English-speaking country, reading about British rugby players or Australian soap stars I had no clue existed. Even though I was spotted the huge hint of her first name, I still didn't recognize Kate, and had to be told about her and her husband Jon and her eight kids and her reality show. Even then, I remember thinking: So are we supposed to care?

Obviously the answer is yes. Those PIB figures don't lie.

MAG STATS

Published by: Time Inc.

Frequency: 53 issues per year, including 2 double issues

Web site: www.people.com

Post your response to the public Magazine Rack blog.

See what others are saying on the Magazine Rack blog.

William J. McGee is a freelance journalist who writes a monthly travel column for USAToday.com. 

Do you have strong opinions and inside knowledge about the topic of this newsletter -- and do you want to share your insights, observations and points of view regularly with the readers of MediaPost? To be considered as a MediaPost contributing writer, please send pertinent info about your credentials, plus several column ideas and one example of your writing on the topic, to pfine@mediapost.com. Please see our editorial guidelines here first.

Magazine Rack for Thursday, July 23, 2009:
mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=110370

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving a copy of your own, please visit our site - www.mediapost.com - and become a complimentary member.
For advertising opportunities see our online media kit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you'd rather not receive this newsletter in the future click here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We welcome and appreciate forwarding of our newsletters in their entirety or in part with proper attribution.
(c) 2009 MediaPost Communications, 1140 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001
 

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Global Seller Activity Profiler Launched

Hellotrade.com Launches Global Seller Activity Profiler

Hellotrade's global seller activity profiler allows sellers to broadcast their updated product/company information at once on the b2b platform.

Noida, India, June 04, 2009 -- Hellotrade.com - The global trade search engine announces the launch of a new seller section which profiles the activity of global suppliers on Hellotrade on real time basis. This feature enables sellers to take their product and company updates to global buyers instantly. The service will also aid global buyers with purchase decisions, through this up-to-the-minute updated information. Apart from this new look, the seller section constitutes many other features like product image display, easy access to supplier catalog and free call facility to the suppliers.

HelloTrade Sellers' Section (
http://www.hellotrade.com/business/)

HelloTrade Sellers' section allows business buyers to stay abreast with seller offerings. Some key features of this section are

- Continuously records & updates seller activity (rare on conventional b2b platforms)
- Offers a real-time information update facility
- Enables tracking of sellers' activity on a minute-to-minute basis
- Helps track updated information/offerings from sellers worldwide
- Offers an absolutely Free access to thousands of detailed sellers' catalogs
- Allows refining of a search for sellers by countries, cities and industry segments
- Free online call service is also available through the site.

About HelloTrade.com (
http://www.hellotrade.com/)

HelloTrade.com is a generation next global trade search engine which intends to make the process of online B2B business easy and free for all the users. Hellotrade intends to offer all marketplace facilities absolutely free to its members. Some of the features freely made available on HelloTrade are:

- Free Tenders
- Free Catalogs
- Free Events Information

And many more to follow. In totality Hellotrade.com offers a win-win solution for global buyers and sellers.

Contact Information
Hellotrade International
Manish Gupta
+91 9999042716
manish@hellotrade.com
http://www.hellotrade.com/
E-46, Sector 30,
Noida
Uttar Pradesh - 201301, India

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Online Shopping

Online Shopping

The first idea of online shopping was made to a reality by amazon.com in the year 1995. Little did then people know that a decade later, nearly 30% of the internet websites would be completely dedicated towards shopping for their client base. More investors have jumped into the new concept of retailing since they find the business concept interesting and easy. However, certain shoppers have many complaints that they are not able to get themselves fully satisfied by having a look at the product on the web alone. "Client base has immediately turned towards the computers" say many retailers. As more and more people join the online world of digital goods, retailers have buckled themselves up to be prepared for them. They are funneling more dollars to develop their web sites into a more positive experience in order to provide a smooth transaction to the clients.


International Calling Card
Homecare Software

Friday, April 24, 2009

42 Million Americans Listen to Radio Every Week

Friday, April 24, 2009

42 Million Americans Listen to Radio Weekly on Digital Audio Platforms

The latest study by Arbitron and Edison Research shows continued growth in usage and ownership of various forms of digital audio platforms, including online radio, iPod/MP3 players, and podcasting. The weekly online radio audience increased significantly in the past year to 17% of the U.S. population age 12 and older; up from 13% in 2008. On a weekly basis, online radio reaches 20% of 25-to-54 year-olds; up from 15% in 2008.

Bill Rose, senior vice president of marketing, Arbitron Inc., says "The sharp growth in weekly usage of Online radio... provides compelling evidence that radio's digital platforms may be reaching critical mass. We are... seeing encoded streams of AM/FM broadcasts with significant audience in local markets."

Key findings from The Infinite Dial 2009: Radio's Digital Platforms, include:

More than one in five radio listeners (21%) say AM/FM radio has a big impact on their lives; ranking second only to owners of the Apple iPhone in particular (23%) and cell phone owners in general (47%) as the audio platform/device that has a big impact on people's lives.

Online radio listeners are more likely to be upscale, well-educated and employed full time;

- 54% of weekly online radio listeners are employed full-time (compared to 43% among persons 12 and older);
- 16% of weekly online radio listeners live in homes with an annual income greater than $100,000 (vs. 10% among persons 12 and older);
- 37% of weekly online radio listeners have a college degree or higher education level (vs. 29% among persons 12 and older).

Weekly online video viewing among persons age 12 and older is up significantly in the past year, from 18% in 2008 to 27% (approximately 69 million) in 2009.

- 34% of persons age 12 and older report having a profile on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, or any other social networking Web site, up from - 24% in 2008
- 63%  of teens age 12-to-17 report having a profile on these social networking sites
- 64% 18-to-24 year-olds have a profile on these social networking sites.

iPod/portable MP3 player ownership and iPod use continues to grow dramatically.

- 42% of persons age 12 and older own an iPod or other brand of portable MP3 player

- 64% of 18-to-24 year-olds own a digital audio player

- 32% of teens age 12-to-17 and persons 18-to-24 are spending less time with over-the-air radio specifically due to time spent with iPod/other portable MP3 players

- 22% of Americans age 12 and older have ever listened to an audio podcast

- 11% (27 million) reported having listened to an audio podcast in the past month in 2009

Tom Webster, vice president of strategy and marketing, Edison Research, concludes that "... consumer use of new digital platforms... is becoming nearly ubiquitous... a window of opportunity for radio to... spread its content across the expanding choices consumers use to control their media experience."

The complete study, The Infinite Dial 2009: Radio's Digital Platforms, may be downloaded free of charge via
the Arbitron and Edison Research Web sites linked here.

Post your response to the public Research Brief blog.

See what others are saying on the Research Brief blog.

We use the term research in the broadest possible sense. We do not perform an audit, nor do we analyze the data for accuracy or reliability. Our intention is to inform you of the existence of research materials and so we present reports as they are presented to us. The only requirements we impose are that they are potentially useful and relevant to our readers and that they pass the rudimentary test of relying on acceptable industry standards. We explicitly do not take responsibility for the findings. Please be aware of this and check the source for yourself if you intend to rely on any of the data we present.

You are receiving this newsletter as part of your free membership with MediaPost. If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving a copy of your own, please visit our site - www.mediapost.com - and click on [subscribe] in the e-newsletter box.

For advertising opportunities see our online media kit.  If you'd rather not receive this newsletter in the future click here.  We welcome and appreciate forwarding of our newsletters in their entirety or in part with proper attribution.
(c) 2009 MediaPost Communications, 1140 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001 






 

Monday, April 6, 2009

Brand Manager Pushes Life and Brand to Extremes

Hansen Beverage Company Brand Manager Pushes Life and Brand to Extremes

Corona, CA, April 06, 2009 -- Steve Jugan Crowned Executive Level Crossover Athlete 2009 Push Champion.

When Steve Jugan Allied Brand manager for Hansen's Beverage Company decided to make Lost Energy the title sponsor for an ultimate actions sports adventure game, he decided to show his true and pure dedication by walking the walk or should we say Board, Ride, Bike, Skate, Wake and Surf. Jugan from Yorba Linda, California joined a group of other action sport junkies to do something that has never been done before and be part of The Push-Lost Energy invitational. The Push is a one day, non-stop "Hexathlon" of action sports designed to literally push an athlete both mentally and physically from one event to another for 15 hours straight across 160 miles of some of Southern California's most beautiful locations.

Jugan, the self-professed action sports enthusiast and native of California, has spent most of his life in the snow, dirt and surf, so when the founder of The Push Bob Krause and partner Marco Thompson approached him he was sold. "I get a ton of pitches from people with a lot of ideas, but I had never heard of an event quite like this one," said Jugan. Convinced that the event catered to hit his target demographics and psychographics, he offered his event prowess to the table and became the title sponsor. "The Push is a wicked combination of six of the most popular action sports - Snowboarding, Motocross, Downhill Mountain Biking, Skateboarding, Wakeboarding and Surfing - all mixed up into a day long adventure," says Krause, the creator of The Push. This concept was devised by him and his 18 year old son Ryan as the ultimate father-son bonding experience in which they completed 23 non stop action sports while traveling over 300 miles across southern California all in one day.

The Push was held on March 28, 2009, participants included Amateur and Pro athletes as well as a mix of sport enthusiasts and business executive types all hoping to be crowned the worlds best crossover athlete. Participants arrived Friday night March 27th at the Lake Arrowhead Resort for an evening of schmoozing, food and some basic training. At 8am the next morning they were on the slopes and ready to roll. From that point on participants drove from location to location showing off their very best to the judges while the event organizers had every type of board and bike waiting for them at each location.

"I can't wipe the smile off my face, 2010 is going to be unreal," says Jugan. "Only in So-Cal can you be on the slopes in the morning, ride the desert in the day and then surf until the sun goes down.

To learn more about the Push, go to

www.lostenergydrink.com/newswww.lostenergydrink.com/news www.thepushgames.com or check out their blog at
http://thepush09.wordpress.com

Contact Information
Lost Energy Drink
Steve Jugan
951-280-3241
steven.jugan@hansens.com
www.lostenergydrink.com

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Bridal Gowns

Bridal Gowns

Things to consider when trying to decide on a bridal gown from a large selection of affordable wedding dresses, silk bridal gowns, beautiful destination dresses, flower girl dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories.

One of the most important things to plan when you are organizing a wedding is getting the bridal gown just right. For most women - even if they've had a debutante gown (or a Quinceañera Gown), a prom dress and several bridesmaid dresses - the wedding dress or bridal gown is the dress of a lifetime. What factors should be considered when you are choosing your bridal gown? Our range of bridal gowns is extensive, so how do you narrow down your choices and find the dress of dresses?

Firstly: Fit. It is best if you select a bridal gown that fits the size you are. Nobody is really going to look at the tag to see the size you are, so if you have a size 12 body, you won't do yourself any favors by trying to squeeze into a size 8 bridal gown. While it is possible to lose weight in a hurry with certain diet pills, you will be more comfortable and save yourself a lot of hassle - and will look better - if you choose a gown that is the size you are.

Secondly: Body Shape. You want to emphasize your best features and draw attention away from your not-so good ones. A good bridal gown will do this. For example, if your tiny waist is your best feature, then a style with a nipped in waist (ballgown style, mermaid style or princess cut) will flatter this feature. However, if you would rather not emphasize your waist but concentrate on other features such as the cleavage or leg, then a straighter style such as a column or empire line will be more flattering - maybe with a plunging neckline or a side slit. A good rule of thumb when choosing a bridal gown is to expose your best features or have the material cut close to them, and to have fabric that's looser and more billowy around your least favorite body parts.

Thirdly: The Formality And Setting Of Your Wedding. The more formal the wedding, the grander the wedding dress. The ball gown style of dress is by far the most formal bridal gown. The other cuts (column, princess, mermaid and empire line) can be more informal. You should also consider where your wedding is held when deciding on some details of your wedding gown. A long, trailing train is probably not the best choice for a wedding held in a garden (grass can stain white fabric very easily), and a bridal gown featuring a very low neckline and a very high hemline probably won't go down too well in a traditional church wedding, particularly a more conservative church.

Fourthly: Time Of Year. A good old-fashioned June wedding means that you can choose a bridal gown that is a bit more revealing - the weather is likely to be hot, so if you go outdoors for your photos, you won't freeze. However, if you are planning on getting married at Christmas in a mountain location, something that is a bit warmer will be more appropriate (yes, you could turn the central heating up, but this means that your bridegroom and the rest of your family - who probably will have put something warm on underneath the tuxedos and suits - will swelter uncomfortably).

Lastly, Your Reception Plans. If your reception will involve a full sit-down dinner followed by dancing, make sure that your bridal gown is not so tight that eating and dancing will not be agony. You're going to have to dance alone and be photographed when you're not expecting it, so why be uncomfortable?

Bridal Gowns Online.com has beautiful wedding dresses like Cosmobella, Demetrios Everafter, Emerald Romantic Bridal, Nicole Miller, and Jasmine Rina Di Montella. Bridal Gown Online.com sells the best affordable designer wedding dresses & brides gowns at discount prices. Buy your wedding dress directly from our United States wedding supplies warehouse. We have in stock beautiful simple wedding dresses which are priced so low that there is no comparison between our online wedding dress store and a bridal shop.

Whether you're looking for a Modest/Temple Ready Dress, or you are traveling to an island for an informal tropical Destination Wedding, we have the gown for you and we can ship it overnight. Affordable Plus Size Brides dresses with custom measurements are on sale. Our Customer Service Representatives are here to help you with your Bridal Accessory selection. Save on Bridesmaid gowns, Flower girl dresses, Tiaras, Veils, and Slips. Our wedding gown prices are cheap, which saves you money on your wedding day. We have everything to make your wedding ceremony and the start of your marriage a success.


Bridal Gowns Online.com has beautiful wedding dresses like Cosmobella, Demetrios Everafter, Emerald Romantic Bridal, Nicole Miller, and Jasmine Rina di Montella. Bridal Gown Online.com sells the best affordable designer wedding dresses & brides gowns at discount prices. Buy your wedding dress directly from our United States wedding supplies warehouse. We have in stock beautiful simple wedding dresses which are priced so low that there is no comparison between our online wedding dress store and a bridal shop. Whether you're looking for a Modest/Temple Ready Dress, or you are traveling to an island for an informal tropical Destination Wedding, we have the gown for you and we can ship it overnight. Affordable Plus Size Brides dresses with custom measurements are on sale. Our Customer Service Representatives are here to help you with your Bridal Accessory selection. Save on Bridesmaid gowns, Flower girl dresses, Tiaras, Veils, and Slips. Our wedding gown prices are cheap, which saves you money on your wedding day. We have everything to make your wedding ceremony and the start of your marriage a success.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

This Week's Hot Phone Card Deals

This Week's Hot Phone Card Deals & Promotions!

  • The "Bizon" is a Permanent PIN phone card with the handy Refill feature and PIN Free Access. Plus, there are no connection/maintenance fees and, best of all, you get very low calling rates to a wide array of countries all around the world. Get Toll Free Access and Local Access in the US and Canada as well as Local Access in Europe. A calling card that will make your life easier.
  • With its very low rates, the "Golden Lotus" phone card is the ultimate card for calling to India and other countries in South Asia. But it doesn't end there. This versatile card also lets you call around the globe and to make domestic calls within U.S. and Canada! Use Toll Free Numbers or Local Access Numbers in the USA, Canada and many other countries. It couldn't be easier! And you'll never pay a connection fee. Golden Lotus is a refillable card with PIN-less dialing, Speed Dial and Online Call History access.

    Phone Card News
  • Solaris - Our newest calling card. Call from 100 countries to any destination around the world, with Local Access numbers in 47 countries!
  • Customer Service available in English, Spanish and Russian!
  • Ticket support now available 24/7!
  • AT&T - New updated international access numbers!

    Do You Know About SMS?

  • Send an SMS message quickly and get connected!
    Keep in touch with your friends and family from anywhere in the world! All you need is a cell phone!
    • SMS Benefits:
      • SMS is available worldwide
      • Both parties receive incoming calls
      • SMS Calls Have Extremely Low Rates
    • How SMS Calling works:
      • Send an SMS message from your cell phone
      • The SMS message contains the phone number you wish to call
      • We recognize your phone number and establish a connection.
      • Register your cell phones in "My Account"
    Available Services and Features

    • NEW! SMS Call - Send SMS message and get connected!
    • NEW! Web Call - Connect any 2 phones worldwide
    • Wide selection of Refillable phone cards with Permanent PINs. Refill your Permanent PIN card instantly at any time and keep using the same PIN.
    • AutoRefill Service. To save your time sign up for "AutoRefill Service". Your card will be recharged automatically for your specified amount when the remaining balance of the phone card is less than the "Minimum Balance". Call 1-800-219-6993 or login to the Account Center to sign up for AutoRefill.
    • Refill online. Just go to Big-zoo.us
    • Refill by phone. Call Customer Service at 1-800-219-6993 during our business hours to refill your Permanent PIN.
      Our business hours are:
      Mon. - Fri. from 9:30 am. to 8 pm.
      Saturday from 10 am. to 6 pm. EST
    • Balance Transfer Option. Take advantage of this FREE convenient feature!
      Transfer the balances between Your refillable phone cards at any time! (Some restrictions may apply).
    • Speed Dial feature! Dial the number you wish to call by pressing two keys only! (Available with "Cardinal" and "Continental" cards only)
      Small Business Software
      Digital Photo Albums
      Black History Channel
      Insurance Los Angeles
  • Wednesday, November 26, 2008

    Winning Retail Business Plans Released

    Retail Institute Releases Winning Retail Business Plans

    Create a Winning Retail Business Plan in one day and get the financing you need.

    Toronto, Canada, November 26, 2008 -- The revised 2009 edition of Winning Retail Business Plans is now available at a discounted promotional price. This business plan system will give any aspiring retailer the tools to get their concept on paper and create a professional Winning Retail Business Plan.

    "There are scores of entrepreneurs out there who have great retail concepts but are not sure of how to get to the next level" stated Ron Pawlowski, Managing Partner at The Retail Institute.

    Creating a written business plan with financial objectives and projections is essential if a retail concept needs to be shared with any stakeholder. These can include potential partners, employees, suppliers and most essential, investors. The package is designed so that any aspiring retailer can create a Winning Retail Business Plan with all the financials and present the plan to conventional and non conventional investors. "Entrepreneurs can consider presenting their plan to local banks as well as a wide array of other financing sources that they may not even be aware of. In the long run, many of these unconventional sources are better for the entrepreneur." added Pawlowski. The revised package comes with a 111 page manual, retail business plan template as well as spreadsheets for personal financial statements, cash flow projections, cash sensitivity projections and a trial balance sheet. The Winning Retail Business Plans package is also ideal for existing retailers who wish to expand or obtain secondary financing.

    The site can be accessed at
    http://www.retailinstitute.ca

    Contact:
    Ron Pawlowski
    The Retail Institute
    Toronto Canada
    905 778 1234
    ronp@retailinstitute.ca
    www.retailinstitute.ca

    Contact Information
    The Retail Institute
    Ron Pawlowski
    905 778 1234
    ronp@retailinstitute.ca
    www.retailinstitute.ca


    Performance Benchmarking
    Christian Randolph
    This Is Funny
    Adult Portals



    Tuesday, October 28, 2008

    Automotive Shoppers To Get Bailout

    Free Auto Quote Website to Help Bailout Automotive Shoppers

    While automotive shoppers and dealerships alike are in a quandary on the condition of the auto industry, VirtualAutoBuying.com is introducing an enticing, streamlined auto buying process that should spur growth.

    Austin, TX, October 24, 2008 -- After talking to the true authority in the automotive world, the consumers have spoken, and VirtualAutoBuying.com listened. Your typical auto shopper is busier than ever, price conscious, more apt to request free auto quotes online, and less receptive to the old ways of buying an auto.

    Many consumers start their auto quote search with traditional websites such as Edmunds.com or Cars.com, but there is still something lacking. "Many people have expressed their frustrations with sites that offer so called 'free auto quotes,' stating that the quotes are limited to a few select dealerships and these dealerships call fifty times before lunch. It's the truth. Most of these auto websites are in bed with the dealerships that fork out the most cash," says VirtualAutoBuying.com cofounder Kylee Gray.

    VirtualAutoBuying.com is changing the way the auto buying game is played and giving the consumer the upper hand. This is accomplished with an anonymous, streamlined, competitive quote process that involves multiple auto quotes instead of just a select few. Once the consumer signs up for a free account at their website, they create an anonymous account and email address for them. Then, they actively seek out every dealership within the set proximity to send quotes and compete for the buyer's business. This gives the buyer the ability to see the best deal, counter it and continue negotiations, all while remaining anonymous. Once the buyer has the numbers where they want them, they print off the quote, take it to the dealership and pick up their new ride. You can learn more at:
    http://www.VirtualAutoBuying.com

    About VirtualAutoBuying.com:
    The website was launched in October of 2008 to help make auto shopping more simplistic and to make sure that buyers were receiving equitable deals. VirtualAutoBuying.com also has a message board where you can find automotive news, automotive tips, and post dealership and vehicle reviews.

    Contact Information

    VirtualAutoBuying
    Chad Jeffers
    512-417-4734
    chad@virtualautobuying.com
    www.virtualautobuying.com


    Minnesota Lake Cabin
    Carolyn Russell
    Free Tax Software Downloads
    Hearing Aids Prices
    Christian Dating Site






    Wednesday, September 24, 2008

    New Service Provides Info About Songs You Hear On The Radio

    Nabbit Debuts on CBS Radio in Minneapolis

    104.1 JackFM, 102.9 LiteFM and WCCO 830 AM begin promoting Nabbit.

    Eagan, MN., May 13 - Jump Technologies, Inc (JumpTechT) announced today a new partnership with CBS radio. CBS will promote Nabbit on 104.1 JackFM, 102.9 LiteFM and WCCO 830 AM as well as offer the Nabbit AdsT service to their advertisers.

    Nabbit Ads is the only service that allows advertisers to combine broadcast, mobile, online and direct response advertising into one integrated advertising campaign. Using Nabbit Ads, an advertiser can run an ad on the radio offering to send a coupon to the mobile phone of listeners who Nabb their radio ad. At the same time, Nabbit will place an online ad in the listener's personal web account found at Nabbit.com. This ad can be personalized based on the listener's demographics, insuring that they see a message that is relevant to them.

    Nabbit makes radio interactive by allowing listeners to Nabb any song or ad they hear by pressing a single button on their mobile phone. Nabbed songs can be downloaded into the listener's favorite music library such as iTunes, Napster, AmazonMP3 or Wal-Mart Music. They can also look up concert information and song lyrics, and download ringtones. Listeners can also Nabb ads that they hear on air and be connected with special offers and promotions offered by Nabbit advertisers.

    Advertisers will benefit from increased sales that result from consumers hearing their message through multiple integrated mediums. They will maximize their advertising dollars by getting the reach of radio and all of the accountability of the Internet.

    "The advertising industry continues to change" says John Freund, President and CEO of JumpTech. "Nabbit Ads is the first platform that brings all advertising mediums together into one single campaign source. At the same time we offer listeners a new way to create playlists and an easy way to act on advertising that interests them when they hear it on the radio."

    "CBS is embracing new technologies that benefit our listeners and our advertisers" says Mary Niemeyer, Vice President and General Manager of CBS Radio in Minneapolis. "CBS has demonstrated our commitment to the Internet with our recent partnership with AOL. Nabbit offers our advertisers a unique ability to leverage multiple advertising platforms while at the same time benefiting our listeners by making our stations interactive. We look forward to new relationship with Nabbit."
    About JumpTech

    Eagan, Minn. based Jump Technologies, Inc. (JumpTech) is a leading innovator of solutions that simplify the on-line shopping experience for consumers. JumpTech's flagship product, JumpCart, is a business-to-business application used by thousands of companies every day to order goods and services from their favorite suppliers. Nabbit is the first consumer application built on top of the JumpCart platform, providing advertisers with the only service available today for creating integrated marketing campaigns that feature broadcast, online, mobile and direct response advertising. For more information visit www.nabbit.com, call 651-287-6001 or email info@jumptech.com

    JumpTech, Nabbit and Nabb are registered trademarks of Jump Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.

    Friday, September 19, 2008

    Independent Film Quarterly Magazine

    Independent Film Quarterly

    by Tanya Irwin , Friday, September 19, 2008

    I CONFESS, I'M addicted to magazines.  I can't go anywhere near a newsstand or bookstore without coming away with at least one.  So seeing a free pile of magazines sitting anywhere is practically like hitting the lottery -- or at least winning on a scratch-off ticket.

    I was up in Traverse City, Mich. earlier this month at the Traverse City Film Festival hanging out with my "good friends" Madonna and Michael Moore when I spied a pile of IFQs sitting on a table in one of the theater lobbies. Score!

    The cover is intriguing. A black and white photo of a female who looks like a cross between a young Deborah Harry and Nico is set against a pink background. The issue is billed as the "Cannes Special Edition."  Even though Danny Glover is the only name I recognized on the cover (I'll admit it, I like movies but I'm no art film aficionado) I figure maybe I'll know who some of the people are after reading about them. And maybe I'd learn something I didn't know from perusing the usual bourgeois entertainment zines.

    As it turns out, the cover model is Emmanuelle Seigner, who appeared in "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly," which I have heard of.  She's married to legendary director Roman Polanski. Penned by Nicole Holland, the interview is Q&A style and while it's decently written and somewhat interesting, I couldn't help but cringe at some of the "questions." I use quote marks because in several cases they aren't so much questions as statements of fawning adoration. Obviously the interviewee is a big deal in the film industry, but the tone of the article struck me as unprofessional and amateurish.  I felt more like I was reading a high school newspaper than an internationally circulated magazine.

    If that were the only such article in the 64-page magazine, I could give it a pass. But wait, there's more. We move on to another Q&A piece by Nicole  Holland, this time with Asia Argento, whose father, Dario Argento, is a big-deal director in Europe. I've never heard of either of them or their movies, but the four-page piece is much the same as the first piece.

    Moving along, there's another three-page Q&A by Nicole Holland, this time with Cecile De France, another actress I've never heard of.  She was in a French movie with Gerard Depardieu. Finally, someone I have heard of. I'd been starting to feel seriously un-artsy fartsy.

    The magazine describes itself on its Web site as "one of the fastest growing Film/Art & Society magazines featuring exclusive in-depth interviews with celebrated iconic figures in film, music and pop culture. IFQ invites  you to experience this avant-garde film and pop culture movement."  The  advertising statistics sheet states that the target audience includes "producers, actors, directors, musicians, artists, film distributors, record  labels, entertainment attorneys, dub houses, film labs, film festival directors, music festival directors, art festival directors, editors and the general public alike." I'm guessing they skew fairly young since the magazine has a profile on MySpace.

    IFQ can be found in select Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Books-A-Million, on 3,000 newsstands nationwide and at domestic and international film, music and art  festivals and related events. It has controlled circulation mailings that  are sent to industry leaders, trade shows, music festivals, art festivals and film festivals, domestic and international.

    Every article in the magazine is in Q&A style.  While I don't mind that formatting as an occasional alternative to the objective third-person narration, it becomes grating after a while.  Unless the person is a really big deal, I don't think it's necessary to preserve every single word they say.  Spare the reader the gory details and get to the point. Exercise your competence as a writer and spin a tale that draws me in.  Otherwise my take is that the writer is just being lazy or doesn't know how to write an actual story.  But maybe to the 20,000 readers of this magazine, all of these interviews ARE with big-deal people.  In which case, I guess all I can say is, "Enjoy."

    MAG STATS
    Published by: Disticor (Newsstand Distributor); Publisher and Editor in Chief: Stuart Alson
    Frequency: Quarterly
    Web site

    Post your response to the public Magazine Rack blog.

    See what others are saying on the Magazine Rack blog.
    Tanya Irwin is Deputy Editor of MediaPost. She can be reached at tanya@mediapost.com.

    Magazine Rack for Friday, September 19, 2008:
    http://blogs.mediapost.com/magazine_rack/?p=526

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving a copy of your own, please visit our site - www.mediapost.com - and become a complimentary member.
    For advertising opportunities see our online media kit.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If you'd rather not receive this newsletter in the future click here.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    We welcome and appreciate forwarding of our newsletters in their entirety or in part with proper attribution.
    (c) 2008 MediaPost Communications, 1140 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001
     

    Friday, September 12, 2008

    Laser Hair Removal Threatened by Common Dangers

    New Route to Hair Free Skin - But Are You At Risk of Serious Complications?

    In the USA in 2007 nearly 1.5 mil. laser hair removal procedures were carried out. Shockingly a staggering 19.9% of patients undergoing these procedures experience complications. LaserHairRemoval-Info.com was founded in 2005 to provide consumers with little-publicized information on laser hair removal, and is launching a new book aiming to bring the knowledge needed by consumers out from behind the locked doors of the laser clinics and places it firmly in the hands of those that need it.

    New York, NY, September 12, 2008 -- Success of Laser Hair Removal Threatened by Increasingly Common Dangers and Widespread Ignorance.

    The removal of unwanted hair using lasers is becoming increasingly commonplace; in the USA in 2007, nearly 1.5 million laser hair removal procedures were carried out1 and shockingly a staggering 19.9% of patients undergoing these procedures experience complications2.

    Increasingly consumers are having to take their fate into their own hands and perform the research and investigation necessary to ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment rather than relying on the dubious expertise of some of the laser hair removal clinics, many of which are not operating under the direct supervision of a qualified doctor or dermatologist.

    "I never want to go near a laser again," says former laser hair removal patient Andrea (age 43) of Brooklyn, New York. After undergoing treatments totaling $2,900 in cost over the course of a year, Andrea has now reverted to shaving her unwanted body hair as the treatment was almost completely ineffective. "The wasted money, although it is a lot of money to me, is irrelevant compared to what I have suffered in pain and embarrassment undergoing treatment after treatment which initially had no effect at all and then when the laser strength was increased resulted in sore, unsightly burns."

    Now a brand new report has been created, aimed squarely at consumers who want to get laser hair removal without the risk of side effects or ineffective treatment. Readers can download this free insider report, Top 10 Must-Know Tips on Laser Hair Removal, from
    http://www.laserhairremoval-info.com/download/booklet.htm. This no-nonsense guide will help patients to avoid the fate experienced by Andrea and ensure that they get the right laser hair removal treatment for their specific circumstances.

    "Be prudent and selective when evaluating your options for any possible cosmetic procedure," advises dermatologist Gary Monheit, MD, president of the ASDS.

    Patients must realize that just because a laser clinic near their home is offering treatment for a good price doesn't mean that this particular clinic possesses the expertise or the equipment to safely and effectively treat their skin type. The knowledge offered in the newly published book: Insider Secrets of Laser Hair Removal (available from September 2008) gives consumers the ability to understand the whole process of laser hair removal and how it will apply to their own physiology and specific goals.

    LaserHairRemoval-Info.com was founded in 2005 to provide consumers with little-publicized information on laser hair removal. The site offers a range of articles, research materials and message forums for people considering this life-changing treatment.

    Contact Information
    LaserHairRemoval-Info.com
    Ingrid Preube
    49-531-577497
    ingrid@laserhairremoval-info.com