<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Now more than ever, building relationships is important to small businesses so they can compete in the global marketplace.<br /> <br /> The Smart Money Network is a community of digital marketing experts whose mission is to support entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses, especially in the new and increasingly online economy.<br /> <br /> Having a partner to navigate the field of digital marketing can help small businesses get the edge they need. The Smart Money Network collaborates with small business clients and coaches them on how to engage a target audience with the right message at the right time, using a combination of digital tools and the power of persuasion. <br /> <br /> The Collaboration Starts with A Conversation. <br /> <br /> "Conversation is the seed of opportunity," according to the Smart Money Network website. Experts work with small business owners and entrepreneurs to find and build relationships with their target audiences using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, then deploy tried-and-true principles of persuasion that convert to new business opportunities.<br /> <br /> Author Robert Cialdini describes six principles of persuasion in his book, "Influence - The Psychology of Persuasion." These principles include the concepts of scarcity (making your product or service seem more desirable), reciprocity (using small favors to entice), likability (pleasantness can go a long way), consensus (word of mouth that others use your product or service), consistency (customers need to feel they can count on what you say you will deliver), and authority (make sure you support your products or services with facts about your experience and credentials).<br /> <br /> These principles can be applied in the world of digital marketing, which is becoming increasingly essential in the post-COVID-19 entrepreneurial environment. More people are spending more time online, and learning how to grab the attention of potential clients can help businesses flourish.<br /> <br /> Smart Money Network creates intentional done-for-you social media campaigns that position clients as authoritative and credible resources, and drives up to 30 new business opportunities a month.<br /> <br /> According to Smart Money Founder and CEO Mike Harris, "You only have about three seconds to capture someone's attention and give them enough information to determine whether you are worth connecting with."<br /> <br /> Visit smartmoneynetwork.net to learn more about how to make the digital connections that can boost your business.<br /> <br /> Ref: Finance - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Fans of wholesome television have a double treat in store, as the UPtv network launches its new series, "Design Twins," on Valentine's Day.<br /> <br /> The reality series makes its debut at 8 pm Eastern time (ET) on February 14, and features twin sisters, Heidi and Heather, who team up to start an interior design business aimed at providing families with creative, beautiful and functional spaces. To get the new venture off the ground, the twins move their families in together to save money and increase efficiency.<br /> <br /> Viewers can empathize with their challenges as the twins, together with their husbands and a total of seven children under the age of 6, work to nurture both their families and their growing business, aptly named "Joyful Living."<br /> <br /> The Atlanta, Georgia-based UPtv makes it a full night of love for Valentine's Day this season by also airing the much-anticipated wedding of Josie Bates and Kelton Balka at 9 pm ET on the popular series, "Bringing Up Bates," following the premiere of "Design Twins."<br /> <br /> The wedding features a picturesque outdoor country setting and plenty of family participation in the festivities.<br /> <br /> "At UPtv, we celebrate family and life's biggest moments," says Amy Winter, general manager and evp. "We are excited to add 'Design Twins' to our Thursday night lineup as we continue to bring viewers uplifting and inspiring stories."<br /> <br /> Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and romance, but the network keeps heartwarming stories upfront year-round with new episodes of UPtv's hit series on Thursday nights, movie premieres on the weekend and fan-favorite acquired series throughout the week.<br /> <br /> UPtv continues the themes of love and family in 2019 with UP Faith & Family. The streaming service offers a variety of commercial-free, faith- and family-friendly entertainment anytime, anywhere. UP Faith & Family offers endless hours of movies, drama series and kids' programming. It's also the exclusive home for past seasons of UPtv originals.<br /> <br /> In February, UP Faith & Family will be adding the wedding-themed reality series, "Our Wedding Story," and "Crazy Beautiful Weddings," as well as other romance-themed programs, including the movies, "Bridal Bootcamp" and "Love's Last Resort." New titles are added monthly.<br /> <br /> Prospective viewers can enjoy a 14-day free trial of the service by downloading the UP Faith & Family app or visiting Upfaithandfamily.com.<br /> <br /> For more information about UPtv, go to UPtv.com or check for updates on Facebook at facebook.com/Uptv, Twitter on @Uptv and Instagram at UP_TV.<br /> <br /> Ref: Humor - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - Three square meals a day are a thing of the past. Busy schedules, diverse dietary preferences and the flow of modern life necessitate more flexible and convenient meals. Luckily, snacking is in the midst of a revolution. Traditional snacks like chips and pretzels have given way to bigger, better and healthier options that deliver both convenience and nutrition in one tasty package. Whether clean-label, organic, vegan or nutrient-added, it's up to ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to develop products that meet all of these demands. That's certainly a tall order.<br /> <br /> While there are no standard requirements for clean label snacks, naturally derived gums, hydrocolloids and colors are generally accepted in such applications and have become increasingly popular. You might see these ingredients listed as carrageenan, a soluble fiber from red seaweed, or cellulose gel, which is a refined plant fiber. In many foods and beverages, these ingredients improve shelf life and nutritional value without diminishing taste -- like giving drinkable low-fat yogurt that distinctive creamy consistency with every sip.<br /> <br /> They also prove quite functional in products that meet strict dietary requirements, like gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hydrocolloids and gums like carrageenan, alginates and cellulose gel can be sustainably sourced from nature and are perfectly suited for vegetarian and vegan foods. Either by improving the flavor and fullness of meatless sausage or producing non-dairy ice cream with that definitive indulgence and delectability, these ingredients are making new snacking options both possible and palatable.<br /> <br /> Reducing the number of ingredients in a recipe is one challenge and, more recently, adding ingredients has become another. We want foods and beverages with added value, but it's important to understand that introducing vitamins or nutrients to any product can significantly affect flavor and texture. Enriched, shelf-stable snacks that boast added protein need a stabilizer to maintain the quality of the product. Without the added ingredients like carrageenan, similar products might separate, taste chalky or be less effective than their claims imply.<br /> <br /> Food companies are adapting their product formulations and rolling out new products to meet demand for healthy snacking solutions. Naturally derived ingredients that help reduce fat and sugar content but maintain product integrity are changing the way we snack. They deliver that indulgent experience we all appreciate. For more information on ingredients that give us a variety of snacks for a wide range of diets, please visit www.FoodScienceMatters.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cooking - in Blogs

Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else? <br /> <br /> Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.<br /> <br /> Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window. <br /> <br /> All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span>

<br /> <br /> How the National Media Messed Up the Mavs Predictions<br /> by Bob McCullough 6/14/24<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Go into the recent archives of any major sports site, and you'll find a lot of names who should be embarrassed about their predictions for the Mavs-Celtics series. And they're not just the names of those who happened to cover the Mavs. <br /> <br /> <br /> The prediction split was close to 50/50. Maybe 60/40 in favor of the C's, which felt reasonable going into the Finals. Now it seems a little ridiculous. <br /> <br /> <br /> So what went wrong? Let's take a closer look at why the national media especially fell for the Dallas storyline, for it embodies a lot of what's wrong with sportswriting today and NBA coverage in particular. <br /> <br /> <br /> **** Mavs Story Lines<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's at the top of the list. Writers love superstars, and the NBA's entire culture is built around them. The old ebony/ivory combination of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic was irresistable as a result, especially given the story lines. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with Irving, a fascinating wack job who's been shooting his career in the foot for a long time now. After getting in trouble for spewing anti-Semitic nonsense, breaking up teams, getting coaches fired and conveniently missing games due to his anti-vax rhetoric, Irving somehow managed to resurrect his career and transform himself into a supposedly responsible NBA elder in Dallas. It's the ultimate redemption storyline. <br /> <br /> <br /> If you really believe that I have deeds to several bridges I can sell you, but in a basketball context Doncic may be even worse, which hardly seems possible. He's the most offensively gifted player of his generation, and yet, to use the words of Bob Cousy, he "looks like a truck driver." <br /> <br /> <br /> Which is Cooz-speak for Luka being fat and out of shape, especially for a professional athlete, and the Celtics have relentlessly exploited that flaw. Add in the fact that he goes after the refs on EVERY play, and he's pretty sickening to watch, even with his incredibly skill set. That doesn't stop the writers from relentlessly loving the highlight plays; that's what they do. <br /> <br /> <br /> J's Fatigue<br /> <br /> <br /> This one's right up there, too. NBA writers especially are sick of writing the same old rivalry stories about Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown, i.e., who's better, who gets paid more, who cares more about winning vs endorsements and brand, and so on. <br /> <br /> <br /> Not surprisingly, the rest of us are just as sick of reading them. Even more so now that' they've become largely irrelevant. Whatever their differences were--and there likely were differences, rest assured--they've worked them out to get to within a game of their first title. <br /> <br /> <br /> ** hum. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Matters About the Mavs Previous Opponents<br /> <br /> <br /> This one hasn't been explored as much, but it's relevant. National writers especially saw three glamour teams in the Clippers, the Thunder and the Wolves, which wasn't exactly the case. <br /> <br /> <br /> Start with the Clippers. They were always a shell of a team with lots of older star power--Kahwi, Paul George, the artist formerly known as Westbrick. Without a healthy Leonard, however, that formula was yesterday's news, as the Mavs quickly proved. Simply put, it was a hidden mismatch. <br /> <br /> <br /> On to the Thunder. This one's slightly more interesting. OKC surprised everyone with a first-round sweep over a New Orleans shell team supposedly "led" by the ever injured and absent Zion Williamson, which led to the assumption that they were ahead of the curve when it came to being playoff ready. <br /> <br /> <br /> Dallas exposed them as a bit of a donut team without enough secondary scoring after SGA, giving Sam Presti a solid blueprint for what he needs to fix going forward. The Thunder are one of the few teams where "watch out for them next year" carries a lot of weight. <br /> <br /> <br /> Lastly, the Timberwolves, who have one of the most oddly mismatched rosters in recent memory. They were perfectly constructed to stop the Nuggets, however, with two seven-footers available to get Nicola Jokic off his game. Against the Mavs, though, young Anthony Edwards was exposed as far from Finals-ready, and KAT came off once again as a seven foot scorer who sometimes plays at 6'6" under pressure. <br /> <br /> <br /> What Now For the Mavs? <br /> <br /> <br /> This one's simple, at least on paper--get Luka in shape, and convince him to play a nominal amount of defense. According to reports, though, Dallas has been trying to get him to do this for years, so that's where the "on paper" part comes in. <br /> <br /> <br /> They also need him to grow up. Luka's referee theater routine grew thin when he was exposed to a team with two All-Defense defenders, and at least two more who should be considered for that roster. Whining about fouls is fine when you have inferior defenders, but it doesn't hold water when athletes like Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday are in your grill taking options away. <br /> <br /> <br /> Finally, the Mavs need a third scorer. Badly. They got by with guys like PJ Washington and Derrick Jones this year, but bargain basement options like that almost always wilt like March daffodils when the playoffs roll around in April, May and June. The future's still bright in Cuban Land, but it's going to take some serious attitude and personnel adjustments to get Luka, Kyrie and company over the top.

I sit here <br /> all alone <br /> Empty rooms<br /> Quietness<br /> Other than the whirring of a fan<br /> No screaming of a young child playing<br /> No cooing of a happy baby <br /> Whirr whirr whirr <br /> Which once was a house full of love and joy<br /> Now feels like a nightmare I cant escape<br /> Wishing<br /> Hoping<br /> Dreaming<br /> That one day ill have that back again<br /> The coos<br /> The screams<br /> The noises that irritate most parents are the ones I long for the most <br /> The endless cuddles <br /> The mommy mommy mommy<br /> I just want it all back<br /> I want a reason to get out of bed and do something <br /> The darkness with them gone keeps closing in and I feel like it will never end <br /> I feel like those coos<br /> Those screams <br /> Those giggles <br /> Those cuddles <br /> Those cries <br /> Will never come back<br /> I feel like the life im living now <br /> Visiting my own kids like theyre my niece and nephew will never end <br /> I've thought of burning cutting smoking drinking anything to concrete that pain and maybe just maybe take it all away<br /> but I know if I do the pain will never go away because it may be the thing that takes it away forever<br /> Those cries<br /> Those coos <br /> Those screams <br /> Those giggles <br /> Would never come back <br /> So I sit here listening to the whirr of the fan hoping that one of these days that whirr isn't the only thing to fill these rooms<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Reading - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Reading - in Blogs</span>

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