The backbone of your trade show exhibit displays is the trade show display company which plans and designs your trade show exhibit. You must look for an organization which offers wide range of options for you to choose from. They also assign experts for your project who will take care of every possible factor which can prove to be advantageous for the upcoming trade show.

While opting for a trade show display company you must check that their package offers international services so as to meet your increasing demands. Their package must also be flexible as per your needs. They should be ready to replace your exhibit rentals with custom exhibits whenever you feel like doing so.

Lastly, never forget to compare the prices of different trade show display companies so that you don't end up overpaying for your project.

What is your sales organization doing about the current economic downturn? What will make a difference for your company? While the economic forecast may be “uncertain,” it is certain that our customers are reducing their budgets and spending more carefully, forcing their vendors to do the same. This economic challenge will accelerate the adoption of Sales 2.0 from a “nice to have” to a “need to have” philosophy. Companies that continue to sell the way they sold in the past will become less profitable or fail altogether. Customer preferences, the ever-rising cost of sales, and the availability of next-generation technologies are making change mandatory for companies that want to outperform the competition and minimize the impact of the economic slowdown.

What is Sales 2.0?
Sales 2.0 is not a new technology. It is the use of innovative sales practices to improve business results, creating value for both the buyer and seller, and is often enabled by Web 2.0 or next-generation technology. Sales 2.0 initiatives typically center on process and customer-engagement improvements to increase sales productivity. Sales 2.0 practices combine the science of measurable, process-driven operations with the art of collaborative relationships, using the most profitable and expedient sales resources required to meet your customers’ needs. The goal of Sales 2.0 is to produce greater, predictable, repeatable business results, including increased revenue, decreased sales costs, and sustained competitive advantage.

Sales 2.0 initiatives require changing mindset and adjusting sales strategies. A relatively simple Sales 2.0 practice involves selling more through video or web conferencing. This can be done by inside salespeople or by field salespeople who perform more of their jobs from their desks. Selling more efficiently should also mean selling more effectively, as many buyers now prefer to meet remotely via conference calls with video or web conferencing, and salespeople benefit from additional selling time that otherwise would be spent traveling. A traditional sales process that included three or four onsite visits might now have zero or just one face-to-face visit. The financial impact of reducing travel expenses can be significant and is easily measured, but the economics of giving your most expensive sales resources — your field salespeople — additional selling time is even more compelling.

Many products and services, especially those of relatively small to average value, can only be sold profitably with a remote or low-touch sales model. The definition of “small to medium orders” is different for every company, but they are generally those that fall into your bottom 50% in value. If ignored, these mid-market customers or transaction types are missed opportunities for organizations that rely solely or too heavily on a field-based sales model. And when they are sold through field sales, these smaller opportunities can derail focus and drain the organization’s profitability.

Another Sales 2.0 practice uses some “science” to accurately capture key market information and metrics such as average sales cycle, average deal size and sales-cycle conversion rates. By using a defined sales process and data analytics, you can determine how your sales force should be structured and which customers and transaction types justify the assignment of field account executives, inside salespeople, channel partners or no selling effort at all. Data analytics in this sense can range from rudimentary (pen and paper) to moderate (spreadsheets, CRM, and most reporting systems) to advanced (dashboards and on-demand sales intelligence). Rather than simply measuring the final result (revenue), a Sales 2.0 approach measures the effectiveness of every stage in your sales process by salesperson, giving managers the opportunity to provide targeted coaching. Data analytics also can be used to correlate and analyze the specific characteristics of your most profitable customers (size, industries, locations, buyer types, etc.) that produce the most revenue and profit. Sales and marketing leaders can then use this information to fine-tune your sales model and activities to ensure the loyalty of your most valuable customers and find more prospects like them.

How do I begin a Sales 2.0 initiative with limited staff and budget?
A key Sales 2.0 tenet involves experimentation, often through testing new process ideas and piloting new technology. Testing a new sales message, pricing options, new technology, or even a new sales process enables the organization to be innovative with minimal risk. Small pilot programs that use minimal resources enable ineffective ideas to fail on a small scale, while good ones can be rolled out more aggressively.

Becoming a Sales 2.0 organization requires that we proactively adapt and continually improve so we can become closer to our customers and weather the economic storm better than our competitors.

Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is: Investment Strategies for Lifetime Wealth - Natalie Pace

Build a better nest egg with 6 easy, sound strategies for 2009. The stock market lost 38% in 2008, but if you lost more than 20%, your problem wasn't really the stock market, it was the design of your nest egg. Storms occur in markets, as they do in the real world, but your home shouldn't be flooding every time it happens.

You know intuitively that your retirement plan doesn't work. Your nest egg has drowned twice now in the last eight years. You were elated with your returns in 1999 and then devastated when your assets imploded during the DOT COM bust of 2000-2002. Same thing when Dow Jones Industrial Average broke through 14,000 in October of 2007, only to drop below 8000 in 2008. If you had a healthy fiscal plan, your nest egg wouldn't be sinking all of the time.

And contrary to what your financial advisor may be telling you, the markets returned only 4% over the last ten years, not 12%. That was less than a percentage point above Treasury Bills, at 3.3% annual gains, with a whole lot more risk.

Sound Nest Egg Strategies:
Rule #1: Always keep a percent equal to your age. Modern Portfolio Theory, the cornerstone of a healthy nest egg, has been around for half a century and Harry Markowitz, the economist who wrote it, won a Nobel Prize in 1990. Many financial professionals are paid on commission to sell you mutual funds, so, if you weren't protected from the 2008 financial crisis, chances are that either 1) your guru just didn't know the theory, or 2) s/he wasn't paid to employ the theory, or 3) s/he had bosses who pushed sales hard and couldn't employ the theory, or 4) s/he was dumb enough to think s/he could outthink a genius Nobel Laureate.

Grade Your GuruYou wouldn't hire an architect whose buildings flood in a storm. Since there are so many ìprofessionalsî and ìpunditsî who are spouting off -- when in reality they drowned their clients' nest eggs in 2008 -- it's your job to take charge and design a better dream life. As TD AMERITRADE Chairman Joe Moglia says, "Nobody cares more about your money more than you do." Bears get lucky in bear markets. Bulls get lucky in bull markets. Sound nest egg strategies work in any market!

HOW TO GRADE YOUR GURU
Add up your losses. If you lost more than 20% in 2008, your guru isn't making the grade.
Check your allocation. If you didn't start 2008 with a percent equal to your age SAFE in Treasury Bills and/or high-rated bonds (GM, Fannie, etc. DO NOT QUALIFY), your guru isn't looking out for your best interest.

MY GRADES
NEST EGG: The pie charts and strategies outlined in Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is saved Bill (a handyman) and Nilo (an office administrator) Bolden's nest egg, while Nilo's bosses lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since employing my strategies, they haven't lost anything.

TRADERS:Before I give you the details on my track record this year, which was outstanding, please note that novices have no business trading individual stocks in this financial storm anymore than beginning surfers should race into the jaws of a tsunami. Don't trade individual companies in 2009 unless: 1) you know how to buy put options and have had a few years of successful trading long and short, and 2) are willing to take your profits early and often. Obviously, if you don't know what I'm talking about, you need to focus on sound nest egg strategies first and education second -- perhaps at my Get Rich and Enrich Retreat. (Check out the banner ad on the home page at NataliePace.com for more details.)70% of the companies I featured in my 2008 monthly article and stock report cards were winners. Of those winners, more than half (58%) were shorts, i.e., companies that we expected to go DOWN in value.

ACT NOW TO GET IN GREAT FISCAL SHAPE!
Blind faith lost you a lot of money in 2008. 2009 is poised to be another stormy environment in stocks, which means that if you don't pull your head out of the sand and get a better dream life plan, you're going to be get buried.

My Golden Nest Egg Formula
ALWAYS KEEP A PERCENT EQUAL TO YOUR AGE SAFE. Treasury bills are the safest investment today. (High-rated bonds, money markets and CDs are traditionally and will be again in the future.)

DURING RECESSIONS, OVERWEIGHT 15-20% ADDITIONAL INTO SAFETY. Cash is King in a recession, i.e. not losing is winning. You will not be stuck overweighted in cash forever. If the markets continue to drop in 2009, as they are poised to do, you'll be glad you employed this defensive strategy. And you will have cash to invest, while those around you are scrambling to hang on and/or are forced to sell low to cover basic needs.

REMAINDER IN YOUR NEST EGG SHOULD BE DIVERSIFIED INTO 10 ETFS. You will find detailed pie charts in Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is.

EMERGING INDUSTRIES, NOT DYING COMPANIES. General Motors and Ford Motor Company combined are worth less than one-tenth of Toyota Motor Company's $102 billion. It is not just that Ford and GM have more expenses. GM and Ford lost market share this decade because their gas guzzlers were far less popular than the fuel-efficient Prius and other Toyota models.

KNOW WHAT YOU OWN, i.e., not mutual funds. The top mutual fund holdings in the U.S. in 2007 included some of the most poorly run companies, including General Motors, AIG, Fannie Mae and Phillip Morris Tobacco Company. ETFs allow you to target sections of the stock market by size (small, medium and large), style (value and growth), industry (gold mining, clean technology, international, biotechnology, etc.) and more.

DON'T TRADE. If you don't know how to take your profits early and often and/or if you don't know how to buy put options, do not buy and sell individual companies at all in 2009. (Own companies you love in ETFs where you are more protected from the price fluctuations of any one individual company.)

If you used this 6-step formula and rebalanced only once a year (say in January), you could have captured your gains in 2000 at the NASDAQ high. Likewise, in January of 2008, you would have captured your Dow Jones Industrial Average gains before the major fall-off and redistributed. Identifying where your gains are coming from allows you to increase your assets and redeploy your holdings back into a sound, dream life blueprint – which is a combination of Modern Portfolio Theory, ETFs, common sense and basic investing recipes. These strategies and more are outlined in my book, Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is. Buy it now as part of your New Year; New You; New Dream Life! And be sure to forward this article to a dozen of your closest friends, family, clients and co-workers who need to get fiscally fit.

Non Woven Bags Direct Australia directly manufacturers and imports eco-friendly non woven polypropylene bags commonly referred to as green shopping bags, green bags or eco bags to Australia.

Non Woven Bags Direct Australia chooses strong, premium quality non-woven polypropylene, an eco-friendly and non-toxic material used in surgical wear. Their non woven bags are 100% recyclable and washable, which is an easy and cost effective way to promote your business

They have 39 colours of non woven fabrics in stock. For orders of 10 000+, you may choose from any colour from the Pantone Matching System (PMS) range.

Our Non Woven Bags containers are directly shipped to major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. When you order through Non Woven Bags Direct Australia, there are no hidden import costs and many businesses across Australia are happy dealing with them for their no hassle, cost effective business practices. Non woven polypropylene bags are also known as green shopping bags or green Bags. The more green bags you order, the less expensive the price. They can also supply their quality green bags to international markets directly from their factory in Shenzhen, China.

SA median house prices. The biggest drop is within the Adelaide metro region. Regional SA prices have also dropped as well. With consumer confidence dropping, SA median house prices will continue to drop into the year 2009.
SA median house prices

Here is an interesting Erotic Sydney Escort story which I got from this Sydney website
“So, what was she like?” I asked my friend David. Last night he’d hired a Sydney Escort for the first time. He’d been pretty nervous but at the same time excited about it beforehand, and now, he was speechless – almost. “Mind-blowing,” he kept saying. “Just amazing…I had the best time.”
Finally he came out of his dreamy state long enough to go into details about the previous evening’s sex encounter with Bryony from one of the top Sydney escort agencies. He’d gone to her city apartment and been greeted by Bryony, a green-eyed blonde with perfect olive skin, and an hourglass figure that included a fantastic pair of natural boobs and lovely tight ass, all clad in a sexy black lace negligee. David could hardly believe his eyes or his luck!
Bryony led him into the lounge, gave him a drink and asked him to tell her exactly what he liked. David had no trouble recounting his desires to this stunning and sexually available woman who was only to happy to accommodate him.. He handed over his money, confident of a good time.
He wasn’t disappointed. Bryony led him into the bedroom, slipped out of her negligee and gave him a massage that included a full body slide. It didn’t take long for David to get hard as Bryony gave him a blow job. She teased his cock, flicking it with her tongue before taking it into her mouth and sucking until David came.
Only half an hour had passed, so after a short rest during which time Bryony did a masturbation show for him, David climbed on top of her and slipped his cock into her warm, wet pussy and began to fuck her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into her vagina, fucking her harder until they’d both cum.
I made a note of the Sydney escort agency’s name and resolved to give Bryony a call.
Big Black Book which is based in Sydney has one of the best selection of sexy Sydney Escorts. Do check out this website! They also have a great list of strippers, erotic massage, adult stores etc.

Looking for a online casions resource site? Top 21 casinos is one good site that you should visit. Online casinos are the way of the future rather than going to the real casinos in person. Online casinos let you play your favorite games anywhere at any time. The best online casinos are out there, and normally you have to look far and wide for them, but not any more! Top 21 Casinos has taken all the searching away from you because they have reviewed and rated a huge range of The best online casinos, and presented to top 21 online casinos for you right here. This includes several objective reviews of top rated online casinos including those that accept U.S. players.

Here is an article which tells you exactly how to unshrink wool.

When wool gets wet and warm, the fibres in the wool lock themselves together and don't want to let go, resulting in shrinkage (you can get wool warm or wet, but not both), which kind of makes washing wool garments a dangerous business.
To un-shrink the wool, soak the garment in warm water with a mild wool friendly soap for about 10 minutes. This unlocks the fibres in the wool. Then lay the garment out on some towels in a cool place. Stretch the garment out to its original dimensions. The stretching pulls the unlocked wool fibres away from each other. Once this is done relax and allow your wool garment to dry. The absence of heat from the drying process allows the wool fibres to set in place without locking together and shrinking the garment again.

Looking for free games to play online? Look no further, play free online games has a great archive of all games that you can play for free online. There's action, board/puzzle, casino, RPG, strategy and many more games. My favourite is their RPG section where they have more than 100 free RPG games to play.

This is by far the best site to download three column blogger template. It has all the blogger templates and it is really easy to install. Most of the sites I've visited have very limited templates or either have problems or makes it very difficult for a beginner to install. Check Webtalks blog out.

David Herlambang's marketing blog. He's got some very interesting and good marketing related posting. http://www.marketingfirst.blogspot.com/

The Best Web 2.0 Software of 2005
http://web2.wsj2.com/the_best_web_20_software_of_2005.htm

Wanna see how other websites look like in the past? Check out Wayback Machine for an archive of all websites since 1996. This is cool.

Good quotes from Brand Autopsy:

• Aspire to Be the Dumbest Person in the Room
• It's Impossible to be Happy Without Momentum
• The Antidote to Fear is Action
• Do What You Are

Want to create new buttons for your blog or site? Try these sites out:
http://kalsey.com/tools/buttonmaker/
http://www.gtmcknight.com/buttons/

3 quotes that I believe in and have act upon:

"You get what you give"

"The solution to overcome fear is action" - "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

“世界上最宽阔的是海洋，比海洋更宽阔的是天空，比天空更宽阔的是人的胸怀。”

Continuation from my posting in http://www.livejournal.com/users/bryanong/:

White Hat
When you think of white, think of neutral. de Bono has categorized information as a neutral subject. The white hat has to do with data and information.
What information do we have here?
What information is missing?
What information would we like to have?
How are we going to get the information?
When you ask for white hat thinking at a meeting you are asking people to forget about proposals and arguments and to concentrate directly on the information. What information is needed, what is available, and how it can be obtained.

Red Hat
When you think of red, think of fire and passion. The red hat allows people to show their emotions on a subject, their gut feelings. People don't need to justify their statements. It is often important to get feelings out in the open, rather than have people at a meeting have hidden agendas, feelings, or misgivings. The red hat allows these feelings to be expressed, to come out in the open.
This is what I feel about the project...
My instincts tell me this won't work.
I like this, I don't like that. The idea is that these statements are known to be "feelings" and nothing more. Once they are stated, the meeting can move on to a more constructive approach.

Black Hat
When you think of black, think of negative, or caution. The black hat is for critical judgment. It points out what cannot be done. The hope is that the black hat role will prevent us from making mistakes.

Yellow Hat
When you think of yellow, think of the sun and sunny, positive thoughts. The yellow hat role is for discussing ONLY the positive view of problems and solution possibilities. The yellow hat looks for benefits (and feasibility), but must be logically based, not intuitive like the red hat.
We are often better with the black hat. We are good at seeing what won't work, as opposed to what will. Forcing ourselves to look only at the positive aspects can be very valuable, since otherwise we don't always move forward.

Green Hat
When you think of green, think of plants and growth. The green hat is for new ideas, for creativity, for new alternative solutions.
Could this be done in another way?
Might there be another explanation?
Does anyone have another idea? (See brainstorming)

Blue Hat
When you think of blue, think of the sky and an overview. The blue hat is the hardest one to understand. It deals with controlling the thinking process. The blue hat is often "given" to one person, who controls what hat will be "worn", hence controlling the type of thinking being used. The different colours don't always follow in the same order. Depending on the situation, and the mix of people, it might be better to let people get their negative thoughts out first, or their intuitive sense, and then use yellow or green to move ahead. The blue hat comments on the thinking being used, asks for conclusions, decisions, etc. The blue hat can move from person to person, or can be a chairperson.

Source

A posting from Brand autopsy that really makes us think.

Do SomethingOne of the earliest business rules I can recall that made a HUGE difference in my professional style was...

Never present a problem to your boss without having a suggested solution ready. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution.In their book, Why People Business People Speak Like Idiots, Fugere, Hardaway & Washawsky take this lesson further. They call it... Do Something.

Here's an excerpt of the passage...

"...Never present a problem without actually doing something that represents a positive step to fix it. Even if it's nothing more than scheduling a trip to visit the disgruntled customer, do something. Show momentum toward and answer, even if you don't know what the answer is. There's a difference between bad news with signs of hope and bad news presented from the deepest pits of despair. You don't want to be the happy messenger, but it's not much better to be the hopeless prophet of doom."

For those passionate professionals wondering how they can position themselves for the next role at their organization this is one of those priceless tips.

For more tips on being better at your job, I highly recommend the book The Unofficial Guide to Power Managing by Alan Weiss. We've mentioned this before on Brand Autopsy... This book is so good you won't want to tell your co-workers you're reading it.

http://www.digitalpoint.com/tools/
Webmaster tools & Search engine optimisation tools

In order to stay in business, companies are starting to actively look for cheap travel savings' opportunities. They find that the slow economy has affected their way of doing business and they can no longer afford to give their employees the best travel options when they have to leave the office on business.

Many business use their corporate credit card accounts to achieve deep discounts on their corporate travel charges. Their travel departments have negotiated travel contracts with major airlines, that guarantee them consistent, low-cost airfare if they are their only airline provider. These cheap travel saving are modest airfare accommodations that do not offer many frills, but will get their employee where they need to be to negotiate contracts for new industry.

Many people try to allow room in their schedules to be flexible with the dates that they depart on their travel adventures. Cheap travel savings can be realized when travel sites require departure on a specific date, for a specific time, that must be accomplished by a specific date. Being specific can afford people to be flexible on their travel departure days, if that flexibility will give them deep discounts on their airfare.

People that travel for pleasure have learned quickly that it pays to travel with airlines that offer miles points for choosing their airline for travel. These cheap travel savings can quickly add up into free flights, or deeply discounted air flights to luxurious locations throughout the world. Other cheap travel savings have been provided to family members that may fly for half of the original fare, if their travel was booked at the same time as another family member.

Retired military get really cheap travel savings, when they use military aircraft as their mode of transportation. These travel benefits are part of their military retirement benefits, and there are flights leaving daily at many major military bases for points all around the world. This type of cheap travel savings is not without risks, however, because at any point in their travels, they may be bumped off the flight by a military member with an emergency to get to.

Some people use Internet auction sites to find cheap travel savings. There are online travel agents that list hundreds of different types of vacations for a very ridiculously low price, and the bidding can be quite challenging at times. Some of these travel offers can be bought straight out for a stated price, but there are thousands of other vacation packages where pricing can be controlled through a bidding process.

There are other cheap travel savings to be found, in air-fare war sales, that pit one airline against another in an effort to take a larger share of the available travel market at any given time of the year. The offers for cheap travel savings can sometimes give the business and personal traveler the option of flying from a specific airport location, or through a certain carrier that is featuring low prices for all of their flights.

These are just a few travel savings' tips that people use. Take care and happy travels.

You've seen the Expedia.com commercials with the couple
in the beachside bungalow with mosquito nets... and the thought
of going on vacation to stay in a tent gives you the creepy crawlies
already.

Not to worry, you won't need a sleeping bag and a bottle of Off! for
this exotic vacation. When was the last time you stayed in an
air-conditioned, 790 square-foot tent with wooden floors,
embroidered interior canopies, private gardens, outside deck for
sunbathing, king size four-poster bed, freestanding roll top bath
and separate shower? And just to make sure you don't feel like
you're "roughing it," your tent comes with a DVD player and minibar.

It's seems contradictory that the words "luxury" be used to
describe a tent but at the Oberoi Vanyavilas, located between
the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern
Rajasthan, India, the concept is far from novel.

Nestled among 20 acres of landscaped gardens, lemon and
mango trees, and lakes and fountains, are 25 tents, bordering
on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world,
Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is home
to the majestic Indian tiger, as well as deer, leopard, and crocodile.

Now, before you think that this is an isolated retreat, consider
the fine dining options and extensive spa services available. In
the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard, Executive Chef Saurav
Banerjee and Indian Master Chef Arjun Singh Yadava present an
impressive spread of Western, Thai and Indian cuisine from a
revolving menu.

The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted
frescoes of flowers and animals by the celebrated miniaturist
Mohan Singh Kumawat. Outside is the walled terrace of the
Inner Courtyard which is lit at night by a massive log fire
(camp fire songs optional).

As with any quality resort, there is a spa, where you'll find
steam rooms, showers and private therapy suites and a long
menu of spa treatments, massages, facials, manicures and
pedicures. Try the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a
delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy
treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a
deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

For fitness buffs who can't miss a workout, there is an
exercycle, rowing machine, steppers and a treadmill, as
well as an outdoor heated pool.

All I can do is sigh. What a beautiful way to spend a
summer vacation.

Drifter's Memoirs
Pondering Beautiful Vacations

Wow, it's been an amazing time since I've written on this blog.
Right now as I type, I'm in Kansas City, MO checking out
commercial property and visiting family.

There isn't enough time to go to all the places I want to go
here, but there is one place someone may want to check out.
Yesterday, I went somewhere I hadn't been since I was
around 10 years old.

My father and I stopped by the Liberty Memorial. It's a WWI
memorial. It's at the top of a hill that overlooks KCMO and it's
a place you'd want to stop and see. The statues and monument
are colossal.

Liberty Memorial is quite a sight to see. Take a look and see this
beautiful place.

Another place that is very popular in KCMO is Gates Barbeque.
My mother grew up with the owner, who name is Ollie Gates.
He's one of the leading entrepreneurs in KCMO. He owns all of
the Gates Barbeque restaurants and they are known for their
famous BBQ and BBQ sauce. He also owns many properties in
town. He's definitely a role model to emulate.

The other BBQ chain is Bryants BBQ. These are two places you'd
want to see if you travel to Kansas City. Kansas City is known for
their BBQ nationwide.

I'm here to check out the commercial property in the area. Many
homes and apartments are boarded up. It's so sad to see. Online
I checked the retail shopping centers that are for sale in the area.
Many of those are corporate owned for unknown reasons. Not
sure what has happened to the economy here, but looks like it's
taken it's toll.

Well today, I'm scouting a few residential properties to get a feel of
the real estate market. If I see something interesting or with
potential, I'll be sure to submit a letter of intent. We'll see what
happens. This evening I'm going to see if I can locate a Karaoke
spot to hang out at.

Well, until then, take care and thanks for stopping by.

Johnetta Matthews
Johnetta Matthews Corporation
President
Work For Yourself
New Search Engine Vulcoo
Commercial Real Estate Investing

Hi,

Wow has it been a while or what? I've been singing
karaoke and working on a new job. Haven't had much
time to travel.

On my next post, I want to share with you when I went
to the I Cugini Restaurant by the Santa Monica Pier.

I'll locate my cord so I can post pictures. If you've
never listened to The Wave, you may be unaware that
may Jazz listeners gather at the I Cugini and Spagatini
(spelling) restaurants to listen to live Jazz for a Sunday
Brunch.

Okay, I won't rattle on. Stay tuned for the pics.

The Drifter

Well, it's no mystery that Orange County has Disney as an
attraction.

From my travels, I would have to say that Orange County is
my pick for a place to live and work in Southern California.
The people appear to be more trusting and more professional
from what I see in Los Angeles County.

I may be wrong, yet if you want to relocate to Southern
California, Orange County is my pick.

I do various deliveries to Orange County Hospitals and I want
to be the first to say to say that the staff in the Orange County
hospitals is above reproach. Not only are the hospitals
professional, the businesses are too.

I'll write more about Orange County in the next few posts.

Take care and be safe.

Drifter's Memoirs
@-------------->-------------

The next place I'm excited to see is Hsi Lai Temple. I've heard so
much about it. It's a Buddhist Temple that has quite a history.
It's suppose to be one of the largest temples in the area.

The Hsi Lai Temple will be a great historical place to see
this weekend. The hours are from 9 am to 5 pm. This will be a
definite treat. What I can't wait to see is it's layout. The temple
offers group tours up to 15 people. So this can be a treat for
even a nice small group of people.

Here are some insights to their philosophy.

I'll fill you in on the details real soon. Have a happy Easter.


Drifters Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@---------->-----


Tags: travel memoirs

Hi Everyone,

Can you believe it's February? Well, I had to take a good look
at my surroundings and I have to say I'm blessed. Since I've
been in Southern California, I've see a few nice places.

One of the places I visited was the Queen Mary. If you're not
familiar with the Queen Mary, take a look at the poster below.
She's docked in Long Beach and a great tourist attraction.






Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com




She's quite a beauty. She has served in wars and
was well known by the stars in her days. To learn
more about this famous ship, visit her website below.
If you're in the Long Beach area, be sure to see this
great travel attraction.

Visit the Queen Mary Here

It's unbelieveable to see what's happening on the Queen Mary.

Take care and happy travels.

Drifters Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@---------->-----


Tags: travel memoirs

Hi Everyone,

Blogging is so much fun. At times we can run across very ruthless people on here. One of the blogs I had to be changed from a blogspot blog to a dot com blog. This was not because of Blogger. Blogger has supported us above reproach and I'm a true Blogger fan.

It's just when you have a good thing, you have to protect it. Our new web site address for Glamour and Cocktail Dresses is www.cocktaildressandheels.com . So if you want to continue looking for cocktail dresses and evening dresses with us, please go to the above address.

Someone may ask, how in the heck did I go from Travel Memoirs to Cocktail Dresses? It's very simple. When you travel, you want to look good. When people go on a cruise, there's normally parties and formal nights.

Men wear tuxes or suits and the women wear formals. It's really amazing how one travel experience can revamp a person's wardrobe.

I recall taking a trip to Hawaii (while stationed in Alaska). I wanted a few nice outfits, dresses and new high heels. What did I do? I went on a shopping spree and begged a girlfriend for a few of her outfits.

The next post, I'll tell you about my trip to Hawaii! Remember, I was stationed in Alaska and it was around 20 degrees and when I landed in Hawaii, it was 88 degrees lol. What a contrast.

Take care and have a great holiday season.


Drifters Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
Cocktail Dresses and Heels
@---------->-------------

Tags: travel memoirs
humor cocktail dresses

The main thing we'd like to mention is the gift of flowers.
I'm sure every NYC florist, Manhattan Florists, San Francisco
Florists, and Los Angeles florists is buzzing away with
flower orders for the holidays.

You can catch many florists on line to deliver flowers
for you. Calling an 800 flowers number can even be a snap,
especially if you're in a crunch.

In many cases, you can order your flowers today and have
your flowers delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

For the last several years, I've sent my mother and father
meals for the holidays. It's not easy being far away from
them, especially while in the miltary. When you're in the
military, you realize how important it is to send a gift
basket or flowers to someone you love. No matter
how far I was from home, I made sure I sent flowers, gifts,
or food :o).

Just remember, if you're delivering flowers this holiday
season, be sure to place your order as soon as possible
for on time delivery.

Take care and send flowers to the one you love for the
holidays even if you're traveling abroad.

Drifter's Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@------->--------- <----As you can see, I love flowers too. :o)

New York, New York - Brooklyn Bridge

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Wow, let me tell you about my adventures in New York City.
I wouldn't advise anyone to go to New York like I did. Yet,
I can say I had a bonified blast.

I had been online for a short period of time and had spent a
great deal of time in several AOL Chat Rooms. I lucked
across this one chat room where everyone would chat for
hours. We laughed so much in this chat room that
we all became like family.

After several months talking in this chat room, someone
decided to get together and go clubbing. At the time,
I was living in Delaware. The plan was to meet in
Manhattan at a night club.

There were several men in the group and the women
were really close. So it was on! I was going to ride the
train from Delaware to New York City.

I rode a four hour train ride and as I arrived at the
Penn Station, my palms became really sweaty. I realized
I was going on a blind date. I was going to meet at least
50 people that I had spoken to online and didn't have a
clue about New York City (Manhattan).

Needless to say, I arrived at the hotel and stood in the
middle of the room and asked myself, "What the heck
are you doing?" I got dressed and rode the cab to this
booming night club that had an upstairs and downstairs.
It had at least four rooms with different types of music.

I wish I could remember the name of the this off the
hook club. It was awesome.

I remember walking downstairs to meet everyone. The
music was jammin and there were a lot of people dancing
and talking everywhere in the room.

The first thing I did was walk to the bar and order a
drink. When I turned around, someone asked, "Is that
you *&)*&(%?" I said, "Yes". And that's basically how the
whole night went. We all would walk up to each other
and ask if the other person was a certain screen name.
We danced, partied, laughed, and had an awesome time.

We went out to breakfast and eventually said good night.
I really miss the people from the chat room. We had such
a great time. This all occurred in 1998.

The next morning, I figured out how to ride the train
to Times Square. I went to a restaurant on Times Square
and had the best Chili I have ever had. I think it was called
the Chili Factory. I'm really not sure.

I saw the Empire State Building, went to Tower Records
and fell in love with a group called Alabina, and basically
drifted along Times Square. Be sure to click on the Alabina link,
it's an awesome Flamenco, Arabic sound. The Megamix is off
the chart if you like this type of music.

When I was in Manhattan, I was captivated how it could
be peaceful in such a large city.

Manhattan, you will forever be the apple of my eye.

I highly recommend seeing Manhattan and Times Square.

Drifters Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@-------->----------

Well,

It's been a while since we've posted on Drifters. We're drifting
as usual :o). In a good way this time.


We added another blog to our blog group. I've always had a
fascination with cocktail dresses and heels. My fascination
started while singing in bands and competing in talent shows
in the military.

There was one thing all of us ladies would shop for prior to
a talent contest, "Cocktail Dresses". We here always
discouraged from wearing short dresses and always had a
hard time finding dresses. Especially when we were in
Germany. Well, I started a Cocktail Dress and Heels Blog
in memory of playing the dress up game.

Check out our latest post: Here

Our most recent post is on Red and Black Short Tight Cocktail
Dresses (Blush). What can I say? I love fashion and travel.
Let me know your thoughts.

Most of the dresses can be used as cruise dresses, New Years,
and dresses for the upcoming College Spring Break! Once again
check out our site. Hope you like it:

Glamour and Cocktail Dresses


Drifters Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@-------->-------

Flight to Germany? Summer Vacation? Corporate Travel?


Go Corporate! In Style!


We've scrubbed the web for stretch limousines and limousines are plentiful. There is an airport shuttle and limousines' service available nationwide. It could be Nashville, Chicago, Las Vegas, or San Francisco. Stretch limousines or shuttles can be a company's rental policy and can be economical. Check below for limousine and shuttle services.


Discounted Transportation and Airline Tickets:
(They Give You The Airport Code)

Find the Most Economical Way! Airport Shuttles and Limousines!


Deals and Last Minute Arrangement Links:
(They give you the Airport Code)

CheapTickets: Air Fare Search

No Booking Fees when you buy online! Visit Cheap Tickets today.

CheapTickets: Discount Hotel Rooms

Ship Out Soon: Last-minute Cruise Deals

Find great rates on San Francisco hotels.

Find great rates on Las Vegas hotels.

Find great rates on Chicago hotels.

Las Vegas Deals

Great Travel Deals!


Travel With Class:






We love to travel and wanted to share the great cheap travel list we came up with online.


Enjoy.



Travel Banter Blog
Drifter's Memoirs


Stay tuned for more original ideas!




Original Gift Ideas:









Tags: travel memoirs corporate travel
cheap flight list
summer vacations

We apologize for our blog format. We're not sure what's going on but it's affecting all of our blogs. Blogger has been notified.


Johnetta Matthews

I have to admit that it's been a while since I've posted on this blog. Tonight, I was thinking about being grateful about my current surroundings and where I grew up at.

It's nice to talk about the many different countries where I've lived and traveled to, yet I have failed to show my appreciation for California.

Below are a few pictures of places in California that caught my eye. California is by far a beautiful place and the beach and ocean are hypnotizing. Take a look at this beautiful picture of the ocean. This is a picture of the California coast.








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Now for a nice picture of where I currently live. Long Beach is known for the beautiful Queen Mary and it's a sight to see. Below is a picture of the Long Beach Coast.







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Now below is my old stomping ground. San Francisco is where I used to spend most of my time as a teenager. Below is a captivating picture of the Transamerica Pyramid.







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Last but now least I'd like to share a common scene we used to see in San Francisco:







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Travel Banter Blog
Drifter's Memoirs
@------>----------



Tags: travel memoirs veterans
California
pictures
life
posters
stories

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Tags: travel memoirs veterans
Europe
humor
life
Germany
Military
stories



It's been a while since I've been able to post to this great blog of memoirs. When I first saw the web site for Bitburb Air Base Germany (previous post), I realized how much I used to really love Germany.

Being stationed in Germany was like living in a fairy tale. There was so much to do and see. I've never played so much spades, dominoes, backgammon, or shot pool in my life. Can you believe there was beer in the vending machines in the dormitory?? For $1 you could by a can of Heineken!!

Living in the dormitories over there was a blast. My first week there I think I went to a Toga Party in the Security Police Dorm lol. I made sure I was fully clothed under the Toga because I had heard so many rumors about Toga Parties lol.

Dormitory life was really fun. I remember being introduced to Milk and Apple Schnapps. Milk Schnapps was an unsual drink and I remember it looked like watered down milk and it was really good.

Well, hope I can run across the great people I knew at Bitburg. We had a really great time.

On the previous post, one of the sites has pictures of how Bitburg looks now. The whole base has been transformed. The church is now a club if my memory serves me right. The gate is gone yet, many of the buildings are still there. Oh how I wish the base didn't close. Great Place. Great Times.


Ein Bit Bitte!


Travel Banter Blog
@----->----------

Drifter's Memoirs

Tags: travel memoirs veterans
Europe
humor
life
Germany
Military
stories


Wow!

Talking about running across a great website that brought back memories of living in Germany! A very long time ago, I was stationed at Bitburg Air Base Germany where I had the ball of my life. Check my previous posts regarding Germany.

Here is a link to a website I ran across. There's going to be a reunion for the people who were stationed at Bitburg in September 2005. Take a look:

http://bitteeinbit.net/


The website even has a Roll Call for the Air Force service members who were stationed at Bitburg! Take a look:

http://bitteeinbit.org/BT/btrollcall.html

As some of you may know, there is a Military Transition Blog and website attached to this blog. See below:

http://www.veteransinmotion.com/

http://www.veteransinmotion.blogspot.com/

The two above sites are in honor of the servicemen and women who desire a Military Transition Coach. The Military Transition Blog was just added to the Veterans of America web ring.



Travel Banter Blog
@----->---------

Drifter's Memoirs

Tags: travel memoirs pictures
Europe
humor
life
Holland
Military
stories
Netherlands


Can you believe I found myself in Amsterdam, Holland at the age of 20 years old in 1982? Who would have ever thought that the girl from Richmond, California would find herself in Holland?

This was a big time party place. At times, Holland was a little frightening. Thank goodness we always were in a group of six or more people whenever we traveled abroad.

We went to a place called the Flora Palace and danced like we had lost our minds. This is one place we had to be very careful. Drugs were legal and used in public places.

Can you imagine dancing in a night club and finding yourself around drugs? This wasn't cool. We ran out of a night club when we discovered that there were drugs around us. You won't believe what type of club we ended up in that evening.

For the first time in Europe, we heard Reggae music coming out of this spectacular night club. We walked in and discovered that it was a Rastafarian Night Club. Would you believe that this was the one club where we didn't see or smell drugs? The people were extremely friendly and gave us free drinks when they found out we were Americans. We danced to Reggae music until almost daylight. We had a ball.

The next day, we took the traditional trip on our tour bus to downtown Amsterdam. We saw the Red Light District and visited every shop we could find.

We stopped by one store and everything in it was red and black. Black pants, red pants, black tops, red tops, you get the message. The store next door only had black and white clothes. We so much fun and we all left looking like the bopsie twins. Madonna was really big during this time (1982) and everything we bought was made out of lace.

Holland was a beautiful place. The canals and tulips is what I enjoyed the most. For some reason, I can't remember all of the attractions I saw there. Too much time has passed and we were only there for a short period of time. The below pictures will give you an idea of the type of sights I saw while I was there. Just remember, we had a great time and the Dutch really knew how to party.








Illuminated Canal And Houses., Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

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Canal At Night, Amsterdam, Holland

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Exterior Of Royal Palace, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Tulips, Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Isn't this a beautiful picture of Germany? I couldn't resist.

Neuschwanstein Castle
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Drifter's Memoirs

Travel Banter Blog
@----->----------

No Need to Click Here - I'm just claiming my feed at Feedster feedster:61d2b2e401db23c9378d877c8335e239

Tags: humor
life
pictures
work


The Travel Banter Blog would like to wish all visitors a jammin week!

Travel Banter Blog
@----->---------





Playtime
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

Please tell me it's not Monday already!

Buy this Pre-Matted Print at AllPosters.com

Tags: Movies memoirs pictures My Life
Banter
Star Wars







Now I know I have to go see Star Wars. There's so much I used to love about Star Wars as a kid. Here are some posters in honor of our Star Wars Fans. There's a search box to find the ones you want. Have fun! See below.






Drifter's Memoirs
Travel Banter Blog
@------->--------


Take a look below for posters for recent movies:



Posters will rotate. Come back and see a different poster everytime!

Tags: travel memoirs pictures
My Life


It was on a Thursday evening when my boyfriend asked if I wanted to take the Traghetti (ferry) to Roma. We both had a long week and wanted to get away. We decided to leave early Saturday morning and return on Sunday.

Well, we started from the southern tip of Sicily in Comiso. We drove through the vineyards, nearby villages, and Catania until we were in Messina, Sicily.

The water was a dark blue and the sky was a beautiful blue with very few clouds. The ferry was approaching. Once in Italy, we drove through Reggio, Naples, and Pompeii Italia (Italy for us American folks). While in Reggio, we had to turn around. Someone a few cars in front of us had been shot while driving in traffic.

We eventually made it to Rome!!! I was so excited. Have you ever had a dog that stuck it's head out the window as his ears flopped in the wind? Well, that was me. I believe the whole time we drove in Rome, my head was out the window amazed at the fact I was in Rome. Good thing my boyfriend spoke fluent Italian. We were able to get around really good throughout Italy and Sicily. As for me, I only spoke present tense. At least the locals could understand me. Oh well, I was the African American two year old when it came to speaking the language. (But I got much better with time..trust me). Thank goodness I had a really good boyfriend. He taught me Italian, took me everywhere, and showed me a great time in Sicily and Italy. Back to the trip.

We visited the Colosseum and the nearby attractions. We stayed overnight and enjoyed the scenery and culture (as my memory serves me). On the way back to Sicily, we stopped in Reggio, Italia.

I recall going to a museum that had an exhibit of two African pirates. Their ship had sank hundreds of years ago because of the weight of treasure they had aboard their ship. The locals were selling replicas of their statues everywhere you went in Reggio.

Let me explain these enormous statues I saw in the museum. The statues were pure bronze and their teeth were made of silver. The anatomy and color of the statues clearly depicted they were of African descent. Can you imagine having so much gold, silver, and other treasures that your ship sank??? Talking about having a bad day. The statues were on high stands and the statues had to be at least seven feet tall.

Parts of the ship were in the museum. I was amazed at the size of the ship and tried to imagine having so much gold that I ship that size sunk from the weight of it.

Below are a few prints of the gorgeous sites I saw and some I wish I had seen. (Whatever you do, have Tortellini and a dish called Fruitti de Mare if you're in Sicily or Italy. Fruitti de Mare is similiar to Paella in Espana (Spain). The only difference is rice versus pasta). Enjoy!







Buy this Giclee Print at AllPosters.com








Buy this Giclee Print at AllPosters.com









Buy this Giclee Print at AllPosters.com








Buy this Giclee Print at AllPosters.com


Oh how I love Sicilia. Very down-to-earth, romantic culture. If there was one place that made me think twice about coming back to the United States, it was Sicily! Sicily has a huge part of my heart and always will. I miss you Sicilia! Grazie.

Travel Banter Blog
@------->--------

*After being back in California, I mix Italian and Spanish together. At one time, I spoke Italian enough to only hang out with the Sicilians. They used to smile when I spoke. I had taken an Italian class and spoke very proper Italian. The dialects varied from township to township. All of the Sicilians I knew treated me like family. Pray all of you are well dear friends.

Hey there, fellow fitness enthusiasts! It's Marc, and today we're diving deep into the world of tendinitis. If you've ever felt that nagging pain in your tendons, you know it's no joke. But fear not, I've got your back! Let's break it down:

What is Tendinitis?

• It's the inflammation of the tendon, often caused by overuse, injuries, or even your favorite sports like tennis or golf. I've personally battled with it multiple times, and trust me, it's a real pain (pun intended).

My Personal Tendinitis Journey:

• I've had my fair share of flare-ups, especially in my left arm and shoulder. From snowboarding mishaps to intense workouts, tendinitis has been an unwelcome guest. But guess what? I've found ways to combat it and I'm here to share them with you!

Marc's Six-Step Tendinitis Recovery Plan:

1. Cease and Desist: Identify the culprit exercise and take a break from it.
2. Ice, Ice Baby: Apply ice to the affected area for short durations. It's a game-changer!
3. Heat Creams: I'm a fan of AST BioFreeze, but Tiger Balm works wonders too.
4. Support: Invest in braces or supports to immobilize the area.
5. Ultrasound: A little device that can make a big difference.
6. Deep Tissue Massage: It might hurt a bit, but the relief is unparalleled.

The Pro Athlete Mindset:

• Ever wondered how professional athletes bounce back from injuries so quickly? It's not just about the money or the drugs. It's about the mindset, the resources, and the determination to heal and recover.

Final Thoughts:

• Tendinitis might slow you down, but with the right approach, you can bounce back stronger than ever. Remember, it's not about avoiding the pain but finding ways to heal and grow from it.

Got questions or want to share your tendinitis story? Shoot me an email at Marc@JustAskMarc.com. And don't forget to check out the blog for more fitness stories and tips. Stay strong and keep pushing those boundaries! ????????

Note: Always consult with a medical professional before trying any new treatments or remedies.

---

I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

Sites Mentioned in this Episode

• 5 Home Remedies to Help Reduce Tendonitis | Missouri Orthopedics & Advanced Sports Medicine
• Treatment of Tendinopathy: What Works, What Does Not, and What is on the Horizon - PMC
• The Best Ways to Treat, Prevent Tendonitis - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center
• Tendinitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

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How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

--

Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

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Support this Podcast with a Tip

In this episode, we're diving deep into the buzzword "revolutionary" and how it's often misused in the world of bodybuilding and fitness. We explore the history of exercises, the role of supplements, and why the quest for something "new" might be a wild goose chase. So, is anything in bodybuilding truly revolutionary? Let's find out!

Key Topics:

1. The "Revolutionary" Trap: Why the term "revolutionary" is often misleading and how it's overused in the fitness community.
2. Old is Gold: A look back at the golden era of bodybuilding and why some of the best exercises are decades old. Shoutout to Vince Gironda!
3. The Bench Press Twist: How a simple change in palm orientation can make a world of difference in your workout.
4. Pushups Are Back: Why this classic exercise is making headlines again and how it can benefit you.
5. The Real Game-Changers: The role of motivation and goal planning in achieving your fitness dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't fall for the "revolutionary" hype. Master the basics and build from there.
• Old-school techniques still have a place in modern fitness regimes.
• Motivation and goal planning are the real MVPs in your fitness journey.

---

I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

Sites Mentioned in this Episode

• VinceGironda.com | Home of The Iron Guru

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How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

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Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

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Support this Podcast with a Tip

Support JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

Feedback Request from Marc

Introduction

• Marc from justaskmarc.com reaches out for listener feedback.
• Aims to ensure the podcast remains relevant and useful.

Podcasting Journey

• Started podcasting in 2007 when it was challenging.
• Observes the ease of podcasting today.
• Wants to bring back archived episodes that are still relevant.
• Plans to introduce new content as it becomes pertinent.

Fitness Industry Insights

• Notes that while some fitness techniques remain unchanged, the information is still valuable.
• Emphasizes the importance of sharing archived content that could benefit new listeners.

Engaging Long-Time Listeners

• Acknowledges listeners who might have been following since the early days on platforms like Apple Podcasts.

Media Creation Evolution

• Highlights the rapid advancements in media creation.
• Asks for feedback on voice preferences: real voice vs. AI-trained voices.
• Queries if the current voice is suitable for short podcasts.
• Introduces the idea of AI guests, like Nancy.

Voice Technology

• Mentions the option of using 11 labs but notes its cost.
• Jokes about the current voice sounding deeper than his real one.

Feedback Points

• Interested in knowing if listeners prefer a mix of real and AI voices.
• Seeks opinions on podcast length: short and concise vs. long-form.
• Recalls the initial podcast format of a 5-minute phone recording.
• Expresses concern over lengthy podcasts that don't offer value.

Contact Information

• Encourages listeners to send feedback
• Suggests adding "podcast" in the subject line to grab his attention.
• Assures listeners that he reads genuine emails despite the spam.

Oh ChatGPT!

---

I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

--

How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

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Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

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Support JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

Hey there, podcast enthusiasts and bodybuilding aficionados! Get ready to pump up your life with Episode 3: "Three Principles of Success as It Could Apply to Bodybuilding." This episode is a powerhouse of inspiration, and I'm here to give you a sneak peek into what's in store. Buckle up, grab your protein shake, and let's dive in!

Principle 1: Effort - Take Action!

• Take Action: Don't just dream; start moving towards your goals.
• Take Your Best Shots in Life: Give everything you've got, whether in the gym or in life.
• Beware of Discouragement: It's your number one opponent. Don't let setbacks hold you back.

Principle 2: Focus - Swing for Something Specific!

• Swing for Something Specific: Set clear, achievable goals.
• Avoid Distraction: Stay focused and patient.
• Gain Momentum: Keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

Principle 3: Reason - Make an Informed Decision!

• Make an Informed Decision: Research before you leap, whether it's a new supplement or a training program.
• What Should I Focus My Effort On?: Pick a single goal and go for it.
• How to Best Use Your Time: It's not just about spending time in the gym; it's about making the most of it.

These principles aren't just words; they're a way of life. Whether you're a seasoned bodybuilder or just starting your fitness journey, these insights can transform the way you approach your goals. So grab a pen, paper, or your favorite note-taking app, and get ready to change your life!

Key Takeaways

• Print Your Workout: Have a plan, and you'll be more efficient and focused.
• Defeat Discouragement and Distraction: With a clear plan and specific goals, you can overcome these common obstacles.
• Apply These Principles to Life: Whether it's bodybuilding, business, or personal growth, these principles are universal.

Call to Action

Ready to take your bodybuilding and fitness journey to the next level? Tune in to this episode and let these principles guide you to success. And hey, why not share your thoughts and progress with our community? We're all in this together!

---

I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

--

How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

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Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

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Support this Podcast with a Tip

Support JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

Ever wondered how that glass of red wine or weekend beer binge affects your muscle gain or fat loss? You're not alone! In this episode, we're breaking down the complex relationship between alcohol and performance. No, this isn't an anti-alcohol rant, but a real talk about what alcohol does to your gains.

What to Expect:

• The Alcohol Question: From a casual drink with dinner to weekend partying, we're exploring how alcohol impacts your bodybuilding journey.
• The Complexity of Alcohol: It's not just about "to drink or not to drink." We're diving into the nuances of timing, quantity, and the real effects on your body.
• The Facts and Myths: No scientific jargon here, just straightforward insights into how alcohol affects protein synthesis, testosterone levels, dehydration, vitamins, and fat storage.

Highlights:

1. Protein Synthesis: Excessive drinking can hinder how your body absorbs and uses protein, slowing down your gains.
2. Testosterone Levels: Alcohol can lower testosterone and increase estrogen, not what you want when building muscle.
3. Dehydration: Alcohol can dehydrate you, affecting your strength and performance in the gym.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Excessive drinking can deplete essential vitamins and minerals, impacting overall health.
5. Fat Storage: Alcohol's empty calories can lead to increased fat storage, especially if consumed excessively.

Personal Insights:

• Marc's Experience: I share my personal journey with alcohol, from daily red wine to cutting back, and how it affected my body.
• Real-Life Stories: Hear about a friend who dropped 20 pounds just by changing his drinking habits.

Conclusion:

Whether you're bulking, cutting, or just trying to stay fit, understanding how alcohol affects your performance is key. It's not about complete abstinence but finding the right balance for your goals. Track your diet, be mindful of your choices, and remember, moderation is key.

---

I do hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Here's some helpful resources including any sites that were mentioned in this episode.

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Sites Mentioned in this Episode

• Which Alcoholic Drink is Best When You're Dieting? - Tom Venuto tackles the age old question of drinking alcohol when trying to get leaner
• Can Alcohol Impair Muscle Growth and Fitness Levels? - An MD reviewed sports nutrition article on the effects of alcohol on performance gains
• Drinking And Training: 5 Rules For Not Ruining Your Gains - How to take a principled, sustainable approach to drinking
• Alcohol and Muscle Growth: How it Affects Muscular Development - From the NASM journal on how alcohol can affect muscle
• All the ways alcohol affects muscle growth goals

--

How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

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Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness

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Support this...

Hey, it's Marc David, and welcome to the very first episode of "Just Ask Marc Fitness and Bodybuilding." I'm back, and I'm here to share my passion for fitness, bodybuilding, and honest dialogue with you.

What to Expect:

• A Fresh Start: I'm not here to make friends or enemies; I'm here to share information, answer your questions, and have real discussions about fitness.
• Q&A Format: I love the question-and-answer approach, and I'm ready to answer your questions, find experts who can, or direct you to reliable resources.
• No Hucksters Allowed: I'm all about the truth, the basics, and the fundamentals. I'll disclose any vested interest and keep things transparent.
• A Focus on You: This podcast isn't about promoting products or programs; it's about helping you with your fitness journey.

Highlights:

• Relearning the Squat: I recently relearned the squat, and I want to share how the Q&A format helped me.
• 20 Years of Fitness Questions: With over two decades of experience, I have a wealth of knowledge to share.
• An Experiment in Fitness: I'm not a fan of the fitness industry's money-driven approach, but I'm here to share what I like, what works, and why.
• Financial Advice and Disclosure: I believe in being upfront and honest, especially when there's a vested interest involved.
• Your Internet Concierge: I want to be a resource you can trust, whether I'm answering your questions directly or pointing you to someone who can.

How to Contact Me:

• Website: justaskmarc.com
• Email: marc@justaskmarc.com (Put "podcast" in the subject line)

I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, I'm here to have fun, learn together, and see you on the other side.

Subscribe: Find subscriber links on my site, add to your podcast player, or listen on the web players on my site.

Listen to JustAskMarc Bodybuilding and Fitness