Posts Tagged ‘microblog’

‘Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurtin’, even the mouse.
The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor,
While upstairs the family continued to snore.
And I in my T-shirt, new Nikes and jeans,
I went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little brown truck, with an oversized mirror.
The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said “US Post Service”, man.

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.
Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

“Now Nordstrom’s, now Macy’s, now Best Buy’s and Sears
Here’s Pottery Barn, Gap, and Target and Kohl.
To the tip of your limit, every store, every mall,
Now charge away–charge away–charge away all!”

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.
He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
“Enjoy what you got. . . . . .you’ll be paying all year!”

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Four Things Mark Zuckerberg Should Tell Every CMO

by Michael Scissons

Michael has written a great article about Facebook marketing.  Here is an excerpt of some key points I found interest and important.

Engagement on the Facebook walls of leading brands is down 22%. Brands aren’t playing for the long term. Engagement is the crown jewel of a community marketer. It’s always talked about and drives the relevance and power of the platform. We reviewed public engagement data for 300 of the top brands on Facebook over a one-year period starting in July 2010. The results show a clear decline in average engagement.

Many are likely to blame Facebook, but it’s more likely that marketers themselves have led to this decline. Dissing audiences with bad content, coupons, polls, contests, and boring filler is the way to blow off engagement in the long run, even if it makes a few campaign results shine in the short term.

Not all 300 brands saw a decline. Some brands were rock stars and beat the Street. The winners included brands like Deutsch, Renault, Hermes, Lowe’s, and Chanel. These brands didn’t have the most fans, but day in and day out, they are performing magic in keeping their fan base engaged.

Local pages drive 36% better results. Global results are built one region at a time. A few words to the wise from our data wizards:

Bigger is not always better and,

Regional programs perform significantly better then global ones.

Check out the whole article here, Four Things Mark Zuckerberg Should Tell Every CMO

Can you figure out which photo wasn’t digitally modified post-production?

I came face to face with this insane monster of a motorcycle recently while shopping for my new bike.  Even with it behind a wall of motorcycles it still was the only thing in the showroom I was looking at.

Topspeed.com has done a great review including the development history of this amazing bike.

After you look at the Valkyrie Rune up close and see the degree of detail and the quality of finish, it’s kind of shocking that this utterly unique 1800 flat six will sell for only $27,000 (with chromed wheels). It’s amazing that a huge company like Honda ever took the Rune past the concept-vehicle stage, that it took the time (6 years) and effort to build a limited-production piece of rolling art. The fact that it’s being built on an assembly line in Ohio also takes us aback. It’s remarkable that Honda let its designers stray this far out of their usual boxes, and that the designers could spread their wings and fly so perfectly when they were released from those boxes. We were surprised to learn that those designers — who dreamt of the Rune, who drew it, shaped it and championed every curve and angle through the processes leading to production — were mostly Americans.

And finally we are dazzled by the engineers who took this vision of the Genuine Honda Custom and managed to turn it into production reality, to make it function to Honda’s considerable standards without compromising away the designers’ sensational vision.

The Rune. High concept meets high performance in the ultimate expression of form and function. Cruiser styling is taken to all-new heights and blended seamlessly with Honda’s most advanced technology. A masterpiece? To be sure. And it can be all yours-in your choice of three head-turning colors.

After you look at the Valkyrie Rune up close and see the degree of detail and the quality of finish, it’s kind of shocking that this utterly unique 1800 flat six will sell for only $27,000 (with chromed wheels). It’s amazing that a huge company like Honda ever took the Rune past the concept-vehicle stage, that it took the time (6 years) and effort to build a limited-production piece of rolling art. The fact that it’s being built on an assembly line in Ohio also takes us aback. It’s remarkable that Honda let its designers stray this far out of their usual boxes, and that the designers could spread their wings and fly so perfectly when they were released from those boxes. We were surprised to learn that those designers — who dreamt of the Rune, who drew it, shaped it and championed every curve and angle through the processes leading to production — were mostly Americans.

And finally we are dazzled by the engineers who took this vision of the Genuine Honda Custom and managed to turn it into production reality, to make it function to Honda’s considerable standards without compromising away the designers’ sensational vision.

Read the original article here.

Bringing concept to reality like never before, the 2004 Rune is a limited-edition hot-rod designed to turn heads even faster than it turns the 1/4-mile.

Unique Features

  • Revolutionary Unit Pro-Link rear suspension.
  • Trailing-link front suspension.
  • Fuel-injection system with six 32mm throttle bodies.
  • Seamless 6.1-gallon fuel tank.
  • Chrome-plated clutch master cylinder, front brake master cylinder and lever.
  • Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.).
  • LED taillight flush-mounted in the rear fender.
  • Remote steering lock automatically unlocks when the key is turned to the On position.
  • A 68.9-inch wheelbase, the longest in Honda’s lineup.
  • Largest front and rear brake discs ever fitted on a production Honda motorcycle.

Engine/Drivetrain

  • Liquid-cooled horizontally opposed fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine provides the ultimate in hot-rod style and performance.
  • Six 32mm synchronized throttle bodies deliver air to six specially designed Denso 12-hole programmed fuel injectors, producing an atomized fuel mixture that is highly combustible for optimum efficiency and power.
  • Parallel two-valve cylinder head design utilizes direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation and requires no 600-mile service. First valve clearance inspection is at 32,000 miles.
  • 6.9-liter airbox supplies a large volume of cool, clean air to the engine for maximum performance.
  • Rigid-mount engine designed to accent the impressive looks and feel of the unrivaled, largest-displacement F6 engine.
  • Chrome cylinder head covers give a unique muscle- car image.
  • Two front-mounted radiators with chrome cover provide optimum cooling efficiency for increased engine performance and the ultimate in hot-rod style.
  • Rotary Air Control Valve (RACV) provides auto- choke function and maintains precise idle control under widely varying engine loads and operating temperatures.
  • Six-into-two exhaust system for the ultimate in hot- rod appearance and sound.
  • Maintenance-free hydraulic clutch, electronic ignition and chain-driven camshafts reduce servicing time and cost.
  • Powerful, 1100-watt alternator offers plenty of power for electrical accessories.
  • Quiet and virtually maintenance-free shaft drive.
  • Smooth shifting five-speed transmission.
  • California version meets CARB 2004 emission standards.

Chassis/Suspension

  • Unique aluminum diamond-shape frame has a style all its own. Chassis features the longest wheelbase in Honda’s lineup at 68.9 inches.
  • Trailing bottom-link front suspension transfers axle load through pushrods and linkage to two upper shocks—one housing the main spring and one a sub-spring and damping system. This unique suspension system offers 3.9 inches of compliant travel and excellent stability.
  • New Unit Pro-Link rear suspension is patterned after RC211V GP racer’s. The upper shock mount is contained within the swingarm rather than the frame. With no top frame-mount for the shock, this unique system eliminates negative suspension energy from being transmitted into the frame, allowing optimum frame rigidity and better handling in corners. The Unit Pro-Link design also permits a low seat height of 27.2 inches, and 3.9 inches of wheel travel.
  • Dual 330mm front and single rear 336mm disc brakes are the largest used on a production Honda.
  • The Rune’s braking system features two three-piston front calipers and a single two-piston rear caliper. Rider application of the front brake lever activates the two outer pistons of the front calipers. Application of the rear brake pedal activates the two pistons of the rear caliper and the center pistons of the front calipers. When only the rear brake pedal is used, an inline delay valve smooths application of the front calipers’ center pistons.
  • Large, comfortable gunfighter-style seat.
  • Two wheel options will be offered: chrome and Spec47 silver painted wheels.
  • Large-section radial tires—a 180/55R-17 rear and 150/60R-18 front—provide superb grip and an excellent ride.

Additional Features

  • Honda Ignition Security System (H.I.S.S.) features a fail-safe electronic interlock that prevents the engine from being started in any way other than with the two original keys. Totally disabling the engine at the very heart of its ignition system, it cannot be bypassed by either hot-wiring the ignition or exchanging the ignition switch module, greatly reducing the possibility of theft.
  • Remote steering lock system is activated by pulling a lever on left side of motorcycle. With key in Off position and the handlebar in full-lock-left position, a piston is inserted into the steering stem. System is automatically unlocked when key is turned to On position.
  • Chrome-plated clutch master cylinder, front brake master cylinder and lever.
  • Stainless steel mesh throttle cable adds to custom look.
  • Stainless steel mesh brake hose.
  • Seamless 6.1-gallon fuel tank for genuine custom look.
  • Distinctive chrome headlight features two 55-watt H7 bulbs. In low-beam operation, the upper bulb is on. Select high beam and both bulbs are on for maximum illumination.
  • Tank-mounted instruments are recessed, and feature a non-glare digital readout for speedometer, fuel gauge, tripmeter and odometer.
  • Two handlebar options to choose from: Rear-Set and Forward-Set. Rear-Set handlebar is 50mm closer to the rider and 20mm lower than Forward-Set. Forward-Set handlebar is 50mm farther from the rider and 20mm higher than Rear-Set.
  • Handlebar-mounted indicator lights for oil pressure, fuel injection, high beam, turn signal, neutral, coolant temperature and locking system.
  • LED taillights are mounted flush in the rear fender for a one-off custom look.
  • Low, 27.2-inch seat height adds to long and low custom look.
  • Convenient push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.
  • Handlebar switches and controls use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
  • Large-diameter custom handgrips feature a new design with comfortable rubber strips integrated in a stainless steel finish.
  • Machined stainless steel oil-level dip-stick.
  • Chrome-plated radiator cover gives hot-rod look.
  • Assembled in Marysville, Ohio.
  • Transferable three-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
  • Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.

To contact me, check out my Contact Me page.

To Learn more about me, check out my About Me page.

14 Million Americans Scanned QR or Bar Codes on their Mobile Phones in June 2011 – comScore, Inc.

Newspapers/Magazines and Product Packaging Most Likely Source of QR Code

QR Code Users Most Likely to Scan Code while at Home or Store

// RESTON, VA, August 12, 2011 – comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released results of a study on mobile QR and bar code scanning based on data from its comScore MobiLens service. A QR (“Quick Response”) code is a specific matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by smartphones. The study found that in June 2011, 14 million mobile users in the U.S., representing 6.2 percent of the total mobile audience, scanned a QR or bar code on their mobile device. The study found that a mobile user that scanned a QR or bar code during the month was more likely to be male (60.5 percent of code scanning audience), skew toward ages 18-34 (53.4 percent) and have a household income of $100k or above (36.1 percent). The study also analyzed the source and location of QR or bar code scanning, finding that users are most likely to scan codes found in newspapers/magazines and on product packaging and do so while at home or in a store.

QR Code

“QR codes demonstrate just one of the ways in which mobile marketing can effectively be integrated into existing media and marketing campaigns to help reach desired consumer segments,” said Mark Donovan, comScore senior vice president of mobile. “For marketers, understanding which consumer segments scan QR codes, the source and location of these scans, and the resulting information delivered, is crucial in developing and deploying campaigns that successfully utilize QR codes to further brand engagement.”

Read the rest here.

To contact me, check out my Contact Me page.

To Learn more about me, check out my About Me page.

So I was surfing along, I some of the stranger dark allies of the Internet and made some discoveries…

First to my surprise… I already had TWO blogs! One I remember and one I have no idea when it was setup. The one I remember is a My Opera blog that hasnt had any activity on it since 2007. Strangely enough I actually reposted one of my blog entries from it to this blog early on (Had it stored in a file).

The other previously unknown blog in on Tumblr.com. I think there may be some form of Twitter link. It had my twitter profile picture. (I known it is from twitter, because my profile pictures may look alike but are actually all different) And had my twitter description already set as my Tumblr.com description. Hmmm…. May be someone out there can convert there is a connection or explain this to me?

Anyways, I went exploring Tumblr. Very different then WordPress.com. A lot more emphasis on sharing and re-blogging.

So far all I have done is re-blogged pictures a bunch of pictures (most cars).

Check it out… allenlarose.tumblr.com

  

To contact me, check out my Contact Me page.

To Learn more about me, check out my About Me page.

There is amazing site that VERY clearly explains twitter.  Being a techie, I learned a long time ago… To truly know a technology, app, machine, piece of software, etc….  Teach it to someone else, someone who isn’t a techie.  Along those lines (speaking from experience) To be a guru… teach it to your mother!

Here is a article/blog/site that does EXACT that!

Mom This is How Twitter Works

Twitter is an online social networking tool in which users post 140 character updates of what is going on in their lives along with links to things they think are interesting, funny, or useful to their followers (“following” being essentially what “friending” is on other sites). People use twitter in many ways, some as a newsfeed by following prominent people or networks, some as a pseudo-chatroom by limiting their followers and whom they follow to close friends and family, and some as a microblog for updating people about the work they are doing and their personal lives.

Read the whole article by Jessica Hische (@jessicahische) Great writing Jessica!

Mom This is How Twitter Works

  

To contact me, check out my Contact Me page.

To Learn more about me, check out my About Me page.

Greed…… « Moxie Mom Confessions.

A great piece of writing by a talented blogger.

There are some things I just don’t understand.  Nuclear physics.  How people like sushi.  How to get the Saran Wrap to actually stick.

The one thing that I just can’t grasp that happens all of the time is the greed that is exhibited when someone passes away.  We just had a resident pass and all of the children are fighting over who gets what – money, the cars, artwork.  Another resident passed away about a month ago and the same thing is happening. [read more…]

  

To contact me, check out my Contact Me page.

To Learn more about me, check out my About Me page.