how to budget personal finances

Ryan Gavin and Dean Hachamovitch, Marketing Guy and Engineer, respectively, for Internet Explorer, have announced that the final build and release of Internet Explorer 9 will indeed be at the party they’re throwing at South by Southwest in Texas on March 14th, 2011. They’ve decided to first announce this to their very favorite community at Channel9, a bunch of developers who are in love with the internet platform, and they’ve spoken here in a video at length what the browser will be able to do.

This browser has been in production for approximately a year, and now they’re going to release it, thanking profusely the community of developers who have stepped up to help them in making this a platform that has a chance at competing with the rest of the powerhouse browsers out in the market today. As you know, Internet Explorer

Hachamovitch will be doing a keynote at MIX 10 as well, showing off how the platform is rolling out, as a sort of “look what we did in a year” sort of thing. These two fellas sitting on the couch are super excited about this rollout and after saying what they came to say, they made sure to prompt Channel9 for what they call an “uncomfortable question.” What Channel9 decided to ask about was HTML5, to which they reply “WE’RE FOR IT!”

Of course the developer community knows this already, so the question is pressed, beyond what HTML5 can do for the everyday user, what does IE9 offer the fringe users who want features that not everyone will use? Hachamovitch replies with a sort of well, we DO do that, we’ve implemented things like Navigation Timing which “got 0% usage on the web,” he then going on to say that they’ve added items that don’t just come from developers who request things, they’ve essentially come up with elements that they and people at Yahoo, Google, and etc have spoken about behind the scenes, bringing these “fringe” features into IE9 at launch.

Essentially what they’re speaking about in this video and what will be coming with Internet Explorer 9 is depth as well as quality implementation of features. We’re hoping for the best!

Surface Encounters

Spring training 2011: New York Mets' Jason Bay could start on DL with muscle strain

Mets outfielder Jason Bay may land on the disabled list with a strained muscle.

Surface Encounters

REPORT: <b>News</b> Corp. In Talks To Hand Over Control Of MySpace To <b>...</b>

News Corp. is in preliminary talks to give control of Myspace to Vevo.com, the site partly owned by top record companies, including Universal Music and Sony Music, according to a Bloomberg report. News Corp. has been looking to unload ...

Surface Encounters

Jon Stewart Calls Out NBC <b>News</b> For Not Reporting on GE&#39;s $0 Tax <b>...</b>

On Friday, The New York Times reported that General Electric paid no U.S. federal income tax in 2010, despite earning $14.2 billion in profits. While.

Surface Encounters

I read an interesting article this morning that suggested Apple would change its mind and put Adobe’s Flash technology on its iOS devices within a year. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

In an open letter to users, Apple CEO Steve Jobs gave several reasons why he didn’t want Flash on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. They are: Flash isn’t open; the full web; reliability, security and performance; battery life; and touch.

Adobe began shipping Flash Player 10.1 for Mobile last June, but even Laptop magazine admitted that “Steve Jobs was right,” and that “Adobe’s offering seems like it’s too little, too late.” Granted, that report was from six months ago, but it still doesn’t bode well for the technology.

There is no doubt that Adobe is making advances with Flash on mobile devices, but I don’t believe future changes will be enough to get Apple to adopt the technology.

Jobs has been very clear that Apple supports HTML5, an open technology that is controlled by a standards committee, not one company. By building support for that technology into Webkit, Apple is ensuring that mobile Web browsers will be able to access what we’ve come to know as the “full web.”

Webkit is used by Google, Palm, Nokia and RIM, so it has a pretty solid base.

One of the arguments often bantered about when the discussion of the “full Web” comes up is video. There is no doubt that Flash made huge strides over the years in having sites like YouTube encode their videos in Flash. But that’s for the desktop.

As Jobs points out, almost all of this video is also available in H.264 format (a format Flash also supports), so it’s viewable on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

“Add to this video from Vimeo, Netflix, Facebook, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ESPN, NPR, Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, People, National Geographic, and many, many others. iPhone, iPod and iPad users aren’t missing much video,” wrote Jobs.

You may ask why other companies adopted Flash for their mobile devices when Apple won’t. That’s easy, they are looking for something they have that Apple doesn’t. Considering how hard it is for tablet makers to compete with Apple, any perceived advantage will work.

I’m not an Adobe hater—I know quite a few people that work at Adobe and I think they’ve done some amazing things over the years. Flash for mobile devices isn’t one of them.

Chris Dawson said he gives “Apple a year until they cave [and adopt Flash]. Android tablets will just be too cool and too useful for both entertainment and enterprise applications if they don’t.”

I have been using my iPhone for years and my iPad for one year. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to a Web site that wouldn’t load because I didn’t have Flash installed. I can load videos from YouTube and a host of other sites too, no problem.

Apple has sold more than 160 million iOS devices and there are no screaming, angry hordes of users breaking down the doors at 1 Infinite Loop demanding Flash on their devices.

In order for Apple to change its mind and adopt Flash, the technology has to be proven to be indispensable and that it will benefit its users. Apple has proven just the opposite is true.

Editor’s Note: Jim Dalrymple has been writing about Apple for more than 15 years. You can follow him on Twitter @jdalrymple and on his Web site at The Loop.

Dirty Percent

Tuesday, 1 March 2011

It’s not hard to make the case that Apple’s new in-app subscription system offers numerous benefits to users, developers, and publishers. But whatever those benefits, they stem from the mere existence of these new subscription APIs. What’s controversial is the size of Apple’s cut: 30 percent.

No one is arguing that Apple shouldn’t get some cut of in-app purchases that go through iTunes. And, if Apple were taking a substantially smaller cut, there would be substantially fewer people objecting to Apple’s rules (that subscription-based publishing apps must use the system; that they can’t link to their external sign-up web page from within the app; and that they must offer in-app subscribers the same prices available outside the app).

The reasonable arguments against Apple’s policies seem to be:

• Apple should be taking less, perhaps far less, than 30 percent.




• Apple should not require subscription-based apps to use the in-app subscription APIs. If it’s a good deal for publishers, they’ll choose to use the system on their own.




• Apple should not require price-matching from subscription offers outside the app. Publishers should be allowed to charge iOS users more money to cover Apple’s cut.




• Apple should consider business models that simply can’t afford a 70/30 revenue split.

Let’s consider these in reverse order.

Apple Should Consider Business Models That Can’t Afford a 70/30 Revenue Split

Apple doesn’t give a damn about companies with business models that can’t afford a 70/30 split. Apple’s running a competitive business; competition is cold and hard. And who exactly can’t afford a 70/30 split? Middlemen. It’s not that Apple is opposed to middlemen — it’s that Apple wants to be the middleman. It’s difficult to expect them to be sympathetic to the plights of other middlemen.

Some of these apps and services that are left out might be ones that iOS users enjoy, though. This is the leading argument for how this new policy will in fact hurt users, and, as a result, Apple itself: it’ll drive good apps off the platform. Frequently mentioned examples: Netflix and Kindle. For all we know, though, Netflix may well be fine with this policy. Apple would only get a 30 percent cut of new subscriptions that go through the Netflix iOS app, and that might be a bounty Netflix can live with in exchange for more subscribers. Keep in mind, too, that Netflix and Apple seemingly get along well enough that Netflix is built into the Apple TV system software.

Kindle, and e-book platforms in general, are a different case. For one thing, Kindle doesn’t use subscriptions. Kindle offers purchases. Presumably, given Apple’s rejection of Sony’s e-book platform app last month, Apple is going to insist on the same rules for in-app purchases through apps like Kindle as they do for in-app subscriptions. If so, something’s got to give. The “agency model” through which e-books are sold requires the bookseller to give the publisher 70 percent of the sale price. So if the publisher gets 70 and Apple gets 30, that leaves a big fat nothing for Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, or Kobo, or anyone else selling books through native iOS apps — other than iBooks, of course.

But leaving aside the revenue split, there are technical limitations as well. The existing in-app purchasing system in iOS has a technical limit of 3,500 catalog items. I.e. any single app can offer no more than 3,500 items for in-app purchase. Amazon has hundreds of thousands of Kindle titles.

Something’s got to give here. I don’t know what, but there must be more news on this front coming soon. I don’t believe Apple wants to chase competing e-book platforms off the App Store.

Apple Should Not Require Price Matching

Why not allow developers and publishers to set their own prices for in-app subscriptions? One reason: Apple wants its customers to get the best price — and, to know that they’re getting the best price whenever they buy a subscription through an app. It’s a confidence in the brand thing: with Apple’s rules, users know they’re getting the best price, they know they’ll be able to unsubscribe easily, and they know their privacy is protected.

Credit card companies insist on similar rules: retailers pay a processing fee for every credit card transaction, but the credit card companies insist that these fees not be passed on to the customer. Customers pay the same price as they would if they used cash — which encourages them to use their credit card liberally. (Going further, many charge cards offer cash back on each purchase — they can do this because the cash-back percentage refunded to the customer is less than the transaction processing fee paid by the retailer.)

So the same-price rule is good for the user, and good for Apple. But Matt Drance argues that Apple could dissipate much of this subscription controversy by waiving this rule:

The requirement that IAP content be offered “at the same price
or less than it is offered outside the app,” combined with the
70/30 split, means developers must make less money off of iOS by
definition. They can’t price their IAP content higher to offset
the commission, nor can they price their own retail content lower.

If I am interpreting this correctly, I can’t bring myself to see
it as reasonable. […] I think a great deal of this drama could
go away if Apple dropped section 11.13 while keeping section
11.14: Your prices on your store are your business; just don’t
be a jerk and advertise the difference all over ours.

And I agree with him. Yes, the same-price rule is good for users and for Apple, but waiving this rule wouldn’t be particularly bad for users or for Apple, either — and it would give publishers some freedom to experiment.

I suspect one reason Apple won’t budge is that their competitors — like Amazon — insist on best-price matching.

Apple Should Not Require Apps to Offer In-App Subscriptions

I’m sympathetic to this argument, too. “If you don’t like our terms, don’t use our subscription system.” But it has occurred to me that this entire in-app subscription debate mirrors the debate surrounding the App Store itself back in 2008 — that 30 percent was too large a cut for Apple to take, that it shouldn’t be mandatory, etc. The same way many developers wanted (and still want) a way to sell native iOS apps on their own, outside the App Store, many publishers now want a way to sell subscriptions on their own, outside the App Store.

The fact is, the App Store is an all-or-nothing affair. You play by Apple’s rules or you stick to web apps through Mobile Safari. This alternative is no different for periodical publishers than it was (and remains) for app developers in general. A lot of these demands boil down to a desire for more autonomy for native iOS app developers. Apple has never shown any interest in that.

There’s one striking difference between the subscription controversy today and the App Store controversy in 2008: with subscriptions, Apple is taking away the ability to do something that they previously allowed. There was never a supported way to install native apps for iOS before the App Store. Subscriptions sold outside the App Store, on the other hand, were allowed until last month.

Apple Should Be Taking Less, Possibly Far Less, Than 30 Percent

Another difference between the App Store itself and in-app subscriptions is that with apps, Apple hosts and serves the downloads. Apple covers the bandwidth, even for gargantuan gigabyte-or-larger 99-cent games. The OS handles installation.

With in-app subscriptions (and purchases), however, the app developer is responsible for hosting the content, and for writing the code to download, store, and manage it. So — one reasonable argument goes — given that Apple is doing less for subscription content than it does for apps (or for music and movies purchased through iTunes), Apple should take less of the money.

Taken further, the argument boils down to this: that for in-app subscriptions and purchases, Apple is serving only as a payment processer — and thus, a reasonable fee for transactions would be in the small single digits — 3, 4, maybe 5 percent, say. More or less something along the lines of what PayPal charges.

Apple, I think it’s clear, doesn’t see it this way. Apple sees the entire App Store, along with all native iOS apps, as an upscale, premium software store: owned, controlled, and managed like a physical shopping mall. Brick and mortar retailers don’t settle for a single-digit cut of retail prices; neither does the App Store.

Seth Godin argues that Apple’s 30 percent cut is too big to allow publishers to profit:

Except Apple has announced that they want to tax each subscription
made via the iPad at 30%. Yes, it’s a tax, because what it does is
dramatically decrease the incremental revenue from each
subscriber. An intelligent publisher only has two choices: raise
the price (punishing the reader and further cutting down
readership) or make it free and hope for mass (see my point above
about the infinite newsstand). When you make it free, it’s all
about the ads, and if you don’t reach tens or hundreds of
thousands of subscribers, you’ll fail.

Godin’s logic strikes me as questionable. For one thing, he freely switches between a newsstand metaphor (arguing, perhaps accurately, that the App Store is too large for publishers to gain attention from potential readers in the first place — you won’t read what you never notice) and the economics of subscriptions. But subscribers are the opposite of newsstand readers. Newsstand readers are buying a single copy, often on impulse. Subscribers are readers who are already hooked, and who know what they want. Put another way, the size of Apple’s cut of subscription revenue — whether it were higher or lower — has no bearing on the “attention at the newsstand” problem.

Second, the problem facing traditional publishers today is that circulation is falling. Newsstand sales and subscriptions are falling, under pressure from free-of-charge websites and other forms of digital content. The idea with Apple’s 70-30 revenue split is that developers and publishers can make it up in volume — that people aren’t just somewhat more willing to pay for content through iTunes than other online content stores, they are far more willing. The idea is that Apple has cracked a nut no one else1 has — they’ve created an ecosystem where hundreds of millions of people are willing to pay for digital content. Thus, potentially, publishers won’t just make more money keeping only 70 percent of subscription fees generated through iOS apps than they are now with 96 percent (or whatever they’re left with after payment processing fees) of subscription fees they’re selling on their own — they stand to make a lot more money.

I’m not guaranteeing or even predicting that it’s going to work out that way. I’m just saying that’s Apple’s proposition.

Godin’s assumption is that iOS in-app subscriptions won’t significantly increase the number of subscribers. If he’s right about that, then he’s right that Apple’s 30 percent cut will prove too expensive for publishers. But Apple’s bet is that in-app subscriptions can dramatically increase the number of subscribers. Consider the app landscape. Apple’s 30 percent cut didn’t drive the price of paid apps up — the nature of the App Store drove prices down. It’s a volume game.

The App Store itself proves that Apple might be right. Like with app sales, in-app subscriptions won’t work for every publication. But it could work for many. It really is possible to make it up in volume.

And if a 70-30 split for in-app subscription revenue doesn’t work, the price will come down. That’s how capitalism works. You choose a price and see how it goes. I’ll admit — when the App Store launched in 2008, I thought Apple’s 70-30 split was skewed too heavily in Apple’s favor. Not that it was wrong in any moral sense, but that it was wrong in a purely economic sense: that it might be more than developers would be willing to bear. Apple, clearly, has a better sense about what prices the market will bear than I (and, likely, you) do.

Competition vs. Anti-Competition

One last argument I’ve seen regarding these in-app subscription rules is that it’s further evidence of anti-competitive behavior from Apple. That makes sense only if you consider iOS to be the entire field of play. Apple, though, is competing at a higher level. They’re competing between platforms: iOS vs. Kindle/Amazon vs. Android/Google vs. Microsoft, and in some ways, vs. the free web. Why should publishers make an app rather than just a mobile web site? For happier customers and more money.

Sony has a platform for e-books. Amazon has a platform for e-books. Barnes & Noble has a platform for e-books. Apple has a platform for e-books. But Apple is the only one which allows its competitors to have apps on its devices. And Apple is the anti-competitive one? I’m no lawyer, but if the iTunes Music store hasn’t yet been deemed a monopoly with Apple selling 70+ percent of digital music players, then I doubt the App Store will be deemed a monopoly for a market where Apple has never been — and, according to market share trends, may never be — the top-selling smartphone maker, let alone own a majority of the market, let alone own more than a single-digit sliver of the phone market as a whole. As for ruthless profiteering, consider that Amazon, with their e-book publishing, originally took the fat end of a 70-30 revenue split with authors.

One question I’ve been asked by several DF readers who object to Apple’s new in-app subscription and purchasing policies goes like this: What if Microsoft did this with Windows, and, say, tried to require Apple to pay them 30 percent for every purchase made through iTunes on Windows? To that, I say: good luck with that. Microsoft couldn’t make such a change by fiat. The whole premise of Windows (and other personal computer systems) is that it is open to third-party software. Apple couldn’t just flip a switch and make Mac OS X a controlled app console system like iOS — they had to introduce the Mac App Store as an alternative to traditional software installation. If Microsoft introduced something similar to the Mac App Store for Windows, Apple would simply eschew it. If Microsoft were to mandate an iOS App Store-like total control policy for all Windows software, they’d have a revolt in their user base that would make Vista look like a success.

iOS isn’t and never was an open computer system. It’s a closed, controlled console system — more akin to Playstation or Wii or Xbox than to Mac OS X or Windows. It is, in Apple’s view, a privilege to have a native iOS app.

This is what galls some: Apple is doing this because they can, and no other company is in a position to do it. This is not a fear that in-app subscriptions will fail because Apple’s 30 percent slice is too high, but rather that in-app subscriptions will succeed despite Apple’s (in their minds) egregious profiteering. I.e. that charging what the market will bear is somehow unscrupulous. To the charge that Apple Inc. is a for-profit corporation run by staunch capitalists, I say, “Duh”.

If it works, Apple’s 30-percent take of in-app subscriptions will prove as objectionable in the long run as the App Store itself: not very.

Surface Encounters

Surface Encounters

What is your social media brand? Do you have one? Sure, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are coming around to the enormous importance of social media as a marketing, customer service, and, yes, even sales tool. But if you haven’t thought about how social media can define your brand, you are probably missing a HUGE part of what social media tools can do for your business. Here’s more…

Tools & Techniques

Creating a great brand with these blog tools. Tools that improve the look and functionality of your blog also improve your brand. A well-maintained small business blog is one of the most obvious and least expensive branding tools at the entrepreneur’s disposal even more so than social media channels like Facebook and Twitter because of how a blog can be customized to fit your needs and personality. This list of tools is a great way to start. EpicLaunch

What Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi can teach you about social media. One of the stars of the hit reality show “Jersey Shore”, “Snooki” is a perfect example of personal brand, but social media entrepreneurs could also learn much about building their own online presence from Snooki. Being yourself and using a simple, short tag to indelibly brand your identity are also great techniques in social media. One site is already trying to apply the starlets techniques in the social media space. Brand-Yourself

Tito Philips doesn’t want your comments on his blog! At least, not if they’re the wrong kind. And the wrong kind would be comments left for no other purpose than to get the blogger and his/her readers to visit your blog and perhaps comment on it in return. Why is comment trading bad? Don’t get Tito started! There are many ways to engage in social media marketing. Be sure you understand and respect some of the attitudes you may face. Blogging Bookshelf  

News & Trends

The best of the best. Want to get a look at arguably the 20 best Facebook fan pages for business on the planet? By now you should know the value of a Facebook fan page to your branding efforts. What’s also true, however, is that not all Facebook sites are created equal. If you want to take your social media marketing to the next level, have a look at this list of cream of the crop sites. Inc.com

Even churches use social media marketing! In this article on the growing market for tech services among religious organizations, we learn that many churches have also already entered into the social media space. As houses of worship, particularly huge mega-churches, expand and build congregations, it’s easy to see how social media can work as a marketing tool here as well. Is your religious organization using social media for branding? WSJ

Tips & Tricks

20 tips that will make you a Twitter star. Among the tools popular in the new digital space is Twitter. The microblogging platform can be used for business or non-business purposes and it can be the key to your small business’s success. Learn how to use Twitter like a pro and you may be surprised at the benefits your small business gains as a result. Global Copywriting

Valuable lessons in social media. Gary Vaynerchuk, author of The Thank You Economy and a successful social media entrepreneur in his own right, has many insights to share with small business leaders seeking a new way to define their brands in an age of social communications. Read some of the takeaways Vaynerchuk shares with those trying to define their businesses with social media. E-Marketing Associates

Success Stories

Doubt the power of FB to create brand for almost anyone? You won’t after you read the story of Princeton English Professor Jeff Nunokawa and “Jeffbook”, a collection of 3,221 brief literary essays on Facebook, that have created an incredible cult status for Nunokawa in the process. His motivation? Not too different from those of most marketers. Nunokawa simply started sharing where he knew his audience already spent lots of their time. The results speak for themselves. Fast Company

Increase exposure with niche social media. Blogger Mavis Nong talks about the importance of niche social media sites including social bookmarking sites as a key method of creating exposure for your online business. Mavis talks about her experience with our sister site BizSugar.com (thanks for the shout out! ) and explains how smaller more focused social sites can sometimes have a surprising impact even larger than the big guys. Attraction Marketing Online

Opportunities

Sponsors wanted for new SugarTone Sweet Business Blogging Contest. Put the power of social media to work for your brand. We’re looking for sponsors to help with a brand new blogging contest involving two of the fastest growing small business communities on the Web, BizSugar.com and Bloggertone.com. Learn more about the contest by reading the full announcement and get in touch today! BizSugar Blog

Preview of Final Result

 

Resources

• PT Sans Bold – FontSquirrel


• Free App Icons for Developers – WebAppers

Step 1

Open Photoshop and create a new document that is 1200 x 1200 pixels, 72 dpi, and RGB Color. Fill the layer with white. (Ctrl+Backspace or Delete)

Step 2

Now create a rectangle for the header and fill it with a white-grey color, then use the colors on the image for the “Gradient Overlay”. Our search and logo will eventually be part of the header.

Step 3

Create a new rectangle above the previous one, with attributes as shown below. The following drop shadow effect creates a look of a 1 pixel stroke which does increase the look of that simple bar. Note: this step creates a horizontal line.

 

Step 4

Now add the “Gradient Overlay” layer style with the hex codes indicated.

Step 5

Add a white 1 pixel stroke. The following stroke of 1 pixel will divide the grey shadow effect. It’ll eventually work as a divider.

Step 6

Make one more rectangle in the middle-right zone, and fill it with white and add a 1 px stroke as indicated – it will be our search box.

Step 7

One more rectangle should be created and filled with blue. Set the inner shadow as indicated below, this will be our search button. This blue works great in combination with grey, white and light-grey. Blue will be the major contrasting color we use as we work through this template.

Step 8

Add the Gradient Overlay details to the button with the details from image.

Step 9

Add a 1 px stroke to the button with the color indicated. Take a look at the first and the final result of the button so you can see the difference all these details made.

Step 10

Now add this drop shadow effect for the text placed in the search box, using PT Sans Bold. This will be the final step in creating your search button. You may want to try other fonts, but the PT Sans Bold is really good for this small button.

Step 11

Make another fill under the header section, this will be the navigation area. Here we will place the navigation links of our template.

Step 12

Write your navigation links using a dark-grey color, then add a white “drop shadow” effect. The effect used for the navigation links is the same used for the search button.

Step 13

With 1px vertical line, make divisions between each links. The lines should be black and will really increase the beauty of the navigation area.

Step 14

Over the home section, make a fill with the blue and then add a Gradient Overlay style as indicated.

Step 15

Copy the Home link, this time color it white and add a drop shadow effect.

Step 16

Create a big, grey zone under the navigation, it should be about 30% of the layout. This will be the background for the featured area.

Step 17

Now create a big, white rectangle and add some shadow with the details shown. A big stock image, a big headline and some text with another great button will be added.

Step 18

Add a any dummy image you want to that featured area. Be sure it covers more than 80% of the area. The one I chose is from a stock website.

Step 19

Add some text to it, use the PT SANS Bold font and make the font big.

Step 20

The remaining area should be filled with grey, in it we’ll place some text. This is really a secondary area which describes the image, the services, the company itself, or whatever you’d like.

Step 21

Place some blue-colored text which will be the title of the information below. Use the details in the image for Drop Shadow style.

Step 22

Add some dummy text. This could be some important information or whatever you’d like.

Step 23

Create another grey area under the featured zone, where we will add some text and icons later. Add the details as stated on the image. Mostly, the icons will promote the services offered by the company behind the website.

Step 24

Continue by adding a Gradient Overlay style for the last rectangle we have created in the anterior steps.

Step 25

Now we are adding titles and icons, as well as some divisions. The icons can be found in the resource list at the beginning of the tutorial. Be sure to choose your icons and text thoughtfully.

Step 26

At the border of both zones, create a small circle and fill it with dark brown color. Add some inner shadow as stated on the image.

Step 27

Continue by adding a drop shadow layer style. It is another small detail, but it really makes that button zone minimalistic, nice-looking and well designed.

Step 28

To finish, add a Gradient Overlay effect.

Step 29

By using the Custom Shape Tool (U), create an arrow in both circles. Now add the details shown on the screenshot.

Step 30

Continue by adding some Color Overlay for the arrow. It should also be a blue color because otherwise, it will not fit the contrast and the colors used on the whole template.

Step 31

Add a video screenshot in the free space and place a title for it. For this template, I have used a simple screenshot of a YouTube widget.

Step 32

Add the text “Product Highlights” and “Case Studies.” Let the text under the “Product Highlights” be links so you could showcase some friends’ websites or resources you admire/promote.

Step 33

Finish it by creating another form for e-mails, place all kind of other information, and whatever you’d like.

Step 34

Don’t forget to make a relevant/small footer for our template. If you have paid attention, you should know how to create the same effect as below. 

 

All done! If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to drop a comment. I hope you enjoyed this whole tutorial!

Surface Encounters

Small Business <b>News</b>: Social Media Brand

What is your social media brand? Do you have one? Sure, many small business owners and entreprene...

Surface Encounters

Surface Encounters

Surface Encounters

URGENT: Plutonium detected in soil at Fukushima nuke plant: TEPCO <b>...</b>

URGENT: Plutonium detected in soil at Fukushima nuke plant: TEPCO. TOKYO, March 28, Kyodo. Plutonium has been detected in soil at five locations at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Monday ...

Surface Encounters

Who's Making Money

The day his fans have been waiting for has arrived, but Lupe Fiasco doesn't appear to be basking in the glow of his latest album, "Lasers."

The Chicago lyricist's third studio album comes after his critically and commercially successful offering, "The Cool." After some delays - and even scheduled fan demonstrations demanding the record's release - "Lasers" eventually leaked a couple of weeks before the official March 8 release date.

In a candid Q&A compiled from two interviews with New York Magazine, the 30-year-old rapper, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, was asked about his hopes for "Lasers."

"To be blunt, I don't really give a [crap]," Fiasco said. “I've grown very distant from the business, very numb to it...I don't really care about the success anymore. I don't really care about the fame. Three, four years later, I look at my bank account statements, and I haven't made any money with my record label. You start to think a little bit differently about your motivations and why you're doing what you're doing."

Despite his bold claim, Fiasco insists that there is no longer any ill will towards his label, Atlantic Records, calling their current relationship "copacetic." Hopefully, he went on, "we'll get through the rest of our contract without too many big hiccups."

Label issues aside, Fiasco has a different problem with the industry: a lack of creativity.

"I’m guilty of it, too," he admitted. "Hip-hop today — talking solely about the commercial space — it’s the same producers, sound, over and over again. The artist with that particularly poppy song is given the first look as opposed to that ethereal, weird artist with the brand-new music."

Take, for example, the Grammys win that had Beliebers targeting their wrath towards one Esperanza Spalding. "The person who wins Best New Artist is this really abstract left bass player," Fiasco said, "[b]ecause it’s about who’s making music, who’s making something different. Justin Bieber sounds just like everybody else, to be honest. He’s the homie; he’s dope. But he’s no different than Sean Kingston, Usher."

Does Fiasco have a point? If you picked up his album, let us know what you think of it in the comments. To hear more on the latest in pop culture, check out the Hollywood Hangover podcast.

In a week when Egypt went into a clinch over the new government’s intensions regarding human rights, freedom and higher pay, Libya erupted into what is, to all intents and purposes, a civil war and in Tunisia the body count continued to increase web trends everywhere laser focused on the same thing: Charlie Sheen.

The Oscars themselves became a footnote to the network TV star’s blitz on the media scene. Suddenly it has become impossible to not trip over his name. On daytime TV and endless chat shows reporters and celebrities pour over his every word, offer opinions, views and advice. Popular Radio shows like Howard Stern’s have held phone-in interviews, CNN’s Piers Morgan gave Sheen a full hour and ABC’s Andrea Canning interviewed him at his home and fuelled speculation over his lifestyle and domestic arrangements.

Sheen who had managed, through a public rant on Alex Jone’s Radio Show, to go from TV’s highest paid actor to unemployed has suddenly become the hottest property in the social media stakes. He topped Google trends on March 1st with millions of people across the United States and Europe looking for information on him and just two days later he clocked the fastest time ever to reach a million followers on Twitter. The Guinness Book of Records handed him the award after Sheen’s Twitter verified account (billed by him as ‘unemployed winner’) became the focus of the blogosphere and the real-time web topping the 1 million mark in 25 hours and 17 minutes. At the time of writing it has topped the 1.3 million mark.

With all these crazy numbers being thrown around the sane voice inside us just has to ask, why? Why are we suddenly so fascinated by a man who is not the greatest talent of his generation, whose inner demons, whatever they may be, are not unique, whose lifestyle, however questionable, is not exceptional in his line of work and whose willingness to participate in the media circus which usually surrounds celebrities is not that far removed from Madonna’s or Lady Gaga’s.

We are living in the era of ‘firsts’. It is the first global credit crunch we have ever experienced. Facebook and Twitter are real-time web ‘firsts’. For the first time we can find out news before the accredited news channels give them to us. For the first time institutions we help inviolable seem to have been built on clay. Charlie Sheen is the first celebrity to allow us unpackaged, raw access to his own personal view of the world. Add to it the fact that he gives us a voyeur’s view into the state of mind and lifestyle of a celebrity who’s unconventional even by celebrity standards and you suddenly have a novelty that’s as addictive as the drugs Charlie Sheen admits he used to take.

Continued on the next page


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New Company Promises to Give You a Pretend Facebook Girlfriend

Your relationship troubles are over with the help of Cloud Girlfriend, a new startup that creates virtual girlfriends for social media like Facebook.

Pawlenty Announces His Money Team - FoxNews.com

Republican Tim Pawlenty's exploratory committee has announced the key players who will make up Pawlenty's national finance team. The announcement comes as Pawlenty's team gears up for a major-donor fundraising effort.

The Funniest Fox <b>News</b> FAILS (PICTURES)

News bloopers are some of the best ones, especially when the flub involves a hilariously erroneous chyron or graphic. Fox News has had some of the funniest FAILS the Internet was able to capture, and we've corralled all the best ones ...

Search engine optimization Vancouver For any Better Marketing Solution

 

When you begin your own website there are many ways you'll have to market it and one the best way is by using Search engine optimization Vancouver if you happen to be in that area. The SEO or search engine optimization services will be the top way of getting more traffic to your website and for that reason making more sales.

 

Now, you need to know that you won't use SEO service if you're not an online business - however, if you do not have an online presence if you are a offline business, then you'll not make it very far.

 

It is a well known proven fact that if you are planning to make it within the offline world you must have an online business. This really is something which all business people are learning hard way. Something that you should also know is the fact that it's not as easy as just establishing the web site and leaving it to complete its things.

 

You can do this in most sorts of ways, but these companies usually take advantage of multiple methods to create an ideal marketing technique online. You will be able to hire them to write articles for you personally, post on forums and blogs, create meta tags and meta descriptions, cleanup the code, add alt tags towards the images and much more.

 

It is crucial that you simply do this because otherwise the company that you have worked so hard for could end up losing all the money. If you have a website you want to create, then you'll also employ the expertise of a search engine optimization company, which means search engine optimization company. What this company does is actually go ahead and take best areas of your site, check the code, create keywords and write various articles and documents to ensure your website is placed close to the the surface of the list for that major search engines.

As a result the SEO company can not only improve your traffic, but also make sure that your site is fully optimized for the search engine spiders that will be introduced to it. These spiders are used to analyze your website and place it in certain positions determined on certain keywords.

 

If you want to use the Search engine optimization Vancouver then all you've got to do is find the top companies. It's through these how the SEO gets done effectively and efficiently. With so many SEO companies to choose from you have to be certain the main one you're going for is reliable. You should be able to ask for a failure of what you need, and also the company should also be able to tell you know long they've been operating for. This can limit their email list to reveal the very best ones.

 

Search engine optimization Provided by Different Vancouver Web Companies

The Vancouver SEO company services are extremely good for business growth because they provide quality services. If you are planning to produce a website for the internet business, then you have arrived at right article when i will be explaining below how Search engine optimization Vancouver company services can increase your website ranking and make it popular.

Before that, you need to know what Seo is. It is not that complicated and I'm sure you will get a grasp of it reading my article. The primary goal of SEO is to get more traffic aimed at your website and target audience. It is a good decision to choose a Vancouver SEO company that are experts in this sort of work, so that your website could be listed in search engines like google.

There isn't any point in you using a website without any website ranking whatsoever while you won't have any business and profits to survive. It is a very tough atmosphere available because there are a lot of internet business people exactly like you, who want their share of pie. You have to be familiar with the fact that nearly 85% of online traffic could be got from web-sites.

Whenever a user types in a keyword or keywords for which he/she wants to know in various sites, these use crawlers to obtain web sites using the relevant content and index them according to algorithms. You don't have to worry about the algorithms which these sites use as that isn't important.

To look within the first page of the google listing, you will need to hire professionals and experts who can do the needful to keep your site one of the good books during these websites. These professionals can optimize your website content to ensure that your website gets increased traffic.

Once the traffic gets high, it is a sign that you are getting a service that will get you more revenues. SEO Vancouver company do the following to make your site appear inside the first page of search results.

Use keywords that are popularly utilized on search engines on your website content.
Possess a website design for your website that is simple because top sites are allergic to flash and weird designs.
Submit your website to directories.
Submit your site to directory websites.
Postings on blogs and forums with back links to your websites. This really is regarded as an effective method of getting more traffic aimed at your website as numerous online users use blogs and forums.

SEO Vancouver company also perform site diagnostics that is a significant part in online optimization as research and analysis on finding keywords may be the method to begin a SEO campaign. So, be sure you select the right SEO Vancouver service company.

Are you looking for more information regarding SEO Vancouver? Visit http://www.seo4vancouver.com/seo-services.asp today!

 

What to Expect When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When it comes time to correct or replace your homes roof, it's really a challenging task to find somebody that is actually qualified for the job. There are lots of roofers out there, however the types who will do a congrats for any sensible price are not frequently simple to find. If you're in the marketplace for a contractor, make use of the ideas below for meeting with and employing the right one.

Interview as well as Discussion

The majority of roofing companies offer free consultations. This is particularly essential, because it provides them a chance to evaluate exactly what your roof requirements, also it provides you with an opportunity to assess all of them. As with all businesses, believe in instincts about the people you let upward onto your roofing. No issue how great a contractor's reputation or recommendation, he should start by showing you with a business card. If the service provider arrives looking as well as speaking in an less than professional method, chances are that the job he's going to perform may also be unprofessional. This isn't to say that you should expect companies to arrive within fits. They will be climbing in your roofing, therefore the majority of is going to be dressed up in denim jeans and function footwear or even sneakers. If the service provider appears to be more interested in speaking upon their cell phone during your homes roof than he's within evaluating your roof's needs, that may be an additional sign that he is not really the main one for the job. For your legal protection, be certain that the actual contractor offers sufficient legal responsibility insurance coverage.

Roof Evaluation

Expect that the contractor will be rising on your roof. In fact, any kind of service provider who does not need to go up in your roofing to evaluate the problem should be instantly reduced. Those who are seriously interested in their own function may either create a drawing of your roof's surface and mark problem areas on it as they undergo their assessment, or even they will consider photos or even video clip of the surface area while they are available online for. This is an extremely important step, since it allows you to observe exactly what the problems are and know how they will be set.

Estimate

The next step would be the written estimation. The service provider will take out his calculator and come up with a written estimation. Some contractors goes to their own vehicle or even van as well as write up the actual proposal, while others will crisis the numbers to do the job in front of you. Once you are given the proposal, make sure that you comprehend exactly which products will be utilized, just how long the job will require and when there are any extra or even concealed costs that could occur during the repair from the roof. The contractor will be able to answer many of these concerns with ease and forewarn you of any additional costs that could be incurred if the roof's ethics end up being broken within.

After you have received a few created estimations from roofers, assess what every company or service provider is willing to offer you for the cost. Do not always discount the greatest bid, simply because sometimes the greatest bid will in reality function as the service provider who the task properly. Additionally, be wary of bids that are not nearly as expensive others. They might be using inferior items or be unethical concerning the possibility of hidden expenses. Most importantly, trust your instincts and opt for the service provider who makes you feel quite comfy regarding giving over your hard earned money.

 

Seven Uyghurs Sentenced to Death

2011-03-23

Critics of the sentences say China has politicized the robberies as acts of terrorism.

 

AFP

A Uyghur man walks past armed Chinese security forces in Urumqi, July 17, 2009.

Chinese authorities in the northwestern region of Xinjiang have ordered the executions of seven ethnic minority Uyghur men convicted of "violent" crimes, official media said on Wednesday.

 

The death sentences were handed down by the Supreme People's Court in recent days, according to state media in the regional capital, Urumqi.

 

The men were accused in connection with three separate attacks late last year in the Silk Road city of Kashgar, according to the news website Urumqi Online.

 

According to another website, the Xinjiang-based Tianshan news site, Aimaiti Tuheti, Yiming Dawuti, and unnamed "others" killed a security guard at a pedestrian mall as part of a failed Aug. 7 robbery attempt.

 

In a separate incident on Oct. 12, it said, Nuermaimaiti Aobulikasimu and 11 others broke into a house, bound and killed the couple living in it, and took their possessions.

 

It said the group also broke into the homes of two brothers, robbed them, and killed six people in a Nov. 11 attack in Kashgar.

 

The report gave no information about the victims or the schedule for the executions.

 

Three of the men were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, a sentence that is normally commuted to life imprisonment in China's judicial system.

 

They were convicted of deliberate homicide and armed robbery by the Kashgar Intermediate People's Court in the first instance.

 

'Strike hard' campaign

 

A Han Chinese resident of Urumqi surnamed Yang said a reference to "terrorism" in official news reports on the case showed that it was being politicized by the authorities, who have launched a series of "strike hard" campaigns in Xinjiang following deadly ethnic violence in July 2009.

 

"There is an implied political meaning; that they were somehow engaged in separatist activities or ethnic divisions," said Yang.

 

Exile Uyghur groups said the trials had been conducted behind closed doors, with scant opportunity for public scrutiny.

 

"The entire process against these men, from the trial through to the judgment, was opaque," said Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress.

 

"There was also very little reasonable evidence to convict them on a legal basis, because all the evidence came from one side of the case," he said.

 

"We strongly condemn the Chinese government for continuing to pursue their policies of ethnic division," said Raxit.

 

"We are also strongly opposed to the death penalty in this case."

 

Earlier cases

 

Last month, the Supreme Court sentenced four Uyghurs to death for alleged involvement in an Aug. 19 bomb attack in Xinjiang’s western Aksu city.

 

The World Uyghur Congress pointed to concerns over lack of transparency in those cases too.

 

The Aksu blast left eight people dead, including two of the bombers, and 15 wounded after a man riding a three-wheeled vehicle threw explosives at a group of uniformed patrolmen. Four Uyghurs were arrested shortly after the attack.

 

State media characterized the cases as acts of terrorism and unrelated to longstanding ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and Han Chinese in the region.

 

Exiled Uyghur dissident Rebiya Kadeer has warned that attacks like those in Aksu will continue to occur until Beijing addresses the underlying source of tension in the region.

 

Millions of Uyghurs—a distinct, Turkic minority who are predominantly Muslim—populate Central Asia and Xinjiang.

 

Uyghurs say they have long suffered ethnic discrimination, oppressive religious controls, and continued poverty and joblessness despite China's ambitious plans to develop its vast northwestern frontier.

 

Those frustrations erupted in July 2009 in deadly riots that left nearly 200 people dead, by the Chinese government's tally.

 

At least 26 people, mostly Uyghurs, were sentenced to death in the aftermath of the riots, many of whom have been executed, according to state media.

 

China is believed to execute more people each year than the rest of the world’s countries combined, although the government does not publish official figures.

 

Rights groups say Beijing may execute as many as several thousand prisoners annually.

 

Chinese authorities blame Uyghur separatists for a series of deadly attacks in recent years and accuse one group in particular of maintaining ties to the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

 

New training scheme

 

China on Wednesday also announced a training scheme which places ethnic minority graduates from Xinjiang in work elsewhere in China.

 

Governments of the destination cities will spend 450 million yuan (U.S.$ 69 million) for the program, while Xinjiang will spend 400 million yuan (U.S.$ 61 million), the official Xinhua news agency reported.

 

The program targets some 60,000 jobless college graduates in Xinjiang, around 80 percent of whom are from ethnic minorities, and 60 percent of whom are women.

 

However, some commentators see the move as an attempt to assimilate non-Han Chinese into mainstream Chinese culture.

 

"From the point of view of ethnic minorities, the graduate work scheme is really taking the cream of youth from the minorities and using them to 'further cultural development,'" wrote one ethnic minority user on a popular microblogging service.

 

"In fact, the culture that is being advanced is Han culture, and this group of young people will have been totally brainwashed," the microblog update said.

 

An Urumqi resident surnamed Li agreed.

 

"They have run senior high school schemes like this before during the past few years," he said.

 

"Whether it's high-schoolers or graduate training programs, these are measures that are aimed at thought control and brainwashing, and the 'Partification' of their education," he said.

 

Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright © 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

 

Wikileaks and the Uyghur People

by holly upon Dec Twenty, 2010
Henryk Szadziewski, Supervisor, Uyghur Human Rights Project

Whether it were ever in doubt, info obtained through the whistleblower web site, Wikileaks, offers verified Chinese language government fears more than it's ongoing charge of the region this calls Xinjiang, also is referred to as East Turkestan. The actual leaked wires from Ough.S. diplomats show the actual extent that Chinese government bodies attempt to convince governments globally to adopt it's stance on issues impacting Uyghurs. The wires also show the actual U . s . States' issues and sights regarding the on going repressive steps in the region.

Most illuminating associated with Chinese language government stress would be the cables directed to Chinese frustration, or even the specter associated with Chinese language ire, within the release of Uyghur detainees within Guantánamo to 3rd nations. The December 29, 2008 cable relates exactly how Chinese language Helper Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi fulfilled using the Ough.S. Ambassador in order to China to tone of voice Beijing's powerful competitors of release in order to any kind of country apart from China, which if the U.Utes. do indeed accede for this ask for it would "avoid harm to bilateral relations and to co-operation ‘in important areas'". Furthermore, the Feb 2009 cable explains how the Chinese language Ambassador in order to Kyrgyzstan, Zhang Yannian, regarded as the actual possible discharge of Uyghur Guantánamo detainees as "an unfavorable act towards us" and a "slap within the face". The Ough.Utes. government stood firm within not releasing the detainees to China demonstrates the actual degree from the politicized nature of the Chinese judicial program. Legitimate concerns over terrorism tend to be understandable, however in the Ough.S. government's view the detainees might most likely face do-it-yourself torture as well as delivery if they came back to The far east

Chinese language government pressure in regard to the Uyghur Guantánamo detainees was not just put on the actual U.Utes. government, but additionally to Brand new Zealand along with a number of European government authorities which were considering resettlement. Albania, Germany and Finland, as well as Eu member states all have the symptoms of borne the brunt of Chinese language government disappointment. Regarding Germany, which was at first willing to consider two Uyghurs on purely humanitarian grounds, Uyghur Guantánamo cases were much less better than other detainees due to the unwanted effects accepting Uyghurs might have upon relationships with The far east. The Might Eight, '09 cable television applies exactly how "German Ambassador Erina Schaefer documented that Germany had informed China of the U.Utes. request to accept some Uighur detainees held at Guantánamo coupled with already been subsequently cautioned by The far east of ‘a large load on bilateral relations' if Indonesia were to simply accept any detainees".

The diplomatic wires additionally discuss the actual unrest within Urumchi, the local funds, in This summer 2009. A July Thirteen, 2009 cable television talking about bulk occurrences in The far east says:

"Ethnic riots such as those in Xinjiang July 5-7 and in Tibet in March of 08 vary substantially within origin as well as nature through bulk occurrences, XXXXXXXXXXXX stressed in order to PolOff [Political Officer] on XXXXXXXXXXXX. Each existing serious trouble for the Party, XXXXXXXXXXXX stated, but the Party leadership wouldn't wait to spread out fireplace upon Uighurs or Tibetans if they deemed it essential to restore order. Bulk incidents present a different kind of threat, he said, as the leadership is actually ‘afraid' to fire upon Han rioters with regard to fear of sparking huge public outrage that will change from the Celebration."

This can be a chilling viewpoint, particularly when 1 views the evidence presented by 50 percent reviews released this season through the Uyghur Human Privileges Task (UHRP) as well as Amnesty International which fine detail eyewitness accounts of the utilization of lethal live fire towards Uyghur protestors in This summer 2009. Additionally, the declaration that fire wouldn't be deployed towards Han Chinese protestors has resonances for the different approach taken by Chinese security causes within Urumchi in order to Han Chinese language direct orders in Sept 2009. Throughout individuals direct orders, then Party Assistant, Wang Lequan, tackled protesters, who had demanded he inform them regarding federal government reactions in order to security issues. An identical ask for to meet using the Party Secretary by Uyghur demonstrators in July was not met.

The broader repercussions from the unrest also noticed a brief dialogue on the impact it might possess on Iran-China relations, and on relationships with Sydney following World Uyghur Congress President, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, talked at the Nationwide Push Membership in Canberra in July '09. Within the latter situation, the Chinese government "privately warn[ed] a significant Australian bank that sponsors the National Press Membership to make use of its impact to block a Kadeer speech there".

The U . s . States' concerns about the situation in the Uyghur area also come via in the cables. Inside a dialogue upon policy direction within Tibet, U.S. authorities explain that it will end up being not possible with regard to Chinese language frontrunners to adopt a softer line "if they appear like doing so below international pressure". The cable out dated April Sixteen, 08, one month after the outbreak associated with unrest in Tibetan regions, also relayed the declaration "that domestic balance continues to be leadership's top priority above all else, which means there'll ‘almost surely' end up being no relaxation from the current difficult line upon Tibet or in locations such as Xinjiang." The information contained in the cable television also sheds light on the severe sensitivity that the Chinese government sights territorial ethics, and the possible spill over of unrest from Tibet.

The prospect of methods to tensions in Tibet as well as Xinjiang arising from civil culture tend to be discussed inside a Feb 24, 2008 cable television. While suggesting that China's financial success increases it's resistance to democratic change, the actual cable additionally discusses how Chinese language frontrunners begin to see the usefulness associated with "a limited expansion associated with civil society, including enhancements in the rule of law and a more powerful part with regard to approved religions, NGOs, non profit organizations along with other actors within areas that contribute to social balance and do not challenge Communist Party guideline." This is a notable change in thinking, that has seen Ough.Utes. officials promote the notion which Chinese language economic improvement, as well as financial relationships along with The far east brings in regards to a steadily democratic society; however, more faith seems to be placed in the grassroots movement than one which begins from the top levels of the Chinese language government. Nonetheless, the actual cable proves that "[i]n areas for example Tibet and Xinjiang, the fear associated with separatism results in tighter limitations on the development of municipal society." This approach is viewed as counter-productive by the recognized, that suggests that the Ough.Utes. federal government "should continue to express...serious concerns over Beijing's individual rights record as well as attract China's developing consciousness that greater regard for human rights, religious freedom and also the rule of law will serve to advertise the improvement as well as social stability that China seeks as well as to improve China's international picture." Such a strategy would take substantial diplomatic skills considering "China's paranoid concern that the Usa privately encourages regime alter and ‘separatists' in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang".

The actual cables offer understanding of the actual daily business associated with diplomacy that's hardly ever afforded to the general public, and it is fascinating to notice the quantity of work carried out nowadays on Uyghur issues. The importance of the part of the United States as a monitor associated with Uyghur human rights conditions within private discussions is made obvious, and contrasts using its sensible public stance. Employees of the Uyghur Human Rights Task is actually comfortable with the pressure the Chinese government exerts upon Uyghur activists; nevertheless, the facts of Chinese language federal government stress upon it's counterparts is illustrative from the diploma which Chinese authorities make an effort to suppress contradictory narratives. With increased revelations to come from Wikileaks, issues over Uyghurs might not grab the head lines, however the wires have get rid of new gentle on the paperwork of human rights conditions within the Uyghur area.

 

Wikileaks and also the Uyghurs

through holly upon Dec Twenty, 2010
Henryk Szadziewski, Manager, Uyghur Human Rights Project

If it had been ever in doubt, info obtained through the whistleblower website, Wikileaks, offers verified Chinese language government fears over it's ongoing charge of the location this phone calls Xinjiang, also is known as Eastern Turkestan. The actual leaked out wires from U.Utes. diplomats demonstrate the degree that Chinese government bodies make an effort to convince government authorities worldwide to adopt it's stance on problems affecting Uyghurs. The wires additionally show the actual United States' issues as well as views concerning the ongoing repressive steps in the area.

The majority of illuminating associated with Chinese government pressure would be the wires directed to Chinese frustration, or the specter associated with Chinese language ire, over the release of Uyghur detainees within Guantánamo to 3rd nations. A December 29, 08 cable television relates how Chinese Assistant International Minister Liu Jieyi met with the Ough.Utes. Ambassador in order to The far east to tone of voice Beijing's powerful competitors of launch to any kind of nation apart from China, which when the Ough.S. did indeed accede to this ask for it would "avoid harm to bilateral relations and also to cooperation ‘in important areas'". Furthermore, the Feb '09 cable television describes how the Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Zhang Yannian, regarded the possible release of Uyghur Guantánamo detainees because "an unfriendly behave toward us" and a "slap in the face". That the Ough.S. government was company in not really liberating the actual detainees in order to China illustrates the extent of the politicized nature of the Chinese language judicial system. Genuine concerns more than terrorism tend to be easy to understand, however in the actual U.Utes. government's view the detainees might probably face torture as well as execution when they came back to The far east

Chinese government pressure in regard to the actual Uyghur Guantánamo detainees was not only put on the U.Utes. government, but additionally to Brand new Zealand and a number of Western governments that were thinking about resettlement. Albania, Indonesia and Finland, as well as Eu fellow member says just about all appear to have paid for the actual impact associated with Chinese federal government unhappiness. Regarding Germany, that was at first willing to think about 2 Uyghurs on purely humanitarian grounds, Uyghur Guantánamo instances were much less preferable to other detainees due to the unwanted effects accepting Uyghurs might have upon relations with China. The Might Eight, '09 cable relates exactly how "German Ambassador Erina Schaefer documented which Indonesia experienced informed China of the U.S. request to accept some Uighur detainees held at Guantánamo and had been subsequently cautioned by China associated with ‘a large burden on bilateral relations' in the event that Germany had been to simply accept any detainees".

The actual diplomatic cables additionally discuss the unrest in Urumchi, the actual local funds, in This summer 2009. The July 13, '09 cable television discussing bulk occurrences in The far east states:

"Ethnic riots like those in Xinjiang July 5-7 and in Tibet in 03 associated with 2008 differ markedly in origin and nature through bulk incidents, XXXXXXXXXXXX stressed to PolOff [Political Officer] on XXXXXXXXXXXX. Each existing severe trouble for the Party, XXXXXXXXXXXX said, but the Party leadership would not wait to open fireplace upon Uighurs or even Tibetans if they considered this essential to recover purchase. Bulk occurrences pose another type of risk, he said, as the leadership is ‘afraid' to fire on Han rioters for fear of sparking massive public outrage that will turn from the Celebration."

This is a relaxing opinion, especially when one considers evidence presented in two reports launched this year by the Uyghur Human Privileges Task (UHRP) and Amnesty Worldwide that fine detail eyewitness company accounts of the use of deadly reside fire against Uyghur protestors in This summer '09. In addition, the actual declaration which fire wouldn't be deployed against Han Chinese protestors offers resonances for the different approach taken through Chinese language security forces within Urumchi to Han Chinese language protests in September 2009. Throughout individuals direct orders, then Party Assistant, Wang Lequan, addressed demonstrators, who experienced required he let them know about government responses in order to protection issues. An identical ask for to meet with the Celebration Secretary by Uyghur demonstrators in July wasn't met.

The actual wider consequences from the unrest additionally noticed a short discussion on the impact it might have on Iran-China relations, and on relations with Sydney after World Uyghur Congress President, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, spoke in the Nationwide Press Membership within Canberra within August 2009. Within the latter case, china government "privately warn[ed] a major Australian bank which vendors the nation's Press Club to use its impact to block the Kadeer speech there".

The actual United States' issues concerning the scenario within the Uyghur region are available via in the cables. In a dialogue on plan path in Tibet, Ough.S. officials explain that it will be impossible with regard to Chinese language frontrunners to consider a softer collection "if they look like doing so below international pressure". The cable out dated April 16, 2008, one month following the outbreak associated with unrest within Tibetan regions, additionally relayed the declaration "that domestic stability continues to be leadership's top priority most of all, which means there'll ‘almost surely' be absolutely no relaxation of the present hard line upon Tibet or perhaps in locations like Xinjiang." The information included in the cable television additionally storage sheds gentle on the extreme sensitivity with which the Chinese government views territorial ethics, and also the feasible spill more than associated with unrest through Tibet.

The chance of solutions to stress within Tibet as well as Xinjiang arising from municipal culture are discussed inside a Feb 24, 2008 cable. While suggesting which China's financial achievement increases its resistance to democratic change, the actual cable television additionally talks about how Chinese language frontrunners begin to see the effectiveness of "a restricted growth associated with municipal culture, such as enhancements in the rule of law along with a stronger part for authorized religions, NGOs, non profit organizations along with other actors in places that bring about social stability and don't challenge Communist Party rule." This can be a notable change in considering, that has observed U.S. officials promote the notion which Chinese economic development, and financial relationships along with The far east will bring in regards to a progressively democratic society; however, more faith seems to be put into the grassroots motion than one which starts from the best quantity of a Chinese federal government. Nonetheless, the actual cable television concludes which "[i]n areas for example Tibet and Xinjiang, driving a car of separatism results in tight restrictions on the development of civil society." This method is viewed as counter-productive by the recognized, who suggests that the actual Ough.S. federal government "should still express...serious issues over Beijing's individual rights record as well as attract China's growing consciousness which higher respect with regard to individual rights, spiritual freedom and the guideline associated with regulation will serve to promote the very improvement and sociable stability that The far east seeks as well as to improve China's international image." Such a strategy would consider considerable diplomatic abilities thinking about "China's weird fear the United States secretly encourages regime change as well as ‘separatists' within Taiwan, Tibet as well as Xinjiang".

The actual cables offer understanding of the daily business associated with diplomacy that is hardly ever afforded to the general public, which is fascinating to note the quantity of function done behind closed doors upon Uyghur problems. The importance of the actual role of the United States as a keep track of of Uyghur human rights problems within private conversations is made clear, and contrasts using its tactful open public stance. Employees from the Uyghur Individual Rights Project is actually well aware of pressure the Chinese federal government exerts upon Uyghur activists; still, the facts associated with Chinese language federal government pressure upon its counterparts is illustrative of the diploma which Chinese officials attempt to control contrary stories. With more facts to come through Wikileaks, concerns more than Uyghurs may not get the actual head lines, but the cables have get rid of new gentle on the documentation of individual rights problems within the Uyghur area.

 

Seo And Article Marketing Will Place Yourself on Page 1

Search engine optimization and article marketing are two of the most powerful strategies which you can use in promoting your site and get the revenue and success that you need for your web business. Both of these stuff has been around for any really while already however they still remain to be really effective. Actually, these have helped lots of people free themselves from your traditional ways of money-generating options of society.

In the following paragraphs, I will be showing the ways how you are able to properly execute search engine optimization and article marketing for the betterment of your business enterprise web site. In addition, I will be also discussing different points you need to consider if you are using these two online marketing strategies to promote your website and obtain customers. Despite the fact that article promotion and Seo have been established for a long time already, you need to know that the trends and choices concerning how they are carried out are continually changing, and that's why you should keep yourself up to date with these items through the help of Search engine optimization forum sites so that you can quickly adjust and discover ways to make your strategies more effective.

In the past article marketing to different websites was previously so simple the effects that they produce for web-sites really was powerful. However, everything has changed a whole lot today. Currently submitting the identical article to different websites has stopped being recommended because engines like google have now changed to some huge extent in the way they rank pages. They no longer rank contents which are identical like they utilized to in the past. This is among the best types of changes that exist in online marketing trends. This change has given birth to wide plethora of methods that web marketers are using today. Nearly all of internet marketers now produce articles and submit them in really popular article submission sites and wait for targeted prospects to make their pages. This is perhaps that most reliable Seo strategy that you can use. Aside from being effective, and also this provides positive benefits frequently. The only issue using this strategy is that the caliber of traffic that you will get out of this will not be so good if you don't do proper market and keyword research beforehand and use in-links. You need for attending these two things prior to deciding to submit your articles so that you won't find yourself losing large amounts of targeted traffic. Because of this you need to practice good levels of diligence if you want your advertising initiatives to be effective.

Besides articles, you may also use writing a blog, which can be another really powerful kind of internet marketing strategy today since it is highly popular with google and yahoo. On this technique, you can choose to develop a single web log that specifically targets your best market otherwise you can give rise to other blogs which can be labeled as experts inside your niche.

Learn effective Vancouver seo techniques in the Vancouver SEO website.

Roofing Companies Vancouver BC

There are many things to take into account when looking for the roofing contractor. Cost, experience, as well as referrals are a few of the things you'll probably be concerned about. Continue reading for even more ideas.

• Finding a Roofing Contractors

Before hunting for a roofing contractor, ensure you have a common idea of the task that you need to do. By no means do you have to be a professional. If you have the Roof Qualification, read it completely to find the information regarding your active roof. If you don't have a Roofing Certificate, refer to documents signed during shutting to locate your homes Inspection page. These documents should provide you with everything you need to find out about your roof. Just before contacting any roofing contractor, you have to have a list of requirements and requirements to help you decide exactly who works for your roof covering project. Be sure you write down each potential roofing contractor's answers and check these people against one another. If you can find any discrepancies, be sure to notice this and also take this into consideration when coming up with a final choice. There are no straightforward ways to select a roofing contractor, however , if you take attention to the info provided, your chances of a successful roofing project are greatly improved.

One of the best methods for finding a roofing contractor is by word of mouth. Try inquiring a friend or relative who has had roofer work done, and ended up being satisfied with the job. Get the name of the company and his or her contact details. If you have no word of jaws referrals, try out first looking in the phone book and internet based. A large ad or extravagant website is not necessarily an illustration of the top quality of work, but could be a great tool for measuring how long and commitment they have used in their respective profession. Furthermore, try obtaining current worksites and search at the roofer work that's done or perhaps in the process of becoming finished. In case you are visually amazed, ask the property manager to the name with the roofing contractor and also their make contact with information.

• Preliminary research

When looking for any roofing contractors, it really is imperative to initial do your background research. While looking in the phone directory or on the web is a suitable place to find a service provider, finding relevant information on these kinds of businesses will probably be found in many areas. Initial, check with places like the Better Business Bureau, city, condition, and region public records, and also local certification agencies. Request your roofing contractor if they are a member of any roofing contractor associations. These types of precautions can mitigate the risks. Additionally ask them what sorts of roofing these people specialize in. Furthermore ask your own roofing contractor regarding any warranties they offer on the installed roofs. Find out what safeguards they decide to use avoid injury done to other regions of the home by workers. Goods such as gutters, exterior siding, and chimneys are close in proximity and so susceptible to unintended damages.

Ensure all of this info is included in your created contract. Check if you need a covering permit and/or agreement from your home owners association beforehand. These agencies will let you know who is responsible for receiving these permits and authorizations. If it is the duty of the roofing contractor, also have it included in your contract. Whether it is your accountability, get said permits along with permissions collated with all the estimated roofing project and also have it evidently posted or even readily available.

• Certification and Recommendations

Roofing Companies are not required to be certified in all says. Contact nearby licensing companies that rule general development contractors to get a list of specifications. Once you have attained the requirements, make a list of thorough questions to ask the potential roofing contractor. This simple checklist should immediately help you to get rid of the competent from the not qualified roofing installers. Qualified contractors should be able to easily answer questions or perhaps tell you that they have to do additional research ahead of giving a new definitive response.

Even if the roofing contractor provides all needed licensing, you need to ask to find out pictures of completed roof covering jobs as well as speak to pleased clients. Have a list of queries handy must recent clientele, such as the character of the employment, timeliness, and general satisfaction. Make sure these are recent clients as well as cross guide if possible. Regarding commercial covering, make sure that the roofing contractor is actually bonded. Examining these referrals is another included measure of safety to restrict the list regarding potential covering contractors.

Seo Through Article marketing

Article marketing could be a very powerful way of Seo for your company websites. Quality written articles manage to improve your websites SERP and add quality for a company website. Writing informative keyword rich articles is essential in gaining new backlinks for a business website. Articles can and may be written on topics that are unique in your business or industry. The articles can discuss a range of issues and ideas within your industry. Articles that offer your reader which has a resource will almost always be probably the most popular and a lot likely types of articles which will lead to backlinks aimed at your website.

Focus your posts in your potential readers or customers. Seo articles should address real questions which are asked by current or best buyers. Each article you are writing for you personally company ought to include detailed analysis and Seo keywords that can help associate your site while using content within the site. Focus your posts on around 3 keywords and do not stray from their website. Consistency is very important when writing Search engine optimization articles. In case you are currently talking about Vancouver Search engine optimization be sure your still talk about information highly relevant to the keyword.

Give each one of your Seo Articles an engaging Title which will encourage people to see and bookmark your articles. Ideally, the articles you write can become as links using their company websites which might be just like yours. This one thing can help improve the power of every link all of which will aid in increasing your SERP. Ensure that you end each article which has a keyword anchored link (see Easy Business Search engine optimization). This link will help to improve your rankings in the search engines as well as other major engines like google for your keyword connected to the link. Submit the articles to a submitted article directory and Voila! Before long, your internet site may be around the first page of Google.

Many thanks for reading. Can't wait to visit your Seo articles!

Vancouver Seo Agency Aims For Google Places With Total Success

When we type in searching term trying to find a business in their local area, they'll find that Google places and Google maps is showing listings of local businesses. It is very eminent for them to be optimized and for auction on this first page whenever they desire to generate business. Vancouver SEO companies must be educated in this region for their clients.

There seems to be a large amount of new Vancouver SEO companies starting up, simply because the requirement is there. Finding a search engine optimization firm which has the client's interest at heart may be tedious. What number of keywords do they optimize for? What are the keywords along with the corresponding search volume? Do they understand how to optimize for Google places? Etc. Seo could be the business of landing at the top and Maxim Edge will get you there.

"My wife and i also started our Vancouver SEO company by accident. We've got learned over the school of hard knocks and learning from your errors how to utilize web to showcase any business. We began while using website, then this competition, then of course building quality back-links to push a website up within the rankings. It isn't pushing some control and watching what are the results type of business. It requires a lot of effort, lots of research and many commitment. We strive for our clients so we are very proud of a high retention rate." Randy Neale says.

For additional information on Michael, a Vancouver Seo agency, please visit their website today at seo4vancouver.com

Portraits of Uyghurs

In the middle of the desert landscapes of Taklamakan, in the north-west part of China, the province of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is the very least populated province whereas it covers close to a sixth from the nation's area. Getting resisted during hundreds of years the Han Chinese domination, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, or Old Eastern Turkistan, fell into within the Chinese Han control in 1949. From then, its population is mainly Uyghur People and Turkish - speaking System.

Muslim primarily, the Uyghur people have a deep religious identification which, in particular, permitted them to preserve a strong big difference in opposition to the Chinese enemy. Really, the Uyghur Kingdom of Mongolia knew a brilliant civilization, until its absorption by the Mongolian Empire in the XIIIth century.

During their history, the Uyghur People successively taken on Shamanism, Manicheism, Buddhism and the Nestorianism before lastly moving to Islam when the Arab conquerors beat the Chinese in year 751 BC., as a result opening the way to the Islamization of the complete Central Asia.

Under the effect of the beliefs which they taken on, the Uyghurs taken successively, and sometimes in a competing way, a great number of written forms (turco-runic, brahmi, tokharien, soghdien) before developing their own unique graphic system.

The arrival of Islam was a great change mainly because it was accompanied by the assimilation of the Uyghur land in the immense Turco-Mongolian and Islamic Kingdom. Thus, the descendants of Genghis Khan slowly replaced their writing by a Arabo-Persan alphabet, still used at present.

If their own writing, their language and their religion mark a real big difference with the tradition of Chinese Han, the Uyghurs also differ from their characteristic, so aspect of Central Asia's people. A shiny skin, eyes representing a whole pallet of colors, from black to deep blue, features directing out to the Mongolian, Turkish or Uzbek origins of these men and these women.

For a few years, China has integrated the proper identity of these remote people, though they represent only eight million inhabitants - a little for this specific large land. So, Uyghur people are now part of the fifty six ethnic minority groups having been well known in an official way by the People's Republic of China.

This particular law will allow these people a few privileges in a country exactly where their big difference is very often repressed. Therefore, Uyghur people escape the "single child policy" and their language is recognized as the second official language in Xinjiang.

The integration of the Uyghurs and their culture in the People's Republic of China, however, seems really illusory. The presence of natural resources in Xinjiang, and its proximity with locations well-known as very sensitive, strongly encouraged the government to increase the sinicization of this area. Million of Han thus came to settle in this new Chinese eldorado, monopolizing the larger responsibility job opportunities.

In reaction to this true will to assimilate the Uyghur people into the Chinese culture, an independent party like East Turkistan Islamic Movement(ETIM) was born in the early 1990.

Asserting more flexibility, but mainly the recognition of their true identity, this movement was severely repressed by the power authorities in place Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

The situations of September 11, 2001, were the perfect occasion for the Chinese government to justify true reprisals: they declared the "Uyghur freedom fighters" as dangerous terrorists linked to Al Quaida because of their Muslim origins and their proximity with Pakistan and Afghanistan... However, the terrible repression which followed did not calm down the anger. The Uyghur population continues today to proudly keep their identity and their ethnic heritage , even though they become a minority on their own land.

To get more information about Uyghur people, you can visit a Uyghur website called Uyghur News at http://www.uyghurnews.com