Thousand Minds Social Media

What Online Retailers Should Know About SEO

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:30:00 +0000

The web is a huge market and it is probably the reason why retailers are jumping into online selling nowadays. When you do a search for an online store, you'll be receiving results that categorizes from apparel to gadgets and even food. Search is a big part of being on the web and placing the top rank is definitely a website's goal. This include online retail websites and below are what online retailers should know about SEO.

1. Always Add New Content

Online Retailers should keep in mind that adding new content about their products increases their opportunity of being on the top search rank. They should not only focus on selling, but also on giving new valuable content to their customers to engage them more.

They can put case studies about their prodducts on their site, news and product offerings.

2. Remove Duplicated Content

Repetitive content usually occurs on product descriptions. Online retailers should refrain from having the same description with similar products. Try on focusing on the distinguishing characteristics of that product. This will add content to your website and lessen the chance of being penalized by search engines.

3. Pull Traffic Towards Static Pages

For some online retailers, product change probably weekly or monthly. Adding new products will do increase your rank but removing them might be a negative thing, especially that search engines takes time on indexing website content.

To avoid this, you should focus your traffic more on static pages such as the category of your product instead of the individual product page itself.

4. Optimize Product Catalogs That Are On PDF Format

Most of online stores place their catalogs on PDFs and they usually forget to optimize them too. We know that images are more attractive but we prefer text-based catalogs for search engines to crawl.

Just like how you optimize your HTML page, include keywords on headlines, anchor text hyperlinks and in copy and meta descriptions.

Keep the size of the PDF as small as it can be to avoid customers desert your PDF before even reading it.

Lastly, make sure that all document properties are complete especially the title.

5. Don't Forget To Optimize Your Images

We can't deny that images are needed in an online retail website so better yet optimize them for the search engine to read it. Incorporate your keywords on those alt texts and titles to increase your ranking.

***Image used is from Meles Musings Website

The Future Walkman, Reader and VAIO

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Watch this video of Sony Contrast's concepts of the future walkman, reader and VAIO.

Google Wave Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:49:00 +0000

It has been a hot topic everywhere. Google Wave here, Google Wave there, and people are really looking forward to using it. Unfortunately, not everyone can experience it yet, Google Wave Preview is set for developers and testers.

Google Wave intends to combine instant messaging, e-mail, document handling and social networking. With all of these features, this test that they will be doing is going to be big. There will also be extensions or applications that you can add, which can be developed by anyone, since it is open source. Somehow similar to Facebook and Twitter where you can also make your own application, but this one's different because it's catered more to corporate clients.

Image from Google Wave website

Bugs and crashes had occurred during some tests, according to one of the developers of Google Wave. However, Google is a big name in the industry, so I am pretty sure that this real-time communications service is going to be a success.

There’s still no specific time frame for the public release of Google Wave but invites for the preview are already out. More than 100,000 developers, individual testers and some corporate users of Google Applications will be given a chance to use it.

So, will Google Wave be a scare to Facebook and other social networking sites? We’ll see. Besides, who would not want this kind of tool where almost everything you need is in there.

Increase Your Facebook and Twitter Search Engine Ranking

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Companies and Businesses today have been moving to social media. Not only do they have their own corporate websites but most of them have been adding accounts to Facebook and Twitter. As much as how important SEO is to websites, we shouldn’t forget that SEO can also apply to social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

So to companies out there, don’t worry on getting that top rank with your social media accounts. Drew Hubbard, a writer from iMedia Connection, had provided SEO tips for Facebook and Twitter that will surely drive traffic to your social media page.

Here are the tips you have to keep in mind.

SEO Tips for Facebook:

1. Provide regular updates

Always add new content for you site that interests you fans or something they can interact with. You might as well reply to your fans’ feedbacks.

2. Choose a good name for the page

Just like making a title on your websites, include your company name or even your targeted keywords.

3. Choose a good username

A business name or a selected keyword is appropriate for your username.

4. Take advantage of the “about box”

The “about box” is one of the places where search engines read the most so rather put all the relevant content about your company there. Also, don’t forget to put all those targeted keywords.

5. Customize your page

Customize your page by adding more content. You might want to include significant content on your boxes.

SEO Tips for Twitter:

1. Pick a good username.

Same as Facebook, the most appropriate username will be your brand name or a relevant keyword for in most cases, these are the things that appear on search engine results page.

2. Choose a good account name.

A good username is as good as your account name, so probably use your brand name or your target keyword there.

3. Add links and keywords to your profile.

Your bio should contain your relevant keywords. You can choose among these to put for your URL: you company website, your other social media accounts, or even a landing page that will attract social media users.

4. The initial characters of tweets are important for search engines.

The first few characters of a Twitter update are the ones that are seen in the search engines' listings. Again, this is an ideal place for you to put your relevant keywords.

5. Tweets should include back links when appropriate.

Link-building is important in SEO, so you should include links going to your blog or Facebook or you website.

6. Optimize your background image.

You can modify your background image that will show links to your other social media destinations. Consider how your corporate website looks like to be consistent with your branding.

You guys might want to check out how other companies applied SEO on their Facebook and Twitter sites. Here are some of them:

These are just some of the things you might want to consider in increasing search engine ranking for your social media websites. Always keep in mind that in SEO, may that be a company website or a social media website, content and links are the most important things.

Companies Use Social Media to Hire

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Social media has been used to stay in touch with your friends or relatives, to share information about something you’re interested in or even promote or market your company’s product or services. That was before. Social media’s usage has been increasing and now it’s being used to help companies choose who to hire and who’s not.

According to the article 45% of Employers Now Screen Social Media Profiles by Jennifer Van Grove, a writer in Mashable: The Social Media Guide, a research was held to see if a lot of HR professionals are really using social media sites to examine job applicants. Basically what they do is to view their applicants’ social media profiles probably from Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and even LinkedIn, and observe how they behave online. Most likely they base it on their blog posts, activities they do there and even their photos. In this way, it will help them decide if that job candidate is fitting for their company.

Looking at their social media profiles is just one way to better know their candidates and companies should not just rely on that. But, we also can’t deny the fact that it can be an accurate source since people are more natural when they do their social media activities online. Job hunters should be aware of this as well. There’s even an article by Boris Epstein, also a writer in Mashable, which lists ways on how job seekers can pass the social media recruitment test.

Selecting who to employ by using social media proves that social media now has a lot of advantages. I believe that in the future, it will grow bigger and bigger and we should know how to handle it and use it in the right way.

In this case, social media has been an aid, but as I have said earlier, companies should not rely only on social media, for you’ll just know how this job applicant works when you experienced working with them already.

The JK Wedding - 5 things that make content successfully viral

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:46:00 +0000

With 18,325,461 views, 160,540 faves, 82,041 comments, and 85,267 ratings (averaging in a 5/5) in less than a month in Youtube, We're more than sure that you know it's not Chris Brown's Forever music video we're discussing here.

Jill and Kevin's Big Day or more popularly known as The JK Wedding video has definitely created enormous buzz accross various social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Multiply, Tumblr, and perhaps also talked about and discussed in numeroous articles and blogs. Point made, why the hell are we still writing about it?

Well, we wouldn't want to pass this chance to share with you our thoughts on viral content or viral marketing for that matter.

To cut to the chase, here's a brief rundown of the 5 things to consider, better yet the 5 things that make content successfully viral.

1. The Content

Most online marketing firms and SEO specialists would stick to their books and say a screaming "Content is King!" referring to successful online media and then you'd ask yourself, "And so, what's exciting about a wedding?!"--YES! what's so exciting about a wedding that someone will go through the hassle and pass it on to everyone with two thumbs up?

The underlying question here is, how would you create or design something that breaks the silence? Can you cook up something so unconventional and original, that proposes a new and original way of doing things? What we saw in the JK Wedding video is but a clear example of a simple wedding entrance ceremony turn party mode. who in their right minds would dance their way to the altar to Chris Brown's Forever in a supposedly and traditionally solemn part of a wedding ceremony? What if you go surf now and find content so compelling about MTV's Jackass "Party Boy" being inaugurated and hailed by Japan as a national artist, now would you pass it around?

2. Have a Goal in Mind

We're not entirely saying that whoever choreographed the wedding entrance had plans of putting it in Youtube or sending a copy to several TV networks, but we're also NOT entirely saying that whoever choreographed the wedding entrance had NO plans of putting it in Youtube or any other media.

When it comes to viral campaigns, make sure that you have a well structured plan backed by data, indicate your goals, and focus your main and peripheral efforts towards your goal. Don't find yourself in a so called Doom Loop, it just goes to show you lack passion and initiative in what you're doing. In addition, if your aim is to provide a quick laugh to anyone who finds your content, then do so, don't wander around trying to involve other things like a lame story to back it up.

3. Use Social Media

Economic recession and boredom aside, it's a known fact that many people online are addicted to Youtube. With millions--no, billions--of viewers everyday, the likelihood of this "novel" video coming across different people from all over the continent is more than enough to catapult it to fame--which is what happened. So if you have something novel to share to the world, something unique, and something valuable, choose the best platform--think of a platform that has the right audience, that is popular, and the like. In other words, like a well-trained farmer, know where its best to plant your seeds.

4. Allow Your Content To Speak The Language of Your Audience

Aside from having viral content, a goal, and a plan, it is also as important to know your audience. Make sure this ties up to any media or platform you are trying to use. Content that can't be recognized by an audience is but a failure of strategic planning, more so, a content failure. Just make sure that your content reaches your desired audience.

Don't expect a wholesome mother of two be attracted to your viral efforts for a sex toy for example.

5. Hype It

Don't we all find ourselves in a cold start at least once in our online lives? You have your winning content ready, and you've placed it strategically on the best spot online, is that it? Will people come to you? It is also important to note that it takes quick thinking and massive efforts to push the flywheel towards your goals, which is why we mentioned earlier that you need to focus your main and peripheral efforts towards your goals or else you will end up in a stop and go no direction progression.

By saying Hype It we mean pushing it in the most efficient and creative way forward. The owner of the JK Wedding video must have contacted all of the people on speed dial after the event to share the already posted Youtube video to their own networks. Isn't it so convenient and efficient to have the people who were actually there be genuine advocates or peddlers for the content? Not that there were any brands or products involved in the video, but the point is, tap your natural advantages and build on top of them. In a sense, the idea behind this last note is similar to difference between hearing a World War II story from your history professor as compared to hearing it from a real war veteran. Which content would you think be more valuable?

That initial push is makes a lot of difference.

There obviously can be a lot more ways to make your viral content successful, here are just 5 we thought would be most important: your content, your plan and goal, your media, your language, and your efforts. If you have ideas and suggestions feel free to share them with us. You're thoughts are always welcome.

Learning from traditional marketing, here's something to keep your mind busy in case you're planning to cook up something: "The best way to kill a lousy product, is to advertise it.."

---

If you haven't seen the JK Wedding Video, here it is:

Are There Unspoken Rules in Graphic Design? Yuh!

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:46:00 +0000

With the boom of the digital age, the skew of visual aesthetics has significantly moved with technology. From the use of natural tints and animal hair brushes in traditional art, to the invention of the printing press and the study of Typography, the production and innovation of computers, to digital art, visual interfaces, page layouts, web design, and perhaps even 2D and 3D animation.

It is a fact that as we go through the routines of everyday, it becomes more and more acceptable that digital art and/or design at the very least are things almost everyone is getting familiar with. Especially with the emergence of user-friendly design software from Adobe and Corel, it wouldn't be too long if you'd find an 8 year old submitting vector illustrations of their favorite comic superheroes in his own DeviantArt account.

Nonetheless, this post is neither about the history of digital art, nor a theory explaining the direction of where aesthetics will be in the next couple of decades, rather it is a reminder to those of you who are already in any business or hobby relating to digital art and design of things we've already or yet to experience.

Some might beg to disagree, but I am sure most of you would simply say "hell yeah!".

Well obviously, these are also things to learn for the neophyte graphic artist...

The Unspoken Rules of Graphic Design
by James Trickery

1. Your fonts will default to the worst possible font available on the machine you are showing your work on.

2. If you have two versions of a photo, the wrong one will make its way to the printer.

3. The less time you have the more useless your computer will become.

4. Promises made by the sales staff have no basis in reality.

5. The sales staff will promise anything.

6. If the text consists of two words, one will be misspelled.

7. Speed. Quality. Affordability. Pick any two.

8. If the run is wrong, it’s never the press operator’s fault.

9. Spell checkers don’t.

10. Grammar checkers don’t, either.

11. Proof raeders are useless.

12. Global search-and-replaces aren’t.

13. The index entry you leave out will be the first one the client looks under.

14. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is good comedy.

15. If three designs are shown to a client, your least favorite will be chosen or any combination of worst components of each.

16. If two designs are shown, a third will be requested. If provided, then one of the first two will be chosen.

17. If you ask for more copy it will be sent as a .jpg. If you ask for images they will send powerpoint presentations.

18. Clients don’t have their company logo in a usable print ready format so don’t bother asking.

19. Blue line proofs reveal previously invisible errors.

20. The best designs never survive contact with the client.

21. You will misspell the name of the client’s spouse.

22. Your best idea is already copyrighted.

23. The best way to find errors in your code is to show a client “a new feature”.

24. There is no stock photo ever made that matches the image you have in your head.

25. Creative inspiration flows in inverse proportion to the distance from the studio.

26. Time allowed to complete work is inversely proportional to time taken by client to work out what to complain about.

27. Doctors, astronauts, and plumbers need training to do their jobs, but anyone with a computer is a graphic designer.

28. No matter how detailed the tech support FAQ is, nobody has ever heard of your problem.

29. The number of colors in a client’s design will equal the number of colors in the original bid specs, plus two.

30. The client’s disk won’t run on your equipment & when it does will contain unusable copyrighted images.

31. If you purchase new equipment to read your client’s disk, it will be the last disk of that type you will ever receive.

32. Your client will often not like your design but not quite know why.

33. Computer crashes always happen exactly 30 seconds before saving.

34. A client who knows exactly what he wants is worse than one that has no idea.

35. Clients who do not provide content upfront will complain about the use of Lorem Ipsum.

36. Everything has to be done immediately, deadlines are incredibly important unless client has to provide materials or approve your work.

37. The customer is always right . And an idiot.

——

Tired of Waiting @ The Break-Up Pub

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Here's a new story from a Break-Up Pub user:

I have been loving you for so long, so long that I can't even remember since when. Maybe since the very first day I saw you, you were there walking along those corridors for the tour around our University familiarization, holding that fan made me take a look at you, and even made me wonder if some day I can get closer to you or chat at something so interesting about, then suddenly a new friend of mine borrowed that fan of yours, after that event my friend nearly forgot the fan that she borrowed if only she didn't got to saw you it might totally slipped on her mind. (that friend of mine transferred to another school nearly before 3rd semester starts) And from that day on I completely forgot how were able to become closer, closer that our classmates were all starting to teased us, and I'm starting to make it more fun by acting as if I really like you. Third semester came in just a short span of time, and before I realized it i fall in love with you, felt scared of the rejection that might feel, I find myself avoiding not just you but my whole friends, to be able to forgot this feeling I'm afraid you''ll knew. Five months passed by and slowly I finally got back to my friends but still can't able to talk to you until that tour happened, and finally were able to reconcile, after the hardships of avoiding you, we renew the friendship we had as if nothing happened and deeply, that friendship grew to love.

In just a matter of time we become sweet to each other, murmuring I love you's, endless phone calls, together during lunch and holding hands. Confused of what status we have I take the courage to ask you, If I can apply as your girlfriend. Nervous at the same time, I got really happy on your answer. And from that day on we can't be separate from each other and friends was nearly forgotten, going home late at night become a great issue and days, months passed by it started to ruin the bind that we thought will strengthen as months go by, and in just blink of an eye, all the promises fall into pieces, holding hands get colder, sweet i love you's as if wind passed by and nearly forgotten. And again I took the courage to ask you what's going on, even asked you if you still love me, and yet you just answered me "I don't want to hurt you". And with that cold phrase coming from you made my heart froze, so cold that it made myself felt the overflowing loneliness. and now felt numbness envelope within me. Three painful months again passed by and from then on we didn't open... read more.

Should I Choose Ideal Love or True Happiness?

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:44:00 +0000

What's new on the Break-Up Pub? Well here's a new story for everyone to read:

I feel horrible! I am so confused and in need of people who can help me sort out my problems. This is about a crossroad in my life. I have reached a point where I can no longer decide which road to take.

My family is idealistic when it comes to choosing our lifetime partners. You see my mom married his first boyfriend and that would be my dad. My eldest brother tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart and first girl. My younger sister is about to marry her long-time boyfriend who is…you guess it right, her first boyfriend. This is an unspoken rule in the family—always marry your first sweetheart. I was never bothered by this “rule” until lately.

I meet my current boyfriend in a family reunion. He’s the step-son of a distant relative. First time we saw each other, we hit it off. He was charming and funny. My family liked him, too. We started going out after that and was inseparable ever since. Now, we are nearing our 5th year anniversary and he wants to settle down early next year. Suddenly, I’m not sure about us anymore. Looking back, the five years that we have been together was a so-so. Just like regular couples, we had dates; but ours where always spent with family members. Our hang-out was either his house or ours. We’ve never fought longer than a day because our families would always interfere. My life has become predictable and mundane. No conflicts. No challenges. No surprises. No nothing. Even my love for him seems...not there anymore. It’s like he has become a family to me and not a boyfriend nor a lover. I am choked by all of... read more.

I Am In Love With Love

noreply@blogger.com (Thousand Minds) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:57:00 +0000

Check out this new featured story from the Break-up Pub:

i had been in a relationship too many times before..

been to bad break-ups, left someone that i am so inlove with because my relationship with him just hurts so much i'd rather die than be in one roof with him for another minute, its that bad i would loose my mind!
its this one uber bad relationship that even the gods wouldn't agree to my stupidity to stay.

its been one of those i-fell-inlove-the-first-time i met him.. the world stood still, and all i could see is him, standing in front of me.

but as years passed, the relationship turns sour, actually its not the relationship per se, its the person that i fell inlove with that has gone bad... so to make this story short.. i had given him everything and nothing is good enough for him, he would go out with girls with the money i give him.. he would call me at christmas and saying "merry christmas thea" in which by the way is not my name... he would go to parties get drunk and picks up a girl and makes her his girlfriend overnight.. i would give...read more.

At The Dining Table: Know More Than Table Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Communicating With Your Partner About Food

If before you've never talked about food with your partner in great detail, except perhaps when consulting each other on where you want to have dinner, now that you're going to be living together with your boyfriend/girlfriend, that is about to change quite dramatically. From stocking up on groceries to what needs to be cooked when you're having particular meals at home, you have to discuss all of these things with your boyfriend/girlfriend. Of course, you will eventually learn your partner's food preferences or dining habits over time, but it will not be a bad idea to discuss it with him/her early on. Here are a few things you can do:

Find out your partner's food preference. The first chance you get, find time to... read more.

Being Fair: Household Chores and How To Manage Them

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Who does household chores at home? You? or Your Partner? Ever argued about it? Here's a tip:

If you have just moved in with your boyfriend/girlfriend recently, then in the middle of all the excitement you probably forgot to discuss one thing - and that is, housework. It may sound lame in the beginning, and maybe you think the topic is not even worth the time, but unless you can hire a maid to do all the household works for you, you need to talk about it with your partner. It may not be glamorous, but you have to face it: household chores would be a part of your lives as a live-in couple. Here are some things you can try to start learning the art of being domesticated:

Talk about the works. It is never too early to take the initiative to discuss the particulars of doing chores at home, apartment, or wherever you are residing with your partner. Will you wait until your bed sheets stink, or there are mountains of dishes on the sink, before you actually find time to sit down and talk to your partner about dividing the workload between the two of you? Simple things like who will do the cleaning and who will take care of the laundry will go a long way in making your home actually appear homey - and avoid arguments in...read more.

Bespoke, Tailor-Made, Customized, Specialized, Travel Plans or Itineraries Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Here's a simple tip for everyone out there.

Time = Gold

Gold = Money

Money = Valuable

Time Lost is Money Lost. Time and Money Lost is definitely a big NO.

For business travelers and travelers alike, preparing for the perfect trip will obviously give you the longer end of the stick. You will simply get MORE because you get to research and analyze the ins and outs of your destination, from your priorities to your off-hand agendas. However, preparation takes time and it is here where Bespoke Travel comes in. Pretty much, having a customized itinerary or travel plan made for your business trip constitutes to saving a lot of time and effort. It also allows you to focus more on your prior engagements. Clearly, you have nothing to lose!

So? What are you waiting for? Travel with a Bespoke Itinerary!

Always remember, for specialized, tailor-made, customized, custom-made, travel plans or itineraries 52weekenders.com's Bespoke is the way to go.

The Lowdown on the French Internet Law

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Unlike most of us netizens from around the globe, the "internauts", as the French call them, are warned not to download unlicensed music, movies, and virtual materials in general (basically anything pirated). A pressing issue regarding this law is that the agency the French government will organize might be created outside of the judiciary process--meaning it can cut off a user's connection without any notice. Members of the French opposition are furious that this agency might breach users' Internet privacy. Well in the end, what ever issue there may be, downloading unlicensed movies and music for free from file-sharing websites is considered to be piracy--righteously speaking of course. Not to mention, that the brunt of the law would hit these so-called file-sharing websites (Piratebay, Mininova, Limewire, etc.). So now, how are they ever going to see the latest episode of their favourite American TV show? That's also one big problem.

Another concern other observers are worried about is this: What if more (bigger) countries apply a law or ordinance similar to this one? Does this mean a wide change in the internet business landscape? Will "Free-is-Key" possibly die out?

Read more about this new French Internet Law from CNN.

Need Relationship Help? Ask Us! For Free!

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:20:00 +0000

By now, most of you must have heard about The Fairlist--a site we've created to aid cohabiting or live-in couples get through their relationship problems and issues. We already know that The Fairlist allows couples to set important dates and events they can both celebrate or participate in, create likes and dislikes lists where they can discover new things about each other, and talk and agree about things they've listed on their Fairlist. In addition to these key features (that allow couples to really sit down and discuss things between them) we've recently added a new function anyone can access through the site's homepage that allows them to directly mail us any of their relationship concerns and in turn allow us to provide them with insights and advice for the betterment of their relationships.

As of late, we’ve been receiving emails from people, telling us how much they’ve enjoyed the site, and at the same time, asking us for relationship tips. Although we’re not love psychologists for the the lack of a better term, we extremely value people's concerns and study them carefully to provide them with a helpful perspective.

We've basically called this feature (button) the "ask us" button, and by clicking it allows people to ask us for relationship advice. It keeps us happy knowing that people enjoy our site, but happier to know that we could put a foot down and actually help.

Having relationship problems? Ask Us!

Of Love, Relationships, and Break-Ups...

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 06:28:00 +0000

As much as there are stories to tell about life and love, there are those of heartbreaks. Yeah, the lot of us would never want to admit to having gone through that kind of ordeal but let’s face it, it does happen. We’ve at least dumped or been dumped—unless you’re some sort of pariah, or living the perfect life, or well, a loser, then it’s a pretty typical occurrence.

For most of people, they cope by talking it out with someone, stuffing their selves with a vat of ice cream (or French fries), and bawling their eyes out. Sometimes, talking with someone you know isn’t just enough anymore so you go to pubs, talk it out with random strangers, and get yourselves smashed.

But what if going to pubs is too much of a stretch? You’re heartbroken yet you have to expend money, time, and energy? Fuck that. You broke up because your significant other isn’t worth a thumb anyway—so why bother going through all the lengths when all you need is to air it out? Wouldn’t it be better if there were a virtual pub for you to rant all your frustrations away—with merely the effort of your fingertips (because honestly, bawling does not become you and you are better left inside your homes)? So head out and check the Break-Up Pub—for those who’ve had their fair share of heartbreaks, for those who’ve been dumped and had dumped—this is an avenue for everyone to immortalize a figment of their life without having to wait until you have grandchildren to tell it to.

Come visit Break-Up Pub, share your stories, and let your heart beat once again.

Ashton Kutcher and CNN: The Twit Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:58:00 +0000

If you haven't caught on to the most recent competition, then you ought to google the words: Twitter, Ashton Kutcher, and CNN.

In a gist, Ashton Kutcher and CNN embarked on an epic race to try and gain the most fellowship via Twitter--initially, CNN surpassed the 1 million benchmark prior to Kutcher but in eventually, Kutcher took the lead.

Also, don't forget--if you want to have a million followers, be a celebrity first. Otherwise, it's impossible.

Now the thought of the day is: how a social media like Twitter, a personality like Kutcher, and a conglomerate such as CNN, feed off each other. Well basically, twitter has provided a new platform for entertainment (beats the recession woes)--it brings us commoners closer to people like Oprah Winfrey, Britney Spears, and just about every hollywood celebrity important enough to note and savvy enough to work the internet. Bringing a common person closer to celebrities will give you reason to talk about them through their updates, their personal revelations--giving them, a way to advertise themselves, only this time, it's soft sell. Because you're going through twitter, then obviously, you're making twitter rich--we've gotten past that idea, let's not discuss it in lengthy detail.

Now, embarking on the race pretty much gives people something to talk about. Are you team Kutcher or team CNN? Go log on to your Twitter and follow--of course, you're allowed to follow both but if you want one of them to win, I suggest you don't.

Of course, Kutcher gave a sweeter end of the deal by promising to "ding-dong-ditch" CNN founder Ted Turner's house.

Now if you asked me, I would love for him to "ding-dong-ditch" such an important person. I mean, seriously--if he would have said: "I WILL EGG THE WHITEHOUSE", I would most likely have made 1000 new twitter accounts just to support him. That'll increase his following by tenfold.

Of course, he'll have to bail his ass out of prison.

Anyway, I'm not sure if it's Kutcher's "proposition" that got people following him more but basically, he emerged as the "winner" of the race.

Another notable tweet was Hugh Jackman's offer to donate "$100,000 to any charity of choice" so as long as a user is able to entice him to said charity by providing reason in less than 140 characters.

Now, Twitter's not just a network of celebrities, it also has a humanitarian aspect.

What else can't Twitter do?

That being said, why don't you go and check out our Twitter account here!

Thousand Minds On Twitter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:32:00 +0000

We all know Twitter's still one of the raves right now--people like Leo Laporte, Ellen de Generes, Britney Spears, and Tila Tequila (who recently sent tweets about being dead, and then rising up from the dead only to find her dog stashed in the hood of her car, and then finding out about her entire house being smashed in--I don't know if it's real or anything but that's definitely entertainment). So we're glad to announce we've gotten ourselves into Twitter as well, so people can stay tuned in to our tweets about us, our work, the latest, and most random things about social media and the Internet! Follow us now!

What Gift Should I Get Him/Her?

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Wouldn't it make your life so much easier if you knew just what it was that your significant other liked? I mean, wouldn't it be mighty handy for you come special occasions and you need to pick out presents? You no longer have to wonder whether what you're giving him or her is a hit or miss.

We already know that The Fairlist is an avenue for partners to sort out things and segregate what they own so as to prevent relationship mishaps such as ownership battles from happening.

In addition, we've recently added a new feature, the "likes and dislikes" page where you and your other half can pretty much share and ask things you like and dislike(pretty simple, huh?). It REALLY is simple, it can be a testament of your like for a certain food or a certain color, or it can be something particular. These are the kinds of things that can truly go a long long way--think dinner dates where you can already pre-order food, etc. The options are boundless. *wink!*

Spending Wisely: Budgeting In a Time of Recession.

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:40:00 +0000

The capability to spend money for random purchases is but a pleasurable thing to do--yes, if you have an unlimtied supply of cash. Fact is, an inexhaustible stash of money does not exist.

What's real however, is that we all feed on our salaries, and that's pretty much how we gauge our spending habits. In a time of economic decline, we absolutley need to understand that a lot of people have already lost their jobs, cutting their primary sources of income, and further tightening their belts. Indeed, learning to spend wisely is of utmost importance. Sad truth is, in a time like this, knowing how to budget is basically being able to survive.

Then again, things will even get tougher for heads of families and those who stay under one roof if the people that surround them fail to understand the circumstances. Aside from budgetting and spending wisely, you also need to encourage the people around you to cooperate in order to tread forward smoothly. This can be acheived if we would only communicate our needs and thoughts openly to those who surround us.

In order to assist people with this immediate concern, we've built something we believe to be a very practical tool at this time. We've already mentioned The FairList in our previous entry and we'd like to shed more light to what it is. The FairList is a free online service geared towards committed partners and cohabiting couples. The goal is to address the need for people to communicate and understand each other. Basically, having a FairList allows couples to list items and/or responsibilities that are common to them. Through the site, couples can designate and agree on which item or responsibility goes to whom, and which to be shared, not to mention the abillity of the site to continuously update a couple with stuff they are yet to settle--a very clever way of making people constantly communicate and decide on things between them.

Keeping tab of responsibilities, something The FairList wants to emphasize and stress, is one step towards working things out properly between couples.

For Cohabiting Couples, Live-In Partners, and the like.

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:37:00 +0000

It is such a widespread “craze” nowadays to move in with your partner, if not with a bunch of friends. Most live-in couples claim that it is a preparatory stage where you can explore more about your partner and get a chance to experience a sneak preview of your upcoming married life. On the other hand, those people who share a house, or an apartment, stress that it is a good way to start things going, considering that nothing is this word is cheap these days.

One common thing between the two scenarios is the fact that they would definitely have to share something together. Perhaps a good example of this situation is the 2008 film Zack and Miri Make a Porno, starring Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen. In the movie, platonic friends Zack and Miri share an apartment, which basically means they share almost everything else from bills to utensils.

The problem arises when they realize that both of them aren’t doing well at all in their respective “fields.” Issues settle when they suddenly realize that their payables were already running after them. Crazy enough, they were able to agree on an idea to create porn flick, which they believed to be the solution to their monetary problems.

In the end, as most of you must have seen or predicted, they ended up liking each other, and so and so. A good thing about the story however, is that they did not go through a series of arguments regarding their financial problems, which I believe to be pretty impossible in real life, considering the current recession.

Moving on, it is evident that cohabiting may bring up a handful of issues between people, and considering the current recession, more and more people would most likely be prone to anxiety and hot-temperaments—something people should definitely keep away from in times of desperation.

In lieu of this general scene, we would like to announce the launch of our newest site we call The FairList. Basically it is an online tool people can use to keep track of their possessions and responsibilities with others in order to avoid any unnecessary conflict. It is also a very powerful means to keep relationships alive as it promotes constant communication between people, an ingenious way of telling people to sit down, relax, and talk about matters accordingly.

Relationship Problems and Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:01:00 +0000

With around 6.75 Billion of living and breathing human beings on Earth, it is no surprise to know that a good third or so are probably or will probably get hitched to some other lucky being from now until eternity. In fact, it's not just about establishing a relationship with just another being but in all actually, every human being thrives to establish a relationship with a few number of people--this we call, the society.

Because relationships are a crucial factor in living one's life, it is of utmost importance to take care of it. However, just about nothing in this world comes easy hence, it is inevitable for roadblocks to cause problems in your relationships. For us to avoid them, we have to at least, cop a feel out of each one--here are some of the most common:

1. Lack of communication - In the list of hierarchies, when individuals in a relationship fail to communicate, then the relationship is doomed to fail. Communication is important because no individual (at least, based on statistics) is born with some sort of sixth sense, like perhaps, mind reading--for you to get what you want from your partner (or friend, etc), you have to up and tell the person what exactly it is you want. It is understandable though, at times, that there is some sort of hesitance on an individual's part--but there are a LOT of ways wherein one can communicate, it fairly depends on the creativity of how you do so.

2. Lack of trust - The lack of trust is born out of a lack of communication. Trust, in itself, is the brick of the relationship's foundation--it holds things together, much like a putty. Trust is purely dependent on security, the relationship itself must be a promise of security for the individuals to learn how to trust one another. Once again, they'll have to learn how to communicate.

3. Money Matters - Let's face it, in the leg of relationship issues, money unfortunately, is one of the primary issues as to why couples fail to see eye to eye. When they say money makes the world go round, they were unfortunately serious and painstakingly right. How many of you have heard of relationships disintegrating just because of budget issues, who gets what, who pays what--siblings who fight over their percentage for their parents' estate, friends-turned-into-business-partners fighting over share percentages, married couples fighting over who's responsible for some certain expense. There's the trust factor and the communication factor in between the gaps, if you look closely.

That said, allow me to reiterate that obstacles in a relationship are inevitable and unavoidable however, who says we can't do anything about it? Other than a positive outlook, one has to consider the phrase: "if there's a will, there's a way" and indeed, if you had it your way, wouldn't you rather want something that'll assist you in alleviating your relationship blues?

Foresights On This Year's Fashion Trends - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:55:00 +0000

After careful consideration, I've decided to write a topic in lieu of my last post where i discussed a little bit about fashion (something I never really thought of venturing into). However, considering how the world started shifting towards that particular industry (probably as a product of Gossip Girl and all other fashion-oriented media), I've decided to do some research and close observations.

As much as most of us are busy keeping up with the fast pace of technology, science, and what not, I guess it would be pretty informative to also keep ourselves updated when it comes to fashion and glamour, a holistic approach I believe is pretty powerful nevertheless. So here are the top five trends I believe would kick in for 2009:

1. PLAID, PLAID, PLAID! - I mentioned about table cloths running around the mill but come to think about it, I actually like this plaid trend. Instead of having to think of what to wear, you can roll off your bed in your pyjama tops and still be considered fashionable! Jokes aside, it's actually an awesome, grunge-y look--and I honestly suggest you skip the flanel night clothes and opt to buy something that's not just your typical button down, like this:

2. Boho-Hobo Look - Now see, I'm not entirely sure as to why people are reverting back to the hippie era, attempting to achieve that woodstock look. Not that I'm complaining, I've always wanted to wear bell bottoms again (although I don't think they're back) but from what I've noticed, moccassins, filmsy tops, fringes, suede, etc, are coming back this season. To give you more of an idea, check this out:

3. Textures - furs, mock-crocs, leather, all those "illegal" stuff like:

4. Earth tones and mauve/purple - The colour's not really that important but if you want to jump into the bandwagon in terms of fashion and beauty, you can at least swipe a tone of purple or brown on your lids using an eyeshadow. Get something that's cheap and efficient like:

5. Smelling good - Not that it's a trend and by now, you've probably noticed that I'm kind of getting lazy. But think about it, what more to start the entire year with a signature scent! I mean, smelling good is an ephemeral trend in fashion.

2009! 2009! 2009!: What to See, What to Expect!

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:00:00 +0000

After popping our blog's cherry for this year, I decided to contemplate a bit. I ended up with a comprehensive list of what to expect generally for the year 2009.

Because it would take is quite long, I've decided to just stick to five things.

001. The Economic Recession--and I shouldn't explain this in detail because depressing everyone is the last thing I want to do. Think of it this way--we ought to be saving more moolah and removing a quarter out of the allocation we make for our irrational shopping sprees.

002. Overcoming the economic recession--perhaps not fully, perhaps not globally but human beings are resilient enough to know how to cope. We've survived the ice age, the Jurrasic era--maybe, just maybe, we'll bounce back by .001% at the very least?

003. Fashion trends: Plaid is STILL in--I'll be seeing table cloths traipsing the streets and Emos using them for scarves!

004. The conversion to Digital television--you see all those HD-powered/SD TV tv series'? That's the new era of tv viewing--higher resolution, sharper, just plain gorgeous.

005. Roster of the upcoming movies for 2009--so allow me to explain in detail why Im excited (the top 5 on my to-see list).

A. First on the list is: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

Other than the stellar cast (I'm a big fan of Cate Blanchett), the plot itself intrigued me. I've seen the trailer quite a few months back and thought: "Wow, this is a pretty awesome story"--and so I upped and bought myself a copy of the book. Now spare me the eye roll when I say this but, I was blown away by its profundity. I'm not going to expose the book's plot (although the trailer pretty much gave it away) but let's just say that moreover it is a hypothetical-fantasy book, it is, a subtle and very, very strange love story.

B. ANGELS and DEMONS

Before you literary snobs give me the chin's up, let me explain myself. I'm a big philosophy junkie and I've always thought that yes, given all of Brown's self-projection in his books, he's quite the story teller. Because I've always associated myself with Tom Hanks since Forrest Gump came out (under the realization that Hanks always made quality movies also), I've been adamant about watching his films. So put two and two together, you have Angels and Demons. Pretty much the whole plot revolves around the LHC or the recently famous Large Hadron Collider and the general belief that things come in pairs, meaning if good exists, so does evil, light and so as darkness, existence as to non-existence.

C. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE

Okay, before you all laugh at me and call me gay, let me make a confession (withhold judgment please!), I have been swept off my feet by the wizarding world since I was fifteen (I even hid behind pillows with nothing but my flashlight, pretending to play with my wand). Even if I don't make it a point to announce to people: "HEY! I'm a POTTER FAN!"--I always end up falling in line with a bunch of ten year olds to get front-row seats at the movie's premiere (yes, the hidden agenda there was to see Emma Watson too). So yes, it has kickass visual effects and well, it seems to have developed a humour. Now allow me to go burn my sister's copy of Twilight--I am sore about the fact they bumped off the showing of Harry Potter to pave way for the aforementioned book.

D. DRAGON BALL: EVOLUTION and STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI

By all means, these two should have been in separate categories but I'm putting it on my to-watch list not because I think they're great but because I wonder just how much they could possibly butcher the plot. Don't call me mean--I have hope that it's going to turn out awesome but really, after being disappointed by speed racer, TMNT, and all other revivals? I am preparing myself for the worst. On the bright side? Kirsten Kreuk for Chun Li and Emmy Rossum as Bulma--if you don't enjoy the movie, enjoy the girls.

E. THE SPIRIT and WATCHMEN

For some odd reason, I could have had another choice to desist from a tie but I decided to forego the other choice and key those two in. Aside from being a Potter/Dragonball/Streetfighter fan, I am also a graphic novel fan. Now I have fellow comic book geeks telling me Watchmen will be an utter failure but the vid seems awesome. Now, the Spirits on the other hand, is a complete pussy-fest and the girls are more than stellar, they are hot.

So far, I hope I make you feel better about what to expect for 2009--I DO know for sure that watching these trailers over and over made me feel a lot better than when I initially wrote this entry.

Jamlegend.com

noreply@blogger.com (Jurgen Estanislao) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:47:00 +0000

Before anything else, allow me to greet you all a happy holidays and new year--a bit late, yes, but the sentiment is still the same. Considering my holidays, I'd say that you all probably had a better one.

Not that I'm complaining but seriously, all those good food--the ham, the steak, the eggnog? They're going straight into my duodenum and being distributed as fat deposits to my belly. Shame, the two-pack I've seemingly developed has disintegrated into a paunch.

In the midst of all the Christmas chatter, the deafening sound of wrapping paper being torn to shreds, I found solace, once again, in the Internet. Call me a big scrooge but half the websites had Christmas decor and it sickened me to death knowing that I was going to have to spend half my paycheck just so I could give my tiny little nieces and nephews, gifts.

Anyway, since I'm a big guitarhero/rockband fan without a guitarhero/rockband, it was perfect timing that my friend shared JamLegend, most probably out of boredom as well.

Initially, I was like: "Whut, that's ridiculous"--I mean, it's nothing like guitar hero nor rockband, there aren't keys, no strumming, bo-ring! However, I saw their list of artists and yes, there aren't much yet but they were awesome--they had Kill the Alarm, Tokyo Hotel, Peaches, et al.

So I gave it a try and well, let's just say it's better than tapping your foot to the beat of some Christmas music blaring from the mall PA box. It's a little bit over January now and I still can't help but play a game or two.

So go ahead, it's very addicting.