Archive for December 2010

Credit: ba1969

Aww… kinda sad to see 2010 go, but always open to see what the new year holds beyond planning a big event for early 2012 and the college application process. No brain food this week. My brain was mush this week between medical appointments and kids filling my house with their youthful symphony.

No top 2010 posts. No top anything. Just a thank you for reading, commenting and returning again and again. Every visit from you is like diamonds (they’re pricier than gold) to me.

See you in 2011.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Video camera stealing Octopus: Diver’s commentary cracks me up even with the annoying unnecessary apostrophes.
• 10 Most Weird Dog Toys: You’ll be smiling through next year.
• Dog vs. Balloon: Watch to the end… it’s not all bouncy bounce. Yes, I love dogs.
• Star Wars: Dr. Seuss Style: Would you like green eggs and ham with a Star Wars?
• Johns Hopkins: A Model: Based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s “I Am the Very Model of a Modern General” from Pirates of Penzance. WOW. Yes, that’s JOHNS not John… Me? I went to TCU and American U. Oh, they done anything like this. Just got in the Rose Bowl and host Sir Elton John, Billie Jean King, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilove and Anna Kournikova for a fundraiser.
• Top 10 Worst Christmas Movies from Time: Agree? Disagree? What about the original Miracle on 34th Street?
• Frank Lloyd Wright gingerbread house: Had to share this in honor of my mom who loves his work.
• 13 Coolest Video Game Inspired Cakes: Hey, some ideas for my son’s upcoming birthday. If not him, my husband

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Big Fish presents the Big Fish Games’ Customer Favorites Awards for 2010! Get any of the standard version winners for only $4.99 through Sunday, January 2, 2011. Just use the coupon code GAMEOFTHEYEAR during checkout for any standard version game. Coupon code will not work for Collector Edition titles.

You can apply your coupon code in the shopping cart during checkout as follows:

1. Sign in or create a free Big Fish Games account.
2. Find any standard version game and click Buy It.
3. From the shopping cart, enter your coupon code underneath the question, Have a coupon code?, and click Apply Code.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

PC Catch of the Week: Lost Realms: Legacy of the Sun Princess: Alexia is woman in need of answers. Her nights are wracked with dark visions of an ancient Incan empire, burning and ruined. She sets out with her best friend Nicole to Cuzco, Peru, in search of ancestral ruins, armed with little more than visions, and hope. Help Alexia search for clues of her connection to the ancient Incas, and solve the mystery that devastated an empire. Devious puzzles await, but Alexia can not rest until she uncovers the truth.

Catch the deal for your PC! Use coupon code CATCH299

Mac Catch of the Week: PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville: The puppet show in Joyville was once a wondrous attraction until the great fire. Now, rusted gears and dark mysteries lay within strange machinations and disheveled puppets. A young boy, Simon, is the most recent in a long line of missing people. In PuppetShow: Mystery of Joyville, you are tasked with solving nefarious puzzles, finding hidden clues, and uncovering the dark secrets of a town that is anything but joyful.

Catch the deal for your Mac! Use coupon code CATCH299.

This $2.99 Catch of the Week runs through Sunday, January 2 at 11:59pm.

Remember Big Fish Games has a Daily Deal offering a different game for $2.99 every day.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

I know how important Christmas is to those who celebrate. I would love to say “Merry Christmas” to every single person who celebrates. But I don’t want to risk offending people, so the generic “Happy Holidays” it is. When folks wish me something, I respond with a simple “Thank you.” Toddlers and younger kids, on the other hand, like to correct people. Two of my kids have done that… blush.

More fun than brain food. Your brain deserves a break.

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! And many more…

Brain food…

• Some Tips on Evaluating Literary Contests: Some contests look legitimate. Don’t let ‘em getcha.
• How to Find Opportunity: Turning half empty glass to a half full one.
• Top 10 Resolutions to Set for the New Year: Going beyond the old lose weight resolution. Seriously, why wait until January 1? If you want to change something, start as soon as you make up your mind.
• 75 Apps for Enhancing Your Facebook Page: Now if I had time… but then again, my original page has fewer than 25 likes, which I now need to transfer over to the business page. Then again, I am not doing much to compel folks to like it.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Lunar Eclipse: Gorgeous shots from DC, New York and elsewhere.
• Top 10 Everything of 2010: It had to happen.
• Stupidcoworkers.com: Stupid happens to everyone even to geniuses.
• Funny Facebook Groups: Just joined People Who Always Have To Spell Their Names For Other People. Now, I wonder if my mom conspired against her two daughters. Siblings’ names: Elisa and Michael.
• 10 Craziest Cookies: Nom nom.
• My BlackBerry Is Not Working: Hilarious with a creative twist. Special thanks to codeman for subtitles.
• Crack up at the Crandall Family Christmas Cards: Wish I had that kind of courage and creativity. Scroll to bottom and work your way up so you can see them in order.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

PC and Mac Catch of the Week: Love Story: Letters from the Past: Discover a wonderful Love Story in this hidden object game. Travel back in time and relive a beautiful tale of romance. Mary has received an anonymous package containing love letters that are over 30 years old! Track down the letters and help Mary piece together the wonderful memories of her first husband. Complete fun minigames in Love Story: Letters from the Past to unravel a timeless love story.

Catch the deal for your PC! Use coupon code CATCH299

Catch the deal for your Mac! Use coupon code CATCH299.

This $2.99 Catch of the Week runs through Sunday, December 26 at 11:59pm.

Remember Big Fish Games has a Daily Deal offering a different game for $2.99 every day. (Look to the right.)

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

Addicting games on handheld devices first showed up on the Palm Pilot, not the iPhone or iPod Touch. I went to Astraware for Palm games because the company developed bright, sharp colored games that played well on the small touchscreen. (It still does.)

Would you believe that the games on my younger BlackBerry never captivated me like the older Palm device did? Not even close. Playing games on the BlackBerry felt clumsy with ho hum graphics.

Ah, I’m getting off track. Back to the point of the Palm story. One of the earlier games I played on the Palm was Diamond Mine, the game now known as Bejeweled. Popcap Games captured a new audience on Facebook with Bejeweled Blitz (BB). (And now with Zuma Blitz. Grr… I don’t have time for these addictions!) You had one minute to make as many matches as you could.

Popcap not only had my friends smack talking me in the game, but also it reeled in my entire family including Mom, sis and bro. Mom played some computer games, but BB had her checking in Facebook daily. Sis and bro didn’t play many games until BB. Family gatherings turned into smack talk fests and “How did you get ##### score??”

The company wouldn’t stop there in fear it can’t repeat the success it had with BB. Never. This company is responsible for hypnotizing gamers with its incredible, clever and creative Plants vs. Zombies. Popcap is also responsible for other game addictions including Chuzzle and Zuma.

Bejeweled 3 comes with more matching magnetism, smashing sound effects, mesmerizing graphics and spellbinding games. Sequels don’t always do much more than give you more of the same with a different design. Not Bejeweled 3. The game takes a quantum leap compared to most — if not all — sequels. This comes with more game modes, eight mini-games, supercharged sound (even *I* can tell) and high-definition graphics (1920 x 1200 in ultra mode).

Classic and Zen mode are the same. In Classic, you keep making moves until you run out. However, you get a new gem known as the Star gem and when you finish the level, the jewels travel through an breathtaking tunnel. Even my youngest exclaimed, “Coooool!” Zen always has a match waiting for you as the point is to enjoy, be in the moment and take a break from the mean ol’ competitive world. Zen mode also soothes you with its sounds and gives you lots of options so you won’t need Calgon to take you away.

The new modes:

• Butterflies: Butterflies appear on the board and you need to match them with the same colored gems to prevent them from falling into spider’s hands … legs. Now, my family will tell you I hate spiders including fake ones, even as stuffed animals or jewelry. Yet, I found myself entranced by the game trying to free the butterflies to avoid the ugly, scary, mean spider.
• Poker: Instead of matching anything and everything you can, you need to plan and strategize to make the most of your five moves. The better your hand, the more points you score. As you progress in the game, a skull appears on the worst hand — a pair. So if all you do is score a pair, then it could be game over — it all depends on the flip of the coin. Land the four-leaf clover, you can keep playing. Get the skull, you’re done. More skulls will appear forcing you to make the best hands possible.
• Ice storm: This one makes me panic as I have to move fast to prevent the ice filling up the column. I don’t do speed games well, but it’s a chiller and thriller that will please fast-paced game fans.
• Diamond mine: Use your matches to dig in the dirt to release gold and artifacts.

One more special mode is Quest mode. Like Adventure modes you see in most casual games, it’s more of play it one time and then you probably won’t want to replay it. I loved this mode and it helped me get to know some of the new modes while playing a couple of new mini-games like alchemy where you need to make matches until the board fills with gold.

The game has 65 achievement badges that will encourage you to keep going so you can win every badge. Furthermore, the end of every game displays statistics. Oh, and Bejeweled 3 steals a page from Peggle with replays. It doesn’t have the same charm as Peggle‘s, but it’s there for you to enjoy when you do amazing plays.

What’s most impressive about number three is that several modes grip me. Most games just have one mode that I play again and again. In Bejeweled 3, I’ll be doing Butterfly one day and the next I’m drawn to Poker.

Bejeweled 3 is worth it. If you like any of the others, you’ll be thrilled with this one — it’ll make you forget the others as well as whatever games you’re playing. The game sounds like an exaggeration, but Popcap went all in with this one.

Download and try Bejeweled 3.

FCC alert: Reviewer received a review copy from the publisher. It had no bearing on the review.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

Or is that the quiet before the storm?

All of the kids get out of school early today. I’m trying to finish up my work so I can make the most of winter break. It’s been an overwhelming two weeks filled with anxiety. I try to tell myself to take it one day at a time and one to do item at a time. Then, celebrate each completed item. Normally, this works well. I guess when you haven’t even done the annual letter that you send to friends by this point, it’s not a good sign.

I’m one of those who tends to be the first one sending out the holiday letter. Haven’t even started it. That’s because I had to prioritize my list. My friends won’t fall apart if they don’t hear from me, whether it’s late or not this year. That goes for blogging, too. I enjoy blogging and sharing my experiences with you, but I had to sacrifice it because of priorities.

Yes, like exercise, people tell you… make time for it! Make time for blogging! Make time for this. Make time for that. Enough make times and you’ll have to take things off your list or change the priority into low ones.

By the way, exercise is one of my higher priorities. It affects my physical and mental health.

Next Friday is Christmas Eve. The following is New Year’s Eve. I hope that you will spend time offline enjoying whatever you enjoy whether it’s eating Chinese food or attending midnight services. Ooh, that reminds me… I need to see if I have a jigsaw puzzle that I haven’t done. I do one every year during winter break.

All right, time to let you go tour the goodies and for me to get back to work.

P.S. In case you wondered, I took that photo in the ’90s when I lived in DC. I don’t have an eye for photography, but proud of that picture.

Brain food…

• Make Calm Your Default Setting: Bob Burg teaches an important lesson. Some hospitals don’t just ask you if your pain is 1 through 10 with 10 being unbearable. They show you a picture with 10 faces illustrating pain from a touch to monstrous. What may be a catastrophe for one person is an annoyance to another.
• Strategy Made Simple: I think most of us know that social media for business should have a strategy and plan. But not all of us have the resources especially one-person businesses. Ron Ploof shares a simple table to help you manage your social media strategy.
• Breathtaking Facebook Fan Pages: Breathtaking may be a little strong, but they’re impressive and provide lots of great ideas. Many are from entertainment industry, but scroll down for food, beverage and misc.
• All About the Excerpt: Key to convincing people to buy the book. [Link: Elizabeth Craig]
• 10 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block Fast: Not yet another writer’s block advice column. Has a couple of unique ideas.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• 15 Coolest Snowmen: Beware — a couple not safe for work.
• Bad Press Releases: 20 Worst Headlines Ever: Maybe not ever, ever… but pretty bad. [Link: Arik Hanson]
• 10 Most Powerful Tweets of 2010: Was Schwartz’ announcement this year? Anyway, anyone could do this type of post, but Twitter did a beautiful job. Keep watching Twitter’s Year in Review for more. [Link: Tim Berry and Liz Strauss]
• The History of Video Games (in song): I recognized Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” That may be no big deal to you, but this gal… does not have normal hearing
• 201 Mega Men: I woulda loved having this as a poster when I was a teen. What teen girl needs Kirk Cameron and Ricky Schroeder posters when you have adorable mega men? I guess I was a geek, huh?
• Amazon Provides a Dose of Humor: I had seen hilarious reviews here and there, especially The Mountain Three Wolf Moon Short Sleeve Tee. More gems hiding out there on the A to Z site.

How will you spend the last two weeks of the year?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

Kind of feels wrong to have Haunted Hotel as the Catch of the Week. That’s so … Halloween. How about a snow-themed catch?

PC and Mac Catch of the Week: Haunted Hotel: After crashing his car on the side of the road, a bewildered traveler finds himself checking in to the Haunted Hotel! In Haunted Hotel, you must explore frightful floors full of spooky rooms to find hidden objects in creepy crevices. Immerse yourself in a thrilling adventure full of mysterious mini-games and addictive hidden object game play!

Catch the deal for your PC! Use coupon code CATCH299

Catch the deal for your Mac! Use coupon code CATCH299.

This $2.99 Catch of the Week runs through Sunday, December 19 at 11:59pm.

Remember Big Fish Games has a Daily Deal offering a different game for $2.99 every day. (Look to the right.)

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans

Credit: Shawn P. Calhoun

Overwhelmed this week and next in hopes to wrap up many things before the kids’ winter break. At least, I know my limit and adjust rather than pressure myself to write up something because I do it most Fridays. Despite the hectic schedule, I took the time to drive through my neighborhood to admire my neighbors’ hard work in decorating their yards. So beautiful.

So on with the show…

Brain food…

• Q&A: MFAs and Metaphors: I’ve been keeping the idea of getting an MFA in the back of my mind and watching for programs. The big question: Is it worth getting an MFA? Getcher answer.
• Shut up and get to work: Need motivation. Go here and click links until you’re motivated.
• The 9 Biggest Myths about Finding and Following Your Passion: Even dream jobs have bad days. Like the article says… enjoy the ride.
• What You Should Say to Your Client When Their Payment Is Delinquent: Tough situation. Good advice.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• 16 Drinks Named for Authors and Their Books: If you create your own, what would you call it? [Link: Jane Friedman]
• In Color: Architecture Photography: Wish I knew another word for “Wow!”
• Fiverr: What people will do for $5. Some of it is unethical like “posting four positive reviews of your business or product.”
• Life Back in the Day: 18 ads from the ’70s: 30 to 40 years later… whole new meaning. [Link: Laura Spencer]
• Hot Wheels Extreme: In honor of my son who has a giant collection of these miniature cars.
• Christmas by the Book and a Recyclable Christmas Tree: A writer’s dream Christmas tree? Could make it an annual thing… different book types, colors, etc.
• Star Wars Alphabet: Too bad this didn’t come out when my kids were toddlers. Too cute.

How are you doing this holiday season?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

As a writer, one of my goals for this year was to use more stories and real-life examples in articles. The challenging part was coming up with a story or example that tied in with the rest of the article. One of the pros at this is Michael Katz of Blue Penguin Development and I’ve been studying his weekly newsletter to learn from him.

We hand out candy on Halloween. Sounds boring with no chance of becoming a story in an article? Michael did it. The funny thing was this Halloween was the first time I didn’t have to do the running-to-the-door-and-grabbing-the-candy-bowl on the way business. My 11-year-old son shocked us when he said he was too old for trick or treating. This guy loves candy more than his older sister who was trick or treating with her teen friends long pass age 11.

Not only that, but my seven-year-old had the flu, so my husband was home to help, too. Between them covering the door, I had the whole Halloween night off for the first time since we moved in our house.

I grew up in a neighborhood where most kids were the same ages as my 10 years older  siblings, so few kids came to our door. Our neighborhood made my childhood neighborhood look like country living (Fort Worth) as the doorbell rang too many times to count. During the early years, I loved standing by the door ready to open it to see what surprises appeared on the other side of the door. Creative costumes, creepy costumes and teens faking it costumes.

In the past few years, my enthusiasm dropped. The doorbell’s constant interruption left me with little I could do between ringings except for reading magazines. When you do something long enough, it turns into a bore that all the costumes — good and bad – blur.

That happens to business professionals, too. They call, they present, they meet. They can do everything right and fail to capture interest from the party on the other side of the phone call, table or desk. Like answering the door on Halloween and losing interest in the costumes, they have heard and seen it all before.

Author of Metaphorically Selling Anne Miller shares over 50 stories using metaphors, stories and examples to shake resistance and close deals in Make What You Say Pay! The diverse examples in the book cover speeches, greeting cards, elevator speeches, new concepts and more. The book has a simple layout: the story followed by Miller’s short commentary on the story and why the metaphor worked.

Not only does the short, fast read offer examples from different situations, but also uses a variety of metaphors. So no expecting a book filled with the oft-used sports metaphors. Because of the diversity of situations and metaphors, most people can benefit from the book. A developer can get ideas on how to explain technical concepts. A small business can get ideas on how to thank clients for their business.  A finance employee can get ideas on how to convert lifeless numbers into meaningful ones.

Miller sorts chapters by topic to simplify finding the right stories that fit your situation. Need to grab attention? Convince them to get on board? Stand out from the crowd? Miller includes all of these and more.

The only slight weakness is the commentary. First, all of it is in italics. Italics aren’t meant for paragraphs. Its job is to highlight short points, book titles and the like. Some feels forced, like you have to include commentary, but the story says it all and any commentary would be just repetition. The commentaries are one or two paragraphs, so they don’t take up much space. The value is in the stories. In fact, I wish there were more stories and examples. Miller invites readers to submit their stories and she plans to publish them as long as they keep coming.

Make What You Say Pay! belongs in the professional’s reference library. Almost every business professional can punch up business with a story or metaphor. Miller’s book will help find that metaphor so you’re not stuck using the needle in a haystack analogy again.

Title: Make What You Say Pay! The Language That Opens Minds, Closes Deals & Wows Crowds
Author: Anne Miller
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1450583873
ISBN-13: 978-1450583879
Date: July 2010
Format: Paperback
Pages: 164
Cover Price: USD: $14.95 Amazon: $13.45

FTC disclosure: Reviewer received copy from publisher, which had no influence on the review.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Meryl Evans