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Search Budgets Increase as Focus Turns to Conversion Rate Optimisation | Reuters - 17 Dec 2015 02:14

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[[html]]LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM—(Marketwired - May 16, 2014) - Companies are continuing to increase investment in search marketing while also increasing efforts to improve website performance, according to research published today. <br><br>The eighth annual UK Search Engine Marketing Benchmark Report 2014, published by Econsultancy in association with digital marketing agency Latitude, found that 58% of companies are increasing their paid search budgets this year, up from 55% in 2013. Similarly, more than half (55%) of companies said they are increasing their budgets for search engine optimisation (SEO) over the next year, up from 51% a year ago. <br><br>Meanwhile, the research also found that 60% of companies are increasing their budgets for conversion rate optimisation, reflecting a desire to ensure that budget spent on acquiring traffic is not wasted by poorly converting websites. <br><br>Econsultancy Research Director, Linus Gregoriadis said: "Companies are becoming increasingly savvy about the folly of spending more on search marketing without simultaneously investing in conversion rate optimisation. Mobile optimisation is a particular area of focus with many companies eager to make the most of increased traffic coming via smartphones and tablets." <br><br>"No prizes for guessing that companies continue to see the value in search engine marketing in 2014" commented Latitude's Managing Director, Richard Gregory. "What is different this year however is the encouraging number of companies realising the value of Conversion Rate Optimisation, which speaks volumes in regards to companies aiming to ensure that most is being made out of traffic driven to their websites. That said, it's surprising to see the investment in analytics is falling behind spend on other marketing channels such as search and display. This could, at least in part, explain why companies struggle to measure impact on their marketing investment." <br><br><img style="float:right;margin:10px;border:none;" src="http://www.ososimpletechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Search-Engine-Optimization.jpg" width="362" /><br><br>The benchmark report is focused on SEO and paid search marketing, but also incorporates questions about social marketing, display, analytics and conversion rate optimisation because of the increasing overlap between search and these disciplines. <br><br>Companies are spending more on search marketing even though it is becoming increasingly challenging to measure the returns, partly due to Google's withholding of valuable keyword data. Only 36% of companies stated that they have 'a definite tracking solution to measure consistently across different digital channels'. <br><br>The study also found that companies are increasingly struggling to track the return on investment from paid search and SEO effectively. Only 44% of companies say they can measure paid search ROI effectively, down from 53% in 2013. <br><br>This trend is even more evident for SEO, with only 31% of companies saying they can measure organic search ROI effectively, down from 45% a year ago. 'Keyword data not provided' is the second greatest obstacle to SEO success, after lack of internal resource. <br><br>While some organisations are dedicating more resources towards improving their analytics capabilities, only 39% of companies are planning on investing in analytics which suggests that spending on analytics is failing <a href="">people search engine</a> to keep pace with investment in marketing channels such as search, social and display. <br><br>The research, which was carried out in the spring of 2014, is based on a survey of more than 700 companies and agencies, making this the most authoritative report on the UK search engine marketplace. <br><br>Other key findings<br><br>More than 55% of companies surveyed for the report are spending at least 50,000 a year on paid search, up from 51% last year. The proportion of companies spending less than 25,000 has dropped 6% from last year, from 40% to 36%. Paid search now constitutes 26% of total marketing budget, compared to 24% in 2013. SEO has dropped from 18% to 14%. Meanwhile, social accounts for 9% of budget while display accounts for 10%. More than half (54%) of organisations say that there is flexibility to shift budgets between channels based on ROI, though a fifth (20%) say that budgets are rigidly split by channel. Around a quarter (26%) say their digital marketing budget is not split out by channels. A quarter of companies (26%) say that digital marketing budget is bolted on their above-the-line media spend as fixed budget. Just under a third (31%) say that their digital budget is bolted on as flexible budget, while 43% say that above-the-line and digital marketing budgets are separate. 67% of client-side respondents are spending over 10k in display advertising and 9% are spending 1million plus. 60% of the agencies surveyed in the report say that SEO client contracts are at least one year in length. This decreases to 52% for paid search, 49% for display advertising and 47% for social media marketing. Nearly two thirds of companies (64%) are being hampered in their efforts to measure return on investment by not having a definitive tracking solution. Mobile search now accounts for 9% of paid search budget, according to client-side respondents. But according to agency respondents, the average figure for their clients is 15%. Survey respondents are more likely to be positive rather than negative about the impact of Google's Enhanced Campaigns, although many are unhappy that there is now forced inclusion of mobile campaigns which has decreased effectiveness. Agency respondents are most positive about Enhanced Campaigns, with <a href="">optimization for search engines</a> 23% of supply-side respondents saying the impact has been positive compared to 9% who say it has been negative. 74% of companies are paying to advertise on Facebook as part of their marketing activity. Just over a third are paying to advertise on Twitter (37%) and LinkedIn (also 37%). 60% of companies say their <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/danmatt-media-potomac">search engine optimization internet marketing</a> SEO and content strategy are integrated. <br><br>&#13;<br><br>Get this report: <br><br>The full report is available on the Econsultancy website here:<br><br>https://econsultancy.com/reports/uk-search-engine-marketing-benchmark-report&#13;<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C1rhbhccYt0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C1rhbhccYt0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>The briefing is available to Econsultancy subscribers, or on a pay-per-view basis. <br><br>For more information about <a href="">people search sites</a> this report, contact:&#13;Linus Gregoriadis, Research Director, Econsultancy&#13;linus.gregoriadis AT econsultancy.com&#13;+44 (0) 207 269 1450&#13;<br><br>About Econsultancy <br><br>Econsultancy's mission is to help its customers achieve excellence in digital business, marketing and ecommerce through research, training and events. <br><br>Founded in 1999, Econsultancy has over 250,000 subscribers, is used by more than 500,000 professionals every month, and has offices in New York, London and Singapore. <br><br>Econsultancy subscribers get access to research, market data, best practice guides, case studies and elearning - all focused on helping individuals and enterprises get better at digital. <br><br>The subscription is supported by digital transformation services including digital capability programs, training courses, skills assessments and audits. We train and develop thousands of professionals each year as well as running events and networking that bring the Econsultancy community together around the world. <br><br>Subscribe to Econsultancy today to accelerate your journey to digital excellence. <br><br>Call us to find out more: <br><br>New York: +1 212 971 0630&#13;&#13;London: +44 207 269 1450&#13;&#13;Singapore: +65 6809 2088&#13;<br><br>About Latitude<br><br>Latitude Digital Marketing has pioneered the use of digital channels in the UK and internationally for 13 years. Areas of expertise include search engine optimisation (SEO), pay- per-click (PPC), social media marketing, online display advertising, affiliate marketing and conversion analytics. The business works across a range of sectors including retail, gaming, leisure and travel with clients such as Fitness First, Haven Holidays and Snow+Rock. <br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Quick Guide How To Start Your Kitchen Remodeling - 12 Dec 2015 09:37

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[[html]]Cooking, while fun, can be serious thing. You need the best floor you can count on to take a wear and tear. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y24Gl-HGcxw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>of countless kitchen gatherings providing high style without demanding a lot of maintenance in return. Here are your options:<br><br>Tile Look<br><br>It's easy to brighten a space with a new light floor. Choose crisp, light tiles <a href="http://www.local.com/business/details/silver-spring-md/appliance-builders-wholesalers-136834145/">appliance wholesalers</a> with the earthy look of stone or ceramic. And you don't have to spend all your money installing ceramic tiles anymore. Laminate tiles are very popular because they are less expensive and will give you warmer, more comfortable feel underfoot. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zwtU09MD992Y.kKyMknX6MTiQ" width="640" height="480"></iframe>In addition installation of laminate tiles is clean, fast and DIY friendly-saving your time and money. And with the newest printing technology - laminate tile flooring looks like natural stone floor.<br><br>Wood Look<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2DoM83G3lk0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2DoM83G3lk0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jj1fhYZJjek&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jj1fhYZJjek&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>If you are considering hardwood, you must realize that hardwood is a natural product. You will see "dings," you will notice movement within your flooring, as well as fading as time goes on. In the world of laminate flooring, scratches, stains, and dents are almost non-existent. Laminate flooring provides a great resistance to normal everyday household traffic and incidents. Face it, a lived in house is where you will find active families. Most families don't have time to focus on the occasional "ding" which can happen in the flooring in our homes.<br><br><img src="http://images.chinaamanda.com/images/l/20110822/1511314021828.jpg" width="283" /><br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bc-BAVp4S80&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bc-BAVp4S80&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Laminate wood flooring is a choice of today's savvy customers. Easy to install, super durable and with the newest technology looks like a million bucks! And is available in a variety of styles and colors- from classic to exotic look offering expensive wood look and affordable price.<br><br><img src="http://www.hubatoxford.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/stainless-steel-appliances.jpg" width="309" /><br><br>Vinyl Flooring<br><br>Vinyl flooring has traditionally been the flooring of choice in kitchens, for years. Laminate flooring has quickly became a favorite of many homeowners, as you can have the look of cherry, maple, oak, and even an exotic look; without the cost and maintenance of hardwood.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bc-BAVp4S80&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bc-BAVp4S80&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Most vinyl comes in a 12' or 6' roll. The downfall of this, is the fact that if you happen to drop a knife on the floor and it slices the vinyl- know what happens? Most <a href="http://www.insiderpages.com/b/15263902706/appliance-builders-wholesalers-silver-spring-3">discount appliances</a> people will find a handy, dandy rug that will cover that slice and walk over and around it for years. The reason being, in order to repair that slice, the whole roll of vinyl will need to be replaced. The beauty of laminate flooring is the fact that only a portion of flooring would need to be pulled up and replaced. And from a realistic point of view, most laminate flooring would be resistant to a knife being dropped onto the flooring.<br><br><img src="http://nmbwholesale.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/wholesale-refrigerator.jpg" width="345" /><br><br>Tips when selecting your floor<br><br><img src="http://www.abmappliance.com/data1/images/cheapkitchenappliances.190132035_std.jpg" width="303" /><br><br>Light-colored floors can help make a space seem brighter and larger while dark-colored floors lend drama and character. And when you are selecting your floor it doesn't have to be a "perfect match:" by combining different woods you will add visual interest and excitement.<br><br>For a mid-to-large size rooms you should select wider width flooring that is more in scale with the room's overall size. And when you look for a laminate flooring to install in your kitchen look for a brand that offers "moisture resistant" construction - this way you don't have to worry about water spills anymore. It's always a good idea to buy several samples of flooring you are considering and lay them in place to gauge the effect.<br><br>Lengthwise patterns add depth to rooms, while running the flooring across the width of a room will make the space look shorter and wider. <br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Yahoo - 12 Dec 2015 04:56

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[[html]]This Is the Real Face of JesusFrom the first time Christian children settleinto Sunday school classrooms, an image of Jesus Christ <a href="http://slashdot.org/submission/5027489/flagstaffduiattorney">civil attorney</a> is etched into their minds. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=z0uZAatcOZyw.kSzQZC9YUcOM" width="640" height="480"></iframe>In North America he is most often depicted as being taller than his disciples, lean, with long, flowing, light brown hair, fair skin and. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DUOYie4OYGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><img src="http://lerablog.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/law-book.jpg" width="299" /><br><br>light-colored eyes. Familiar<br><br><img src="http://verdiduecento.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/criminal-defense-attorney1.jpg" width="328" /><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

HubPages Pets and Animals - 11 Dec 2015 23:04

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[[html]]<img src="http://www.AristocratPS.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Aristocrat-Plastic-Surgery-Breast-reduction.png" width="261" /><br><br>Pets &amp; Animals are kept by many people as companions the most common being cats and dogs. Other mammals make good pets, like rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and hamsters. Some people keep reptiles, amphibians, and fish in tanks or other enclosures. Others have birds in cages. The first domesticated, or tame, animals were kept by ancient people since about 2000 BC, but we are interested in animals in general and love to learn more about them, including extinct prehistoric animals. We want to be aware of wild animals and insects in our environment. With our pets, there are questions about how to choose them, how to care for and feed them. We trust the veterinarian, but some matters can be handled without paying for advice. Fellow animal lovers offer advice and encouragement in situations where the owner can use others expertise to make improvements in their pets life.<br><br><img src="http://bilateralmastectomy.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/necrosis-progress.jpg" width="260" /><br><br>by DrMark19614 weeks ago<br><br>If you are thinking about getting a wolf hybrid, take a look at these dog breeds before making up your mind.<br><br>by Adrienne Janet Farricelli3 weeks ago<br><br>Learn effective vet-approved natural remedies to treat your dog's stomach problems at home. Find an easy-to-make bland diet recipe for your pup that you can make with food from <a href="">breast surgery cost</a> your kitchen's pantry!<br><br>EDITOR'S CHOICEby Adrienne Janet Farricelli2 months ago<br><br>Learn the warning symptoms of a potential intestinal blockage in dogs and when to see the vet. Ask questions and post comments about your dog's intestinal obstruction.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F9jvBCnxu24&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F9jvBCnxu24&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>EDITOR'S CHOICEby Kim Lam18 months ago<br><br>This article gives you 10 easy recipes for homemade dog biscuits and cookies using all natural and safe ingredients that are common in the kitchen. They're safe, healthy, and delicious!<br><br>by ARSH6 weeks. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QMeUyUom5VQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>ago<br><br>11 wolf-like dogs. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z0uZAatcOZyw.kLWh72g0SnSU" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Many people would love to have a pet wolf. But wolves are ferocious creatures, not cuddly pets. Instead, choose from these dogs that look like wolves.<br><br>We love the range of topics on HubPages.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPo0FHU28i8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPo0FHU28i8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Companies, hospitals move away from toxic material - 11 Dec 2015 17:33

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[[html]]Kaiser Permanente's Kathy Gerwig says health worries prompted its hospitals to seek alternatives to PVC tubing.<br><br>STORY HIGHLIGHTS<br><br>Polyvinyl chloride used in home siding, school supplies, car interiors, medical tubingMaking or burning PVC waste produces cancer-causing dioxinsCompanies often come back, industry group says, find "PVC was the best material after all."Is enough being done to protect us from chemicals that could harm us? Watch "Toxic America," a special two-night investigative report with Sanjay Gupta, M.D., at 8 p.m. ET June 2 and 3 on CNN. <br><br>(CNN) — Worried about toxic waste and chemical exposure, more and more companies and hospitals are moving away from polyvinyl chloride.<br><br><img src="http://njdiscountvinylsiding.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/teaneck-house.jpg" width="294" /><br><br>PVC is used in everything from home siding, pipes and flooring to school supplies, car interiors and packaging, electrical cords and medical tubing. But making <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/places/rhino-shield-annapolis-junction-md-359664921">pvc siding</a> or burning PVC waste produces dioxins, cancer-causing chemicals that are among the most toxic substances known.<br><br>"Our concerns about the ways in which PVC can be disposed of, burned for example … caused us to begin eliminating PVC from our products," Hewlett-Packard's Tony Prophet said. The computer giant launched its first PVC-free notebook computer last year.<br><br>Microsoft, Honda, Wal-Mart, Target and Nike are among other large corporations moving away from polyvinyl chloride, said Mike Schade, the PVC campaign coordinator for the Center for Health, Environment and Justice.<br><br>"There's been a major market shift away from PVC in just about every major sector of the economy," Schade said.<br><br>Special Report: Toxic America<br><br>Allen Blakey of the Vinyl Institute, an industry trade group, said the move to other plastics is misguided.<br><br>"Some of them may feel they can find a better material than PVC. What we find is, they often don't go very far before coming back and finding PVC was the best material after all," Blakey said.<br><br><img src="http://www.customhomegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/12CHG01_070.jpg" width="329" /><br><br>More than 12 billion pounds of PVC are produced in the United States annually, according to Blakey.<br><br>The Center for Health, Environment and Justice and other environmental groups are trying to persuade companies to find alternatives to PVC because of dioxins.<br><br>Dioxins are a family of chemicals now thought to be toxic at parts per trillion, which is less than a single drop in a backyard pool.<br><br>The risks of dioxin became known after Vietnam, where dioxin was an unwanted impurity in the chemical defoliant known as Agent Orange. In the decades after the war, soldiers who handled Agent Orange were more likely to develop a range of cancers and, possibly, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.<br><br>Blakey of the Vinyl Institute said dioxin emissions in PVC production are way down.<br><br>"You know, dioxin is actually a great success story. Dioxin emissions in this country have gone down since the '60s. They're at very low levels. Even since the late '80s, they're down 90 percent or so," Blakey said.<br><br>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began requiring companies to report dioxin emissions only in 2000. Since then, EPA figures show dioxin emissions have declined 66 percent, from 218. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcNrAILbYB4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br>pounds to 74 pounds in 2008, the most recent figures available.<br><br>Environmental warrior takes on chemical industry<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uVX39SVL7bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uVX39SVL7bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Worries about the health effects of phthalates, a chemical additive that makes PVC flexible, prompted Kaiser Permanente hospitals to begin working with suppliers to find alternatives more than 10 years ago, said Kathy Gerwig, senior vice president and environmental stewardship officer.<br><br>"The first place we looked to get rid of PVC was in the neonatal unit. And that's because PVC medical products often contain a plasticizer called DEHP, and that can disrupt hormones," Gerwig said.<br><br>DEHP is in the phthalate family. Some research has found that phthalates mimic the hormone estrogen and could disrupt reproductive development and cause other health problems.<br><br>A study of 54 newborns in neonatal intensive care units found a connection between the use of flexible tubing and other medical products containing phthalates and exposure to DEHP. The study did not show that the exposure caused any ill health effects.<br><br>Last year, the United States banned or restricted the sale of children toys and children's products containing DEHP and five other phthalates.<br><br><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9d/ee/f6/9deef653775029b2b9e586d9dd9a5d09.jpg" width="351" /><br><br>On its website, the American Chemistry Council says phthalates "have a long history of safe use."<br><br><img src="http://njdiscountvinylsiding.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/282.jpg" width="341" /><br><br>But Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest nonprofit health plan with 35 medical facility and more than 14,000 doctors, has replaced phthalate-containing PVC in intravenous tubing, catheters and other medical equipment.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_2cz4w8uQic&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_2cz4w8uQic&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>The hospital has also replaced PVC in flooring, baseboards, wall guards — even the plastic backing on carpets.<br><br>"Typically, the products that we've replaced, it does not cost more. We found that the majority are cost-neutral. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zT1Oh1zZuf1E.kF4FqBog9TH8" width="640" height="480"></iframe>In many cases, they cost <a href="http://www.local.com/business/details/annapolis-junction-md/rhino-shield-134929716/">siding colors for homes</a> less," Gerwig said.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uVX39SVL7bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uVX39SVL7bE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Despite the move away from polyvinyl chloride, Schade said, there's still plenty of vinyl waste. About 500 million to 600 million pounds of PVC are burned each year, he said.<br><br>Schade said the Center for Health, Environment and Justice is focused on getting schools to stop using <a href="http://www.localpages.com/lpd-bizinfo.php?listId=41774824&for=business&type=lpd">fiber cement siding</a> PVC in construction.<br><br>"Phthalates are banned in toys, but phthalates are widespread in schools," Schade said.<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VzCa2Jt1z5E&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VzCa2Jt1z5E&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Experts: Energy drinks, alcohol and teens shouldn't mix - 11 Dec 2015 13:24

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[[html]]The caffeinated contents of energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster can be dangerous for teens, especially when combined with alcohol, new research confirms.<br><br>A report, published on Feb. 1 on Pediatrics in Review, reiterated that energy drinks can cause insomnia, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety and obesity among other issues which can be exacerbated by alcohol. <br><br>Other side effects include concerning behaviors, which can include drunk driving and risky sexual behavior.<br><br>"I don't think there is any sensationalism going on here. These drinks can be dangerous for teens," review lead author Dr. Kwabena Blankson, a U.S. Air Force major and an adolescent medicine specialist at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., told HealthDay. "They contain too much caffeine and other additives that we don't know enough about. Healthy eating, exercise and adequate sleep are better ways to get energy."<br><br>Making things worse, study authors said, that energy drink makers constantly market to young people, leading them to think it's okay to mix their drinks. These adolescents and young adults aren't always aware that mixing alcohol and energy drinks can make them feel less drunk than they really are, they said.<br><br><img src="http://i.forbesimg.com/images/forbes/2004/0726/100chart_426_340.gif" width="325" /><br><br>Drinking just one caffeinated beverage mixed with alcohol can be the same as drinking a bottle of wine and several cups of coffee, according to the study. Sixteen-ounce energy drinks have about 160 mg of caffeine, compared to one average cup of coffee which only contains 100 mg. More than 100 mg a day of caffeine is unhealthy for teens, Blankson told HealthDay. Other additives like sugar, ginseng and guarana boost the caffeinated effects in the energy drinks. <br><br>"We don't know what these additives do to the body after periods of extended use," Blankson said.<br><br>About 25 percent of students in North Carolina universities said they had drank an energy drink and alcohol mixture in the month prior to taking the survey, the report said. <br><br>Another study on the subject published in CMJA Open on Jan. 16 showed that when researchers surveyed 36,155 students in seventh through 12th grade about their alcohol and energy drink consumptions levels, about 20 percent said they mixed the two beverages. The 2010 to 2011 statistics matched previous studies on the subject matter conducted in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. <br><br>Jennifer Hartstein, a child and adolescent psychologist in New York City, told Forbes that the caffeine addiction may start at home. Parents often tell their children that caffeine is a natural way to "get energy or feel good." Hartstein said children shouldn't feel pressured to do more than they are capable of.<br><br><img src="http://image.slidesharecdn.com/importanceofknowingunderagedrinkinganddrivingfacts-130619061459-phpapp01/95/importance-of-knowing-underage-drinking-and-driving-facts-1-638.jpg?cb=1371640830" width="382" /><br><br>"It's okay not to do everything," Hartstein explains. "The belief is the more that you do, the more desirable you are. Unfortunately, you are then spread way too thin."<br><br><img src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/c4/9c/b6c49c72efa178fbd5a643a2f006264b.jpg" width="318" /><br><br>The American Beverage Association (ABA) said that the problem isn't the energy drinks themselves per say but underage drinking in general.<br><br>"This paper contains misinformation about energy drinks and does nothing to address the very serious problem of underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption among young adults," the ABA said to CBSNews.com in a statement. "Moreover, ABA member companies manufacture non-alcoholic beverages - including energy drinks. Contrary to the misperception perpetuated by this paper, most mainstream energy drinks contain only about half the amount of caffeine of a similar size cup of coffeehouse coffee. Energy drinks, their ingredients and labeling also are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Importantly, the American Beverage Association has adopted, and encourages all energy drink companies to adopt, a Guidance for <a href="http://www.superpages.com/bp/West-Bend-WI/Nathan-Dineen-L2411269352.htm?SRC=yexttest">teenage drunk driving</a> the Responsible Labeling and Marketing of Energy Drinks. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=zwtU09MD992Y.k2_7AfnSJqb0" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Under this Guidance, companies voluntarily display caffeine amounts from all sources on their packages along with an advisory statement that the product is not intended or recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women and persons sensitive to caffeine."<br><br><img src="http://www.rsa.ie/PageFiles/5324/blood_alcohol.jpg" width="268" /><br><br>"Let's stick with the facts, rather than perpetuating sensational untruths which attempt to blur the line between energy drinks and alcoholic beverages," the ABA added. <br><br>2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. <br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

'PercyVites': Digital party invitations | Examiner.com - 10 Dec 2015 08:47

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[[html]]Sending invitations is a fun part of event planning and there are now some new digital platforms that make it easier than ever for people to plan parties. Digital media makes it possible for people. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/147885962" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/147885962">Kidde RemoteLync</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/newswatchtv">NewsWatch Television</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<br><br>to have fun while party planning in a way that is not only easy, but cost effective. One such digital platform is known as PercyVites which enable users to customize animated clips of their childs favorite characters with photos, party details and thank you notes for after the party. Users can send messages via email and share on social media, through this unique system. You can even track and manage RSVPs through a user-friendly dashboard. In short, PercyVites provides fans and party-goers with the opportunity to personalize their party start to finish, from invitations to post-party thank you notes.<br><br><img rel="image_src" class="zoomable" data-large="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width_large/hash/de/1f/de1f4790512cae89cfecee4596d34209.png?itok=DPeS2vR6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/de/1f/de1f4790512cae89cfecee4596d34209.png?itok=QYdYfKTp" width="591" height="350" alt="PercyVites makes it possible to create invitations sporting many popular characters. " title="PercyVites makes it possible to create invitations sporting many popular characters. "/><br><br><img src="http://www.gwhqproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Video_Production.jpg" width="254" /><br><br>Photo credits courtesy of PercyVites, used with permission. <br><br>When it comes to birthday parties, PercyVites operates under the belief that every person is an individual and, therefore, their party should have a theme that reflects the interests of the birthday boy or girl. For example, some invitations feature monster truck rallies while others feature animals—it all depends on what most interests the specific child. Recently Julie Steiner, the founder of the company, spoke to the Examiner about her experiences working with PercyVites and her hopes for the companys future:<br><br><img src="http://www.peelvideo.com/peelproductions/images/indexcameraspeel.jpg" width="314" /><br><br>Meagan Meehan (M.M.): What inspired you to start your company and how did you chose the name?<br><br><img src="http://www.filmcreations.com/wp-content/uploads/tucson-video-production.jpg" width="380" /><br><br>Julie Steiner (J.S.): I spent my career in film and television post-production and watched with fascination as 3D visual effects software developed. I became really intrigued with the idea of its use in personalization, which up until now has been really flat and two-dimensional. At the same time I'm also a mom to twin boys and loved creating fun birthday parties themed with their favourite character, and the idea of immersing kids right into their favourite characters world grew to became PercyVites. The company name Percy3D was chosen to reflect what we do, which is to personalize video with photos and messages using the same 3D visual effects technology used in Hollywood movies. Percy is short for Personalized, not my dogs name as many people assume!<br><br>M.M.: Growing up, what kinds of crafts most interested you?<br><br>J.S.: Growing up my head was always in a book. I was a voracious reader from a very young age, but was never really into crafts as drawing stick figure men was about the extent of my artistic abilities!<br><br>M.M.: How did you go about getting your app marketed and how, exactly, does it work?<br><br>J.S.: PercyVites is a browser-based application thats fully responsive and looks great on mobile, but isnt an app in the traditional sense that youd find in an app store. Weve worked really hard to make it an easy, intuitive experience and its just a matter of choosing which character youd like to use (or theme, in the case of our adult selections). You answer a few questions about your party, upload a photo, schedule when youd like your invitations delivered, and youre done. We also include party dashboards where the party host can track their RSVPs and manage their invitations, and one for guests where you can RSVP, map the location, add it to your calendar, and add comments. Were fortunate to have terrific partners due to our licensed characters, and they help us a great deal in getting the word out. For instance, were currently running a Monster Jam ticket giveaway on the website and theyre running a birthday party sweepstakes on monsterjam.com.<br><br>M.M.: Do you have plans to release any other apps in the near future?<br><br>J.S.: We remain really focused on PercyVites and plan to continually evolve and improve it first before moving onto the many other applications available for our technology. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zwtU09MD992Y.kSw-UAF-1iQw" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Not only are we continuing to add fun new characters all the time, but were also partnering with other companies to embed our technology into their sites. For instance, we recently launched on Build-A-Bear Workshops revamped Build-A-Party site, where we created fun Build-A-Bear branded invitations and thank you videos that of course come with our party dashboards. Weve got several more of these partnerships that will be rolling out in 2016, which were really excited about.<br><br>M.M.: So far, what has been the most rewarding thing about working with PercyVites?<br><br>J.S.: By far the most rewarding thing has to be watching the faces of kids watching themselves in one of our videos, followed closely by the letters we get from people who like our product. As weve moved a physical product into the digital space its also rewarding <a href="https://local.yahoo.com/info-171179540-bridge-communications-fairfax">corporate video companies</a> to develop a product thats environmentally friendly.<br><br>M.M.: Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to mention?<br><br>J.S.: Were really excited about some of the huge new characters we have coming soon and also distribution partnerships that will be launching early next year, particularly with some e-commerce party supply sites as well as other destination party spots. Im practically bursting but cant yet announce anything, but theres lots of great stuff coming soon.<br><br>M.M.: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to get into app design? <br><br>J.S.: My number one piece of advice would be to maintain focus on the user. Question whether your app idea is something that people want and will use and every step of the way keep checking in with real users for feedback and suggestions.<br><br>* * * * *<br><br><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-jucX6Mr6k/UTbge_SGhlI/AAAAAAAAAE0/CMmKX433HRU/s1600/video-production.jpg" width="327" /><br><br>To learn more about PercyVites visit the official website here. Additionally, you can watch an explainer video here and an example of their Octonauts invitation here.<br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

On Your Case: What parents should know about the law - 09 Dec 2015 05:00

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[[html]]<img src="http://www.stay-updated.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/criminal-lawyer.jpg" width="347" /><br><br>How could a young person — who was a close friend of the deceased, Conrad Roy, 18 — allegedly do such a horrifying thing? And what are the legal ramifications of what a teen says online or in a text?<br><br>But a lesser discussed point this tragic story raises is how quickly a teen can go from normal everyday life to facing severe, life-altering legal consequences.<br><br>"To me this is the unrecognized area that parents, particularly parents of teens, miss all the time," said Green during a recent interview at CNN's studios.<br><br>"So many of our friends have armies of tutors, extracurricular activities, all sorts of angles covered … but when it comes to the law, there's this black hole."<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4h-EUI2eGVg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4h-EUI2eGVg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Mom arrested for leaving 9-year-old alone at park<br><br>Green, a journalist, lawyer and television legal analyst, says people often think of the law as scary and intimidating and believe they don't need to worry about it because their kid is never going to get into legal trouble.<br><br>Whether it's a case as serious as Carter's involuntary manslaughter charge, or a simple allegation of vandalism, parents need to be prepared, Green said. <br><br>"I cannot count the number of kids I know, good kids, who find themselves in <a href="http://www.americantowns.com/az/tempe/yp/listing/yx-1474954">http://www.americantowns.com/az/tempe/yp/listing/yx-1474954</a> the wrong place at the wrong time," said Green.<br><br>"I have now two young adults, and when they were going through their teenage years, it was a simple matter of a party that went wrong, a group of kids in the park when the police stop by and have some questions, bringing something to school they shouldn't have.<br><br>"And in each of those cases, a little bit of knowledge of the law, a little bit of knowledge of what their rights are, the right way to behave, would have saved parents a heck of a lot of grief."<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/62uvL4ZpQS0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/62uvL4ZpQS0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>Green thinks parents should think about the issue in the same way they would track down a good orthopedist if their child breaks a bone, or the best tutor if their child is struggling before the SAT.<br><br>Parents' house seized after son's drug bust<br><br>"I am not saying that parents need to go out and get their own law degrees … but just dipping your finger into the topic will help you understand what's available to you to help you parent better," she said.<br><br>The importance of legal advice in the digital age She gives some real-life examples especially in the social media age. For instance, what if a teen is asked by a school administrator to turn over his or her cell phone based on allegations the teen was sending inappropriate texts?<br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kEG0epwIvt8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kEG0epwIvt8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>What parents should know, Green said, is that a school can't open a cell phone for no reason at all.<br><br>"They need to have reasonable suspicion that something's wrong," said Green, who said parents would be wise to talk to their teens about what's appropriate and what's not when it comes to handling such requests from school officials.<br><br>"If you're asked, as a child, for. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DUOYie4OYGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br><br><img src="http://www.aedmiston.com/files/tampa-criminal-lawyers.jpg" width="357" /><br><br><object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8AFi54UVY6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8AFi54UVY6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object><br><br>a locker search, to open a phone, to open a laptop, if it's your property, pause and ask if you could call Mom and Dad," she said.<br><br>"We can act whether we're lawyers or not as that first line of defense."<br><br>Green also says that parents of college-bound teens should spend a few minutes looking online at the school's code of conduct.<br><br>"They don't tell you about it during that fantastic tour with the kid walking backwards as your child is looking around to say, 'Who can I party <a href="http://www.americantowns.com/az/tempe/yp/listing/yx-1474954">http://www.americantowns.com/az/tempe/yp/listing/yx-1474954</a> with?' But it's a really important set of information because different schools have different levels of tolerance" for activities such as drinking on campus, she said.<br><br>The legal stakes for parents too And even before teens head off to college, parents should know about social host laws, where parents could be held criminally responsible or face civil damages if teens drink alcohol in their home and then go off and do something inappropriate or even tragic.<br><br>Scary consequences for parents hosting underage drinking<br><br>More than 150 cities or counties and 24 states currently have such laws on their books, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=zwtU09MD992Y.k6EinspZ2-jM" width="640" height="480"></iframe>In some cases, parents can be held liable even if they didn't know the drinking was taking place.<br><br>"It doesn't have to be you with the shaker, like an episode of 'Mad Men,' serving up Manhattans to <a href="http://www.whitepages.com/business/details?uid=AkYe3aX9">http://www.topix.com/yp/tempe-az/YXTPL_RNEOFDD3O55FJHP70-matthew-lopez-law-pllc</a> a group of grateful teens," said Green.<br><br>"If you've made it possible in your home, if you don't lock your liquor cabinet — I never did — and all of a sudden kids are drinking, that could be a problem as well."<br><br><img src="http://www.maverickraylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Houston-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer.jpg" width="323" /><br><br>While Green is passionate about educating parents on why they need to think about the law, she stresses that bad behavior by teens still needs to be punished either legally or at home.<br><br>"I am not advocating that kids should be absolved of responsibility. If a kid does something wrong, if they broke the law, they ought to be punished appropriately by it. But we also live in a society where we have legal rights, and I want parents to know that they should be aware of what those are so they can help their child use better judgment."<br><br>How to shop for a good criminal defense lawyerSo if after reading this, you are moved to try to find a criminal defense lawyer, how on earth do you go about finding one?<br><br><img src="http://www.quimnin.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Criminal-Lawyer.jpg" width="357" /><br><br>Green's advice is to ask friends and colleagues for referrals and also consult with your state bar association, since you would want someone in your state who has experience with criminal defense issues.<br><br>Then she says you should call up and interview a few lawyers, asking them everything from how much their services would cost (that can vary), to who would handle the work, to what their philosophy is about the law and teens' rights.<br><br>"You may or may not end up being friends afterwards, but that's not as important as feeling secure that your lawyer is approaching the situation in a way that feels right for you."<br><br>Do you think it's important for parents of teens to be aware of the law and their children's legal rights? Share your thoughts with Kelly Wallace (@kellywallacetv) on Twitter or CNN Living on Facebook.<br><br>[[/html]] - Comments: 0


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