Sunday, January 24, 2010

Farewell to a fine Author-- Robert B. Parker passes on...

I just found out today that one of my favorite authors, Robert B. Parker, passed away last week. I discovered this as I ran through a book store to catch the elevator to get to the restroom. As the doors were closing, I quickly caught a glance at an end-cap that was featuring some of his novels. The sign on top of the end-cap said Robert Parker.....with something kind of small next to his name. My X- ray vision was not working at the time, so I decided to stop by on my way out. Considering I have read every single one of Robert B. Parker novels, I wasn't quite prepared for what the sign stated.

As I came back down the elevator, I went to the end cap and saw the sign. It simply stated "Robert B. Parker 1932-2010". My heart dropped. Never met the guy, but he was one of those authors who writes so well that his characters come to life and you feel like you know them. Spenser novels are still my favorite, but in the last few years, Mr. Parker created several new characters like Sunny Randal, Jesse Stone and the Old West characters Virgil Cole and Evert Hitch in the Appaloosa series.

My reason for going to this particular book store was to purchase a couple of children's books that I love. However, when I saw that Parker had passed, it took the breath out of me. I may be emotional, but when an avid reader loses one of their favorite authors, it truly stinks. This reminds me of when Lawrence Sanders passed and my beloved Archy McNally series stopped. Even though Vincet Lardo co-authored and tried to replicate Sanders description in the last few books of the McNally series, the Sanders style that captured my heart was gone.

I feel sad for the Parker family. It much have been fun having such an talented writer in the family. I would love to have met him, but somehow I feel I have through Spenser. I'm glad for the Internet interviews that I can hear, and the next few books that will be out. But in the long run, no one, or nothing can replace the space in my heart for Robert B. Parker and his superb stories.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Creating Your Water Garden Book - Step-by-Step Pond Building


Step-by-Step Pond Building

Add a waterscape to your backyard using this great book: Creating Your Water Garden as a guide.

This brief work offers information such as designing and installing your pond, as well as tips for stocking it with plants and animals. Pond mechanics are briefly discussed, and a troubleshooting section answers common pond questions.

The back pages of the book list common water garden plants, and the easy-to-read piece includes several photographs and illustrations to better demonstrate correct installation. Creating Your Water Garden is a perfect read for anyone thinking of building a waterscape.

The first section of this book looks at all the design aspects you need to consider, from siting a pond to selecting the most appropriate water feature for your garden. A unique aspect of the book is the way in which the author explores the thinking behind existing water gardens.

Whether you have a patio, small city courtyard, or a larger suburban plot, you will find the right water garden design for you. The second section contains all the practical information necessary to construct a garden pond or water feature, and features numerous step-by-step illustrations showing how to install them safely and efficiently.

Essential information is included on buying and selecting suitable plants to create the right setting for your pond or water feature.

Features: a number of different inspirational pond designs for gardens of all shapes and sizes; practical step-by-step advice on all aspects of constructing a garden pond or water feature in your garden; full color photographic glossaries of plants and fish; and troubleshooting sections on keeping fish healthy and plant maintenance.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Get Local in 2010 with Professional Business Listings

It's a New Year and we wanted to share a fresh new way to jump-start your small business:

Professional Local Business Listings Package

An affordable local business listing package, offered by The Michigan Business Directory in partnership with SmartFinds Internet Marketing, is allowing small businesses to reduce the cost of local online marketing. Internet based Local business listings are free through the major search engines and display in search results, as well as on mobile devices.

The additional benefits include adding coupons, offers, discounts, photos, videos while changing them anytime.

But navigating this new world of "Online Local" can be difficult and that is where the professionals at MBD (experts in online local) can affordably help.The benefits of "online local" to small business are incredible. "To be available to local prospects" right when the customer is looking for them ( around town with their mobile device) is a huge marketing advantage.

The ability to update your business offerings anytime gives you endless possibilities including (but not limited to) coupons, seasonal specials, clearances, the ability to push out the latest industry news and more.The Michigan Business Directory offers a low priced one-time fee of $395 to update your local business listing with their 15 year Internet expertise. This includes the six primary websites that include Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask, Local.com and Yelp.

In 2010, no one can argue that the mobile device industry will grow exponentially. Not only the iPhone, but also Blackberry and Palm are coming to market with new products and mobile applications, mapping, GPS and even localized advertising solutions.

Now is the time to jump on the bandwagon and get your business "online local". This is not limited to Michigan businesses, any business in the United States can take advantage of this wealth of experience at this economical price.