Best Bloggers Group

First, sign-up for Google Analytics.  If you already have a Google account, just add Google Analytics too. 

The Basic - Google Analytics

Log-in to Google Analytics.  The first screen you will come to — is the dashboard.  What is a dashboard?  Google Analytics dashboard is an overview of your stats.  Here’s what’s on Google Analytics dashboard.

Under Stat Usage

• Number of visits - Number of visit this is the number of visitors to your site.
• Bounce rate - Bounce rate is the percent in which a visitor instantly left your site.
• Page viewed - Page viewed is how many pages were viewed given your date range.
• Pages/View - Pages view is an average of the number of pages viewed by your visitors.
• Average time on site - Time on site is an average of how long your visitors stayed on your site.
• New Visits - new visits is an average of the number of visitors that have come for the first time.

Traffic Sources

• Under traffic sources you will find an overview of how visitors arrived at your site.
• Direct traffic - Direct traffic shows how many people type your web address or clicked a link to arrive at your site.
• Referring Sites - Referring sites give you a look at site where your link appears — also known as (backlinks).

(note: bookmarks and links that appear on other sites are all sources of backlinks)

• Search Engines - Search engines shows which engines have indexed your site — like MSN, Google, Yahoo, Ask ….
• Others - under others you can see if visitors arrived via email.

Pull Your Google Analytics Data To Work

• Keywords - Used the keywords data to identify keywords that have a low bounce rate.  Keywords with high bounce rates might mean that visitors who arrived expected something else and quickly left your site.
• Landing pages - The term landing page shows where a visitor entry your site.  Landing pages with high bounce rate should be reviewed.  The goal of a landing page is to have your visitor click to another site on your domain, or complete an action you have set forth — opt to your mailing list, make a purchase, see another site you host.

(note: if you purchase keywords — adword — then those words with high bounce rate should be reviewed)

Why Broadcast Live Videos - Live video is the next step towards true interaction between you and your visitors.

How to Broadcast Live Videos - I currently use Ustream to broadcast live streaming videos.  Ustream offers free services to include features like twitter integration, youtube uploading, various embed options, instant chat, recording live show, Co-host options, polling the audience …

Where to Embed Your Live Videos - I have placed my live stream videos on myspace, my blogs and of course you can watched directly from the Ustream site.

See The Yin Yang Show Now

When to Broadcast Your Live Video - When to broadcast is best on your audience.  Finding your niche (best time) to broadcast can vary.  I am still working out timing.

Who is Broadcast Live Video - Anyone can broadcast live streaming video.  All that is require to broadcast live is a web cam, Internet access, and a microphone.  Popular show are IJustine, Chris Prillo …

Are You Broadcasting Live Videos From Your Web Site?

M*A*S*H

MASH, the trend setting television shows began as a book written by Richard Hooker, and then as a movie that grossed $36 million at the box office. The war humor show (M*A*S*H) first aired in 1972 on the smallest CBS set — stage 9 at 20th Century Fox.  After the first season, Mash rated 46 and was due to be canceled.  However, one of the executive’s wives love the show and MASH returned for a second chance.

After the 2nd season Mash rating improved to 4th and that began MASH’s 4077 history.  Who were the characters on MASH?  Hawkeye- the woman chasing doctor with a heart of gold; Trapper John - Hawkeye’s faithful sidekick; Max Klinger - the crazed woman dressing solider; Father Mulchay- the priest; Frank Burns - the strange Major; Hot Lips - the nurse with a man’s command; Henry Blake - The commander with a sense of humor; Radar - the adorable. 

In 1975 two of these characters real life actors wanted out their contracts.  Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) was often seen filling in for Johnny Carson and had other movie deals.  Trapper John (Wayne Rogers) was not originally slated to be Hawkeye’s sidekick therefore the actor wanted out his contract.  Henry Blake was killed off the show andreplaced by Sherman Potter.  Trapper John was replaced with BJ Hunnicut.

In the 4th season more characters would leave the 4077 line up.  Executive producer Larry Gelbart left the show and then in 1977 Frank Burns (Larry Linville) followed.  Frank Burns was replaced by Charles Emerson Winchester III.  Winchester was the upper class doctor.  Then in 1979 Radar (Gary Burghoff) left the show too.

The MASH show lasted for 10 1/2 season (11 years).  The last show was aired in Feb, 1983 and 125 million views tuned in to watch.  The “After Mash” a spinoff of MASH featuring Father Mulchay, Max Klinger, and Sherman Potter didn’t work and was cancel after the 2nd season.

See DVD’s From Amazon.com

Mash 

There were times MASH wasn’t funny, but it always managed to touch your heart.

Mash Line-Up - Meet the Cast

• Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce (Hawkeye) played by Alan Alda
• Corporal Walter Eugene O’Reilly (Radar) played by Gary Burghoff
• Father John Francis Patrick Mulcahy played by William Christopher
• Maxwell Q. Klinger played by Jamie Farr
• Captain B.J. Hunnicut played by Mike Farrell
• Colonel Sherman T. Potter played by Harry Morgan
• Captain John McIntyre (Trapper) played by Wayne Rogers
• Colonel Henry Blake played by McLean Stevenson (Deceased)
• Major Charles Emerson Winchester III played by David Ogden Stiers
• Major Margaret Houlihan (Hot Lips) played by Loretta Swit
• Major Frank Burns played by Larry Linville (Deceased)

With a back drop set in California, the “House of Mondavi” books tells the story of the Mondavi family rise and fall. Four generations located in the Napa Valley built a wine empire that spanned the globe. Read all about the genius, sibling rivalry, and betrayal of the spectacular wine family. Starting with Cesare Mondavi and his journey to Ellis Island in 1906 to the rebirth with Robert Mondavi.

The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty

The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty was written by Julia Flynn Siler — published by Gotham Books in 2007. (IsBN 9781592402595)

New Wii games for 2009 that you can buy very soon are :

Wii Sports Resort - This is the sequel to Wii Sports and also called Wii Sports 2.  The Wii motionplus accessory comes with this Wii game.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop - featuring a port that has been given the subtitle treatment.

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World - has 9 cheat codes and secrets, 5 reviews, and 1 saved game and 21 user screenshots.

Deadly Creatures - Set in the desert of venomous terror, this game features 3rd person action.  Arm yourself with the deadly tarantula or scorpion to fight for your survival against lizards and gila monsters.

Zombi Slayers - Featuring girls in bikinis — have mindless fun hacking, slashing and play this Wii game.

Fatal Frame IV - know in Japan as Zero, this Wii game has some common elements contained in Resident Evil 4.

The Conduit - Featuring real time gameplay, this Wii game is a futuristic first-person shooter with a great look.

MadWorld - 2009 most controversial game (rated) for being one of the goriest Wii games — is projected to payoff for Wii and you. 

Rygar: the Battle of Argus - Swing into action with this adventured filled Greco Roman mythology Wii game.

Other New Wii Game for 2009 that you can buy very soon are :

• Spore
• Cursed Mountain
• Final Fantasy Crystal
• Call of Duty: World At War

Buy an older Wii game today!

Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season. as we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.

Many troops are serving their second, third, or fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guards — they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers.

This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child’s face as they open a gift back home.

Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come.

These are also tough times for many American struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don’t have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain. That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans — that I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper.

Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country. That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day. After all, that is what Americans have always done.

232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire. It was Christmas Day - December 25th, 1776 — that hey fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to a beleaguered army and new hope to the cause of Independence.

Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season — the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible.

Have you ever been drinking at the party and wanted to know if you had too much. Now you don’t have to ask your drunk friends. iBreath is a new accessory for your iPod and/or iPhone. iBreath is a alcohol breathalyzer that allows you to test your alcohol levels. Avoid unwanted DUI charges, or worst, the loss of life by test your breath with the iBreath after a night out on the town.

The iBreath can be added to your iPhone or Ipod and does not require batteries. The alcohol breathalyzer results will show in the LCD display of the iBreath. For those times when you don’t have your iPod or Iphone you can still use the iBreath with the included 12V Car adapter.

iBreath Specs

• Compact
• No Batteries needed
• LCD Display
• 0.000 - 0.100% BAC Range
• Wireless FM Transmitter

Other iPod and iPhone Accessories

Griffin iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod (Black)

Premium Skin for Apple iPod Touch 2nd Generation Skin Case, Silicone case for iTouch 2nd Gen 8GB, 16GB, 32GB 8G, 16G, 32G with Full Body Screen Protector

eGo Waterproof Sound Case with Speakers for iPod

OtterBox iPhone 3 G Defender Protective Case

8-in-1 FM Transmitter for Apple iPhone (1G & 3G) & iPod Nano Video Touch Classic with LED Display + HandsFree + Charger + Remote Control

MusicPower 0900-70 Solo One-USB AC Adapter/Charger

Common mistakes you can avoid on your ecommerce sites in 6 steps. Don’t get it wrong — first impressions count.

Commonly Made Mistakes #1 - Outdated web design.  Giving a poor first impression is a no no.  If your site looks like it was designed in the 90’s then you have committed the first mistake.  Look at your competitor’s site to see if your first impression stands up to the test of time. 

Commonly Made Mistakes #2 - Multiple products per page.  Your site can be better served by optimizing each page with one product.  Think of blogs and Google ads.  Each post is should be focus on one topic allowing Google to provide relevant ads.  This is just good SEO.

Commonly Made Mistakes #3 - Bad Content.  Ecommerce customerscome to your site to be informed.  Make sure you have spell checked your website, that they are no grammar mistakes, use common English, that the site is informative, and the content is unique.

Commonly Made Mistakes #4 - No Contact.  Ecommerce customers want to know who you are, and how to get in touch with you — if something goes wrong.  Listing your address, phone, email and even a picture can only help the visitor to your site feel more comfortable about making a purchase.

Commonly Made Mistakes #5 - Not Stating the Advantages.  State the benefits the visitors will have if they purchase from you.  Some example maybe fast delivery, one click purchase, guarantee …

Commonly Made Mistakes #6 - Poor SEO Content.  Basic SEO can make or break your site with respects to the search engine.  You don’t need to re-create the wheel.  If visitors are search for your product or service help them find you.  Read SEO Bible to learn SEO best practices.

Make way for the development of the Convention Center located next to the RCA Dome which was demolished today.

The RCA Dome was the home of the Indianapolis Colt (NFL Franchise) and resided in it current location for the past 24 years (1984-2007). This morning, at 9:35 am the Dome was demolished for the further development of the Convention Center located next to the RCA Dome.

The RCA Dome implosion was accomplished by drilling 800 holes around the structure and setting off explosives charges. The implosion left massive ring of debris.

See The RCA Dome Implosion On Video

Babysitters, pet sitters, hair stylist, house sitters, teachers, there are a lot of people who take care of us year round. So as the year ends, it’s time to take care of them. The list of people you are suppose to tip is long. However budget maybe the issue. Here are a few Holiday Etiquette Tips to keep in mind. First consider the frequency of service and then your relationship with that person and apply them to the tip secrets below:

Tip Secret 1 - If you don’t know the person’s name, than it’s okay not to tip.

Tip Secret 2 - Postal workers are not allowed to accept cash as a tip.

Tip Secret 3 - For those who you want to tip, it is common to tip “one session of their normal pay”. Example - Your babysitter.

Tip Secret 4 - For teachers, a group gift of non-cash is appropriate. Tipping cash is wrong.

Tip Secret 5 - If you are giving cash as a tip, put the cash in a card signed by you.

Tip Secret 6 - A tip is for exceptional service, not just because.

Who are you tipping this year?