Top 3 Reasons Why Dentists Love Life-Like Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening services are proving to be quite popular and profitable for cosmetic dentists around the world. Dental patients today know that a whiter smile helps them feel better about themselves. They also believe that an attractive smile makes them more attractive to others, and can even help in professional situations.

Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions has been providing a complete line of dental supplies and dental products to help cosmetic dentists grow the tooth whitening side of their practices since 1990. We believe in providing useful information so dental professionals and their patients can make informed choices about teeth bleaching.

Our products include professional whitening kits for in-office use as well as teeth bleaching kits for at-home use. This gives dentists greater flexibility to work with patients who have a range of tooth whitening needs. The dental professional can serve as a consultant who works with patients to determine the best course of action in each individual situation.

Life-Like is the original teeth whitening system, and we work hard to earn your trust in our teeth bleaching kits. In fact, we believe in our products so much that we offer the industry’s only 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee. We know that there is a lot to like about our products, but here are the top three reasons why dentists love Life-Like teeth whitening:

1. Effectiveness: Life-Like put dental whitening just where it belongs – in the hands of the dental professional. No special lights are needed because our products are chemically activated. Proudly made in the U.S.A., our refrigerated gel products are the freshest you can buy. We guarantee that all of our materials are free of manufacturing or shipping defects, or you get your money back. Most dentists use our 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Kit for maximum tooth whitening results. For an extra whitening boost, we also offer Power Bleach, which is 44% Carbamide Peroxide that consists of hydrogen peroxide bonded with urea. Our Bleaching Enhancer raises the pH of the material and reduces sensitivity for patients. You can see for yourself the amazing results of Life-Like tooth whitening in the before and after photos on our website. In the example below, note the difference between the left picture after whitening with Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions’ bleaching material and the right picture before whitening.

2. Patient Compliance: Some dentists face the problem of patient compliance with other teeth whitening products; however, Life-Like is designed to insure patient buy-in and compliance. First of all, the patients are so thrilled with the results of their in-office treatment that they want the effect to last as long as possible. Recommending our at-home teeth bleaching kits is a logical and welcome next step. The next component in patient compliance is ease of use. Our at-home teeth whitening kits consist of 5.5cc Twist’n’Seal® syringes, trays, and viscous, neutral pH, carbamide peroxide gels in a cool wintergreen flavor. Testimonials from satisfied dentists report that the Twist’n’Seal® is an exceptional delivery system because it simplifies the process for the patient. In fact, some state that Life-Like is the only home bleaching product they offer in their practice. Finally, patients want to see results. With Life-Like they are able to see results the very first day, which helps keep them motivated to continue using the product for the entire recommended timeframe.

3. Affordability: At-home teeth whitener kits are available in various price ranges, with concentrations from 10% to 30%. Our mini-kits are a super value, providing enough material to handle many cases at a low price. We also offer bottled gel, which provides another economical choice for your practice and your patients. Available in 10%, 15%, and 20% carbamide peroxide ONLY, the 2 oz. bottle provides 58 cc of gel. Using professional products designed by dental professionals may also end up saving patients money in the long-run because they are not as likely to experience some of the other problems associated with other types of tooth whitening systems. For example, the “boil-and-bite” trays used by the over-the-counter products can overlap onto the soft tissue of the mouth, producing irritation. They can also feel bulky in the patient’s mouth, which results in discomfort and possible TMJ problems. On the other hand a dentist-designed tray is less bulky. It conforms more closely to the natural contours of the teeth, is far more comfortable, and assures a superior result.

Support from The Teeth Whitening Professionals

Cosmetic dentists also appreciate the fact that Life-Like provides a strong support structure when using our products. Our website features an exclusive Directory of Dental Professionals to increase your find-ability on the web. Since tooth bleaching is one of the most effective entry points for the first time patient, we also have a wide range of marketing materials to help promote education and awareness of tooth whitening in your practice. The Life-Like Marketing Kit is an easy-to-use package of tools that you can readily adapt to the needs of your practice. The elements of our marketing kit include Counter Cards/Table Tents, Statement Stuffers, Patient Brochures and General Tips. We also offer statement stuffers/flyers with a variety of coupon offers and attractive 11″x 14″ frameable prints to reinforce your bleaching expertise.

We’re working with you to help your practice grow. Contact us today and find out why so many dentists love Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions!

About Life-Like: Life-Like Cosmetic Solutions, the original teeth whitening specialists, provides teeth bleaching products for dentists and teeth bleaching kits for at-home use. Thousands of dental professionals have come to rely on Life-Like for dental products and dental supplies to support their teeth whitener services. Cosmetic dentists can purchase professional whitening kits from a wholesaler or an exclusive source, such as the Life-Like website. Visit the website at http://life-like.com to order your Life-Like tooth whitening products today. “Like” the Facebook page to receive regular tips and insider information on Life-Like’s line of dental whitening products. Call 800-543-3545 for more information about boosting patient confidence with whiter teeth.

 

Eric Edson Announces September Log Line Challenge Winner

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 8th, 2014 – Eric Edson, author of the scriptwriting book The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, announced the winner of the September Log Line Challenge today.

Every month, scriptwriters have an opportunity to win a signed copy of The Story Solution by entering the Log Line Challenge on the Fan Page located at https://www.facebook.com/ScreenwritingBook

Eric’s Log Line Challenge asked participants to submit a one or two sentence story premise using the following elements: A junior high school lunch lady, a homeless person, and an escaped tiger.   Participants were  judged on the following story elements;  High Stakes, Entertainment Value, Strong Hero, Strong Conflict, Strong Adversary, and an ability to help a reader visualize the conflict line.

This month’s winner is Cara Russell:

“Animation: Homeless and friendless seventh grader Tyler Rex befriends an escaped circus tiger named Benny. Tyler and Benny team up to battle the disgruntled lunch lady and her band of evil tator tots before they destroy the school.”

Winner: Cara Russell
Runner Up: Virginia Baysden

“This month we selected Cara Russell’s log line for its focus and strong sense of character, not to mention humor,” said Eric Edson.

About The Story Solution: The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page or call (818) 677-6608 for more information.

 

SOBRIETY TEST – DID YOU REALLY PASS?

Uh-oh – you went out for a few drinks with some friends and are driving home when you see flashing lights behind you. You pull over and your heart starts beating. The police officer steps up to the car window, says that he smells alcohol on your breath, and asks if you were drinking. You reply that you had a few drinks, he asks you to step out of the car, and it all goes downhill from there.

First the officer asks you to perform a field sobriety test. You oblige because you only had a few drinks, it has been an hour or two since the last one, and you did eat something, too. He then asks if you will take a breath testing field sobriety test, also known as a “preliminary alcohol screening (PAS).” You consent, still not thinking that you are really under the influence, and are shocked when he tells you that you are being arrested for DUI. He says that you failed the tests, but it felt to you like you were doing just fine.

You need to contact our DUI lawyer, Kenneth M. Hallum, as soon possible. He is a Santa Barbara DUI and traffic attorney who focuses exclusively on driving under the influence, traffic defense, and underage DUI offenses. As a former police officer, Ken has a unique perspective that gives his clients a powerful advantage. He knows how anxious drivers can get in the presence of a police authority figure, and he also knows that the police will use this anxiety to their advantage. Drivers are supposed to be advised of their rights and any field sobriety tests must be conducted in a very specific manner to provide meaningful results. Failure to administer the tests correctly could mean that you are labeled as being under the influence, when in fact you really did pass the test.

 

The Field Sobriety Test

One thing you must understand is that a field sobriety test is not mandatory in California. There is no state law that requires a driver who is suspected of driving under the influence in Santa Barbara to submit to any field sobriety tests. If you agree to be tested, the arresting office may use the results of this test as evidence against you in a DUI trial, even if you think you did okay.

There are a number of different types of field tests which a police officer can use to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol. The officer asks the driver to perform certain activities, such as standing on one leg, or walking and turning, in order to judge whether there is probable cause for an arrest.

Known as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, the use of these tests is regulated by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).  They must be conducted according to a certain protocol, which all officers might not follow on every occasion. Judging whether a driver has “passed” or “failed” these tests is often subjective, and is based on the officer’s opinion. Two officers observing the same driver might have a different interpretation of the results. The best DUI lawyers in California will tell you that you are within your rights to politely decline to take these tests.

Another area of confusion is the breath testing field sobriety test, also known as a “preliminary alcohol screening (PAS)” test. Most motorists are not aware that this is not the same as the breath test that is given following your arrest. Your driving does not give implied consent for this type of test. The officer must advise you that this is a preliminary alcohol screening test. You have a right to politely refuse to take this preliminary test as well. It is important to try to remain calm during this process so there is no cause to add on additional charges.

A DUI Arrest

Whether or not you take these tests, and despite the fact that you may feel you have passed them if you do, you may still be arrested. This is when you want to have the top DUI lawyers on your side. If you contact the DUI lawyers at the Law Office of Kenneth M. Hallum, we will listen to your side of the story and ask you questions about all facets of the arrest and any sobriety tests you may have taken. Try to remember your state of mind, the officer’s demeanor, and how the instructions were presented to you. Take note of whether you were informed that there was a preliminary breath test. All of these factors can come into play in trying to have the charges dropped entirely, or agreeing to a DUI plea bargain.

Santa Barbara DUI attorney, Kenneth M. Hallum, advises drivers that, “Anyone who is facing a DUI charge needs to understand that he or she is not alone. Our local DUI lawyers understand how the police department works in this area, and we also know how these tests should be administered to obtain reliable results. As a former police officer myself, I know there is a lot of gray area and subjective assessment that goes into the decision to make a DUI arrest.”

About DUI805.com: Information about Santa Barbara DUI attorney, Kenneth M. Hallum, can easily be found at the informative website, DUI805.com. The local DUI lawyers work with clients to understand every facet of a DUI case, from the field sobriety test to the DUI arrest. As some of the top DUI lawyers in Santa Barbara, Hallum and his staff are experienced at dealing with a DUI plea bargain, underage DUI, breath and blood tests. Visit the website at http://DUI805.com to download a complimentary PDF entitled, “Top 10 Reasons Clients Choose Ken Hallum: Beat Your DUI By Knowing the Facts.” “Like” the Facebook page to receive timely tips and information regarding DUI offenses in Santa Barbara CA. Call 805-564-3101 for a complimentary Santa Barbara DUI Consultation.

 

Best Laptop for Graduate School

From writing term papers to uploading assignments on university network systems (e.g., Blackboard), computers have become an essential school supply for modern students, particularly for graduate students who spend significant amounts of time conducting research online. Because of the limited space in most grad students’ living quarters and the increasingly mobile trend in technology, most grad students prefer portable laptops to stationary desktops. With the overwhelming number of laptops currently available on the market, many grad students (particularly those who are not computer science majors) struggle to determine which laptop is best for grad school. If you are planning to purchase a laptop for grad school but are unsure which laptop is best for you, consider the following:

Budget

Most grad students struggle to buy good quality food, much less to buy good quality computers. Spending too little on a laptop can eventually lead to spending more money on costly repairs or upgrades, but spending too much might only get you technological luxuries that you may never use. According to Case (2012), “[t]he sweet spot for performance and durability seems to be between $800 and $1,200” (n.p.). If this price range seems out of your budget, consider saving before you purchase. You could also check with your university to see if you qualify for any technological discounts, deals, or reimbursements.

Weight/Durability

A typical grad student easily lugs around between 20 and 30 pounds of textbooks and other supplies each day, so you should look for a laptop that not only has all the features necessary for graduate study but also won’t break your back on hour 14 of a 15-hour day. Fortunately, the variety of ultrabooks and other ultraportable laptops currently available provides grad students with a range of options for lightweight laptops (e.g., less than 4 pounds). However, you will also need to consider the durability of the laptop (e.g., sturdiness of the screen and screen hinges, case, etc.), which will likely be in the same backpack with the 20 to 30 pounds of textbooks; only you can determine the right weight-to-durability ratio for your everyday needs.

Usability/Display

You should consider the usability/display of a laptop concurrently with its weight/durability. For example, ultrabooks may weigh less than do other laptops, but often the lighter weight of ultrabooks is at the sacrifice of screen and keyboard size, which may not seem like a big deal until you sit down to write a 200-page dissertation. If you are trying to determine what works best for you during your graduate study in terms of laptop usability and display, you could ask yourself the following: Can you easily read text on the laptop screen without eye strain? Can you type efficiently and comfortably on the keyboard?

Operating System

One of the major challenges that grad students face in submitting documents to professors, universities, journals, conferences, etc., is software incompatibility, particularly between Mac and PC operating systems, between Windows-based and other types of operating systems, and between conflicting versions of software in the same operating system (e.g., different versions of Microsoft Word). To avoid software incompatibility, some universities actually prohibit students from using Macs and non-Widows operating systems for university-related submissions. Therefore, you should probably stick to a Windows-based operating system on a PC when you purchase your laptop for grad school.

Other Features

Other features that you might want to consider when purchasing a laptop for grad school include the following: number of USB ports (the more the merrier), graphics/optical/audio capabilities (especially if you plan to stream videos or games), fans to control heat, screen resolution, battery life, memory (but don’t let this be a determining factor because memory is easy to upgrade), and an Ethernet port (in case you don’t have access to Wi-Fi). When you are considering these features, remember that your laptop should be optimized for work, not for play. For example, if you are torn between one laptop with great graphics/optical/audio capabilities that has a short battery life and another laptop without great graphics/optical/audio capabilities that has a longer battery life, you should probably choose the latter to improve the workability of your laptop (unless, of course, your work involves manipulating electronic graphics and audio).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7576576

 

Best Investment Strategy 2014

The best investment strategy for 2014 is an investment strategy geared to reducing portfolio risk through better asset allocation and diversification across the asset classes. The year 2014 promises an increase in uncertainty and risk… so here we focus on the average investor’s best investment strategy and best asset allocation for investing money to stay out of financial trouble if things turn ugly.

Asset allocation, defined: when investing money, where and in what proportion you invest money across the various asset classes. For example, you might invest 60% in stock funds and 40% in bond funds. This simple asset allocation has worked quite well for over 30 years and many professionals still recommend it as the best investment strategy for the average investor. Losses in stock funds have often been offset by gains in bond funds and vise versa. In 2014 and beyond, this may not be the best way to invest money.

We may be entering a new economic environment that few of today’s investors are familiar with, and fewer yet understand. Today’s investors understand that stocks funds can be risky, but many are not aware of the risks involved with investing money in bond funds. Both can be losers if unemployment remains high in a slow-growth economy and interest rates rise significantly. That’s what the USA could be facing in 2014, so here are my suggestions for how to protect yourself and how to invest money with the best investment strategy going forward.

We’ll start with your best investment strategy for bond funds. Many investors today, especially older folks, consider their bond funds to be their best investment. After all, bond funds have basically been good solid performers since 1981 (when interest rates peaked at double digits). When our government quits forcing interest rates down toward record lows (using quantitative easing), rates could rise significantly and send bond prices and bond funds DOWN in value. That’s the way the bond market and bond funds work.

If your present portfolio asset allocation is allocated 40% or more to bond funds, consider cutting your exposure here to about 30%. Exchange any long-term bond funds (those with average maturities of 10 years or more) you may have for intermediate-term funds with average maturities closer to about 7 years. Investors holding the latter may take losses when interest rates rise significantly – but folks investing money in long-term funds can expect HEAVY losses.

Your best investment strategy for diversified U.S. stock funds: an asset allocation of less than 50% of total investment assets. The average stock fund has returned well over 100% in the past 4 or 5 years. If you missed out, investing money here now is probably not the best strategy. I would also favor stock funds that hold high quality, large-cap stocks with a dividend yield of 2% or more. Now is not the time to get aggressive.

So, where do you invest the rest of your money? There are two other asset classes to consider: CASH (safe, liquid money), and ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS (like gold, real estate, and natural resources like oil). In times of high uncertainty when both stocks and bonds are pricey, cash is king. Investing some money for safety in short-term CDs, insured savings accounts, T-bills or money market funds makes good sense as a part of your investment strategy. You may also want to invest money in specialty stock funds that invest by specializing in sectors like gold, real estate, or natural resources.

In simplest terms, the best investment strategy for 2014 is broad diversification in your asset allocation… with less emphasis on bond funds and diversified stock funds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8116474

 

What Benefits Do I Get with a Metis Status Card?

With the news that Metis are considered by the Canadian government in the same way as First Nations and Inuit people, everyone wants to know what benefits the Metis get. People who suspect they are “part Indian” want to find out for sure and get their Metis Status card, but there is so much conflicting information, it’s hard to find the right answers.

Pride

Getting Metis Status is a way of showing pride for your ancestors and their hard work in the beginning of the first economy of North America, that of the fur trade. Considering that it’s the Native women who did most of the work, it’s time we all honor our great grandmothers and the sacrifices they made for all our benefit.

Community

Metis Status gives access and fellowship to our extended kinship community. Because Metis groups can only apply for government funding based on the membership of their registry, getting a Metis Status card helps our communities in so many ways. Without membership, Metis communities will not get funds. Every person who stands up and gets their Metis Status card helps to build what was lost during generations of hiding our identity.

Because most of the fur traders were French, their unions with Native women represent a majority of Metis in North America. Most people who grew up in a French Canadian town or village don’t even realize how much of their culture is actually Metis, nor that they have fur traders in their ancestry, nor how many people in their community descend from Native Americans. Getting a card with the organization that represents your type of ancestry is not like being in a club, it’s about being part of a family and community.

Getting a Metis Status card means your genealogy has been verified to be true and accurate. It is proof that you actually are “part Indian”. Which card you have describes the cultural community you belong to.

Programs

Social programs are varied and can include health programs, health studies for particular hereditary diseases, cultural learning programs, assistance programs, cultural and heritage workshops, improvement incentives, work programs, help with housing, family programs (baby wellness, family counselling, etc) preservation of heritage and culture, etc. Funding for programs depends on agreements with Canadian government and the numbers of registered members of an organization.

Representation and Rights

Some groups would like harvesting rights, hunting or fishing rights, or even the access to harvest plant material. Rights to any of these are determined by agreements signed between the government and the individual organization. There are many different organizations that represent many different groups of Metis. Being Metis or having a card does not entitle you to automatic rights. Standing up and being counted by getting a Status card better helps these groups negotiate rights on your behalf. So right now, you cannot go hunting or fishing just because you have a Metis card, unless your group tells you there are agreements to do so, and the way in which the activity must be carried out.

We do not know what the future holds for anyone. In our communities today, there are some areas where people are not allowed to harvest certain plant materials. Having Metis Status with a particular organization might mean your community has a voice for negotiation of rights — for now, and for the future.

Education

Considering Native Americans have traditionally had a lower number of high school, college and university graduates than the average population, and Native Americans have traditionally been under-represented in the labor force, and Native Americans are the fastest growing group of people, the government now understands that they will need training as they will be a major pool for the labor force in the future. For all these reasons, the government is encouraging educational institutions to make accommodation for aboriginal persons, whether they be First Nations, Inuit, or Metis.

Having a Metis Status card can help secure a place in a particular educational program, for example at college or university. Considering that Metis families’ ancestors helped to build the economy of this continent, and then had to hide their identity for generations or have rights taken away, and considering that these Native ancestors’ hard work has never been properly recorded nor recognized, it’s time the Metis take their places in programs if having a Status card helps to do this.

There are also scholarships and bursaries that Metis can apply for. Application for such funding should really be based on genuine need, as there are so many Metis families with lack of resources for education.

Workplace

Major corporations usually have policy in place that encourages hiring from the 4 groups of people most under-represented in the workplace in Canada — visible minorities, handicapped persons, aboriginal persons and women. Aboriginal persons under the Canadian Constitution Act include First Nations, Inuit and Metis. Whether this helps or not with workplace is debatable and depends on the circumstances.

We Pay Taxes

All Metis persons pay taxes, just like everyone else in the country. Will there ever be change to that? Who knows.

Describing themselves as “French Canadian” has been the PC way of saying French and Native. Although their culture is Metis, there is still so much misunderstanding and old hollywood stereotyping of what it means to be aboriginal. And so many Metis feel unworthy to claim it because they think they need to learn and become culturally First Nations, but that is not true. Metis culture is no more like First Nations culture than being Filipino would make someone Chinese. And there are as many types of Metis culture as there are communities where the Metis have lived.

Only when the numbers of Metis persons come out of hiding and step up and be counted by getting a Metis Status Card, will representative organizations be able to negotiate on their behalf. If the Metis want their tax money to work for their interests, then they need to register with their appropriate organization by getting Metis Status. Only by finding out for sure if we have Native ancestors will we begin to realize how many people in the small French Canadian towns and villages are Metis who have been hiding that part of their identity for generations.

The Canadian government has declared 2010-2020 the “Decade of the Metis” for a reason. They recognize that thousands of people have been hiding their identity and need to regroup so we can share and preserve our culture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7491759

 

Eric Edson’s Screenwriting Book Now Available in Chinese

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28th, 2014, Los Angeles, CA: In an effort to help screenwriters around the world improve their craft Eric Edson, a career screenwriter and university professor, has announced that his best-selling book, The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, has now been published in Chinese.

The Chinese version of The Story Solution provides a full translation of Edson’s original concept of a “Hero Goal Sequences” story paradigm that can be used to build dynamic screen stories and keep producers and audiences glued to their chairs. The book is for new writers, as well as those who already have experience in writing novels or screenplays and want additional insights on transforming their lead characters into emotionally powerful heroes.

Edson says that all stories must impart some type of emotion to the viewer or reader to be effective. The Story Solution provides aspiring screenwriters with insights on how to construct an emotional experience through “hero goal sequences” which lead readers to discover for themselves the real merit of the main character, or hero. His book provides a list of nine ingredients that can help create an emotional bond between character and audience. The character attributes he focuses on are: courage, unfair injury, skill, funny, nice, in danger, loved, hard-working and obsessed. The more of these that are included in a story, the more emotionally effective it becomes.

As a professor who helps students sharpen their screenwriting skills, Edson loves to share his knowledge and experience with others who hope to break into movies, television, and other forms of writing. He teaches that there is a certain structure which can be followed to create believable heroes in an innovative way which insures effective plotlines for both screenplays and novels. “The art of storytelling is practiced around the world, but it doesn’t always necessarily translate into big screen success,” said Edson. “I’m really looking forward to bringing my Hero Goal Sequences to the Chinese audience. This powerful, proven strategy can help writers create characters of any background or nationality that will really come to life with an audience. I hope to provide the insight that helps aspiring screenwriters and novelists in China take their story to the next step.”

Edson has written seventeen feature screenplays on assignment for such companies as Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, Fox, ABC, Showtime, NBC, and TNT. He has written and directed for episodic TV as well. A tenured full professor at California State University, Northridge, he is Director of the CSUN Graduate MFA in Screenwriting Program.  

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page for a wealth of screenwriting tips and resources.

 

5 Must Have Logomats for Schools and Universities

September means back to school for elementary, middle, and high schools along with higher education institutions across the country. It is exciting to welcome back new and returning teachers, students, and staff. Why not welcome everyone back in style with one or more of our selected logomats that can be personalized with your school mascot? One of our logomats can add class to a meeting area, prevent injury on school grounds, as well as create a beautiful, welcoming adornment to any entrance. Check out five of our must have logomats for schools and universities.

Rubber Backed Carpeted Logomats

Looking for a high quality, colorful mat for your executive level staff like the principal, vice principal, or provost? Our Rubber Backed Carpeted Logomats are perfect for meeting areas, or anywhere you want to make a strong impression. The bright colors, crisp logo, and plush nylon carpet are sure to add a touch of class.

 

Berber Style Logomats

The entrance to your school or university should be as bold as your school spirit. Try our Berber Style Logomats emblazoned with your school’s name, motto, or mascot to welcome students, staff, and visitors every time they step foot on the premises. These mats can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The mats are made of a tough berber carpeting that resists high foot traffic. The berber carpeting is coated with propylene to prevent water from seeping into the fabric. The edges are tapered to prevent rolling and possible slips and falls. The Berber Style Logomat is built to last.

 

Flocked Olefin Logomats

Do your locker rooms need a personal touch? Football season is here and your players and coaches are in and out of the locker rooms for training, practice, and, of course, home games. The Flocked Olefin Logomats are heavy duty, all purpose mats that can be personalized with your school’s name with as many as four colors. These mats are perfect for either indoor or outdoor use and can be easily cleaned with vacuuming.

 

Plush Carpeted Surged Logomats

One of the most important areas in an institution of learning is its library. It is a place for students to research their assignments, study with classmates, and access materials they need to further their development. Why not utilize a luxurious mat that expresses the importance of your school or university library? Our Plush Carpeted Surged Logomats are exactly the touch of class you need to help bring your library to life. We have two models: the Grand Impression Plush HD and the Luxury Plush Carpet.

 

Anti-Fatigue Logomats

Take care of your kitchen and janitorial employees by investing in our Anti-Fatigue Logomats. Kitchen and janitorial employees spend a lot of time on their feet which can cause soreness in their leg muscles, feet, knees, and back. These mats provide a soft cushion to ease the shock on the body caused by long periods of standing on hard floors. These mats are slip resistant — perfect for areas where there is a lot of water. The tapered edges prevent falls by keeping the mat from curling. The Anti-Fatigue Logomats can be easily personalized with your school name, mascot, or motto.

About The Personalized Doormat Company:  

For over 10 years The Personalized Doormat Company has been the internet leader in logo doormats, auto mats, pet mats, sports logo mats, business doormats, monogrammed doormats and personalized outdoor doormats.  Visit the site today and create your own doormat using the online doormat tool.  Call 800-899-0620 or visit the site at http://www.PersonalizedDoormats.com to download the “Top 10 Reasons Customers Choose Personalized Doormats.”

 

Screenwriting Motivation & Tips for Aspiring Screenwriters

 

If you are an aspiring screenwriter who has run into a bit of a slump during the winter, use the bold advances of spring to kick your screenwriting into gear. Flowers and trees can lie dormant for months at a time, and then they burst forth in a startling array of beauty. In the same way, you can take the thoughts that have been hibernating in your head and let your ideas begin to blossom.

Here are some steps you can take to get yourself back into the mode of writing a great novel or screenplay:

• Change your scenery: If you sit in the same location every day, a different room can give you a new perspective. Get out of your rut and see what new inspiration hits you.
• Gather varied information: Screenwriters tend to focus on their character, story and time frame. It can be helpful to pull in various pieces of researched information about the hero’s world that you’re writing about.  It will make your story richer and more believable, and help get you out of that limited “character & storyline” only thought pattern.
• Write Something: The best way to get over writer’s block is to just write. It doesn’t need to be about your story, or even have to be good writing. Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) tricks your mind into the habit of creatively bringing sentences together. Once those mental connections start firing, you’ll return to your story with a fresh eye.
• Form an Outline: Don’t let yourself get to the middle of your story and have no clear idea of where to take your hero or how to resolve the conflict you have created. Before you dive into writing screenplay pages, think through your story idea completely and create an effective outline with Hero Goal Sequences®.
• Think about your hero: Your hero must touch hearts and lead the audience on a dynamic journey. Think about the character attributes you are going to imbue your hero with, and determine how you are going to turn a character in your head into somebody an audience will believe.

The Story Solution: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take, provides insights on how to construct an emotional experience that leads readers to discover for themselves the real merit of our unspoken themes. Download a sample chapter from my book or visit Amazon.com for a look at some of the chapters and pages.

Save The Date: To learn more about writing a great story, make plans to attend Story Expo 2014, coming September 5-7th to Los Angeles. I’ll be speaking, along with a host of other great lecturers, on the art and craft of storytelling.

Good Luck and Good Writing!

Eric Edson

 

About The Story Solution:  The Story Solution was written by accomplished screenwriter Eric Edson. It reveals the 23 actions used to create dynamic, three dimensional heroes and link all parts of a captivating screenplay. He also covers screenwriting tips, screenwriting resources, and screenwriting books. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 818- 677-3192 for more information.

 

Eric Edson Highlights 3 Valuable Screenwriting Software Packages

“…Are you leveraging the immense power of screenwriting software?”

In recent years, significant advancements in screenwriting software technology have enabled screenwriters all over the world to reach higher levels of productivity.  Screenwriting software, in many respects, has set the standard for the industry by providing many shortcuts and formatting advantages for screenwriters at all levels. 

In an effort to assist our fine community of screenwriters, we decided to review several well known screenwriting software packages this month.  Each of the software we reviewed provides a unique set of features, tools and resources for TV screenwriting, scriptwriting, playwriting, book writing, and screenplay writing.

Final Draft (Available at Writer’s Store)

Final Draft combines powerful word processing with professional script formatting in one self-contained package. There’s no need to learn about script formatting rules; this innovative program automatically paginates and formats your script to Industry standard as you write.  Final Draft was specifically designed for writing movie scripts, television episodes and stage plays.  This program’s ease-of-use and time-saving features have attracted professional writers for almost two decades, including Academy®, Emmy® and BAFTA® award-winning writers like Oliver Stone, Tom Hanks, Alan Ball, J.J. Abrams, James Cameron and more. 

From the Writer’s Store website, those interested in more information about this program can watch a tutorial that outlines the key features of this creative screenwriting tool.  The helpful screenwriting tips highlighted throughout the program, along with detailed and easy-to-use formatting functions, make this program a must-have for any screenwriting or scriptwriting professional.

Several price-points are available for the Final Draft software package, with upgrade options starting at $63.20 (sale price through January 31, 2013), and outright purchase options at $169 (also good through 1/31/2013 for most versions).  Box sets are available with specialty applications, including a “Platinum” package, and a special edition for studios and WGA applications.

MasterWriter (Available at Writer’s Store)

“MasterWriter is an absolute necessity for today’s creative writer.”

~Robert Zemeckis, Writer/Director, Back to the Future, Forrest Gump

MasterWriter is truly amazing.  This software package is essential for the novice screenwriter, offering a comprehensive word reference for any kind of writing.  This superb tool guides the user toward the right word or phrase for every situation, and helps the writer express himself or herself in a unique, meaningful way.

MasterWriter is an unlimited source of ideas pre-inspiration, and an invaluable tool during the creative process. Its most important role may be post-inspiration, when finding a better way or a more creative way to describe something, which can be the difference between good and great.

MasterWriter offers several unique features, with an amazing array of searchable reference dictionaries, that together provide scriptwriting, screenwriting, and book writing professionals  with everything they need in one easy-to-use program, including:

• Word Families—A unique and revolutionary reference dictionary that will open up a new world of possibilities for descriptive words and ideas
• Parts of Speech—A comprehensive list of descriptive words, with various filters including alliterations, that allow the writer to be more specific
• Phrases—A collection of over 33,000 phrases, sayings, idioms, and word combinations
• Rhymes—The ultimate Rhyming Dictionary with over 100,000 entries, 36,000 Rhymed-Phrases, and the most comprehensive list of Close Rhymes ever created. Rhymes from our Pop-Culture Dictionary are also included
• Pop-Culture—A Pop-Culture Dictionary with over 11,000 icons of American and World Culture
• Dictionary—The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary with 165,000 entries, 225,000 definitions, and 10,000 new words and senses
• Thesaurus—The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Thesaurus with over 340,000 synonyms, antonyms, related and contrasted words, and idioms

Screenwriting professionals often work under severe time constraints, making it difficult to find just the right word or phrase to make a scene pop.  MasterWriter will instantly provide all the possibilities, and from this rich source of descriptive words, the writer can find new and colorful ways to develop their storyline.  The MasterWriter software package is truly a must-have for any professional screenwriter, and can be a valuable resource for just about anyone interested in creative writing.  MasterWriter is available from Writer’s Store for $189 (boxed edition or download).

CharacterWriter (Available at Writer’s Store)

Complex and compelling characters are the key element in any truly great story.  In Fact, any elementary screenwriting course will focus a significant amount of the total course curriculum on character development.   CharacterWriter was specifically designed to assist professional screenwriters, scriptwriters, book writers, and others interested in creating believable, bankable characters.  Users can quickly create characters that connect with Character Writer 3.1, a development program that combines the power of the Enneagram personality-typing system with story-generating tools to help screenwriters create fully realized characters and perfectly organized plots, all in one easy-to-use interface.

Character Writer offers 70 complex types of characters, and offers a unique “Psychology” section, which allows the user to browse a large list of traits based on the American Psychiatric Association’s distinguished DSM-IV manual.  Writers can then generate full profiles as a starting point for building out the plot and world their characters will inhabit.

Character Writer also includes a built-in generator and organizer. Once the basic story structure and story skeleton have been established, the writer can edit, develop and organize it until it’s perfect.  CharacterWriter’s “Writing Mode” keeps the program in the corner of the screen to make notes about characters and have their traits and behaviors at the user’s fingertips.  Whether the writer is working in Final Draft, Microsoft Word, or any other writing and formatting tool, they always have access to their character profiles throughout the writing process.   CharacterWriter is available for download at $69.99, or as a box set (Windows only) for $74.99.

Part of our commitment to excellence includes serving our readers with a vast network of resources and specialists. It’s our hope that this review will help you connect with very best resources for TV writing and screenplay writing.  We hope this information save you a bit of time and energy when researching the top writing software and assists you in making an informed decision.

Do you have a favorite writing software that serves you well? Share your thoughts and comments in the form below. We would love to hear your insights.

 

The Story Solution offers a completely new approach to building powerful screen stories that will keep producers, agents and audiences glued to their chairs.