GONZALES WEEKLY We are excited to welcome The Gonzales Weekly. Some of you may know that the owner of Dezins, Orhan Mc Millan, got a great deal of his graphic design and web development experience while employed for over 6 years at The Gonzales Weekly newspaper. Since 1920, The Gonzales Weekly has been serving the people of greater Ascension Parish with news, events, entertainment, sports and education information. They are the largest and one of the few remaining locally owned and operated newspapers. Now interested readers can get a glimpse of area news and events online. Also available are online subscriptions, classifieds and more. It is truly great to have The Gonzales Weekly back in the family and a special thank you to the Bishop family for all they have done. Interested parties can also advertise on the website by contacting Tony Tortoreo (admanager@gonzalesweekly.com) or by visiting www.gonzalesweekly.com
NICOLE DUBOIS Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nicole Dubois now resides in Gulfport, Mississippi and is a hair stylist and make-up artist , working at a top salon on the Mississippi Gulf coast. Nicole is a veteran in the art form of female impersonation, having been fortunate enough to have worked with the country's top entertainers, and has captured numerous titles As a cast member of LaCage Follies at the Palace Casino and Resort, Nicole performed as the illusions of Wynonna Judd, Patsy Cline and Lorrie Morgan. She is now a cast member of Profiles at the Bourbon Pub in New Orleans, La., and Splash in Baton Rouge, La. Nicole is also known for her quick wit on the microphone and of course for her love of rhinestones and cosmetics. www.nicoledubois.com
THE INN AT SEVENTY AND ONE located in Belle Rose, Louisiana, offers a wonderful experience which combines a beautiful bed and breakfast and steakhouse. The Bed and Breakfast comprises four unique, spacious suites each with their own style and character. All suites are true to the architecture of the 1960s with their vast rooms, original sliding “hideaway” doors and large dressing and bathing areas. Suites include all the amenities of home from coffee service, refrigerator, audio devices, television, hairdryers, to the plush towels and cozy robes. Their restaurant is a full-service steakhouse serving appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, traditional Louisiana seafood including, fish of the day and signature seafood dishes and desserts. Although their specialty is steak, diners will also enjoy an excellent selection of chicken, pork and seafood. www.seventyandone.com
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Most of all, a great Holiday Card to your customer list gives you the opportunity to say “thanks” to the people who are keeping you in business. Customers do all the buying and all the referring; they pay for your employees… and they pay you. This is the time of year to say thanks with a nice Holiday message. Plus, your competition probably won’t send one, so you’ll stand out even more!
Adams Hudson is president of Hudson, Ink, a creative marketing firm. |
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The best way to address your holiday marketing needs may be to address Holiday Cards to your customers. This is, after all, the time of year when many sales messages are simply a waste of money—unless you’re a toyshop! For most service businesses, however, we recommend no “sale mail” from December 10 – January 12 since it usually goes in the trash unread.
A NEW LOOK FOR A LOCAL TREASURE We are excited to present to you the newly designed brochure for the River Road African American Museum. With the use of this 4" x 9" full-color rack card, the museum will be able to further promote itself in the area and throughout the country. The focus of this brochure was to bring together the elements and style of the website and feature the key points of interest of the museum in a visually pleasing yet informative piece. You can view and download the brochure online at www.africanamericanmuseum.org or by clicking here
ATTENTION BRIDAL VENDORS Sales for the upcoming premier issue of Southern Grace Weddings is in full swing and ad space is selling fast. We introduced Southern Grace Weddings in our Vol. 2, Issue 5 recently. Southern Grace Weddings is a premier bridal marketing compilation which includes a high-quality magazine, website and digital DVD to provide brides and grooms an unequaled resource to plan their wedding celebration from beginning to end. The magazine will be of the highest quality in both production and layout; the website will be an online resource for brides, wedding planners and advertisers with full bridal registry; the digital dvd will feature 30-second virtual tours of the products and services of the advertisers. Contact www.southerngraceweddings.com today to reserve your ad, space is limited.
CHAMBER VOICE GETS LOUDER Debbie Peltier, editor of The Chamber Voice, is excited to announce the sixth issue of Donaldsonville’s source for chamber news. With the creative assistance of Dezins, they have consistently produced a magazine that is the talk of the town… and beyond. With creative layout, interesting feature articles, contributing writers and political commentary, it is readable from front to back AND NOW you can subscribe to The Chamber Voice for only $10 per year. Click here to view the current issue and contact Debbie if you are interested in advertising or subscribing by emailing dlpeltier@dville.ntcmail.net or calling 225-473-4226.
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE -
- Sunday Brunch at The Grapevine - starting October 16th. 9:30 am-2:30 pm. New exciting menu and live music.
- "Kirk and Friends" will be playing at The Grapevine on Friday, October 28th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
- "Halloween Rocks on the 200 Block" - Halloween party on the street in front of The Grapevine and Hambonz Saturday night, October 29th. Fun and games for the kids. Halloween costumes encouraged.
The Grapevine Cafe and Gallery is located at 211 Railroad Avenue in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. (225) 473-8463
GATORS GET A NEW LOOK With all the changes and additions over the last year at Alligator Bayou, our swamp boys needed to update their brochure. With a full-color, trifold layout, this brochure gives a great representation of the exciting activities available at the greatest outdoor swamp attraction in the area. Take a look at the new look for yourself by clicking here.
MASSAGE, FACIAL, OR BODY WRAP ANYONE? St. Michel Day Spa has recently expanded their services to include a vast array of new massages, body treatments and skin care treatments. Go ahead and pick one for yourself. You deserve it…. pick three or four. www.stmicheldayspa.comMAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ASCENSION PARISH October 22nd marks the 15th Make a Difference Day, a national day of volunteering. You or your organization can register your project(s) through Volunteer Ascension, a Points of Light Foundation member. This year, projects registered for recognition will include a broader array of projects! Make a Difference Day has been happening throughout Ascension Parish as Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts have unfolded. We want to be certain to identify, register and recognize all of these efforts. Please contact Volunteer Ascension to register projects related to any aspect of hurricane relief, those created specifically for Make a Difference Day and projects that are already created for special assistance to our elderly. Please remember that projects to register include those in progress or completed, done by individuals or companies, large or small. Everything counts in making a difference! Please contact them at (225) 644-7655 or email volas@eatel.net. Registration forms can be downloaded here.
PLANTATION PATHWAYS In their continued effort to represent and promote Ascension Parish, the Ascension Parish Tourist Commission is proud to announce Plantation Pathways, a quarterly e-newsletter featuring the events and announcements of the area. The newsletter is available online at www.ascensiontourism.com/plantationpathways.
RIVER ROAD AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD American Legacy Magazine, the magazine of African -American history and culture is proud to announce the winners of the 2005 Living History and Museum Preservation Awards. The magazine will present the awards at its 10th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, September 14th in New York City. Ten (10) museums from across the country will be among the winners including Ascension Parish's own River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. "As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, we wanted to make a special effort to acknowledge those institutions that are doing extraordinary work to preserve our history and heritage," said Rodney J. Reynolds, Founder and Publisher of American Legacy Magazine. The award celebrates excellence in preserving the historical and cultural perspectives of the African-American experience. To be eligible, museums had to provide information on previous projects and an outline of their plans for future programming which promote the African-American experience in each of their local areas. You can read the entire press release at www.africanamericanmuseum.org/press.html.
Editors Note: A special congratulations from Dezins to Kathe Hambrick
and the museum Board of Directors. You are a valued treasure.
SPECIAL EDITION PORTRAIT SESSIONS AVAILABLE Studio S Portraits announces several upcoming themes for their special edition portraits. A Special Edition at Studio S is a great opportunity to get beautiful and fun themed portraits for your child at a great value and excellent quality! Upcoming themes include sports mania, outdoor family, funny faces and expressions. Visit www.studiosportraits.com for full details and photo gallery. Contact them as soon as possible as Special Editions do sell out.
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE JAVA And we don't mean Java Script. Our friends at Christian Street Furniture have recently added to their vast gallery of furniture photos by including the newest additions to the Java furniture line. Java furniture is handcrafted, imported teak furniture and no one has the selection that Christian Street does. If you haven’t been to Christian Street Furniture then you haven’t shopped for the most beautiful unique furniture available. Check them out at www.christianstreetfurniture.com.
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Using Local Directories To Generate Web Traffic
When it comes to web traffic, we are all aware of the search engines. And we are all aware of the competitiveness and expenses involved with these search engines. There is an additional option to increase your web traffic – think yellow pages… Yes, the internet has many versions of the good old yellow pages and for many of them, submitting your ad is free. So why not take advantage of this while free is still a keyword.
We’ve provided two articles below. The first article, Surviving The Search Wars – Local Directories, gives a brief comparison between search engines and local directories. The second article, Using Local Directories, discusses the benefits of using local directories and provides a list of the major directories that have no fees involved with submitting your information.
And an additional option is to go online and look for directories that serve your local area. We submitted Dezins to several local directories and actually have received calls from customers who used these online yellow pages.
| PART ONE: Surviving The Search Wars - Local Directories
Innovation in the competitive search engine and directory markets: how the internet is the perfect medium for David to take on Goliath. The pursuit of online information has become an increasingly dynamic and competitive marketplace during the past three years.
Global heavyweights such as Google, Yahoo and MSN are backed by massive resources, making it nearly impossible for new companies to even attempt to compete. It would seem for new start directories it is almost impossible to aim for the "catch all" approach, as there are simply bigger companies out there with larger budgets - who are going to dominate the market for years to come. However, there are still a number of innovative directories evolving which are capable of surviving in this ultra-competitive landscape. The key to this survival is undoubtedly focusing upon a niche and making sure your site stands out from others. When performing a web search, users have the choice between search engines and directories. Directories tend to be categorized by webmasters or a group of subject experts - such as the directory http://dmoz.com. When using such a directory, the user has the option to either type in a word to facilitate a search through the directory listings, or they can choose a subject heading, for example "travel". After clicking on this category, users are faced with lists of several subtopics such as "hotels" which would then be further split into geographic regions, then the individual hotel names. In contrast, a search engine uses automated programs called robots or spiders to search through its database of websites. The user types a query into a provided dialog box in the form of a keyword, or string of keywords. The search engine then uses the robots to follow links and indexes of various websites in order to form an organized list of results in the user's browser. The world's most popular search engine, Google, currently has a database of 8,058,044,651 web pages. With this colossal searching power, it is amazing that any directories are capable of surviving against the heavyweight search engines. The solution is perhaps to avoid trying to compete in the first place. For example, if a local directory run by people familiar with an area is marketed properly, then it can offer a real service for users, as one of the main problems people have with search engines is the difficulty in finding local services relevant to them. About the Author: Robin Richmond is a researcher for the internet marketing company Optimiser and a regular contributor to discussions on search engine marketing and directory building. http://www.optimiser.co.uk/about.html For further information contact: Robin Richmond - E-mail: robin.richmond@bigmouthmedia.com - Phone: 0845 130 0022 |
The importance of being in this local directory can't be overstated. A local directory maintains business data by location. Search by keyword and location, and the directory returns businesses related to that keyword. It works like the published yellow pages, only it is online and you can search by category, location, or business name. It easy to get use to using the online local directories instead of that thick printed directory you have been using in the past. You can access the Google local directory, for example, at: Try a sample search. For example, try "galleries" and "97034" in the two text boxes. You will see all the galleries in the area of the zip code. You will also see a map of the area with the galleries marked. You can zoom in or out on the map. You can also click the word "satellite" under the map and you will see a satellite view of the area. Click on a business name and you will see the related pages from the organic search engine. The search engines using the printed yellow pages, indirectly through other online directories, primarily build local directories. This means the business listing in the directory may be correct - but often may have errors. Take the time to check your listings in the various local directories and be sure it is correct, editing as necessary. All of this is free now. Take advantage of it while it is still free. Here are the local directories that are run by major search engines: |
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HAVE YOU "ASKED O" We've added a new feature to the dezinSOURCE e-newsletter and it is called "Ask O." This is where you ask questions of interest and we'll do the research and post the answers to your inquiry. There are lots of things about marketing, the internet and print media that can be challenging, so, ASK O. This issues question: How do you present a lot of information with limited ad space and still keep your ad uncluttered? ASK O
RACE DIALOGUE Dezins' owner, Orhan Mc Millan recently completed the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge's Dialogue on Race. Dialogue on Race is a six-week training which is structured to facilitate learning and focus on dismantling institutional racism. The dialogues are free and open to the public and do require registration. The meetings are once a week for two hours. The opportunity to experience and understand what institutional racism is and how it undermines the success of our society as a whole is remarkable. The dialogues are open to all genders, all ages and all races. For more information contact the YWCA at 225-388-0026.
STUCK ON YOU Need something to do while traveling in the ever increasing traffic of our area? Why not promote your business with magnetic car signs. Affordable, quick turnaround and guaranteed to reduce road rage.
WEB HOSTING - RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE How's your web host? Where's your web host? Not sure? Then contact us and let's talk about it. Web hosting starts at only $20.00 / month and some of the features include:
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HOSTING INCLUDES:
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| Unlimited Web Space* Unlimited Emails Guestbook** Unlimited Free Web Stats Miva Merchant(secured)** |
Animation/Audio**
Shop Monster** Free Monthly Search Engine Submissions Secure Socket Layers And More... |
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AND THAT'S NOT ALL! When you host your site with Dezins, you also get:
- Free Monthly Submission of your site to the popular search engines
- Free Monthly Web Report emailed directly to you listing your visitors for that calendar month
- 24-hour Web Stat Report
IT'S ALL ABOUT WINE - Two Glasses
Special Thanks To Paul Keesler for this submission.
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine...
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the
empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
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SCORE
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INITIALS
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25
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J.R. |
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25
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H.L.
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24
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V.G.
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23
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M.L.
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23
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L.L.
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20
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T.L.
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19
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D.L.
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important things - your God, family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions - things that if everything else
was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you
spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."
Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend."
SOUTHERN SIGNS
Special thanks to Stephanie Nettles for this submission.
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20)
Although you appear crude, you are actually very slick on the inside.
Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his
life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon
Pies.
CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19)
Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A chitlin, however, can make
something of himself if he's motivated and has lots of seasoning. In
dealing with Chitlins, be careful. They can erupt like Vesuvius.
Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.
BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - Mar 20)
You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface
of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of
everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you
had some inner hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you,
so don't worry about it.
MOON PIE (Mar 21 - Apr 20)
You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. It's a
cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round
are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get
remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might
be the year to think about aerobics. Or then, maybe not.
POSSUM (Apr 21 - May 21)
When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency
to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes
you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is
probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you. One
day, however, it won't work and you may find your problems actually
running you over.
CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21)
Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're always hanging
around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains,
the pool to the golf course,the bathtub to the living room. You tend to be not
particularly attractive physically, but you have very, very good heads.
COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23)
Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the
"melting pot" of life and share their essence with the essence of those
'round them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and
baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are
Collards, stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a
lot of heartache.
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23)
Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although your
whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You catfish are never easy
people to understand. You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface
of life. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
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HERE'S ANOTHER GAME
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| INSTRUCTIONS: Click on the link below. Make sure and have your sound turned on so you can hear verbal instructions. The goal is to see how steady your hand is. Keep your little blue box in the yellow area while tryin to reach the red area. Stay out of the black or you start over. Make sure and email us with the level you reach. www.suonodiroma.com/labirinto.swf |
Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle
together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so
maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go?
Anywhere they have cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you
can, go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you
well.
BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23)
You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately,
those who know you best are your friends and loved ones and may find
that your personality is much too salty. Their criticism will probably
affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear.
You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a
certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be
sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22)
Always invite a Butter Bean because Butter Beans get along well with
everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the
vine of life and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can
sit next to anybody. However, you, too, should avoid Moon Pies.
ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21)
You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually
quite gentle. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots,
fruit, worms and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with
today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about
today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior
patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but Possum is
another somewhat kinky, mating possibility.
dezinSOURCE is a dezins publication - 2005 All Rights Reserved
