Fortune Girls, Inc. Is on To Something: Girl Power | Makes Me ...

This is not a sponsored post, but as the father of a little girl who is bubbling with confidence I am always on the lookout for ways to nurture that and never let it subside. When Fortune Girls, Inc. approached me I couldn't resist but helping them to share their story. Please continue reading...

How Two Women and a Girl became Fortune Girls

What do you get when you take a girl who has a special gift of drawing, combined with a Mom who discovers her daughter's gift and infuses her professional gift of designing in it, and two Moms who are determined to make a difference in the lives of girls? You get Fortune Girls!

Fortune Girls is the creation of a tween girl Madison Ruiz and her Mom Barbara Clarke Ruiz. It all began when Madison wanted some art on her walls, and her Mom decided to take Madison's drawings, color over them, and the beautiful, bright and whimsical Fortune Girls characters were born! Not long after that one of Barbara's friends, Lisa Osinloye, visited their house and asked, "Why aren't these girls on t-shirts?" This was the question that got the entrepreneurial wheels in motion. Seven Fortune Girls pictures were produced and sold out in one week at a cost of $75.00 apiece. The Fortune Girls were no longer just a hunch, but a viable brand that could used as an aid to empower girls.

Barbara partnered with Co-Founder Lisa, and together they've developed and built a multi-media brand that is dedicated to the empowerment of tween girls age 6-12, building self confidence and self esteem in our girls. Fortune Girls will scale to include a website experience with lots of content and games, television, film, gaming apps for tablets and mobile, music, publishing, dolls, toys, licensing and merchandising deals.

Fortune Girls was named the 'Next Hottest Tween Brand' at the Youth Mega Marketing Event, and reached over 4 million girls through a first of its kind initiative with Girl Scouts USA. Fortune Girls was selected out of hundreds of established brands for the Teen Choice Awards coveted Celebrity Gift Bag. Celebrities and their kids went home with Fortune Girls goodies!

So what is Fortune Girls? Rather, who are the Fortune Girls?

Wouldn't it be great if every girl could grow up believing in themselves and their dreams?

The Fortune Girls brand, co-created by a tween and her Mom, its characters, its concept, its mission? seeks to empower young girls and encourage them to think beyond themselves --- effecting positive change, both large and small, in their local communities and around the world.

Fortune Girls seeks to empower tween girls, ages 6-12, in an online environment via interactive animated characters who promote positive images of girls in the classroom, on the athletic field, spending time with their friends, in their communities and pursuing their dreams.

The Fortune Girls --- Wow Girl Pink, Flame, Cinderita, AyakoLove, Taj, Ashna, Savvy and Margaux will provide guidance and inspiration to get through life?s bumpy roads, help build self-esteem, and encourage our global citizens to have a positive outlook on their lives, goals and achievements all while having fun!

Watch our video to meet the "original" Fortune Girl at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2145929840306

To learn more about Fortune Girls and the powerhouse team behind the brand, please Like us on Facebook at http://Facebook.com/FortuneGirls --- we promise you'll fall for the Fortune Girls as much as we do. And please share this with your friends, family and most importantly the tween(s) in your life!

Thank you and we hope to see you and your Tweens on Facebook!

~ Barbara Clarke-Ruiz & Lisa Osinloye

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter at @EPayneTheDad.

Source: http://www.makesmewannaholler.com/2012/10/Effectively-Using-Animation-To-Foster-Girl-Empowerment.html

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VMware suffers profit drop, steals Microsoft VP

VMware has reported a slight drop in third fiscal quarter 2012 income despite enjoying record revenue for the quarter.

At the same time, the cloud and virtualisation technology leader expects continued growth to come thanks to a couple of key acquisitions that it expects to help it be a leader in the development of software-defined data centers going forward.

VMware reported revenue for the third quarter of $US1.13 billion, up 20 percent from the $US942 million it reported for its third fiscal 2011 quarter.

Net income for the third quarter was $US157 million, compared to $US178 million for the third quarter of 2011

Revenue from license sales hit $US491 million for the quarter, up about 11 percent over last year, while services revenue rose about 29 percent during the same period to $US643 million.

Carl Eschenbach, chief operating officer and co-president of VMware, said a big feature of the third quarter was the $US1.2 billion VMware invested in acquiring software-defined networking (SDN) startup Nicira and its acquisition of DynamicOps, a developer of management software for provisioning apps and services across heterogeneous cloud infrastructures.

The idea of the software-defined data centre has emerged as the clear winner in terms of data center development going forward, Eschenbach said.

"The excitement around Nicira validates our approach to the software-defined data centre," he said.

For VMware, that spells growing strength for its vCloud Suite of software for building and managing a complete cloud infrastructure, as well as its Cloud Operations Services for helping customers transform their IT infrastructures into cloud infrastructures, Eschenbach said.

"The response to vCloud Suite and Cloud Ops from both partners and customers has been encouraging," he said.

VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger said vCloud Suite is VMware's first implementation of the Nicira SDN technology, giving his company a big opportunity to expand its reach into customers' public, private and hybrid clouds.

"We are the company customers increasingly turn to for help for transforming their IT to the cloud," Gelsinger said.

New CFO, nicked from Microsoft

VMware also used the release of its third quarter 2012 financial results to unveil the hiring of Jonathan Chadwick as its new CFO. Chadwick, who will officially take the CFO spot on November 5, most recently served as corporate vice president of arch-rival Microsoft and CFO of Skype, which Microsoft acquired.

Chadwick will replace Mark Peek, VMware's former CFO, who left the company in June.

Chadwick brings a wealth of financial experience to virtualisation and cloud software developer VMware, including a stint at arch-rival Microsoft, where he most recently served as corporate vice president of Microsoft and CFO of Skype.

Prior to Microsoft, Chadwick was executive vice president and CFO at McAfee, and served a few different financial roles at Cisco Systems.

At VMware, Chadwick will report directly to CEO Pat Gelsinger, who in July took over that role from former CEO Paul Maritz.

Looking behind to vRAM, ahead to 2013

VMware's Eschenbach said VMware's ending of its short-lived vRAM licensing scheme and returning to its previous CPU-based licensing model was welcomed by both channel partners and customers.

Channel partners said the reinstatement of the CPU-based licensing model removed a big sales barrier in the third and fourth quarters of 2012, while customers prefer the CPU-based model because of the simplification versus the vRAM model, he said.

When asked about the potential threat to VMware by the expected release of System Centre 2012 by rival Microsoft, Eschenbach dismissed any concerns by saying that it has yet to reach the market and that the global economic environment is the main factor going forward.

"While Microsoft is coming to market with a new platform, it should be called out that this is the third time in seven years that Microsoft has come to market with a 'good enough' product," he said.

Looking forward, Eschenbach expects VMware's fourth quarter 2012 revenue of between $US1.26 billion and $US1.29 billion, or up between 19 percent and 22 percent over the fourth quarter of 2011. That includes a 14 percent to 18 percent rise in license revenue to between $US587 million and $US605 million.

For all of 2012, VMware is maintaining the midpoint of its previous guidance by calling for total revenue of $US4.57 billion to $4.6 billion, or up between 21.4 percent and 22.2 percent over 2011, Eschenbach said. Licensing revenue for 2012 is expected to be up from 12.8 percent to 13.8 percent over 2011 because of a seasonably strong fourth quarter, he said.

This article originally appeared at crn.com

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Source: http://www.crn.com.au/News/320462,vmware-suffers-profit-drop-steals-microsoft-vp.aspx?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=CRN+All+Articles+feed

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Real Estate Strategies To Follow When Buying A Home | Eric Chua ...

Buying real estate can be intimidating given its complexity, but when you have done your homework and do it well, it is also very rewarding. Don?t worry; this article contains advice so that you can avoid this.

Stay in contact with other property investors and swap information with them. Properties are constantly on the market, and not every listing is a good possibility for each investor. Keeping in touch will let them help you find good property that others may not yet know of.

Real Estate

TIP! Look for programs that assist with down payments. There are quite a few available, and there is sure to be one that is just right for you.

If you have an interest in real estate investments, find a good broker or real estate agent to help you. They will be able to access resources that you cannot. Most brokers have software at their disposal which will allow them to search through MLS listings. While you can search through MLS on your own, these tools can make the process much more efficient and will allow you to find great deals that you would have otherwise missed.

Before you purchase a property, ensure you do thorough research of the neighborhood. If the home is not going to suit your needs, then the purchase will be a long term disappointment to you. You need to know the neighborhood you are moving in so you know what you are getting yourself into.

Homes that need extensive repairs or renovations are often sold for cheaper than other homes. This lets you pocket some extra cash up front, and then you can make the repairs on your schedule. Renovations will give you equity with each step, while also allowing you to choose what your home will look like. Try to envision what the house might look like once all the improvements are made rather than dwelling on its current condition. Your dream house might just be a diamond in the rough.

TIP! Always take the time to review your options before buying anything. You will probably not be able to find the perfect piece of property right away, or even any time soon.

Establish and prioritize a set of goals for the negotiation process. Take the time to identify the issues that are on the table, then set your expectations that apply to each of them. The expectations that are most important to you should take priority. Keep in mind that you can?t get everything through negotiation, some things will require flexibility.

Get insurance before moving family and furniture into a new place. If you delay your insurance purchase, you may not be covered if an unfortunate event occurs, like an unpredictable natural disaster.

When you find a house that you want to purchase, hire an inspector to check out the house. While it will cost you, don?t have a friend or relative do it, since something can be missed and you?re left with no recourse.

TIP! With current markets, now is a great time to purchase real estate. Given the burst of the housing bubble, average property value is really low.

Research the available properties and do due diligence before buying one. When you are buying property to rent out, you should look at some certain things. The most important feature is ease of maintenance. Is the property in solid condition and is it going to stay that way with minimal upkeep? The second key feature is the location of the property. Location can determine the value of the rental property. You tenants will want a location that is convenient to retailers and restaurants, as well as service providers. Also, make sure to take into consideration the average income in the neighborhood. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of a high-rent area versus a low-rent area based on the income levels. Location doesn?t always matter as much in areas where the rent is higher then average. It can be much more of an issue when options are limited in areas with lower rents.

If a home has made your short list, have the home inspector get the home?s dimensions. You want to make sure the square footage that the owner listed actually matches up with public records. These numbers need to be at least 100 sq. ft. of one another; if they don?t, reconsider the property or find the reason for the anomaly.

If you can afford it, try to avoid buying a home that faces or backs a busy road. These properties are a bit cheaper than surrounding properties, but once you listen for a bit, it should be obvious why. You may not mind the noise from the road, though you will have a harder time trying to sell it in the future.

TIP! It is prudent to hire an attorney. who specializes in real estate law, to help you manage foreclosure purchases.

Price Range

You can get a precise price range for how much you should spend on your investment thanks to an online calculator. This handy tool asks you to input your income, debts, and living expenses. This gives you an accurate price range of the home you can afford.

If you plan to purchase a house that has a nice view, don?t base your purchase solely on that fact. Even though you might appreciate the view, in the long term, potential buyers may not. As you can see, paying for a view is not wise if you end up paying too much.

TIP! So you want to find a place to purchase, but firstly you have to have a real estate agent who?s qualified. Be sure to find a trustworthy real estate agent.

When interviewing agents to help you through the buying process, find out how long each agent has lived in the town or area in which you are searching. If an agent has recently moved to the area, they will not be as familiar with details such as community restrictions, roads and neighborhoods as a long-time resident. It is ideal to search for an agent that has actually been in the local area for a decade.

Real Estate

So, as you can see real estate buying is not as complicated as it appears. It requires asking the right questions and doing the right research, but it is ultimately worth it. Keep in mind what you have learned from this article, and allow the advice given here to guide you as you buy real estate!

TIP! Don?t just research the property you are interested in; research the surrounding neighborhood, as well. If the neighborhood isn?t suitable, you?ll be upset with the home regardless.

Join me on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/maynaseric

Source: http://www.maynaseric.com/real-estate-strategies-to-follow-when-buying-a-home

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Feng Shui Study Article ? Family Home Improvement Articles

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Source: http://scholarshipsforafricanstudents.net/questions/2012/10/feng-shui-study-article-family-home-improvement-articles/

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Harry Gross: Bank loan or credit-card loan?

DEAR HARRY: I have a personal loan with my bank with a balance of $13,911. The interest rate is a stiff 8.49 percent. I have a pretty good credit score, and I can get a zero-percent loan until November 2013 with only a 3 percent transfer fee. I plan to transfer any remaining balance next November to another company offering a similar deal. Is it better for my credit score to have the bank loan or the card loan? I have three other cards that I pay in full every month. That should make you happy. There is no other debt. I plan to continue to pay the same $300 a month on the loan that I'm paying now. That will leave me with about $10,000 to transfer to another card. How does this sound?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: That 3 percent transfer fee sounds a helluva lot better than the 8.49 percent the bank is getting. It will save you more than $700 for the first year, and it will speed up your getting out of this debt. It will have some effect on your credit score, and that will be favorable. Lowering your interest rate to zero shows better management than you had before. The key to a great score is to pay on time as a minimum. You'll be able to do that with ease. You're right about my being pleased with your paying those balances in full each month. You are now living beneath your means, and that's the way to accumulate wealth.

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Write Harry Gross at the Daily News, 801 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Harry urges all his readers to give blood. Contact the American Red Cross at 800-Red Cross.

Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/harry_gross/20121022_Harry_Gross__Bank_loan_or_credit-card_loan_.html

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Are You a Pumpkin Pro? Show Us Your Best Jack-o-Lantern

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Groundbreaking study: Aronia, curcumin extracts effectively kill brain ...

Researchers from the Department of Natural Sciences at?Middlesex University?in the U.K. have made a fascinating discovery concerning two natural ?superfood? compounds and their ability to kill cancer cells. It turns out that both chokeberry extract (Aronia melanocarpa) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) work together with one another to stop the spread of malignant cancer cells, as well as induce cancer cell death, a process more commonly known as apoptosis.

The study, which was published in the journal?Oncology Reports, evaluated the effects of both Aronia and curcumin on a specific glioblastoma line of brain cancer cells known as U373. Because earlier studies have already established that both herbs possess unique anticancer properties, the researchers, who themselves have been studying the herbs? therapeutic benefits for several years, decided to examine further how one of the most common and deadly forms of brain cancer might respond to these two anticancer superfoods.

It turns out that Aronia berry, which is rich in anthocyanin flavonoids and other antioxidants and nutrients, is necrotic to the U373 cancer cell line, which means it actually kills cancer cells. And turmeric, which is abundant in the anticancer polyphenol curcumin, effectively induces apoptosis in U373, meaning that it stops this deadly cell line from producing new cells and spreading. When used together, both Aronia and turmeric appear to elicit a one-two punch defense against?brain cancer.

?The aim of this study was to extend our previous research to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these two agents by testing their ability to induce apoptosis in an established glioblastoma cell line (U373),? wrote the authors in their abstract. ?Taken together, the comparative data suggest that both?curcumin?and chokeberry extract may exhibit their anticancer potential by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasion by reducing MMPs (matrix metalloproteinase) gene expression.?

According to a 2003 study published in the journal?Anticancer Research, curcumin also suppresses the proliferation of many other types of cancer cells besides just brain cancer cells, and effectively blocks cancer tumors from forming, reproducing, and metastasizing (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12680238). The?Life Extension Foundation?(LEF) recommends the highly-bioavailable BCM-95 variety of curcumin as the most effective form. (lef.org/magazine/mag2007/oct2007_report_curcumin_01.htm)

Likewise, Aronia berry has been shown in previous studies to be one of the richest plant sources of cancer-fighting antioxidants. A study published earlier this year in the journal?PLoS One?explains how Aronia juice extract possesses unique chemotherapeutic properties that effectively target lymphoblast-derived tumor cells associated with lymphoblastic leukemia. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22412883)

Sources for this article include:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22842701

NaturalNews
By Jonathan Benson

http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com/2012/10/21/groundbreaking-study-aronia-curcumin-extracts-effectively-kill-brain-cancer-cell-line/

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Source: http://ascendingstarseed.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/groundbreaking-study-aronia-curcumin-extracts-effectively-kill-brain-cancer-cell-line/

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