Alexa For Dummies

That would be for me (Alexa For Dummies). It might not be too important for most bloggers to improve there Alexa ranking, but very necessary for those of us trying to make a living online. I know, don't quit that day job just yet. Unfortunately, my day job is homeschooling my son and driving him around Southern California movie sets. Doesn't pay me yet. His college fund is growing though.

Anyhow, back to the Alexa ranking. So far what I've gathered is that one should install the Alexa Tool Bar. But not to install it on Internet Explorer. No, one must use FireFox and install the Search Status Extension. Okay, so I did that. How 'bout you?

Then Daniel at WrongAdvices (who probably has way more knowledge on this than I do) tells us to install the Alexa Widget--did that. By the way David Airey wrote a nice little article titled "Alexa Ranking: What's it All About?" you might want to read if you desire to decrease (it's a good thing) your rank.

One other blog on this would be Dosh Dosh. Learn 20 Quick Ways to Increase Your Alexa Rank. Yikes!! I'll need a little time to read and study that one--looks good though. I've already taken one piece of advice from Maki at Dosh Dosh (lol), which is to get Stumbled Upon. Well, that's great, only 19 more lessons to go.

There you have it, let's see if we can get that Alexa rank down to 100,000. I am not holding my breath but you never know. Let me know how you're doing. Especially all ye Posties. Now, how to enlarge that Google Rank . . . oh bother! These are the things I'm doing this day. Sounds like fun, don't you think?





Alexa Rank improving your Alexa Rank Stumble Upon

The Days on Movie Sets

I took one of my old posts, added a few sentences, and sold it to Associated Content. It's about a couple of fun days working on the set of "Sleeper Cell" on which Layne played a Yemen school boy. I was observing Oded Fehr (The Mummy, Resident Evil), marked a few mental notes in my already crowded head, and later blogged about it. Take a quick look, if you will, at "Notes From Sleeper Cell" published at AC and may it be an example of how easy it is to make a few dollars of your old posts. I also receive a sort of royalty for every page view (this is after they already paid me). Enjoy and thanks.

Whooaaaa FreedomFest

Are we having fun yet?? Yes we are!! SKILLET just signed on to play at FreedomFest this August. Good going cousin dears. I'm so proud. Three days of camping, eating, and scary Survivor type contests. Not to mention beautiful, serene Christian music! NOT! Okay, if you love those old hymns and like to sip your tea while listening to Beverly O'Shea don't watch this video! Ah, come on go ahead. Loud, loud, I tell you. It needs to be loud and . . . girl rockers!! Come on, do it the Skillet way. Enjoy it loud!

Rebirthing


And don't forget to watch PILLAR, also playing at FreedomFest.





Gatekeeper Skillet Freedom Fest

Score

The school year was quite a success. But it might greatly benefit my son if I should seek help with his math score--it was not as pretty as we had hoped. A little better towards the end of the year, but looking for Math Tutors nonetheless, especially in Algebra where help would be appreciated. He just didn't quite get the concept of how to study for a math test.

There's a Score learning center next to Dad's studio, which will make it convenient and a little less intimidating. Though it does seem the "class rooms" at score are set up friendly enough. A few college room mates of my daughter vouch for this program, so since my son falls into the 14-year-old range having problems with Math, we might just find ourselves at their doorsteps. How did your school year go? Just asking.

Of Search Engines And Wash Day

We have come now to doing the laundry online. No, not really. However, consumers do a lot of research online, don't you know? With temperatures rising outside, one might really need that air conditioner. And what happens when it breaks down? Well, it seems we do some quick research online for the best repair cost estimates and so forth. Though I would suppose, it is likely that most of us will opt to buy new items such as Kenmore Washing Machines instead of repairing the old one. Here's an interesting fact: 75% of all product buyers will indeed research those big-ticket appliances online, but in the end 90% of us will make the purchase off line--usually at local retailers.

All this to say, my friends, that the Krillion Localization Engine scours the web to integrate and present actionable local search results aimed directly for the consumer who is ready to buy. This Engine, since its launch in February 2007, has already generated over 275 million pages in over 40,000 US cities. Pages, apparently, that have never been available through search engines.

So, I would say then, use Krillion as they promise to deliver and pinpoint the local search results for major appliances and other things. They call these results "actionable" meaning that we as consumers can find, get into our cars, drive to the store and buy the product. Next search: flat panel TV!

Back To The Garden

I thought I should like to keep up with my bloggie bud over at California Breeze and post a few images of our garden.

"The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Gen 1:12 (NIV)

Movie Reviews

Gatekeeper The NewsRoom Ratatouille

Pillar at Freedom Fest

I thought I would let you know about Freedom Fest this August up in Snohomish Washington. It's the three-day-music festival with a line up of unbelievable Christian bands. My cousins, Don and his wife, Holli are the heroes who actually head this ministry. Don's little sis, Cindy, and hubby also work alongside of Don and Holli. They could use your prayers. The amount of work and commitment is truly amazing. We shall see them there in a few weeks and help with set up and all that.

Here's a quick review of one of the bands playing there this summer. Pillar, better than POD with maybe a more clearer message (that's my opinion). Nice hair! Great hard rock sounds. Check them out and see you all at FreedomFest in August.

Gatekeeper Pillar FreedomFest

Recalling The Police

Well gosh . . . here's something from Lady Gatekeeper's memory files. Barely a child I was, when Sting (who seems to be aging well), Andy and Stewart (I'm thinkin' he composed a few movie soundtracks?) hit the big scene. And I was living in Australia at the time so chances are we received the news of these boys a little later then those in the US. In any case, it seems that they are back with a new CD, a double wammy I believe. Honestly, I never did think they would re-unite. What does a Gatekeeper know of such things?

Ah yes, she does remember a few of her favorite Police songs which one can listen to on this new Police CD (release date was 6/05/07) which shall include Roxanne (oh the memories!), Message in a Bottle, Every Breath You Take and by the time Lady Gatekeep journeyed to America, Synchronicity haunted my MTV waves. It was a good thing.

Stewart Copeland is still one of my favorite drummers even though it was quite shocking what he had written on them. Nonetheless, we all grow up at some point. At any rate, there's around 28 songs on this CD for the elders to enjoy and the newbies to love. Let us see how this tour shall go. Rock on (now that's dating oneself)!








Gatekeeper The Police Sting

The Neighborhood Chronicles

The temperature rose into the triple digits today. Not a cause for complaints. Therefore, we didn't. Instead, we thanked God for a blue sky, green grass, hummingbirds and all that was beautiful and peaceful with our desert hideaway, though for the first time, peace was hard to find.

Someone took a knife to my spare tire this morning and left the cover in the grass beside--a disturbing beginning to this summer's day.

When evening fell, the cool breeze returned and when a measure of peace was restored someone managed to steal it away again. Neighbor to the right, Lady Peas to be exact, sat down on the sidewalk with me as we discussed the safety of our children. A driver in a white van suddenly stepped on the gas and came inches from my son who was sitting on his skateboard. Minutes later the van returned and this time skidded into a U-turn right in front of us and whisked away.

Tonight we saw, to our dismay, that someone might want to hurt us. To that someone we say, God is our protector and we shall not fear. But please, drive a little slower.

Let's Pray For Her Two-Year-Old Son

The Business Review

Here's an interesting, and most helpful, article discussing the success of Prosper Inc. and its CEO, Ethan Willis. Now, I shall be the first to admit that reading through a business review is a fierce battle against the yawns. However, this one kept me reading.

As one can see, the Gatekeeper is always on the lookout for any advice on how to grow one's business online. Ethan Willis explains that their educational classes tend to be more individualized. Each student would be assigned an industry expert, so to speak. As a writer I am constantly looking to seek expertise from someone who is not only in the field but has real experience along with a measure of success.

In any case, more is written on strategy for success where, interestingly enough, you'll learn that mentors are compensated based on the success of the student. Now there's incentive to do one's best. Ethan Willis also brags, and rightfully so, about a former student's successful exercise DVD venture. I like to read those kind of stories.

At any rate, it's a quirky short article about educating the individual on how to be successful in any business. And hey, Ethan Willis, CEO, makes it sound like it's fun to work hard. Helping entrepreneurs and professionals to reach their full potential? Sounds like a deal to me. It's a good read, take a look.

Famous Authors Who Self-Published

Yes, it does seem that all I'm posting these days are my short stories and articles. But you see, these were all a part of my summer goals which included losing weight. Ahum! Haven't stepped on the scales as of yet. We must soon comply. In any case here's my latest article published on Associated Content about Mark Twain and a few others who self-published.

Famous Authors Who Self-Published:
Why Self-Publishing Could Be a Good Fit For Your Book

Have your manuscripts collected enough dust? Perhaps you have considered self-publishing your novel; a poetry collection, a book of short stories, or even those recipe cards you thought to compile into a family cookbook. Nevertheless, you’ve always thought that self-publishing was just a waste of time, not respected in the industry. There is success, however, for the author who wishes to self-publish.

Take the case of Beatrix Potter who on September 4th, 1893, sat down to write a picture letter to five-year old Noel Moore. Noel, who was feeling rather ill, was the son of Beatrix’s ex-governess. She really didn’t know what to write to the child so she penned him a story—a story about four little rabbits. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” was soon turned into an exercise book and Ms. Potter sent it off to six publishers. Each of the publishers sent her a rejection letter.

***********

Please continue reading Famous Authors Who Self-Published at AC.

Fact: G. P. Taylor's young adult novel Shadowmancer was originally self-published. He sold the film rights to Universal for about $5 million.





My Published Short Stories:
Love, Death and Skeletons
Of Jazz and Shadows
A Still Small Voice

Shadowmancer Self-published authors G.P. Taylor

A Little Lift Review

Can't climb those stairs anymore? Is it getting a tad bit difficult to move around the house? We could all use a little help, or a little lift as it were, now and again. Here's a great site filled with all the necessary information for any kind of stair lift; straight, curved, standing and so on. They can even supply a reconditioned one.

They service all the "lands" of the UK and you do well to visit the site, especially to visually see what is available. This stair lift site is easily navigated. Nothing complicated over there--contact numbers, a form to fill out to make an inquiry, and they'll even give you a free home estimate and survey. The site will answer any questions you might have concerning installation and what not. There's also a page to let you know how to receive service after the sale. What more could one want? Travel over there and discover, as they say, a world of mobility and freedom. Nice.


Gatekeeper stairlifts outdoor stairlifts

Love, Death and Skeletons

Leah could not really say Sharré was a close friend--more of an acquaintance really. They saw each other only at church and shared a few good conversations over dinner after a service on Sunday nights. Beyond that they never seemed to get together. Nonetheless, the murder of someone you know is always a shocking blow.

By the time she reached the open coffin, the small country church had emptied. The scattered programs of the funeral service littered the worn-out pews. Dusk-like hours were as haunting as the memories of the friend who now lay lifeless before her.

Read More Here


My Other Published Short Stories:
Love, Death and Skeletons
Of Jazz and Shadows
A Still Small Voice

Beaches and Sandcastles

Today I built a few Sandcastles on a beautiful white sandy beach. I can still feel the velvety, cool grains as I dug my toes a few inches down. I had my little yellow pail filled with sand and my trusty green shovel right by its side. A few seagulls kept me company and a sea star decorated the castle door. There was a moat, there's always a moat, and a couple of green banners flew on the walls of my Castle by the Sea the kids and I christen "Chez Manor." I will breathe in that fresh air and wade in crystal blue waters all this blessed day.

Well . . . not really. I did built my sandcastle though here on my virtual beach at Virtual Sand Castle. What say ye? Stands tall and mighty, don't you think? It was quite simple really to put it all together and fun, I might add. A word of warning: Don't build with your kids looking over your shoulder, it will never get done--they just keep adding pieces! And next time I shall stand the Gatekeeper on guard in front of the castle door. In any case, it's an e-card and it's free to build. Very creative. There are a gazillion little extras you could add and play with. Too much fun for a Gatekeeper who longs for crisp ocean breezes. Come join me.

Gatekeeper virtual sandcastle
e cards

Thursday Thirteen Ed # 13

Thirteen Reasons Why I Would Get a Dear John Letter From EHarmony

1. I like to stay home and read a book

2. I have no pictures of myself and don't intend to take any in the near future

3. I'm from Generation ?

4. They can't find a man who matches my height

5. I still like heavy metal

6. My son is prettier than me

7. I haven't gone shopping for new clothes for a few years

8. I don't know my ethnic background! I was born in New Guinea to Dutch-Indonesian parents with a French name.

9. I speak backwards in complete sentences.

10. I forgot to finish my senior year of high school. It was all that traveling around the world stuff.

11. Apparently I have no personality

12. I haven't been on a date for six years

13. Oh bother, I probably can't afford it anyhow. LOL!! It's all good. I'm lovin' life as is.




Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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The Last Two Days And Stuff

A girl needs to exercise! I've been stuck behind this computer for the last two days and my bones are starting to ache. Must make to-do list a little shorter. Painting the master piece shall be axed. One nice thing: even though it's around 100 degrees outside, the garden is flourishing (tomatoes, apples, grapes, apricots and persimmons) and our one-year-old home is staying a cool 77 inside without turning on the air conditioning. Around 2:00pm it gets up to 80 degrees near and around the kitchen so we turn on the fans. Nice!

In any case, I promised myself to write one article per day this summer for Associated Content. Looks like one every three days is a more do-able goal. Oy, my brain! "Famous Self-Published Authors" is off to my writers group for a quick edit and proof read. Other topic Suggestions would be very appreciated. Here's my last article: The Father's Day Letters. Upload it, print it, send it to all those young men who are growing up without a father (and it's been a struggle). Join my team of writers, I'd love to have you on board. Pay is good if you write well, which I know you all do.

Furthermore, I've also started my business blog of sorts at The Family Book Cellar. Our goal there is to make at least $400 a week online and take some of the business from this blog over there. We are half way to reaching this goal but it's kind of a sea-saw battle. We shall endure.

Well, I am off to do more research for my next article and I will need to get through my school assignment by midnight tonight. A sermon lies on my desk to be typed and printed, and I need food. Enjoy this summer's day and thank God for it.





Gatekeeper Our Books And Stuff Associated Content

Signs, Signs, Build A Sign

Having gone into business for ourselves, Lady Peas and Lady Gatekeeper will be looking for a good marketing strategy. The first thing we looked into was (since we both drive over 200 miles a week) getting each of us the magnetic car signs. Two moms looking very professional, while staying artsy and crafty-like, is very important. We need to look good. I suppose we could even build a sign that said, "Open For Business." Now there's something to look forward to. In any case we'll begin with the magnetic car signs and go from there. These nice folks at BuildASign have a sign for everything: For Sale, Custom Street and even No Parking signs.

Furthermore, you can design your own sign, online I might add. Upload your image, it's fast, easy and they promise delivery in record time. Who could complain? And, I shall comfortably say, if they can help Lady Peas and Lady Gatekeeper get the business going they would certainly suit your style as well. Go ahead, build it.




Home Business Build A Sign Magnetic Car Signs

99 Balloons

Thanking God through the hard times. Amazing! Be prepared. Thanks to The Sisters Weblog for reminding me about this one. Blessings, my friend.



Day three and already missing him. Blah! He's having a nice summer with his Dad.



Gatekeeper 99 Balloons summer

Survival Mode

She is in a city unfamiliar. The horrible nightmare continues when she realizes that all her accounts have been frozen. ATM?--worthless. There is no place to call home and in a city of thousands she cannot find one friend. She must look for a job. Yes, that's it. Is there anybody who might need a Gatekeeper? Will work in the rain but please provide an umbrella. Oh bother, nothing in the classifieds about Gatekeepers. Looks like she'll be heading for the local church then. No, one moment please. There's the door to the local newspaper. She will write a brilliant column and convince the editor that Lady Gatekeeper is the best reporter this side of Eden.

Ah, it would work so much better if Lady G. had been a CIA agent or something just like that character in USA Network's Burn Notice. Yeah, that would work. Then the Lady could put all that special ops training into helping others (for a fee of course). She would find a new identity and go after the bad guys who dared to terminate her. Better still, she could trade her little putter (her car) for a mini coop and . . . wait, that's a whole other conspiracy. Well, Michael Westin (Jeffrey Donovan) gets his Burn Notice and he'll show you how to survive, better than the Gatekeeper, I suspect.





Jeffrey Donovan Burn Notice USA Network

A Conversation: Pan's Labyrinth

So we won't actually say this is a review of the Fantasy movie "Pan's Labyrinth," we shall just have a conversation about it--of sorts.

Just to let you know I am listening to the haunting soundtrack at this very moment. It is creepy in a most inspiring way. Very emotional to say the least.

And now to the beginning. "Pan's Labyrinth" will captivate you from the opening credits. The music, the feel, the cinematography grabs you immediately. You know that there is no way around tragedy but you are doomed to see the outcome--Shakespeare would have been proud.

I love how the lines between reality and fantasy is absolutely blurred. Is Ofelia in a magical kingdom or is this real? The young child is trying to escape the horror of Spain's civil war and her ruthless stepfather, a tyrannical military captain. Is she the long lost daughter (a Princess?) of a King whose Kingdom lay deep beneath our surface? Her bravery speaks for itself. This is how she deals with the killing of innocent lives, with the brutality of war, with the bloodshed at her own door. She longs to be a Princess in a perfect world where she lives in a golden palace where her mother is Queen, her real father the King. Will she find her way home?

Rent the DVD, buy the DVD, this one is worth it. "Pan's Labyrinth" won three Academy Awards--best cinematography, best art direction, and best makeup. Ivana Baquero, who plays young Ofelia, should have won the best actress category. That's my POV. One more thing, the movie is in Spanish but the subtitles won't get in your way.

Gatekeeper Pan's Labyrinth Ivana Baquero

For Fluffy and Butch

Ah, I used to laugh at pet lovers when they told me Fluffy or Butch were covered under their own pet insurance. I humbly and sincerely apologize. It it quite a substantial amount of money we spend to keep those loveable pups healthy and not to mention the recent tainted-food scare brought the vet bills to new heights. One out of three pets will more than likely need emergency treatment every year. Now, let me tell you, just a visit to the vet to let you know what is wrong can start at $200 or more. They are indeed worth it, of course, but $3000 for something like eye problems might make pet insurance a good idea. Take care of Fluffy and Butch!