Blog Views By Roz...

Monday, January 31, 2005 — Co-op City, Bronx NY — Less than five days old, the newly opened Bronx Freecycle Chapter — FreeCycleBronxNY — of FreeCycle.org stands strong with 107 members and continues to steadily grow.

The Bronx Chapter (FreeCycleBronxNY) of FreeCycle.org opened its virtual doors on Wednesday, January 26, 2005.

Led by Co-op City, Bronx Resident (Digital Artist/Web Consultant) Roz Fruchtman, the group's membership has been steadily climbing from inception. Roz says: “It's gratifying to know that the Bronx Chapter of the Freecycle.org Network — FreecycleBronxNY is filling such a huge need. It has been welcomed and embraced with open arms and warm sentiments.

Upon joining the group, currently hosted at yahoogroups.com, each new member is given the opportunity to place a comment as to why they are joining. Aside from the expected “I want your free!” or “I just want to check out what you got!” people are genuinely grateful and happy they now have a place nearer to home to contribute as well as receive much needed items. Roz says: “I know for me, it was either too far, too time consuming or too expensive to participate in FreeCycling in the other NYC boroughs. I immediately saw the need for a Bronx chapter, however, knowing the commitment required to run any discussion group I held off getting involved myself. However, as time passed I realized that the old adages are true: “If you want something done do it yourself” or “if you want something done, ask a “busy” person!” So here I am!

The group's members are from all walks of life, professions and needs. For example we have: single moms and dads, housewives and husbands, firemen, policemen, college folks, the person just trying to make ends meet and get alone, etc. In today's world... even the working need help in order to make ends meet and provide for their families or even themselves if they are alone. People are genuinely thrilled with the FreeCycle Concept and the opportunity to help others while getting the much needed help themselves. Most people would rather see their items in a new home rather than to just throw them down the incinerator or dump them in the trash.

Roz says: A friend of mine introduced me to FreeCycle.org back in the summer. She knew how hard it was for me to unclutter and throw things away. It was not so much an emotional attachment to my belongings as much as wanting them to have a new home. There were items that meant a great deal to me and gave me pleasure through the years, like a 24 volume craft encyclopedia which sat around for over a year waiting to go. At the time I did not know about FreeCycle. Sight unseen the library did not want, there was no one to give it to, I could not sell it on eBay, it was a nightmare! As much as it hurt, in desperation I pushed the box out to the compactor room on my floor and said goodbye! A couple of hours later my friend next door told me that someone took it. I was delighted! At least it now has a home and another family is the beneficiary.

Another example: Last February I was forced to upgrade my computer as it was too old to upgrade. While having a brand new computer is a thrill for anyone, getting rid of the older one became a problem. It is still sitting on the floor almost a year later. Now with FreeCycle it will go... along with two monitors that are no longer needed. I can't wait to see the clear space on the floor where they all sit. It's disgusting to say the least! Besides not wanting to just throw them out, I could not physically carry them downstairs to the trash. FreeCycle to the rescue!

IF you live or work in the Bronx, or live or work in a neighboring Borough come on over and join us.

To join via the Internet go to:
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclebronxny/

To join via eMail sent a “Blank eMail” to:
mailto:FreeCycleBronxNY-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Check us out:

Questions? Contact the Group's Owner Roz Fruchtman at:
mailto:Roz@DesignsByDaybreak.com

Roz Fruchtman lives in Co-op City in the Bronx, NY. She is a digital artist, web consultant and search engine optimization/submission specialist. Her passion is creating digital art for her online Judaic eCard Club. Find out more about Roz at:
http://www.gsexclusive.com/aboutus.html

Posted by roz at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

FreeCycle Comes to the Bronx County, NY
Inspired by the Freecycle Movement of “Turning Trash Into Treasure”

BRONX, NY – A new chapter of FreeCycle.org opens in the Bronx, NY. The chapter was created on January 25, 2005. It is hosted by yahoogroups.com and is run by Bronx Resident (Digital Artist/Web Consultant) Roz Fruchtman.


FreeCycleBronxNY is proud to announce the launch of its new online group:

CHAPTER NAME: FreeCycleBronxNY

TO SUBSCRIBE: mailto:FreeCycleBronxNY-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com


Based on the old adage that "one person's trash is another person's treasure", the Freecycle Bronx Network's goal is to connect people who wish to get rid of their old junk with those who just want free stuff. Anyone looking to discard or acquire an item is welcome at Freecycle Bronx, where all items listed are absolutely free!

The motivation for opening this chapter was to enable those of us who live in the Bronx to be able to participate. For most it is too far and too expensive to travel to the other boroughs of the city in order to participate and take advantage of those offerings that we might need. Having a branch which accommodates the local (and not so local) areas of the Bronx will make it much easier for all. What would take 15 minutes by car, can takes hours and multiple buses via public transportation.

The Freecycle Bronx Network is inspired by and modeled after the Tucson Freecycle Network, founded in March 2003. Created by the non-profit group "Downtown Don't Waste It", the Tucson Freecycle Network has sparked a worldwide "freecycling" revolution, with groups in over 35 cities and several countries thus far, with more being added on each day. To see grassroots at its best, visit the home of the "freecycling" movement at www.freecycle.org.

PERSONAL NOTE: I know for me, it is a matter of finding a good home for those things that are valuable “to me!” They might not have a large or any monetary value anymore, however, I know they can bring joy and use to others and by FreeCycling them I not only unclutter, but make a difference and help someone who needs them.

QUESTIONS: mailto:FreeCycleBronxNY-Owner@yahoogroups.com

Roz Fruchtman
Owner/Moderator FreeCycleBronxNY

Posted by roz at 06:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Staples has been advertising their “Staples Easy Rebates” at:

https://www.stapleseasyrebates.com/img/staples/paperless/pages/Landing.html

all over the place. Well, I am here to tell you “it REALLY is” easy!

I am shamed to say I am one of those people who buys things on rebate and then ultimately waits until “the last moment” to send them in. I vow each and every time I will change, but to date it has not happened! Considering I am on a mission to eliminate unnecessary stress in my life, you would think I would have changed this behavior by now.

Traditionally the “day after Thanksgiving” is the shopping kick off for the holiday season. People rush out in the middle of the night to be first on line for the huge savings. I can't believe this myself, but this time I was one of those people!

Even though... I spent Thanksgiving with friends, came home late, slept for about 2 hours, when the alarm went off, I was dressed in a jiffy and off I went at 5:45AM to Staples — list and credit card in hand. I don't remember ever moving that fast for anything else. As I walked in the dark I prayed that I would not be mugged as there was not a single other person around — walking that is.

Staples had a load of goodies that I absolutely needed, but could not touch at this time without the huge savings. For that I was willing to put myself out and be “one of the nuts” who were out in the wee small hours of the morning.

Guess what... IT WAS FUN! IT WAS EXCITING! I GOT “ALL” my treasures!

NOW... To file the dreaded rebates.

Last night I surfed over to Staples Easy Rebate Filing method which is completely online. It was fabulous. Being my filing was last minute a few did not go through and I called the phone number on the bottom of the receipt and got friendly voices on the other end who were more than a little eager and willing to help me get my rebates in on time. All I had to do was feed them the information and they did the filing for me — with a little time to spare.

IT WAS NEVER THAT EASY!!!

The moral of this story is... DO file the rebates when you get home from the store as the method is quick and easy and before you know it your rebate will be in your hot little hands!

Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 09:54 PM | Permalink

It is 6:49AM and I just took some pictures of the Blizzard from my 19th floor apartment in Co-op City, Bronx, NY. I should have dressed for the occasion with my coat, hat, scarf, gloves and ear muffs. It was freezing. I must have been the sight... My hair was blowing in front of the camera lens and I had to hold my hair in one hand and snap the pictures with my other!

My first thought was: “If you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and heat... YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to complain about! Those poor people who are homeless with no place to go are the ones with the problems! Let's take a moment to count our blessings and pray for those less fortunate!

Give yourself the “gift of relaxation” and stay home and safe!

Roz Fruchtman / Blog Views By Roz

Posted by roz at 06:49 AM | Permalink

For those who are having problems registering for the web version of the Anthony Robbins seminar this afternoon (Wednesday, January 19, 2005), here is the PHONE NUMBER for the “teleseminar" version:

TIME: 5:30PM EST

PHONE INFORMATION:
You may join Tony by phone at the time of the seminar by dialing 866.322.0305.

NOTE:
This phone number will only be active for the live chat.

Enjoy!

Roz

Posted by roz at 04:58 PM | Permalink

You owe it to yourself and everyone you come in contact with to attend the FREE Anthony Robbins “Live” Teleseminar and/or simultaneous Web Seminar this afternoon, January 19, 2005.

Check out my entry for January 14, 2005 at:
http://www.blogviewsbyroz.com/mt/archives/2005/01/free_seminar_a_2.html
for full details.

Don't let this opportunity to get focused for the year 2005 (and the rest of your life) get away!

If you know anything about Tony Robbins you know that he not only tells you what you need to do, he “SHOWS you and PROVIDES the tools.” There is no guessing with Tony Robbins, “what you see is what you get!”

Most people tell you, you should do this, you should do that. That's all well and good IF you know how to do it. With Anthony Robbins one NEVER needs to guess. Tony lays it all out for you and all you need to do is figure out how it relates to your own personal situation. YOU just NEED to follow along step-by-step!

These days, with all the competition there is nothing magical to getting ahead. It is hard work, dedication and the willingness to “Do Whatever IS Necessary” to make your dreams come true! (I live with my own fears — daily — so this is not just lip service!) Whether you are spiritual or not, consider this FREE Anthony Robbins teleseminar a gift and a true blessing! Unfortunately, in this life there are “very few” who will help you get ahead, Tony Robbins is the “exception” to that rule! He even provides a TOLL-FREE phone number to attend. ALL YOU NEED is to “GET YOURSELF” there! What are you waiting for!

Tell everyone you know! This seminar is a “MUST ATTEND” event!

Check out my entry for January 14, 2005 at:
http://www.blogviewsbyroz.com/mt/archives/2005/01/free_seminar_a_2.html
for full details.

See you there!

Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 02:21 PM | Permalink

Sometimes I just can't contain my excitement when I use WebPosition Gold and it just does exactly “what I need,” “when I need it” — RIGHT NOW / YESTERDAY!!! This alleviates all the stress, frustration and time wasted from days of old. The memories of the all nighters with limited success in completing submissions are still vivid in my mind's eye! I just had to share this “right now!” A more indepth review will follow shortly...

To me... WebPosition Gold and/or Platinum is the best thing since sliced bread... even more of a comparison would be to “breathing” when it comes to Search Engine Submission. This might seem a bit dramatic, however, IF you have ever hand submitted your web pages and/or web sites to the search engines you know what I mean. The memories of the all nighters filling out endless multiple forms and the endless submitting are still very vivid to me. (I realize I may be repeating myself, however, it IS deliberate... I cannot say this often enough as it was that distasteful — at least to me!)

Quite simply... I just made a major change on two of my pages and in a few minutes (less than 5) I was able to resubmit the pages to all the engines accommodated within the program! True... it “could possibly” take some time for them to be reindexed, however, I highly doubt that since the pages are already in the engines. But... even if they did have to wait for the spiders to surf on over, the time I saved by submitting via WebPosition saved me hours/days of wasting my precious time.

NEVER FORGET: WebPosition Gold is NOT magic. One MUST still optimize their web pages /web sites to be “search-engine friendly,” but... IF your pages are setup correctly, it IS only a matter of time before the floodgates of visitors will come pouring in.

Please remember, this is just a brief intro. Don't take my word for it...

Try out WebPosition for yourself.
Download your very own FREE 30-Day Trial copy of
WebPosition Gold / WebPosition Platinum at:
FREE 30-Day Trial copy of WebPosition Gold or Platinum

Enjoy!

Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 04:11 AM | Permalink

ROZ VIEWS: In this life, nothing is given or coming to us, so we have to be clever and alert to all the opportunities we are presented with. For this reason, I have learned that information is all around us — no matter where we are or who we are talking to. “IF we listen, it is there!”

My “unlimited long distance telephone package” affords me the luxury of attending as many teleseminars as I have time for. I have found this most educational and a fabulous way to network and share information with others. I have found... “even if” the subject is not exactly in my focus area there is always some gem (of information) tucked away in the conversation.

My new slogan for 2005: “If we listen, it is there!”

Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 02:29 AM | Permalink

In my opinion, JASC hit the jackpot with Virtual Painter. I have been playing with it for a few days now and the results leave me speechless as I turned the most unusable images into works of art.

To initially test the program I ran a bunch of previously created images through it. The outcome was most interesting as each of the 16 filters rendered different looks. Aside from that I was able to enhance the results in Photoshop, thus changing the look once again. The best was that I was able to salvage some of my previously created 72 pixel images. I was able to resize them and run them through Virtual Painter. Additionally I was able to resize them, add a filter or two and/or change the color, THEN place them through Virtual Painter. Lo and behold they came back artistically designed AND... printable. Previously they were unprintable as they were 400 x 400 and 72 pixels. This in itself makes the program a keeper!

Virtual Painter makes the novice as well as the seasoned professional look like an artistic genius — with as little as one or two clicks and very little exertion or thought. Just click and watch, or click, adjust and watch. It's as easy as that!

Whether you want to use your images for the web or print, the decision is yours. You can literally put the same image through each of the Virtual Painter filters and each will crate a new experience and challenge as to how to use it. The only limitations are those created by the individual artist.

Click to download a free trial of Virtual Painter 4.

FROM THE JASC / COREL WEBSITE

Register today and make the most of your trial version.

Thank you for your interest in Paint Shop Xtras – Virtual Painter 4! Before you download your free trial version, register to receive free Jasc Technical Support and you'll also receive:

• Tips on how to make the most of your trial
• Tutorials to help you complete your projects
• Exclusive offers only for trial users

Posted by roz at 08:22 AM | Permalink

PERSONAL TESTIMONIAL: I am delighted that Tony Robbins will be hosting this web chat himself. I plan to be there with bells on!

Personally... I have completed his “Get The Edge,” “Personal Power II” and “Time of Your Life!” I consider myself “a work in progress” so will be redoing “Time of Your Life” next week. It took me almost until the end of the program to figure out how to fix my life. NOT because Tony did not tell me how, but... because it took me years to get myself into the mess I am in and I could not even imagine how to fix it!” NOW... I know, thanks to Anthony Robbins! What is left IS... FOR ME to... DO IT! (Tony has done for me what no one else would. He helped me to get my life back — via his tools and his kindness and generosity in sending me a “complimentary” pass to his “Unleash The Power Within” at the Meadowlands in New Jersey in November 2003. I will be forever grateful and will do whatever I can to help others as he helped me! Thank You Tony! — Roz Fruchtman/NYC

CHAT INFORMATION... MOSTLY QUOTED FROM AN ANNOUNCEMENT I RECEIVED
from Anthony Robbins Foundation

WHAT: LIVE Web Chat Session “WITH” Anthony Robbins
WHEN: Wednesday, January 19, 2005
TIME: 5:30 EST / 2:30 PM PST
PASSWORD: TRLIVE
PRESENTER: Tony Robbins
SEMINAR TITLE: New Year New Life

PHONE INFORMATION You also can join Tony by phone at the time of the seminar by dialing 866.322.0305. (This phone number will only be active for the live chat.)
There will be an encore presentation:

WHEN: Thursday, January 20, 2005
TIME: 2:30 PM EST — NOTE: This presesntation is NOT available by phone! Registration IS STILL required!

DO NOT FORGET to... Mark your calendar now and be sure to attend.

PLEASE NOTE: The Anthony Robbins Live Web Chats require the installation of the MACROMEDIA FLASH 6 PLAYER. Please check in at http://www.anthonyrobbins.com/januarychat and click on 'Check Flash 6' to verify your installation of the player. It is “highly recommended” you do this “before” the chat date to be sure that you don't miss the beginning of the event.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS

• The web-chats will include about 15 - 30 minutes of live audio broadcasting plus 30 minutes of live Q&A.
• You will have the opportunity to submit your questions to the speaker, live.
• Don't worry if you miss the original call! The audio broadcasts and web-chats will be archived and available to you on-line immediately following the original broadcasts and for at least 3 months after.

Posted by roz at 02:02 AM | Permalink

I think the Blogging G_d's wanted to see just how determined I was to write this review. I lost my work four times! Here goes...
Thursday evening, January 13, 2005 I was one of the privileged attendees at RPM Success Group Incorporated's “Blogging for Business” FREE Teleseminar with Coaches Deborah Cole & John-Paul Micek.

If you have ever attended one of their seminars you will agree that it is “always more” than you would expect. Unfortunately I have never attended one of their paid courses, but my feelings are: “IF they do so well and are so generous with their FREE teleseminar classes, I could only imagine that the paid courses are to die for!”

Thursday's teleseminar wound up to be two hours. The first half was conducted by both John-Paul and Coach Deborah and the second half was a Q&A where the attendees were able to ask questions and share resources and ideas. I was thrilled to get some really good information and ideas for this Blog.

It was really a lovely evening and one jammed packed with lots of good information and company. The telephone lines were sizzling with excitement as you could feel the electricity as each bit of new information was uncovered. Coach John-Paul is the techy half of the team and you could tell he was enjoying it every bit as much as we were — I would even venture to say even more than we were!

The outline we received before the teleseminar was “right on target” as we had attendees of all levels of Blogging skills. Some of what was discussed was:

A 5-Step System that helped unravel the world of Blogging to get us on the fast track to click-and-mortar business success. As well we touched on the following subjects and more:

• What is a Blog? How can it make you more profitable in business?
• What are the different types of Blogs and what is the right one for you?
• Why are Blogs search engine food and how can you put this bait to work for you?
• What’s the fastest way to become a syndicated author in your niche or industry?
• How can you get your messages and communications around the strongest sp^m filters?

• Your First Video walks you step-by-step on how to set up your first Blog.
• Your Second Video shows you how to set up your own free RSS reader in 10 minutes!
• Your Third Video shows you how to set up and use an advanced aggregator to collect and categorize content from across the web in one convenient location right on your own desktop.

• Advanced Business Blogging
• How to Master Business Blogging

Posted by roz at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Earlier this morning I wrote an entry about Pastor Joel Osteen. Now if this is not a coincidence I don't know what is...

Joel was saying that no matter what happens we should not let it steal our joy and agonize over it for the rest of the day...

Each Sunday morning I tape his sermons on a hand-held tape recorder. When I need encouragement or support I relisten to them. Other times, I just listen for the enjoyment of it. In any case, it has become a habit and one that I look forward to as Sunday draws near.

This morning I misplaced my TV listing so I had to flick through the channels. I've been noticing the Cable TV stations start a few minutes before the half hour, so I kept coming in after the program started. Therefore, I never could get the beginning — and I wanted to — because Joel always starts the sermon off with a joke.

Finally... I tuned in at the beginning of the 9:00AM segment on Channel 5 — in NYC. They start promptly on the half hour.

This is where things get good...
The tape recorder seemed to be working fine, however, in the middle of the sermon I noticed the amber light flickering wildly. This light indicates the battery is either going or gone. You got it... The battery was gone and I lost half the sermon. Good thing Joel is on at Midnight, so I will catch that one in its entirety — With “brand new” batteries!

In case you were wondering what I did when I noticed this, I smiled and said: “It figures!” This was just what Joel was preaching about! I guess... G_d was either playing a little trick on me or testing to see if I learned anything!(big smile)

NOTE: I think I will make it a habit to always use NEW BATTERIES!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Posted by roz at 11:15 AM | Permalink

Sunday morning is like a shot of spirituality for me as I listen to Pastor Joel Osteen http://www.JoelOsteen.com on TV. I have actually taken to following him from channel to channel for about two hours. By the time I get done, I have heard his sermon at the least three or four times. As if this were not enough, I haven taken to taping the sermons on a hand-held taperecorder so that I may listen to it over and over again as I need encouragement and support. As crazy as this sounds, it works! I have learned, in this life we have to depend on ourselves to provide our joy, we can't depend on others to make us happy! I have learned to provide the joy and encouragement I need for myself and not depend on others to do it for me. This way... there is never any disappointment -- or hardly ever!

Today Joel spoke about not letting others steal our joy. He talked about making a conscious decision to not let anything, no matter what steal our joy and prevent us from being happy. Considering I used to be the type of person who let other's behavior dictate how I felt this was a sermon that really hit home. While I won't say I never get upset — afterall I am a human being — I will say that I have learned to NOT stay upset. I can usually catch myself before I am not too far along. In today's sermon Joel reminded me to keep on keeping on.

Check out Pastor Osteen at: http://www.JoelOsteen.com. Go here to check and see if Joel is on a TV Station near you. Click on your state in the map and the TV listing will appear on the bottom of the page.

Enjoy!
Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 08:06 AM | Permalink

Back in November 2004 I took Eclectic Academy's new class “Blogging With MovableType” with instructor Kevin Lawver. The class made its debut on November 7, 2004 and was jammed packed with valuable information. Kevin was on top of things and always at the ready to help.

Check it out, the next class starts January 9, 2005.

NOTE: The class was mentioned on the Six Apart Site in the Professional Networking Section.

Enjoy!

Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

Posted by roz at 01:53 PM | Permalink

The piece below is quoted from the NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) Member Newsletter. NAPP has made such a big difference in my own life, I jump at any opportunity to help spread the word whenever possible!
  — Roz Fruchtman / BlogViewsByRoz.com

• Added video tutorials to the member website
• Sponsored free Photoshop CS Summits throughout the U.S.
• Offered Continuing Education credits at Photoshop World Conferences and Photoshop Seminar Tour classes
• Rolled-out a new Membership Card and Certificate of Membership
• Produced the new Photoshop Creativity Tour seminar featuring Bert Monroy
• Launched a new public NAPP Gallery to post your image portfolio
• Re-launched a new NAPP members-only website with improved functionality
• Added the weekly NAPP Radio program to the website

• Offering online training
• Introducing a product review system using member ratings
• Adding more advanced content in the magazine and in website tutorials
• Traveling to England and Canada with the Photoshop Seminar Tour
• Expanding the vendor discount program to help you save money
• Introducing more training DVDs in response to numerous requests

Posted by roz at 06:13 PM | Permalink

For me... the New Year started off a bit disjointed. For the first time ever, I fell asleep “right before” 2005 was traditionally welcomed in by the Ball dropping in New York City's Times Square.

It seemed like one minute I was watching TV — 10:45 PM Friday December 31, 2004 — and the next minute it was 12:20 AM Saturday January 1, 2005. I awoke to my cousin's voice leaving a message on my answering machine.

I was visibly shaken and bewildered as I experienced the first pangs of disappointment of “not” bringing in the New Year in real time. I felt as if I were stuck someplace in between 2004 and 2005 and that the New Year was somehow tainted. At the same time I realized how nuts this was, but could not shake the feeling of disappointment even the next morning when I got up!

I awoke with the same feeling of disappointment on Saturday morning. I had no clue what to do, but realized there must be a video of the Ball dropping somewhere on the Internet. I began Googling every keyword phrase I could think and finally found a live video on the MSN website at: Click to welcome in New Year 2005 — Times Square, New York City.

The nice thing about this is that you can watch it as many times as you want, as well as, getting a front-row seat to see exactly what goes on.

Check it out for yourself! (IF the video does not start automatically, just click on the Ball in the right-hand panel.

I got to see General Collin Powell and New York City's Mayor Bloomberg push the globe-like switch and the multi-colored crystal ball start its sixty-second descent into 2005. It was awesome. I don't remember the ball changing colors in previous years. Did it?

As the countdown reached 10 seconds the crowd went nuts joining in the countdown. As silly as this sounds, even watching the ball drop almost 12 hours after the fact, I felt the same excitement and anticipation of the brand new year and receiving yet another chance to start over!

Happy New Year 2005!

Posted by roz at 01:10 AM | Permalink

Quite simply... Happy New Year 2005!

May you receive all that you desire for yourself and your loved ones and bring all your dreams to fruition!

May 2005 be your best year ever!

Enjoy!

Posted by roz at 01:38 AM | Permalink