Monday, November 30, 2015
It’s not too late: 12 ways to boost sales this holiday season
From hoverboards to adult onesies: the gifts we’re searching for this holiday
Drones are now toys: Drones are no longer expensive playthings for the tech-savvy. Search for “toy drone” and you’ll find countless inexpensive, easy-to-use devices available from department stores and toy stores. And they’re popular—nationwide, shopping searches for drones are up 80% over the past year, and they’re highest in California.
Hoverboards are real, and they’re trending: While we’re on the topic of electronic toys, hoverboards are so popular this year they’ve even overtaken searches for drones. They may not be exactly like the boards from Back to the Future or the Lexus commercial, but these two-wheeled boards have become a hot toy this season. Searches for “hoverboards” started trending in the summer and are up more than 500% since July.
Holiday onesies are the new “ugly Christmas sweaters”: Last year “ugly Christmas sweaters” were all the rage. This year we’re seeing holiday onesies are the new kitsch partywear of choice, as searches for “adult onesies” are trending even faster than searches for “ugly Christmas sweater.” (Hey—we don’t try to explain these trends. We just report them. -Ed.)
Your 90s wardrobe is BACK: Bomber jackets. Levi jeans. Adidas Superstars. Looking at this year’s top-trending apparel list you’ll be forgiven for thinking we’ve gone back to the 90s. Not only have we seen searches for these 90s fashion trends more than double over the past year, each city has their own 90s fashion item of choice—shoppers in Chicago are more interested in Levis while shoppers in New York are on the hunt for Adidas Superstar shoes.
“Smart” devices top electronics searches: With more models on the market than ever, both smart watches and smart TVs topped our list of trending electronics this year—with “smart watch” searches seeing a particularly phenomenal growth, up nearly 300% compared to last year. But as smart devices get more popular, retro electronics are also making a comeback: searches for instant cameras like “Polaroid Camera” and “Fujifilm Instax” have been rising steadily in popularity each holiday season.
So there you have it. Ready to start shopping? To help you search for these gifts quickly and easily while on-the-go, we recently redesigned Google Shopping on mobile. And for more insights behind this season’s trends, check out the Shopping Insights tool. Happy deal-hunting!
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Getting Fit Online: The Good, the Bad and the Alternatives
I pay my bills online, I work online. This past summer I took a course online. Except for the fact that I love to travel, I really don't need to leave my house anymore (I can even order groceries online and have them delivered).
The one thing that I thought I would always have to leave the house for were my appointments with the personal trainer at my gym.
Well, think again. He has recently gone online too!
No matter where I am in my travels, we can keep our appointments. I have to admit, I didn't have a good feeling about this -- sure, it was cheaper, but could it be effective?
My answer is "yes." Yours may not be. There are definitely pros and cons to this, but they all boil down to the individual.
How It Works
Among the biggest benefits of having an online personal trainer is that the training sessions are often scheduled via Skype or other video conferencing tools, video courses of specific exercise plans to suite your needs, along with dietary plans. In between videoconferences, there is regular email communication for questions and issues, and always the opportunity for additional video-conferencing. Unlike the usual gym sessions you can always ask that burning fitness question anytime. Or ask to have a look at your diet plan for next week.
The initial conference includes the "coughing up" of lots of physical information - specific information that the client will provide by following instructions for garnering it. Then the trainer will develop the individual program, based on the client's goals for weight and fitness. As the program moves forward, the client is expected to keep a log of workouts and daily food intake, which is shared with the trainer via video conferencing, or email one a week.
The Good
Access to the Best Trainers in the World.
Online workout programs been gaining popularity in the last few years and are now named as one of the key fitness trends in 2016.
Many of the world-class trainers have gone online. So if you want the best, and he is in South Africa, you can now have him. And if you are really into a specific fitness category, you can now find a personal trainer online who could not be found in your location. I have a friend who only wants Pilates training. She lives in a small town in upstate New York and her perfect trainer is in California.
Easy Access to Trainer Information and Evaluation.
Online trainers do advertise and they do belong to "clearinghouse" networks. Before you make a choice, you can get all kinds of information about them -- client reviews on social media, for example. You can access their social media pages and their websites. So, you really are not making a "blind" decision.
They Cost Is Less.
A top trainer is often booked solid. And as he gets booked, you not only wait for an opening, you are also going to pay a lot for their time - up to $300-400 per session. If they go online, however, this may be the cost of a month's worth of a program or even two months.
Flexible Time and Location.
I travel because I want to. Others travel for business -- a lot. Having online access to your trainer from any location is a pretty big benefit, especially if you have questions and don't want to continue with a specific workout until you get an answer. And you do not have to wait until you get back home to have your program adjusted.
Support Outside of Actual Training Times.
It's hard to get trainers to respond to calls and emails outside of your hour of time with them. In fact, most won't do it without extra fees. Online trainers operate differently. They are available during reasonable hours and will respond to your calls and emails. In my case, I was getting replies as early as 6:00 a.m. and as late as 23.00 pm.
The Bad
You've probably figured most of these out already, but just in case I think it's worth reminding of the cons.
No One Spotting for Technique.
Using the wrong technique negates a workout and can even be harmful. For this reason, most online trainers do use Skype and initial video instructions, however they can't be with you during each workout session and monitor all your actions.
Possible solution I have practiced -- recording myself doing an exercise on video and sending that to my trainer for assessment.
How Progress Is Evaluated.
This requires honesty from the client, because it's easy not to be honest. A trainer can only go by the information provided, so if a client "fudges," it is the client who will suffer, and an online program won't work. So, yes, you'll need a lot of motivation and self-diligence to make it work for you. After all, like with any other type of training -- you need to have a clear vision goals if you want to succeed.
Motivation.
This is the other element of potential failure. Clients who meet with their trainer face-to-face will be motivated to keep up the program, or face the criticism. And skipping sessions is so easy when no one's exactly watching you. So, yep, you need to have a huge tone of fitness motivation when you choose to workout online.
The Alternatives
There are some middle grounds between going to the gym and going fully online.
For instance, getting a fitness plan from a personal trainer and nutritionist consultations and using YouTube to find video exercises. There are plenty of amazing channels to follow!
Some companies are now offering on demand video exercises and guides that are custom-made for you.
It almost seems as if this is a natural extension of the earlier and still-used video workouts and exercise programs that customers order and play at home while they workout. Taking things to the next level by hiring a remote personal trainer is a bigger commitment. It is definitely not for everyone. It works for me because I am really committed.
It hasn't worked for a lot of my friends, because they just don't have the self-discipline to work out and stay on a diet without face-to-face supervision -- sort of like the student who misbehaves when the teacher leaves the room.
What are your thoughts on online personal training?
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Holly Holm Meets Jay-Z and Beyonce, Promptly Forgets Beyonce's Name
Morning, gents. Here's the latest in cool stuff from around the Internet to kick off your Thanksgiving weekend on Wednesday, Nov. 2:
"Mrs. Jay-Z" Is the Wrong Answer: Holly Holm might have shocked the world with her second-round knockout of Ronda Rousey, but the newly crowned MMA champion is still adjusting to the spotlight. Case in point: On the red carpet at the Cotto-Alvarez fight in Vegas on Saturday, she introduced herself to Jay-Z and then asked Beyonce—a woman so famous she doesn't even use a last name—what her name was. "As I am shaking her hand, I am thinking, 'Why did I just say that?'" she told KRQE. Oh, and for future reference: You bow before the queen, Holly. [Washington Post]
Your Pre-Thanksgiving Workout: Just in time for the holiday season (and all the associated food binges), we're rolling out the Holiday Gut Check Workouts, a series of quick workouts designed to incinerate all those extra calories with plenty of time to shuttle between holiday parties. And if you choose not to celebrate this most American of holidays, the workouts are still perfectly good. [Men's Fitness]
The Ultimate Recovery Meal: This might sound like heresy, but it's 100% possible to craft a flavor-packed Thanskgiving meal without loading up on all those unnecessary fat-and-sugar bombs. For the best Turkey Day recipes that won't wreck your six-pack, check out our "Feast Like a Beast" feature. [Men's Fitness]
For Everyone on Your List: Look, even if you're one of those guys who enjoys shopping, there's a certain amount of stress that comes with picking out the so-called perfect gift for everyone on your list during the holidays. We're here to say: It doesn't have to be that way! Check out our 2015 Gift Guides, hit up the Internet, and retake your gym time on Black Friday. [Men's Fitness]
Crushin' Some Nuts: Jim Harbaugh, the famously khaki-clad coach of Michigan football, took part in the team's ritual smashing of a buckeye seed—the symbol of arch-rival Ohio State—on the grave of his predecessor, Bo Schembechler. It's an annual tradition for the Wolverines, but the first time a coach has joined in. If none of this is making any sense, that's okay: It's college football. [The Detroit News]
Manziel Benched: Johnny Manziel, better known as "Johnny Football" from his days quarterbacking Texas A&M, has been demoted from starter to third-string status on the Cleveland freaking Browns. Sucks, too, because "Johnny Benchwarmer" just doesn't have quite the same ring to it. [CBS Sports]
Marvel News, Part I: Marvel just dropped the hotly anticipated first trailer for Captain America: Civil War, the third movie in the Cap franchise, which sees the star-spangled hero (a somewhat thinner-looking Chris Evans) and Falcon (Anthony Mackie) face off against Tony Stark's Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.). Watch closely and you'll catch a glimpse of Black Panther.
Marvel News, Part II: The comic/film studio juggernaut announced yesterday that the wheels are in motion on Doctor Strange, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular hero (some combination of Sherlock Holmes and Alan Turing, probably), plus Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, and Mads Mikkelsen.
Doctor Strange begins production! Get the full cast list and more, now: http://bit.ly/1NbIJNS
Posted by Marvel on Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving from the Search Engine Watch team
The Real Reason You Want to Nap After Thanksgiving Dinner
For as long as anyone can remember, turkey has gotten the blame for our post-Thanksgiving nap. But it turns out, the bird may not be guilty after all. The all too familiar “food coma” we experience is due to the large quantities of food in general. That includes turkey, but also stuffing, potatoes, and pie, according to research from the Loyola University Health System.
That means tryptophan, the essential amino acid protein building block, is off the hook.
Kim Sasso, a registered and licensed dietitian at Loyola University Health System, said in a press release: "Because of transport and breakdown, not enough tryptophan will reach the brain to cause sleepiness after a holiday meal. Likely, the stressful hustle and bustle of the holiday, travel schedules, alcohol indulgence and cooking tasks will contribute more to fatigue than a few slices of turkey."
Plus, turkey doesn’t really have exorbitantly high levels of the amino acid when you compare it to other common foods, like soybeans, eggs, and even chicken.
So, enjoy your turkey on Thanksgiving in a moderate portion and you won't need the nap. That said, naps are actually pretty great for you. Here are 20 reasons you should take one after Thanksgiving dinner, or really any time.
Just be sure you get back on the wagon come Friday. Here are the do-anywhere routines you need.
Are Thanksgiving traditions a relic of the past? A Google Trends investigation
Small Business Saturday -- Just How Naive Are You?
Really? Are we that naïve? Do you really think that Small Business Saturday means anything to your customers? Do you really believe articles like this one that report that there were "88 million Small Business Saturday shoppers in 2014" and that they "spent $14.3 billion." Oh c'mon...where does this data come from? And how many of these shoppers would've been out shopping during that first unofficial weekend of the holiday season anyway? Do you think this was because of Small Business Saturday? Believe me...it's not. But don't tell that to some.
For example, Small Business Saturday means a lot to American Express. And good for them, because American Express is a good company and they hit solid gold here. Who was the PR guy who came up with this idea? He (or she's) a friggin' genius. That's because Small Business Saturday is nothing more than a PR stunt for big businesses.
The marketing minds at American Express thought this up a few years ago and the day has ballooned into a national event. Their logo is plastered everywhere. Their name is associated with news stories, contests and promotions. And other big companies are getting in on the action. Banks, retailers and corporations that cater to small businesses are jumping on the "Small Business Saturday" bandwagon to use that day and show how much they care about America's small companies too - offering their own deals and discounts and love for those 28 million potential customers of their products and services. But no, it doesn't stop there.
Now, politicians are getting involved. Look for President Obama to take a stroll on Saturday, most likely with his daughters and most likely to some locally owned bookstore like DC's Politics and Prose, to buy a few items with a credit card that will be discreetly handed to him by a helpful aide. Turn the channel and you'll likely see most of the dozens of Presidential candidates doing the same in their own local communities while making sure everyone is well aware of their passionate "support for small businesses" (which is kind of like saying you support cancer research or puppies because...you know...who doesn't support small businesses, right?). Congress is, of course, honoring the day with a special resolution. States and local governments across the country are issuing their own proclamations. You'll hear very similar sound bites about how small businesses "employ more than half of working Americans" and "how we're the backbone of this country." Yay for us!
But really, are you that naïve?
Are you naïve enough to think that your customers really give a crap about your business? That you deserve any more support than a charity for the homeless or a non-profit trying to eradicate multiple sclerosis? That, just because you have a little shop on Main Street selling crafts or coffee or whatever knickknacks people should spend their money with you just because they're "thinking small"? Especially if they can spend less money down the street at a Walmart or CVS? Exactly what does anyone owe to you, the small business owner? What's so special about you that there's a whole day on the calendar devoted towards drawing attention to your existence? So you're a small business. Big deal.
You don't need "Small Business Saturday" to succeed. In fact, if you're a successful small business owner you could very well be insulted by the idea. I am. You run a profitable business. Your customers buy from you because you simply give them a better product or service than the competition, large or small. You provide that extra level of attention that big companies can't deliver. You are involved in your community because it's the right thing to do. You pay your taxes. You hire. You fire. You know how to buy something for a dollar and sell it for three. There should be no national day that recognizes your profit-taking. This is just what you do and you do it well. There are other people more deserving of the country's attention - like our military, for example?
Pity the competitor who actually thinks that Small Business Saturday is going to benefit their business. And after you've pitied him on Saturday I know what you're going to do. You're going to go out and beat his ass on Monday. And his former customers will be all the recognition you'll need.
A version of this column previously appeared on Entrepreneur.com.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
How to Stay Fit and Healthy During the Holidays
With such a hectic and quite possibly erratic schedule, you ask, "How am I suppose to fit exercise and healthy eating in such a festive season?"
If you're accustomed to training at least 60 minutes a day how about reducing this time to 20-30 minutes instead. Short bursts of high intensity workout can do wonders for your metabolism and of course leave you feeling energized and refresh to mingle with pals and family. They are also fun as they can be done anywhere, anytime.
Try this quick interval circuit routine. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds, rest 30 seconds then repeat the same circuit two to three times. (Please make sure to warm up prior to exercise and cool down after).
Jump Squat
Plank
Wide Leg Squat
Run On The Spot
Mountain Climber
Jumping Jack
Close hand push up
Next on your checklist is to find the time during this hectic time to eat healthy. Some may opt to skip meals or even drastically reduce their caloric-intake in hopes of indulging later during their festivities. This will actually derail your progress instead of helping you stay on track.
With late nights due to celebrations, early mornings to complete the day's work and dinner parties (yet again!), your focus on preparing and eating healthy may get stretched a little too thin.
Instead of pulling over to a fast-food joint and fueling your body with unhealthy quick fixes, how about fueling it with healthy snacks? Most grocery stores offer extended hours during this busy time of the year... So there's really no excuse!
Fruits as well as raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are healthy options and they will keep you full. Make sure to fuel up on these before heading out to any of your events (you'll be less inclined to lose control and inhale unhealthy appetizers once you get there)!
Remember, holidays are about having fun with friends and family. And, of course, this fun usually includes way too much food and a few alcoholic refreshments. Don't be hard on yourself.
You can certainly indulge and have a few cheat meals... just be careful not to go overboard. Remember that getting back on the wagon is often harder than falling off of it.
Let me know if you tried any of these tips, how they worked for you or if you have any other great tips to keep on track over the holidays.
Happy Holidays from Body Envy!
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Google gobble: Thanksgiving trends on Search
The reason for the season
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, people turn to Google to learn more about the origins of the holiday and its traditions, both new and old. Top questions include “Why did the pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving?” and “What president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?”
Gratitude may be in the name, but food is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving. For weeks now people have been searching for recipes to wow their relatives this Thursday, from classics like cranberry relish and mashed potatoes to turkey alternatives like lasagna and beef stew. Here’s a look at the top recipes that trend every November:
Even for people whose usual meal prep consists of shuffling through take-out menus, Thanksgiving is a time to roll up your sleeves and get to work in the kitchen. That—and the fact that a 20-lb poultry dish is a little harder to put on the table than, say, the ol’ blue box of mac and cheese—means it’s also a time when many turn to Google to brush up on some cooking tips. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, you’re asking all kinds of questions, from simple queries like “how to cook spaghetti squash“ and “how to boil eggs” to advanced topics like “what can I make ahead for thanksgiving?” and the very crucial, very daunting “How do you make turkey gravy?”
Let’s talk turkey
The top Thanksgiving recipe question, however, is focused on the main dish: “How to cook a turkey?” Related questions include “how much turkey do you cook per person?” (Answer: there’s math involved but the most important part is making enough for sandwiches for multiple days after), followed quickly by “How long to cook a turkey?” (answer: more math).
And though roasting is still the top trending technique method for cooking the big bird, enterprising (or efficiency-oriented) chefs across the U.S. are also searching for tips on how to smoke and deep-fry their turkeys. Proof that there’s more than one way to cook a turkey.
What Bruce, Duane & the BCI Gang Are Thankful For! #Thanksgiving
What Bruce, Duane & the BCI Gang Are Thankful For! #Thanksgiving was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.
We are also particularly thankful for the new additions to our team: Duane Forrester, VP of Organic Search Operations, and David Szetela, VP of Search Marketing Operations. Bruce Clay said it best when he said: "I am thankful that the company was able to add key leaders to our roster. Along with myself and the BCI team, we form a powerful force in the SEO and PPC space."
Click through to read what Bruce and folks on our team are thankful for.
You're Doing Lunges All Wrong
The lunge is one of the foundation movements for fitness workouts. When done correctly, lunges can help strengthen the hamstrings and the glutes -- which is why they are commonly used in running warm-up routines.
More: How to Meet Your Fitness Goals on a Budget
In this week's installment of Rodale Wellness' Right Way series, we're going to break down perfect lunge technique:
1. Start standing tall, feet together, core engaged, shoulders back.
2. Lift one leg off of the ground, and take a large step forward. Then, begin to lower your body toward the ground until your thigh is parallel to the ground below, forming a 90-degree angle at the knee. Make sure your back knee is only a couple inches above the ground, and your front knee is directly above your front ankle.
More: What's the Best Time of Day to Exercise?
3. Push back to your starting position with the heel, not letting the toes drag on the ground.
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
