CNN reports the “DOJ disclosed on Monday afternoon that it tapped two months’ worth of phone records of AP reporters and editors” as part of probe into national security leaks to the press. This intrusion was announced after-the-fact coming on the heals of a heavy-handed IRS targeting Conservative groups that oppose Obama and other Democrats.

No matter the reason for reporter spying, the Obama Administration clearly abused its power and violated the long-standing practice of Freedom of the Press and the right to protect sources in legal proceedings. Specifically, the Justice Department did not follow the usual policy, which is to give news organizations a chance to negotiate or contest such a subpoena ahead of time.

At present, there is no federal law that prohibits the feds from accessing reporter phone records. That said, the feds violated one of the pillars of Democracy, a free press, albeit it did not break any laws. There is no doubt that reporters nationwide feel fear and intimidation.

The time is right now for U.S. lawmakers to draft strong federal shield laws to protect reporters and their news-gathering sources and materials.

While Federal laws do not protect reporters’ privacy, the majority of states do have shield laws. Nebraska is one of 40 states according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.  Here in the Cornhusker state, The Free Flow of Information Act, NE Statue Sec 20-144 to 147, grants reporters the right to gather, edit or write news within a free and unfettered atmosphere. The law protects journalists from government interference, including protection from forcing reporters to disclose sources.

The seizure of the AP’s phone records is troubling. The intrusion certainly will chill journalists relationship with the Obama Administration and creates an environment of distrust and intimidation. Further, sources who seek reporter confidentiality will think twice before offering information – fearing that the Federal government may compromise “private correspondence”. If I were working a highly contentious government-related news story, I’d be fearful enough to buy a throw away phone, so I can privately talk with my source. How highly undemocratic! What do we live in North Korea?

In an apparent act of damage control, The Washington Post reports today that at the request of the White House, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)  intends to re-introduce a national Shield Law. “The Free Flow of Information Act would protect journalists from being compelled to testify about their confidential sources, unless all other avenues are exhausted and exposure is in the public interest” reports WP.

If a national Shield law is passed, there remains a concern of law language ambiguity that would still permit the feds to obtain reporter phone records using the public interest as an excuse in any circumstance. So-called feel good legislation. For U.S. reporters and the public alike, it would be in everyone’s best interest for lawmakers to consult directly with national media/print organizations while drafting new legislation.

In the meantime, the Justice Department deserves condemnation for tapping Associated Press reporters phone records. If they needed info, they should simply ask. It is up to the 4th Estate’s reporters to decide what information, if any, to release to Big Brother. Certainly, most respected US media outlets already possess the dogma to contact the Justice Department if it would prevent wars, attacks and other calamities. But revelations that the Justice Department decided on ITS OWN to secretly spy on reporters scrambling to identify an AP Government leaker, creates an environment of reporter fear and intimidation, which goes against our Democracy’s basic principles of Freedom of the Press.

Similarly to what Obama said today about the IRS, we should not tolerate this kind of behavior in any agency, but especially the Justice Department, given the power that it has, and the reach that it has in all of our lives.

Historically,American Journalists are the eyes and ears of government –  watchdogs of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches on behalf of you – citizens. For reporters to continue working in an environment with free, unfettered access, journalists must be protected with a national Shield Law with some teeth. Drafted tomorrow.

Hate is a very strong word. That said, I really, really dislike the Windows 8 operating system found on PC’s nowadays! About 2 weeks ago, I purchased a relatively inexpensive i3, 6GB RAM, 750GB Hard Drive laptop pre-installed with Windows 8. I soon discovered how obnoxious the operating system is – a smartphone-type interface that ripped out useful, even fundamental, stuff found on the Windows 7 Start Page Menu. Interesting development. Microsoft canned the executive who championed Windows 8 soon after launch release.

Microsoft is phasing out Windows 7, completely.  Why? Windows 8, with a touch user interface, is billed as a better platform across-the-board – for mobile devices such as tablets to better compete with other mobile operating systems like Android and Apple’s iOS. Marketing vs. reality can be two different things.

My computer is not touch screen. But even if it were, I’d want to – unload Windows 8. So, I looked into returning my laptop and snapping up an old Windows 7 one. But no deal, to be had: the majority of Big Box Retailers no longer sell Windows 7 computers. Stuck and left with no choice, I searched for a work-around, investing several hours to find a fix – of which I shall share with you. Saves YOU time! This herein review and ‘how to fix’ guide may help.

Windows 8 Not Business-Friendly

OMG! The Windows 8 operating system confuses – even for this semi-pro PC user. Fortunately for me, this laptop is for secondary use. For businesses forced to use Windows 8 as their main system, I shudder to think how the novice handles this workflow-productivity disaster. Even for personal use, Windows 8 is a long-hill climb to comprehend.

Simple Tasks Difficult to Do

I’m baffled at accomplishing historically easy tasks, like finding folders, launching the internet, locating programs and doing just about anything. After much frustration, I’ve opted to remove all the super exciting “features” of Windows 8, in an attempt to return my computer to Windows 7-like state. Yes. It’s a labor intensive effort, but it’s the only option.

Windows 8 Start Page Mess

The most maddening thing about Windows 8 is that there is no Start Menu, which has been the central function since Windows 95. To my ire, I’m highly annoyed that the traditional left side of screen ‘Start’ button did NOT exist – at all! The Windows 8 Start Menu is a mosaic of tiles, which differ from traditional desktop icons by letting you view live information from Windows 8 Metro style apps without actually accessing the apps. In other words, Microsoft re-created the Start Page and replaced it with real-time crap apps you’ll probably never use, with many costing extra money to run. Windows 8 also left us with no easy way to locate folders, programs and other options – found in the classic Windows desktop interface.

How to get the ‘Start” Button Back?

As a work around, after much Googling, I found a free return-windows-start-button-for-Windows-8-download called classic shell. After a minute or two, without a reboot, my start button returned. Whew! Microsoft is reportedly building a patch to be released later this year. Forget about waiting. You can do it now, with the classic shell download.

Windows 8 Start Page Installed with Junk Apps

It’s frustrating. The high number of memory-sapping, unnecessary apps pre-loaded onto the Windows 8 Start Page. Upon review, many of these apps, are forced advertisements with functions, at an extra cost to run. The net effect of all these tiles is a massive billboard for all the bloatware that comes on a new PC. It takes about 30 minutes to delete this crap. How to? Right click mouse. Choose ‘uninstall’. One by one, you can remove them.

Charming Feature, Not

Before I explain, I must chastise the name. It’s juvenile-sounding. Charms is a Windows 8 Start Bar feature that’s very difficult to locate at first. If you fail to read the Windows 8 OS manual, like I did, expect a struggle.

How to locate Charms Start Menu? Click cursor to top-right-corner OR bottom-right-corner of screen. Here, you’ll find options including Start, Search, Share, Devices and Settings. Adjust volume or brightness. Wow. That’s super cool. Not.

Remove Charms

It can get really annoying. While I have not done so yet, you can TURN OFF “Charms”, click here. Based on the instructions, disabling it takes some PC user expertise. But you can do it!

Forget About Escape Button

We’ve always used the escape button to switch from app to app, and if all else fails, we press Alt+Crtl+Del. But in Windows 8 the ‘Escape’ button doesn’t work the way it should! For a while, you may, like me, run to Alt+Crtl+Del to find your way in Windows 8.

How to Switch from App to App

Talk about forced corporate identity branding, in Windows 8, you’ll have to press the Windows key – to return to main screen or exit an application instead of  our favorite ‘Escape’ button.

Can’t Find Folders
How to Fix

Windows 8 hides a slew of switches relating to folders, their navigation, the items they show, how they behave and how they search for items. To fix, open any folder, click ‘View’ tab on menu along the top, click ‘Options’ icon, then under ‘Navigation Pane’ mark ‘show all folders’. Press ‘apply’ and ‘ok’.

Windows 8 FORCES BING

One of my biggest gripes is that Microsoft pre-installed Bing in locations difficult to find and remove. In my view, Bing, compared to Google, is clearly an inferior search engine. That said, trying to remove Bing is not as easy as 1,2,3, nor a quick add or remove programs uninstall. Of course not!  First off, it’s difficult to actually find the ‘Add or Remove’ file folder thanks to wonderful Windows 8. When you do locate the add or remove section, no luck, Bing is not listed.

How to Remove Bing

Launch Internet Explorer. Go to Tools + Internet Options’ drop down. In browser settings, delete Bing and replace with Google. http://www.google.com

Step 2: Go back to ‘Tools’, and press ‘Manage Add On’s. Under ‘Search Providers’, click you’ll find Bing alone. Scroll to bottom of page, click ‘Find More Search Providers,” where you’ll search for “Google”. Add it. Go back to page, right-click on Google and set as default browser.

Install Google Search Tool Bar

Another good idea for an extra search box is to install the Google tool bar. Takes a couple minutes and a reboot. >Download

If Something Works Great Why Change it?

To Microsoft’s discredit, it makes zero sense to re-make an operating system that people liked.  Did Microsoft actually do consumer focus groups before launching this disaster? Apparently not. Or, if so, the survey questions HAD to have been loaded. After watching a Microsoft TV commercial recently, which stated that Bing, which Microsoft owns, is the number one search engine, I question their “scientific polling”. There is no way that Bing is better than Google. I’ve done the search comparisons. Google outshines. Likewise, Windows 8 is no good in my opinion.

Conclusion…Windows 8 Headache

Windows 8 is a major hassle. It brings a learning curve steeper than perhaps any prior version of Windows. If you don’t like the new Metro interface by Windows 8, just install a free third-party utility that restores the Start Button and lets you boot to the Desktop. Plus, delete, delete, delete, like I did.

Comments welcome.

STERN PR MARKETING CLIENT FEATURED IN OWH

By Susan Stern –  Exciting news! The Omaha World Herald today ran a feature story about our Client, teen entrepreneur David Mitchell, the owner of Game Repair Shop® located in West Omaha. The Omaha.com article authored by staff journalist Janice Podsada, reported how young Mitchell’s vision came to fruition, against all odds.

Mitchell tells the story of growing up poor, mixing with the wrong crowd, living at Boystown, before inevitably getting his act together by age 19. He developed an informal business plan after he learned how to fix broken down video game consoles: Wii, Sony Playstation and Xbox machines. On his own, Mitchell used the power of free Craig’s List advertising and word-of-mouth referrals. It turned out to be a profitable starting point. 

Brick-and-Mortar Shop Opens

In November, the tenacious Burke grad moved his video game repair business from a tiny apartment to a brick-and-mortar store located a tad North of 120th & West Center Road in Bel Air Plaza. Mitchell’s product offerings expanded, too. In addition to repairs, his bread-and-butter, Game Repair Shop® sells new and used video game consoles, games and accessories.  

How We Helped

“Before opening a Omaha game store, Mitchell came to Stern PR Marketing™ for image credibility and guidance. In a short time, we put together a marketing plan: logo, website design, graphics, SEO, TV commercials, copywriting, photography and consulting. We worked with Mitchell’s tight budget. No doubt, his background and vision touched my heart,” notes owner Susan Stern.

Stern PR Marketing™ is honored to help this young man succeed. We appreciate that the Omaha World Herald ran a story, that in essence, rewards our teen client for his hard work against many odds. His story is newsworthy and has generated free and respectable publicity. We wish great success to GameRepairShop.com! We thank David Mitchell for publicly mentioning our role, as well. All around, this is certainly exciting news!

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Susan Stern, of Stern PR Marketing™  is an Omaha Copywriter and consultant of a creative & technical Omaha Marketing Firm that upholds the slogan, ’Help Business Grow’.  Inquiries? Contact Susan Stern direct. 402-212-7489 | Visit Official Website Now!

Snell Heating & Air Conditioning Design By Stern PR Marketing Omaha

Omaha Website Design for Snell Heating & AC

(Omaha, NE)  –  The big reveal is here! Stern PR Marketing™ just completed a major Omaha Website Design overhaul for long-time client Snell Heating & AC. Today the website shines even brighter. As you navigate through it, you will notice a better overall look & functionality – which makes it one of the area’s best Omaha HVAC websites designed by Stern PR Marketing™. “We also completed a series of mini-videos, a new catchy Commercial, rewrote the content, updated a new coupon, created an online sign up option and much more,” notes Susan Stern, an Omaha Website Design firm and Marketing Consultant.

Easy Navigation…User-Friendly Omaha Web Design

Stern PR Marketing’s Omaha Website Developer Austin Scott was able to manipulate the template code to include these great elements to Snell Heating & AC’s website appearance.  We added a homepage contact form, placed a phone number underneath the logo – all ways that make it easy for the customer to reach the Omaha HVAC company – immediately.

Susan Stern has been a long-time provider of design services and Omaha Marketing Firm Consulting for Snell Heating & AC, starting with the logo in 2004. When the Omaha HVAC Company needed a new website, they come to Susan. “To keep costs low, I scoured professional website templates worldwide and found the perfect fit!,” notes Susan.

Beyond Design…Full Service Omaha Marketing Firm

“I personally wrote all the website content writing, shot the photography, custom-designed most of the graphics including the sidebar banners, the coupons, and produced the Omaha videography. Plus, I manage Snell’s blog. Recently, we created a CMS – a website content management system, and also launched a Monthly SEO plan for Snell Heating & AC. Together Omaha website developer Austin Scott and I have transformed this template-based site into an outstanding one for Snell Heating & AC and its customers!”

Contact Susan Stern direct for a free written estimate. 402-212-7489

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(Omaha, NE)  –  A professionally written press release is a vital Public Relations tool aimed at obtaining news coverage, i.e. free advertising. It makes sense that the only copywriter your organization should hire should be a former reporter who actually had received releases and made the final decision whether to air it as a news story. Here in Omaha, Susan Stern, of Sternpr4less.com – is the go-to person for Omaha Press Release Copywriting & distribution locally, regionally and nationally.

Susan Stern Omaha Copywriter
Differs from Marketers Without Actual News Experience

“What sets apart my copywriting from the rest, is that I am more than a mere writer. I am a marketing consultant who sees the big picture. With 20 years experience combined in journalism and Marketing, I write well – for aesthetics. Tight words. Descriptive adjectives. No extraneous terms. That means my clients receive an outstanding one page news release with a catchy headline which appeals to news organizations nationwide,” emphasizes Omaha copywriter Susan Stern.

Click to Image to View Larger Version – SolarFrameWorks News Release by Susan Stern

Advantages of News Releases

A news release is a great tool to tout an innovative product, philanthropy, announce company restructuring, conduct a nationwide consumer awareness campaign and much more.

Contact Omaha Press Release Copywriter Susan Stern

today. Direct at (402) 212-7489. Please visit the Official Website here.

]]> http://susanstern.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/omaha-website-design/feed/ 0 Susan L. Stern ad-omaha-website-designer free quote - Stern PR marketing omaha website designer http://susanstern.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/opinion-not-a-facebook-fan/ http://susanstern.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/opinion-not-a-facebook-fan/#comments Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:52:46 +0000 Susan Stern, Stern PR™ http://susanstern.wordpress.com/?p=4228 Continue reading →]]> Facebook Shares With 3rd Party Advertisers

Many of my clients ask me why Stern PR Marketing™ does not use Facebook for business. So, here’s my answer. As a strong proponent of internet privacy, Facebook fails to hit the mark. I’ve installed a software which allegedly shows, that every time I log in, despite what Facebook claims, my internet activities on this social media giant are indeed shared with 3rd party advertisers, rather extensively. So, lack of trust with where my personal information ends up – is one reason.

Facebook Used to Slander & Bully
While I have a personal Facebook account, for several years I have been contemplating deleting it. I’ve witnessed how Facebook use can harm other’s reputations. Some users post comments that are defamatory, crude and replete with curse words and other nonsense. I’ve heard story-after-story of teenagers using it to bully others. I’ve spotted teens posting personal thoughts that should be kept to themselves. They’re children. They don’t know better. Unless a parent is censoring activity daily which is unlikely, Facebook is problematic.

Facebook Not Private Despite Claims
Further, Facebook posts are not confidential. Even if Facebook is set to Private, unsuspecting “friends” can take screen shots, copy photos and other personal information and share with others without permission. Posts can be used as evidence in a Court of Law. In the Media. There is zero control to maintain privacy. Another ire, is that Facebook is constantly-changing Terms and Conditions, which clearly show an erosion of privacy for this money-making venture.

Disadvantages Outweigh Benefits
Sure, time to time, Facebook is indeed a great place to chat with long-time friends and family. Share photos, and the like. But in my opinion, Google Chat, email or the old-fashioned telephone do better.

Better Social Media Options
Yes, some of my clients use Facebook for business for Search Engine Optimization purposes. Some companies buy advertisements there. I’m not sold on Facebook ads or their effectiveness.
That said, there are other social media sites I think are more worthwhile: Google+, Linked In and Twitter.

In a nutshell, I do not recommend Facebook for business because of all the privacy erosions I allege that are taking place by - this behemoth Giant. There are better options.

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Susan Stern is a long-time Omaha Copywriter, and an Omaha Marketing Consultant for business. To learn more about Stern PR Marketing™, visit the official website here.

The time is NOW…to plan your 2013 Marketing Plan. Mention this advertisement, and enjoy $100 OFF Omaha Website Design & Development by Stern PR Marketing™.

Stern PR Marketing™ will transform your 21st Century dream website into reality. The Omaha Website Design plan can include all the bells & whistles that make the user experience a great one.

Design features can include online scheduling,  a professional-produced home page commercial, an animation banner…you name it!

We do More! Omaha Copywriter. Videography. Graphic Design

Omaha Website Design by Stern PR Marketing™ also involves professional Omaha copywriting, graphic design, videography and photography. Few, if any local web developers offer those services. Why? They are purely technical.

“Here at Stern PR Marketing™, we offer recommendations and consulting that involves the entire marketing mix: traditional and internet marketing avenues.  We see the big picture, whereas most Omaha Website Designers do one thing – set you up with a website alone.”

You need an Website Designer that is a full-service Omaha Marketing firm.

Mention this $100 OFF advertisement.
Then, contact Susan Stern direct at 402-212-7489
Free written estimates.

Click thumbnail
Official Website

How Much Is SEO?

Here at Stern PR Marketing Omaha, we are very flexible when it comes to our SEO packages. We work for a set number of hours on your website each month. We offer a wide range of SEO packages that fit your marketing budget. At the end of each month, we provide you with detailed progress reports on how our work benefits your site. This report will show a return on your investment (ROI).

What are other types of SEO services can we do?

• Regularly update your business – website, business blog, social media sites, etc.
• Continious Website content writing – essential to build & maintain Google, Bing & Yahoo page ranking (Blog, Article Submission sites, directories & busiess listings)
• Optimization of Corporate video (s)
• Producing Monthly Reports on Keyword & Competitor Analysis
• Writing timely newsworthy or industry P.R. articles written on company business blog
• Swap out, re-design & repost coupons

Questions? Contact Susan Stern direct (402) 212-7489. An Omaha SEO Company. No contract monthly SEO plans. No pressure sales. Personalized Service.

Visit our Website

Do-it-yourself Omaha resume writing is not recommended. Since most professional business individuals have expertise in other areas beside writing, they come to me.

You have seconds to impress a potential employer. Don’t ruin the first impression with a long-winded, resume with extraneous words, including inactive verbs and weak adjectives. Instead, consider outsourcing Omaha Resume Writing services to Susan Stern. “I help professionals from any industry give an outstanding first impression via a resume and cover letter. Polished. Concise. Attention-getting and appropriate per industry.”

You can expect an exceptional resume!

Stern PR Marketing Review
Thanks Susie – Resume looks fantastic, great job!
Betsy Timmerman, Omaha Insurance Agent

Contact Susan Stern direct at (402) 212-7489
Visit Official Website Here

http://www.sternpr4less.com Omaha Website Design by one of the area’s best. Stern PR Marketing handles not only Omaha website development, but the copywriting, graphic design, internet video commercials, SEO + Traditional Advertising/Marketing, too. Choose no further. Inquiries, Contact Susan Stern now. 402-212-7489

Susan Stern has just completed learning advanced Omaha Video Production techniques – self-taught education. “I just spent 25 hours of intensive, hands-on training on how to create 21st Century titling effects & bottom 2/3rd techniques. This education is absolutely essential to take to a higher level – my Omaha Video Production company. This allows me to provide my clients with better-looking Omaha Corporate Video Production & TV & Internet Commercials. Fortunately, client, Snell Heating & AC, an Omaha-area HVAC Company, is the first to benefit from the advanced 3d effects, transitions and titling:

Susan Stern also created a new animated Stern PR outro to be placed at tail-end of Omaha Videography projects – using these newly-acquired advanced skills:

Few people realize the labor-intensive effort of putting together a creative, stand-out Omaha video production for TV or internet. It takes hours to complete with each video frame manually manipulated and produced to perfection. “I’ve been doing Omaha Video Production, starting with TV news stories since 1991, followed by commercial production. It takes a keen, highly creative eye to do it. Many Omaha videographers slap productions together with not much thinking OR use a canned approach,” notes Susan Stern, an Omaha Marketing Consultant.

No wonder companies comes to me for Omaha videography. I am a one-person Omaha area Video production shop. I create commercials at a higher standard. I handle the HD videography, graphics, script-writing, voice-over, editing and directing,” remarks the Omaha videographer.

“What sets apart Stern PR Marketing Video Production from the rest – is easy. I tend to handle all on & offline marketing for my clients – so, unlike an outsider with one task to do, I’m intimately knowledgable about my clients products and services – since I handle it all. That translates into exceptional Omaha Commercial script-writing and video production.”

Visit Official Website

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The time is here. Time to set your 2013 Omaha Business Marketing Budget!
Let Stern PR™ develop an affordable plan of action.

Visit Official Website Now

Call Susan Stern Direct at (402) 212-7489

Visit the Official Stern PR Marketing Website Now~

via Vala’s – Hay Okay.

• Logo
• Business Cards
• Website Design & Navigation
• Internet & Broadcast TV Commercial
• Brochures
• Slogan
• Print & media Advertisements

  Notes Susan Stern, “every aspect of your marketing plan should have a common and consistent theme across-the-board: overall color, design and appearance of all things communication that your company promotes. This is not a do-it-yourself project.Only a competent Omaha marketing consultant has the tools and industry knowledge to streamline a company image at a professional level.

  “I am one of the only Omaha marketing consultants in town that handles all things communication on & offline.Most Omaha advertising and marketing firms have up to 5 (five) people managing your company image. That means, behind-the-scene, one person handles the copywriting, another does the graphic design, and most likely other tasks such as Omaha website design & development are outsourced with high costs passed onto you. With so many people working on your image branding, that can present a problem in terms of image consistency, too. “With Stern PR Omaha, you have solely 2 (two) professionals managing your marketing! Costs are very reasonable. Your image remains consistent. Reaching Susan Stern to communicate is easy, too. Pick up the phone, send an email or text.

  Yes, image is almost everything to a business, but not the end-all-be-all. Yes, a company’s image can help customers remember your business, but the quality of the image is what makes a lasting impression. In other words, a fantastic logo on a business card will have little influence if the card paper itself looks cheap. The quality of your business card image portrays to customers on a conscious & subconscious level. Therefore, a low quality image on your business card represents a poor quality company. Likewise, a polished biz card which contains a great looking logo and easy-to-read font and all contact information positioned on superior paper stock gives an outstanding impression of your business.

  Equally as important as image is the substance of the service/product your company provides.  Notes Susan, “give your customers something that exceeds their expectations, i.e., superior service compared to others, out-of-the-box production/service – at a reasonable price.”

  A successful brand identity is based on SO MUCH MORE than just a talented designer’s or copywriter’s interpretation of your company. Branding strategy must capture the essence of the company’s vision and summarize the benefits that your target demographic will experience when doing business with you. “Here at Stern PR Omaha, not only will my clients receive meticulous branding of your company image on & offline, but the image will be consistent, streamlined and professional, backed by superior customer service, affordable rates and an advocate who works on your behalf within your budget,” emphasizes Susan Stern.

  For more information and inquiries, please contact Susan Stern direct in Omaha at (402) 212-7489. Visit official website here.

  Susan Stern is a one woman band, per say. She is an Omaha copywriter, graphic designer, website developer, video producer, photographer and traditional/internet marketing consultant. She is, most importantly, a mother to the most amazing kid ever.  You can follow her on Twitter and Google:+ Susan Stern

(Omaha, NE)  –  A keen business owner knows that a 21st Century website alone – isn’t enough to drive quality traffic. You need, not only a tech-savvy Omaha website designer, but a professional Omaha copywriter, too. The ideal choice is to outsource your Omaha website content writing to a professional in both Search Engine Optimization and aesthetics. Writing for the ear. Pleasing to the eyes. Active verbs, descriptive adjectives. No extraneous terms! Here in Omaha, Stern PR Marketing handles Omaha website design + Omaha copywriting. Streamline a company image with industry-appropriate words that are also SEO-friendly to help boost Google, Bing and Yahoo rank by “Stern PR.”

Did you know? Most Omaha website developers are technical only. They are not professional Omaha copywriters with a strong background in broadcast TV/Radio writing – like Susan Stern. So, what you get from most Omaha website developers is stale copy, to be candid. That’s not superior name-branding for your Omaha company image,” remarks Susan Stern, “Stern PR” an Omaha Marketing Consultant.

Inquiries? Contact Susan Stern Direct (o) 402-212-7489
Visit Official “Stern PR” Website for more information

Inquiries? Contact Susan Stern Direct (o) 402-212-7489

Visit the Official Website 

UPDATE 2012 – VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Phone:(402) 332-4200
12102 South 180th Street
Gretna, NE 68028
Get directions

‎

Season opens Friday, September 21st – October 31st, 2012

DAILY HOURS
Open 9am – 9pm Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed & Thur
Open 9am to 10pm every Fri & Sat

ENTRANCE COST 2012
$13.29 per person – Fri-Sun
$9.99 – Mon, Tue, Wed & Thur
Coupons Vala’s 2012 - No Frills Supermarket & Bag & Save – buy a ticket regular price ($13.29) and receive $2.50 Off a pumpkin purchase at Vala’s + a “Vala Buck” worth $1.00

Additional Costs:

• Pumpkin Creek Railroad Train Ride – $3.00 per person
• Pony Ride – $5.00 per child
• Paint Ball  – $2.00 per person, 10 shots $5.00 per person, 30 shots $7.50 per person, 50 shots
• Apple Sling Shot – $1.00 per person, 3 apples $5.00 per person
• Water Blasters – $1.00 per shot
• Quarters to feed animals in petting areas

Go here to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – Promotional page.

Discount Days

• October 31, 2012 – $7 Admission per person
• Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs – $9.99 Admission per person

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Click here to buy tickets on-line »

VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH – HAY OKAY! – REVIEW

By Susan Stern – Omaha
Article written September 2010

(Stern PR-Gretna, NE)  – Vala’s Pumpkin Patch near Omaha offers fun, not only for the kids, but for adults too. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings after dark is the way to go. Not only do you pay a reduced entrance fee per person, but viewing the constantly improved pumpkin patch offerings in the evening is way better than during daylight. Makes sense.

The fun is on stage, too. Take comedian www.amazingarthur.com who holds shows throughout the day near the entrance/exit. Oh my gosh. As a mother, I giggled every time – he walked and talked. What a cutie pie, with the handsome chiseled jaw and dirty blond hair. Shucks. Yes, he seems absolutely amazing alright. He’s a hilarious man who peppers his jokes with a little bit of salt from the 80′s, great for our generation, and the ADHD-like magician variety geared toward kids of today. Moms may not leave their tree stump. Yes, there’s something other than pumpkins to look at. Sorry single moms. He’s got a ring on his finger. Tee hee.

Beyond Vala’s eye-candy, kids age 6 and up will enjoy the open air bouncy blob – a gigantic trampoline -like jumping blobs – but safer – which offer loads of fun. The free blob is a great way for children to release their energy. There’s one for tweens/teens too. Mom’s and dad’s may partake. Of course, you gotta take off your shoes. Everyone.

The simple things keep the young ones happy, like climbing on John Deere tractors, and the hay rack ride. These offerings, plus the gorgeous colors of fall, teaming with happy children’s faces, can create picture perfect moments for camera enthusiasts. Don’t forget it!

If you’re looking for a discounted pumpkin purchase - look elsewhere - pumpkin finds here are for entertainment purposes only. Still, it’s a gob of fun to get off the hayrack tractor ride & and comb the field for the first pumpkin that suits your fancy.  But mothers take note. This activity should be the last on your list – otherwise you’ll be lugging a heavy pumpkin around for the day.

For action enthusiasts, there’s a pumpkin cannon shoot demonstration. And, you can fling a giant sling shot. 

Moms and dads. FYI. Don’t expect a Disney World Adventure at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch with lights, camera and flash action. It’s low-key country, complete with down home fun. Sure, there’s roughly 2 hours of stuff to do and see. But be prepared. Some of the sights might bore such as the non-spooky haunted house, storybrook lane and similar scenes. Yawn. But, it’s fun to watch young ones enjoy these activities, including petting the farm animals. 

But hay….Everyone likes the train. The pig race kills time. Kinda interesting. If all else fails, you can munch on food like turkey legs, fried Succotash, or Barbecue. Blow some cash, why don’t you?! You can spend some dough if you shop here for Halloween supplies and other goods – gourds, jellies, cider, scented candles and such.   

As for admission at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, it ain’t cheap (ain’t used for emphasis), but not too costly either. That said, Vala’s Pumkin Patch is a must see attraction for families every Fall season!

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