Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Does Your Advertising Make You the Obvious Choice to Do Business

There is a concept in business that we marketers call the confidence gap. The confidence gap is defined as a potential customers inability to determine whether the products or services of a given company are any better, different, or worse than the competition's.

The confidence gap exists in every imaginable industry and in most cases the gap is growing wider all of the time.

Case in point: go to the yellow pages and look under the roofing section (or any section for that matter) and see for yourself if, plus or minus 10%, every ad says basically the same thing. 'Dependability, service, 80 years of experience'.blah, blah, blah.'

Going by the yellow pages alone it's almost impossible to tell who will really offer the best service, the best overall value, and exactly what you need as a customer. It would be helpful if some ads said, 'We stink, we won't deliver on our promises, we'll quote you one price and then charge you another,' but they don't. Every company good or bad is essentially saying the same thing. As consumers we know that not all companies are equal ' but how can we tell? Hence, the confidence gap.

But, this problem is not isolated to the yellow pages. Take any medium ' TV, radio, print, or brochures and compare what competitive companies are doing. You'll see very quickly that there is almost no significant differentiation. Oh, sure, one company may have a red ad and another a blue ad. One company may have a catchy jingle and the other may not, but it's still hard to tell which company is actually better or even which company gives greater promise of being the best choice.

One area of marketing that is atrocious for most businesses is their brochure. Most brochures are loaded with clich?s, worn out phrases, and platitudes that don't mean anything. Like 'dependability, quality, and service.' Any company on the planet could make a claim like that and you would still have no clue if there business was any good or not.

So what about your brochure? Does it make you the obvious choice to do business with, or does it just widen the confidence gap?

Here is a quick 4-pronged test to give your brochure (or your other advertising) to see if it has the potential of singling your company out as THE go-to company.

1.Does your brochure clearly communicate your USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? Most companies don't have a clearly defined USP. Your USP is what makes you different, better, and unique from your competition. Here are a few famous examples: 'When it absolutely positively HAS to be there overnight.' Of course your know that to be FedEx. The success of this Fortune 500 company was built largely on the strength of this USP that they could absolutely deliver overnight. Here's another one ' 'Hot pizza delivered fresh to your door in 30 minutes or less or it's FREE.' Dominoes pizza, right? You see how they didn't claim to be the best tasting, the cheapest (or the most expensive); they were the fastest'guaranteed.

So what is your USP? Are you the fastest in your industry? Do you offer a level of service and expertise that your competitors can't touch? Does your product do what other products can't? If so, SAY IT! And communicate it clearly. Your USP should be the focal point for your brochure.

2.Are you showing or telling? I'm from Missouri the 'Show-me' state. I guess we are a group of 'we'll believe it when we see it' types. But I don't think this attitude is limited to Missouri, every consumer everywhere would rather see that your product or service will deliver rather than just hearing you talk about it. So how can you effectively SHOW how your product or service works in the confines of a brochure? There are several ways: 1. Testimonials. Good ones show exactly how your product or services have impacted a real person's life. 2. Charts, graphs, and comparison. If you can save people money create an easy to read chart or graph that shows how much you'll save them. If you outperform the competition show that in a comparison of some type. Show you product in use if possible. Showing is always more powerful and more persuasive than telling'

3.Are you speaking the customer's language or your own? Most brochures read more like a brag report or like the CEO patting him or herself on the back rather than offering valuable info to the prospect. Your brochure should be focused on your customer and his or her needs ' not just your company. Yes, you want to show that you have won awards and what not, but you have to go beyond just mentioning your accomplishments and show how you can enrich your customer's lives.

4.Are your speaking in specific or general terms? People are leery of generalities, but more trusting of specifics. If you say you will save people 'a ton of money' that is significantly less powerful than saying that on average your customers save 25% or $100 when they start using your product or service. If you say you are the fastest ' quantify how much faster you are and tell your customer why it should be important to them. Specifics are rich with meaning and are powerful'generalities are worthless. Anyone can say that they are the best. Only a few companies can give the proper specifics to prove it.

Here's your assignment: take your brochure or ads and compare it to your competition's brochures or ads. Now, try to imagine what your reaction would be if you had no previous knowledge of you company, your competitor's companies, or your industry. Would any of the brochures cause you to say 'wow ' I would be a fool not to do business with THAT company?'

My guess is that none will even come close. If your brochure is under performing then go to work on the four things mentioned above.

Don't let your brochure widen the confidence gap ' span that gap. That's where the money is'on the other side of the confidence gap.

About the author: Brett Curry is a Professional Marketing Consultant and Marketing Director for Brochures.com. Brochures.com is the home of top quality, full color brochures, business cards, postcards and more at up to 70% off of retail. http://www.brochures.com marketing@brochures.com This article may be reproduced provided that the above bio is listed with the article.

Author: Brett Curry

Date September 3rd, 2012 Filed in Advertising

Source: http://weeklyplanetpersonals.com/683155-Does-Your-Advertising-Make-You-the-Obvious-Choice-to-Do-Business.html

how the grinch stole christmas macaroni and cheese festivus festivus zeno melanie amaro new air jordans

Report: Reporter dies in spat with Tanzania police

JOHANNESBURG (AP) ? The Media Institute of Southern Africa says a prominent journalist has been killed in a confrontation with Tanzanian police who were clashing with rallying supporters of the country's biggest opposition party.

It quotes witnesses as saying that Daudi Mwangosi of Channel Ten TV demanded to know why police had arrested a fellow journalist. In the ensuing confrontation, Mwangosi was surrounded and being assaulted by police. Then, the institute says, a blast was heard and Mwangosi was seen lying on the ground before he died.

The institute's Levi Kabwato expressed shock in a statement Monday and said the safety of journalists in southern Africa has become a growing concern.

Tanzania recently banned a newspaper critical of the government and a journalist in Zambia was attacked by a politician.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/report-reporter-dies-spat-tanzania-police-201841527.html

photo of whitney houston in casket carrot top george huguely whitney houston casket photo match play championship the national enquirer marie colvin

Fantastic Information Regarding How To Overcome Despression ...

Depressive disorders is an extremely severe medical issue, and you ought to consider suitable techniques to treat it. Nevertheless it usually takes lots of effort, and sometimes you don?t know how to cope with it. This informative article features numerous valuable ideas to help you handle your despression symptoms and live your life towards the maximum.

Develop an optimistic key phrase that one could repeat to your self when you start to truly feel frustrated. You need to overcome the negative opinions by drowning them out with positive feelings. Even should you not feel your mantra, it would nevertheless assist. You must steer clear of making the negativity take control. Say your phrase each day, and finally your brain will start to think it is real.

Watch your physician. Not only is depression a genuine condition naturally, it is also a symptom of other fundamental diseases. Only your medical professional should be able to let you know what kind of depressive disorders you are susceptible to or maybe your signs and symptoms develop from another ailment. In addition, while many kinds of major depression is treatable with out prescription medication, it could also be caused by a chemical imbalance in the human brain necessitating the application of treatment for efficient treatment method.

Drink green tea extract, if at all possible from China or Japan, because this green leaf tea has the finest relaxing properties. What?s more than that, green tea leaf is natural and beneficial to your physical health to be able to make sure that you usually are not undertaking any harm to yourself. Seated with a good cup of herbal tea can be extremely calming and support your depression signs and symptoms appear, just a bit significantly less terrible.

If you are suffering from despression symptoms, merging therapy and medicine provides powerful final results. Quite often, medication alone is not sufficient. You must add the therapy part to get to the root of the problem, to truly see progress. Go over this option along with your medical doctor at the next visit.

Water to drink can actually assist mend depressive disorders. Dehydration can cause your body to turn off, together with your head. It is really not easy to be happy where you can good frame of mind in case you are dehydrated. Try to consume fifty percent your whole body excess weight in oz . daily. When you weigh up 150 lbs, you will need to have 75 oz . water.

To assist you manage your despression symptoms you must talk to a health care provider who can prescribe the right treatment. Using treatment for depressive disorders may help recover the chemical disproportion with your mind that is causing you to really feel frustrated. This chemical substance difference causes you to feel more serious and once using the appropriate treatment, you may get to top rated a typical existence.

In case you are depressed, you could feel unpleasant about discussing your problems with other individuals. However, speaking publicly about your feelings is vital to sensation greater. Reports have proven that speaking to friends and family about your life will raise the burden that you could feel. Talking it out will help you procedure your thinking and work out thoughts that you just did not recognize until spoke regarding it out deafening.

You must acquire major depression extremely really, and speak with appropriate medical experts, such as your medical doctor. But for lots of people, daily can often be difficult to get by in when they have this kind of symptoms as lack of curiosity and lack of vitality. Implement these tips in order to attempt to increase your way of living.

Professional Victor Cruz Jersey Outlet provides you a lot of low cost Broncos Jerseys immediately with Super fast Delivery service, Secure Payment & Terrific Support Services.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Source: http://2leep.in/fantastic-information-regarding-how-to-overcome-despression-symptoms.html

daniel tosh kate upton Jason Kidd All Star Game 2012 directv rashard lewis frank ocean

Meditation Relaxation Audio Download, Self Help

Classic Game Room - BURNOUT PARADISE Review Part 1

Classic Game Room - BURNOUT PARADISE Review Part 1

Part 1 of 2. WATCH IN HIGH DEFINITION. Classic Game Room reviews BURNOUT PARADISE for the Xbox 360, also available for the PS3. This review shows Burnout Paradise gameplay and footage of the massive crashes in Burnout. This game is a blast to play and should appeal to a wide range of gamers. It has cars that drive like cars (not sleds on ice), insane crashes, lots of roads and courses, challenges and jumps... basically it has something for everyone. Burnout Paradise is sold at a bargain price and packs full price value and fun! CGR loves this game and finds the challenges, driving and car collecting addictive and entertaining. It looks amazing in 1080i HD cruising around Paradise City which is a blend of New York City, Chicago, London and a number of other cities. Find hidden jumps, gates to crash through and shortcuts. Can't find all the shortcuts? Well, keep driving and trying to wreck other cars. You'll locate them all on the map eventually. The cars are modeled after real cars... loosely. You'll find cars that resemble the Toyota Supra, Jaguar coupe, Ford GT40, Nissan Skyline, Cadillac and more. Published by EA, Burnout Paradise has a download for bikes. It is playable on XBLA and can also be downloaded for PS3 and played there. Classic Game Room reviews Burnout Paradise in this, the self proclaimed best Burnout Paradise review on YouTube. Why is it the best? Why are hot dogs good? They just are. You can win achievement points and there is a list of all of them available in the game. CGR won a number of gamerpoints during the review as we worked our way up to the A Level license. Classic Game Room.
21 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (05:34)
Submitted By: Classic Game Room
Tags: Classic Game Room Burnout Paradise Driving Reviews Gameplay PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 Crashes Paradise City
Categories: Video Games

Thrash Hits TV: Killswitch Engage @ Download Festival 2009

Thrash Hits TV: Killswitch Engage @ Download Festival 2009

http://www.ThrashHits.com - It's Download Festival 2009, and Killswitch Engage guitarist, Joel Stroetzel, is getting interrogated by Raz about the band's new self-titled album...and what Adam Dutkiewicz's balls smell like.-Thrash Hits TV: Killswitch Engage @ Download Festival 2009
Ranked 4.00 / 5 | 19 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:00)
Submitted By: Muzu
Tags: Muzu Killswitch Engage Alternative Killswitch Engage Thrash Hits Tv Killswitch Engage Download Festival 2009
Categories: Music & Dance

The Ages Come - Goddass (Music Video)

The Ages Come - Goddass (Music Video)

Italo-brit hard rock quartet based in London. EP to be released as a free download from www.goddass.com More info www.facebook.com/goddassband There are touches of Paganini, Metallica and Guns & Roses in the music which become evident when the band performs live. ?The message of the song ?The Ages Come? and the video is about the losing of faith in one?s self as the world gets darker and closes in but also the realisation that the impossible is possible if you have faith in what you do, the people around you and in yourself, the idea that you effect the world around you and not vice versa.?-The Ages Come
Ranked 4.00 / 5 | 20 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:00)
Submitted By: Muzu
Tags: Muzu Music Goddass Goddass The Ages Come
Categories: Music & Dance

DOA: Dead or Alive (2006): Activating Self Destruction and Taking Money

DOA: Dead or Alive (2006): Activating Self Destruction and Taking Money

The clip activating self destruction and taking money from DOA: Dead or Alive (2006) CORRECT CODE UNLOCKED Show me the money. Oh, no, no. listen. I can explain. Look, just... You're not gonna get away with this, Donovan. That's exactly what your father said right before I had him killed. What a shame. You didn't download my moves. I think I underestimated you, Helena. You believe the CIA'll stop me? I don't think so. I'll take this. All your hard work right here. By the time they get here, this place will be dust. Warning, self destruct activated Enjoy your life with your new girlfriend. All three minutes of it. Warning, self destruct activated. Please evacuate immediately. Follow me!
Ranked 4.00 / 5 | 27 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (02:00)
Submitted By: AnyClip
Tags: DOA: Dead Or Alive Activating Self Destruction And Taking Money AnyClip Controversial Titles
Categories: Entertainment

Fat Burning Furnace - Zoom Your Way to a Slimmer Self

Fat Burning Furnace - Zoom Your Way to a Slimmer Self

http://fatburningfurnacescam-review.com/fat-burning-furnace-ultimate-fitness-system-review/ Click on connect to read full Fat burning furnace ultimate review. May be the program Actually work or simply useless?
Ranked 3.16 / 5 | 145 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:31)
Submitted By: MortonNixon932
Tags: Fat Burning Furnace Ultimate Fat Burning Furnace Download Weight Loss Fat Loss Health
Categories: Entertainment

Guardian - AetherBorn (Music Video)

Guardian - AetherBorn (Music Video)

DOWNLOAD THIS SONG at our reverbnation profile! http://www.reverbnation.com/aetherborn Aetherborn was created in the winter of 2009, and is based out of Hamilton, Ontario. Blending elements of rock, metal, technical, symphonic, and pop music together, they try and created a fusion of different styles and sounds. After months of writing and rehearsals, they are ready to release their first self titled EP, which contains 4 original songs. http://www.myspace.com/aetherborn-Guardian
Ranked 4.00 / 5 | 15 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:00)
Submitted By: Muzu
Tags: Muzu Music AetherBorn Aetherborn Guardian
Categories: Music & Dance

Minecraft - Epic Piston Lighthouse (Download)

Minecraft - Epic Piston Lighthouse (Download)

A more epic approach than my previous lighthouse designs. Enjoy! Planet Minecraft: http://www.planetminecraft.com/project/epic-piston-lighthouse/ Schematic: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ynth8u Song: Hammock - Andalusia Texture Pack: Dokucraft [32x]
Ranked 4.37 / 5 | 5197 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:45)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Minecraft Mine Craft Base Fort Castle Obelisk Cobblestone Vault Self Repair Notch Driscj Large Pepper Bio Biomes Beta Alpha Survival Multiplayer Redstone Build Design Creation Downloads Down Load Dl Link World King Dom Kingdom
Categories: Video Games

Fat Burning Furnace - Zoom Your Way to a Slimmer Self

Fat Burning Furnace - Zoom Your Way to a Slimmer Self

http://fatburningfurnacescam-review.com/fat-burning-furnace-ultimate-fitness-system-review/ Select connect to study complete Fat burning furnace ultimate review. Is the program Truly perform or simply a gimmick?
8 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:30)
Submitted By: MortonNixon932
Tags: Fat Burning Furnace Ultimate Fat Burning Furnace Download Weight Loss Fat Loss Health
Categories: Entertainment

Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned NEW - 2011

Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned NEW - 2011

http://Facebook.com/DailyNewMusic Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned Gucci Mane Ft. Waka Flocka - Stoned Get updated with new music on Facebook!: http://on.fb.me/kOqOqJ
Ranked 4.29 / 5 | 6097 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (04:01)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Gucci Mane Waka Flocka Flame Stoned Lil Wayne Show Em What You Got Rick Ross Wale Jadakiss 600 Benz Self Made Album Leak Tupac Back 2pac Meek Mill Young Nigga Lyrics Download Mixtape Drake Nicki Jack Glitch Free Giveaway Rap
Categories: Music & Dance

Free Hypnosis Download - IPhone / IPad App - NLP and Hypnosis

Free Hypnosis Download - IPhone / IPad App - NLP and Hypnosis

http://itunes.apple.com/app/michael-j-emery-nlp-hypnosis/id374166455?mt=8 http://www.michaeljemery.com http://attentionshifting.myshopify.com Stream the 20 minute free Ericksonian self hypnosis audio program Experience Trance: An Overview of Ericksonian Hypnosis through your iPhone or iPad. Experience Trance utilizes NLP language patterns and binaural beat frequencies to increase the effectiveness of this hypnosis download. Additionally, stream the 30 minute Intro to NLP audio program. Both programs give an insightful overview of the neuro-linguistic programming and hypnosis approaches used in the Attention Shifting personal development audio programs. These audio programs utilize NLP (neuro linguistic programming), Ericksonian hypnosis, meditation, and guided visualization and imagery to help the listener experience personal transformation.
159 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (01:08)
Submitted By: mikeeshift
Tags: IPhone NLP Free Hypnosis Applications Ipad Mp3 Neuro Linguistic Programming Self Help
Categories: Entertainment

Eminem Feat Pink - Won't Back Down (download Link Inside)

Eminem Feat Pink - Won't Back Down (download Link Inside)

yes this is the official song feat pink in Eminem's new up coming album recovery !! LINK TO DOWNLOAD http://www.4shared.com/audio/E7mOWcMN/Eminem_Feat_Pink_-_Wont_Back_D.htm if you are a real fan of Eminem you will buy his new cd !
Ranked 4.50 / 5 | 273 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (04:26)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Eminem Feat. Pink Won't Back Down Not Afraid The Real Slim Wont (Feat. Pink) HQ Downloads A.M Relapse Full Albums Winter 2009 We Made You Crack Bottles 50 Cent Before Self Destruct Michael Jackson Refill Recovery (CDQ/NO DJ)
Categories: Music & Dance

Self Distribution for Your DVD's

Self Distribution for Your DVD's

In this episode Jeff Teck talks about an inexpensive way to self distribute your download, book, CD and DVD projects. Distributed by Tubemogul.
Ranked 2.94 / 5 | 108 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (03:42)
Submitted By: teckfilms
Tags: Selling Your DVD's CD's Book's Download's Self Distribute Jeff Teck
Categories: How To

Web Soup - Web Soup's Golden Download Awards: Self-Sterilization

Web Soup - Web Soup's Golden Download Awards: Self-Sterilization

Web Soup Web Soup presents the Golden Download Award Classic Moments in Self-Sterilization. Dedicating to all the young boys who have been kicked, smashed, or pulverize in the nuts, even Jack Black enjoys a good old fashion "punch in the nut" video.
Ranked 4.00 / 5 | 28 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (01:20)
Submitted By: hulu
Tags: Web Soup Web Soup's Golden Download Awards Chris Hardwick Technology
Categories: Entertainment

Pray For Me by Gasner Hughes (Download Link)

Pray For Me by Gasner Hughes (Download Link)

The last song in Before I Self Destruct the movie by 50 Cent. Download Link http://limelinx.com/files/bd1685dd773c3b46c17f4c3bca45fc4f
Ranked 4.50 / 5 | 195 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (03:34)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Gasner Hughes Gaz 50 Cent Before Self Destruct Songs Last Movie Credits
Categories: Music & Dance

How to Extract the Audio Track from Any Video File

How to Extract the Audio Track from Any Video File

This video will show you how to extract or 'rip' the audio from and video file such as an mpeg or avi so you can get a MP3, WMA, or any other file type. Subscribe to my videos!! http://youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ellswortha101 Here is the link to the program: http://download.cnet.com/Pazera-Free-Audio-Extractor/3000-2140_4-10820817.html here is my website: http://ellsworthtutorials.com
Ranked 4.50 / 5 | 72 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (03:28)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Ht DIY Do It Yourself Your Self Extract Rip Copy Cut Past The One And Only Audio Track From Any Video Mpeg Avi Flv Files All Types Pazera Free Extractor CNET Download.com Downloads .com Com Mp3 Wma Music
Categories: How To Science & Tech

Goal Achievement Self Hypnosis Mp3 Download

Goal Achievement Self Hypnosis Mp3 Download

I wonder if you can Imagine that you are reaching your goals. What would that look like? How would it feel? This is a wonderful sample of a mp3 download by Darren Hiller Hypnosis Dallas. Just do it! www.darrenhiller.com
Ranked 3.34 / 5 | 319 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:38)
Submitted By: HypnosisDallas
Tags: Achieve Goals Hypnosis Mp3 Downloads
Categories: How To People & Stories

Unstoppable Self Esteem Hypnosis Mp3 Download - Darren Hiller

Unstoppable Self Esteem Hypnosis Mp3 Download - Darren Hiller

Give your self esteem a boost with this mp3 download sample by Certified Consulting Hypnotist - Darren Hiller. An unknown author once said, "The most important opinion you have is the one you have of yourself, and the most significant things you say all day are those things you say to yourself." www.darrenhiller.com
Ranked 3.20 / 5 | 412 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (01:21)
Submitted By: HypnosisDallas
Tags: Hypnosis Self Esteem Mp3 Downloads
Categories: How To

Free Download Ebook THINK AND GROW RICH

Free Download Ebook THINK AND GROW RICH

SELF IMPROVEMENT
Ranked 2.88 / 5 | 244 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (01:10)
Submitted By: luckgood5
Tags: Make Money Fast True Riches Napoleon Hill Clement Stone Motivation Wealth Prosperity Best Good The Andrew Carnegie Philosophy Forever Young Laura Branigan Alphaville Youth Group Self Control Gloria Solitaire Spanish Eddie Shattered Power Love FREE DOW
Categories: How To People & Stories

FREE DOWNLOAD MOTIVATIONAL EBOOK THINK AND GROW RICH

FREE DOWNLOAD MOTIVATIONAL EBOOK THINK AND GROW RICH

SELF IMPROVEMENT
Ranked 4.50 / 5 | 13 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (00:55)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Success True Riches Napoleon Hill Clement Stone Motivation Rich Prosperity Best Good The Andrew Carnegie Philosophy Forever Young Laura Branigan Alphaville Youth Group Self Control Gloria Solitaire Spanish Eddie Shattered Power
Categories: People & Stories

Download This Book to Let Go of Tinnitus.

Download This Book to Let Go of Tinnitus.

Downloadable ebook on how to let go of tinnitus from someone who let go of his own symptoms after 20 years, and who now helps hundreds of people let go of theirs. I share my findings, practical techniques and advice to help you let go of your tinnitus.
Ranked 4.50 / 5 | 268 views | 0 comments

Click here to watch the video (07:39)
Submitted By: Metacafe Affiliate U
Tags: Books Craniosacral Cure Disease Downloads Ears Go Help In Let London Menieres Meniers Mennieres Menni?res Of Paddington Psychotherapist Psychotherapy Relief Relieve Ringing Self-help Stop The Therapist Therapy Tinitis Tinitus Tinnitis Tinnitus Titinitus T
Categories: How To

Source: http://invest.5ver.com/self-help/22346-meditation-relaxation-audio-download-self-help.html

howard hughes nationwide race wanderlust gone tyler perry good deeds pretty in pink nba all star game

Friday, August 31, 2012

Homes from 'Rocky' and legendary sports movies

By Erika Riggs, Zillow

?Many sports movie scenes take place on a field, in a dugout, post game in a locker room or coach's office. But in between great plays and dramatic scores, many of the films feature shots of houses as well.

From the gritty house featured in "The Fighter" to the classic 1950s rambler in "The Sandlot," here's a real estate tour through sports films.

"Rocky"

YouTube

Usually near the top of any list of greatest sports films, "Rocky" garnered a devoted following, three Oscars and five sequels. Rocky Balboa's apartment in an urban Philadelphia building was an iconic part of the first film.

Google

Rocky's apartment still stands in Philly.

Located at 1818 E Tusculum St., Philadelphia,?seen above, the brick building showcased iconic scenes between the boxer and his girlfriend, Adrian, as well as his manager, Mickey. Built in 1920, the residence today is listed as a three-bedroom, one-bath condo measuring 754 square feet.

"The Sandlot"

Scotty Smalls, in the movie runs toward the house.

The classic children's film "The Sandlot" documents the summertime antics of a neighborhood's ragtag baseball team. Set in the 1960s, most of the 1993 film takes place in the empty lot where the boys play baseball, but one character's classic rambler home is briefly spotted.

Zillow

The home featured in "The Sandlot" looks much like it did in the '60s.

Built in 1956, the home at 1556 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, pictured above, was last sold in 2009 in near original condition. Complete with green shag carpet, leaded-glass diamond-pane windows, beamed ceiling and brass light fixtures, the home looks just as it did 1960. The four-bedroom, three-bath Salt Lake City home sits on a quarter-acre lot and has 1,632 square feet of living space.

"A League of Their Own"

YouTube

Tom Hanks stands in front of the home in the movie "A League of Their Own."

Starring film heavyweights like Tom Hanks and Geena Davis, and featuring Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna, "A League of Their Own" showcased the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was established to keep baseball in the public's eye while men were overseas during World War II.

Zillow

The enormous Kentucky home served as a boarding house in the film "A League of Their Own."

Much of the film takes place on the field, but a large, Victorian-era home, above, gets its fair share of screen time toward the end of the movie as the setting for the boarding house. The Henderson, Ky., home was recently listed for sale in 2011 for $799,000. The listing was removed in May 2012. With nine fireplaces, three stories, full basement and five bedrooms, the house at 612 N Main St, Henderson?was more than roomy enough to host the movie's baseball team.

"The Fighter"

Zillow

Christian Bale, playing Dicky Eklund, walks toward the green home in the movie "The Fighter."

Like "Rocky," "The Fighter" was an Oscar-winning film that showcased an underdog boxer. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, the docudrama told the story of real-life boxer Micky Ward and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund.

Zillow

The home feature in "The Fighter" is still a bright shade of green.

Once a boxing contender himself, Eklund lives in the house shown above in Lowell, Mass. The home stands at 28 Smith St, Lowell?and is painted same green shade as it was in the film. The three-bedroom, one-bath home was built in 1900.

"Field of Dreams"

Source: Fox Pictures

A scene from "Field of Dreams."

The white, clapboard farmhouse and baseball field used in the much-loved 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" continues to attract upward of 60,000 visitors each year. So it comes as no surprise that new buyers of the "Field of Dreams" site are reportedly going to develop a portion of the 193-acre farm into "All-Star Ballpark Heaven," a 24-field baseball and softball tournament facility.

Zillow

The clapboard farmhouse featured heavily in the film "Field of Dreams."

?

More Zillow stories:

?

Source: http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/30/13458619-these-houses-were-home-to-rocky-field-of-dreams-the-fighther-and-other-big-league-sports-movies?lite

al franken mary did you know john carter trans siberian orchestra trans siberian orchestra little big town little big town

Olympians, Clint help Republicans party night away

The dancing started long before Mitt Romney took the stage, as jubilant Republicans launched a premature celebration, hoping they had picked the right man to oust Barack Obama from the White House in November.

The crowd was clearly in a party mood: Some waving American flags, or wearing red, white and blue sequins, others sporting cowboy hats as they cavorted in the cavernous red, white and blue festooned hall.

Gone for the moment were questions over Romney's conservative credentials and doubts that as a Mormon he might not be acceptable or electable.

For the crowd of more than 4,000 delegates in the cavernous convention center, amid the frenzied chanting and cheering, there was one clear conviction: the millionaire businessman and former Massachusetts governor was their man.

"I've been on the bandwagon for a long time. As much as the media wants to portray him as this job slasher and life ruiner, everything he touches turns to gold. Everything he touches," Jeremy Litster, a delegate from Idaho, told AFP.

"If I could bring him into my company as CEO, I would bring him in tomorrow. I think every company in America would do that. So why not bring him in as president?" he said at the packed convention center in Tampa, Florida.

Helping elevate the crowd's spirits and set feet moving were musical interludes that reflected the candidate's taste, culled from the pop and soft rock playlists from the 70s and 80s and interpreted by an ensemble of blue-eyed soul musicians.

Romney arrived at the Tampa Bay Times Forum at 9:22 pm (0122 GMT Friday), remaining backstage for around 40 minutes until it was time for him to deliver the biggest speech of his political life.

During easily the most spirited evening of the three-day convention, the crowd became more and more worked up as the program progressed towards its heady climax.

For many, a high point was Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood, who obliged the crowd with a recitation of his signature line from hit film "Dirty Harry" -- which they actually finished for him "Go ahead, make my day!"

He followed a group of American Olympians, whose presence was designed to remind voters that the candidate had saved the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City from financial ruin.

For Kristen Vander-Plas, from Lubbock Texas, celebrating Romney's ascension meant going home from the last day of the convention with a cherished souvenir -- the signature of 23 of her Republican heroes on her white straw cowboy hat.

The 24-year-old delegate collected signatures from the likes of Texas Governor Rick Perry, former senator Rick Santorum -- the runner-up to Romney in the Republican primary campaign -- and former White House advisor Karl Rove.

"I saw (congresswoman) Michele Bachmann so I just stuck a (magic marker pen) in her hand and she did it, and it's kind of ballooned from there," she explained to AFP.

On the floor of the convention, she waived her hat at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and he too obliged.

As the moment approached when Romney was due to take the stage, the crowd seemed barely able to contain its anticipation.

Litster knew exactly what he wanted to hear from Romney, after four years under a Democratic leader praised for his cool likability.

"I'm hoping to hear, 'I'm a rock star.' I wish he would get up there and say 'I'm a rock star, I'm a badass. I can fix this thing'," he said.

He quickly added that he knew the rock star thing was not Romney's style.

"He won't -- he's too conservative to say that. I wish he would. I hope he can brag about himself a little bit. Because he's awesome," Litster said.

"If you really read about him and get rid of the liberal bias that he flip-flops or this or that, he's really awesome," he said.

Romney finally took the stage after a barnstorming introduction by party rising star Marco Rubio, entering the hall to several minutes of cheering and thunderous applause.

The speech was interrupted briefly by three protesters, two women and one man.

"Democracy is not a business!" one of them chanted. "We need to put people over profits!" Delegates immediately started chanting "USA! USA!" to drown them out before they were removed by security officers.

After Romney wrapped up his speech, a crucial prime-time pitch to American voters he hopes will drive momentum for his ticket ahead of the November election, the patriotic anthem "America the Beautiful" was sung.

Then? Time for the after-party.

Against a backdrop screen of fireworks and a massive photo of the candidate and his wife, most of the Romney clan -- the couple have five sons and 18 grandchildren -- took to the stage, balloons filling the air as the James Brown classic "Living in America" rounded out the night.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/olympians-clint-help-republicans-party-night-away-041038068.html

veep los angeles kings earth day timothy leary jonathan frid pujols watchmen

An Online Fantasy Football Gambling Site Is Using An Impersonator To Make You Think Jim Rome Is A Spokesperson

An Online Fantasy Football Gambling Site Is Using An Impersonator To Make You Think Jim Rome Is A Spokesperson When your company's website features a prominent "Is This Legal?" link on its homepage, it's probably in an industry engaging in some kind of questionable behavior. But there it is on the front page of fantasy football gambling site FanDuel, in which we're told that yes, it is legal (in 44 of the 50 states).

Hey, if you're enough of a degenerate gambler to spend your money playing fantasy sports and funnel your money through another company rather than share it with your friends, that's your prerogative. But it's especially sketchy how FanDuel advertises: with a sports-talk radio ad impersonating Jim Rome, running in some cases during Rome's radio show itself.

You can listen to the ad above. It's clearly intended to mislead listeners into thinking it's a) not an advertisement (it opens with "Okay, we're back") and b) being read by Jim Rome. While the impersonator is a relatively crappy one, he uses Rome's characteristic pacing and catchphrases.

Maybe Rome authorized the impersonation, but he's never had a problem voicing ads for any other of his sponsors, so we're guessing this is happening without his approval. And that approval would be necessary, at least as reflected by the law (this is why most radio ads featuring a celebrity impersonator feature the words "Celebrity impersonated" at the end). It's called the right of publicity, and it got Ford Motor Company smacked down by the courts in 1988 when they tried to use a Bette Midler voice impersonator to sell cars. This is the same thing, but even more devious?they're not only implying it's a celebrity endorsement, but that it's happening during programming, not a stopset/ad break.

In the end, is this really any worse than the penis-lengthening snake oil ads that run in heavy rotation on those same sports talk stations? Not really.

Source: http://deadspin.com/5939039/an-online-fantasy-football-gambling-site-is-using-an-impersonator-to-make-you-think-jim-rome-is-a-spokesperson

kowloon walled city ronda rousey vs miesha tate lindsay lohan snl lindsay lohan on snl real housewives of disney awakenings phantom of the opera