You have probably heard that analog TV will be “whited out” (so to speak) in February 2009. On February 17, if you haven’t switched to digital, all you will see is static. Although that might be preferable to some of the stuff on TV today. If you are not ready (or you don’t have access to) digital, you can purchase a converter. Maybe it will have rabbit ears?

When we got our first TV back in the 50’s (that’s 1950’s), we watched everything that moved. I remember watching the Presidential elections in 1955 (Eisenhower’s second term). And Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. And JFK’s funeral procession in 1963.

Then we got color! We loved watching Disney in “living color” (like the Mickey Mouse Club (here with Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Aquilera).

My husband and I have digital DSL and have discussed the merits of HDTV, but we’re not quite ready for it yet. I have to be more convinced of its merits - will I really be able to enjoy movies more? Will I have to give up my Yoga videos? What about Law and Order-SVU;will Munch and Fin look better in HDTV?

Ah, progress.

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It’s only a couple of weeks into 2008, the ink is still wet on your list of New Year’s Resolutions, and yet you’ve probably broken some of them already.  Here are some popular resolutions that have probably made it on, and off, your list:

1.  Take it easy on the coffee.  I know, it makes you more productive or focused, but too much of a good thing can be bad.  According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch:

Coffee does have modest cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and occasional irregular heartbeat that should be considered. Studies have been largely inconclusive regarding coffee and its effect on women’s health issues such as breast health, cancer, and osteoporosis.

2.  Exercise and eat healthy. If motivation is your problem, Leo over at zen habits has a list of 31 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Exercise.  As for a healthier diet, the benefits of eating healthier will reflect well on your disposition, skin, and overall health.  If that’s not enough motivation, the consequences of an unbalanced diet should be enough to scare you.  (I know that it scares me, especially since I was sick and hospitalized multiple times during 2007.)

3.  For your own sake, step away from the computer. Not completely, of course, but don’t forget to take some breaks.  Repetitive Strain Injury is an occupational hazard of office workers everywhere.  Have trouble remembering to take breaks?  That’s where programs like WorkRave come in.

4.  Become more organized or productive.   You can’t expect this to happen unless you plan for it.  Getting organized is more than just about the motivation, it also involves creating or applying a system that works for you.  It’s also a continuing process - not something that is done overnight or over one year.

5.  Spend more time with loved ones.   After you read this post, go give your parents, spouse, grandparents, or best friend a call.  Then make an appointment to meet sometime soon.  I myself am guilty of postponing lunch with my best friend.  If we’re not going to make changes now, it might soon be too late.  That may sound morbid, as if I implied death, but I only meant if they move away or start feeling resentment towards you.  Really.

Were any of these your resolutions?  If so, are they left unbroken so far?  Share it with us in the comments.

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“I love deadlines.
I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”

  Douglas Adams

Just a quote I found from one of my favorite writers, Douglas Adams (of The Hitchhiker’s  Guide to the Galaxy fame).  Have any deadlines flown by for you this week?  (For me, I’m counting 3, which is deeply humiliating for a productivity blogger.)

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Filed under: Marketing and advertising, Small business

As a business owner, you are certainly an expert. You keep up with industry trends, you understand the benefits of your products and services, and you have creative ideas.

So why not provide some of your wisdom to your customers - through an email newsletter?

Actually, with web services like Vertical Response and Constant Contact, it’s fairly easy to set one up. But before getting started, let’s take a look at some things that will help your efforts:

Content Is King: Yes, it’s a clich

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