King Tut is one of the most famous pharaohs of Ancient Egypt because of the discovery of his fabulous tomb, but until now, his full story has not been known. Young adult author Cheryl Carpinello has created an imaginative yet historical retelling of King Tut's full life story in her new novel Tutankhamen Speaks.

Both a stand-alone young adult novel and a companion book to Carpinello's time travel adventure novel, Sons of the Sphinx, Tutankhamen Speaks contains a letter to the author from an Egyptologist named SW Lothian. In it, Lothian includes the recently discovered manuscript that makes up the bulk of the novel; that manuscript tells the life story of King Tut in his own words. Of course, found manuscripts have long been a staple of adventure fiction, but what makes this one special is that old texts of ancient Egypt have long alluded to scrolls that recorded King Tut's life story as he told it from beyond the grave. Of course, scholars thought it impossible that anyone-even a pharaoh-could speak after he was dead.

However, as Carpinello makes clear, King Tut could have spoken through a medium who then wrote down the tale. And what a tale it is! King Tut tells us his entire life story from when he was a boy and not yet acknowledged as heir to the throne of Egypt, through his father's death and his own ascension to the throne; we learn of his love for Ankhesenpaaten, whom he married, the sadness they experienced at the loss of a child, and the politics and hierarchy of ancient Egypt with its court intrigue.

Being written in the form of an ancient manuscript, the story is broken up into fragments and in places pieces of the text are missing-another literary ploy by Carpinello, but one that will make young readers feel the manuscript and story are real-I was almost convinced myself. More importantly, readers will be able to see Ancient Egypt through the eyes of its most famous ruler and step into his shoes to discover what life was like four thousand years ago.

As a companion piece to Sons of the Sphinx, this book expands on many of the incidents in King Tut's life that are referenced in that book. Both books stand alone, and either could be read first. Carpinello loves bringing the distant past to life through her books. Previously, she brought the time of King Arthur to young adult readers in her popular books Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend and The King's Ransom. She knows well how to blend entertainment with information that will leave readers wanting to learn more about her topics-a skill she has gained from years of being involved in education. According to her website, she is currently working on more books, including ones set in Atlantis and Pompeii as well as a sequel to Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend.

Keep them coming, Cheryl. This adult reader loves them and I would have loved them as a kid even more! If I had read Tutankhamen Speaks when I was in school, I might have been inspired to fulfill my other dream of being an archeologist instead of an author.

Start up companies play a huge role in society today. Apple was once a start up in a garage, until it got the financing it needed to be a multi-billion dollar corporation. Google, too, was a start-up, with stock brokers at one time selling the internet search giant’s shares for under $5. It has always been hard for Raffi King to decide whether or not to enjoy himself playing poker, his passion, or finding more great start up companies like Bidz.com to help hundreds or thousands of investors make it rich, too.

On the one hand Raffi King has had a lot of success playing tournament poker with dozens of wins in California and Vegas. However his success with start up companies has been even more impressive.

As a co-founder of online auction giant Bidz.com back in 1998 he helped Bidz.com raise the $28 million needed to expand and later go public. Shareholders were rewarded greatly when the company floated on NASDAQ at $8 and within a few months reached $22.50.

“I have always loved playing poker” Raffi king said, the competition really gets me going. “Once I really learned how to play I was hooked”. Raffi King’s dream is to win a coveted bracelet at the World Series of Poker held each year in Las Vegas. “One win there can pay life changing money” Raffi King says.

Right now Raffi King is working with a group of doctor’s engineers and businessman to develop the worlds very first early warning detection device aimed at preventing SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome. “I knew I wanted to be a part of this project the minute I saw it,” Raffi said. SIDS, also known as ‘Crib-Death’, is a tragic thing that affects thousands of babies each year.

If we can help to save even one of them then it was worth it. You can read more about this amazing new project by visiting the company’s web site at Remote Life System. This product will hopefully be in the stores within a year.

The Valentine's week spans into a series of 7 days and each of the days is celebrated in a delightful way with each and every couple in love. It starts with Rose Day which is celebrated on 7th of February and ends on a beautiful celebratory node on 14th of February with Valentine's Day. Gifts are very important for celebrating each and every moment and every day of Valentine needs to be celebrated with a special gift. I am going to discuss here the importance of each and every day of Valentine's week and the gifts that can best express your feelings.

Lets' find here some interesting Valentine's week gift ideas that will amaze your sweetheart in a way that you always have desired for.

1. Rose Day – 7th February
The love-laden Valentine's week kicks starts with this beautiful day of rose day. As roses are considered as one of the best ways of expressing the romantic love that is shared between two people, it is important to plan for something very special on this special day. One thing is clear that you will need a beautiful decorative bouquet of red roses that can beautifully showcase your love. Just find a big and charming bouquet of red roses that and that will be the perfect representation of your love. Also, you can add on to it something sweet like chocolates, teddies or a message card.

2. Propose Day – 8th Feb
And, propose day is the day of Valentine's week that comes just after the Rose Day and it is the time when you can confess about the feelings of your heart in the perfect way. And, if you want to express that special feeling of love to your partner than choosing a perfect gift is very important. You can start it off by sending some love messages including "I Love You" and then proceeded by a propose ring that will express the idea of ​​your love.

You may also go an extra mile by taking him / her to a candlelight dinner with a romantic gift and he // she will be amazed at the idea of ​​proposing for sure.

3. Chocolate Day – 9th Feb
If you want to steal the heart of your sweetheart than a beautiful box of yummy chocolates packed in a heart-shaped box is the best to express that you care. It's the chocolates that trigger those beautiful feelings of heart that is hidden from long.

Also, you can go for baking a yummy heart-shaped chocolate cake or can also make some delicious chocolates at home. And, this idea will actually amaze the person whom you have been trying to impress because that way he / she will come to know about the effort that you have put in while finding a way of confessing his / her love.

4. Teddy Day – 10th Feb
This one is the fourth day of Valentine's week and is one of the most awaited days especially for all the girls. If you are looking out to amaze that sweet girl in your life then nothing can be a better gift than a cute and cuddly teddy bear. And, choosing a plus size teddy as big as 15 inches is the perfect idea to make the person feel that you care.

Also, if you have not been able to propose to your darling on propose day than it's the time on teddy day that you can put forth that message hidden inside your heart. This day could be the second chance to confess that special feeling of your heart and propose to your love the depth that your emotions.

5. Promise Day – 11th Feb
A promise to be together at every stage of life is one of the most wonderful things that make life beautiful. If you are sure enough and feel that this is the right person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life then it's the perfect time to get serious and make a 'promise for life'.

Promise day is the aptest time when you can make a promise to your partner for a life filled with endless love. You can choose a bracelet, a ring or a bunch of some lovely and fresh flower and confess your love. On this day you must do something so as to make beautiful memories!

6. Hug Day – 12th Feb
A hug is something that can take away all the pain of life! And, when its hug day it's the perfect time when you can convey your feelings with a tight hug to the love of your life. And, the perfect way to start off with this day is to give a tight hug to your partner.
Also, you can go for planning together a picnic to a nearby park or the beach and that way you can be able to spend some good times together. You may also add on to the essence of hug day by gifting a hugging teddy and he / she will love the idea.

7. Kiss Day – 13th Feb
It's not always important to be a rich kind of guy to enjoy that special feeling of love and especially during Valentine's week. You can enjoy kiss day in a simple and sober way by planning to celebrate it with your loved ones at home.

When he / she enters the home welcome her with a kiss on her forehead and then offer her a glass filled with red wine. You may also plan to cook some yummy dishes with your partner that will be a fun time to spend together.

The celebrations of Valentine is just for expressing your love to the other person in the most romantic way and make them feel that yes you do care. The best way is to keep it simple and then convey your love to the person. Don't miss any of the ingredients of love as that can bring in a magical transformation in your relationship.

I have spoken in another article about the importance of integrating the four archetypes of King, Warrior, Lover, Magician into our lives if we are to become whole human beings.

The article focuses on what can go wrong if the most powerful archetype the King is neglected, and the Shadow King emerges. This article draws on the work of Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette.

There are two shadow kings: the tyrant and the weakling.

We have all heard that expression “oh his male ego has been hurt”. This eludes to the Ego trying to overcome the power of the archetypal King and take the throne for himself. This will lead to the tyrants inevitable fall and we see this often in art, politics and business.

The tyrant thinks he knows it all and will not listen to anyone else. In the end he is either overthrown or just ignored. This will come at a terrible price not just for the person concerned but sometimes, in the case of the great dictators, whole countries suffer.

The tyrant has no conception of service to those under his care so his fall is inevitable. He has never “followed his bliss” and so cannot bear to see anyone else follow theirs.

We need to be affirmed for who we are as children, but eventually cut ourselves loose and establish our own identity. After this comes true humility where we declare our loyalty to the archetypal King And Queen and are able to serve the world.

Are you at that place now or is there still work to do?

The polar opposite of the Tyrant is the Weakling. This is the man who is moody, listless. He would rather go and sulk in the corner than stand up for what he believes in. He may go off and lie on a beach in Bali for years, thinking he is being really cool but in reality not have a clue what his life is about. Whilst not as destructive as the tyrant he is still of no use to the world as he is giving nothing.

Put pressure on a weakling however, and he will jump to the polar opposite of the Tyrant screaming abuse at all those around him. The weakling and the tyrant can be very close buddies.

If you are out of touch with your King archetype look at those around you, as a denied archetype is always projected upon someone else. So who dominates you? You will find I am sure that you give them the blame for everything that is not right in your life. Take back your power and restore the King to throne.

For further reading see The King Within by Robert Moor and Douglas Gillette.

Had a word with my doctor on my latest visit, appropriately enough, to renew my quarterly prescriptions for my blood pressure issues, as there is SO much information out there telling you that this medication, that exercise, or even those holistic medicines are better than anything you already have in your army of items to reduce your, or anyone’s, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. Or even that they are worse.

One of the things I was worrying about, was all the snippets of reports stating how bad – or good – statins are for a person. And there are heaps of other comments, for and against. And that there is even more information out there about this medication. Even before I had finished explaining my concerns he had printed off a report from the medical world, which I read when I got home.

Now, I tend to be sceptical about things I read in newspapers or even online, but I did manage to take a couple of things from this report. Which came from a legitimate medical source.

It seems that if you have a high cholesterol level, something such as angina, or if you have suffered some sort of heart incident, stroke or TIA, Statins are recommended as they help reduce the risk of these conditions getting worse, or delay this result. Or you have a highly increased risk of developing atheroma-related disease. For instance if you have diabetes. Your risk is considered high when your score is 10% or more it is possible you could develop such a disease in the next 10 years.

The report stated that your doctor should organise a blood test before starting on statin medication, while at the same time he will probably check your level of cholesterol and that your liver is working properly. After starting treatment it is advised that you have another blood test at 1-3 months and again at 12 months. In order to check that your liver has not been affected my the medication. And also check to measure your cholesterol level to see how well your statins are working.

There are some side effects, such as headaches, pins & needles, tummy pain, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and a rash. Unfortunately it appears that taking statins can be associated with aa36% increasing risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Eating grapefruit, or drinking the juice, is not recommended as it can increase the level of statin in the bloodstream, but only with simvastatin atorvastatin or lovastatin.

Unfortunately, at this stage, I have reluctantly concluded that I clearly need to take them but, after talking with my doctor, know that he won’t keep me taking them if I can, with good diet, regular exercise and keeping myself as stress free as possible, reduce my own incidence of heart concerning effects

Of course, I didn’t JUST take information from the report. As research is my second love after writing, I just had to get online, see what I could find from other sources.

One of them stated that, after the analysis of almost 250,000 people, it was determined that simvastatin and pravastatin were found to have fewer side effects. Unfortunately, there is strong evidence that statins can lead to weight gain and a modest increase in the risk of diabetes.

It is also advised that you tell your doctor if you have any unexpected muscle pains, tenderness, cramps or weakness.

But what they have also found is that the benefits of taking statins, greatly outweighs the risks.

So, as my continued good health is important to me I, at least, will constantly monitor my progress toward being medication free. But continue to take my statins unless and until it is proven that they are injurious to my continued good health.

McDonald’s does not make most of its money from hamburgers as is commonly thought. The reality is that they make most of their money from an unlikely place. While most know them as a restaurant, in truth they are also a real estate company. Their biggest profits are from the land they own where franchises are built. Truly, things are not always as they seem.

It is the same with Christmas. When Jesus was born there was already a king over the land. Herod was powerful, wealthy, and cruel. He was extremely paranoid, even fearing his family and friends. He had vast armies, a fortress, and personal guards. Yet, he had little peace, and his unrest made him even crueler. In the end he tried to end the life of the newborn king.

On the other hand Jesus was born in a small town with little notice. From the outside these two men could not have been more different. One a powerful ruler, the other born to be king. Indeed, things are not always as they seem.

We each must ask though, which king rules our lives? It is all too easy to be like Herod. Patience runs thin during the holidays, families are often toxic, work is often overloaded, and the crowds can seem unrelenting. In those moments we can easily be more like the selfish ruler, losing our temper, fearing rejection in our smallest moments. and behaving in shameful ways.

Turn on the news for a few minutes and it is clear which king makes the headlines. In a world where if it bleeds it leads, grace and peace can seem a universe away.

The gospels give Jesus another name, Emmanuel. We don’t need to know Greek or Hebrew to understand the meaning of the name, Matthew tells us, the name means “God with us.” That is the difference that makes all the difference.

Because the promise goes far beyond that, he is not just with you, he is within you. As Max Lucado put it, while he was a baby inside of Mary, “he is a force inside of you.” And what you can’t handle, he can, and he is within you.

Paul himself would call his indwelling presence a mystery, the greatest mystery of all time. He not only came to dwell in our midst, but to literally live inside of the temple, the temple which is you and me.

Indeed, things are not always as they seem. Christmas is not the story of a baby, it is the story of a king. Not a king like any other, but the King of the Universe. And the true gift is he lives in us, so in all things, we can have peace. There is no greater gift.

King Bartholomew and the Jester’s Riddle by Pina Mastromonaco is a wonderful, fun book with a humor level perfect for children aged four to eight. Entertaining riddles entice readers to try to guess the answer while enjoying the tale. Parents will enjoy reading this book aloud to their children, especially during sleep over events.

Childlike King Bartholomew is obsessed with toys and solving riddles. The chubby, balding King learns to balance play and work time so that he can take responsible care of his land and citizens, yet still enjoy a playful life. The moral-of-the-story is not laid on thick – it is lightly applied so it will be easily accepted by young children. Teachers, librarians and caretakers will enjoy reading this pleasant book to children who like to play rather than accomplish chores or school assignments.

The illustrator, David Martin, is extremely accomplished and very gifted. Each page is filled with incredible detail that reveals more the longer one gazes at them. Many illustrations some form of nature included from the fantastically sculpted bushes, an array of birds and a maze of hedges with a big ‘B’ in the center (B – for King Bartholomew). Richly colored clothes and hilarious costumes for the jester and the King’s servants prove to add an interesting twist to this fun-loving book.

Readers can order Pina Mastromanaco’s book (ISBN#: 0974430714) in from any retail or online bookstore. Alternatively they may wish to see if their local library can bring it in. People can find out more about the author, illustrator (David Martin) and the publisher (Merry Lane Press) with a quick Internet search.

Not long ago, this author has stated:

“For years and years, generation after generation, they have told us that people in this country, as well as the entire world is outnumbered by white people. And we believed it too. For me, I’ve always wondered how that was possible when there are so many lands that are filled with people of color. Nearly every continent has people who are not white living there. Albeit, we have been inundated with white folks in the movies, television, radio, the newspapers and magazines, the commercials, every add as far as the eye can see… is dominated, portrayed, and illuminated with and for white people. And it was intended for “People of Color” to absorb, digest, and believe to be true… forever! Why is that? White is good, Black is bad. So why is it that the powers that be continually attempt to brainwash and bamboozle each and every member of the human race?”

Did not All Human Life begin in Africa, on the African Continent? Was “The Garden of Eden” not located in Iraq?

One such untruth is the white-washing of the former ‘King of England, Ireland, and Scotland.’ His name is ‘James Charles Stuart.’

When this king directed and ordered the publication of the “Holy Bible,” (the Old Testament), he was almost immediately set up for an assassination… an execution if you will. The order was given not only becaue he made the Bible easy to read; interpret; to understand for the ‘Common Man/Woman,’ but because of his Black heritage as well. Certain people did not want it to be known that a Black Man was the true and rightful leader and heir to the thrown of the modern world (at that time). Publishers of books and other publications have taken drastic steps to re-write the history of the world. They did not want children and especially people of color, mainly Black People to know that a Black could rule all over the world. This is also one of the reasons the Cairo Museum has taken steps to hide the real rulers of ancient Egypt and Africa (as the world was then known). The eradication and clandestine storage of artifacts surrounding the leadership of “King Taharqua” during the 25th Dynasty of Upper, Middle, Lower Egypt, and much of the Africa Continent was almost erased from history by certain people of non-melanin heritage, because the people who ruled were in fact Black!

Many of this hidden story can be obtained in a book that was published and stored by ‘Cambridge University,’ in England – “King James VI and I and the Reunion of Christendom (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History).” This publication can be found on ‘Amazon’ and many other book retailers.

King James was not only Black, but Hebrew as well!

“We cannot have this ‘Jew’ rule over our ‘Christian Realms!”

“Remember, remember the fifth of November… Gunpowder, treason and plot, I see no reason why gunpowder treason. Should ever be forgot.”

‘Guy Fawkes’

The historical study of the career and life of King James VI and I, as king of Scotland (1567-1625) and England (1603-1625), who achieved a union of the crowns as the first king of Great Britain. He took on the recurring religious wars within his land as well as that of the world. A peacemaker and diplomat, his intentions were complemented by his efforts in fostering a close relationship in and among the churches of the world, and especially on the European Continent. It is indeed factual that he helped to maintain these initiatives with peace and wisdom, even though his time was cut short with the coming of the “Thirty Years War.” It was also immensely beneficial to both Britain and other countries in and around Europe and the world as it was known.

“Although the evidence is not obvious or well publicized, Queen Charlotte was the great great-great grandmother of the present Queen Elizabeth II, who still lives in the expanded Buckingham House, now Buckingham Palace. Her African bloodline in the British royal family is not common knowledge. The Royal couple had fifteen children, thirteen of whom survived to adulthood. Their fourth eldest son was ‘Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent,’ later fathered Queen Victoria,” according to what has been reported in this author’s article, “Europe’s Black King(s) and Queen(s)”

In a new and upcoming book, these Black Kings and Queens will be discussed by way of a story telling. The story is about four teacher scholars and their fourteen college students, who make up the class of freshmen, juniors, sophmores, and seniors of several Philadelphia area schools, as they embark upon a trip to Egypt and its’ tombs of ancient Pharoahs, Kings, and Queens. Little do they know, with this visitation of certain tombs and/or graves, comes a terrible price.

Imhotep, Taharqua, Kharis, Ananka, are just some of the dead who are aroused with this un-holy disturbance of its’ tombs and graves… From this point of view, the likes of ‘Boris Karloff, Christopher Lee, Lon Chaney, and several others, will not be displayed due to them not being the actual color or racial makeup of the Egyptian characters they have portrayed in the past. Albeit, this author is an ardent fan of their horror depictions (or monster characterizations), black and white, as well as the colorized versions. The characters within the parameters of this story depicts the true makeup of the original Kings and Queens of the African and Middle Eastern diaspora.

The new project, “Hallow III,” will include the story, “Wrappings,” as an adventure into the heartland of Egypt. The Pyramids, Sphinx,’ Tombs, and Statues identify the true identities of the hierarchy and subordinate characters who have inherently lived, breathed, and possessed the land of mystery and Spirituality.

“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

A magician and his beautiful daughter finance an expedition of American archeologists, led by Professor Allen F. Bruce and his team of scholars and students. The team travels to Egypt in search of an undisclosed tomb. Unbeknownst to the team as a whole, Dr. Bruce keeps secret his true intentions of the trip’s sight-seeing and digging project. At first, they are thrilled to find a 3,000 year old Mummy. But soon they learn that when the moon is full the Mummy goes on a murderous rampage of revenge and lust… unless they can find a way to stop or destroy their greatest find.

The Scroll of Thoth:

“Herein are set down the magic words by which ‘Isis’ raised ‘Osiris’ from the dead… in the darkened corridors of “Karnak!”

“Oh! Amon-Ra..Oh! God of Gods – Death is but the doorway to new life – We live today – We shall live again – in many forms shall we return – O Mighty One… Return O Ka, the dapul, return O Aire the soul, O strong art the heart, make supple the limbs and strong the sinews, refill O my soul, this heart, with tenderness, so that he may walk again in the land of ‘Kem’ in all thy strength and beauty and wear once more the Uralite!” Give life, give life O ‘Karnak’ when I say the mighty words… !

O ‘Karnak,’ with this scroll of life, O Lord of the souls, the Mighty One of Amen Tet, let not this soul be dead… give life with the mighty words of power…

Let them not pass away… let them be restored to life… O Mighty One, let them not be corrupted… let them be filled with strength and tenderness… once the deaths of the unbelievers have been done, the mummy can be released from the curse, being undead… the protector of the tombs and the avenging spirit… as are the collection of assigned High Priests… the tombs of the dead!

One of the ancient Egyptians, “The Spirit of Taharqua,” is transported by the High Preist “Mehemet,” from Egyt to the United States, invoking vengeance on all who have defilled the sacred tomb of his beloved daughter, “Queen Amenirdis,” the eighth and last ruler of the 25th Dynasty.

“Intolerant unbelievers! They will/shall suffer the consequences of a thousand deaths… to kill all and the last desecrator is the task at hand! The Maat… of Mehemet Bey!”

The pondering time she comes. Have you ever wondered if advertising copy is still king … you know the big kahuna of advertising … the apple of the marketing eye?

Heck, with all the modern "marketing devices" we have today, you may be wondering if copy is even relevant these days.

Let's dive in and take a look-see. Check out any magazine you can find on the shelf these days and start thumbing through the pages. Pay keen attention to the ads.

What do you see?

If you are paying attention, you'll notice most ads are scarcely worded, beautifully illustrated, oftentimes confusing, sometimes humorous, resembling pieces of artworks.

These ads do more entertaining than they do selling. They do very little promoting your business …

… and if you run advertising like this, then be prepared to have your bank account drained.

Hey, maybe I'm wrong. But can you really afford to entertain your prospective clients? Even if you're in the entertainment business, you still need to sell your services, right?

I'll tell you this: Media (places to run your advertising) doesn't come cheap. Most established publications costs big bucks. And if you don't believe me, then give 'em a call and ask for their rate sheets. Be sure to be seated when looking over the costs … it's shocking.

Makes you wonder why anyone would spend big money on such waste. In my book, advertising and marketing should increase your bottom line, not shrink it. Right?

What's worse, we believe this is how advertising should be. It's the status quo, the norm of advertising as we know it, right?

After all, seeing decades upon decades worth of this "traditional advertising" being run makes it's true, right?

WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

And I'll prove it.

OK, for now I'll save you the rest of the rant and answer the question posed in the article title.

The short and dirty answer is …

… YES.

I humbly submit to you to check the stats of any high-functioning business that uses proven marketing methods. At the root of their marketing you'll see direct response marketing and the main sales driver.

These guys can tell you down to the cent if their ads are working (meaning pulling in actual, tangible results, ie dollars, leads, store visits, etc.) or not.

The reason you should be using direct response type marketing is because everything is tracked and the results are counted.

The advertising copy is a written sales message from start to end. It does a complete selling job, gives reasons why you should buy, makes a risk-free offer and asks for the sell – just like in a real live face-to-face selling situation.

These "direct response" business types always test and track aspects of their advertising copy for maximum effectiveness. Then, they test again and again to get maximum results for the money spent.

For example, they may test different offers, headlines, opening paragraphs or various guarantees.

Again, they know, with scientific certainty if the advertisement tested works or not. The guesswork is completely removed … no more mystery marketing and the waste that naturally goes with it.

Pretty damn cool, huh?

So, at the heart of any truly effective marketing or advertising program is the message or advertising copy that you send to your prospects and clients.

Think about it. The ad copy is your message that gets delivered to your ideal prospect or client. It's your company's primary mouthpiece and "salesperson." It's the essential communication your prospect or client sees and reads.

So, is copy still king? YES. YES. YES.

But keep in mind that copy and copy alone won't do the trick growing your business. It's not the holy grail of marketing. That's a different topic for a different day.

Running a successful marketing program is not just one-single, solitary piece. Rather it's more like a puzzle with many constit parts all working together towards a common goal.

To clarify further, my definition of "copy is king", is turning it from incoherent dribble to a complete sales message. One that's written with the customer in mind. One that does a complete and thorough job of selling.

I've written about this before but if you do your homework and a good job of researching the product, marketplace and prospect before you write, then you stand a decent chance of communicating and not just putting meaningless words on paper or a computer screen.

One of the best quick marketing formulas I know of is the marketing triangle. I learned this from none other than master marketer Dan Kennedy.

I have written about this before too, but it's worth repeating. It goes something like this:

Picture a triangle. Each side of the triangle has a label. One side is labeled "Message." Another is labeled "Market." And finally, the remaining side is labeled "Media."

Again, in simple terms it's a way to think about your entire marketing plan.

"The Correct Message sent to the Correct Market using the Correct media."

It's the what, who and how …

… what is the message.

… who are you sending it to.

… how are you going to reach your target market.

Brilliant, right?

Yes, I thought so too.

So, is copy still the big cheese, the king?

Damn right … IF it's done correctly.

Parting Shots

I know this was a quick article and hit upon a lot of ideas. We're just hitting the surface here. But my goal, as always, is to help you get the absolute maximum results from every cent you spend on advertising.

So, the next time you start a new advertising campaign, consider the ideas presented here.

And if you are tired of dumping big bucks down the advertising toilet and you'd like better results, then I encourage you to give me a shout.

And lastly, if you have questions about this article or would like to see a particular subject covered, then shoot me a line. I'm always happy to help.

I have been a huge fan of Stephen King ever since the mid-seventies, when he took the literary world by storm with his first novel, Carrie, about a young girl with awesome telekinetic powers. King has, of course, gone on to write many more fantastic novels. Some have been great, some not so great. Here are my top 5 Stephen King books from the former category:

1. Salem’s Lot – Without a doubt, my all time favourite Stephen King book. This spine chilling classic – King’s second book after Carrie – about a Dracula-like vampire by the name of Kurt Barlow, who spreads his plague of vampirism through a small Peyton Place-style town just oozes sheer horror and menace from every page. And being a BIG fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, well, what can I say? Salem’s Lot ticks all the right boxes for me. A true horror classic, and my second all time favourite vampire novel after Dracula.

2. The Shining – The ultimate haunted hotel story. King does a brilliant job here in telling the story of Jack Torrance, who carries much emotional baggage with him (triggered by his torturous relationship with his father) as takes up a job as winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, accompanied by his wife Wendy and son Danny. The Overlook is truly the hotel of your worst nightmares, and as all its resident ghosts and malevolent atmosphere begin to manifest into the Torrance’s lives, you can really feel the claustrophobic sense of horror that the snowed-in family begins to experience. The Shining is a veritable masterpiece of creepy fiction.

3. Misery – Stephen King really created a terrifying and unforgettable character in Annie Wilkes, the psychotic nurse who holds writer Paul Sheldon prisoner in her secluded cottage after pulling him out of a car accident in which he broke both legs. You can just cut the tension with a knife as Annie, enraged on discovering that Paul has killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain, forces him to bring her back in a new novel. And nowhere is her insane wrath made more starkly evident than in the notorious hobbling scene. Annie Wilkes really is the crazed fan from hell.

4. Pet Sematary – My favourite back-from-the-dead story. There is certainly a valuable lesson to be learned here for anybody who might harbour wild ideas about attempting to resurrect a deceased pet or loved one: never EVER bury their corpse in an old Indian burial ground. You might be sorry, as the protagonist of this novel, Louis Creed, certainly was in this truly terrifying novel. Loved the movie version too.

5. IT – What could be more horrifying and disturbing than encountering a shapeshifting entity that can take on the form of our worst fear? Well, meet Pennywise, the demonic clown who does just that in King’s epic novel of a small town intermittently terrorised by a monster as old as even time itself. IT is a truly fantastic read, and such a huge doorstopper of a novel too. Right from the moment when the evil Pennywise makes his first appearance down in the storm drain and taunts – and eventually kills – poor little Georgie, I was utterly hooked from start to finish. And when I finally finished the book, I enjoyed it so much that I STILL felt like I could go on reading more of it. It really was that good. I especially loved all the little homages to classic horror monsters, like the vampire and the werewolf that King peppered into his story. So if you want to get stuck into IT, my advice is to read the novel and shun the three-hour TV movie, which was nowhere near as good.