New Desktop AdWords Editor for Google

Google has a new desktop editor for AdWords which is being tested this week. Initially only available for Windows 2000 or Windows XP users, the application will allow users to manage multiple AdWords campaigns and accounts and then bulk-upload any new ads or changes. This will be very helpful to those advertisers who have large amounts of keywords or multiple campaigns. Another potential benefit for Google advertisers.

Google Tests Longer AdWords Ads

Google has confirmed a limited test of longer ads. The AdWords ads will be four lines long rather than three lines. With the longer ads more information will be provided for those viewing the ads in order to determine if the content will meet their needs. Hopefully this will turn into more qualified clicks for the publishers. To see a screenshot of a four-line AdWords ad, search for "california weather."

Disney to Buy Pixar for $7.4 Billion

Well, it looks like Walt Disney Co. is going to purchase Pixar Animation Studies for a whopping $7.4 billion. Pixar has created films such as "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc" and "Finding Nemo". Steve Jobs (current CEO of Pixar) will move into a new role at Disney and be on Disney's board. Other high ranking executives at Pixar will also move into new positions.

Although Disney and Pixar have worked together for the past 12 years with Disney co-financing and distributing Pixar's films, their original deal would expire in June and would most likely not be renewed.

I'll be interested to see what the new company can do without the competition but rather the joint collaborations which can come. I hope it becomes even better than ever, rather than feeling overconfident in not having to compete for excellence.

The last few years Disney has struggled to create box-office hits and many of their latest films have been flops such as "Treasure Planet" and "Home on the Range." Pixar has been consistent in producing fun, adventure-filled and creative films. I hope the union of the companies will not stifle their creativity and ability to continue.

Benefits of Having Goals

When we set goals, we are in command. Clearly understood goals bring our lives into focus just as a magnifying glass focuses a beam of light into a burning point. Without goals, our efforts may be scattered and unproductive.

—Ezra Taft Benson

Blackberry to Support Google Messaging

BlackBerry announced today it will support Google's Instant messaging service "Talk" soon, as well as the Google Local mapping programs. Google Talk will be launched sometime this spring. Although Google Talk is not the only instant messaging service available through BlackBerry, it is likely to become the most used. It will require a Google Gmail account but both services will be free. BlackBerry users will be able to use Google Local to view maps, find local businesses and get directions.

Motorola Inc. announced last week that it will produce web-enabled phones which will give easy access to the Google search engine.

Happiness is a Journey

"Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end. For then the journey is over and it is too late. The time for happiness is today, not tomorrow."

—Joseph Smith Jr.

Reality of Life

Daily Thought. . .

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

—Gordon B. Hinckley, quoting Jenkin Lloyd Jones

Setting Goals

The more specific goals you can set, the better chance you will achieve your goals. If you want to lose weight, you should set very specific goals and a plan of action to achieve your goals, such as: "I want to lose 10 pounds by the end of March. In order to reach my goal I will exercise 4 times each week for at least 1 hour each time. I will cut out fast food. I will not eat refined sugars."

I found a great quote about setting specific goals.

"A vague goal is no goal at all. The Ten Commandments wouldn't be very impressive, for instance, if they weren't specific, but simply were couched in a phraseology such as 'thou shalt not be a bad person." — Neal A. Maxwell

Good luck with your goals and even if you mess up -- just get back on track and keep moving forward.

Happy New Year

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope this coming year brings joy, fulfillment and peace to you.