Tag: HTB Website Design

Why Kindle Unlimited is a Game-Changer for Book Lovers

If you love reading, you’ve probably heard of Kindle Unlimited – Amazon’s subscription service that lets you read all the books, audiobooks, and magazines your heart desires, without having to buy each one individually. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! Let me break down why Kindle Unlimited is so awesome for bookworms.

1. An Entire Library at Your Fingertips

With Kindle Unlimited, you get access to over 4 million titles, from e-books to audiobooks to magazines. There’s literally something for everyone: romance, mystery, sci-fi, non-fiction, you name it. Whether you’ve got a specific author in mind or just want to dive into something new, you’ve got endless options. The best part? You can borrow as many books as you want – no limits. Want to read 10 books in one month? Go for it!

2. No Due Dates or Late Fees

One of the biggest perks? No pressure to return books by a certain date. You can keep books for as long as you need – no late fees, no stressing about finishing a book in time. It’s perfect for people who like to take their time with a book or those who just get too busy to read for a few days.

3. Read Everywhere, on Any Device

You don’t need to own a Kindle to use Kindle Unlimited. You can read books on your Kindle device, Fire tablet, or even on the Kindle app, which works on your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re on the couch, on the bus, or waiting in line at the coffee shop, your next read is always with you. Super convenient, right?

4. Audiobooks and Text-to-Speech – Bonus!

If you’re an audiobook fan (or want to be), Kindle Unlimited has you covered. Many e-books come with an audiobook option, so you can listen as you go about your day. Plus, there’s a handy text-to-speech feature that lets you listen to any book, even if it doesn’t have an audiobook version. Whether you’re running errands, cooking, or relaxing, you can keep reading while doing other things. Talk about multitasking!

5. Affordable and Worth It

When you love reading, the cost of books can add up quickly. Kindle Unlimited gives you access to a huge library for one low monthly fee. No need to buy each book individually. If you’re someone who reads a lot, this can save you a ton of cash in the long run. Why pay for one book when you can have access to so many?

6. Find New Authors and Genres

Kindle Unlimited isn’t just about the big-name authors – it’s a great way to discover new voices and genres you might not have considered before. There are tons of indie authors whose work is only available on Kindle Unlimited, so you can explore fresh stories and get hooked on a whole new author or series. Plus, you can read books from genres you might not usually pick up, and you’re not locked into buying something if you don’t love it.

7. Exclusive Content and Deals

Kindle Unlimited subscribers often get access to exclusive content, early releases, and special deals. You might even score discounts on other Amazon services or free books. It’s a little bonus to make the subscription even sweeter!

HTB RECOMMENDS books for Kindle Unlimited and Gift Giving

Recommended Books for You (and for Gift-Giving!)

While Kindle Unlimited offers endless options, here are a few gems to add to your reading list – or to consider as perfect gifts for the book lovers in your life!

  1. “Bildung’s Roamin'” by Ross Barry Schwartz
    If you’re into poetry and philosophy, this one is a must-read. Ross Schwartz blends thought-provoking ideas with poetic expression, creating a work that’s both reflective and creatively inspiring. A perfect gift for someone who loves to ponder life’s big questions! (Get Bildung’s Roamin’ for free by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited)
  2. “Steps to Net Zero” by Gary Nahrung
    For those interested in making a positive impact on the planet, this environmentally conscious book is an insightful guide to achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral lifestyle. A great pick for anyone passionate about climate action and the future of our world. (Get Steps to Net Zero for free by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited)
  3. “Amor Y Luz” by Marilyn Marlow
    This bilingual Spanish-English children’s book is a heartwarming read for kids and families. Love and Light (Amor Y Luz) is a beautiful creation story complete with the amazing artwork b creative artist Marilyn Marlow, perfect for introducing young readers to new languages and cultures. It’s not only educational but also a delightful read with lots of colorful imagery to share together! (Get Amor Y Luz for free by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited)
  4. “Healing with Color” by TARA (channeled by Katharina Notarianni)
    If you’re seeking a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you, this spirituality and meditation book is a beautiful choice. Through TARA’s guidance, as channeled by Katharina Notarianni, “Healing with Color” offers powerful insights into using color for healing, meditation, and self-discovery as you meditatively experience The Twenty-One Taras. This is a wonderful gift for anyone on a spiritual journey or looking to explore new forms of healing. (Get Healing With Color for free by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited)

Now you’ve got some fantastic book recommendations – from poetry and philosophy to spirituality and sustainability. Kindle Unlimited is the perfect way to discover all these gems and more. Happy reading!

Wrap-Up: Why Kindle Unlimited is Totally Worth It

If you’re a book lover, Kindle Unlimited is like a dream come true. With access to millions of titles, audiobooks, and exclusive content, it’s a subscription that can totally change how you read.

Whether you’re someone who flies through books every month or just loves having a ton of options available, Kindle Unlimited is an affordable, convenient, and fun way to keep your reading habit alive without breaking the bank. Ready to explore? You’ve got a whole library waiting for you!

Attention Self-Published Authors: Source High Quality Stock Photos from Dreamstime

Hey there, fellow authors! Let’s chat about something that can seriously level up your content game—stock photos. If you’re writing a book that can benefit from visual imagery, running a blog, launching a brand, or just trying to get your message out there, visuals are key. Enter Dreamstime, your new best friend for high-quality stock images.

Here’s why you should consider using stock photos and how they can help you shine.

1. Budget-Friendly and Professional Appeal

Let’s face it, hiring a pro photographer for every single photo shoot is not exactly budget-friendly. Did you know that Dreamstime has a huge range of affordable stock photos that won’t drain your wallet? With flexible pricing options, you can snag stunning visuals without sacrificing your savings.

2. Time-Saving Treasure Trove

Dreamstime has millions of images at your fingertips. Their smart search filters make it super easy to find what you need. You can quickly narrow down results by category, color, or even mood. This means less time scrolling and more time creating beautiful content that resonates with your niche audience.

3. Top-Notch Quality

Nothing screams “amateur” like low-quality images. With Dreamstime, you’re getting access to high resolution photos that look amazing. Whether you’re after vibrant lifestyle shots or sleek business images, you can count on finding visuals that match your stories. After all, your content deserves the best.

4. Diversity Is Key

Every author has their own vibe, and you want your visuals to reflect that in your storybooks and cover art. Dreamstime has an incredible variety of styles and themes, so whether you’re into minimalism, bold colors, or something quirky, you’ll find images that resonate with your unique aesthetic. Imagery helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

5. Licensing Made Simple

Image rights can be super confusing, but Dreamstime keeps it straightforward. Take advantage of flexible licensing options that cater to your needs. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered legally, which is a huge plus when you’re building your brand.

6. Always Fresh Content

Staying relevant is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. The great thing about Dreamstime is that they have over 200 million images and fresh images that reflect current trends and seasonal themes are added regularly. So, you can keep your content fresh and engaging, helping you stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

7. Support Creative Talent

When you choose stock photos from Dreamstime, you’re not just getting great visuals; you’re also supporting a community of photographers and artists. This platform is full of creative talent, and by using their work, you’re showcasing unique perspectives that can set your content apart. Plus, you get to be part of that creative community!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, stock photos from Dreamstime are a game changer for young entrepreneurs looking to elevate their content without breaking the bank. With a huge library of high-quality, diverse images, you can find the perfect visuals to connect with your audience and showcase your brand’s personality. So why not give it a shot?

Special Offer! 15 Free images from Dreamstime

Head over to Dreamstime, and start exploring the endless possibilities that stock photos can bring to your entrepreneurial journey! Happy creating!

Book Announcement: STEPS TO NET ZERO by Gary Nahrung

This book equips you with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate catastrophe.

  • What is the risk of taking no action? There is a point of no return with dire consequences for our environment.
  • Translates a complex scientific subject into easy to understand concepts with possible solutions.
  • Provides a list of practical actions you can take now to effectively reduce CO2 levels.
  • Available on Amazon.com in eBook, paperback and hardcover formats.

Climate change is not a distant threat looming on the horizon anymore; it’s a reality knocking on our doors today. The urgency to address this global crisis has never been greater.

Healing Time Books is thrilled to announce the release of a groundbreaking book that offers practical solutions and hope in the face of climate adversity.

Steps to Net Zero by Gary Nahrung

Practical and effective steps needed to reduce Australia’s domestic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) pollution emissions to near zero before 2050 and help slow climate change

“Steps To Net Zero” by Australian author Gary Nahrung is a relevant addition to the books currently available on climate change. It’s a beacon of actionable strategies, empowering individuals, communities, and nations to embark on the journey towards a sustainable future.

In this timely essay, author Gary Nahrung, a seasoned researcher and environmentalist, presents a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, supported by scientific data specifically for Australia, yet also universal in its application. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Gary helps us better understand the complexities of climate science, policy frameworks, and technological innovations, and offers us a clear pathway for reducing our carbon footprint.

What sets “Steps To Net Zero” apart is its accessibility. Gary Nahrung adeptly translates complex concepts into simple, digestible insights, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about the fate of our planet. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, activist, or concerned citizen, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change.

From renewable energy adoption to sustainable transportation, discussing economic principles and carbon offsetting strategies, “Steps To Net Zero” leaves no stone unturned in exploring diverse approaches to mitigate climate change. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of collective action, underscoring that every individual contribution counts in the fight against climate catastrophe.

As we stand at a critical juncture in human history, “Steps To Net Zero” serves as a rallying cry for decisive action. It inspires us to transcend political divides, overcome inertia, and embrace a shared vision of a resilient, carbon-neutral world.

The author reminds us that we can each take simple yet effective Steps to Net Zero, and inspires us to turn the tide against climate change and together build a sustainable legacy for future generations.

“Steps to Net Zero” is now available for purchase on Amazon.com. Let’s take the first step towards a brighter, greener future!

Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, activist, or concerned citizen, this book equips you with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change.

Healing Time Books - Book Announcement: Steps to Net Zero by Gary Nahrung - Climate Change and CO2 Crisis - available on Amazon.com and Amazon.com.au

Get Your Copy of
Steps to Net Zero by Gary Nahrung

What are your thoughts on the topic?

We encourage you to buy a copy of Steps to Net Zero and share your thoughts on the topic of reducing CO2 to help slow climate change.

Please post a review on Amazon.com, or email the author at garynahrung@gmail.com.

About the Author

Gary Nahrung grew up on a beef cattle grazing ranch in southeast Queensland, Australia. He has deep experience in horticulture sciences research and training, and commercial hydroponics. After he retired, Gary spent time looking into the risks of climate change and options to deal with the increasing unprecedented levels of CO2 levels. As an avid recreational fisherman, he has seen alarming changes in the ocean due to global warming with impact on the coral reefs and fish life.

Gary has used his science background and understanding, his practical problem-solving farming history, and his teaching and training skills to explain climate change and offer clear, workable solutions. He has produced this essay with the hopes of inspiring action and providing a better future for his children and grandchildren, for Australia, and the rest of the world.

About the Publisher

Healing Time Books is dedicated to helping authors make the most of today’s digital technologies to publish their works. Our services include assisting authors to self-publish their works as well as offering full service Desktop Publishing, Print and eBook Publishing Services, Website Design and Development, and Marketing Services.

Interested in publishing your own book?

As the world increasingly moves towards online publishing and ebooks, we are here to help authors more easily navigate what can be a confusing process to publish something new. We also assist with converting original printed works into digital format. Rest assured that all copyright and control over the publication is retained by the author.We look forward to working with you on your book.  To contact us, please email us at info@healingtimebooks.com.

Tribute to Dr. Eleanor ‘Reenah’ McGill (1939-2021)

It was with great sadness we learned that our dear friend Dr. E. Reenah McGill passed away at the end of last year. She will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Eleanor “Reenah” McGill was born in 1939 to James and Maude McGill in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She had a passion for knowledge earning a Master of Arts, Master of Chinese Medicine, and a PhD of Philosophy in Oriental Medicine. She was still practicing acupuncture.

Throughout her years, she also lived in Germany, Georgia, Minneapolis, and LA before settling down in the Weston area of Wisconsin to be able to enjoy her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to travel to China, Peru, Mexico, taking an Amazon Cruise and travelling to so many other countries.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Maude and, her siblings: Frank McGill and Deb Kropelin. Reenah’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

We first met Dr. Reenah McGill at her clinic in Los Angeles. She was impressive in the scope of her knowledge in her medical practice. She used her skills as a doctor of Chinese medicine, neurobiofeedback, and a new type of acupuncture called Esoteric Acupuncture, developed by Mikio Sankey, to make a remarkable difference in her patients. Reenah was a highly accomplished scholar and practitioner, always looking for new topics to explore and learn about in detail and overcoming any challenge with determination and resolve.

Books by Dr. E. Reenah McGill

Due to her type 1 diabetes condition which developed suddenly late in life, she became very interested in nutrition and other healing modalities. Dr. McGill and hypnotherapist Dr. Zaugg collaborated and published ‘Eat Right Lose Weight, Introducing the 5 Element Nutrition & Hypnosis System’ which is available on Amazon.com.

Eat Right Lose Weight book by Dr. E. Reenah McGill and Dr. Marianne Zaugg

Poetry by Dr. E. Reenah McGill

Dr. Reenah McGill was well known for her brilliance and delightful sense of humor and her poetry reflects her personality. Poetry MS Volume 1 and Poetry Volume 2 by Dr. E. Reenah McGill include her poems written over a span of more than forty years. They represent and reflect many changes in her life situations, thoughts and desires.

Poetry M S Volume 1 by E. Reenah McGill
Poetry M S Volume 2

Source of family memoriam information: Published by La Crosse Tribune on Dec. 22, 2021.

Get 15 images free

Discover HTBphotos by John and Katharina Notarianni on Dreamstime! For your website, digital and print marketing efforts.

Get 15 images free on your first order!

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Copyright 2022 Healing Time Books and HTB | Website Design by Katharina Notarianni. All Rights Reserved.

Zoom Bombings and Zoom Etiquette

HTB | Website Design – advice about Zoom bombings, a new threat, and zoom etiquette for meeting hosts

Several years ago I started using Zoom for my webinars, mainly because I didn’t consider myself a speaker/presenter and was more comfortable at a computer. No surprise, since I am a web designer and publisher! In the meantime I have had a lot of opportunities to participate and host meetings via Zoom and I still love it.

In fact, one of the positives that has resulted from the last 2 years of intermittent quarantine and adjustments in our Covid-19 affected environment is that almost everyone who is online or has a smartphone has had a zoom meeting experience. I love that even tech challenged and people who consider them too old to learn new tricks are getting on Zoom easily.

While there are other webinar services, I am a fan of having choices, and I am glad that Zoom rose to the challenge to become the obvious favorite service. Zoom Meetings allow for direct interaction, breakout sessions, recording, archiving, audio only and video tracks for reposting and more. If you are a tech person like me and need to screenshare for better communication with your client, Zoom has a screensharing option for the host and the participants which the host controls.

Here are some tips when you host a meeting to ensure a great experience for your meeting attendees:

Make introductions – introduce yourself to the attendees and especially in a smaller meeting, be sure to acknowledge individuals by name to create a more familiar environment.

Create your environment using virtual backgrounds– at an in-person meeting you would be more aware of the quality of the environment, making it specific to your theme. It is easy to select an image or video to act as a “virtual background” with Zoom’s virtual background feature. In fact, I often find wonderful nature photographs on Unsplash.com which create a relaxing mood for my meditation events.

One thing to be aware of is that sometimes body parts like hands and hair merge with the background image when you move around too much, or if the color of your outfit matches too closely. If you need to demonstrate something with your hands, or show movement, it’s best to avoid the virtual background altogether and instead consider installing an actual screen, or hold your meeting in a more neutral setting like an office.

Look at the camera -This probably sounds obvious, however, the tendency is to look at yourself to make sure you are presenting well. Instead, make an effort to look at your camera so that the attendees feel that you are talking directly to them.

Eliminate noise – It may seem obvious but unless you are the host you probably aren’t aware of background noise. Driving or walking and breathing while you are hosting a meeting generates more noise than you think. Barking dogs and landscape maintenance crews with loud blowers and mowers can’t be helped sometimes. Even notifications that ding on your computer will be relayed. Some of these you can control and others you cannot. If you are outdoors or in a car, when it is your turn to talk, stand still and slow down your breathing to a normal rate or pull the car over to reduce road noise. And if you remember, turn off the sound notifications on your device during your meetings.

Best Sound Quality – If recording the event and repurposing the content is a high priority, get a high quality noise cancelling microphone. If necessary you can opt to wear a headset with a noise cancelling microphone, like Apple’s Airpods Pro.

Host Meeting Controls – As a host you have many settings you can choose when you create your meeting. Did you know you are able to set up the Zoom meeting to allow others to unmute themselves, or for the Host only to unmute people. For the Host only to screen share, or to allow multiple people to screen share? You can also assign co-hosts for your meetings.

Warning – Zoom bombings are real! I recently learned about zoom bombings through a personal experience when a few people showed up during an online event and immediately unmuted themselves and proceeded to make disruptive noises and comments.

As a Zoom Meeting host, you can mitigate some of this risk by not posting meeting passwords, requesting people to register and then set up a waiting room so you can allow people who have been verified to enter the meeting. In a more public meeting where all are invited it’s not as easy to control however the meeting host always has the option to mute everyone. Some meeting settings to adhere to include:

  • Disable “Join Before Host”
  • Enabling “Co-Host”
  • Disable “File Transfer”
  • Disable “Allow Removed Participants to Rejoin”

Zoom added two new security features that hosts can use to address these disruptive and uninvited Zoom bombers.

  1. Suspend Participant Activities enables hosts and cohosts to suspend meeting functions, including video, audio, in-meeting chat and breakout rooms.
  2. Report Disruptive Attendees enables users, not just hosts and co-hosts, but also the meeting participants to report disruptive behavior like Zoom bombing from within the Zoom client using the “Security” badge. All account owners and admins need to do is enable reporting for non-hosts in their web settings.

Sources: Entrepreneur; TechCrunch; and Security Intelligence

Copyright 2022 Healing Time Books and HTB | Website Design by Katharina Notarianni. All Rights Reserved.

Get a faster, more secure website – the importance of updating your PHP

Is your WordPress website telling you that you need to update to the latest PHP version for your website to run correctly?

PHP is the coding language WordPress is built on, and its version is set at the server-level by your hosting company. If you manage your own website, here are the benefits of updating your PHP:

  • A faster website will often rank higher in search engines.
  • Your web pages will load and show your images correctly, pages will scroll better, and going to linked content won’t be delayed.
  • A more secure website is better protected against hackers.

Steps to updating to the latest PHP version

If you manage your own website, you can go through these steps to prepare your WordPress website for a PHP update:

  • Make a backup of your website first
  • Make a backup of your database
  • Update your theme and plugins
  • Update your website to the latest WordPress version
  • Check your PHP compatibility with a “PHP compatibility checker”

Next, log into your webhost’s dashboard and either run a manual PHP update or request the tech support department to run it for you.

  • Update PHP to the latest version – 7.4 or higher

If you run into any issues or need help, contact a professional web developer like HTB Website Design, your hosting company, or your WordPress theme and plugins authors.

get help

Demystifying Stock Photo Sizes for Social Media

Stock photo sizes for any social media post

I love the brilliant colors of autumn!

Add some fall colors to your social media projects with HTBphotos ‘Fall Foliage‘ Series by John and Katharina Notarianni, available on Dreamstime.

HTBphotos fall foliage series available on Dreamstime
HTBphotos ‘Fall Foliage’ by John and Katharina Notarianni has been cropped and resized to 1200×1200 pixels for social media purposes.

Stock photo sizes for any social media post

Graphics, photos, and other visuals are a necessity when posting content on social media!

And with copyright concerns, it is best to either take photos with your cell phone, digital camera or even your iPad, or leverage the many reputable stock photography sources like Dreamstime, or design services like Canva. There are even high quality free stock photo sites like Unsplash.

The question is, now that you have the perfect image for your social media post, what size image displays correctly across multiple platforms? Is that even possible? Yes!

Keep It Simple Strategy

Square images are ideal for Facebook and Instagram posts. Square format also works well for LinkedIn posts – and can work for Twitter.

Easy 1:1 ratio (square)

Instagram and Facebook photos: 1200 x 1200 pixels

Pinterest Pins (repurpose from Instagram)

All profile pictures* (allows cropping to circle format): 500 x 500

YouTube channel icon*: 800 x 800

Best size for link posts

As you can see the featured image at the top of this post also from HTBphotos ‘Fall Foliage’ Series, has been resized to 1200×630 pixels which work perfectly for WordPress blog posts as well as for several popular social media platforms that have a similar size requirement: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For specifics on all popular social media platforms, I recommend taking time to review Louise Myers’ Social Media Cheat Sheet.

Get noticed with a Video Cover

Facebook: Tell More of Your Story

Instead of a cover photo, now you can use a video. It can be 20-90 seconds and should be at least 820 x 312 pixels.

Louise Myers, Visual Social Media

HTB | Website Design

HTB | Website Design designs, develops and hosts mobile friendly business websites. E-commerce, SEO and Social Media packages available. Please contact info@healingtimebooks.com to request a free 15 minute consultation.