Holiday

I'm not trading today. It's a lovely sunny day here in London. I live opposite one of London's biggest parks and the place was packed all week-end. We locals, are enjoying it again today as people are back at work. My dog has a chance for socialising when we're in London, as the park is full of people and their dogs.

Have a good rest all of you who are able to take the day off.

MultiCharts is putting out the Release Candidate for Version 8. This is an important release with lots of great functionality, especially Renkos. The current beta still has some bugs but I'm told that we will have a release candidate in the middle of June. If you want to support this blog, buy it or try it for free by clicking through our MultiCharts logo here.

A Day for Remembering

In the United States, we observe Memorial Day to honor those service members who have died in active duty for U.S. national defense.  Although it is also a day to thank those who serve and have served, Veterans Day is the holiday set aside for the living. Today's post then, is dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Almost 850,000 (more depending on how you count) American service people have died in U.S. combat (1775-present).  Of those deaths, over 200,000 are attributed to the Civil War and almost 300,000 World War II.  Generations have passed since those wars, but you would be hard pressed to find an American that hasn't been personally touched by the tragedy of war.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the National Mall in Washington DC. The memorials are as beautiful as they are moving.  As I toured them, however, their differences struck me in a way I wasn't expecting.

 The World War II memorial, oddly the newest, is an oval shape with 56 pillars representing the US states and territories at the time of the war. Gold stars represent casualties. Flowing fountains, grass, and flowers give it a peaceful vibe. It feels historical, a remembrance of something that happened a long, long, time ago.

The Vietnam memorial, in contrast, is focused on the individual. The name of each person who died is carved into shiny marble and you read them through your own reflection.  The experience for me was less historical than personal and it was difficult to stay in that space without thinking about the ruined lives, the personal sacrifices.

In The Soulkeepers, the character of Jacob is profoundly influenced by his father's death in Afghanistan. The loss effects the way he sees himself and the world. It tampers with his ability to trust others and recognize the good around him. They say that art imitates life and perhaps this is why war often rears its ugly head in young adult fiction.

Today, just for a day, let's remember the history, but also the real people behind the stories. Each one was someone's child once, and maybe a brother, sister, parent or spouse.  And that is something no memorial or memorial day can ever replace.

______________________________________________________________

G.P. Ching is the author of The Soulkeepers Series and a variety of short fiction. She specializes in cross-genre paranormal stories, loves old cemeteries, and enjoys a good ghost tour.  She lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, and one very demanding guinea pig

Follow G.P.:

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Starting a Coffee Shop Business

Coffee shops are doing good business nowadays. People are always on the go that they need a good supply of caffeine in their system. Straight from their pad, they go to coffee shops for a hot java to jumpstart their day or maybe even a quick bite. Let's discuss how to start a coffee shop business.

First off, think of a business plan, part of which includes a goal, a feasibility study, and the step-by-step plan for achieving the goal.

Next, you have to think about the financing for the business. Maybe you have thought of getting a loan from a bank. Consider your accounts payable, will the profit you get from the business be enough to pay your loan? Short term accounts payable will last for one operation cycle of the business, that means about a year of operation. Then there are accounts payable in long term which should take more than 12 months.

Next, you have to scout for a good location. Now, this would depend on your intended clients. If you are eying for college students, then your location should be near a university, if not located within the campus itself. If you are eying for office workers, then conveniently locate your coffee shop in a strategic place surrounded by different offices. Sometimes, you don't have to be next door to an office itself but a strategic location would be right in the traffic of pedestrians. A good example would be between a city hall and a subway station.

Next, you think of the furniture you need for this type of business. There are good business deals on table and chair sets from furniture shops. You don't have to purchase your furniture with outright cash. It would be good to start a good business relation with a furniture shop as you would also have some accounts payable with them. You should already have a good idea for the type of furnishing that you are going to use. You can have the traditional wooden furniture or you can go for the commercial plastic furniture. I suggest you employ the services of an architect or an interior designer. I always believe that the best work can always be expected from professionals.

Think of a good supplier for your coffee beans. You can either export from another country or just find a local grower.

Scout also for a company that deals in coffee equipment. You could also work out a deal with them.

"I can't come to work....I have the Ascension Flu!"

If I had the technological know-how, I'd record a fake commercial to embed here.  But I don't, so picture light sweeping strings playing in the back ground, and pictures of people running through fields of flowers in slow motion, with the breeze softly blowing through their hair while they smile vapidly....

"Are you tired and run down?  Feeling a bit lost and disoriented, like you just can't keep up with the crowd? Are you bloated and pimply and feeling like a clumsy teenager again? Can't sleep? Need to eat and eat?...... You too may have a case of....... The Ascension Flu!"




Yesterday when I wrote the article "The Question of Ascension" I said:

Here are my thoughts on Ascension:  I don't know exactly what it is.  I don't know exactly who what where when why or how it will happen. 

I know it's happening- I can feel it.  I can feel the changes in my own body, mind and spirit. It's real, and that is all that I Know.


... and That's what I'm going to write about today.  The "Ascension Flu".


As I've said before, I read voraciously and file things away in the back of my head for future reference. I've read several articles about the "symptoms" of ascension, and at the time thought "Oh yea, I know that feeling!", but like everything else it was filed away and not really in the front of my brain pan.  


Then last week we had the eclipse and the global meditation.  I don't know, I guess I somehow thought I'd wake up Monday morning feeling like a different person.  Wet fire crackers. Hmmmmm.... it was a bit disappointing, but, whatever, my week went on.  Little did I realize that by this weekend I'd think I was going insane or suffering from some terrible malady.  Then just when I was ready to call the hospital to book and MRI and EEG, and a battery of tests, one of my best friends sent me this link: 


http://enlightenedawareness.wetpaint.com/page/Ascension+Symptoms


....and suddenly I had one of those moments of extreme clarity:  I'm not loosing my mind!!!  I have the Ascension Flu!!!


As I said, I've read lots of articles about the various physical, emotional, mental and spiritual symptoms of going through ascension, but Hey!  I'm really busy. And forgetful. Very.


My personal symptoms started ramping up about 2 weeks ago, but this past week has been just ridiculous. Seriously.


Needless to say I've sent this article out to everyone and had a billion responses of: "Oh thank god!  I thought I was coming down with some horrible brain disease!!".


So for those of you that are feeling just a bit out of whack, have a read and put your mind to rest. It's probably just the Ascension Flu!

* BUT... if you are experiencing any symptoms of extreme discomfort, please see a doctor, just to make sure!!!

ASCENSION SYMPTOMS


1. Feeling as though you are in a pressure cooker or in intense energy; feeling stress. Remember, you are adjusting to a higher vibration and you will eventually adjust. Old patterns, behaviours and beliefs are also being pushed to the surface. There is a lot going on inside of you.

2. A feeling of disorientation; not knowing where you are; a loss of a sense of place. You are not in 3D anymore, as you have moved or in the process of moving into the higher realms.

3. Unusual aches and pains throughout different parts of your body. You are purifying and releasing blocked energy vibrating at 3D, while you are vibrating in a higher dimension.

4. Waking at night between 2 and 4 a.m. Much is going on in your dream state. You can't be there for long lengths of time and need a break. This is also the 'cleansing and releasing' hour.

5. Memory loss. A great abundance of short term memory loss and only vague remembrances of your past. You are in more than one dimension at a time, and going back and forth as part of the transition, you are experiencing a 'disconnect'. Also, your past is part of the Old, and the Old is forever gone. Being in the Now is the way of the New World.

6. 'Seeing' and 'hearing' things. You are experiencing different dimensions as you transition, all according to how sensitive you are and how you are wired.

7. Loss of identity. You try to access the Old you, but it is no longer there. You may not know who you are looking at in the mirror. You have cleared much of your old patterns and are now embodying much more light and a simpler, more purified divine you. All is in order, You are okay.

8. Feeling 'out of body'. You may feel as though someone is talking, but it is not you. This is our natural defence mechanism of survival when we are under acute stress or feeling traumatized or out of control. Your body is going through a lot and you may not want to be in it. My ascension guide told me that this was a way of easing the transition process, and that I did not need to experience what my body was going through. This only lasted a short time. It passes.

9. Periods of deep sleeping. You are resting from all the acclimating and are integrating, as well as building up for the next phase.

10. Heightened sensitivities to your surroundings. Crowds, noise, foods, TV, other human voices and various other stimulations are barely tolerable. You also overwhelm very easily and become easily overstimulated. You are tuning up. Know that this will eventually pass.

11. You don't feel like doing anything. You are in a rest period, 'rebooting'. Your body knows what it needs. In addition, when you begin reaching the higher realms, 'doing' and 'making things happen' becomes obsolete as the New energies support the feminine of basking, receiving, creating, self-care and nurturing. Ask the Universe to 'bring' you what you want while you are enjoying yourself and having fun.

12. An intolerance for lower vibrational things of the 3D, reflected in conversations, attitudes, societal structures, healing modalities, etc. They literally make you feel 'sick' inside. You are in a higher vibration and your energies are no longer in alignment. You are being 'pushed, to move forward; to 'be' and create the New.

13. A loss of desire for food. Your body is adjusting to a new, higher state of being. Also, part of you does not want to be here anymore in the Old.

14. A sudden disappearance of friends, activities, habits, jobs and residences. You are evolving beyond what you used to be, and these people and surroundings no longer match your vibration. The New will soon arrive and feel so-o-o-o much better.

15. You absolutely cannot do certain things anymore. When you try to do your usual routine and activities, it feels downright awful. You are evolving beyond what you used to be, and these people and surroundings no longer match your vibration. The New will soon arrive and feel so-o-o-o much better.

16. Days of extreme fatigue. Your body is losing density and going through intense restructuring.

17. A need to eat often along with what feels like attacks of low blood sugar. Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. A craving for protein. You are requiring an enormous amount of fuel for this ascension process. Weight gain with an inability to loose it no matter what you do is one of the most typical experiences. Trust that your body knows what it is doing.

18. Experiencing emotional ups and downs; weeping. Our emotions are our outlet for release, and we are releasing a lot.

19. A wanting to go Home, as if everything is over and you don't belong here anymore. We are returning to Source. Everything is over, but many of us are staying to experience and create the New World. Also, our old plans for coming have been completed.

20. Feeling you are going insane, or must be developing a mental illness of some sort. You are rapidly experiencing several dimensions and greatly opening. Much is available to you now. You are just not used to it. Your awareness has been heightened and your barriers are gone. This will pass and you will eventually feel very at Home like you have never felt before, as Home is now here.

21. Anxiety and panic. Your ego is losing much of itself and is afraid. Your system is also on overload. Things are happening to you that you may not understand. You are also losing behaviour patterns of a lower vibration that you developed for survival in 3D. This may make you feel vulnerable and powerless. These patterns and behaviours you are losing are not needed in the higher realms. This will pass and you will eventually feel so much love, safety and unity. Just wait.

22. Depression. The outer world may not be in alignment with the New, higher vibrational you. It doesn't feel so good out there. You are also releasing lower, darker energies and you are 'seeing' through them. Hang in there.

23. Vivid, wild and sometimes violent dreams. You are releasing many, many lifetimes of lower vibrational energy. Many are now reporting that they are experiencing beautiful dreams. Your dream state will eventually improve and you will enjoy it again. Some experience this releasing while awake. My mother commented one day that she believed I was having nightmares in the daytime.

24. Night sweats and hot flashes. Your body is 'heating' up as it burns off residue.

25. Your plans suddenly change in mid-stream and go in a completely different direction. Your soul is balancing out your energy. It usually feels great in this new direction, as your soul knows more than you do. It is breaking your 'rut' choices and vibration.

26. You have created a situation that seems like your worst nightmare, with many 'worst nightmare' aspects to it. Your soul is guiding you into 'stretching' into aspects of yourself where you were lacking, or into 'toning down' aspects where you had an overabundance. Your energy is just balancing itself. Finding your way to peace through this situation is the test you have set up for yourself. This is your journey, and your soul would not have set it up if you weren't ready. You are the one who finds your way out and you will. Looking back, you will have gratitude for the experience and be a different person.

 Here are a few more symptoms that were not listed in the above article that I have found many many people  (including myself) to be experiencing as well:

•  Activity at the crown of the head: Tingling, itching, prickly, crawling sensations along the scalp and/or down the spine. A sense of energy vibrating on top of the head, as if energy is erupting from the head in a shower. Also the sensation of energy pouring in through the crown, described as "sprinkles". This may also be experienced as pressure on the crown, as if someone is pushing his/her finger into the center of your head. 
•  Food intolerances, allergies you never had before: As you grow more spiritual, you are more sensitive to everything around you. Your body will tell you what it can no longer tolerate, as if it, too, is sloughing off what doesn't serve it anymore. You might be cleansing yourself of toxins. Some people find they often have a white residue in their mouth, much like that of runners at the end of a race.
• Sight: Blurry vision, shimmering objects, seeing glittery particles, auras around people, plants, animals, and objects. Some report seeing formerly opaque objects as transparent. When you close your eyes, you no longer see darkness, but a redness. You may also see geometric shapes or brilliant colors and pictures when eyes are closed. Colors appear more vivid -- the sky might look teal or the grass an amazing green. As you become more sensitive, you may see shapes or outlines in the air, especially when the room is almost dark. When your eyes are open or closed, you may see white shapes in your peripheral vision.
• Hearing: Increased or decreased hearing. hearing white noise in the head, beeps, tones, music or electronic patterns. Some hear water rushing, bees buzzing, whooshing, roaring or ringing. Others have what is called audio dyslexia-- you can't always make out what people are saying, as if you can no longer translate your own language.
•  Enhanced senses of smell, touch, and/or taste. I notice I can now smell and taste chemical additives in some foods in a rather unpleasant manner. Other food may taste absolutely wonderful. For some people, these enhancements are both delightful and distracting. You might even smell the fragrance of flowers now and then. 
•  Skin eruptions: Rashes, bumps, acne, hives, and shingles. Outbreaks around the mouth and chin, even on unusual areas of your body.
• Changes in meditation. Not feeling the same sensations as before. Not having the same experience. Difficulty in focusing.
• "Teachers" appear everywhere with perfect timing to help you on your spiritual journey: people, books, movies, events, Mother Nature, etc. 
•  Heart palpitations. A racing heart usually accompanies a heart opening. It only lasts for a few moments and means that the heart is re-balancing itself after an emotional release. (I had a few episodes back in February that freaked me out with my "heart" pounding so hard and fast I could barely stand.)
•  Faster hair and nail growth. ...very weird!
• Bloating, gassiness....not pleasant when you're out in public!
• Strange pressures and sensations in the areas of chakra centers- sometimes almost uncomfortable pressure, or prickling sensations. Last week I felt like I had a piece of food stuck in my throat...for 3 days.   Last month I had an uncomfortable heavy pressure on my solar plexus every time I ate for several days.

Take heart my friends!  As we move closer to our goal, we will feel the changes happening.  It's not going to last forever, and soon we will reap the benefits!

The Question of Ascension

as·cen·sion 

NOUN:

1. The act or process of ascending; ascent.
2. Astronomy The rising of a star above the horizon.
3. Ascension
   1. In Christianity, the bodily rising of Jesus into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection.
   2. A feast celebrating this event, observed on Ascension Day.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English ascensioun, from Old French ascention, from Latin ascnsi, ascnsin-, from ascnsus, past participle of ascendere, to ascend ; see ascend







I have attempted to write this article several times over the last few months... and each time I ended up putting it aside in frustration.  Then a couple of days ago I suddenly realized why it was not possible for me to write it (as originally planned).  That was because I was trying to find an absolute definition.


Let me back up for a moment.


When I write an article it's usually something that either has jumped out at me and sent me immediately pounding away on the keyboard, or sometimes I will just wake up know exactly what I need to write about.


A few days ago when I wrote the article "Who is Cobra: Listening and Learning with an open mind"  it morphed into more than just an article about a web site and the person who created it.  As with many of the articles I write, I may start with the blank page and a brief plan of what the article will be about, but usually at some point, the original outline gets tossed out the window and I end up delving into topics that come to me out of the blue. The Cobra article is a great example of that.  During the writing of it, I realized that there were far more important issues that needed to be discussed and that the focus needed to be on the point of keeping an open mind and heart.


What I didn't realize at the time, was where this article would lead and what aspect or piece of information from it people would zero in on.  Within hours of it's publication I was surprised to have several people focus on the same point:

Anonymous22 May 2012 09:59

He/She had me until: "There is a plan for Ascension but the exact plan how this will occur is classified intel..."

No, it's not.

WOW!  I really didn't see that coming!!   Apparently, out of all the info in that article, that one small comment from Cobra really hit a nerve for many people. I immediately knew that this was the angle I was missing when trying to write about Ascension.


What is "Ascension"?  Not the dictionary definition (see above), but the meaning of the word in the modern usage as seen on so many web sites- especially those dealing with 2012 and our Cosmic Cousins. 


Therein lies the root of the problem and, what I think Cobra may have been alluding to.  


What is "Ascension"? The loosest and simplest definition might be that we, as living beings on a living planet, are undergoing massive changes in all aspects of our being.  We are transforming.  "Ascending" to another level.  The next stage of evolution.


Well.  That was easy!  All done.


NOT.


Here's the thing.  There are hundreds (if not thousands) of web sites out there on the WWW, that have their own ideology and theories about ascension.   Some believe in a very organic all natural ascension, some believe in a technologically enhanced ascension, some believe in an ascension that has very Christian religious overtones,  some believe in an ascension process that is an amalgamation of two or more of these theories.  Some believe that ascension will happen in a slow metamorphosis- over months, years, or even millennia.  Some believe that it will happen suddenly on December 21, 2012. Some believe that it will happen in March of 2013. Some believe that everyone will ascend, some believe that only certain people will ascend.  Some believe there will be three days of darkness that will usher in this ascension.  Some believe that it will happen in special chambers brought by the Galactic Federation, aka: our Cosmic Cousins....  




..... you see the problem here right?


Just a quick look at the mass of information on the topic, on the 2012 Scenario web site will give you a glimpse of the magnitude of this topic.

What is “Ascension”?

As we near 2012 and the end of the present cycle of duality, “the stage is set for a grand finale,” according to Atmos of Sirius, “a glorious time of enlightenment, and the spreading of much love and harmony. The Light is reaching into people’s heart centers and awakening them to greater possibilities than they have [ever] previously considered.” (1)
The ascended masters, galactics, and celestials who discuss the path to “heavenly transformation” call Ascension “the freedom trail” that leads to a “Golden Age.” (2) What else could Ascension be, they ask, “but Heaven on Earth … beyond your wildest expectations”? (3)
When speaking of it, they cannot escape superlatives. No matter, says SaLuSa of Sirius, “Ascension will by far exceed” any experiences we have had on Earth “and even your most exotic dreams of Utopia.” (4)
Saul describes the ascended space as a “state of total peace, harmony, and balance.” (5) “It is indeed a state of exhilaration and wonder for which [you] have been yearning for eons.” (6)
Previously terrestrial seekers were most accustomed to speaking of “enlightenment.”
The galactics also link ascension with enlightenment.
As SaLuSa says, ascension is a process “that helps you become enlightened.” (7) “The object of working your way to Ascension is to move into a state of enlightenment, and continue to evolve.” (8)
“For those who have not yet experienced spiritual enlightenment,” he adds, “it is hard to convey in words how it affects the psyche.” (9)
We have to be careful relying on our memories because most people’s memories quickly revert to sensual objects like filet mignon and Hawaiian sunsets and ascension is so much more than that.
The fact is that no normal pleasure, even multiplied, could approach what I imagine ascension will offer us.  Mata Amritanandamayi, whom I regard as an avatar or “descent of God,” says that “the happiness that we get from worldly objects is only an infinitesimal fraction of the bliss that we get from within.”  (10)
SaLuSa says Ascension “instills a calmness and peace that is a delightful energy to experience.” (7) We may sometimes reach that same state of stillness within and momentarily experience the exaltation of perfect peace.
As the energies rise, it will be easier and easier to breathe in and feel that bliss.  Someday it will explode and be permanent.
The galactics invite us to reflect on “what it will be like to move within its beauty and majesty all of the time, because that is how it will be.” (11)
SaLuSa predicts that the suddenness of the Ascension transformation will be “quite astonishing.” (12)
Saul agrees. None of our ideas will prepare us for the experience: “Those who are ready will find themselves there, suddenly, to their absolute joy and amazement – amazement because, although they have been praying for it, preparing for it, and longing for it, they can have no idea what it really means until they experience it.” (13)
We may have had a subconscious premonition of it. “At the deepest level, all beings know what Ascension means,” says one source. “Consciously this may be perhaps just a feeling or a knowing that cannot be explained whilst others have full conscious clarity.
“On the highest level of explanation, no third-density being can truly understand the entire picture that is Ascension … but it can be grasped enough to be able to be processed, lived, acted upon, and created.” (14)
Ascension does not require us to give up anything of true value; rather we gain beyond anything we can imagine. If we could but see into the future, SaLuSa suggests, we would have no hesitation in relinquishing the hold that Earth has upon us. (15)...

Read the entire article HERE

Or this explanation from the Green Print for Life Website:

 What is 'Ascension'?

 The most simple explanation is that Ascension is merely a shift from one energetic vibration to another. Scientifically-speaking, it is a shift from one dimension of space-time to another. In the spiritual sense, we are bridging the realms of what we currently know and experience as 'life' and 'death'. Scientifically, it is a movement from our current third dimension to a fourth, and likely a fifth dimension.

Ascension is an experience that will be as uniquely different and equally beautiful as you are! Each person will experience it when she/he is ready, willing and able to choose it. Divine free-will always allows for one to choose or to not choose to experience this, depending upon what lessons and experiences the Higher Self of an individual still wishes to go through.
Keep in mind that the human journey up to this moment has been one of duality. It has been necessary to exist within this illusion of separation from a Divine Being, from each other and so forth. One cannot know what love is, without the experience of what love is not; therefore, one is better able to choose thoughts, words and actions of love within each experience of what love is not. Historically, most have been unable or unwilling to choose love where love has not been present. They have chosen thoughts, words and actions of fear, greed, revenge, jealousy, hatred, war and many others. As greater and greater energies of love and Light flood our planet now, more and more people are now finding the courage to BE love, in the face of all that is not love, and it has been these examples that have had profound effects on others around them, to empower them and to lift them up into their own levels of love and Light.
Historically, religions have told their own stories of an Ascended Master. Sadly, these stories have not explained that each individual has within her/himself the ability to awaken to this higher consciousness. Religions have tried to keep fear within their believers, and to make 'Ascension' an experience that could only be achieved through their particular belief and service to their particular version of the Divine. The current truth movement around the world is now exposing the flaws within numerous religious faiths, and in particular the lies, frauds and crimes committed by the Vatican cartel and the Roman Catholic Church. Information is coming to Light now that has confirmed that we are all ONE, spiritually and scientifically. There is no separation, and harm committed to any other aspect of LIFE is harm committed to oneself, because we are all ONE. Some texts have talked about incredible trials and challenges that each Master had to go through to prepare for his/her personal ascension. During those periods of time, it was not uncommon to spend one's entire LIFE-path, going through the work necessary to come to the awareness that would allow one to become an 'Ascended Master'.

Here are my thoughts on Ascension:  I don't know exactly what it is.  I don't know exactly who what where when why or how it will happen. 

I know it's happening- I can feel it.  I can feel the changes in my own body, mind and spirit. It's real, and that is all that I Know.

Which brings me back to what Cobra said:  " THERE IS A PLAN FOR ASCENSION BUT THE EXACT PLAN HOW THIS WILL OCCUR IS CLASSIFIED INTEL UNTIL THE CABAL IS REMOVED...."

My interpretation of this comment is that right now we truly do NOT know exactly what "Ascension" really is.  I don't believe the comment comes from a place of:

  

"The ETs know everything and THEY will tell you what it is"  

But more from a place of: 

"Earth's history has been erased by years of religious and political and ideological manipulation, and the true meaning of Ascension has been lost or distorted over a millennia of negative interference."

I believe that each persons interpretation of "Ascension" is coloured by their religious, social and racial background. I have talked to many many people on this topic and for the most part have I have seen how the beliefs of someone raised as a Christian, for example, is many times very different from the beliefs of someone who was raised as an Atheist.   

In my opinion we really do not know what Ascension is. Until all of the negative entities and forces on this planet are banished, I don't think we will truly know exactly what Ascension is and what it will mean to us in terms of all the details of who what where why when and how.

And that's fine with me.

I know it will be amazing, and for now... that's all I need to know.

Help Desk Hangout: Learn about Google Earth Pro

Editor’s note: Each week on the Google+ Your Business page, we’re putting you in touch with Googlers and users who can help you as a business owner get the most out of our products and features.

In our latest Help Desk Hangout On Air, Google Earth experts +Dan Cohen and +Alex Kain taught us how your business can use Earth Pro to help you visualize your company’s data. Missed it? You can watch the full hour-long Hangout on the Google Business YouTube channel (look for the minute-by-minute breakdown in the description so you can easily skip around):

Here are a few of the questions you asked us to answer during the Hangout:

What is Google Earth?
Google Earth’s client software that's used primarily as a visualization tool. You may have even used it once or twice to swoop in to the globe and check out your house! And Earth Pro is a professional product with a few additional features you can use, which we dive deeper into during the Hangout.

What are some features of Earth Pro that can help my business?

A ton! Let’s break this down into the highlights:

• Advanced measuring tools: Quickly and easily measure and stylize complex polygons. Property developers and building designers can quickly estimate the area and perimeter of a property. Afterward, they can quickly stylize the polygon so it’s easily seen on their map.
• Save premium imagery: Save premium images of the maps you create in Earth Pro for inclusion in your business materials. Save a premium image of all your customer locations to share with your investors.
• Bulk data import: Import and stylize CSV files (with address or lat/long data), GIS shapefiles, or GPS data to include in the maps you create. Real estate agents quickly upload and locate all the properties in their portfolios by importing CSV files containing the addresses of their properties.
• U.S. premium data layers: Take advantage of the robust U.S. Demographic, Parcel and Traffic Count data layers that are a part of the Earth Pro package. Architects fly to the location of their next project, use the parcel data layer to find the parcel number, and use the parcel number to find the zoning restrictions for the property they’ll be working on.
• Movie Maker: Quickly and easily create high-definition movies. Nature touring companies create high-definition videos using Earth Pro that take you along the path of their tours.

Do I have to commit to buying Earth Pro upfront? 
Nope — just sign up for a free seven-day trial to see how you like it.

To learn more about how to get started with Google Earth Pro, check out our overview site (FAQs, customer stories, and more!). And remember to tune in to the live stream of our next Hangout at 11 a.m. PT Wednesday May 30 when we teach you more about AdWords.

Posted by Vanessa Schneider, Google Places community manager

Night Trading

I missed a hedge in one of my option strategies yesterday. I had to buy some SPX call options and due to a bunch of reasons, all my own fault, I missed the buy as my original limit order was not filled and I didn't manage the order as I should have.

OK, what to do? Options in the SPX don't trade outside of RTH. My fallback position was the futures. As you probably saw, there was a pop in the ES near the close, so I judged that there would probably be a pullback during the night. I then picked a spot where I thought the pullback would hit - I looked at the Profile as well as my bar chart. I placed my order at 1317.00 and was pleased to see a fill when I woke up. It was an awesome buy as the low was 1316.75. The market was trading over 1319.00 at the time I woke up so I was doubly pleased. My ES hedge was an over hedge, as I thought that if I filled there I should buy more than I needed as value was moving higher.

This morning, price firmed up very quickly after the London open and I was able to sell my excess ES at 1327.00. Might be worth doing this night trading more often.