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Archive for 2010|Yearly archive page

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Mario Romano Says “Show Me – Don’t Just Tell Me”

In Professionals, Uncategorized on December 20, 2010 at 8:17 am
Mario Romano

Mario Romano

Mario Romano and the team at Wealth Engineering believe that their online education and analysis platform is quite simply the best option available to individual investors. Mario Romano, CEO of Wealth Engineering, will tell you directly that “talk is cheap – results are what matter most!”

According to Mario Romano, Wealth Engineering markets the “Investview” product of Global Investor Services Inc., a publicly traded company providing online financial education, analysis tools and live webinar-based training to individual subscribers.

From Mario Romano’s perspective, what sets the Investview product apart is its live trading rooms. These live webinars are held five times per week and Mario Romano says that they demonstrate real trade strategies to students. Mario Romano explains that this is not training that uses examples from the past. Instead, Mario Romano says that students are able to apply the education and trade strategies to real trades and share performance from start to finish. “Most others tell you, while our platform demonstrates everything,” points out Mario Romano.

Mario Romano presents the approach of the platform as simple. Investview combines the three critical elements required:

  1. Education – Mario Romano says that everyone must have the training and knowledge to approach investing in the market intelligently.
  2. Analysis Tools – The tools to assess and evaluate the markets, companies and key financial information are critical, says Mario Romano, and this type of information was once available only to professionals.
  3. Application– The ability to apply the education and the analysis to real trades, notes Mario Romano, is the element of the solution that puts the Investview platform in a class of its own.

Mario Romano lives with the conviction that we are living in an age where we can be the most educated and informed investors in history. Mario Romano points out that information is available to everyone and it allows individuals the opportunity to participate in their own financial outcome. Mario Romano believes the Investview product platform will enable everyone to take control of his or her capital and become a “wealth engineer.”

Mario Romano dedicates his professional life to these objectives and strives to establish Wealth Engineering as a leader in providing financial education to the masses worldwide. For more information, Mario Romano can be reached at 732-889-4308.

Mario Romano began his Wall Street career at Lehman Brothers in 1982. From then until the beginning of the new millennium, Mario Romano held several executive positions with a select group of Wall Street institutions. Mario Romano also served as CEO of Romano Enterprises LLC from May 2000 through December 2004. In 2005, Mario Romano co-founded Wealth Engineering & Development and through their combined efforts, Mario Romano contributed to securing the largest contractual agreements for the InvestView platform of Global Investor Services Inc. Mario Romano has fine-tuned motivational skills that have allowed him to establish, grow and manage a group of over 100 retail stockbrokers. With over twenty-five years of Wall Street experience, Mario Romano believes the time has come for individuals to learn how to manage and grow their wealth. Mario Romano dedicates his professional life to these objectives and strives to solidify Wealth Engineering as a leader in providing financial education to the masses worldwide.

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Jonathan Berkowitz Discusses a Relaxing Breathing Exercise Attributed to Yoga

In Health and Beauty on December 14, 2010 at 5:34 pm

Whether we like it or not, says Jonathan Berkowitz, everyone in the world is susceptible to stress. And, Jonathan Berkowitz points out, stress takes a very real toll on physical and mental health. Jonathan Berkowitz draws from the eastern tradition of Yoga to help his clients find relief from stress.

There is a practice in yoga, explains Jonathan Berkowitz, called pranayama. Jonathan Berkowitz says that pranayama is an age-old Sanskrit term meaning, “the lengthening of the breath” or “extension of the life force.” The great yogi masters, says Jonathan Berkowitz, understood the crucial connection between a good life and good breathing. Jonathan Berkowitz explains that pranayama is a disciplined from of abdominal breathing, also called belly breathing.

Well-practiced abdominal breathing, says Jonathan Berkowitz, is useful for many reasons. Licensed clinical social workers like Jonathan Berkowitz often suggest abdominal breathing exercises as a form of stress reduction and relaxation. In addition to being an exercise, says Jonathan Berkowitz, deep breathing is also meditative and helps enhance concentration and posture. It is no wonder, says Jonathan Berkowitz, that many western therapists and counselors regard pranayama so highly.

The basics of deep breathing, says Jonathan Berkowitz, can be remembered by the simple phrase “abdomen, chest – chest, abdomen.” Inhale deeply and slowly, says Jonathan Berkowitz, in your abdomen first until it is expanded. Then continue the same inhalation, says Jonathan Berkowitz, now expanding your chest. Exhale at the same steady pace, says Jonathan Berkowitz, first from your chest, finishing with your abdomen.

A great way to prepare for stressful times, says Jonathan Berkowitz, is to practice abdominal breathing before stress arrives. When you feel you are becoming stressed, advises Jonathan Berkowitz, take stock of your breathing pattern by putting one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. If only the hand on your chest is rising and falling with your breaths, notes Jonathan Berkowitz, then you are not breathing with your abdomen.

To practice abdominal breathing, Jonathan Berkowitz suggests beginning by relaxing the stomach. While breathing in deeply, says Jonathan Berkowitz, let the stomach expand with the breath. When the belly has expanded with the breath, continues Jonathan Berkowitz, continue the inhalation as it expands the chest. After inhaling a full breath, says Jonathan Berkowitz, exhale gradually in reverse order. Let the chest fall first as the air leaves the body, explains Jonathan Berkowitz, followed by the belly. Repeat these soothing breaths, says Jonathan Berkowitz, to ease tension and alleviate worry. Abdominal breathing like this can be practiced at any time, says Jonathan Berkowitz, even while driving.

About Jonathan Berkowitz

Jonathan Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1994. Following studies at the Long Island University, Jonathan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist in 1997. Jonathan Berkowitz earned a Masters of Clinical Social Work from New York University in 1999, and later was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In 2000, Jonathan Berkowitz was issued a Post Masters certificate in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy. Jonathan Berkowitz obtained Post Masters certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

It was while Jonathan Berkowitz was studying at Queens College that he served in the Brooklyn Public Schools as a special Education Instructor from 1993-1994. Jonathan Berkowitz also served as a school Psychologist and Social Worker in Brooklyn with the Board of Education. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz did an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

During 1999 and 2000 Jonathan Berkowitz worked as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York. Jonathan Berkowitz served as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during 2003-2004. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz offered his services as Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW to the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn, New York from 2002 through 2006.

During 2004–2005, Jonathan Berkowitz worked at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York as Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Jonathan Berkowitz currently maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey focusing on children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his services visit http://www.familiesheal.com.

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Tire Works Offers Top Quality Programs and Guarantees

In Automotive on December 14, 2010 at 5:33 pm

On top of great prices and free services, the experts at Tire Works are known for prompt, high-quality automotive repairs and maintenance. Stocked with a full selection of tires and offering premium quality repair services, Tire Works specializes in personalized convenient service. Because the Tire Works ASE certified technicians are not on commission, Tire Works assures customers that they will not suggest unnecessary work. According to management, the Tire Works company owners believe that if they pay employees what they are worth, they are more likely to give their heart to the work. This is a fundamental commerce ethic that drives the Tire Works business model.

Tire Works accommodates the busy schedules of customers with a convenient computerized reservation system. The friendly staff at Tire Works can schedule a reservation, issue a confirmation number, reserve the parts and honor a customer’s appointment. This way it is possible to show up at Tire Works and get a car right into the shop with no waiting. Tire Works also believes in business transparency and will not refuse a customer the opportunity to inspect his or her car. If a Tire Works customer is curious about the progress of the work being done on their vehicle, a friendly Tire Works technician will take them on a walk-through to the automobile and explain the job.

Tire Works is also proud to offer a 30-Day Limited Ride Guarantee. If a customer is not satisfied with their Tire Works tire purchase, they can be returned to Tire Works within 30 days of purchase for full credit toward any other set of tires. The Tire Works 30-Day Limited Ride Guarantee applies to selected manufacturers and it is always recommended to ask a Tire Works associate for complete details before purchasing tires.

The Tire Works Inspection Program is the best way to get quantifiable facts before making a decision about brake work. With the Inspection Program, Tire Works measures and compares the pads, shoes, rotors, drums and brake fluid levels of an automobile. Tire Works then compares these findings to the manufacturer’s specifications for the vehicle. The Tire Works Inspection Program takes the guesswork out of brake work.

However, Tire Works services cover much more than just tires and brakes. Tire Works performs wheel alignments with computer precision and clear documentation. ASE certified craftsmen give customers informational printouts of the car’s alignment before the job is done. This gives Tire Works customers an opportunity to compare their alignment to the manufacturers recommended settings before deciding on a wheel alignment. After the job is completed, Tire Works furnishes customers with a fresh alignment printout so they can personally verify the changes.

Priority #1 at Tire Works is customer satisfaction. To this end, Tire Works frequently assesses the quality of the customer service at all of their locations. Tire Works does this through customer interviews and other forms of research. Tire Works management will also occasionally check a “secret shopper” car into their own shops to assess the quality of service.

For more information about Tire Works, or to contact the professional team at Tire Works, please call (702) 365-TIRE (8473).

About Tire Works

In May, 2004 Jeff and Roshie Weightman opened the first Tire Works store in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The Weightman’s vision and ambition for Tire Works was clear. Their mission was to support the local community through hands-on involvement and generous donations from Tire Works to programs like Toys For Tots, Christmas Angel, Coats For Kids, Nevada Rape Crisis Center and many more.

Jeff and Roshie Weightman promised that Tire Works would offer the best prices and best service to Las Vegas residents. Tire Works got the message out through television, radio and print advertising, and the public responded. Over the next four years Tire Works grew aggressively as 12 additional stores were opened in the Las Vegas Valley. Today Tire Works is one of the leading independent tire and service dealers in Nevada with more than 150 employees and 14 Tire Works locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley.  The Weightmans are opening 9 more Tire Works stores in Las Vegas, with plans to expand Tire Works into Arizona.

Jeff Weightman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Tire Works Total Car Care.  Thirty-five years of experience in the tire and automotive service industry included many years with Bridgestone Firestone of North America before he co-founded Tire Works.  Mr. Weightman is responsible for the overall strategic management of Tire Works Total Car Care.  He is a graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. in Business.

Roshie Weightman serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Tire Works Total Car Care.  Mrs. Weightman is a graduate of San Jose State University with a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Finance.  She earned a Jurist Doctorate degree in Law from the Santa Clara School of Law and practiced law for 11 years prior to starting a software design company, selling it and then later, co-founding Tire Works. Mrs. Weightman is responsible for the overall growth and development of Tire Works Total Car Care.

Tire Works’ veteran retail sales expert with more than 25 years of experience in the tire industry, Keith Sullivan, is responsible for Tire Works’ branding and sales efforts.  Mr. Sullivan came to Tire Works from Big O Tires, growing its sales portfolio roughly 50% during his tenure there. Sullivan also served as senior Vice President of Retail with Tire Kingdom TBC Corporation in Florida, where he supervised the sales and marketing of 400 stores and with Bridgestone/Firestone USA where he held a Zone Vice President position over 329 stores in the Northeastern United States.

Controller Jenni Fayle joined Tire Works after seven years in public accounting.  She is a graduate of Nevada State College with a degree in Business Management and Accounting.  Ms. Fayle has streamlined the accounting department at Tire Works into one of the most thorough and efficient in the industry.

Tire Works offers a full range of tires and high quality repair services. Free services offered at Tire Works include tire rotations and flat repairs and a “Best Price on Tires Guarantee” for up to 30 days after purchase. Tire Works tires also come with a 30-Day Ride Guarantee. Additionally, Tire Works provides computerized monitoring of inventory to ensure that tires and parts are always in stock at every Tire Works location. Tire Works service technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Tire Works offers the best warranties on brakes, shocks and automotive services. It is the goal of the entire team at Tire Works to have 100% customer satisfaction in regard to quality, friendliness, professional care and time to completion.

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Guy Asaro Weighs in on the Energy Saving Potential of the Green Movement

In Real Estate on December 4, 2010 at 6:38 am

The green movement has a lot of permutations, notes Guy Asaro, and each professional must apply it to their particular industry. In most instances, says McMillin Homes president Guy Asaro, the green movement involves conserving energy and materials thorough imaginative and innovative methods. Guy Asaro’s particular interest is in greening the residential building and land use industry to which he has dedicated his professional career.

Working hands-on in the building and real estate industries since the 1980s, Guy Asaro brings a unique and seasoned perspective to the modern home building market. Green living is inevitable, says Guy Asaro, not merely a good idea. The days of wasteful energy use, explains Guy Asaro, have gone the way of the dodo bird. A real estate developer cannot compete in today’s market, adds Guy Asaro, without incorporating facets of the green movement into his or her work.

According to Guy Asaro, designing a land use plan involves several aspects of conservation. One significant aspect of conservation, says Guy Asaro, is the land use factor. The land plan itself, notes Guy Asaro, must be geared toward saving energy. Guy Asaro also points out that building offices that are close to residences can shorten or eliminate automobile commutes. Retail centers should be near enough to the residential clusters, says Guy Asaro, so that residents do not have to get in their car and drive each time they want to shop. People that drive less, says Guy Asaro, will conserve our overall consumption of fossil fuel and spend more time walking on the area’s quaint sidewalks and trails. In fact, the more significant places residents can reach on foot, adds Guy Asaro, the higher the reported levels of residential satisfaction. The community strengthening effect of increased pedestrian activity, concludes Guy Asaro, is a great beneficial side effect of reduced car traffic.

About Guy Asaro

Guy Asaro currently serves as President of McMillin Homes, one of The Corky McMillin Companies.  Guy Asaro is a 28 year veteran of the real estate industry. Guy Asaro joined the Corky McMillin organization in 2004 and was made president of the homebuilding operations in 2007.  Guy Asaro also serves as a member of the five-person Executive Committee for The Corky McMillin Companies which guides the operations and strategic planning for the entire Corky McMillin organization.

In his position as president, Guy Asaro is the overseer of McMillin’s four regional home building divisions including Southern California, Central Valley and Bakersfield in California and San Antonio, Texas. Guy Asaro supervises all aspects of the home-building operations including planning, product development, construction, sales and marketing and after sale customer service, as well as mortgage and escrow services.

McMillin Homes is in its 50th year of doing business and has built approximately 30,000 homes primarily throughout the state of California.  McMillin Homes closed 1,107 homes in 2007, 830 homes in 2008, and 825 homes in 2009 companywide.

Prior to becoming the president of McMillin Homes, Guy Asaro held the position of senior vice president of land acquisition and planning for sister company McMillin Land Development.  Before joining the Corky McMillin organization, Guy Asaro was a vice-president of The Eastlake Company for five years and also ran his own development company.  Guy Asaro has previous experience including holding an executive position with both The Baldwin Company and Pacific Bay Homes.

Guy Asaro is very active in community affairs for the real estate industry.  Guy Asaro currently serves on the Building Industry Association of San Diego County’s Board of Directors and is a past president of its South County Division.  Guy Asaro has also served as a member of the Chula Vista Mayor’s Task Force on School Issues, Budget Oversight Committee for the Chula Vista Elementary School District and SR-125 Development Task Force.

Guy Asaro received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Redlands.  Guy Asaro lives in Scripps Ranch with his wife Chelsea and their three children.

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Yochanan Berkowitz Discusses the Fundamentals of Skiing

In Home and Family on December 4, 2010 at 5:58 am

Growing up in the northeast, Yochanan Berkowitz has developed an appreciation for the outdoor sport of skiing.  Yochanan Berkowitz reports that skiing can offer an exhilarating release for someone that has a lot on his or her mind. The sport brings a skiier in direct congress with nature, says Yochanan Berkowitz, as he or she travels over the snowy expanses of open land.

Yochanan Berkowitz points out, however, that skiing is a sport with a higher learning curve than many others. To ski well requires training and practice, says Yochanan Berkowitz, and some brief formal instruction is necessary as well. The key element of skiing, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is maintaining balance. Balance is best maintained, says Yochanan Berkowitz, by mastering the correct stance.

According to Yochanan Berkowitz, the correct skiing posture involves standing with feet shoulder width apart and toes pointing slightly inward, drawing the heels slightly apart. The next step is to bend the waist, instructs Yochanan Berkowitz, and fan the arms out slightly to lower the center of gravity. Body weight should be evenly distributed, notes Yochanan Berkowitz, on the heels and the balls of the feet. This balanced stance, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is the best way to maintain control and speed while skiing.

Yochanan Berkowitz suggests practicing this stance at home prior to putting on ski gear. When it comes to controlling yourself on your skis, says Yochanan Berkowitz, it’s all in the feet. Wherever direction the feet are turned, explains Yochanan Berkowitz, is where the skis will go. Before shoving off, Yochanan Berkowitz suggests lifting one leg at a time and turning the feet gently to the left and to the right. This exercise will get a skier used to the encumbrance and responsiveness of the skis, instructs Yochanan Berkowitz. Being strapped into skis is not a natural position for the feet, explains Yochanan Berkowitz, and it is best to spend some time getting used to this before tackling any runs.

About Yochanan Berkowitz

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit http://www.familiesheal.com.

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Bikes Direct Looks Forward to National Bike Month in May 2011

In Automotive on November 27, 2010 at 10:11 am

Every May, according to Bikes Direct staff, cyclists across the country celebrate National Bike Month, an event that culminates with a Friday Bike-to-Work day, and Bikes Direct is proud to support those who commute by bike. Each year, the Bikes Direct professionals look forward to the event. Even though many Bikes Direct employees frequently ride their bikes to work, it is always exciting for them to see other people actually enjoying their ride to work as much as they do. Bikes Direct knows that the easiest way to transition from car to bike is with the support of countless others making that same transition, and Bike-to-Work day makes that very dream a reality. Bikes Direct believes that bikes are not simply for recreation, but also provide a low-cost way to get to work, run errands and become better acquainted with your city.

With fluctuating gas prices and frustrating traffic jams, bike commuting is on the rise in major metropolitan areas, and Bikes Direct is excited to offer many options for those looking to get out of their car and onto a bike. From comfortable hybrids to more aggressive road bikes, Bikes Direct has a model for every level of ability, every style of riding, and perhaps most importantly, every budget. In fact, Bikes Direct is excited to debut the new Windsor city bikes this spring. Perfect for the daily commuter, the Windsor bikes will have an optional rear rack, great styling, and a low price point.

Although the thought of traversing heavily trafficked, seemingly bike-unfriendly areas can be daunting enough to prevent many from considering a commute by bike, Bikes Direct believes that a thoughtful, aware and responsive cyclist can successfully transition from car to bike and enjoy the process. Bikes Direct urges cyclists to acquaint themselves with local cycling laws and ride according to those laws. It is the hope of Bikes Direct employees that the popularity of Bike-to-Work day will carry over onto other days, and that the special occasion becomes a way of life.

Bikes Direct firmly believes that commuting by bike can be a transformative experience. Commuting by bike provides a relaxing way to jump-start what may otherwise be a stressful day and it’s also an opportunity to release that stress on the commute home. The cost savings alone is reason enough to consider commuting by bike, and the Bikes Direct staff is convinced that once you try it, you will be hooked. Those Bikes Direct staffers who routinely commute by bike to work report an improved mood, increased energy and extra money that they can spend on activities they enjoy rather than on gas.

In order for commuting by bicycle to become more mainstream, Bikes Direct recognizes that employers must provide facilities that make commuting by bike a feasible option. With the benefits of commuting by bike so obvious, Bikes Direct hopes that more employers will embrace the movement and see a happier, more productive workforce as a result. Bikes Direct, for example, encourages its employees to ride their bikes to work and offers facilities that make the process easier, such as an on-site shower, bike storage, and tools to make any bike adjustments that might be needed. Bikes Direct encourages other companies to support bike commuting in a similar fashion.

Bikes Direct management believes that cycling can change lives and that even the most mundane of tasks can be made enjoyable when completed by bike. Bikes Direct staffers ride bikes not because they have some incentive to do so, but because they genuinely enjoy riding. Bikes Direct would love to hear suggestions from cyclists about additional things that Bikes Direct could do to encourage bikes as transportation.

About Bikes Direct

Bikes Direct continues to provide the same excellent cycling experience that riders around the world have come to expect from Motobecane. As a beginning, Bikes Direct can offer this brief history; Motobecane has been making bikes since 1923 and was named after the French word Moto for motorcycle and Becane for bike. Things went well for the company until 1981 when they were bankrupt and bought by Yamaha and became MBK. Now Motobecane USA is not related to the French company as they import bikes from Taiwan and China, these are the bikes you are interested in. Bikes Direct offers these Bikes Direct to the public at competitive price points and excellent quality.

According to Bikes Direct, Motobécane was a major manufacturer in the French bicycle industry. The frames on Motobécane’s mid-to-upper bikes were typically double-butted lugged steel made from Vitus or Reynolds 531 molybdenum/manganese steel tubing with Nervex lugs. Motobécane finished their frames in beautiful and high-quality paint, a practice not often followed in the French industry. Considered the second most prestigious French bicycle (after Peugeot, whose more durable design they emulated, but ahead of Gitane), Bikes Direct remembers Motobécane’s mid-range bikes as a good value; the company kept prices reasonable by matching high-quality frames with lower-priced, but higher-quality components from Japan, at a time when competitors were putting higher-priced, lower quality French components on mid-range bikes. Bikes Direct says that Motobécane bicycles included the Nomade, Mirage, Super Mirage, Super Touring, Grand Touring, Sprint, Jubilee, Grand Record, Le Champion, and Team Champion.

Bikes Direct now offers Motobecane models that use carbon on two of their ranges of bikes, the Race Carbon/AL and the Full Carbon ranges. From the Race Carbon they produce the Century Comp, Elite, Pro and Team and from the Full Carbon they have the Immortal Pro, Force and Spirit.

Race Carbon/AL from Bikes Direct

Bikes Direct says the Race Carbon /AL frames are a mixture of Alloy main frame tubes and carbon rear seat stays. The frames use different Alloy for the tubes on each of the frames and different equipment to assemble the bikes.
The Century Comp has Columbus Airplane tubes and Shimano 105 Triple group set.

The Century Elite has Shimano Ultegra Triple kit and the frame is made from 7005 double butted and carbon stays. Shimano Ultegra 30 speed and Kinesium SL and Carbon are used for the Century Pro.

Bikes Direct offers the top class Shimano Dura-Ace, and carbon FSA Cranks are used for the Century Team with Kineses 7005 AL main tubes and carbon stays. All have carbon forks.

The Full Carbon

Shimano Utegra mixed with 105 and FSA is fitted to the Immortal Pro high modulus carbon fiber monocoque frameset along with carbon forks American Classic wheels.

Bikes Direct knows the Immortal Force is very similar to the Pro except it is all Shimano Ultegra; all the other equipment and the frame is the same.

The Immortal Spirit Dura-Ace, FSA, American Classic wheels and Ritchey are all fitted to a monocoque carbon frame keeping the weight down to 16 pounds.

Bikes Direct makes sure that all the equipment is top class and you can’t fault any choice there. Looking at the Geometries of the frames there is beauty and they handle well.

In addition to the standard diamond frame bicycles, Motobécane produced mixte frame versions; the mixte frame Grand Touring had twin lateral stays in place of a top tube, extending from the head tube to the seat tube, while the Super Touring and Grand Jubilé had a single top tube sloping down towards the seat tube, but diverging into twin lateral stays just before the seat tube. Later mixte Grand Touring models also used this design. Motobécane also produced a tandem bicycle.

Bikes Direct says vintage French bicycles, including Motobécane, are often sought today for their value as a fixed gear conversion.

For more information about Motobecane contact Bikes Direct at BikesDirect.com.

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Cedar Rapids Podiatrist Dr. William Knudson | Advice About Corns and Calluses

In Health and Beauty on November 17, 2010 at 11:43 am

Dr. William Knudson, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been practicing podiatry since 1996. Dr. William Knudson served at three highly regarded practices in and around Cedar Rapids, Iowa before relocating his private clinic to the East Coast. For the benefit of health conscious readers and patients, Dr. William Knudson of describes some common foot conditions that led his Cedar Rapids patients to visit his podiatry practice.

Dr. William Knudson says that many of his Cedar Rapids patients reported issues with corns and calluses. Dr. William Knudson explained to his Cedar Rapids patients that corns and calluses form on bony or protruding parts of the feet, which tend to rub against the inside of shoes all day. In explaining the difference between the two to these Cedar Rapids patients, Dr. William Knudson noted that corns form on the sides or tops of toes, while calluses appear on the soles of feet.

Walking on an untreated callus, according to Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids, can aggravate the callus, making it painful and sometimes messy. A smart way to deal with corns and calluses, says Dr. William Knudson, is to wear well-fitting shoes. Dr. William Knudson noted that Cedar Rapids drug stores sell non-medicated pads, and that these provide a cushion around the affected area while wearing shoes.

Dr. William Knudson also told Cedar Rapids patients to rub corns and calluses with a washcloth or pumice stone during baths or showers. This reduces the size of the ailment without doing any damage, he added. Dr. William Knudson instructed his Cedar Rapids patients to avoid shaving off a corn or callus. Dr. William Knudson further explained to his Cedar Rapids patients that shaving off the ailment can cause infection and a lot of pain.

If an individual suffers from a corn or callus coupled with diabetes or any other circulation problems, Dr. William Knudson, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, always urges consultation with a doctor to explore the best treatment options.

About William Knudson Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids podiatrist William Knudson grew up near Des Moines, Iowa. Before moving to Cedar Rapids, William Knudson spent his boyhood enjoying the pastimes of small town mid-America, and when it was time to pursue a vocation, Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids chose Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

On his way to settling down in Cedar Rapids, Dr. William Knudson pursued medical studies and later graduated from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. While pursuing a degree there, Dr. William Knudson of Cedar Rapids was awarded the Durlacher Honor Society scholarship, given in recognition of his scholarship and perceived potential for the advancement of podiatric medicine. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson also received the Philip Brachman Honor Scholarship (1994-1995) and Knudson graduated Cum Laude with both a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine on May 12, 1995.

Before the move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dr. William Knudson was offered a position at Hillcrest Health Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Then in 1996, Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson was appointed Chief Resident, and he was part of a 24-month program in podiatric medicine and surgery. This opportunity offered Dr. William Knudson extensive training in forefoot, rear foot, ankle, and lower leg reconstruction. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson achieved certification in foot and ankle arthroscopy, advanced wound care of the lower extremity and Internal fixation in foot and ankle surgery.

Over the next thirteen years Dr. William Knudson provided care in three well respected practices in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. In 1997 and 1998, Dr. William practiced at the Northwest Foot and Ankle Associates near Cedar Rapids in Sioux City, Iowa. Dr. William Knudson’s next stop relocated him closer to Cedar Rapids in Waterloo, Iowa where he built a practice at Cedar Valley Podiatry from 1998 through 2006. In 2006, Dr. William Knudson moved to a practice in Cedar Rapids at Iowa Foot and Ankle Clinic.

While practicing at Cedar Rapids’ Iowa Foot and Ankle Clinic, Dr. William Knudson was appointed as Department Chair, Podiatry, at the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dr. William Knudson also served on the Faculty of the Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation. Dr. William Knudson also served as a Panel physician at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Wound Healing Center located at Mercy Medical Center.

Dr. William Knudson’s professional accreditations include certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Cedar Rapids’ Dr. William Knudson is also appointed as a Fellow of the American Collage of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Dr. Knudson currently practices at Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia in Leesburg.  He remains committed to serving his patients by providing the greatest care available for all of their podiatric needs. With expanded office hours, Dr. Knudson and his dedicated staff are available to cater to even the busiest schedule.

For more information about Dr. William Knudson, please visit the Podiatric Care of Northern Virginia website at http://www.pcnvonline.com

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John Michael Hughes Comments on the Wisdom of Gold as an Investment

In Professionals on November 2, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Throughout history, reports John Michael Hughes, most civilizations have used gold as a standard for currency and exchange. The implementation of a gold standard, notes John Michael Hughes, has been a major factor in establishing international trade. Our current civilization, says John Michael Hughes, also adopted a widespread gold standard.

The gradual global adoption of a gold standard for currency, notes John Michael Hughes, has since been undone in the 21st century. According to John Michael Hughes, as of the year 2000 no currency printed by any nation is directly convertible to gold. As a result, notes John Michael Hughes, many people who are wary of falling currency values are purchasing gold to secure their assets.

People who buy gold, says John Michael Hughes, want protection against the risk of declines in currency value. Another reason investors are buying gold, adds John Michael Hughes, is to hedge against inflation. John Michael Hughes explains that the changing times have made gold a less secure hedge investment. Because the gold standard has been unilaterally dissolved, says John Michael Hughes, purchasing gold does not protect against fluctuations in the value of currency. John Michael Hughes says that this move has merely made gold another trade-able commodity with no fixed value. Like everything else, says John Michael Hughes, gold is now susceptible to the laws of supply and demand.

John Michael Hughes gives a simple example of gold investment failing to hedge against a drop in the value of the US dollar. John Michael Hughes points out that in 1980, one dollar was worth 200 yen. The price of gold in the same year, says John Michael Hughes, was $400. In 2005, continues John Michael Hughes, the dollar had fallen in strength and was trading for 110 yen. John Michael Hughes points out that gold still cost $400 per ounce in 2005 although both the dollar and the gold lost value to the yen over those years.

About John Michael Hughes

Dedicating a professional career to a single purpose is recognized as admirable in today’s economic environment. For John Michael Hughes it was a focus and interest that began as he exited college. Graduating from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree, John Michael Hughes set his vocational target on the insurance industry early on.

From 1992 until 1995, John Michael Hughes served as an Insurance Adjuster for Pilot Catastrophe Services, Inc. In this position he handled commercial and residential property insurance claims for wind, flood, ice, and earthquake losses. As an early training ground his responsibilities and claim ranges allowed him to develop a strategic understanding of the complexities of insurance claims.

Leveraging this experience in claims, John Michael Hughes has invested the last fourteen years of his professional life in executive management with an all lines public insurance adjusting firm. From 1996 until 2000 John Michael Hughes served as the owner and Chief Executive Officer of JMH and Associates. John Michael Hughes gained further Acts Of God claims experience as well as first hand exposure to the complexities of business ownership. The years of experience tied to natural disasters allowed John Michael Hughes to quantify and qualify claims filed quickly. This skill set was sought after and led to yet another opportunity for John Michael Hughes.

Since 2007, John Michael Hughes has devoted his time and energy to Leeco Consulting Company, LLC, again acting as Chief Executive Officer for the company. With claims services focused mainly in Florida, John Michael Hughes has continued to handle both commercial and residential property claims. His services have also been utilized throughout the Caribbean for both wind and flood losses. John Michael Hughes has further refined his focus and now has a concentration in hurricane claims. With this expansion and professional focus has come larger cases and expanded claims responsibilities. John Michael Hughes currently provides claims settlements that exceed five million dollars.

A natural byproduct of extensive claims settlement work also created opportunities within the area of historical property restoration. With activities generally focused in Alabama, John Michael Hughes acted as a Director for AD, LLC from 1998-2009. John Michael Hughes provided property management and development for this firm. Additionally, from 1996 until 2005 John Michael Hughes managed and consulted on a 26-acre island land development in Florida through Perdido Gardens, LLC. As a partner, John Michael Hughes benefited when the partnership was sold to a public NYSE property development company.

 

John Michael Hughes continues to blend his knowledge of claims settlements management and restoration complexities in a deep, diversified professional direction that allows him to step outside of most traditional professional vocational paths. It has also allowed him the opportunity to pursue other passions.

John Michael Hughes is currently working toward a Masters in Theology and aspires to complete this training in the fall 2012. John Michael Hughes has reached a point in his life where he will be able to apply decades of experience to a profession and blend this time commitment with a deeper calling that speaks to a different opportunity for his future.

John Michael Hughes has several professional affiliations, including the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. He continues to participate in industry functions throughout the southeastern United States and is a highly respected veteran within his profession. John Michael Hughes has committed the last eighteen years pursuing a career that combines business, management and involving himself in the lives of people during their most critical times of need.

The need for seasoned claims adjusters has never been greater. The combination of record flooding in areas that traditionally have seen major damage and the increasing seismic activity throughout North America now requires that John Michael Hughes be more mobile. Natural disasters never isolate their occurrences and the demand for claims evaluations can pull many resources together within a very short period of time.

John Michael Hughes also continues his passion for the oceans.  From 1989 until 1992 John Michael Hughes was a PADI open water SCUBA instructor. At that time, he organized, taught and led groups on diving excursions and vacations. He continues to have a passion for scuba diving as well as enjoying golf, fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, snow skiing, racquetball, photography, reading and hanging out with his son.

John Michael Hughes currently resides in Florida and can be reached at johnmichaelhughes.com.

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Andre Moxie Discusses Digital Team Building

In Professionals on October 18, 2010 at 10:54 am

Andre Moxie is an accomplished corporate sales representative with a strong military background. Serving in the Air Force equipped Andre Moxie with a penchant for organization and teamwork that has been a great boon to his professional life. One of the great revolutions in the corporate world, says Andre Moxie, has been the advent of widespread digital communication.

More people than ever, explains Andre Moxie, are telecommuting, working from home, and working while they travel. One benefit of this, says Andre Moxie, is increased individual productivity. Andre Moxie suggests that digital communication may cause fragmentation of the workforce on one level. At the same time, notes Andre Moxie, the digital era makes it possible to communicate and coordinate the actions of people all over the world simultaneously, almost as if they were in a meeting room together.

Andre Moxie is interested in fostering collaborative team productivity that is not mandated by business hours or geographical contingency. Andre Moxie notes that the old fashioned model of assembling a team in a room together to solve problems and pursue innovation is going out of style in our digital society. Corporations will thrive because their employees cooperate to achieve results greater than individual accomplishments, Andre Moxie believes.

Andre Moxie also sees the digital revolution as an excellent opportunity for large organizations to pull together their disparate resources and traveling employees. These days, says Andre Moxie, a team working on a project can do excellent work together without ever meeting in the same room. By way of example, says Andre Moxie, a stateside project manager can exchange data with an overseas web developer, then coordinate the results with a consultant in a wholly different country. The project can then take final form back at the project manager’s desk and be presented triumphantly to the public. As digital communications become more integrated, effective digital team building will only become more common and effective, concludes Andre Moxie.

About Andre Moxie

Andre Moxie entered the world the same year that the Beatles let it be known that they wanted to hold your hand. Born in Ithaca, New York in 1964, Andre Moxie was raised as an independent thinker during a time of great civil unrest. Andre Moxie completed his primary education and then entered the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware in 1983 where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Following graduation, Andre Moxie relocated to Yuba City, California and entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.

From 1988 until 1991 Andre Moxie served his country as a Personnel Officer in command of 25 military Personnel and 30 civilian volunteers. Andre Moxie was stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California, 15th Air Force, Strategic Air Command. While stationed at Beale AFB, Andre Moxie enrolled at Golden Gate University in 1988 where he earned a MS degree in Human Resources Management. In 1991 Andre Moxie completed his service commitment and received the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Turning the corner and heading toward a professional carrier in the private sector, Andre Moxie was recruited in 1991 by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. The company hired Andre Moxie as a sales representative for the pharmaceutical giant to cover the Orlando, Florida territory. In 1995 Andre Moxie left Pfizer for Merck & Co. and was a representative in the Hollywood, Florida territory in the Florida Region.

In 1996, Andre Moxie was promoted to Headquarters for Merck and Company’s. Initially serving as a Field Communications Coordinator for VASOTEC, Andre Moxie acted as a field communication specialist responsible for all field sales communications for Merck’s cardiovascular products. Again advancing in 1997, Andre Moxie accepted the position of Product Trainer HT/HF Market Integration Team Same Sales Trainer at Merck and Co. In that position Andre Moxie was responsible for training representatives about Merck’s cardiovascular products.

In January 1999, Andre Moxie was appointed as Business Manager for the Miami District for Merck and Company. Continuing through the ranks of management, Andre Moxie found himself serving as Acting Senior Director Field of Implementation Team for Hospital and Specialty in 2005. Andre Moxie was entrusted to support and coordinate among sales management, marketing, and direct reports to achieve brand success for all Hospital and Vertical products. Filling yet another management need Andre Moxie accepted an appointment within Merck and Company in 1996 to the position of Senior Director of Training Planning and Brand. In this position, Andre Moxie collaborated with sales and marketing units within the company to fully develop one year and three year training plans, with emphasis on high-quality, value-added programs and resources that affected appropriate behavioral objectives.

Beginning in 2006 and continuing into 2008 Andre Moxie filled the position of Senior Director of Neurology Sales at Merck and Co. for the Southern United States. Andre Moxie was again advanced late in 2008 to the position of Director of Commercial Operations for the Mid South Joint Venture Sales force, Merck and Co.

From January 2010 to the present Andre Moxie has served as the Director of Commercial Operations for the New South Region, Merck and Co. Andre Moxie currently resides in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area.

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Dr. William Knudson: Helping People Care for Their Feet

In Health and Beauty on October 17, 2010 at 6:46 am

Dr. William Knudson points out that feet are such an essential part of our everyday lives that many people take them for granted. We rely on our feet every day, says Dr. William Knudson, but we do not care for them nearly as often. For the benefit of patients and their families, Dr. William Knudson outlines some useful techniques for improving and prolonging foot health.

To begin, Dr. William Knudson points out that most people get dressed immediately after they bathe or shower. This means that people often put on their socks and shoes, says Dr. William Knudson, while their feet are damp or even wet. To avoid the growth of fungus and other adverse skin conditions, Dr. William Knudson advises making sure the feet are dry before putting on shoes and to always wear fresh clean socks. Dr. William Knudson also cautions patients to pay particular attention to the spaces between the toes when drying.

As an added precaution, Dr. William Knudson also suggests that a light dusting of talcum powder will help keep feet dry and comfortable. Dr. William Knudson advises wearing well-fitting shoes and avoiding tight shoes that restrict airflow and circulation. Tight shoes that squeeze toes together, says Dr. William Knudson, can contribute to the formation of bunions and fungus.

If sitting for a prolonged period of time, cautions Dr. William Knudson, it’s advisable to stand up periodically and walk around a bit. When sitting with crossed legs, adds Dr. William Knudson, uncross the legs or remember to reverse the crossing often. Dr. William Knudson reports that crossing the legs hampers circulation. Good circulation, states Dr. William Knudson, is of utmost importance for foot health. Dr. William Knudson points out that a family doctor can diagnose some general foot problems. A family doctor, continues Dr. William Knudson is equipped to offer basic foot care advice and then he or she may refer patients to a reputable podiatrist, if needed, for further medical assistance.