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Riding the Wind with Dan Sciscente

In Automotive, Information, Outdoor Adventures on July 17, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Dan Sciscente

Dan Sciscente

Most people are surprised to learn that Dan Sciscente, a widely respected Information Technology entrepreneur and co-founder of the leading SAP interface software firm Communi-T, is also an avid motorcyclist.  Today, we learn that there are many undiscovered roads on the eastern seaboard that can easily feed any motorcyclist’s appetite..

Presentation Solutions: Dan, thank you for speaking with us today. It’s always a pleasure chatting with you.

Dan Sciscente: No problem.

Presentation Solutions: So, can you tell us a little bit about what an American biker should know before crossing the border.

Dan Sciscente: There are a few things to remember. First, the Canadian roads are often quite rural, being big and vast, as they are beautiful. Make sure to have a cell phone, a first aid kit, road flares, and water with you­–just in case you get lost or hurt.

Presentation Solutions: That’s good pragmatic advice, but let’s talk about the fun part: riding.

Dan Sciscente: The beauty about riding on the eastern part of Canada – Quebec, New Brunswick and the maritimes is that it provides some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The roads are long and winding, traffic lights are few and far in between, and wildlife just kind of wanders around.

Presentation Solutions: That sounds fantastic. What’s the catch?

Dan Sciscente: Well, it’s not so much a catch but there are parts of the road that may not have been kept up as much as a motorcyclist would like. Getting on some motorcycle forums and discussing with others that share the same interest will provide you with a well of information. Also, it’s advisable to lookup provincial sites in order to get the latest on detours and construction.

Presentation Solutions: What about sharing the road with vacationers?

Dan Sciscente: It’s not as populated as you’d think. If it is, they are all sitting still at one of the out of the way resorts scattered throughout the area. But just as you feel you’ve been travelling solo for a while, a motorcycling peer appears out of nowhere and gives you a traditional wave of a hand saluting you.

Presentation Solutions: Is there a best time of year to hit the roads?

Dan Sciscente: Early summer or early fall, the weather is nice and there are even fewer vehicles on the road. You can zoom around for hours and count on one hand the number of cars that pass you.

Presentation Solutions: There are a few ferries, from what we’ve heard. How much are they to cross?

Dan Sciscente: The ferries are free but it’s a good idea to keep some Canadian currency on hand for toll highways. Travelling into Prince Edward Island on the great bridge is quite an experience as you are surrounded by the ocean on both sides.

Presentation Solutions: What’s this about wildlife? What kinds of animals can you see in their natural habitat here?

Dan Sciscente: What can’t you see? The main animals to watch are moose on the road as they can be crossing and don’t really have a knack for checking for traffic. If you hit a moose at regular speed, it can cost your life as it’s like hitting a wall at 100km / hour.. You can also see mountain goats, elk, and deer.

Presentation Solutions: Coming from the US, we are used to measuring distance in miles. Canada uses Kilometers. What’s the difference?

Dan Sciscente: A kilometer is .62 of a mile. So, basically, if you see a sign that says 50 kilometers to the next fuel station, it’s 31 miles.

Presentation Solutions: We are out of time but do you have any last tips you’d like to add?

Dan Sciscente: Mostly just to remember to get your documents in order. You won’t need a visa but your bike’s registration and your driver’s license have to match. Also, the temperature can change drastically in a 24-hour period so, pack accordingly. And again, road construction advisories, forums and travel info make your trip well prepared!

About Dan Sciscente: Dan has always enjoyed the thrill of Motorcycles and riding on demanding tracks and roads. Traditionally called “iron-bots”, Dan enjoys getting together with a group of fellow motorcycle riders and travelling close to 1,000KM in a single day – leaving for close to 12 hours. These iron-bots are made for true riders and typically happen by organizing a well-chosen itinerary focusing on road challenges, scenery and duration.

Dan tends to favor both BMW Motorrad bikes as well as Ducati.

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FXDD Mobile Apps for the Mobile Trader

In Finance, Information on July 13, 2012 at 8:04 pm
FXDD

FXDD

While the desktop remains the dominant platform for trading, there are now more than 106 million smartphone owners in the U.S., leading to an app market that is growing at an incredible pace. Reports suggest that more than 10 billion apps had been downloaded by 2010 and that number is expected to approach 80 billion by 2014.

FXDD recognized early on that this anywhere-anytime consumer trend was perfectly aligned with Forex markets and offer the ability to trade virtually anywhere at almost any time. FXDD has a line of mobile applications designed for today’s mobile trader that include the FXDD iTrader, Currenex iPROTrader, FXDD MT4 droidTrader, FXDD JForex for iPhone and FXDD JForex for iPad.

At FXDD, we know that our clients rely largely on the desktop computer for most trades. We also realize that the nature of Forex trading lends itself to the mobile environment. To that end, FXDD has developed a full line of mobile apps to compliment our PC-based tools. With these, we provide the comfort of consistent and constant liquidity, access to information and the flexibility to trade around the clock, whether you’re sitting on the beach in Fiji, or at your desk in the office.

Whether you are already trading with FXDD, or you are a prospective client, FXDD iTrader powered by Forex On The Go, can provide you with free mobile MT4 trading on your iPhone. With FXDD’s mobile apps, you have access to real-time pricing, charts and trading. Access your FXDD account from the time trading begins on Sunday evening in the Eastern Time Zone all the way through 4 p.m. EST on Friday when the trading week wraps.

If you are a PowerTrader and/or VikingTrader client, you can use FXDD iPROTrader with your existing trading accounts to view open positions or enter new ones all while on-the-go. FXDD iPROTrader gives you the anytime-anywhere flexibility to place limit and stop orders, to create a new order or even cancel out existing positions. You can also project open positions right from your smartphone.

No iPhone? No worries. FXDD MT4 droidTrader, powered by Forex On The Go Technology, puts free mobile MT4 trading into your hands right from your Android device. This service is available to new and existing FXDD clients. The same FXDD trading account information available to your iPhone is now available on your Android phone with real time pricing, charts, and trading. FXDD customers can access their FXDD accounts virtually any time or anywhere they’re connected.

The FXDD JForex iPhone app offers one of the most innovative Forex trading platforms on the market and includes live, secure connectivity with the server and the industry’s lowest FX spreads.

With this application, traders have on-the-go access to the industry’s best FX tools, including trading reports, live charts with technical analysis, market news and economic calendars. Forex TV is included, providing FXDD clients with commentary from Forex movers & shakers and pivot point levels.

For FXDD clients who want a Forex application that takes advantage of the additional real estate that the iPad offers, try the FXDD JForex for iPad app. With all of the same great features of the FXDD JForex for iPhone but with more information on the screen at one time, this app is for you.

There are many advantages to mobile trading, though there are limitations and FXDD is the first to say that it may not be for everyone. FXDD has gone to great lengths to provide access to the best apps the industry has to offer. That said, we realize that some clients find the trading software for mobile phones doesn’t provide the stability and functionality that they’re accustomed to from the platforms they use with their PCs. Most agree that the FXDD mobile apps we described above are extremely convenient for analyzing the market and practicing on demo accounts.

Some FXDD clients rave about the convenience of making trades no matter where they are and others prefer a more traditional approach of making trades from their desktop. Whichever your preference, FXDD has the tools you need to trade Forex.


God’s Luv International Ministries Church: The Dimension of Power

In Information, Personal on July 12, 2012 at 5:56 am
God's Luv International Ministries Church

God’s Luv International Ministries Church

God’s Luv International Ministries Church is a successful ministry in Reston, Virginia, where two weekly services attract worshippers who share in Pastor Pierre Bennett’s commitment to helping followers of God’s Word throughout the world. Dr. Bennett founded God’s Luv International Ministries Church in response to a vision he received while in church on Easter Sunday.

Today, the leader of God’s Luv International Ministries Church talks to Presentation Solutions about the importance of making mistakes in order to learn from them and become a better person.

Presentation Solutions: One of your more recent sermons centered on Proverbs 12:1. Could you describe what it was in that particular section of Proverbs that spoke to you?

Dr. Pierre Bennett: I chose Proverbs 12:1 because, as I told my God’s Luv International Ministries Church congregation, this scripture states that he who loves instruction loves knowledge, while he who hates correction is stupid. I wanted the God’s Luv International Ministries Church members to understand that it is through our mistakes—through being corrected on our mistakes—that we truly gain wisdom.

Presentation Solutions:  Many people believe that simply doing what God wants them to do will bring them unlimited blessings, but as you emphasize, that isn’t the case.

Dr. Pierre Bennett: Both at God’s Luv International Ministries Church, as well as my work throughout the world, I regularly meet people who ask why God is so concerned about us being pure of heart. To the brothers and sisters at God’s Luv International Ministries Church as well as others who ask, I always emphasize that God wants us to operate on three dimensions.

Presentation Solutions: What happens when someone flows in all three dimensions?

Dr. Pierre Bennett: As my God’s Luv International Ministries Church congregation has found, once you’ve achieved all three dimensions, you have unlimited power.

Presentation Solutions: You also teach about how someone can come back from a difficult life where maybe they’ve made some mistakes.

Dr. Pierre Bennett: This is so true. I know people at God’s Luv International Ministries Church who come from varying backgrounds. Some of our God’s Luv International Ministries Church members were saved at a very young age and followed God all their lives. Some came to Him later, after a lifetime of feeling like something was missing. And many of God’s Luv International Ministries Church’s members came to faith out of a deep need for salvation.

Presentation Solutions:  This is the correction mentioned in Psalms?

Dr. Pierre Bennett: Yes, many of those who attend God’s Luv International Ministries Church have listened to the correction that came our way over the years and changed our ways. While it’s a blessing to have been in church from a very young age, God’s Luv International Ministries Church recognizes this isn’t the case for everyone and honors that.

Presentation Solutions: Have you found those who come to God later in life are more fervent in their faith?

Dr. Pierre Bennett: It’s puzzling to me, but I have found that. God’s Luv International Ministries Church welcomes everyone. Whether they are new to faith or have been sitting in the second or third pew their entire lives; they’ll feel at home at God’s Luv International Ministries Church. I have found, though, that those who come to their faith at a later point in life seem to have more of a fire in them. It seems like so many of them want it so badly; they go after it with a passion.

For more information about God’s Luv International Ministries Church, please call (703) 395-1430.

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Best Ways to Keep Pets Safe During the Summer

In Health and Beauty, Pets on July 9, 2012 at 11:06 am

Last summer was hot, but this summer temperatures have been even higher. As difficult as hot weather can be on a person, it can be equally challenging – if not worse – for pets. Here are some tips about how to keep your pets safe and happy when the temperature soars.

How do pets react in hot and humid conditions?

Panting is one way that dogs (and cats too) will often cool themselves. Also, they will “sweat” from the pads of their feet.

How can a person know if it is “too hot” for their pet?

Pet owners should pay careful attention to how their pet breathes when resting, as compared to light activity or heavy exercise. That way they will be more aware of signs when a pet gets too hot. For instance, if a pet is panting hard when laying inert on the floor, breathing with its mouth open, seeming listless, or suffering from a lack of appetite or diarrhea – these are clinical signs of when a pet is too hot. If your pet is suffering from those symptoms do not encourage them to do any vigorous exercise – it could be dangerous.

Are there some things that pet owners should never do when it’s hot?

Absolutely. It’s imperative that pet owners never leave their pet in the car on a warm or hot day, even with the windows down. And pet owners need to recalculate their idea of what “warm or hot” is. Sixty degrees might not feel that warm to a person who’s in and out of the car, but to a pet that’s stuck in that car in the sun it can quickly escalate from an uncomfortable temperature to a potentially fatal one.

Are there certain things that pet owners can do to help their pets in hot weather?

Yes, definitely. The first thing to realize is that pets need a lot of water all the time, but especially when temperatures spike. So, try to keep cool fresh water available to pets and if you are away from home during the day you might even consider getting a pet fountain that keeps a stream of cool water running into a bowl. They start at around fifty dollars, but they provide peace of mind during heat waves when your pet is home alone. Also, make sure that pets have access to shade or shelter and ensure that they aren’t kept in a confined area on a hot or humid day.


Safe Ways to Exercise in the Heat

In Health and Beauty, Lifestyle, Personal on June 22, 2012 at 11:20 am

When hot weather strikes, many people want to continue their regular exercise routines. But you need to know how to keep working out while protecting yourself against the dangers of high temperatures and humidity. The staff of Presentation Solutions has a few tips to help athletes continue their regular routine, in any temperature.

The most important thing to keep at close hand is water.  A little known fact is that by the time a person becomes thirsty, they are already dehydrated. If you are exercising heavily in hot and humid weather it is possible to lose up to three liters (or over twelve cups) of water. So, it’s extremely important to keep hydrated or the body will start taking water from organs. In order to hydrate effectively, Presentation Solutions recommends that you start drinking water before going out into the heat. Experts recommend that athletes do not drink cold water because it can be jarring to the system. In order to hydrate properly, drink cool water and a lot of it – especially after you’ve exerted yourself.

Although it’s tempting to reach for something with more flavor than water, it’s extremely important to avoid drinking juice or soda. Both juice and soda contain more than ten percent of carbohydrates, which aren’t absorbed well during exercise. However, sports drinks are fine to consume while working out because they usually contain less than eight percent carbohydrates. When exercising for less than one and a half hours, either water or sports drinks do an equal job of keeping someone hydrated.

Presentation Solutions also recommends wearing light colored, roomy clothing when you are outside, because that helps reflect light and keep air circulating – which will help keep you cooler.

And one final tip for people who are keeping up with their exercise routine in the summer – try to stay out of direct sunlight by wearing a hat and sunscreen.

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Sigma Alpha Lambda – 6 Core Values

In Information on June 20, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Kyle Thomas Glasser

Kyle Thomas Glasser

If you have been searching for someone who works towards achieving his dream, Kyle Thomas Glasser fits that description. His whole life revolves around dedicated, hope, persistence and achievement. In fact, his faith is unbelievable. Despite the fact that he is ever busy, at least he can afford some time to visit sigma Alpha Lambda community to offer a hand. Kyle is an active member of community-oriented programs as well as many other associations.

However, as he tours all these communities he respect six core values that anyone should bear in mind to make sure that their life goes well. If you follow keenly the core values you will read here, your future will definitely be full of life and happiness. The values are:

In every organization that you are posted to work as a medical doctor or any other profession, you should practice high integrity level as well as exert fiscal responsibility. Just in case you need some help of what integrity is, here you go. Integrity is a self-motivating factor, it keeps you going, stay strong and it is a very important thing that is found in you. For people who have integrity in their work place, they are said to be strong-willed, proud and steady. Integrity shows your inner side, and if you have it you will be acting according to what is right rather than what other people tell you to do.

The other core value according to Kyle is that you should treat everyone around you with the highest level of dignity and respect. You know some people do not have respect for others just because of their background. Well, participating in Sigma Alpha Lambda community programs helps you know how to respect others no matter how they look or what their background, ethnicity or community is.

Sigma Alpha Lambda community programs help student to be united in their university. This is because community programs encourage solidarity and union among the team members. Kyle followed this core value and that is why has been a respected member in the association.

You should not unduly exploit the resources in your community, university, chapter and even in the world. This is a very important core value and Sigma Alpha Lambda helps students and every member achieve.

You should encourage every member to have personal growth, innovation, have the team spirit whenever working in a team and act independently when the need arises.

The final core value is living every day in an honest manner and has moral character. All the six core values you have found here have helped Kyle Thomas Glasser achieve his goal of studying medicine.

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Healthy Food is Beautiful Food: The Bright Palette of a Good Diet

In Health and Beauty on June 20, 2012 at 2:21 pm

Diet trends come and go. Whether it’s eating only low-carb food, or Sophia Loren’s famous quote: “Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti,” perceptions change constantly about health and diet. The truth is, the two should go together and eating healthy food doesn’t even remotely mean eating boring food.

Studies show that the more colorful foods a person eats, the healthier they are. It’s easy to tell what ingredients are healthy, because good food is beautiful food. From the dietary effects of red vegetables to the boost that an immune system gets from blue food, a diet rich in color is a person’s best bet to stay healthy.

Every color of a vegetable or fruit signifies different health benefits. For protection against cancer – especially prostate cancer – red fruits like strawberries and red vegetables like peppers or tomatoes are helpful because they provide lycopene or anthocyanins. In the case of tomatoes, cooking them with a tiny bit of fat will also boost their cancer fighting properties.

Orange foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene. It’s not an old wives’ tale that carrots are good for your eyes. Beta-carotene does help maintain healthy eyes. It can also help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Green foods like spinach, kale, cucumbers, peppers, peas and celery contain lutein. Like beta-carotene, lutein helps to keep eyes healthy and can also reduce the risk of cataracts. Also, leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli can help reduce the risk of birth defects and contribute to healthy hair.

Blue foods such as blueberries, blackberries, grapes, figs and raisins are colored by pigments known as “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins help protect cells from damage, and they may help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

If you want to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, look to the white foods. Cauliflower, potatoes, ginger, bananas, onions and parsnips all are good sources of potassium and they contain anthoxanthins, which help promote heart health.

For the best health benefits, combine as many colors as possible. Research indicates that the types of antioxidants listed above tend to work best as a team with each one boosting the others’ effects. But, combining vegetables or fruit is also a simple pleasure. Think of a good chicken stir-fry with peppers, greens, ginger and scallions. Or picture a delicious salsa – with its combination of tomatoes, peppers, onions, lime juice and cilantro. And last but not least, picture a green salad with spinach and bright red strawberries.

Healthy food is delicious, beautiful and it can be a little bit decadent too!

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Pierre Bennett Global Holidays Recommends Mexican Destinations

In Travel on June 11, 2012 at 1:54 am
Pierre Bennett Global Holidays

Pierre Bennett Global Holidays

Pierre Bennett Global Holidays is a full service travel agency, with expertise not only about destinations in Mexico, but every country in the world. Travelers can experience the firm’s unparalleled customer service as part of their club membership program. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays is a world-class leader in the travel industry and invites new members to take advantage of the best that Mexico – and the world – has to offer.

Although Mexico has a great deal of diversity, says Pierre Bennett Global Holidays, many Mexican destinations share a natural, cultural and gastronomical richness. Throughout Mexico’s beautiful beaches, historical sites, archaeological wonders and mountains, visitors will be amazed by the splendor that surrounds them. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays reports that whether travelers prefer outdoor activities like water rafting and mountain climbing, or would rather soak up Mexico’s long and amazing culture in museums or galleries, there is no doubt that newcomers will want to come back for more. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays invites members to enjoy this mystical and beautiful country, and in this brief article suggests some of the top destinations that visitors should see on their Mexican vacation.

Acapulco is a romantic port that promises visitors adventure and relaxation, too. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays notes that Acapulco is the number one place for tourists to visit. When travelers reach the city they will be astounded at the options available to them. From bungee jumping to dancing the night away, no one will ever be bored in Acapulco. And with Pierre Bennett Global Holidays discounts on resorts, visitors can concentrate on everything that the city has to offer. Acapulco has some of the best sailing, scuba diving and para-sailing that visitors can hope to find, and when the day is done, the city has some of the best dining and nightlife around.

Pierre Bennett Global Holidays also recommends a visit to Guadalajara. This capital of the state of Jalisco is a bustling metropolis and has earned its nickname, “The Pearl of the West.” Guadalajara boasts broad, tree-lined streets with parks and fountains along with galleries, museums and modern architecture. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays notes that the city also has a wonderful confluence of the traditional and the new, with mariachi music alongside new musicians, nightclubs, the national sport of charrería, and a sprinkling of actors and producers.

Another popular destination, Puerto Vallarta, lies along a stunning stretch of the water, according to Pierre Bennett Global Holidays.  With exuberant vegetation, striking natural scenery and thriving local traditions, this charming city is a little slice of paradise. Whether visitors are more comfortable on a fishing boat, swimming, dining, exploring the tropical waterfalls or just laying on the beach waiting for dolphins to appear, Pierre Bennett Global Holidays says that a trip to Puerto Vallarta is sure to be memorable.

Pierre Bennett Global Holidays suggests that members visit Playa del Carmen, located on the Mexican Caribbean. One of the most stellar attractions of the Riviera, the city is a radiant place in the middle of a stunning area. According to Pierre Bennett Global Holidays, Playa del Carmen is located in the heart of the Mayan area of Mexico and has a semi-tropical climate, which makes it perfect for any aquatic activity. The city has seen unprecedented growth from when it was a small village fifteen years ago, and is now regarded as a cosmopolitan place with outdoor restaurants, bars, high-end shopping and crafts. Pierre Bennett Global Holidays suggests that members visit the city with food on their mind, as Playa del Carmen’s signature cuisine is by itself worth a visit to this lovely city on the shore of the Caribbean.

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Better Nashville Interviews Mercy Ministries 2008 Graduate Tara

In Information, Personal, Professionals on June 11, 2012 at 1:52 am
Mercy Ministries

Mercy Ministries

Mercy Ministries graduate Tara is a local college student who is confident, happy, and full of life.  But she hasn’t always been that way.  Better Nashville recently met up with Tara to get her story.

Better Nashville: From the outside Tara seemed like any ordinary teenager.  But on the inside lived an eating disorder, a battle of self-worth.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: My best friend and I would eat lunch every day in the cafeteria and I would just be sitting there ya know throwing things under the table or like throwing it in my purse or just saying, “Oh you know I already ate” or whatever.  And she had no idea.  So I would do the same thing with my family.

Better Nashville: This habit of restricting food started back in the fifth grade.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: That was the year that my granddad passed away.  And he had been somebody who was really special to me and really the only person I felt like I didn’t have to be perfect around.  Ya know I’ve just always been a perfectionist.  And so I sorta had this thought of like ya know I’m not good enough or not smart enough or not pretty enough.  But I always felt special when I was with him.  And so when he died I really went into a depression.

Better Nashville: Things got even worse in high school before anyone found out about Tara’s secret.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: And it got to a point where I couldn’t even walk anymore and that was when my parents, they had sorta suspected that something was wrong before that but I would just lie and say “No, I’m fine.”  But I couldn’t deny it anymore at that point.

Better Nashville: That’s when her parents put their eighty-pound daughter in an eating disorder treatment facility.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: It goes back to when I was in the hospital and the eating disorder treatment center and I was at a point in everything where I absolutely had no hope left.  And I actually had a psychiatrist tell me that she was going to be speaking at my funeral so it just completely, um, really I was just ready to give me.

Better Nashville: After several failed attempts of healing at different treatment centers, Tara was finally taken to Mercy Ministries; a place she says was totally different.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: When I first got to Mercy Ministries I tried to be rebellious and get kicked out because I thought if Mercy Ministries saw who I really was they would realize they were just wasting their time.  They didn’t.  The Mercy Ministries staff kept loving me and just telling me how much God loved me and they really helped me learn to trust Him.  And that made all the difference.

Better Nashville: Tara began looking at herself in a different light.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: They have you write down the negative thoughts about yourself and then you go to the Bible and you find verses that sorta correspond to it.  So for example, ya know if my negative thought was I’m ugly then I would go to the Bible and find verses that say that God has made everything beautiful for its own time.  And then that really meant something to me.

Better Nashville: Now, more than a year since Tara arrived at Mercy Ministries, she now knows she’s loved and beautiful, inside and out.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: I feel happy now.  And I told myself I was happy before when I was sick and it was all completely an act.  And so it’s been really weird to actually be genuinely happy.

Whitney Nall – Mercy Ministries Staff: When I first got to Mercy Ministries I saw these girls come through the doors and they couldn’t even look us in the eyes.  And I would be giving tours of the Mercy Ministries home and just no eye contact or a girl just really seemed down.  Compared to on their graduation days or the days before when they are truly a new creation and just singing at the top of their lungs during morning worship…  And just truly transformed.

Better Nashville: Tara carries that reminder with her every day.

Mercy Ministries Grad Tara: All the girls that graduate from Mercy Ministries get this ring on graduation day.  And you can see it has three little stones in it and it’s called the Trinity because it represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  And then in the middle it actually has an “M” for Mercy Ministries.  And so it’s obviously very symbolic and very special to me.

Better Nashville: It’s a reminder of how far she’s come.  Tara is now a sophomore at Belmont University majoring in journalism.

You can help out Mercy Ministries by running or supporting their run for Mercy team in the Country Music Marathon.  The race is on April 24th (2010).  Whoever raises the most money for the Run for Mercy team will win a concert by Christian artist Jamie Jamgochian at the Nashville Mercy Ministries home.  Pretty cool stuff!

Learn more about Mercy Ministries at http://www.mercyministries.com

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Doug Battista Recaps 2011 Strategic Talent Acquisition Conference

In Information, Professionals on June 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Doug Battista

Doug Battista

Doug Battista, President of North America Field Operations at Jenny Craig, was honored to be a featured speaker at the 2011 Strategic Talent Acquisition Conference in New York. The conference, titled Setting the Stage, Getting Results: Recruitment Process Outsourcing Roundtable, was hosted by Human Capital Institute, an association that specializes in talent management.

Doug Battista joined John Havanaar from Cummins in a roundtable that centered on outsourcing recruiting using an (RPO) organization. Doug Battista worked with RPO FutureStep in building an entire team to support Nestlé’s ice cream division. While the process achieved the goal, Doug Battista discovered there were challenges to bringing an outside organization in for recruiting.

“No matter how good your RPO partner is, they don’t know your culture like you do,” Doug Battista said in the panel. He added that in order to successfully work with an RPO, an organization would need to get up to speed on the ins and outs of their own particular organization.

FutureStep is a worldwide recruiting firm that specializes in recruiting entire teams to fit an organization’s needs. FutureStep can also hire on a person-by-person basis. While working with FutureStep, Doug Battista learned the challenges of educating an outside recruiting firm on the social environment of a company—often involving things that were hard to put into words.

The conference centered around the impact of the end of the economic crisis on hiring, Doug Battista explains. According to Doug Battista, many sessions discussed the difficulties of recruiting talent in a business world that has changed since recruiters were last scrambling to find workers.

Doug Battista was impressed with the sessions at Setting the Stage, Getting Results, which included an overview of how recruiting firms could utilize social media to get good workers. Digital media has changed the field of staffing, Doug Battista emphasizes, with old methods of recruiting replaced by methods that deliberately attract workers that are connected and up-to-date with modern technology.

Other sessions centered on strategy and competency. As Doug Battista describes, human resource departments are challenged with not only attracting new talent but also ensuring that talent fits an organization’s needs. The competency session focused on the recruiting team itself and why HR teams must be fully staffed with those who have the skill set necessary to meet an organization’s needs, concludes Doug Battista.