The Great Barrier Reef is an incredibly valuable resource, providing habitat for all sorts of marine life and a source of recreation and tourism for scuba divers, snorkelers and reef walkers. Coral reefs constitute an entire ecosystem to themselves, serving as protection for young fish and a food source for all their denizens. It’s important to realize, though, that reefs are a finite resource; without proper management and protection, we’re likely to find out just how finite and fragile reefs really are.
Researchers have discovered that over the last 27 years, the coral cover of the Great Barrier Reef has dropped by more than half. At the present rate, the coral cover could be down by half again inside of a decade. There are a few reasons behind this startling decline; increased storms, bleaching, and a population explosion of a predatory starfish that depletes the nutrients in the coral. The trend has accelerated since 1998, with two-thirds of the present coral loss happening since then.
Tropical cyclones have been accountable for about half of the loss of coral reef structure, with the reef being hit by six major cyclones in just the last seven years. Cyclone Hamish ran for over 900 miles, leaving a wake of devastation much worse than most cyclones; it also ran parallel to the Australian coast, when most cyclones cross the reef at an angle. The crown-of-thorns starfish (cots) has also been a huge contributor to the degraded condition of the reef. First documented in 1962, the Cots population has shot to a level where they eat 90% of the reef’s coral in infested areas. Evidence suggests that the Cots outbreaks start after major floods in rivers that flow into the sea. Overfishing and collecting of coral for aquariums and other marine-biology projects have also contributed to the reef’s problems.
To help restore the health of the Great Barrier Reef, scientists point to taking on the crown-of-thorns starfish, managing fishing operations, and working globally to cut carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. It’s believed that global warming may be one of the biggest culprits, contributing to the severe storms and acidification of ocean water that have been so detrimental to the reef’s structure and ecosystem. As fragile as the coral reefs are, they can also be resilient and regenerate themselves – given the proper measures and care.
For many working parents, sending their children back to school after the holidays or summer vacation is both anticipated and feared. Finding ways for children to stay busy while you are at work can be a big task, but so can adjusting to a new school year. Getting up earlier, more traffic than usual, and still trying to make it to work on time can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help your family develop a helpful back- to -school routine.
Reestablish Routines
During summer, bedtime routines usually go out the window. Kids stay up later than usual and they sleep in the next day. By the time school starts again, the daily rhythm that works best for a family needs to be reestablished again. Homework time, dinnertime and bedtime should ideally happen at the same hour each day. Children thrive on routines, since that gives them a sense of control over their lives.
Pack Lunches the Night Before A huge time saver in the morning is to pack lunches the night before. Doing that can save you around 15 minutes of your morning routine, which helps reduce common stress.
Teach Children to Help With Chores A working parent already wears so many different hats throughout each day. Who says you have to do everything around the house too? Expecting children to do chores teaches them responsibility at a young age. Even a four-year old is capable of putting dirty clothes in the hamper. Besides, taking some of the chores off of your hands makes life easier on you. You are not doing your children a favor by doing everything for them. Less cleaning time means more family time. After-school Plans
It’s important to know well ahead of time where your child is going to be after school dismisses. Find a babysitter or nanny, or sign up for the after school program that most schools offer. It’s also good to have a sitter ready for sick days or snow days. No working parent wants to get a call at work to be reminded to pick up his or her child at school.
Create an Area for Homework
Have a designated area for your child’s homework. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. If your child likes doing homework at the kitchen table, that’s fine. Just make sure the area is free of clutter. Provide enough supplies, but also some peace and quiet for better concentration.
Marketing Associates concentrates on creating and providing business plans for emerging businesses in many different industries. According to the people at Marketing Associates, most businesses don’t require expert industry knowledge to be successful. In fact, Marketing Associates says that business leaders who are motivated and hard working can still be successful even if they are inexperienced—but the key is a strong business plan. Marketing Associates acknowledges that many people struggle with creating a solid business plan—and that’s where the company’s expertise comes into play.
Q: From what you’ve seen at Marketing Associates, what can you tell us about the importance of business plans for new startups?
Marketing Associates – Without a business plan, a business has no chance of succeeding. In fact, business plans are crucial for new businesses, because they can lead to additional funds, loans, and even partnerships in the industry that can payoff dividends in the coming years.
Q: In your experience at Marketing Associates, which people involved in a business need a business plan the most?
Marketing Associates – Generally speaking, it’s the people who are at the top level of the business—the ones making the decisions. At Marketing Associates, we know that their input and their vision for the company is vital, as it can make or break the company.
Q: What questions should business owners ask themselves when creating a business plan?
Marketing Associates – Marketing Associates has found that the most successful companies are the ones with owners and operators who knew what they wanted from the start. That’s why it’s important to ask questions like what are your company’s goals, how will you achieve them, and what your plan is five or 10 years down the road.
Q: What are other crucial aspects of a business plan?
Marketing Associates – All good business plans should contain an executive summary, which is essentially a brief overview that shows the company’s plan, its purpose, and how it plans to get from point A to point B.
Q: Should the business plan contain information about the day-to-day operations of the company?
Marketing Associates – Absolutely. At Marketing Associates, we’ve found that while many of those details may not get ironed out until the company has been up and running for quite some time, it’s important to establish things like company culture and a management style long before a need for those ever arises.
Q: How much should I disclose in my business plan for potential investors and partners?
Marketing Associates – The more you can share about your business, the better. Transparency is the name of the game when it comes to business plans.
Q: How does the marketing strategy play into this?
Marketing Associates – For any business to have a chance at success, it needs to market itself, its brand, and its products and services. That’s why a marketing plan is a vital component of any business plan. And at Marketing Associates, we’ve also found it shows investors that you are dedicated to building your company.
Marketing Associates is a leader in business plan development, creation, implementation, and revision. With many years of helping struggling and thriving businesses alike, Marketing Associates is well-known for its business plans that build a strong path toward success.
Real estate and direct sales expert Tiffani Von Alvensleben says that when you’re in a management position it is easy to mother your employees. However, she warns that this type of motivation only serves to create failure and missed opportunities.
Often after completing a training meeting, Tiffani Von Alvensleben has reflected on her wish to be able to wave a magic wand and make every person in the room successful. Tiffani Von Alvensleben often wonders what the one thing is that will inspire them to be the best they can be.
According to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when a woman is a mother–as she is–she wants the best for her children. Unfortunately, it is not possible to be with them every day 24/7 to fix the scraped knees and hurt feelings. All a mother can do is be the best parent and person she can be and inspire her child to do the same.
Sometimes this can be the toughest job, points out Tiffani Von Alvensleben…always doing the right thing even when the wrong thing will produce an instant result; being self-motivated when others around you aren’t. This kind of discipline, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben, comes from a decision you make for yourself–to not settle for anything less than excellence.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben explains that she and Rich, her business partner and husband, made this decision a long time ago and it was probably the defining factor to their success. They have worked with hundreds of people who started the same time they did, attempted the same trainings, utilized the same compensation plan and products, yet never reached their goals.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben says, “I used to ask myself what I could do to help them succeed. Now, I ask myself why don’t they want to as bad as I do?” Tiffani Von Alvensleben used to believe that she could create each representative’s success – that maybe if she facilitated all of their meetings and paperwork and held their hand through it all, she could make them see and feel what she did. And, according to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when the reality bites, it hurts: no matter how much you want to, you can’t make others successful. Success is something each individual has to earn for him or herself, Tiffani Von Alvensleben emphasizes.
As a parent, if you continually make it easy for your children, you’re going to have a 30-year-old still living at home, claims Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you’re a businessperson constantly doing work for your fellow workers, you’ll have employees who collect paychecks they didn’t earn. If you’re a trainer at gym, your real job is to show your client the exercise plan that you think will help them the most based upon your experience, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you have to call them every morning to make sure they are up and at the gym, pump them up to get motivated to work out–and lift weights for them–why should you waste your time?
Tiffani Von Alvensleben asks, how many other people could you have helped by not wasting your time babysitting this person? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person you trained respected him or herself, and you, and simply lived up to their commitments?
About Tiffani Von Alvensleben
Tiffani Von Alvensleben is a real estate professional in Sacramento, California, area with over 20 years of residential property experience to her credit. She is a cofounder of the real estate investment firm Von Vesting, Inc., cofounder of TKL Home Designs, and founder of Madison Holdings, Inc. As well, Tiffani Von Alvensleben, as Manager of TKL Home Designs is also the General Partner of American Redevelopment Fund, LP along with Rich and fellow entrepreneur Kale Flagg.
Tiffani Von Alvensleben counts interior design and home remodeling among her passions.
Charles L. Starr III: If you are not able to see your pet’s waistline, it may be in need of shedding a few pounds. Your veterinarian can weigh the pet on its next visit and let you know for certain.
Q: Are obese pets common?
Charles L. Starr III: Unfortunately, we are definitely seeing more and more pets with weight issues daily. This can interfere with a routine check up.
Q: Why do you think pet weight-gain is on the rise?
Charles L. Starr III: Animals throughout history stored fat during prosperous times in preparation for periods of famine. Today, pets ingest nutritional, high-calorie food daily, and many of them do not get enough exercise.
Q: What are pet owners doing wrong?
Charles L. Starr III: We love to give our pet food and treats. But calories add up quickly. Less-than-active lifestyles also contribute. Excess energy turns directly to fat.
Q: Why is weight management for my dogs important?
Charles L. Starr III: In addition to arthritis, diabetes, and breathing problems, excess weight may shorten a dog’s lifespan by up to two full years.
Q: I have a teacup poodle. How can pet owners tell if a tiny pet has a problem?
Charles L. Starr III: We can determine the amount of a pet’s body fat through a body condition score (BCS). This numbered report shows the amount of accumulated fat. Some systems use a five-point scale. A BCS count of one point shows a pet is too thin while high-end numbers indicate that a pet is overweight.
Q: Where do I begin in helping my pet lose weight?
Charles L. Starr III: First, understand that caloric intake versus spent energy is key to any weight loss program. Make a list of the items you currently feed your pet and visit your veterinarian. Pets need fewer calories, but not fewer nutrients. We offer low-calorie, nutritionally balanced pet foods.
Q: What kinds of exercise do you recommend for house pets that are cooped up all day long?
Charles L. Starr III: For cats, feather toys or laser pointers work well. Lengthen your dog’s walks each day and toss toys for retrieval.
Q: How much weight should my pet lose?
Charles L. Starr III: Pets should not lose more than 2% of their body weight each week.
A good BCS score and health improvement are the goal here, not pounds. Think healthy lifestyle management.
We sat down to talk about to Pete Spittler about one of Cleveland’s most exciting entertainment hotspots, Pickwick Frolic Restaurant and Club. Pete Spittler was one of the lead designers on this project and he shared his insight on what made it happen with us.
Presentation Solutions: What is the inspiration of Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club?
Pete Spittler:It’s a restaurant and entertainment venue that is inspired by Charles Dickens The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club and the passions of Nick Kostas, the owner.
Presentation Solutions: What types of food are served there?
Pete Spittler:The restaurant serves 100% made from scratch authentic American cuisine. There’s also appetizers and finger foods available in the martini bar.
Presentation Solutions: Where is it located?
Pete Spittler:It was constructed on East 4th Street and the site of the original Euclid Avenue Opera House, which was torn down in 1921.
Presentation Solutions: How big is the building?
Pete Spittler:It’s two floors and encompasses 27,000 square feet. It cost nearly $5 million to build and is big enough to hold 900 people at once.
Presentation Solutions: How long did it take to build something that large?
Pete Spittler:The development and blueprints for the building took four and a half years, while the actual construction took place over a period of 20 months.
Presentation Solutions: What are some highlights of the building?
Pete Spittler: What I’m most proud of is the custom 23-foot marquee that protrudes out over East 4th Street. It’s lit-up by purple and blue neon lights, and was created with more than 400 feet of neon glass. It took more than 650 man hours to create this piece.
Presentation Solutions: Can you describe some of the other architectural highlights?
Pete Spittler:The handrails throughout the building were custom designed and built from scratch over an eight-month period. They are beautiful!
Presentation Solutions: Tell us about the lobby of the building.
Pete Spittler:The lobby is another centerpiece. It was created to resemble a lobby of an old theatre, complete with hand painted wood doors and a grand chandelier.
Presentation Solutions: What are some highlights of the Pickwick restaurant?
Pete Spittler:The bar seats 30 people and has a gorgeous dark brown marble and grain mahogany finish. It’s a real stunner. In addition, all of the booths were custom built.
Presentation Solutions: Any details you’d like to share about the Martini Bar?
Pete Spittler: Yes, for the Martini Bar, we used a red faux wall to set the mood and decorated it with all white Italian furniture. All of the furniture is replicas of 60s style furniture that is preserved at the Smithsonian. I fondly refer to it as the James Bond 007 bar.
Pete Spittler has been involved in many professional pursuits throughout his life, including architecture, real estate, and development planning. Pete Spittler is a graduate of the architecture program at Kent State University in Ohio and has worked on projects with The Austin Company, an international engineering and construction company. Pete Spittler has won many awards for his design work, and he’s recognized for his expertise in the industry.
Marla Ahlgrimm realizes that many women suffer from premenstrual symptoms every month. Marla Ahlgrimm, a pharmacist based in Madison, Wisconsin, says that many turn to over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms such as anxiety, cravings for sweets, and fluid retention.
A pioneer in the field of PMS, Marla Ahlgrimm has worked to help women cope with the syndrome since the late 1970s, first through Madison Pharmacy Associates and later Women’s Health America, which she founded to focus on women health. Marla Ahlgrimm remembers that in the early days, doctors weren’t sure how to manage these symptoms, since PMS had not yet been defined in America.
Over the years, Marla Ahlgrimm has found that diet and lifestyle modifications can help women regain control of monthly symptoms. Part of treatment, Marla Ahlgrimm tells us, is an understanding what causes these symptoms.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the more uncomfortable consequences of PMS is water weight gain. Many women find that their fingers swell and clothing feels tighter. Marla Ahlgrimm says this may be due in part to the rise of estrogen during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
One dietary change Marla Ahlgrimm often recommends is limiting sugar intake during the days leading up to menstruation. While salt often gets the blame, Marla Ahlgrimm believes that cravings for sweets may be the primary culprit. Marla Ahlgrimm recommends cutting back on sugar for a couple of months and noting whether bloating diminishes.
Regular exercise can also make a difference in reducing symptoms due to fluid retention, Marla Ahlgrimm adds. Marla Ahlgrimm points out that even small amounts of exercise like a brisk walk 3 to 4 times a week can have very positive benefits.
Lastly, Marla Ahlgrimm stresses the importance of drinking water. The general recommendation is 48 to 64 ounces of water a day, Marla Ahlgrimm relates, reminding us that water is present in everything we eat, as well.
Presentations Solutions recently sat down with Carmack Moving and Storage to talk about the delicate process of moving with young children, teens, or older family members. Each group poses special challenges, says the team at Carmack Moving and Storage but have one not-so surprising thing in common. Read on for tips and advice from Carmack Moving and Storage.
Presentations Solutions: Thank you for offering to speak with us today; we appreciate your time.
Carmack Moving and Storage: Not a problem, we love to talk about the things we love the best at Carmack Moving and Storage.
Presentations Solutions: Let’s talk about moving in general. Is it a difficult process?
Carmack Moving and Storage: It can be without the right help. It gets particularly tough when there are special circumstances, such as moving with kids, pets, and seniors.
Presentations Solutions: How so?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Each of these groups adds their own obstacle to the moving process.
Presentations Solutions: We understand pets, but what about children?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Children, especially smaller children, need help coping with the process. They might not understand what is actually happening.
Presentations Solutions: And really small children could possibly get injured with all of that furniture moving around.
Carmack Moving and Storage: Exactly… When really small kids are involved, we suggest having an extra adult around to give a helping hand.
Presentations Solutions: Is there a particular age group of children that handle moves best?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Physically and mentally, teens are the most capable but they are often the ones who take it hardest emotionally.
Presentations Solutions: Why is that?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Many teens, when faced with being uprooted, rebel…at least a little. They might feel like they are being torn from everything they know–and in a way they are.
Presentations Solutions: How do you help them get through the situation?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Be as honest as possible about why you are moving, when, and where. And, make sure they know that we are still in the communication era…they can talk on the phone, text, and even video chat with their friends.
Presentations Solutions: What about helping an aging parent move… I would assume there would be unique difficulties there as well?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Yes, there are many concerns when relocating with an elderly family member such as distance to and from health care, pharmacies, transportation, etc.
Presentations Solutions: Being in close proximity to relatives is important, too.
Carmack Moving and Storage: That’s very true.
Presentations Solutions: What are some reasons people in this age group move?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Retirement, the need to downsize, wanting to be closer to grandchildren, and even health concerns.
Presentations Solutions: Health concerns?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Many retirees move to states like Arizona for the dryer air which is better for their respiratory systems than, say, living in Louisiana or Alabama where the humidity in the summer makes it difficult to breath.
Presentations Solutions: Is it hard to talk to a senior about moving?
Carmack Moving and Storage: That depends on the individual. Many are perfectly ready to start a new chapter in their lives. Others are more hesitant to change.
Presentations Solutions: I can guess why there would be a resistance…
Carmack Moving and Storage: Yes, like kids and teenagers, many older folks just don’t want to have to re-learn a new way of life.
Presentations Solutions: In other words, they don’t want to do things differently?
Carmack Moving and Storage: That about sums it up. The difference is that younger people are scared of change whereas seniors are just plain set in their ways and reluctant to alter their schedules.
Presentations Solutions: We appreciate your time today and look forward to speaking with you again. Do you have any final thoughts we can close with?
Carmack Moving and Storage: Regardless of who you are moving the most important thing is to prepare…and to call a great moving company!
Carmack Moving and Storage has been moving families and commercial offices in the Northern Virginia area for nearly 28 years. A small, family owned and operated company, Carmack Moving and Storage offers many benefits that big brand movers don’t, including a staff of “lifers” in the industry. Carmack Moving and Storage is available for local and interstate moves and can help with out of country relocations as well.
Founded in the mid-1980s, Carmack Moving and Storage has grown – primarily through word of mouth – to be the area’s premiere moving and storage services provider. For additional information about Carmack Moving and Storage including free moving and storage tips, visit carmackmoving.com
Frankie Bordeaux is a husband and father of five who served with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for over two and a half decades before retirement. In this brief interview with Presentation Solutions, Frankie Bordeaux answers questions about teaching children goals, responsibility, and work ethic.
Presentation Solutions: In what ways can we teach young children responsibility?
Frankie Bordeaux: Starting at preschool, you can teach young children responsible behavior. One way is to offer them a “chore chart” with pictures of what they should do for themselves. You can “reward” them by using colorful stickers to check off their responsible behavior.
Presentation Solutions: What kinds of things should a 4 or 5 year old be able to do for him or herself?
Frankie Bordeaux: Get dressed, brush their teeth, put laundry in the hamper, pick up their toys, etc.
Presentation Solutions: And what about teaching a work ethic at this age?
Frankie Bordeaux: Young children can and should be expected to perform certain duties.
Presentation Solutions: Many children look at work as the thing that takes their parents away. How do you advise combating this negative association?
Frankie Bordeaux: Unfortunately, in today’s two-income households, many children do not get the one- on- one adult time they desire. If being a stay-at- home parent is not an option, make sure that the time you give to your child is good quality time. Often, it’s the quality of time sent with children that matters most and not the amount of time.
Presentation Solutions: The Boys and Girls Club really fills a need here, correct?
Frankie Bordeaux: Absolutely, the Club is a safe and nurturing environment where parents can leave children when they do have to be away for work.
Presentation Solutions: What would you advise parents of teens who are trying to get their children to set their own goals for the future?
Frankie Bordeaux: I say to start small and then work on larger goals. Parents should explain to teens how accomplishing small goals can better enable them to accomplish larger goals.
Presentation Solutions: How do you prepare a teen for independent living, such as going off to college?
Frankie Bordeaux: I encourage part time employment, if feasible. There are countless options for gaining work experience – for example, as a lifeguard at the YMCA or as a bagger at the local grocer.
Presentation Solutions: How would you teach a teen to set goals for his or her adult life?
Frankie Bordeaux: There is no better teacher than experience. Again, part time employment while still in school can be a great way to teach them balance. Also, if they want a big ticket item, like a game system or vehicle, have them save for at least half of it.
Presentation Solutions: What about children who seem to have no interest in working or caring for themselves?
Frankie Bordeaux: Kids of all ages should be encouraged by example. Parents should expect children to work and care for themselves
Presentation Solutions: Meaning…?
Frankie Bordeaux: Make sure your child sees you doing the things you ask them to do…making your own bed, for example.
Presentation Solutions: Any other advice before we have to close?
Frankie Bordeaux:One thing I believe is important above all is teaching children how to be responsible. You teach them how to be responsible by demonstrating responsible behavior yourself. We must also teach our children that there are consequences for your actions.
Presentation Solutions: Thank you for your time today, we look forward to hearing from you again.
According to sales figures, more and more consumers spend dollars online, especially over the holidays. But there’s another side to that equation – the fact that more and more consumers are finding online shopping to be disappointing.
First off, though, the numbers. Online sales for Cyber Monday 2012 were up 17% and were extremely heavy on Thanksgiving as well as Black Friday. Also, online shopping increased approximately 15% over the holiday season and during 12 days of that season people spent over $1 billion dollars.
Even though the holidays have passed, people are still shopping and enjoying sales in the post-Christmas season. Part of that is because gift cards have increased in popularity as gifts. This has led retailers to expect that post-holiday shopping will continue through the middle of January at a minimum.
Even as more customers are shopping with their keyboards, however, large numbers of people are finding the experience unsatisfying. Although one of the biggest advantages of online shopping is that it saves a trip to the store, that doesn’t mean that avoiding a bricks and mortar experience is painless. Some of the problems that people reported this season were gifts that came unwrapped when consumers requested wrapping, cards from the recipients buried at the bottom of the box or simply not included, gifts that didn’t make it on time for Christmas, or the wrong gift was sent.
Complaints about online shopping weren’t just limited to incorrect orders. The Holiday E-Retail Shopping Index surveyed over 24,000 people and they were far from overjoyed by their experience. Online shopping rated only a 78 out of 100 points, which was down from 80 percent last year. Some retailers were singled out by name, like Fingerhut and Gilt, but consumers mostly seemed to have found the experience less satisfying overall.
Whether or not that will mean an uptick in sales for bricks and mortar retailers over the next holiday season is anyone’s guess. But it could make sense for them to try to capitalize on consumer’s online dissatisfaction.
Solutions 