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Archive for 2013|Yearly archive page

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Pete Spittler Talks About One of His Development Projects

In Professionals on January 15, 2013 at 10:15 am
Pete Spittler

Pete Spittler

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.

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Marla Ahlgrimm Discusses Alternative Treatments for PMS

In Health and Beauty on January 15, 2013 at 7:53 am
Marla Ahlgrimm

Marla Ahlgrimm

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.

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Tips from Carmack Moving and Storage – Moving Children and the Elderly

In Automotive on January 11, 2013 at 9:46 am
Carmack Moving and Storage

Carmack Moving and Storage

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

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Setting Goals with Frankie Bordeaux

In Real Estate on January 10, 2013 at 3:56 am
Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux

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.

Frankie Bordeaux: My pleasure.

The Popularity of Online Shopping is Down, Even Though Sales Are Up

In Personal on January 7, 2013 at 1:10 pm

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.

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Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Consultant, Outlines Four Key Phases of Retirement

In Finance on January 7, 2013 at 11:38 am
Dennis Dachtler Sacramento

Dennis Dachtler Sacramento

In today’s one on one chat with the staff of Presentation Solutions, Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento based financial consultant, speaks of planning early and alleviating boredom after leaving your Nine to Five.

Presentation Solutions: Thanks for joining us today. Retirement is a hot issue. What do you say to young folks just starting their career that haven’t gone grey enough to think about planning ahead just yet?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: I tell them to start now. And I always means now as in right now.

Presentation Solutions: So, the sooner you begin to build a nest egg, the better? Why not wait until you have extra money to save?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: If you wait until you think you have the extra money, you never will. Start now! By putting away even a small percentage, you will help cushion your golden years.

Presentation Solutions: We understand that you say there are four main stages to retirement. What are they?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: Pre-retirement, early retirement, full retirement, and final retirement.

Presentation Solutions: Can you go into detail a bit about each stage?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: Pre-retirement is essentially the planning stages. This is when you decide what you want to do and how much you will need to do it.

Presentation Solutions: Leading to early retirement…

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: This initial active retirement stage is when people are the most active. This is the part of retirement that should be the most enjoyable…it can also be the most expensive depending on how long you are able to get up and go. Many new retirees get bored. I recommend a part time job during this stage to not only supplement savings but to also help ward off boredom.

Presentation Solutions: So, early retirement is different from full retirement?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: In my book, yes it is. Full retirement is the relaxing stage. You are still able to take care of yourself but do so at a slower pace. This is the time to get out and meet other people of a certain age to enjoy the local scene…a social group, a book club, that sort of thing.

Presentation Solutions: Which brings us to final retirement.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: This is commonly the part when health and mobility become an issue. Most adults at this time begin to really think about either moving in with family or entering an assisted are facility.

Presentation Solutions: So, how hard is it to plan for retirement?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Planner: It can be tough for many Americans. Stocks, bonds, insurance…it can be confusing. I definitely recommend using the services of an experienced retirement planner like Dachtler Wealth Management to help organize and manage your assets.

For more information about Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento area wealth planning, or to inquire about insurance products, visit dachtlerwealth.com.

 

Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC).  Member FINRA/SIPC.  AIC and Dachtler Wealth Management are not affiliated.  Additional products and services may be offered through Dennis Dachtler, Heather Dachtler or Dachtler Wealth Management that are not offered through AIC. The opinions and views stated in this publication are solely those of Dennis Dachtler and Heather Dachtler and should not in any way be considered to be an endorsement by Ameritas Investment Corp.

This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.  A Representative from Dachtler Wealth Management will contact you to provide requested information.  Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Securities products are currently limited to residents of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, LA, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT & WA.

 

 

Marketers LLC Helps Businesses Understand Social Media Needs

In Marketing on January 7, 2013 at 9:41 am

Marketers LLC regularly answers the question: How important is social media to my business? Not everyone is comfortable with communicating this way, Marketers LLC reminds us. But with most businesses actively engaging in social media, Marketers LLC sees it as a must-have for every company interested in competing.

At one time, Marketers LLC observed that a company website was enough for a company to succeed. Today, however, Marketers LLC finds that a business must have a website in addition to participating in social media sites. These social media sites include Facebook and Twitter, Marketers LLC describes, as well as less talked about sites like Google+, YouTube, and even Pinterest and Instagram. To properly engage customers, Marketers LLC believes a business must first identify customers on their own home turf.

According to Marketers LLC, the definition of social media has expanded in recent years. Today, Marketers LLC believes “social media” can refer to posting status updates, sharing videos and photos, commenting on blog posts and status updates from others, and posting articles and blogs. Social media, Marketers LLC explains, is simply interacting socially using the Internet.

With any new website Marketers LLC helps clients develop, they strongly advise incorporating socialization into design. This can include providing a client’s Twitter feed into the site’s main page, Marketers LLC describes, or sharing informative videos. Most often, Marketers LLC finds that it includes a blog or articles that are regularly updated, providing fresh content to keep visitors coming back.

When determining how to socialize a client’s site, Marketers LLC always considers the client’s core customers. Each social media site has its own demographic, Marketers LLC explains, and social media marketing campaigns work best when targeted accordingly. Facebook tends to be a general site that everyone uses, Marketers LLC adds, making the site a catchall for all campaigns. Journalists, writers, and celebrity-followers tend to gravitate toward Twitter, where Marketers LLC reports the environment is more open for peeking into the lives of others.

To socialize a website, Marketers LLC strongly advises businesses include “Follow Us” and “Like Us” links near the top of a web page. This spreads the word about a business to others and adds followers for future marketing efforts.

Sharing and retweeting are options that can be added after each action a customer takes, according to Marketers LLC. As Marketers LLC further describes, when a customer reviews a business or writes a comment on a business’s blog post, those businesses can invite customers to share that post with others. This is a great way to socialize your business without directly asking customers to join, concludes Marketers LLC.

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Kavin Austin Blake Discusses Travel and Fishing

In Personal on January 7, 2013 at 5:58 am
Kavin Austin Blake

Kavin Austin Blake

For Kavin Austin Blake, there’s something profoundly relaxing about putting a fishing line in the water. The combination of sun, water, waves and anticipation hold a special allure for Kavin Austin Blake. It’s an anticipation that comes to fruition, when the line gives a hard jerk and a fish that weighs several hundred pounds starts running. That’s when Kavin Austin Blake comes to life and starts working the rod and reel in a fight of man against fish, a fight where there can only be one winner.

Kavin Austin Blake has played out this scenario in some of the most exciting locations on earth. It’s the passion and love of fishing that has taken Kavin Austin Blake to the coasts of California, the Florida Keys and Carolina. Not content to remain in the States, Kavin Austin Blake has also gone after oversize fish off the coast of Nova Scotia and British Columbia. It’s the combination of travel and fishing that Kavin Austin Blake finds so fulfilling and satisfying. Kavin Austin Blake loves to feel as though he’s one with nature when he’s on the fighting chair at the back of a deep sea boat, and the new locales and new cultures of travel help to open horizons for Kavin Austin Blake.

Kavin Austin Blake has a passion and a love for new places; after his return, he comes back to the everyday world fresher and more engaged. It’s almost a spiritual experience for Kavin Austin Blake, taking in the totality of a new place, with its people, cuisine, attitudes, music and culture. It’s this passion that is one of the first things that people notice about Kavin Austin Blake when they meet him. For some people, fishing may be a hobby or a pastime; for Kavin Austin Blake, it’s a big part of his reason for living. It’s the combination of adventure, travel, fishing and exploring that gives Kavin Austin Blake a positive approach to life and a broad-minded attitude toward so many things. Not everyone can claim his experiences, taking in some of the most exciting destinations on earth and reeling in 1000-pound fish along the way. That’s a rare combination, affirms Kavin Austin Blake, that can’t help but shape a person’s outlook and worldview in many diverse and interesting ways.

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Rich Von – How Pop Warner Football Gives Back

In Professionals on January 1, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Rich Von

Rich Von

According to ardent supporter Rich Von, Pop Warner Football provides youth the opportunity to become involved in sports at a young age, helping to build discipline and a competitive spirit. Rich Von became involved with Pop Warner Football after his son graduated from high school. He realized that he missed being part of the game. Von says that parents can register children in Pop Warner Football at five years of age and they can play until they are sixteen, at which point they often become involved in high school football and possibly college football.

Founded in 1929, Pop Warner provides youth the opportunity to learn to dance, play football, and cheer from a young age, Rich Von says. This preparation gives youth the skills they need to participate in school sports, with many students having a clear competitive advantage in trying out for these activities, Rich Von has found. Additionally, Rich Von and other parents report that participating in sports helps keep children busy, thus preventing them from getting into trouble.

Another important component of the organization is Pop Warner’s academic requirement. As Rich Von explains, Pop Warner participants must maintain a 2.0 grade point average or equivalent, which in many areas is a C average. Rich Von finds many of the youth on his team exceed this requirement by far, and with the focus and discipline they learn playing football they find an overall determination that helps them in all areas of their lives.

Rich Von and other Pop Warner coaches believe that their coaching should help develop youth across a variety of areas, creating well-rounded children who excel in every part of their lives. The academic requirement underlines Pop Warner’s message that to succeed in life, children must always strive to better themselves, Rich Von describes.

According to Rich Von, parents can sign children up for Pop Warner at the organization’s website, popwarner.com or by calling their local chapter. Some parents may want to attend a game or practice before committing, Rich Von points out. Rich Von emphasizes that there is no cutting of children from Pop Warner’s rosters, so children’s egos are built up, helping give them the confidence they need to continue to pursue what they want in life long after their association with Pop Warner ends.

Rich Von has more than a decade of experience in the real estate industry, having worked in sales and marketing prior to that. As a business owner, Rich Von knows the importance of building self-esteem from a young age in order to encourage children to continue to strive to reach their goals throughout their lives.