Thought Buster

1800 Flowers

2010-01-29T12:48:00.000-06:00

One of the best ways I know of to make a great impression is to send flowers. How about if an apology is in order? Call or send an email to 1800flowers. It's easy and convenient.

Whether you are in the mood to simply freshen your home with the smell and colors of flowers or perhaps a bouquet of flowers for a celebration. 1800flowers provides a variety of flowers for any occasion. Need a single red rose to court a sweetheart? No problem.

Have you ever had a friend go above and beyond to help you out? Been there when you really need a friend? Send a bouquet of spring flowers, a sure fire way to take his or her breath away. Regardless of the season, event or occasion, flowers are always in style and brighten anyone's day.

Go ahead, call or email 1800flowers today.

American Career Group

2010-01-29T11:56:00.001-06:00

There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a down economy. The startling news about a bad economy is that more and more people are losing jobs. If you find yourself in this situation, instead of finding a new employer by yourself, you might want to try using American Career Group.

American Career Group has a website that contains very helpful information such as how they can help you get your footing in your career. One of the things I liked best about this website is that it was packed with useful information and navigating was very user friendly.

Did you know that American Career Group has a long list of tools that you can take advantage of without ever having to leave the comfort of your home? For example, if you would like to complete your application to work with American Career Group, you can do it online. Need to brush up on reading that is required in your field? They have the resources available to provide you with the latest white papers, books and other materials relevant to your career.

I liked this site although I am not looking to be employed. The information they have is useful and helps me keep up to date with my knowledge of different industries.

Ashley Stevanovich

2010-01-29T09:28:00.004-06:00

As I was reading about Ashley Stevanovich, I noticed that she has an intense interest in flowers. More particularly, state flowers. State flowers are usually studied in elementary school, and of course, I am automatically catapulted back into memories of school where I studied various types of flowers.

I can understand why Ashley Stevanovich has such a fascination for flowers and the uniquness they bring to each state. This type of uniqueness even prompted some first ladies to bring attention to the state flower. And, Ashley Stevanovich has followed suit. While Ms. Stevanovich is a resident of South Florida and is involved locally with state flower prominence, she also expands her interest in these flowers nationally.

Next time you take a drive through each of our 50 states, look at the state flowers and how they are displayed. You will come to understand why Ashley Stevanovich is so interested in these natural beauties.

Jeff Horing

2009-12-08T18:16:00.002-06:00

Jeff Horing's insight regarding technological infrastructure was build on a foundation of education credits which included earning dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Engineering and Wharton School. He graduated with honors and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He pursued his Masters in Business Administration from the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management and began his career by focusing on various business sectors such as mobile, online gaming, data, and infrastructure and internet software.

Prior to co-founding his company, Jeff Horing worked for several reputable, well-known companies such as Goldman Sachs & Co. in the Capital Markets Group and was also a key member of the E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co. Investment Team. Garnering experience along with a quality education paved the way for Mr. Horing to eventually co-found his company and serve on the Board of Directors for various companies. Jeff Horing's knack for keeping his finger on the pulse of technology was carefully accomplished by obtaining a quality education and exercising a healthy entrepreneurial spirit.

Remodeling Doesn't Have to be Stressful!

2009-06-04T22:30:00.004-05:00

If you're a homeowner, you understand that every so often, your largest asset; your home, needs some sprucing up.

Unfortunately, it tends to be a stressful prospect when trying to find a company or contractor to do the job. How do you know they will do a good job? It almost seems as if it isn't worth the stress.

However, there is a company that you CAN trust in: K-Designers.

Why should you use K-Designers?

They have been in business for over 30 years with over 100,000 satisfied customers.
They are fully licensed and insured
They offer a wide variety of financing
The product and materials used on your home exceed industry standards
They are proud to announce they are #1 remodeling company in the Western United States and, they are #1 Siding Contractor in the Nation!

Not to mention, that you will not pay 1 DIME until the work is complete AND you are completely satisfied!

Visit K-Designers today and see for yourself!

A Consumate Journalist

2009-06-04T21:57:00.007-05:00

I was reading about Wangethi Mwangi recently and was very impressed to learn of his long career in journalism as well as his accomplishments.

Currently, he is Editorial Director for the largest media company in Kenya, Africa, Nation Media Group. The refreshing thing about this journalist is that he didn't simply walk into this huge corporation and start at the top. He worked in a variety of positions and stair stepped his way to the impressive position he currently holds.

Not only is Wangethi Mwangi a successful journalist and Editorial Director, he also has a passion for food! His culinary interests lies in bringing Kenyan recipes and dishes to the forefront. He even has a blog that details various recipes!

Wangethi Mwangi also has seen the Nation Media Group grow from being staffed with mostly ex-patriots to now being almost 100% African run. A great achievement for him and his country.

Need Ideas for a Vacation?

2009-06-04T21:11:00.008-05:00

Wouldn't it be great if once you decide what type of trip to take, that someone else would take care of planning every detail for you? What would be even better is if the trip was extremely affordable and offered a variety of vacations to suit an even wider variety of people!

Well, wonder no more! There is one company that can help: YMT vacations! They offer trips to the Caribbean, Cruises in Alaska, Canadian Rockies, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, National Parks, Panama Canal, Southwest, New England, West coast, and Rose Parade!

Don't know where to get a passport? What is involved with going through customs? Leave it to YMT vacations, they can take care of every detail. How can you be sure? Because YMT vacations has been in business for over 40 years and have built a stellar reputation for themselves. And, they are always adding new trips to their offerings.

Do yourself a favor and check them out! You'll be glad you did.

Are YOU Ready?

2009-05-06T23:22:00.014-05:00

Don't forget that this Sunday is Mothers Day! Have you purchased a gift yet? For those of you who are trying to think of a great way to show Mom how much you love her, I can make some recommendations:

How would you like to give a gift that will bring countless days of enjoyment?
A gift that can be given even if you live out of town, out of state or even out of the country!
A gift that can be used again?

What could it possibly be? Flowers of course! Think about it, giving flowers will:

Bring countless days of enjoyment - Mom will think of you each time she sees them!
You can easily order Mothers Day flowers by internet; simply access the website, 1800flowers.com!
And, Mom can even transplant all or part of your bouquet in her garden! So, give the gift that is versatile and so easy to give, Flowers!

What Woud YOU Do with Money?

2009-05-01T08:13:00.001-05:00

What would you do if you won the lottery? Paying off your debt and buying a new home or car? Perhaps you might help family and or friends…then what? What if you had so much money, you didn’t know what to do with it all? While this is a lovely problem that most people would love to have, Frank Hanna has written a book on this subject. It’s called “What your money means (and how to use it well).

So, before you rush to purchase all these “things” such as cars, homes, vacations, etc. Pick this book up to read. To give you background on Frank Hanna, he is known for his philanthropic ventures and has even played a part in forming three Catholic schools in Atlanta. One of those schools, Holy spirit Prep was named the top fifty Catholic high schools in the country.

As you can probably tell, Frank Hanna focused his energy into philanthropy and how to help others less fortunate. I have a feeling that this book is worth it’s weight in gold.

Entrepreneur and Jazz Lover

2009-05-01T08:02:00.006-05:00

As I was surfing the internet one day, I came across one of the most fascinating people I had ever seen. A man by the name of Mohammed Babangida appeared in search engines for a wide spectrum of interests and achievements. Much more than most people. Mohammed Babangida is noted for not only being an entrepreneur, but a sportsman, a shrewd businessman and a lover of jazz music.

While he was infatuated with jazz, his interest in music certainly didn’t stop there. He is known for his affection for Blues, African and other types of music. A man of many talents, Mohammed Babangida is able to speak with authority on various types of music in addition to his other interests such as acquiring real estate, playing polo and spending time with his family. If you get the chance, read about him and his accomplishments.

It will be here before you know it!

2009-04-28T18:47:00.012-05:00

The end of April is coming to a screeching halt and May will be here before the end of the week. What better way to celebrate spring than to buy flowers for your home! Nothing is better than getting the spring cleaning done and opening the windows for fresh air with a big beautiful bouquet on your favorite table or mantle.

So what's holding you back? 1-800 Flowers offers beautiful arrangements, as well as affordable...ok, if you pin me down they are downright cheap flowers! Are you still needing a little prodding? Okay, did you know you can get a 1-800 Flowers coupon to purchase your flowers? It's easy, convenient and best of all: affordable.

Here's another practical use for flower shopping! Get Mom the gift she can enjoy and show off to her friends and other family, Mothers day flowers! Whether you are live next door to Mom or live in another part of the world...flowers are the way to go!

Bring a little spring into your life!

February is just a heartbeat away.

2009-01-24T10:57:00.012-06:00

C’mon, you know what is around the corner. Whether you are single, dating or married; February 14th is one of those holidays just for lovers.

Most married couples I know simply shrug it off claiming, “We’re already married! We don’t need Valentine’s day!” Oh, but yes you do. Be creative! I’ve found the best place to shop for this occasion is 1-800 Flowers.com. They have the most beautiful valentines flowers! Whether you choose roses or a spring bouquet, they have it for a very affordable price, starting at
$19.99!

If flowers are too traditional for you, or you’re in the mood for something different, never fear, they also have all types of valentines gifts. Anything from spa baskets, fruit baskets and of course various types of chocolates to exclusive items from well-known designers and chefs. So if you are looking for your valentine’s gift, check out 1-800 Flowers.com, you’ll be glad you did.

MEET ANDREW WILSHIRE

2009-01-17T12:43:00.006-06:00

With the economy in it’s current state, don’t you wish you had someone who could explain what was happening in layman’s terms to you? Someone who could keep you up to date with your own finances.

Meet Andrew Wilshire. Not only is he a talented financier, he also developed a newsletter to do precisely what I described to you. Andrew Wilshire also develops newsletters for commodity brokers who need to stay on the cutting edge of what is “hot” and what is “not”.

After reviewing all of his accomplishments, it seems that he should be older! But, by creating these newsletters over 11 years ago, it was the stepping stone he needed to build his career. By utilizing his entrepreneur spirit, Andrew Wilshire has been able to start up several successful business ventures.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH CARE

2009-01-17T12:27:00.005-06:00

The topic of health care has been a hot-topic issue for most Americans in the last 10 to 15 years. So many people felt “trapped” in their jobs because they knew they wouldn’t be able to afford COBRA. And, if by chance an employee was laid off or fired, the same worries would ensue, how do you afford COBRA payments?

One company wants to offer solutions, United American Insurance Company. By offering various policies from basic health insurance for individuals or families, to providing coverage for cancer patients, retirees, small business owners and many others, United American Insurance Company is a well rounded company. If you are curious about their rating, United American Insurance Company consistently earns an “A+” rating, which means reliability and excellence for you, the customer.

Amos Tamam = Cabs and Credit Cards

2009-01-17T12:08:00.001-06:00

When is the last time you rode in a cab? Since Americans started making the gradual move from carrying cash to credit cards to carrying debit cards, certain services were stubborn to accept plastic payment. Amos Tamam thought of a way for one of those services to come into it’s own in the 20th century: accepting credit/debit cards for a taxi fare. Granted, it took some real time and effort to finally implement this feature, but if you are a frequent cab customer, this is very convenient.

The way Amos Tamam was able to ensure that this invention was his idea, he had to apply for a patent. That means filing detailed paperwork with the patent office in Washington, D.C., drawing of how to engineer the invention and either selling the patent to a company, or use it on a product you manufacture yourself. Amos Tamam obviously built this invention and placed it in his fleet of cabs. The rest is history.

SHASTA POOL SUPPLIES

2009-01-17T11:56:00.005-06:00

I’ve written previously about Shasta Pools and showed a photo of just how beautiful their pools are. But, now I am blogging because they offer their own brand of pool supplies! Having trouble vacuuming out your pool? Call Shasta Pools! Maybe you would prefer to have a spa instead for entertaining guests? Call Shasta Pools!

The only issue is that you must live in Arizona in order to have the workers install your pool or spa! But if your in the market for cleaning supplies, you will soon be able to order over the internet and have them delivered to your door no matter where you live!

THE DR IS IN – PAUL OFFIT

2009-01-17T11:36:00.007-06:00

No one likes to go to the doctor, especially children! Every parent has been there; taking their child to get their first immunization, getting treated for measles, mumps, chicken pox and a host of other childhood diseases. Some parents aren’t happy with their child’s doctor, perhaps his bedside manner isn’t the best…who knows?

Well, here is a doctor that has a wide range of talents. Dr. Paul Offit is a well-known pediatrician, author and develops vaccines. He currently works at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia where he works very long hours. In between working as a physician, he is also an author with his book being released very shortly. Additionally, as a developer of vaccines, Paul Offit also works very closely with pharmaceutical companies.

There is no denying that Paul Offit is a multi-talented individual.

THE NEWSPAPER BUSINESS AND JOSEPH ODINDO

2009-01-17T11:22:00.006-06:00

They say that the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree when speaking about a parent and child. It seems that this is the case with Joseph Odindo and his father. Not only is Joseph Odindo a music enthusiast that has led to a ground breaking album with Paul Simon’s “Graceland”, he is also a very respected and well-known journalist for a company called Nation Media Group.

This company is the owner of various newspapers in the African region. And, Joseph Odindo is the group managing editor for Nation Media Group. Some may think that due to his father’s influence, that he stepped into the top position of the company from day one. That simply isn’t the case.

Joseph Odindo stair stepped his way up from reporter to various other positions until he became Nation Media Group. He has had a very impressive career both as a musician and a journalist.

ARLENE KOCK – ATTORNEY

2009-01-17T11:09:00.009-06:00

Have you ever had the need to hire an attorney? It’s one of those things where they are necessary in life, but it’s difficult to know how to hire one when you are faced with a legal issue. Flipping through the yellow pages just doesn’t seem to be a good way to start a search. Usually people will refer an attorney when they have had a good experience.

If you can’t get word of mouth, I think the attorney’s website is a good method. For instance, Arlene Kock is an attorney in the California area and she has a professional, polished site that is informative and gives details about what types of cases she handles and so on. I thought it was interesting that she also handles Domestic Partnership law which is constantly changing due to Proposition 8 becoming such a controversy in that state.

Arlene Kock also handles divorces, child custody, and criminal law to name a few. If you need a good attorney and you live in the California area, look up Arlene Kock, she seems like she can handle any legal issue you may have.

Does Your Home Need a Facelift? CALL K-DESIGNERS

2009-01-16T22:19:00.006-06:00

It never fails, being a homeowner is a very big responsibility. There’s always something to fix, clean up, prevent, safeguard against and so on. So what if you’re not good with a hammer? What about the plumbing? If you’re anything like me, you rely on plumbers, contractors, handymen and so on. You rely on them and you are at the mercy of them as well.

Well, I found a great company called K-Designers that will design or give your home a face lift! They are one stop shopping, no need to call or hire anyone else. K-Designers can help with choosing windows, doors, gutters, overhangs, vinyl siding and more. You’re probably wondering, are there any other perks to using K-Designers? You bet! The monthly special for January 2009, if you use their services, they will offer you a choice of: ½ off a garage door, complete with installation OR a FREE Water Heater insulated blanket! So, go ahead, check them out!

IS THE ECONOMY PREVENTING YOU FROM STARTING A BUSINESS? READ ON!

2009-01-16T22:08:00.014-06:00

The other day, I was doing research regarding CEO’s of major corporations. It seems that in today’s economic environment, most corporations are struggling at best. What makes the difference in these companies? Is it the marketing? Employees? Cash Flow? Customer Service? Supply and demand? These were some of the questions I was researching.

Then, I found Frank Hanna. You may be wondering who that is? Frank Hanna is a multi-faceted businessman in that he is a merchant banker in Atlanta, Georgia. In other words, he gives businesses financial backing to help them succeed. He has assisted a number of well-known businesses that are quite successful today. Frank Hanna also tours on the speaking circuit regarding this type of work and other various topics.

Frank Hanna is also a philanthropist who takes special interest in building Catholic schools for a growing community of children. He also is the founder of the Solidarity Movement and stays active in charitable activities as well as business opportunities. I’d say his priorities are in great order!

Hate to Exercise? Try Tennis

2009-01-16T21:45:00.009-06:00

Now that January is here, if you are anything like most people, you are on a diet and exercise regime. And, if you are like most people, you will throw in the towel by the time February greets us. Why do we give up so easily? As far as the diet goes, most people go full force by eating practically nothing and then overdoing exercise. No wonder most people give up on the New Year’s resolution.

But, today I saw a blog by Nachshon Draiman. He spoke of the drudgery of exercise such as jogging, walking on a treadmill and other mindless activity. Exercise can be…well, boring. That’s why most people listen to their IPODS, watch tv etc. while they are exercising. Hence, that is why it doesn’t last.

Nachshon Draiman talks about playing tennis for exercise. It’s fast paced, it’s a game and can be a lot of fun. You can practice by yourself by hitting the ball against the wall, or you can call a friend to play a quick game or two. The trick is to make it part of your schedule. And, not only is it good exercise, Nachshon Draiman states that tennis is very much a thinking game. So, it helps exercise your muscles and your mind! Try it.

Baby it's Cold Outside...

2009-01-16T21:35:00.002-06:00

If you watch the Weather Channel at all, you already know that this is the coldest weather we have had in many, many years. The frigid temperature along with the snow and ice make for miserable conditions! It is during these times when I daydream about the islands or some luxurious tropical destination. I think most people do.

Well, as I was surfing the net for some places to consider for my next vacation, I came across the website: Consolidated Resort Travel. This is more than a vacation resort. This is a place to actually purchase a vacation home for a lifetime of use! Some people refer to them as “timeshares”. But, Consolidated Resort Travel is different from the others. Not only do they have a wide variety of destinations in the United States, but they also offer Mexico, Caribbean, European and Asian destinations as well! Learn more about Consolidated Resort Travel, you’ll be glad you did.

All That Jazz...

2009-01-16T21:19:00.007-06:00

If you are like me, you are a lover of all genres of music. However, if you have a special place in your heart for jazz, I found a blog that you have to read. Mohammed Babangida, the music of Africa and beyond. Mohammed Babangida is very knowledgeable about music and has a special penchant for jazz. He doesn’t speak of “African music” exclusively. I noticed on his blog he spoke of such musical pioneers as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum and others of American heritage.

So, if you’re in the mood for some smooth jazz talk and discussion, check out Mohammed Babangida’s blog. You’ll be glad you did.

HOA – THE MANAGEMENT IS EVERYTHING

2009-01-16T21:05:00.002-06:00

If you have ever been house hunting or perhaps looking for a condominium/townhouse; a statement that you might hear from your realtor is a mention about HOA.

You may wonder what the heck does HOA mean and how does it pertain to the purchase of a home? HOA is an acronym for “Home Owner Association”. You may be asking yourself, what does an HOA actually do? The answer is simple. The HOA or your neighborhood of homes hire a management company which attend to the appearance of your neighborhood. As I investigated the importance of HOA’s I happened to find Tim Arel’s name all over the web. It seems that Tim Arel specializes in managing HOA’s.

When I purchased my townhouse, I found out quickly that HOA’s are very important. For example, the HOA is responsible for hiring someone to maintain our lawns, replace roofing when needed, washing of the outside of the home and so forth. As you can imagine, it’s very important to have a good manager. I wish I had known about Tim Arel back when I was looking for a home!

TAX Day is Coming S O O N

2009-01-16T20:56:00.004-06:00

They say there are 3 things that you can count on in life: Change, Death and Taxes. No truer words were ever spoken! And, speaking of Taxes, it is a part of our lives but most people don’t think about taxes until April 15th every year. I don’t know if other countries have the same issues with taxes, but most people will tell you, American Tax Relief is needed.

Some people look forward to this day because they get a refund from the IRS, and some have to pay additional taxes. Either way, it usually includes completing confusing paperwork. For the people that owe taxes, it can be very stressful. Never fear! American Tax Relief is here! I was surfing the web the other day, I found a great website that helps individuals and companies if they have problems with paying taxes. It’s called American Tax Relief, be sure to check it out, you’ll take a sigh of relief!

There's nothing like a dip in a beautiful pool!

2008-12-20T13:27:00.012-06:00

As I sit here huddled by the fireplace, my thoughts take me to warmer memories where lying by the pool felt absolutely luxurious. Remember when there was a nice breeze and the sun warmed your skin perfectly? Then, when your skin becomes parched, you were steps away from diving into a cool, exhilarating pool to swim...aahhhh, those were the days.

Want to know what got me dreaming of spring and summer in the midst of winter? I saw the website for Shasta Pools and was absolutely enthralled.

The design of these pools are amazing and can fit any style of home. And, when it comes to quality, Shasta Pools makes certain all details are taken care of. Located in sunny Arizona, Shasta Pools offers award-winning designs to their customers' delight. Be sure to check them out. You'll be longing for spring and summer when you do!

Come on in, the water is fine!

Award-Winning Healthcare Professional and Author

2008-12-20T13:02:00.013-06:00

When it comes to tackling infectious disease and the wide assortment of issues associated with this broad subject, Dr. Paul Offit is no stranger.

This busy doctor is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. By delving into this subject of interest, he has complied an impressive list of accomplishments.

For example, Dr. Paul Offit has won awards including the J. Edmund Bradley Prize for Excellence in Pediatrics and as a result of his knowledge and standing in the healthcare field, he is also a prolific author.

It appears that Dr. Paul Offit is a very well-versed expert in his field.

Doing business has no limitations

2008-12-19T18:26:00.017-06:00

So many business entrepreneurs plot and plan for the day they become leaders of their own companies. Within that scope of planning, education is a priority, seeking out the perfect opportunities and networking with key individuals within those opportunities. It can be a painstaking, yet very organized and thought out path for these individuals to take.

However, there are some entrepreneurs such as Mohammed Babangida breaks the mold of the profile described above! This gentleman is a talented and energetic business leader who is able to take advantage of global business challenges in stride.

It seems that in addition to business, Mohammed Babangida is also an avid sportsman. Polo provides the high energy activity and excitement that this businessman needs to energize for the boardroom.

Mohammed Babangida lives with his wife and children in Niger State, Nigeria. You'll be hearing more from this business mover and shaker!

The Economy tight on Funding? Not Necessarily!

2008-12-19T17:14:00.010-06:00

Sure, everyone is talking about how bad the economy is and that getting a business loan is impossible.

Tell that to Jared Metz. This is one impressive entrepreneur that doesn't take the typical route when expanding his business and searching for challenging opportunities.

For example, when he was in his early twenties, he founded his own company which specialized in a business development. Always looking for an opportunity, Jared Metz found that his business would be perfect for expanding products in the prosthetics health care field. Undaunted, he attended Camp Institute of Applied Technology in New Jersey, where he learned the ins and outs of orthopedics and prosthetics. After making his new company extremely successful, he moved to the Caribbean to recharge his batteries and work on new ideas for his next venture.

After working on a couple of projects in the entertainment industry, he felt energized and ready to start work on his passion. Once he had his ideas in tow, Jared Metz moved back to the states to offer other U.S. businesses the opportunity to get funding for their projects.

Never tell an entrepreneur it can't be done!

Travel Can Be Good for the Soul

2008-12-19T16:07:00.008-06:00

2008 has been a challenging year at best and from the looks of some of us, we could use a nice vacation from it for awhile!

Vacation doesn't need to be a dirty word for the average person or family. It couldn't be any easier to take a trip than now. What's the first step? Contact Consolidated Resorts Travel.

Not really sure where you want to go? Perhaps never planned a vacation before? No worries! Take a look at some of the properties such as Kauai in Hawaii. Consolidated Resorts Travel will handle all the details and help you to decide what travels are most appealing to you. All it takes is pointing and clicking to find your next get-away!

Whether you and your family are in the mood for an elaborate vacation or simply a weekend trip, Consolidated Resort Travel has the best prices, deals and will take care of all the details for you! Be sure to check them out!

Vacation is looking better by the moment, isn't it?

The Wooden Tones Resonating from Africa

2008-12-19T15:19:00.011-06:00

It has been said that the more engaged a person becomes in their surroundings, the more varied interests they accumulate. Joseph Odindo is no exception.

While he has built an impressive career as a journalist in Kenya, Joseph Odindo also has a passion for not only journalism, but for music. The instrument of choice is a marimba which is an instrument that slightly resembles the layout of piano keys. The wooden bars give a deep resonating tone when played with mallets that have a covering on the end, that gives it a very distinctive voice. Typically, these instruments are played in groups of 4, with each player playing different marimbas in varying harmonies and keys.

In addition to the traditional African instruments, Joseph Odindo is also a big fan of Paul Simon when he meshed traditional African music with American influences. The popular effort was compiled in Simon's album, "Graceland".

Kenya, et al

2008-12-19T13:49:00.008-06:00

Often times, Americans become frustrated and disillusioned with our political system and wheels of big business. Yet, it takes only a glance to our neighbors around the world to see that while we have our challenges, we also have it pretty good as well.

In order to see our world, we rely on journalists and analysts to report news accurately and without bias. This is a given in America. However, in other continents such as Africa, the need for journalistic honor was achingly void. All until one man, Wangethi Mwangi saw his mission.

Having an avid interest in politics while maintaining his journalistic ethics has always appealed to this veteran reporter. To provide journalistic integrity, Wangethi Mwangi joined the largest media company in Kenya; National Media Group.

This company is a key player in championing the cause of democracy in East Africa. By attaching himself to this company, Wangethi Mwangi was able to work his way up the ladder of this business and currently serves as Editorial Director of the leading multi-media house in the East African region for both print and electronic platforms.

Home Sweet Home with Rules!

2008-12-19T11:33:00.013-06:00

The American dream has always been to own your own home and business. When buying a home, most people want their condo or home to stand out from the crowd, be unique.

But, what if your neighbor (or even YOU) have odd ideas of what is attractive home improvements or landscaping? Perhaps if you are in a townhouse or condominium community, each unit wants to paint their doors different colors, have different types of roofs etc. replaced? It would be an eyesore, wouldn't it? Seeing a cohesive, uniform grooming of a collection of homes is where property management and owner associated management comes in. Who can you trust to set rules and boundaries?

Enter Tim Arel to the rescue! You may be asking, what constitutes a great real estate property manager? Someone who has a wide variety of interests such as Tim Arel. He has a background in law and also is avidly interested in real estate investing, negotiating contracts for home communities etc. Most importantly, he maintains his certifications and relishes challenges as well as having a deep desire to learn everything he can about the business.

Are you and your neighbors in need of someone like Tim Arel? Take a look, you'll be impressed!

Amos Tamam - The Cab King

2008-12-19T10:41:00.012-06:00

If you're a traveler, the preferred mode of transportation usually entails a cab ride. Whether in New York City or abroad, the cab has enjoyed popularity as an easy, convenient method of travel.

What exactly makes them so convenient and easy? They are usually on every street corner for one! And, they accept most methods of payment. Back in the day, cabbies only accepted cash. So, who was it that changed this concept? A man you may have never heard of, Amos Tamam.

So, who is this man? It's a typical "American Spirit" story. Amos Tamam is originally from Tel Aviv and came to New York City nearly 30 years ago to start fresh. He serviced cabs and eventually worked his way up in the cab fleet industry to be CEO of his company. It was at this time that he showed the technical expertise to implement the ability to pay for fares via credit cards as well as cash. Not to mention that he also improved travel time measurement resulting in capturing lost income from each cab ride.

No doubt about it, Amos Tamam made the most of his "fresh start."

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Good for the Holidays, a Pick me up, or a Healthy Snack

2008-12-17T22:35:00.017-06:00

Gifting
It never fails...a last minute birthday is looming, or perhaps that difficult to buy for friend or family member is causing you indigestion. What is the perfect gift? The photo frame, the New York Times top ten bestseller and the latest ipod has lost it's unique appeal. The one idea I can give you is found in one word; CHOCOLATE.

Chocolates aren't for "just women" anymore. In fact, these delicious delectable have separated themselves into a unique and exquisite offering for others or even yourself!

What are some of the benefits? No doubt, the number one reason people love to receive chocolates is because they taste great. The finer the chocolate and finer ingredients, the finer the taste. Let's face it, convincing someone to try an amaretto chocolate truffle is a cinch! Fine chocolates is not your mother's Snicker bar!

The other benefits? Chocolate is actually a healthy food! The darker the chocolate, the more nutritious for you! Don't like dark chocolate? No worries...fruit and nuts are absolutely delicious drenched in a rich chocolate sauce. Try switching up the selection using items such as strawberries, pineapple, cashews, pecans, walnuts and other fruits and nuts. The sky is the limit and portion control is a must!

Feeling down in the dumps? Go ahead, eat a few chocolates without guilt or worry. One of the ingredients in chocolate affects the dopamine in your brain which is a chemical that makes you feel happy. Everyone can use a small pick me up.

So, whether you are thinking about the Holidays, choosing a a gift, or a special gift for yourself; Choose Chocolate, you'll be glad you did!

Thoughts about Insurance

2008-12-11T13:09:00.009-06:00

Today I watched a news conference where President-Elect Obama was nominating Tom Daschle to be in charge of straightening out our health care system. Good Luck, Tom. You'll definitely need it.

This issue really got me to thinking about the insurance crisis in our country. We tend to think of only health insurance as being an issue for Americans. Not true. What got me to examining the entire picture was that I found United American Insurance Company on the web.

Not only did they address the health insurance issue, but they offered a turn-key alternative. Think about it, when was the last time you saw one of the other insurance companies speak about all the various policies they offer? As I was reading through the website, I noticed that Individual products (cancer policies, life insurance, etc.) were popular items. Take a look for yourself at United American Insurance Company online. They even speak about senior citizens' concerns about Medicare and health insurance as well.

Their policies looked great and I wondered to myself if this company would crater as the rest of the banks, auto manufacturers and all seem to be doing. Then, I saw it; United American Insurance Company had a listing of jobs. Imagine that, jobs for those who are getting laid off by the thousands.

So be sure to check them out. I know I will.