Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Fishing with Sak Narwal

When I lived in Tillamook, Oregon for a few months, I met many fishermen who enjoyed the thrill of catching fish whether for food or for sport. These fishermen often fished in the ocean or one of many large rivers flowing from the sea. Sak Narwal is one such fisherman who fishes primarily on the east coast.

Although Sak Narwal is also a successful businessman and entrepreneur, he still finds to pursue his all-time favorite hobby of fishing. He has caught fish from New York to California. He particularly enjoys fishing in the Florida Keys and on the Deleware River. Sak Narwal’s specialty includes hard-to-catch fish such as sharks and the Louisiana Redfish. Sak Narwal usually catches and releases the fish back into the wild. He enjoys fishing as a sport, but doesn’t believe in unnecessary killing. 

Learning About State Flowers from Ashley M. Stevanovich

I’ve always struggled with memorizing state flowers, birds, and trees. This is probably due to the fact that I live in Utah where state flower is a Seagull Lily. I’ve never understood what makes this such a great flower, but at least we have a state flower in this desert state. I would probably be more interested in flowers if Utah had more exciting flowers. For example, Ashley Stevanovich really enjoys flowers, especially state flowers. However, she has the privilege of living in South Florida where the state flower is the Orange Blossom, which is one of the most fragrant flowers in Florida. Ashley Stevanovich can see flowers in blossom year round, while I am stuck with flowers only during part of spring. Perhaps Ashley Stevanovich can help me appreciate flowers more if I moved to Florida or ordered some of those flowers to Utah.

Wedding Dresses from Gina Penzarella

Almost five years ago, my wife and I were married. I remember the hassle and stress of trying to get everything ready for this all important ritual and celebration. Finding the perfect wedding dress for the bride is probably the largest expense you will make next to the rings. If you live in Pennsylvania, Gina Penzarella makes this purchase easier with her bridal dress company, Footlights Boutique & Co., Inc.

Gina Penzarella began her career in marketing. After graduating from Fordham University in marketing, Gina Penzarella worked in marketing, advertising, and customer service. Eventually she decided to open Footlights Boutique in order to help brides and those who need dresses for special events. In addition to bridal dresses, Boutique provides a place for young women to find the latest styles in prom dresses. 

Finding Employment with NES Employment Solutions

I never gave much thought to employment services until a year ago. Before this time, I had only used the state employment services, which were rather lacking in quality. A year ago, an employment service found me my current job, one day after I was laid off. Companies are now seeking to connect employers and applicants all through the Internet. NES Employment Solutions, a member of American Staffing Association, is one such company that claims to be the premiere online destination for staffing.

During these troublesome economic times, it’s vital to have a proactive game plan if you are looking for work. In addition to staffing employment, NES Employment Solutions offers resume, interviewing, and cover letter tips. NES employment Solutions goal is to deliver results and get you a job with a network of recruiters, staffing companies, and employers.  

SRC Lists: Cutting Down on Irrelevant Calls

I hate it when I get a phone call for something there is no way I qualify for. Survey Resource Center (SRC) seeks to minimize these irrelevant phone calls by providing companies detailed lists of potential customers. SRC Lists promises the company that they will earn at least $1,000 for every 100 names. SRC only provides lists that contain potential customers who specifically requested information pertaining to the SRC Lists they are list in. SRC Lists include information detailed information such as home value, age, income, and gender. Using this information, companies should be able to tailor their sales pitch for the individual’s needs or wants.

Monday, November 30, 2009

RENEW International Renewing Religious Traditions

As a devoutly religious person, I am always pleased to hear of organizations that are working towards renewing religious beliefs whether they are members of my church or another organization. A catholic organization, RENEW International, is an organization that seeks to renew Catholic tradition.

 

RENEW International has several different processes that seek to accomplish this renewal. These include Why Catholic?, ARISE Together in Christ, RENEW: Spiritual Renewal for the 21st Century, Campus RENEW, RENEW Theology on Tap, RENEW Worldwide, Healing the Body of Christ, and RENEW Resources.  As their mission statement states, these ministries seek to empower individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action. I think that if there were more organizations in the world like RENEW International that sought to renew religious traditions, we would see a lot less violence and wickedness in the world. 

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Winter Flowers


As an aspiring amateur photographer, my wife has this idea to create a set of photos depicting all four seasons. She plans to hang these pictures in our kitchen with the title "To Every Season." She currently has three of four summer pictures taken and printed. For summer, she has a bright sunflower which she took while we were camping this summer. Her spring picture is of some purple flowers encompassed by grass, which she also took while we camping during the summer. Her fall picture includes an orange leaf sitting on a barren tree. Behind the leaf sits a tiny green leaf, providing life to a dying season.

She's having a difficult time finding a picture for winter. I suggested that she takes some pictures of a forest covered in snow; however, she wants to find the perfect picture of a winter flower. Personally, I didn't know flowers grew in the winter time, especially here in the desert. She might need to order a flower from one of those internet flower shops like 1800flowers.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Shasta Pools and Spas

I work for a pool cover company, called Cover-Pools. Therefore, I'm always interested when I find new pool distributors. I recently stumbled across the number pool builder in Arizona, Shasta Pools. As I browsed through the Shasta Pools website, I saw some pretty amazing pool designs. As the website states, they understand that no two backyards are the same.

Some of the pool designs included the standard types of pools, vanishing edge pools, pools with waterfalls, pools with amazing rock designs. I was literally amazed at the different designs Shasta Pools was able to create. They have an entire list of options that a customer can select from including lighting, decking, misting systems, swim-up seating, waterfalls, and spas. The one thing I didn't notice was a cover pool, but I'm sure if you asked they could install a cover pool for you. Although, some of the designs might not accommodate an automatic cover pool.

Wangethi Mwangi: Kenyan Recipes

I am always looking for new recipes for my wife to cook dinner, or something that I can cook. I am especially intrigued when I find authentic cultural foods. Today, I stumbled across a website created by Wangethi Mwangi that is devoted entirely to recipes from Kenya. I have never tried Kenyan food, so I will have to give Wangethi Mwangi's recipes a try.

The very first recipe I found on this website is called, Wangethi Mwangi cooks Tanzania Chicken. It says that this is one of the most popular dishes from Kenya. I’m not sure what it means when it says that you need 1 cooking hen. I guess that just means you need one chicken, because the recipe says to cook the meat on the bones. I’ll have to ask my wife what some of the spices are as well. As you can tell, I’m not a chef. Maybe I’d better stick to Chili in a can and let my wife try making the chicken from Kenya.

K-Designers

We have recently had some problems with our home in Logan. First our water heater broke, now our air conditioner is broken, and we just got a letter from our insurance company stating that we need to repair our rain gutters. In addition, the insulation by our windows is horrible. This has got me looking into different remodeling companies. I found one called, K-Designers, the home remodeling leader. This is company that started with four employees in Casper, Wyoming in 1978. During its 30-year life, the company has expanded throughout the United States including to Utah, which is good for me.

In 2007, one of the founders of K-Designers was named Chairman to General Electric's Money Advisory Board, which tells me that the company must have something going for them if GE liked the founder. Although K-Designers won't be able to fix my water heater or air conditioning, they can fix my rain gutters and repair my window insulation problem.

Jeff Barcy

As a graduate from Harvard University, Jeff Barcy is a successful business man who knows about finances and real estate. With the turn in the economy, many people are losing their jobs and their homes. As such, Jeff Barcy has been able to take advantage of these distressed residential real estate times. In 2007, Jeff co-founded Ridgeback Partners, and investment management firm. This firm that consists of 75 people has managed several billion dollars in investor capital and 125 residential investments.

Prior to starting this company, Jeff Barcy worked in the management team for Hearthstone, a leading institutional investor for residential homes. Working from San Fansisco, Jeff was able to the help the real estate fund grow from 75 million dollars to one billion dollard of capital. As a graduate from Harvard University, Jeff Barcy is a successful business man who knows about finances and real estate. He began his his investment career in Los Angeles with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette where he worked his way to become Director of the real estate investment practice.

Shasta Pools and Spas

I work for a pool cover company, called Cover-Pools. Therefore, I'm always interested when I find new pool distributors. I recently stumbled across the number pool builder in Arizona, Shasta Pools. As I browsed through the Shasta Pools website, I saw some pretty amazing pool designs. As the website states, they understand that no two backyards are the same.

Some of the pool designs included the standard types of pools, vanishing edge pools, pools with waterfalls, pools with amazing rock designs. I was literally amazed at the different designs Shasta Pools was able to create. They have an entire list of options that a customer can select from including lighting, decking, misting systems, swim-up seating, waterfalls, and spas. The one thing I didn't notice was a cover pool, but I'm sure if you asked they could install a cover pool for you. Although, some of the designs might not accommodate an automatic cover pool.

Linus Gitahi CEO Runner

I recently wrote a few posts about some posts that Linus Gitahi had written about Kenyan runners. While I found his blogs intriguing, I did not know who Linus Gitahi was. Today, I discovered that Linus Gitahi has just been made the CEO of Nation Media Group, the largest media firm in East and Central Africa.

Previous to this promotion, Linus was an executive for a global pharmaeutical company called, GlaxoSmithKline. In addition to his time-consuming careers, Linus Gitahi serves as a non-executive director of three different organizations: Equity Bank, Ltd Afrika Investment Bank, and Federation of Keny Employer. He still has time to spend with his family--his wife and two daughters.

With his new position, Linus Gitahi will oversee eight large newspapers for Africa: the Daily Nation, Saturday Nation, Sunday Nation, Taifa Leo, Taifa Jumapili, The EastAfrican, Business Daily and Daily Metro. In addition to publishing these renowned newspapers, Linus will oversee the distribution of these papers with the Nation Carriers Limited (NMG), which distributes papers throughout Africa an now internationally.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Frank Hanna, a Financial Adviser I Agree With

I wrote about Frank Hanna in a previous blog when he discussed some of his financial philosophies. He has written another blog that I agree completely with. I like the way Frank Hanna does not hesitate to include his religious beliefs when discussing money. I know that I have been saved financially several times by follow the same principles Frank Hanna suggests.

In his blog, "Living More Abundantly," Frank Hanna suggests six things that will help free us from the material bondage. These include be honest, let go of things you don't need, pay tithing, be grateful, get rid of negative feeling, and recognize that there is enough of everything. These six principles really do help you realize that money does not control your life.

Travel with Linus Gitahi

With summer approaching, people are going to be traveling on vacations. Linus Gitahi wrote and interesting blog that discusses how people waste their vacations and how people used to travel. According to Linus Gitahi people spend time and money to travel to a vacation spot, but once there, they just sit around doing nothing. They miss the entire journey of their travels.

People used to spend the time traveling on foot or by horse. Linus Gitahi mentioned that most people would not be able to travel like this because we are so accustomed to our modern conveniences. He suggests that traveling by foot would provide a better vacation than spending thousands to lay around in a cheap hotel.

Power Properties Dallas

Creating a home is part of the American dream. Power Properties Dallas helps make this possible in the state of Texas. As one of the leading real estate developers in Texas, Power Properties Dallas seeks to create comfortable living quarters in every apartment and condominium they sell. Power Properties Dallas offers three different types of atmospheres that gives a variety to their homes.

The Verandah Group provides an atmosphere that feels like you are on a cruise or at a beach. Each location provides pools, fountains, and fireplaces. The Boutique Group is set to feel as if you were living in "Melrose Place." Each location has less than 18 residents, so it doesn't feel like you are actually living in an apartment at all. The Historic Group provides an atmosphere that will take you back in time. These building and landscapes are fashioned after popular places throughout history.

Survey Resource Center

Since the invention of the telephone, conducting phone surveys and telemarketing has been an important of the business world. However, with recent legislation, finding the right people who are willing to participate has become more difficult. Survey Resource Center has developed effective methods to help businesses secure more effective telemarketing and mail marketing leads. In fact, Survey Resource Center gurantees that they can provide leads that will earn them $1,000 for every 100 names purchased. I was reading a forum where many people expressed that they were skeptical of Survey Resource Center; however, when they learned that their money was guaranteed, they gave it a try. They found that they received the leads SRC promised.

Travel with YMT Vacations

Most people spend a portion of their summer at some vacation spot whether that is camping, visiting relatives, or sight-seeing. With the economy at a slump these days, many are seeking for affordable ways to go on vacation. Senior citizens may find YMT Vacations to be the perfect solution for traveling.

YMT Vacations is a company that specializes in providing wholesale vacations for mature adults. They provide both land tours and cruise vacation for a price that people on a fixed income can afford. You can travel to Hawaii, Germany, Italy, Alaska, Panama, and Europe. Wherever you want to go for a vacation, YMT Vacations could be a great way to get you there.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Josh's Writing

I've started writing articles for ehow.com. Most of the articles are tutorials. You can check them out at http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_joshua25797.html. I will occasionally post links to the articles as well.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Still a Mother's Day Slacker

Mothers day is in two days and I have not purchased anything for my wife, mother, or mother-in-law yet. Although I recently posted two blogs earlier this month about how I was going to get my wife and mom some nice Mothers day flowers, I have procrastinated this event yet again.

I hope it's not too late to find her something nice. Last year when I went to get flowers the day before Mothers day, the supermarket only had ugly, wilted roses. However, as I was driving home, I heard an ad stating that you could still order flowers from 1800flowers, and they would arrive in time for Mothers day.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Blogs for Carl Sgro

As you may have noticed, many of these blogs have been quite random. That is because I have been writing entries for a company called IRM Consultants. This company, which is managed by an expert in Search Engine Marketing named Carl Sgro, works to improve the search engine ratings of websites, ranging from individual websites and large company websites.

Carl Sgro has worked in the IT industry for over 30 years, so he has plenty of experience in improving websites. In addition to his IT experience, he has a great love for children. As a grandfather and avid fisherman, he founded “Take a Kid Fishing,” a program devoted to helping children learn the art of fishing. Overall, I have enjoyed this opportunity to help Carl Sgro improve the reputations of websites.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Gifts for Mother's Day

As Mother's day approaches, I've been contemplating what some great Mother's day gifts I should get the women in my life. I remember as a child picking some nice wilted dandelions, drawing an unrecognizable picture, or a tiny hug were great Mothers day gifts for my mom.

Now that I'm married and have two additional mothers in my life, my wife and her Mother, its not so easy to pick the perfect gifts for Mothers day. I remember hearing about 1800flowers during Valentines. It seemed like every radio talk show host had a special deal through 1800flowers. Although it might cost more money, I suppose ordering flowers from a national florist would be a little nicer than picking dandelions from my mother's back yard.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Flowers are Not a Fleeting Mother's Day Gift

My wife is always complaining that I don't ever buy her flowers, so for Valentine's Day, I bought her a rose from a well known supermarket to go with her gift. The only problem with this gift was that I bought the flower two days early. Since I didn't want her to see it, I left the flower in the car. It was cold, so I thought that the rose would be ok. By the time I brought it out for Valentine's Day, the rose was pretty wilted.

Now Mother's day is coming around quickly, and I have to try to decide what I should get my wife. I definitely won't buy another flower from that supermarket. I have a hard time purchasing flowers because they seem so fleeting. Within three days the flower was dead. However, I know that when I spend a little extra money to purchase nice flowers for my wife, she really enjoys them. She spends every day taking care of our two-year-old son, and I'm sure that feels like a job hat is so fleeting some days. For her Mothers day, I think I might purchase some nice flowers from a real florist, such as 1800flowers, instead of the supermarket down the street, just don't don't tell her that.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Discover What Money Means to Frank J. Hanna

Frank J. Hanna, the author of “What Your Money Means,” points out that when Timothy said that the love of money was the root of all evil, he did not say money is evil. Frank continues to stat that money is a gift from God, and we must learn to use it as a gift to benefit others.

According to Frank J. Hanna people can either be controlled by their money or liberated from their money. In order to be liberated, they must be willing to use their resources for the good of all. He points out that during this crisis many are holding tightly onto their money. “To be good stewards, we must learn to make a sacrifice for others.” You can view Frank J. Hanna’s blog at http://frankhanna.wordpress.com.

United American Insurance Company Still Has Jobs

Although many Americans are out of work and few companies are hiring, there are a few businesses that are still hiring. For example, United American Insurance Company has over 200 job openings ranging from customer service to management jobs.

Rated with an A+ report, United American Insurance Company sells health, long-term care, and life insurance. This company has been around since the end of World War II. Because they saw the ever increasing need for senior have focused much of their attention on the individuals needing Medicare. United American Insurance Company is licensed to do business in 49 states from New York to Iowa to California. If you are one of the millions of Americans currently unemployed, United American might be a great opportunity for you.

Mohammed Babandgida Speaks About African Music

The history of modern music has an interesting connection to African music. Mohammed Babangida, an accomplished polo player, maintains a blog that centers on jazz and blues relations to Africa. As a successful businessman Mohammed Babangida uses this music to relax and meditate. Much of his blog expounds on the religious traditions of African Music as well as the history of jazz in the United States.

Music has always had an important part in African culture. However, the blues began when oppressed African Americans used music to vent their frustration. Much of the popular music today stems from the blues. For more about the history of African music visit Mohammed Babangida's blog.

It’s in Their Genes Aaccording to Linus Gitahi

When you look at many of the sports in America, you notice that a large percentage of the athletes are African American. Linus Gitahi, in his blog on Kenyan running, states that this is due to genetics.

In his blog, Linus Gitahi quotes John H. Manners who states that the reason Kenyan runners are the world’s best runners is because their ancestors had to run fast to catch stray cattle. According to Manners, a Darwinian process occurred because “the faster they run, the bigger their herds grow.” Manners proceeds to give several examples of Kenyan runners who had not practiced running, but when they earned scholarships based on their heritage, they became excellent trackmen. For more information on Kenyan running visit Linus Gitahi’s blog.

Happiness is Pets That is Healthy

Depression tends to run in my wife’s family. When her sister was diagnosed with a severe case of depression, the doctor suggested that she get herself a pet. Although there are several different ways to get yourself an animal (I prefer the free mutt route), she decided to pay a coworker $400 for an inbred miniature pincher. Luckily this dog didn’t have any health problems. Although, I prefer the free mutts, if you’re going to spend the extra money, make sure that your dog is healthy before you dish out the money. Happiness is Pets is a company located in Illinois that guarantees their puppies are free from any health problems.

Providing Chicago citizens with healthy puppies since 1987, Happiness is Pets provides a warranty for all the puppies they sell. If the vet decides that the puppy has poor health, the owner can exchange their puppy within 7 days of the purchase. Happiness is Pets even provides free veterinary clinics for their first exam. This seems to be a great alternative if you are going purchase a puppy.

Plastic Surgery is not Plastic Service According to Dr. Joel Roskind

Dr. Joel Roskind has always believed that the most important part of medical care should be patient oriented. He has continued to seek to improve his patients’ experiences. As a plastic surgeon for nearly 30 years, Dr. Joel Roskind had the opportunity to work as a facility inspector for the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.

Now that Dr. Roskind is retired from private practice, he is continuing to look out of patient safety by consulting physicians and surgeons as they prepare ambulatory surgical facilities. He believes that “a well run medical practice benefits all who are affected by that practice.” This is why Dr. Joel Roskind is now consulting in practice management.

Amos Tamam: Bringing Modern Money to Taxi

It is so frustrating when I go somewhere that does not accept credit cards. Cash has nearly been eliminated from my home because using my debit card is so much easier, not to mention the relief it's been on my back. Luckily, I don’t need to worry about carrying cash when I ride in a taxi in New York City thanks to the efforts of Amos Tamam.

After receiving his electrical engineering degree from Tel Aviv University in Israel, Amos Tammam migrated to the United States in the early 1980’s. After driving taxis for several years, Amos Tamam decided to use his engineering skills to improve this industry. He is currently the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, Inc. the leaders in creating credit card readers for taxis.

Geitner Needs American Tax Relief

I find it interesting that every time Timothy Geitner, our treasury secretary, and President Obama speak to announce a new plan to recover the economy the stock market falls. I think this shows how much the American people trust the leaders of our money.

Then again, why should they trust these leaders? Timothy Geitner had over $20,000 in back-owed taxes. This is the guy who is over the treasury of the United States. Perhaps people would have more confidence in Geitner if he would set up a tax relief plan with American Tax Relief.

While he’s setting up his own tax plan, he could also use American Tax Relief for his good friends Tom Daschele and Ron Kirk, other appointees of President Obama. However, I don’t think Daschele would like to set up a payment plan with American Tax Relief because he resigned the nomination to Secretary of Health.

Discover what Money Means to Frank J. Hanna

Frank J. Hanna, the author of “What Your Money Means,” points out that when Timothy said that the love of money was the root of all evil, he did not say money is evil. Frank continues to stat that money is a gift from God, and we must learn to use it as a gift to benefit others.

According to Frank J. Hanna people can either be controlled by their money or liberated from their money. In order to be liberated, they must be willing to use their resources for the good of all. He points out that during this crisis many are holding tightly onto their money. “To be good stewards, we must learn to make a sacrifice for others.” You can view Frank J. Hanna’s blog at http://frankhanna.wordpress.com/.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Online Reputation PR Pros

While working as a manager for McDonald’s, I often discovered the hazard of losing one customer. One of my favorite axioms states that when you upset one customer, you lose 10 additional customers. This is because they will tell their friends about their horrible experience. With the ever increasing use of blogs, forums, and online reviews this axiom becomes even more relevant. I personally rarely purchase anything these days without checking the online reputation of the company and product.

Large companies have always known that reputation management is an essential part of their business, thus they hire well-paid public relation managers. However, many companies neglect managing their online reputation either because they don't see the importance or they lack the knowledge. Internet Reputation Management Consultants (IRM Consultants) is a company that attempts to help companies that have neglected the importance of online reputation management.

IRM Consultants seeks to reduce the amount of negative search results by moving them beyond the first result page and replacing them with positive results. This means that the first hits people will come to will be positive information about the company. Negative information will be lower on the list; therefore, it will be viewed as less important to the viewers.