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Autumn juices: fresh combinations and their health benefits
After a long and hot summer across New Zealand, the time has finally come where the mornings are getting crisper and the days shorter. Where the consensus tends to be that spring is the best time to pick up better health and wellness habits, we are strong believers that the best time to do this is in fact autumn. Not only do you have time on your side before bikini season, but the gyms aren't jam packed, there aren't near as many social commitments (and temptations!) and the seasonal produce is incredibly nutrient rich.
Autumn is also an incredibly important time to strengthen your immune system to prepare for the colder months ahead when respiratory infections are on the rise. Juices are by far the easiest way to provide a boost of energy, immunity and nutrients all with one simple push of a button on the blender. Here are some simple and effective autumn juice recipes using seasonal fruits and vegetables that will assist with any health and wellness transformation.
Carrot and beetroot juice
Beetroots are very high in the immune boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (important for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (great for your bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas). Carrots also boost immunity as well as lowering blood pressure, helping with digestion and aids prevention of longer term health risks like diabetes and cancer
- 1 beetroot, peeled
- 4 carrots
- 2 apples, cored
- ½ lemon
- ¼ inch of fresh ginger, peeled
Blend or juice all ingredients together on high.
Nashi pear juice
Nashi pears (also known as Asian pears) are crunchy like an apple with the grainy texture and flavour of a pear. The fruit is very juicy and is a great thirst quencher. Nashi pears contain vitamin K (the pivotal vitamin needed for responding to injuries), vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus (helps to maintain strong bones, boost energy levels and is required for brain function).
- 2 nashi pears
- 2 green apples
- 2-3 ribs of celery
- 1 lemon
Blend or juice all ingredients together on high. Pour over ice.
Turmeric green juice
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents as well as antibiotic, antiseptic and analgesic properties… basically it's magic. The root also helps to improve digestion, purifies your blood, lowers cholesterol, heals stomach uclers, prevents gas and bloating, assists with fat metabolism and can clear acne, psoriasis and arthritis, we should basically be sprinkling turmeric on everything.
- 1 inch piece of turmeric root (or 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder)
- 1 cucumber
- 2 ribs celery
- 1-inch knob ginger root
- 1 lemon
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Blend or juice all ingredients together on high.
Spinach and lemon juice
Spinach is high in niacin and zinc (regulates immune function, helps memory and learning and also heals wounds), as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamine (maintains healthy nervous system and heart function), folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosorus and potassium- its not called a super food for nothing! Lemon is high in antioxidants such as vitamin C which is incredible important for flu season, it also supports digestion.
- 8 cups (250g) spinach
- 2 lemons
- ½ cucumber
- 1 pear
- 2 granny smith apples
Blend or juice all ingredients together on high. Add a splash of natural sweetener like stevia if you want to tame the sour/lemon flavour a bit.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Selling nutritional bars and drinks is a great way to supplement your income.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle isn't just about exercise. Nutrition plays a significant role in the overall well-being of your members. And since wellness is what you're selling, wouldn't you want to offer the complete package?
OK, so you don't have the space or the resources for a full-fledged health-food stand or snack bar. That doesn't mean you still can't offer something nutritious for those highly mobile members of yours. Whether it's an energy bar for that busy executive who had to skip lunch to work out, a health drink mix to supplement the member's protein intake or even a simple vitamin, selling nutritional products in your facility can make for quite a lucrative little profit center.
Even if it means putting a small, 24-count box of nutrition bars on your front desk for members to purchase, you're providing one more service for which your club population will be grateful. "Data shows that the more non-dues revenue areas a club has for members, the more retention clubs tend to have as well," says Dorene Robinson, director of Nutrition and Health Education for Beyond Fitness, a division of Peak Performance. "So, full-service facilities that offer [more] tend to have higher retention rates."
Aside from embracing the health benefits of bars, drinks and vitamin supplements, members are attracted by the convenience of having those items in their fitness environment. It's all about one-stop shopping, especially in these on-the-go-times. "If the members are interested in these products, and they're available at a club when [the members] are engaging in other health-related activities, it's easy for them," Robinson notes. "Otherwise, they'd have to shop around at other food stores."
That's one of the big selling points at the Midwest Athletic Club (MAC; Cedar Rapids, Iowa), which stocks nutrition bars, vitamins and health drinks. Gross sales of the items at MAC total about $48,000 annually. "Members really appreciate the fact that we sell these things, especially a lot of people on a rushed pace of life," observes Wayne Meier, president of the club. "They are happy that they don't have to go to the local fast-food place to grab a burger on the go."
And, he points out, it's not just the members who benefit. Staffers find that the products, especially the energy bars, help them get through the day. "Employees who are there for eight to 10 hours and don't have the time to grab dinner or lunch often have a bar to keep going," Meier says.
Stocking Up
With all of the nutritional items popping up on the market, how can you be sure about what to buy? Experts say the approach varies from item to item. For instance, with energy bars, it's pretty much a trial-and-error process.
Stock a few different brands initially, and see which ones really catch on. The MAC stocks four different brands of energy bars with three flavors of each brand. "It's all determined by inventory - what sells and what doesn't sell, what we discontinue and what we order," notes Meier. "When companies get new products and flavors, we do a little test market with our members."
The test-market endeavor usually consists of cutting up a few bars and giving members free samples. Members offer their feedback on what they like and don't like, and the club orders based on what the consensus is.
The Weight Room Plus in Moriches, N.Y., employs a similar tactic in its "Sample Nights," which are not limited to staff handing out free trials of nutritional products. When the club toys with the idea of carrying new brands or flavors, representatives of the company manufacturing or distributing the items come to the club to meet with members.
"They provide a lot of nutritional information, such as what drinks or bars they recommend for consumption either before or after the workout, depending on the type of workouts members are doing," explains owner Wanda Neppell. "Usually three or four of [the company representatives] will come in at a time. They always seem very eager to do that."
Members appreciate that kind of attention, Neppell contends. She strongly recommends that other clubs follow suit. "They enjoy the fact that we're able to change products to meet their needs," she says. "We find out what the best sellers are and keep up with that demand."
While selecting energy bars is mostly a hit-or-miss process, choosing the right beverages to carry requires a bit more research. Your club's demographic makeup plays a greater role with the health drinks than with the bars. "Are there more body-builders [in your club] or are there more weight-loss people?" asks Peak Performance's Robinson.
If you cater more heavily to the iron-pumping crowd, you'll want to stock more of the protein-based weight-gainers than the mixes more closely associated with losing weight. If you have more of a diverse population made up of fewer high-intensity lifters, the protein-heavy drinks probably wouldn't sell as well.
Robinson suggests that you shy away from products with too many vitamins and minerals. That may appear contradictory, but if you choose to sell supplements, common business sense dictates that you wouldn't want the drinks to cannibalize your vitamin business. Besides, it's usually healthier for your members to take vitamin supplements separately, Robinson reveals.
"By having all the vitamins and minerals in the shake, it could become a deterrent from taking the supplements themselves," she says. "People really need to take a basic multivitamin these days. The best way to do it is just to take one. That's the bottom line."
Besides, she adds, vitamin-heavy drinks may be a little hard for your members to swallow. "People are going to buy the product more if it tastes better," Robinson points out, "and it's going to taste better if it doesn't have all of [the vitamins and minerals in it]."
Meier takes the taste factor into consideration and test markets the beverages in a manner similar to that of the bars. He offers periodic "Drink Days," when members get a chance to sample new drink mixes MAC might stock.
In recent years, Meier contends, improvements in the energy drinks' taste have helped break down the demographic barriers and broadened their market. Drink manufacturers, he explains, have begun to tailor the flavors to different individuals' tastes, which has enabled the companies to attract more consumers.
"The products have changed over the last five years," he explains. "Everyone used to think they were only for the heavy body-building crowd, but now they're big with females and executive individuals -the demographic makeup of a lot of clubs today."
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to the hot sellers, the energy bars are the big winners, hands down. And it's no surprise, since the bars are a consumable food. "It's something someone can buy every time they come into the club," observes Robinson. "They're not going to buy vitamins and minerals every time because when they buy them, they buy at least a month's supply."
Since the bars are supposedly moving like hotcakes, wouldn't you want to make sure members had the easiest access to them? The trick is to adopt the supermarket mentality and market them at the club's equivalent of the check-out line: the front desk. "You'd want them to be near where people are checking in and checking out so they can trigger an impulse buy," advises Robinson.
Of course, if your facility has a stand-alone pro shop, your best bet would be to sell them at the counter of that venue, as well.
With other products, such as health drink mixes and vitamin supplements, a greater degree of education comes into play when selling them. "With those products, I think they require a little more thought for the member to make the purchase," Robinson offers.
In those cases, a staffed pro shop or front-desk area with an attendant knowledgeable enough to answer nutrition-related questions would be the ideal sales sites. "Unfortunately, a lot of times the club doesn't have anyone on staff who's knowledgeable about nutritional products and tries to sell the items based on the information the companies provide," Robinson admits.
And that could create some health and safety concerns. You obviously don't want members with certain medical restrictions to consume something that might adversely affect them. While energy bars and beverages are considered by most experts to be safe, the Weight Room Plus' Neppell doesn't like to take any chances. "We have a gigantic sign where we sell the products advising members to consult their physician before they purchase any of these," she reports.
In situations where you're uncertain about the effectiveness of a particular nutritional product, you may need to seek outside help, usually in the form of a dietitian or nutritional counselor. Doing your homework is the best way to find the safest, most effective products.
Robinson advises that you only offer products whose effectiveness can be backed up by science. Don't fall for out-landish claims made by less-than-reputable companies. "There's a lot of stuff out there, so stay away from products for which research doesn't hold water or barely holds water," warns Robinson. "Clubs need to establish a level of integrity along with what they're promoting."
What's for Sale?
Club Industry asked club operators what they sell in their pro shos. Here's what they are using to stock their shelves:
Bottled Water..........64.8%


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Buying or selling a home can be daunting. In fact, it can be a full-time job. For many people, it makes sense to hire an expert to handle the time-consuming tasks and the nitty-gritty details. Real estate agents can take work off your hands and also help you get a better deal.
Your seller's or listing agent will advertise your home, walk buyers through, answer questions and help you through the negotiation phase. If you're trying to buy, you can hire a buyer's agent who is familiar with your preferred locations. He will recommend neighborhoods that fit your preferences, and he'll also warn you about possible drawbacks -- like the nearby factory that will wake you up every morning at 5:00 a.m. But not all agents are the same. Some may take advantage of your inexperience and end up costing you a pretty penny.
Since your house is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, no one should judge you for being more than a little choosy about whom you hire to help sell or buy it. Find an agent whose philosophy and methods align with your preferences. And be prepared to interview at least two or three agents to find the right person. Asking the right questions will help you gain insight into the agent's capabilities and personality. Of course, he or she should offer stellar references and be thoroughly familiar with your neighborhood. In this article, you'll find several essential questions you should ask to help you make the best choice.
First of all, you want to find out what others have to say about the agent. On the next page, we'll learn how to find out if past clients loved an agent's work or think you should steer clear.
Can I see your references?
Like anyone put on the spot in a job interview, a real estate agent is likely to emphasize all of his positives -- sales records, qualifications, experience and so on. But what he won't be able to tell you is what it's like to work with him day to day.
For this reason, whether you're buying or selling your home, you should always ask your real estate agent for references. Call a few of the references and ask previous clients about their experiences with the agent. Were they pleased with the work he did? Was he easy to get in touch with? Did he keep them well informed? Would they recommend him to others?
In the real estate business, word of mouth recommendations are as good as gold, so a positive review from a past client will give you a good idea whether the agent is worth your time. However, be sure to ask the references if they're related to the agent -- a reference list made up of friends and relatives probably won't give an unbiased assessment of the agent's positive and negative qualities.
In addition to information about himself, the real estate agent should be able to hand over information about the neighborhood in which you're buying or selling your home. Next we'll find out how prepared he is to fill you in on the current market.
Can I have a CMA for the area?
Every real estate agent should be able to give you a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is a listing of homes currently for sale and recently sold in the area. The CMA (known informally as the "comps") will compare the details of your home with similar homes on the market, and includes specifics like price, square footage and number of bedrooms. This is your starting point for knowing how your home measures up to others that are selling in the neighborhood and, most importantly, at what price you should list your house. An experienced real estate agent will make this part of the process a priority.
A CMA can give you a lot of important information. For example, what types of homes and home features seem to be the most popular for buyers in the area? What are homes with similar features to your own selling for? How long are homes like yours staying on the market before they sell? Arming yourself with this information is a great way to help develop a realistic view of your home's value and sales potential. It will also help you monitor whether you agent's advice is in line with the current market trends.
But knowing the sales figures for area homes can't tell you everything. Sometimes it takes an expert eye to pick up on the subtle clues to an area's growth trends. The next question digs a bit deeper into your agent's intimate knowledge of the neighborhood in which you're buying and selling.
Is this area growing or declining?
When it comes to recognizing trends in the market, real estate agents are on the front lines. They see a lot of growth and decline -- some areas can turn from a swamp into a bustling residential area in just a few years, while others can transform from a highly desired neighborhood into foreclosure city in no time. As your window into the real estate world, your agent should be aware of what the growth and decline trends are, and help you find an area that has a positive outlook.
It's easy for most people to see that the neighborhood with lots of boarded up homes might not be growing, but often the signs are much more subtle, especially in the early stages, and your real estate agent can spot the clues. Things like neighborhood activity, street maintenance and the type and number of small businesses in the area can all point to the neighborhood's growth trends. A good real estate agent will be able to tell you if the home you have your eye on is likely to be a good investment based on everything else that's happening around it.
Your real estate agent should be intimately familiar with the neighborhoods in your area -- it's his job, after all, to know the territory well. This type of knowledge often comes through experience, and sometimes agents even work together to share knowledge and expertise. The next question will help you determine whom exactly you'll be working with.
Do you work solo or as part of a team?
These days real estate teams are pretty common. Whether it's a pair of agents who share the work, a single agent with a support staff behind her or a group of several agents all under one business name, you'll want to know with whom you'll be working.
There are both positives and negatives to working with real estate teams. One drawback to a team is that you might not always be working with the individual you hired. If you call to ask a question, the agent you're familiar with might not be available or the one who speaks with you. On the other hand, a team could mean that you'll get more attention and personalized service, especially if there are people taking care of the behind-the-scenes work for your agent (allowing her the luxury of more face time with you).
If your agent is part of a team, find out what aspects of the work she handles personally and whether you'll be in contact with the other team members or only your agent. Will the number you call her on be a direct line, or will you be speaking with a secretary or possibly another agent or partner?
If the agent works solo, finding out about her current workload is key. Next we'll inquire about the agent's other obligations -- after all, how else will you ensure she's available when you need her?
How many clients are you currently representing?
This is a tricky question, so you'll have to know ahead of time what you consider to be an appropriate figure. While there's no magic number for how many clients an agent can effectively handle, a number that's staggeringly high, like 40 listings or 15 buyer clients, could indicate that her time will be divided and you won't get much one-on-one attention. Working with an agent who's difficult to reach or who's constantly with other clients could lead to a frustrating experience for you, or even a negative impact on the sale of your home. An agent whose attention is too thinly spread might not take the time to ensure all of your needs are met and could even rush the process by listing your home at too low a price.
On the other hand, too few clients could signal an agent who doesn't have much experience or who hasn't been well recommended by previous buyers and sellers. Or, this could be a side gig for her which may or may not command much of her attention. Since word of mouth is key in the real estate business, the best agents are likely to have a full workload.
You'll need to weigh the pros and cons to find out if a busy agent can meet your needs, or whether you're willing to compromise experience for more personalized attention.
You can't sell a house until buyers know it's there. On the next page, we'll learn how to ask about what the agent will do to get the word out.
How will you market my home?
Posting a for-sale sign in your front lawn is all well and good, but you can do that yourself -- without the aid of a fancy Realtor. But what about potential buyers who don't happen to drive by your particular street? Out-of-towners who are moving to a new area usually don't have the time to comb the streets of every neighborhood to find a house. In this age of a limitless information superhighway, it's much easier to break down geographic barriers that connect sellers with buyers. This means your options expand along with your competition, so it's imperative to think beyond the yard sign.
One of the biggest advantages that a real estate agent offers you is his access to resources for marketing your home. Ask each agent you interview to spell out his marketing plan for getting your house sold. A good agent will post your house on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) immediately after signing with you. The MLS is a system of databases which lists homes for sale and gives your house broad exposure to homebuyers.
An agent should market your house in other ways too. Print advertising includes ads in newspapers and magazines, or brochures and flyers like the ones you see in waiting rooms and at the entrances to restaurants. However, one of the most common venues for selling homes is the Internet. According to the National Association of Realtors, the Internet is used to find a home 88 percent of the time. Web sites like Craigslist, Yahoo! Real Estate and Realtor.com have exploded in popularity as places for buyers and sellers to find each other, and there are scores of others you can use. Most realty companies even have their own Web sites where you can search their MLS listings.
During this conversation, you should also find out whether the agent has plans to hold open houses. How soon and how many?
After all this hard work marketing your home, what do you owe your agent? Read the next page to find out what to ask about compensation.
How do your realtor fees work?
During the interview, you'll want to talk money. Most agents don't charge a flat fee but take a percentage of the home's final sale price. This percentage varies with each agent, but the commission typically hovers around 6 percent of the selling price. This fee can be a hefty sum. So, if you're the seller, you may want to ask if it's negotiable.
The negotiability of agent commission can depend heavily on the market. In a booming real estate market, commissions might dip lower because homes are easier to sell. On the other hand, when the market is tight an agent might be less likely to budge on her fee. But it doesn't hurt to ask. If the agent commission is a sticking point, consider ways that you can offer to reduce the agent's workload or costs in order to get her to negotiate to a lower rate. For example, you could employ your superb cooking skills to cater your open house. You might also get a discount by using a single agent for both buying a new home and selling your old one. If the agents you interview agree to negotiate the fee, check to see whether that decision would sacrifice the level of service.
Along with commission, it's also important to discuss the agent's cancellation policy. Consider what would happen if, after signing an agent, you hear that your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate is interested in buying your house? Or, what if you happen to stumble upon your dream home on your own with no help from your buyer's agent? Find out if she would still be entitled to the full commission. Maybe you'll just become unhappy with the realtor or agent somewhere down the road before the contract expires. Ask about what kind of early cancellation fees may apply to you. A great way to get a feel for the agent's professionalism and tactics is to ask how she's dealt with this situation in the past.
Or has she dealt with much in the past at all? Next, we'll inquire after the agent's experience to dig up some telltale dirt.
What experience do you have?
An agent's experience is more than just how many years he's been in the business. Other details can give you more insight into his success. One factor that speaks volumes about a seller's agent is his list-price-to-selling-price ratio. You get this ratio by comparing the original list price of the property to the price at which it eventually sold. A good agent will come prepared with this number. The rule of thumb is to choose an agent with a ratio as close to 100 percent as possible, which means that his home's final sale prices have been close to the listing prices.
However, after you hear the number -- even if it's impressively high -- you still might want to inquire into the reasons behind it. Perhaps the agent usually has a house sit on the market for a long period of time to get the best price. Depending on your situation, you may or may not have the luxury of time on your side. A low number could reveal that the agent pushes sales too quickly. Although logic tells you that an agent is interested in a higher price to get higher commission, time is sometimes more valuable to him. In the agent's mind, he'd be better off spending that time selling other houses.
Another aspect of a real estate agent's experience you shouldn't overlook is the types of property he's sold in the past. Perhaps all of his experience is in selling condos -- but you have a large estate. Or, an agent may specialize in commercial -- rather than residential -- property. Appropriate advertising methods and knowledge of the market will vary greatly depending on the kind of property you're selling, and his expertise may not be strong for your particular needs.
If you're a homebuyer, finding an agent with expertise in a particular locale will be a big asset to your search. A qualified buyer's agent will be able to take your present and future needs into account to find you the neighborhood and property that fits you best. For instance, if you have children you'll probably want to find a neighborhood with good schools.
Now that we've looked into his past, let's peer into the future to see how your potential agent will work with you.
How will you keep me informed?
In most relationships, communication is key. Your partnership with your real estate agent is no different. You need to know, up front, how he will keep you in the loop. This means finding out several factors like what kinds of news he'll update you on, the frequency of updates and how the agent will communicate them. Will your listing agent let you know about every interested buyer, no matter how serious?
If you're a buyer, there are a number of details to handle, even after a seller has accepted your offer. This includes home inspection, reinspection, mortgage paperwork, title search, title insurance, repairs and other items. Will you get a weekly update, or just on an as-needed basis? Will it be with a phone call, an email or both? You may have your own preferences, and the agent may or may not accommodate them.
Ask for details about how accessible the agent will be for you, since you'll have questions and concerns throughout the selling or buying process. Find out what business hours he keeps and -- at the risk of sounding like a stalker -- if you can call him outside of those hours on his cell or home phone. Whether he answers e-mails in a timely fashion will also become important down the line. Hopefully, he'll have positive responses to these questions, but it's always smart to verify them when you check his references.
Our final question might sting a little -- it's time to turn the tables and ask the agent to deliver some bad news.
What are the drawbacks of my home?
Although it may seem counterintuitive, asking a real estate agent to evaluate the flaws of your home is a great way to learn other important information during the interview.
For one, if the agent tells you what sounds like legitimate drawbacks, then you know he has a seasoned, keen eye. Not only that, but you'll be able to see that the agent is honest and isn't just going to sweet-talk you into signing a contract. On the other hand, if he doesn't point out what you already know are flaws, this could be an indication that he may have only a half-hearted dedication to selling your home.
What's more, regardless of what it tells you about the agent, you can use this information in the selling process. Knowing your home's disadvantages will give you an opportunity to fix them and a more realistic expectation of the home's market value.
Overall, it's a good idea to hire a real estate agent you think will seek out your best interests. Even gut feelings can tell you something. You don't want to entrust such an important transaction to someone who doesn't make you feel comfortable.
Have more unanswered questions about house selling and buying process? See the links on the next page.
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More Great Links
- Evans, Blanche. "Classified Intelligence, Realty Times Partner On Realtor Advertising Survey." Realty Times. August 30, 2006. (July 25, 2008) http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20060830_advertisingsurvey.htm
- Fletcher, June. "Negotiating Real-Estate Agent's Commission." The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 6, 2010. (Jan. 4, 2011). http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989004575652630596788508.html
- Geffner, Marcie. "The Seller Listing Agreement: What's It All About?" REALTOR.com. 2000. (July 25, 2008) http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Sell/ListAdvert/Agreement.asp
- HomeGain. "20 Best Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent Before You Hire One to Sell Your Home (and the Answers You Want to Hear)" (Dec. 28, 2011) http://www.homegain.com/info_center/other/20_best_questions_to_ask_a_real_estate_agent/show_article
- HUD. "Interview with Real Estate Brokers." U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. July 7, 2004. (July 25, 2008) http://www.hud.gov/selling/intrview.cfm
- Inman News. "Top 10 Real Estate Websites in November." Dec. 22, 2011. (Jan. 4, 2012) http://www.inman.com/news/2011/12/22/top-10-real-estate-websites-in-november
- Joyce, Erin. "6 Neighborhood Red Flags." Investopedia: Financial Edge, Aug. 27, 2010. (Dec. 28 2011) http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0810/6-Neighborhood-Red-Flags.aspx#axzz1hk4iYhO2
- Lewis, Marilyn. "Find a Super-Star Real Estate Agent." MSN Real Estate. (Dec. 27, 2011) http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13108475
- Mullins, Luke. "6 Signs of a Crummy Real Estate Agent." U.S. News & World Report. July 14, 2008. (July 25, 2008) http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2008/07/14/6-signs-of-a-crummy-real-estate-agent.html
- National Association of Realtors. "Field Guide to Quick Real Estate Statistics." Nov. 2011. (Dec. 28, 2011) http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg006
- Pasmanick, Zac. "Why Buyers Choose Me." The Zac Team @ RE/Max Greater Atlanta. (July 30, 2008) http://www.mlsinatlanta.com/index.asp
- Rioux, Pat. "Nine Ways A Bad Real Estate Agent Can Cost You Money" International Real Estate Digest. April 9, 2000. (July 25, 2008) http://www.ired.com/news/2000/0004/badagent.htm
- Todorova, Aleksandra. "Selling A House? Fees Are Negotiable." Wall Street Journal. April 8, 2007. (July 25, 2008) http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117599477375063261.html?mod=sunday _journal_primary_hs
- Total Real Estate Solutions. "Ten Questions You Must Ask a Realtor Before You List or....You Could Lose Big!" (Dec. 27, 2011) http://www.totalrealestatesolutions.com/articles/disp.cfm?aid=205&typeid=1&CFID=107772948&CFTOKEN=58381108
- Yahoo! Real Estate. "Selecting An Agent: Questions Every Seller Should Ask." (Dec. 27, 2011) http://realestate.yahoo.com/Realtors/Selecting_an_Agent_Questions_Every_Seller_Should_Ask.html


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Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 9
Location: Hollywood California USA
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:10 am
Post subject: Un-named Sandwich Bar Paris - Latin Quarter
The Left Bank Sandwich
I arrived in Paris France. I got lost. I couldn't find my way to my hotel: Hotel Familia on the Left Bank. I had a map. I can read a map. I couldn't find my way from Metro Maubert-Mutualité to Number 11 rue des Ecoles (about 4 blocks). So there I was at the corner of Boulevard St. Germain and Rue St. Victor when I had to ask two fellows standing on my right for directions.
"Perdonnez-moi, je suis perdeu" I said, forgetting that perdeu is closer to lost soul than lost on the street.
"What are you looking for" came the response in English.
"The Hotel Familia on the Rue des Ecloles" I answered.
I was then pointed towards the Rue des Ecoles. Which even once I was sure I was on it, couldn't locate Number 11 for quite a few pass-bys. Oh Well, they had the most recent Seinfeld and it wasn't dubbed, they had French sub-titles. That's how hot Seinfeld was in Paris. And it is a lovely hotel.
I had nothing but trouble finding the foods I wanted to eat in Paris. I'll save the bulk of that for another post.
Lunch time, I couldn't find a thing to eat. Dejected at my inability to find a Parisian lunch I went back to my hotel. Was I surprised. When I had left early that morning to explore Paris for the first time, the shop holding my special French sandwich hadn't been open. When I arrived at Hotel Familia near lunchtime, it had opened and was doing a good business for a true 'hole in the wall' The place had only a cold case, a small table to assemble the sandwiches and a basket of baguettes. No tables, no chairs, take-out only.
Patiently I waited, hungry as I was for some food. At last, I ordered. And received: about 4" of baguette; on which was placed: soft brie cheese, egg fritata and wafer thin slices of prociutto ham. Nothing else.
I've never eaten a better sandwich. He gave new meaning to the expression: submarine sandwich.
A few days later, while on the MontmartroBus I chanced by the Lapin Agile. It was well known to me as the haunt of the impressionists and Pablo Picasso. My heart thrilled to see this, as I had not remembered it when I was planning my trip to Europe. As the bus wended it's way around Montmarte I arrived back at my hotel: Le Bouquet de la Fleur de Montmarte. What I did with the rest of the day, I can't recall, but that night, after eating, I rushed to the bus stop and hopped on the bus for the Lapin Agile.
The interesting thing about this place is that is has the semplance of a London or English pub. The rest of Paris has cafés. They have wine, liquor, food. But the Lapin Agile was different, special. It ooozzzed charm. So, as the twilight gathered, I arrived at the hang out of my artist-heroes. The lights were off, the door locked! Nuts! I thought I was too early. Near the front door, across a walkway was a park bench. I sat. And sat. And stood and saw a flight of stairs off the Montmarte butte down to regular Paris below. I walked down that long stairway. The street below showed crowds of people thinning rapidly. The merchants were closing their shops. The store fronts that were lit, were not exciting; but I knew I had to kill time. So I walked. Finally my feet grew tired of waiting I climbed back up to the top of the butte. The park bench was still there, the lights on the cabaret still dark and the door still locked. So I sat. In a few minutes to very tall Teutonic girls showed up. They looked at the Lapin Agile and saw that it was dark, but unlike me, an American, they knocked on the door. As though they were begging to be let in to the place. Much to my surprise, a light appeared behind the glass window in the door, the sound of a key turning was heard and a moment later the door opened and they were let in. And before I could stand up and get the to door, it closed. And I had to knock and wait to be allowed inside as well.
As you come into the Lapin Agile, in front of you is a bar. Not well stocked, but adequate. The room is somewhat oblong, maybe a kitchen off to the far left. And immediately to the left of the bar an opening or doorway to another room. The proprietor directed me into this second room. It was very dimly lit. The tables and chairs were black with age. And picnic tables at that. I took a seat at the west end of the room and the Teutonic maidens sat clear across the room at the east end. Nothing happened. I looked around. The tabletop had many carvings in it. But I didn't see Picasso's name. A few more people came in, took seats and waited. For what? At last the proprietor sat at a piano and played a few notes. More people came in and the piano playing stopped while they were seated. The proprietor went into the barroom and a few minutes later returned and started taking drink orders. I heard him speak German to the Teutonic gals, and when he got to me, he spoke French, I answered in French saying I couldn't speak his language and he judged me American by my accent and told me in English that there as a two drink minimum. I asked him if what they had to drink, and he said what he had and that the house had a cherry wine. I asked him to give me a minute. He took other drink orders. And as I sat there, I realized that this place was not where artists went anymore. It was strictly for tourists. But I thought there might be music and that would be worth the hearing, and I was, after all is said and done, a tourist. The proprietor retuned and asked me what I wanted. I had considered his house wine, but I thought to myself, "I'm sitting were Utrillo and Picasso had been inspired, where countless conversations about art and life had taken place and it dawned on me as to what I would drink."
"Champagne" I ordered.
"We have none", he replied.
That did it. He was insulting in closing the door before I could walk up to the Teutonic twins, and too brusque for a waiter. I stood, declined his hospitality and as I exited, I left his door open so others could walk in without having to be made to wait.
I walked the block back to the Montmartrobus stop and waited. And waited. And waited some more. Then I decided the bus didn't run after dark. So I tried to recall the path the bus took to the cabaret. There wasn't a soul on the street. Anywhere. I walked and turned and walked and never saw one person. Who says Paris doesn't roll the sidewalks up at night? I know better. Finally I came to an intersection and knew I had to turn left or right, but I had no idea as to where I was. I guessed to-the-right and after a long walk, I arrived on Rue des Abbesses. That is where my hotel is, so relieved I continued to walk along. I had been feeling very apprehensive since I left the Lapin Agile and still I didn't see the familiar sight of the subway stop, or other buildings I could easily recognize, even though I had been in Paris only two or three days. Walking, walking, walking. At last I came upon the little intersection I recognized. I was tired, but finally felt safe. And I walked into the first café I came across, the Café Houdin (corner of Rue Houdin and Rue des Abesses, 18th). I sat at the bar, ordered a beer and a moment later, the musicians started playing jazz. I was so happy to have a special Parisian moment, after the let down of the Lapin Agile, that I told the bartender to buy the musicians a drink. They thanked me for the drinks, the jazz played on and I had another beer: a Kriek St. Louis. I had as good a time as Picasso, after all.
Author of California Mission Cookery
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Joined: 30 Sep 2004
Posts: 1855
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:12 pm
Post subject:
Delightful story Secret Ingredient! Keep them coming--please!
Ah, the secret city----the best part of any city is that hidden part that reveals itself to the viewer, unexpected and surprising!
Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!
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Houston Dynamo at Philadelphia Union
Sunday, September 23, 3 p.m. CT
PPL Park, Chester, Pa.
Union lead 2-1-2
FOX Sports Houston Plus - 3 p.m. (U-Verse: SD=691 HD=1691; Comcast: 110; DirecTV: SD=680; Dish Network: SD=446 HD=9516)
MultiMedios Houston - 2:30 p.m. (U-Verse: 3065; Comcast: 325)
KPRC 950 - 2:30 p.m.
La Ranchera 850 - 2:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Union conclude their two-game home week with a crucial match against the Houston Dynamo Sunday afternoon at PPL Park. For Union, the arithmetic is simple: Win, or they will be eliminated from playoff contention, following their 1-0 home loss to D.C. United at midweek. The Dynamo find themselves holding onto fifth place in the Eastern Conference and the final postseason spot by just a single point, following their 1-1 draw at Sporting KC last weekend.
REFEREE: Edvin Jurisevic. SAR (bench): James Conlee; JAR (opposite): Mark Cahen; 4th: Ted Unkel
MLS Career: 51 games; FC/gm: 22.4; Y/gm: 3.6; R: 4; pens: 6
- PHILADELPHIA UNION – OUT: FW Krystian Witkowski (concussion symptoms); QUESTIONABLE: DF Bakary Soumare (R knee inflammation); DF Gabriel Farfan (R ankle contusion); MF Danny Cruz (L sesamoid stress reaction); PROBABLE: FW Zach Pfeffer (R hip flexor strain)
- HOUSTON DYNAMO – OUT: DF Corey Ashe (L hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Jermaine Taylor (L quad contusion)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: none
SUSPENDED: none
- SUSPENDED NEXT YELLOW CARD: PHI: Brian Carroll, Gabriel Gomez
- SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOW CARDS: PHI: Gabriel Farfan, Michael Lahoud, Jack McInerney, Carlos Valdes … HOU: Corey Ashe, Bobby Boswell, Macoumba Kandji
- ALL-TIME (5 meetings): Union 2 wins, 7 goals … Dynamo 1 win, 6 goals … Ties 2
- AT PHILADELPHIA (2 meetings): Union 0 wins, 2 goals … Dynamo 0 wins, 2 goals … Ties 2
FUTURE MATCH: 10/20: Houston Dynamo vs. Philadelphia Union, 6:30 p.m. CT (NBC SN)
- The teams are playing for a second this time. A late Brian Ching penalty kick was the decider in a 2-1 Dynamo victory June 30 at BBVA Compass Stadium.
- It was the Dynamo's first win in league play vs. Philadelphia; Union had won two of the first four, with two draws. But Houston did win both legs of last year's Eastern Conference Semifinal Series, a 2-1 win in Chester followed by a 1-0 victory in Houston, on their way to MLS Cup 2011.
- Coaches record: John Hackworth vs. HOU: P1 W0 L1 D0 … Dominic Kinnear v PHI: P5 W1 L2 D2
6/30: HOU 2, PHI 1 (Davis 20; Ching 83 – Daniel 46)
- The Dynamo grabbed the lead in the 20th minute. Boniek Garcia's cross from the right found Macoumba Kandji on the edge of the box. The forward slid the ball into the path of the onrushing Brad Davis, who superbly curled the ball into the far corner.
- Union pulled back to even terms just 36 seconds into the second half. Brian Carroll found Keon Daniel at the top of the box, and the Philly midfielder turned and lash a bouncing drive beyond Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall from 20 yards.
- But the home side claimed the winner in the 83rd minute after Gabriel Farfan's sent the Dynamo substitute Brian Ching tumbling to the turf. Referee Fotis Bazakos awarded a penalty and Ching converted the ensuing spot kick himself.
- HOUSTON DYNAMO (4-4-2): Tally Hall - Andre Hainault, Jermaine Taylor, Bobby Boswell, Corey Ashe - Boniek Garcia, Geoff Cameron, Luiz Camargo (Warren Creavalle 79), Brad Davis - Will Bruin (Brian Ching 74), Macoumba Kandji (Brian Ownby 71).
- PHILADELPHIA UNION (4-4-2): Zac MacMath - Sheanon Williams (Freddy Adu 84), Carlos Valdes, Amobi Okugo, Gabriel Farfan - Keon Daniel, Gabriel Gomez (Michael Lahoud 75), Brian Carroll, Michael Farfan - Jorge Perlaza (Antoine Hoppenot 64), Lionard Pajoy.


text:
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With our large cultural heritage, we offer a vast diversity in traditional cultural products. Our main product line includes: traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, embroidery and cross-stitch, etc. We can meet the needs of individuals and units. All of our traditional and contemporary Chinese cultural products are hand-made, of high quality, and truly emphasize the beauty and depth of Chinese culture.
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E-mail: email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com
Do you want Chinese cultural products?
Find friends for language exchange and practice.
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beautiful wisconsin
Siskiwit Bay Lodge Cornucopia Wisconsin
07/12/16 19:40 Filed in: fun
We got away to a beautiful lodge in the North woods of Wisconsin. I had no expectations. I hoped I wouldn't be chasing/cornering/killing varmints all night long...you never know in northern Wisconsin. I was pleasantly, PLEASANTLY surprised by the Siskiwit Bay Lodge. It was so beautiful, sitting there on the shore of Lake Superior. They serve a beautiful breakfast every morning. All the guests who want to can come and sit together for breakfast at 8:30 in the morning. We didn't know each other, but it was really comfortable to sit at the same table eating breakfast. The owners, Sandy and Bruce Von Riedel, were the perfect host and hostess. They would often sit and chat with us a little after they served us breakfast. We talked about our plans for the day, some went fishing, some went to Duluth to the maritime museum, some went bird watching, some went kayaking to the sea caves....some went back to bed.
There were loons making noise on the water, a bald eagle flew overhead. I went for a walk and was annoyed by the sound of my own feet walking. It was so tranquil, my feet distracted me from the sweet sounds of birds calling to each other.
We ate Lake Superior whitefish everyday and a little trout. Yum! The food was good everywhere we went. Restaurants in Bayfield are only 25 minutes away. There are many talented artists who work in this area too.
Siskiwit Bay Lodge is only a place for adults and there are only 5 rooms, so book soon!!
Out by the fire at night.
Where I sat to watch the loons.
The tree where the eagles like to sit.
Hiking through the Apostle Islands National Park at Meyers beach looking down at the sea caves. Wouldn't advise this hike for children! Not many guardrails. It took us 2 hours round trip.
Sea caves looking up from Captain Mike's boat. We took a sea cave tour from his operation at Good Earth Outfitters in Cornucopia Wisconsin. No we didn't kayak, we were too tired from the hike the day before. We had a great time on Captain Mike's big, beautiful boat with the twin engines.
I even found a beer I like, Nut Brown Ale from the South Shore Brewery in Ashland Wisconsin, which is also home to some beautiful brownstone buildings (picture below) made with brownstone mined from the region. Washburn has some really beautiful brownstone buildings too.


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When I got the invite for the CYNOS Hair Care Launch and Fashion Show, I honestly had second thoughts if I should go or not. First, the venue is in Manila area (Diamond Hotel), where I seldom go unless I'm picking up my dear sister before we go on our way to the province. I really hate driving in that area, I find the roads too narrow...or at least not as wide as Edsa, LOL! And second, I am not that into hair simply because I don't even know how to fix mine! But I haven't gone into a hair fashion show before, so I told myself "Why not!?" So I RSVP'd though I am not sure who else from my blogger friends would be going.
As expected, I arrived late though I left the office early. It was also our dear Jose Rizal's birthday, so I assume there were some festivities around Manila too, hence the traffic. Fortunately, I came just about in time.
I then met with Charm of Post Ad who is by the way so accommodating (sorry Charm for bombarding you with SMS on my way to the hotel...LOL!). She then ushered me inside the Diamond Ballroom and though it's my first time to meet her, I immediately felt comfortable talking to her. I actually wondered if I've met her somewhere already.
Like I've said, I wasn't sure who else is coming to the event. So I was happy to see Jill and Michelle. Gelleesh and Chrissy were also there and they were sitting at the other side of the stage. I wanted to approach them to say hello, but I was too shy. Hehehe.
The 3 of us didn't have an idea what a hair fashion show is like. We seated there for more than an hour waiting for the show to start, but we didn't get bored. When bloggers get together, we get to talk about anything and everything. I bet that one hour's still not enough, LOL! It's been a while since I last saw Jill, her hair's a lot longer now. While Michelle is now sporting a short 'do. And I am definitely inggit.
The show finally started around 8:30pm, and it started with the beautiful Ms. Rosa Ramos Cinco, the General Manager of Cynos Philippines who gave a short introduction to Cynos. Actually, it wasn't my first time to hear about Cynos. I got an invite to a Cynos event at Creations Salon months ago but I wasn't able to attend. I got a press kit though and some products for me to try.
Ms. Rosa Ramos Cinco
General Manager of Cynos Philippines
I love her dress!
And so the fashion show finally started:
Models sporting different 'dos walked on the stage, looking beautiful and glamorous. I was just so happy that I decided to come to the event, for I was really enjoying the whole time!
A number of known hairstylists graced the event and did a live demo onstage:
Tinette Ozamis-Puyat
Hanz Olivar
I particularly loved the hairstyles he presented. The cuts and the styling are all edgy, something you don't get to see everyday and yet, still glam and fab. I remember meeting him last Cosmetologie Fair at SMX MOA last February, when he bought the Sweet & Smokey palette! Yiiiii. If I'm not trying to grow my hair long, I would definitely want him to cut my hair. Oh how I miss my short 'do way back 2006.
I was not only checking out their hairstyles, but their makeup too! How I wish I get to do makeup for a fashion show again. I've been doing mostly weddings, and I definitely miss the excitement and the "rush" during fashion shows!
And of course, Mr. Alex Carbonell, known to be the king of cut and color. He's also the first Filipino Sebastian Design Artist and the first Filipino ambassador of renowned brand Schwarzkopf. He's also known to be the hairstylist to the stars. Geesh, he definitely has a lot under his belt!
the crowd went wild during his live demo...imagine cutting the hair while the hair's being blown or while lying down. Crazy! I can definitely say that his live demo was the climax of the fashion show.
Tinette Ozamis-Puyat, Hanz Olivar and Alex Carbonell on stage with Ms. Rosa Ramos Cinco
The models also went down the stage to let the audience try some of the Cynos products:
Michelle trying out the gel or wax to give her short 'do a bit more Oomph!
Jill and I tried the Argan Oil, which I immediately fell in love with!
I can say that my trip to Manila despite the bad traffic was so worth it. My first hair fashion show has left me wanting for more. I enjoyed it from start to finish and was actually surprised that it ended so soon.
Thanks again to Post Ad for the invite!
Watch out for my review on some of the Cynos hair products.


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Marilyn R. Wright
Oct. 16, 1944-April 26, 2013
Pleasanton, California
Contact the submitter
Marilyn Rita Egelhofer-Wright went to be with our Father in Heaven on 4/26/13. She was born Oct. 16, 1944 in Palo Alto, CA to Raymond & Rita Egelhofer.
She is already missed greatly by her children Matthew (Liz) Wright and Beth (Joel) Wright-McCarty. Nephew, Raymond (Megan) Egelhofer-Tracy. Her grand-children, Michael, Casey-Elizabeth and Shane, were all adored, along with her great-niece, Lorelei. Our mom will also be missed by numerous other family members and friends.
Although our mom battled cancer multiple times, and of varying types over the years, she died of natural causes at home because her body was just ?plain tired?.
She lived in Pleasanton, CA for most of her adult life and loved the community of friends she had there. Mom was a feisty fighter of cancer and although she was weak in the body from past treatments she continued to work full-time for AT&T as a Financial Analyst until her death. We are also proud to say she was an accomplished CPA and private tax accountant.
Our mom enjoyed travel and has been all over the world on cruises and various trips mostly with her grand-daughter as her faithful travel companion. Mom was intrigued by different cultures and loved to see what was out there. She was a ?researcher? of everything and a criminal drama buff. Mom also enjoyed organizing and attending her class reunions. She was adventurous and was even planning on going skydiving again next year. Mom?s spirit of adventure leaves us with many fond memories and stories to tell.
To honor our mom?s life and memory we will be meeting in Pleasanton, CA on June 2nd at 12:00 noon. If you are interested in joining us for this casual gathering of remembering and sharing, please email for details email@example.com.


text: We recently ran a competition in a bid to find the nation's smiliest pet. As part of the competition we asked entrants to tell us how they kept their pet happy and healthy. There were some fanstastic answers and we have collated our favourites to share with you :) Read more


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When you are being interviewed by potential future employers, it is of course of benefit to both parties to discuss what your previous job entailed (ie, what you have been doing for the last few years). What if the technology (and the ideas behind the technology) that you have been working on is sensitive and confidential?
I'm working on some really cool stuff at the moment, things that would impress an interviewer, that could demonstrate my passion and understanding, but at the same time I can't just come out and explain the nature of it without disclosing too much about my current employer. On the other hand, if I keep it vague without explaining the subtleties, it just seems as though I am working on fairly basic applications. The key is in the middle ground- the way the applications are constructed- which makes what I currently do both special and difficult. But even acknowledging this middle ground gives away vital information about how my employer competes.
Hope that made some sense. What should I do in an interview? Is there like a 2-way NDA for interviews so I can just launch into an in-depth explanation of my past experience, or do I need to be deliberately vague and apologise for not being able to go into detail?


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How can I kill the Gluttonous Thresher? I died like 20 times and it's taking all my savings!
I'm level 16 and can't kill it. I use my saber turret to break its shield, but after that I can only deal like 200 damage and after a short time its shield regenerates.
Is there a strategy which doesn't use the rocket launcher? Because the only one I have found is level 17?


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Spooky doings: Delights for goblins abound
Halloween at our house is the major holiday of the year, and the kids in our neighborhood have been working feverishly for weeks creating tricks for unsuspecting treat-seekers. Other folks around town have been scheming to make the season frightfully delightful too.
Among these is Charlottesville's Recreation and Leisure Services with their annual Downtown Safe Halloween Festival October 26. Kids 12 and under can join the costume contest starting at 1:30pm at the amphitheater. The Downtown Mall will be filled with fearsomely fun stuff to do including carnival rides, balloons and finger-painting, a boo-house at the Renaissance School, carnival games and prizes, face painting, and more. And from 5-6pm, little goblins can go trick-or-treating at participating shops on the mall.
The Lawn at UVA is the place to be on All Hallows Eve for tiny trick-or-treaters. Without the threat of traffic to worry about, little ones have as much fun playing in the grassy area between the university's historic living quarters as they do wandering from door to door where student residents (many in costume themselves) sit waiting to load up proffered sacks with yummy goodies. The early evening timing— 4-5:30pm— also makes this UVA tradition the best bet for the youngest ghouls and goblins.
Older tricksters who hunger after hair-raising horror may want to venture into UVA's House on the Haunted Hill. Reports have circulated that a secret nuclear waste storage facility has been found behind Brown College. Informed sources say mutated creatures and melting human bodies have been found on the site, along with mysterious objects that glow the dark. Officials, eager to ease public concern, are offering tours of the facility on October 25-26 from 8pm-midnight. While we have been assured that children as young as 6 will probably escape unscathed, parental discretion is advised.
Spooky things are happening at Montpelier, too. On October 25-26 from 7-8:30pm, victims… eh… kids ages 7-14 are invited to take a hayride and tour the haunted barn where terrifying goings on have been reported involving… uh… non-living creatures. Participants are being lured to this site with the promise of games and treats, and are encouraged to dress in costume. A spokesperson from the education department suggests this party may not be appropriate for the faint of heart either.
For more information about the Downtown Safe Halloween Festival, call 970-3116. UVA's House on Haunted Hill is located on Monroe Hill behind Brown College on McCormick Road. Parking is available at the bookstore off Emmet St. Cost is $5. Proceeds go to charity. 924-3312. Montpelier is on Rt. 20 in Orange County. Follow the signs to enter through the west gate. Cost is $6 per person. An adult gets in free with each group of children. 540-672-0025.


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Bill Cunningham is the developer of the fee-based BERT training program. He is also the founder of The BERT Foundation, Inc. which is an IRS 501c3 nonprofit organization which works to establish BERT teams in communities and organizations.
BERT's Mission is to develop the expertise, relationships and tools to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from large scale emergencies. By using the BERT training program organizations such as ABRA can establish deep relationships with clients and prospects.
BERT began on 9/11/2008 and has trained hundreds of business people conservatively reaching over 15,000 employees.
Bill is a professional Tall Ship sailor, former Coast Guardsman, and retired law firm administrator. He lives in Orange, California with his wife, Holly and daughter Katie. He has four children and three active granddaughters.
Bill's passion for community service in the emergency training field has been recognized by the City of Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce with the Difference Maker of the Year award.


text:
Window Cleaning in Woodhouse
Are you Looking for a window cleaner in Woodhouse? Why pay for a monthly window cleaning service, when you can do it yourself with ease with your very own water fed window cleaning pole?
They are fun to use, made of high-quality aluminium, strong and lightweight. Just attach your Water Fed Pole to any domestic water source and away you go!
Each of our amazing water fed poles comes with a quality brush head, male connector to fit any domestic water source. They're ideal for cleaning all windows, conservatories, fascias and soffits.
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With many other products also available right on our webstore, we have everything you need to make your house shine!
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Water fed poles are fun and easy to use, just connect to any standard household water source, turn on the tap, and you are ready to clean your windows, conservatories, fascia's and soffits in no time at all.
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Professional window cleaners water fed poles are perfect for Window Cleaning, UPVC Cleaning, Conservatory Cleaning, Lorry Cleaning, Bus Cleaning, Car Cleaning, Caravans and much more.


text:
The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation's 35th Anniversary was in full swing. The ladies in their warm spring colors looked beautiful and the men looked very handsome. Unlike last year's monsoon weather, this year the evening was spring-like and clear.
But no matter the weather, the party was hot! The owners and hosts of the luxurious New Woodhaven Manor, Mandeep Singh and Sangita (Sandy) M. Patel, outdid themselves with the patriotic red, white and blue décor. The room's ambiance was beautiful and as at all of our events, the atmosphere was warm with happy guests.
All of our honorees and guests were greeted by me and my hardworking staff members at the door, including office manager Maureen Bermingham (2009 Honoree) and office secretary Lisa, who under the direction of our GWDC board and our president Stephen Esposito worked on this successful event.
Many pictures were taken of our honorees, their families and guests. The elaborately decorated beautiful room was filled with patriotic colors of red, white and blue, with our American Eagle flag in the background, along with our American flags at every table.
At all of our GWDC dinner dances, we begin the evening's program by inviting veterans in attendance to lead in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. This year we had Vietnam Veterans K. Casey and Stephen Esposito and Desert Storm veterans Joseph Iaboni and Lt. Col Ralph Gracia, and Master Sergeant Edward Carr of the FKL AFJROTC. They were all applauded and thanked for their service.
Our honorees were "Woman of the Year 2014" Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez represented by Evelyn Cruz; "Man of the Year 2014" WBID President Mathew Xenakis; "Award of Distinction 2014" Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner represented by Captain Danielle Raia; "Honorary Woodhavenite Award 2014" George Smith; and "Awards of Appreciation 2014" State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo and Assemblyman Michael Miller.
Each of our honorees received a beautiful blue GWDC plaque courtesy of Capo's Trophies and proclamations from Addabbo and Miller, as well as Council members Elizabeth Crowley and Eric Ulrich and Borough President Melinda Katz.
Then each spouse or loved one was presented with rose bouquets matching the boutonnieres of the honorees courtesy of Park Place Florist. They enjoyed "their" evening with their immediate families and their friends. Also in attendance were other friends and community representatives.
They were Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, CB10 Chairperson Betty Bratton, CB6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio, Glendale Kiwanis, Father Tumino of St. Thomas the Apostle, Pat Gatt of the Queens Chronicle, Joan DeCamp, Independence Residence-Jamaica Avenue Restaurant and longtime supporters Jean Aube, Mary Ellen, Geraldine, Nancy DiCroce, Bill Johnert, Honorable Eleanor Errante, Debbie Cohen from the Times Ledger, Franklin K. Lane H.S. Assistant Principal Mcguire, , Lt. Col Gracia, Master Sergeant Eddie Carr, Assistant Principal Hernandez, Dr. Dennis J. Pazos and his wife.
Also attending were Paul Rudolph, Jr., Bobbi of Bobbi and the Strays, Officer Jose Severino, Sregeant Joseph DeMarco, WRBA President Martin Colberg, Paul Capocasale, Neirs owner Lyle, Deneille's dancing instructor, NYCB, Ohlert Ruggiere, Ken Wilson, CB9 Chairman Ralph Gonzales Chairman and our own American Legion Post 118.
I hope that I haven't forgotten anyone, if so, let me know. As on Memorial Day, we must remember our Veterans on Flag Day. We also must remember always that our America is the greatest and most generous country in this world because we are free and we are free because of these, our brave veterans and armed forces that are still fighting and dying for our freedom. They are our heroes.
So as I have stated before, fly our American flag every day above all others and wear your flag lapel pins. May God bless America.


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Blogwatch: 'Foodie Call' Visits Serious Pie in Seattle
Gary of Foodie Call made a pilgrimage to Serious Pie in Seattle recently. He was pretty impressed with the chanterelle mushroom and truffled cheese pie:
This is a really tasty pizza—the truffle cheese has plenty of truffle flavor while the chanterelle mushrooms are really wonderful when roasted. As far as herbage goes, I think this had some tarragon on it because its flavor is pretty unmistakeable. The crust is thin and crispy around the edges but with plenty of satisfying chew in the middle.
Slice'rs may recall that Adam made a memorable visit to Serious Pie last year, and reported that the awesome Cherry Bomb and Sweet Fennel Sausage pie is the thing to order—it even made his Top 8 Pizzas of 2009 list. Guess I'll have to get myself to Seattle, pronto!
Serious Pie
316 Virginia Street, Seattle WA 98101 (map) 206-838-7388; website
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Guns, Ammo, Bomb Instructions : Should There Be A Limit To What's Available On The Internet?
A person can buy literally anything off the internet these days. From detailed instructions on how to build a a bomb to thousands of rounds of ammo or hand guns to anthrax and nerve gas. Question, why would the average person need to know how to build a bomb? Would the shooting at the Colorado movie theater have turned out different had the shooter not been able to buy the ammo online? Or was this just an isolated incident? Should access to certain things be bane from the internet?


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College of the Ozarks is required by the United States Department of Education to collect information and provide to Congress a report on financial and statistical information on men's and women's collegiate sports. You can link to the annual report, The Report on Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data here.
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act is designed to make current and prospective students aware of the school's commitment to providing equitable athletic opportunities for its men and women students. The Department of Education has provided a web site http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/. This site provides data from thousands of colleges and universities, including College of the Ozarks, in a convenient searchable form.
© 2020 College of the Ozarks®
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Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes etc are delivered at the appropriate time for planting and will be stated on the product page or in your order acknowledgement page and email.
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For your complete peace of mind, our Home and Garden products may be returned to us within 30 days of purchase for a refund of the purchase price. Items must be returned unused, at your cost and in mint condition. All items carry a manufacturer's 12 month defects warranty.
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What do old seat belts, stained glass scraps and sunflower seed hulls have to do with health clubs? They are materials in the eco-friendly furniture at Sonoma State University's campus recreation center in Rohnert Park, CA.
Benches and chairs in the facility were constructed with woven, reclaimed seat belts. Tables around the building were made with recycled materials, including stained glass scraps and post-industrial glass. And office furniture was made with sunflower seed hulls, an environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood.
But furniture isn't the only green feature at the Sonoma State rec center. The building's design uses natural daylight and ventilation to save energy costs. Its lighting system runs on fluorescent bulbs attached to occupancy sensors that use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. The floors were equipped with radiant floor heating, and solar photovoltaic panels on the rec center roof help offset the facility's energy costs.
Signs throughout the building explain these green features to students and educate them about the lifecycle of production, says Pam Su, director of campus recreation at Sonoma State University and chair of the sustainability committee for the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).
We're teaching students to ask before they throw something away if it can be reused or recycled, she says. We wanted to carry that into operations as well, so we purchase environmental cleaning solutions and office supplies with as high of a recycled content as we can afford.
Although the economic downturn prompted many club owners to focus more on the bottom line than going green, certain sectors of the fitness industry are still making strides toward sustainability. University recreation centers and military fitness facilities in particular are reaping the benefits of resources dedicated to green practices.
In higher education, there's a push for new construction that tries to incorporate sustainable design if we can, Su says. Universities also recognize that it's a way for them to be able to save money on energy efficiency. It may cost more to put the money into the building at the construction phase, but they can save money later.
Last year, several rec center administrators ordered retrofitting devices for their ellipticals to educate students about renewable energy and harness user-generated energy. Texas State University-San Marcos (TSU) installed 30 such machines in December.
We want the Texas State community to gain a better understanding of how much energy it takes to power simple devices we use on a regular basis, university officials said in a statement. We believe that once students understand how much energy it takes to power appliances or electronics, they will adapt their lifestyles to create a more energy-efficient and sustainable community.
This educational, philosophical approach to sustainability represents one reason the fitness industry has adopted greener practices, says Will Phillips, CEO of Rex Roundtables, Quincy, MA.
There are two types of green initiatives, Phillips says. The first one saves you money and has a great deal to do with energy management. The second kind is more of a philosophical commitment where the return on a facility's investment is very long-term or indefinite, but people pursue them because they think it's the right thing to do and there's a side benefit of positive public relations.
The U.S. military also adopted a multifaceted approach to sustainability. The Navy mandated that all new building projects and major renovations strive for LEED Silver certification, says Mason Lowery, public affairs and communications spokesman for Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, DC. LEED is a green building certification from the U.S. Green Building Council with goals to improve energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction and indoor environmental quality.
The decision was based on the return on investment that sustainable features offer, he says.
The Navy builds 'green' buildings not only because it's the right thing to do, but because it saves money in the long run, which is important to us as good stewards of American taxpayers' money, and lets us focus resources in other areas and contribute more to the Navy's global mission, Lowery says.
The Navy is using many green building techniques, such as incorporating recycled building materials into construction and renovation projects, using natural daylight and ventilation, installing low-consumption lighting systems,specifying light-colored roofs to save on cooling bills and employing water-conserving landscaping techniques, says Craig Chapman, facilities section head, Fleet and Family Readiness Programs, Commander, Navy Installations Command.
Navy fitness facilities are built to incorporate green cleaning practices, too, he notes.
We are specifying finish materials that require less cleaning, Chapman says. The cleaning products we use for counters, equipment and floors — and even laundry products — are specified as mild as possible in keeping with our hazardous waste minimization efforts. Wherever we have vending operations, we provide bins for recycling of aluminum and plastics.
The Air Force also is committed to green building practices. The $15.5 million fitness facility that opened last year at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Burlingame, CA, is one example of the Air Force's sustainability efforts.
Although the 51,000-square-foot facility wasn't officially registered for LEED certification, it earned enough points to be LEED Silver certified, says Jason W. Renner, Civ, DAF, P.E. project manager at Vandenberg AFB.
Air Force civil engineers are striving to make all new construction sustainable, Renner says. A policy letter was issued in 2002 that mandated by [fiscal year] FY2007, which was the year our contract was awarded, 65 percent of new MILCON (military construction) projects had to qualify to be at least LEED certified. The goal was by FY2009, 100 percent of MILCON projects would qualify for LEED certification. We not only met, but exceeded, the Air Force criteria.
The new Vandenberg facility replaced a fitness center built during the Vietnam War era, he says. Construction materials were recycled during the build-out phase, and the center features LED lighting, recycled rubber flooring, low-flow toilets and environmentally friendly landscaping. The landscaping is expected to reduce water usage by 50 percent, and the low-flow fixtures should reduce indoor water use by 20 percent to 30 percent.
Mandates from the top down are a big reason military and university fitness facilities are making progress on sustainability, says Rudy Fabiano, registered architect, interior designer and president of Fabiano Designs, Montclair, NJ.
Definitely, the nonprofit, university, community and institutional work has the mandates and the funds specifically allocated to implement green certifiable efforts, he says. The expectations for responsible action for nonprofits are still much higher than the private sector. In the private sector, that expectation is simply not there. Since they are almost all privately funded, there is no real outside pressure other than common sense and long-term commitment to the environment to make green happen.
Although most health club members don't buy a membership solely based on a facility's green efforts, Fabiano says that when that starts to happen, the floodgates will open.
Seventy-six percent of people surveyed said they expect to purchase more from environmentally responsible companies in 2010, according to a recent survey by Tiller LLC, a cause-based marketing company.
It's clear that safeguarding the environment has become top of mind for many Americans, Rob Densen, CEO of Tiller LLC, said in a statement. The hanging question is the degree to which we actually put these good intentions to work. Let's hope we have more success counting carbons than we have counting carbs.
However, health clubs in general continue to adopt greener practices, says Kara M. Thompson, public relations coordinator for the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).
As society gets more eco-conscious, they're going to expect it elsewhere in their daily lives, like at their health clubs and at work, Thompson says. Clubs can improve the environment as well as their bottom line by making subtle changes to their green business practices.
Thompson also notes that going green has a positive impact on a club's image in the community, which can boost the bottom line.
Some for-profit health clubs are making progress toward a more sustainable business model. Retrofitness, Colts Neck, NJ, opened its first LEED-certified facility last December. The 16,000-square-foot club features environmentally friendly pipes, toilets and faucets, low-voltage lights with occupancy sensors, recycled building materials, and LEED-approved wood and sheet rock.
Although the initial construction cost was 10 percent to 20 percent higher for the new club, the reduction in utility costs is expected to provide a payback in three to five years, company officials say. The facility's low-wattage lighting fixtures and Energy Star HVAC equipment should reduce electricity use by about 40 percent compared to a regular health club. In addition, efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and low-flow, electronic faucet sensors, are expected to reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent.
Owners of the newly renovated plaza that houses the club told the Retrofitness team that they intended to incorporate green building practices into the design. Retrofitness weighed the value of investing in green building against the return on investment plus member acceptance of features such as low-flow toilets, says Eric Casaburi, CEO and founder of Retrofitness.
The financials on the deal for rent were not that different from other places we were looking at, and we knew the environmental investment was going to pay for itself, he says. Our franchisee recognized that there was more of an upfront cost, but it's keeping their monthly overhead down. But we've got to make sure the general public accepts it.
It is possible to find low-flow faucets and shower heads that don't lower your water pressure and frustrate members, says Rachel Devlin, general manager of the Green Fitness Studio, Brooklyn, NY. The 7,900-square-foot fitness center occupies the second floor of a warehouse building in New York City. It opened last December and was designed to be green from the get-go, a fact that members appreciate, she says.
It's possible to provide a five-star experience while being environmentally friendly, and people feel really good about what they're doing, Devlin says.
The club's clientele fully embraced the concept of a green health club, she says.
We have people come in and say we're so glad somebody is finally doing this, Devlin says. When we talk about creating health and well-being, people are finally looking to take it beyond the individual level to the community level and the planet.
The Green Fitness Studio features recycled rubber exercise flooring, LED lighting, dual-flush toilets, automatic soap and towel dispensers, recycled tiles and building materials, and a 2,000-square-foot atrium covered with triple-pane glass to let in natural daylight. Devlin says the natural lighting creates little need for electric lights during most of the day.
We also have a green roof that's super fun in the city because there aren't a lot of grassy areas to go outside, Devlin says. We're going to plant sod on it so in the summer we can have boot camp classes in the grass.
The staff at the Green Fitness Studio educates members about the facility's green features as well as conservation issues, such as using less water to shower and fewer towels. The environmental focus has essentially created a club culture based on being green, she says.
There are a lot of exciting things we're doing, and we hope it catches on, Devlin says.
Retrofitness caters to Generation X members who also are fairly environmentally conscious. As more businesses request environmentally friendly fixtures during construction and renovation projects, the prices for these items should drop, Casaburi says.
I think we're just getting started, and it hasn't been talked about as much — these types of toilets and water heaters and plumbing systems, he says. But there are lots of older gyms out there, and [the owners] probably would rather re-do their treadmills than pull out all their plumbing. So I don't see it happening in all the older clubs in general, but as new clubs come on, going forward, we're going to be very conscious about it.
Economic considerations do play a role in the decision to go green. Energy-efficient appliances and construction methods often cost more upfront, but they generally offer savings later. It's important to decide how much you're willing to invest in environmentally friendly products, Devlin says.
When you look for green products, it's amazing how expensive they can be, she says. You have to say, 'How green do we want to go?' We ended up using recycled materials from other [construction] jobs. The materials we used were a lot of recycled materials that were not necessarily green at first, but then we recycled them.
Added cost and lack of awareness about energy-efficient systems contributes to the industry's slow adoption of green projects, Fabiano says.
Cost, time and just simple knowledge are the main barriers to full-out green certification, he says. I think the big push will be environmental in the next few years. But for the most part, implementation has been incremental and not to the LEED certification level.
Phillips agrees, saying many of the clubs he works with began working on green initiatives, such as energy-efficiency projects, a few years ago, but that momentum gradually waned in the for-profit sector because of the economic downturn.
There's been a three- to four-year push on green in the fitness industry, and I don't feel it has a lot of traction, he says. The only places I see anything happening are where there are real opportunities to save money or where there's an owner who's really committed to this.
Su says university rec centers are feeling the effects of the recession, noting that funding for rec center construction or expansion projects is becoming harder to secure. However, universities whose projects are already in the design phase can take advantage of the troubled economy during the bidding process.
I have heard those campuses that have been able to move forward are continuing to do well, Su says. It seems like as the demand gets greater and more people start to ask for these [green] features and go forward with installing them, it will drive more research and development with technology and, hopefully, bring down prices.
Thompson notes that health clubs can take small steps toward sustainability even if they're not able to invest in big-ticket items. She says initiatives such as recycling are a good place to start, as are installing automatic hand dryers and faucets in locker rooms. (See sidebar on page 38 for more tips on going green.)
There are daily opportunities [to go green], she says. It's not an all-or-nothing thing. You don't necessarily need to go 100 percent green to support your bottom line.
Instead, Thompson says that as people in the industry become more informed about the benefits of going green, operators are integrating sustainability where they can, depending on their financial capabilities.
IHRSA developed a best practices document about going green that is available on its Web site. The suggestions IHRSA offers are practical and affordable, Thompson says. In addition, IHRSA will offer an educational track about going green at its upcoming show March 10-13 in San Diego. The track is a testament to the demand in the industry for continuing to improve its green business practices, Thompson says.
NIRSA also plans to add educational sessions about going green at its conference and expo, April 20-23 in Anaheim, CA, Su says. In addition, the NIRSA sustainability committee is working with the Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium on several sustainability initiatives.
Although the adoption of green business practices has been slow to gain momentum in the fitness industry, some progress is being made. And as prices for green projects decrease with increased demand, the future looks brighter for environmental initiatives at health clubs.
We're glad we built a club with a green thumb, Casaburi says. Maybe we won't be LEED-certified with every single gym we build, but we're moving forward. We always try to look at the big, global picture, and this is the big picture. It really is.
1. Promote recycling for plastic water bottles and sell reusable stainless steel bottles to members.
2. Use green cleaners.
3. Turn off TVs when not in use.
4. Install automatic hand dryers, faucets and low-flow toilets in locker rooms.
5. Paint the club's roof white to reflect sunlight and save on cooling costs.
6. Add occupancy sensors to control lighting.
7. Replace old water heaters with on-demand tankless systems.
8. Add energy-saving devices, such as a VendingMiser, to refrigerated vending machines.
9. Install a programmable thermostat to control temperatures when rooms are not in use.
10. Replace incandescent lighting with fluorescent lighting and replace outdated T-12 fluorescent fixtures.
Sources: Will Phillips, CEO of Rex Roundtables, Quincy, MA, and PSE&G, Newark, NJ


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Andy Murray became the first Olympian to win two gold medals in singles tennis, and also won the hearts of people for the way he deflected a reporter's mistaken characterization of the achievement.
In an interview following Murray's second consecutive Olympic singles gold medal performance for Great Britain, BBC reporter John Inverdale incorrectly noted that Murray was the first person ever to win two tennis gold medals.
"I think Venus and Serena have about four each," Murray corrected, referring to the Williams sisters. "But haven't defended the singles title."
Murray won support on social media for the verbal volley.
"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling praised him for reminding the reporter that "women are people, too."
The Williams sisters won doubles gold in 2000, 2008 and 2012. Venus Williams won the singles gold medal in Sydney in 2000 and Serena Williams took top honors in London in 2012.
In Rio Venus Williams won the silver medal in mixed doubles with Rajeev Ram. Serena Williams, the defending Olympic singles champion, was eliminated in an upset in the third round of the 2016 Olympics.
London Mayor Sadiq Kahn made the same mistake on Twitter in congratulating Murray on his win, the Evening Standard reported. He later deleted the tweet.
Defending his singles title was no easy feat, Murray said.
"I had to fight unbelievably hard tonight," the tennis star told the BBC of his nearly four-hour match against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro.


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Diary of a VapinGreek #6 – Wonderful World of Driping
May 30, 2013
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About the author
Blake Brown
Blake is the owner and creator of the Guide To Vaping blog. He has expressed his passion for the vaping industry through his deeply rooted and highly informative content. Being a writer and content provider for the vaping industry for year's, Blake has also gained experience from working with multiple blogs and well respected companies.
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