Apostle Pierre Bennett: The Prayer of Faith

Apostle Pierre Bennett is the founder and pastor of God’s Luv International Ministries Church, a Virginia-based ministry with services twice a week. God’s Luv International Ministries shares Apostle Pierre Bennett’s vision of a worldwide ministry to help those in need.

Apostle Pierre Bennett explains to his congregation that God wants soldiers. He wants followers who will be there for Him one hundred and ten percent. In return, God will be there for them a thousand percent, Apostle Pierre Bennett says.

You came to God to be saved, but over time, you may have lost your original intent, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett. Being saved is a great retirement plan, Apostle Pierre Bennett believes. It means you’ll have eternal life. There are certainly benefits that come with being saved, but you may find you still aren’t where you want to be in your earthly life, Apostle Pierre Bennett adds.

You may consistently be praying to God though you’ve discovered His greatness and you’re following His Word, but you aren’t yet receiving the blessings you desire the most in your life. Apostle Pierre Bennett knows you’re probably wondering what you can do to bring these blessings. You want to get to that place where you’re fully walking with Him and are ready to receive the blessings He has for you in this life, Apostle Pierre Bennett adds.

God says being truly blessed means abundance, Apostle Pierre Bennett relays. Not just financial prosperity, according to Apostle Pierre Bennett, but abundance in every area of your life – excellent health, loving people around you, healthy happy family, a nice home, good job or career or business. As Apostle Pierre Bennett puts it, there are so many ways to have abundance in your life.

You can think of some people who may seem happy and prosperous but if you look closely into their lives there are usually one or two components that are not complete because they are not walking in the fullness of God.  You can’t have the total package unless you’re walking with the Creator of the total package, teaches Apostle Pierre Bennett.

Instant Tax Solutions’ Ratings Offers Unparalleled Service

There are several reasons why Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings are so high; in this brief interview Zrylw Blog discusses their services with the Instant tax Solutions Ratings Team.

Zrylw: Thank you for joining us today. With tax season in full swing, we are lucky to have caught you.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We are always glad to speak about taxes; it’s what we do!

Zrylw: We understand that Instant Tax Solutions’ ratings with the BBB have remained consistently an A+ – that is quite an achievement. We want to congratulate you for that honor.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We thank you for that. We definitely couldn’t have done it without our service team.

Zrylw: What type of agents does your firm employ?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Only the best former IRS Auditors, Certified Public Accountants, Federally Licensed Enrolled Agents, and Legal Counsel.

Zrylw: Please tell our readers what services you provide.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We offer Tax Resolution services; basically, when a taxpayer is behind with Uncle Sam, we help them understand why and sort through options they have for repayment.

Zrylw: There are options?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, actually, the IRS has many programs available for those who cannot file on time, cannot pay on time, or who are already behind – even if they are years past due.

Zrylw: Very interesting. We didn’t know that.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Many good hard-working Americans don’t. The IRS isn’t just going to call everyone who is late and say, “We’ll catch you next year, when you are caught up on your personal obligations…”

Zrylw: So, what kinds of reductions are available?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: There are programs that allow for monthly payments and even reduced penalties.

Zrylw: Are all taxpayers eligible and guaranteed reduced taxes?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: No, that is a topic of discussion now among agencies like us. There have been a number of TV ads placed over the last few years that promise results – to everyone. The fact of the matter is, it isn’t possible to make those claims. The IRS has very specific guidelines, policies and safeguards in place to ensure proper use of the system.

Zrylw: That sounds very confusing. How does Instant tax Solutions keep up with it all?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Our staff is trained and re-trained constantly. We monitor the IRS’s regulations and ensure that our representatives are up-to-date on even the smallest changes.

Zrylw: Looking at your website, we can see you are different. It says that you offer direct support, flat fees, and that you are licensed in all 50 states. Is that right?

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: Yes, that is all correct. Also, as a value-added service to our clients, we offer a comprehensive evaluation of their tax situation before we accept their case or their payment. Our staff will advise if there does not appear to be an IRS program that can help, and why.

Zrylw: No wonder Instant Tax Solutions has earned such high marks from the Better Business Bureau.

Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team: We take pride in each and every case that we present to the IRS and we are certainly honored to have the recognition of an A+ rated firm.

The Instant Tax Solutions Ratings Team, a group of the firm’s employees who specialize in rating and accessing taxpayer information, offers a no obligation, no cost consultation. The group specializes in solutions and offers services without delay, without hidden charges, and without false promises. For more information, visit them online at www.InstantTaxSolutions.com or call 888.387.4071

Steven P. Delarge on Building Standalone Finance Team

Business entrepreneur Steven P. Delarge learned quite a bit from his own experience in building a standalone finance team. The opportunity came when Steven P. Delarge was involved in the sale of the operating division of a public company. Prior to the sale, Steven P. Delarge’s division had its finances handled by the parent company, but following the sale a new finance team had to be formed.

Steven P. Delarge called upon all available resources to put his team together. To begin, Steven P. Delarge sought out other businesses in the field that had been through a similar experience. Steven P. Delarge was able to gather advice from portfolio companies who had also been sold by a parent company. These companies had also found it necessary to put together a standalone finance team, as well.

During this process, Steven P. Delarge called upon external audit partners who were invaluable in helping the company set up a finance team. Not only did they help Steven P. Delarge and the rest of the team get the financial books in order, they were able to provide the names of local recruiters who could put Steven P. Delarge in contact with local talent. This local talent, as it turned out, would be the key to building a successful standalone finance team.

Steven P. Delarge suggests businesses might find inspiration in Xerox Corporation, which deliberately made its finance team independent of all other organizations. In completely reorganizing the company’s accounting unit, CFO Lawrence Zimmerman created a process that offered measurable results, Steven P. Delarge points out. These operational results were geared specifically toward what a CFO needs to know about operations, Steven P. Delarge explains, not what the local operations manager needs. And that is exactly the way it should be, says Delarge.

As Steven P. Delarge explains, the finance team has external sources to which it answers regularly. Because of this, Steven P. Delarge believes the finance team should be accountable to itself first. A CEO may have his or her own demands for reporting, a good CEO understands that the finance team is also responsible for answering to external audits that may or may not coincide with the needs of the company, including SOX compliance, SEC requirements, and others.

By building a good standalone finance team and allowing them to independently operate to their best ability, Steven P. Delarge believes a CEO will set his team up for success. And if a finance team is successful, it reflects well on the rest of the company, concludes Delarge.

Designing Spaces on Lifetime with Kanwa Surfaces

The following segment aired on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Vince Albachiaro to discuss Kanwa Surfaces.

Designing Spaces: Next up on “Designing Spaces:” counter tops.  Now, if you like the look of marble but maybe it’s a bit out of your price range, we’ve got a great alternative for you! We went to Sanford, Florida to get the story.

Fasculo: Whether a new home or a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, your choice for counter tops and wash basins is important to both the style and function.  With a natural appearance of stone becoming increasing popular, more counter tops are taking on the granite look.  With the beauty of granite come certain limitations.  Designers and manufactures have been developing new materials that capture that beauty of polished stone without the downside.  I’m here with Vince Albachiaro from Designs and Solid Surface, a Florida authorized pre-owned fabricator.  And, Vince, we need not look far around this kitchen to see what jumps out at us.

Albachiaro: We have a beautiful countertop here, don’t we?

Fasculo: We really, really do.  And I think most people who are watching at home would think that this is some sort of stone or quartz, but in fact it’s not!

Albachiaro: No, this is premier solid surfacing from Kanwa Surfaces.

Fasculo: Very nice.

Albachiaro: Yes, it’s a solid surface—the premier solid surface.  So it’s totally seamless, it is environmentally friendly, it’s durable, it’s stain, chemical-resistant, and resistant to heat also.

Fasculo: Wow!  You know, I find it unique that you said it’s environmentally friendly.  How do you make a countertop environmentally friendly?

Albachiaro: Well, we’re very concerned about the environment.  And that’s why we use 22% recycled materials in the beautiful countertop that we have here.

Fasculo: That is something we all need to concern ourselves with.

Albachiaro: Absolutely.

Fasculo: Also, I mean, when I look at this I think what it might cost for this to be a stone.  In fact, it’s seamless; it would be ten times what you would pay for this.

Albachiaro: Yes.  Solid surfacing allows you to have a seamless appearance in a continuous running surface, where you can have coal back-splashes, intricate sinks, and you can use it in many different areas.  Let’s talk about some of the different colors and applications that we have.  It comes in twelve beautiful colors.  This one, Tumo, is our color that we’re using here in the kitchen.  And again, because it’s a solid surface, it’s easy to clean and easy to maintain.

Fasculo (Designing Spaces): You know what?  I love some of the names of these.  I see Rhythmic Shine, and Orange Moon, Leche, Tiara, all across the board.  So literally, something for every kitchen!

Albachiaro: Absolutely.  Also, it’s great for use in bathrooms.  It has an NSF 51 Certification for food service applications.

Designing Spaces: And I also understand it’s very easy to clean.  Can you go ahead and give me a demonstration?

Albachiaro: It is really simple.  It’s simple soap and water—just a wiping on the surface and a wiping off.  Because it’s nonporous, nothing penetrates it.  Where, with natural stones and granites and quartzes, any of those products—they can absorb water.  And that’s where mold and mildew grows.  And that’s what you can’t get with the solid surfaces.

Designing Spaces: Especially great for us who have little kids.

Albachiaro: Absolutely.

Designing Spaces: Now, I also understand that there is a quality about Breon that most people probably wouldn’t understand.  Could you describe that to me?

Albachiaro: Well, they say this material actually admits far more infrared rays, which is supposed to have a soothing and calming effect on the people in the kitchen.

Designing Spaces: This is a good thing, especially around Thanksgiving so I can cook that turkey and be calm throughout the entire ordeal.

Albachiaro: That’s what they say. I prefer a glass of wine.  But that is what they say.

Designing Spaces: Well, that sounds great!  I’m calm already. Vince, thank you so much for inviting me into this lovely kitchen.  This Henwa Surfaces Breon line is fantastic.

Albachiaro: Thank you very much, Brian.

Designing Spaces: Feeling good in the kitchen, I’m Brian Fasculo!

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television

The “Designing Spaces” TV show on Lifetime is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count.  “Designing Spaces” instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view episodes of “Designing Spaces” online, just go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the “Designing Spaces” show, please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. You can also find us on Twitter at @DSpacesTV or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DSpacesTV!

Byron Pederson Discusses Meeting of Coalition to Promote Fairness in Tax Debt Resolution Industry

According to Byron Pederson, in May of 2012 the recently formed National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies will meet in Washington, DC to discuss issues affecting the industry. The meeting is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to collect specific information about new issues the industry will face, reports Byron Pederson.

The conference is a two-day program. Byron Pederson says that on the first day group participants will be introduced to the potential Board of Directors and officers, and have an opportunity to vote on these nominations. Additionally, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s budget preparation, legislative development, and membership development programs will be discussed. Also on the agenda will be the development of standardized contracts in uniform disclosures.

Many industry leaders are scheduled to speak at the conference, including Karen Hawkins, the Director of the IRS’s Office of Professional Responsibility, says Byron Pederson. Ms. Hawkins is expected to address the IRS’s concerns and will stress the continued professionalism of industry agents who are authorized to appear before the Agency. Larry Lawler is also scheduled to discuss policies and procedures in place that will help tax debt resolution companies consistently remain compliant with IRS regulations, says Byron Pederson. As well, Byron Pederson notes that the group’s lobbyist, Mark Guimond, will offer a briefing as to the most recent status of proposals, including California’s Bill 708 and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which is currently on hold.

Byron Pederson points out that participants will be offered a view of the tax resolution industry from the U.S. Senate. Also, says Byron Pederson, the issue of Internet Marketing and lead generation will be addressed. Most–if not all–forms of advertisement will be spoken about and include a discussion regarding how some firms intentionally mislead consumers, and how that has a negative impact on the industry as a whole, notes Byron Pederson.

Byron Pederson explains that the National Association of Tax Debt Resolution Companies was founded to help ensure fairness to both consumers as well as those serving in the industry. According to Byron Pederson, the American public needs to be aware of what services are available and how a reputable and honest firm can positively impact the lives of those afflicted with tax issues. Byron Pederson believes that the Association can offer both legislators and consumers information on why tax debt resolution firms are important to the economy. Additionally, the group will help educate people on how to differentiate the legitimate agencies from the scammers, concludes Byron Pederson.

CWD Construction: Renovating Your Back Yard

CWD Construction has built a name for itself in North and South Carolina as a premier homebuilder and renovation company. But clients are finding a new way to utilize CWD Construction’s superior interior design and remodeling services. Increasingly, clients are seeking out CWD Construction for help with outdoor entertainment.

Through a partnership with a great local pool contractor, CWD Construction is able to provide the same quality services outside a client’s home as they offer indoors. For years, the CWD Construction team has listened to customers bemoan the inconsistent quality from pool providers in the area. They’ve repeatedly asked CWD Construction to build their pool for them, and now this service is available through a partnership with CWD Construction and a local trusted contractor. This contractor shares CWD Construction’s dedication to providing custom design and platinum quality workmanship.

Pool packages are currently available for new and existing homes, says the team at CWD Construction. But pools aren’t the only outdoor upgrade the company provides. CWD specializes in turning your indoor living space into the home of your dreams and the same can be done for your outdoor areas, as well. If you are a lover of nature, CWD Construction can turn the back yard into a personal oasis, creating stone patios and outdoor kitchens and grilling areas.

If you like to entertain, CWD Construction can transform a back yard into an ideal entertainment area, with a cabana, a recessed seating area, and CWD Construction’s own personal touches that make your outdoor areas a retreat. As with all of CWD’s design projects, the company takes special care to construct each square inch of its outdoor projects to exceed standard building codes. While Sonia Dohm has an interior design background, Chuck Dohm is a trained engineer who has high standards for each of their projects.

Working alongside the design architect, CWD Construction’s Chuck Dohm ensures each structural header is secured with bolts instead of nails, which prevents sagging over time. Instead of handing out jobs to the lowest bidder, CWD Construction works hard to develop lasting relationships with subcontractors who share the company’s vision.

Known throughout North and South Carolina for their work, CWD Construction provides the highest quality, whether it’s in the grade of paint or flooring to the materials used to secure foundations and roofing. Residents have grown to be able to spot a CWD Construction home at first sight, simply by its upgraded kitchen or dream bathroom. This is a philosophy the company continues to carry forward to its outdoor living spaces.

To learn more, visit CWD Construction online at www.cwdconstruction.com

The Balancing Act on Lifetime with Jamie Lee Curtis

The following segment aired on “The Balancing Act” on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Jamie Lee Curtis to discuss Activia Yogurt.

The Balancing Act: Well, I have to tell you, I love our next guest for a lot of reasons.  She is an international film star with countless hit movies under her belt and the daughter of legendary Hollywood actors, Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis.  But millions of people like me are just so inspired by popular Hollywood icon, Jamie Lee Curtis, because she has continued to evolve.  Jamie Lee Curtis joins us this morning to talk healthy tips for busy moms on the go.  Good morning, so good to see you again, Jamie Lee.

Curtis: I love your show, what you offer me and all the people that I know, all the women I know who need it, the tipping scale of our lives and you’re kind of keeping us going.  I love you guys.

The Balancing Act: Well, I have to tell you, we love you right back, my dear. Like I said, it really is true for a number of reasons, Jamie Lee, because you know, you’re very busy in Hollywood, you’ve written nine children’s books, which my kids love, by the way, you’re a mom of two yourself, you’re a spokesperson, how do you balance it all?

Curtis: Well, you’ve said key words. You said the word “evolve” and to me life is nothing but evolution, I mean literally evolution and in our own human lives, our own time, evolving as women, spiritually, emotionally, creatively and physically, and with your physical evolution, is learning about our bodies, diet, exercise.  Obviously all women are trying to figure out that balance, of how much exercise, how much food, how do I balance my diet?  And the new thing that people talk about with me obviously, because I’m here on behalf of Activia, is digestive health.  And, you know, this is not something I ever thought I’d talk about in my life, when I was first talked to by Activia to be their spokesperson, to talk about digestive health and the benefits of probiotics.  I never expected what the response has been, and the response has been thank you.  I am stopped all over the world by people who say thank you for a product that helps them, and that’s as simple as it is.  Activia offers you something and they now have Greek yogurt and French yogurt and a parfait crunch, because I’m a granola, I like the crunch.

The Balancing Act: Me too, I love it.

Curtis: Right, so but they now have three different styles.  They have the kind of creamy French one, they have the more—you know everybody loves Greek yogurt now—so there’s a Greek yogurt style Activia, all with the same benefits and ultimately, I think the combination of a good spiritual health, good mental health, creative health, physical health, digestive health, is the balancing act of our lives and I’m just happy to represent something that actually encourages one aspect to keep you in balance.

The Balancing Act: Well, I have to tell you, you’re one of those people that I know for me and I’m sure millions of people out there feel the very same way, because the thing is, when I see you on TV, I’m like, I want to be her friend, I like her, she’s the real deal.  Why do you think people feel that connection with you?

Curtis: Well, I hope it’s because I tell the truth and that I’m not interested in the subterfuge and the smoke and mirrors of life.  More magazine where I took off my clothes and said, “look, this is what I look like” was my way of saying I’m just like you, I want to relate to you, I want to hear about parenting tips because I’ve got tantruming children, I’ve had children in my face screaming at me, I’ve had marital conflict,  I’ve had parental conflict, I’m human, and I think that digestive health is human and there’s something about the fact that I’m not afraid to talk about it and the fact that I’ve talked about it publicly.  People genuinely want to share their story with me, and think that’s, you know, we just want to relate to each other ultimately.  At the end of the day I think I’ve been able to do that to a degree because I’ve tried to tell the truth.

The Balancing Act: You know what and I think that’s why people believe you when you talk about the topic of digestive health, because it’s something that you’ve become quite well known for and a bit of an expert on.  What do you recommend to others when it comes to their diets?

Curtis: Well, I’m not an expert. I would say look in the mirror, I would say remember that your children are watching every move you make, every bite you put in your mouth—your children are watching you.  We are all trying to balance, obviously, the motto could be eat less, move more—that’s my self-help book I’ll never have to write, that’s the title of it, eat less, move more.  And in the eating less, make sure that you include some sort of probiotic, a lot of water, you know, fruits and vegetables, etc, etc, and avoid white starchy, sugary foods and exercise and keep good mental health, good spiritual health and, what would we call it, the partying health.  Be very mindful about your partying health because it has huge effect on your life.

The Balancing Act: It absolutely does, you’re absolutely right on that one.

Curtis: Go on.

The Balancing Act: No, we appreciate you, you go on.

Curtis: No, you’re going to send me away?

The Balancing Act: No, no, no, they told me seven minutes.  I’m just trying to stick to my timeline but I really could talk to you all morning long.

Curtis: Oh, I like “The Balancing Act,” it’s all I do all day.

The Balancing Act: Well, I have to tell you, we love you, too.  Thank you so much and where can we go for more information on digestive health?

Curtis: Obviously, for digestive health, activia.com, they have all the information, jamieleecurtis.com has book information and, you know, life.com I’m sure will offer you.  I don’t even think there is a site, wouldn’t be great.

The Balancing Act: I think you better grab that url, my dear.

Curtis: Something tells somebody already did.  Anyway, you guys do a great job, people love you, keep doing your good work.

The Balancing Act: Well, thank you so much and you too.  I can’t wait to talk to you again.

Curtis: I’m sure will and then maybe next year and the next book.

The Balancing Act: Well, sounds good, thank you again so much.

Curtis: Peace and love.

The Balancing Act: Cannot wait to see you again, bye, bye.

The Balancing Act is the only morning show in America produced by women specifically for women. Every morning, The Balancing Act on Lifetime hosts Danielle Knox and Kristy Villa tackle the issues that face today’s woman. Popular show segments include live weather updates with Mark Mancuso, surprise celebrity visitors, and news about the latest trends affecting your life, home, career and family. The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television airs daily on Lifetime at 7 a.m. ET/PT. For more information, visit The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television’s website at www.thebalancingact.com.

James P. Stuckey says Atlantic Yards is Long Overdue

James P. Stuckey, one of the original initiators of the Atlantic Yards project, says this massive development is bringing more than just jobs to the area; it will give a fresh face to New York City. James P. Stuckey says that the project currently employs over 650 workers. More than two thirds of these are New York City residents, adds James P. Stuckey, with nearly 200 coming from the surrounding community of Brooklyn.

According to James P. Stuckey, the project is providing far more than just temporary employment. The $4.9 billion development will include a combination of retail, office, and residential space along with several community facilities, reports James P. Stuckey. When all is said and done, it is estimated that new job creation will be in the thousands, points out James P. Stuckey.

Once completed, Atlantic Yards will be the epicenter of sports and entertainment, according to James P. Stuckey. He says that the development’s 850,000 square foot arena, the Barclays Center, will be the new home of the professional basketball team currently known as the New Jersey Nets. In addition to sports, James P. Stuckey also reports that the arena will host a number of events including concerts and family entertainment.

As the project progresses, James P. Stuckey is confident that the Atlantic Yards development will bring with it a sense of community pride of which the city can be proud. The area, he says, deserves revitalization and James P. Stuckey believes that project will benefit Brooklyn, as well as all of New York City, for years to come.
***
A real estate developer for over three decades, James P. Stuckey is CEO of the green and sustainable development firm, Verdant Properties, LLC®. James P. Stuckey has served the people of New York City as President of the New York City Public Design Commission and as the divisional Dean and Clinical Professor at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, among others. James P. Stuckey pioneered NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate’s post-catastrophe learning program. During Mayor Edward I. Koch’s administration, James P. Stuckey oversaw or participated in the development of many projects that continue to impact the city today. These included the development of the Citibank Center, the Astoria Motion Picture Studio, and the Staten Island Corporate Parks.

James P. Stuckey has held memberships in the Urban Land Institute, the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives, the New York City Transit Museum, the Young Presidents Organization, and has served as a Chairman for the Center Against Domestic Violence. Holding two masters degrees from St. John’s University and St. Joseph’s Seminary Institute for Religious Studies, James P. Stuckey often lectures at Harvard, Columbia, and St. John’s University. James P. Stuckey is also a gifted musician with proficiency in 10 different instruments. He lives in Florida with his wife and family.

Theodore Stroukoff Explains what Aspiring Figure Skaters Should Know

Theodore Stroukoff saw many starry-eyed young figure skaters while working as a skating coach for twenty-seven years. While Theodore Stroukoff says many of those skaters simply enjoyed learning to gracefully glide across the ice, others had aspirations of becoming the next Michelle Kwan. But Theodore Stroukoff cautions parents that the road to Olympic gold is a long, bumpy one.

It’s a road that usually begins at a young age, Theodore Stroukoff states. If someone is sixteen or seventeen when he or she begins learning to figure skate, the chances are slim that that child will ever see the Olympics. While competing in national and international competitions is certainly not the only reason to pursue figure skating lessons, Theodore Stroukoff acknowledges that this usually justifies the large expense that goes into lessons.

The U.S. Figure Skating Association estimates that the average annual expense for figure skating is $9,000-$10,000 for children learning the sport. This is primarily due to the cost of private lessons, Theodore Stroukoff explains, which require the parent to pay for ice time and the coach’s time. By the time a child is competing at the novice level, the annual expense is estimated to be closer to $35,000 to $40,000 a year, according to Theodore Stroukoff.

Theodore Stroukoff also notes that the payoff isn’t greater than the payout. Even among champions, pay is lower than other sports, Theodore Stroukoff states. The prize for a singles skater in the 2011 World Championships was only $45,000. Olympic medalists can earn money through endorsements and shows, Theodore Stroukoff reports, but many figure skaters do it for love of the sport, not money.

Part of the cost for figure skating includes costumes and custom-fitted ice skates, which must be regularly replaced for avid skaters. But the true expense is in time and sweat, Theodore Stroukoff emphasizes. A dedicated figure skater books ice time daily, often getting up early in the morning to practice. Theodore Stroukoff saw many students who weren’t quite able to commit to that level of dedication long-term.

There are many other opportunities for figure skaters, Theodore Stroukoff describes, including local and regional competitions that have no age limit. Theodore Stroukoff has seen adults in their twenties, thirties, and beyond take up figure skating for the first time and compete locally as a hobby. Not only is figure skating great exercise, Theodore Stroukoff points out, it also gives the skater a sense of personal achievement to conquer such a challenging sport.

DR Marketing Group on Lifetime with Backyard Botanical

The following segment aired on Incredible Discoveries. Joining the show was Backyard Botanical to discusshome gardens.

DR Marketing Group:You can tendto your own garden in a backyard, townhouse courtyard, condominium, or just about anywhere.It’s so easy and fool-proof that any one at any age can do it.

Backyard Botanical:You can grow flowers, herbs, and your very own spices fresh from your own backyard to your dining room table. It doesn’t matter where you live or how little space you have.It’s all possible, thanks to the one-of-a-kind 4 by 4 Backyard Botanical, Eden Garden.

DR Marketing Group:Now, seasonal gardening is simple, convenient, and available to anyone, anywhere you live.Even if you have a big backyard, tending an oversized garden can just be too much work, with kids, jobs and other demands on your time.

Backyard Botanical:The versatility, convenience and personal satisfaction of the Backyard Botanical Eden Garden makes the most of your time and space.It’s easy to use, it’s self-sufficient, and there’s very little work involved.

DR Marketing Group:It’s handy, it’s out-of-the-way, and it’s an education tool for my children to get to grow things and it’s just an easy system to use.

Backyard Botanical:Believe it or not, it’s is all you need to grow your own eco-friendly, fresh garden.The patented 4 by 4 Backyard Botanical is a raised bed, ready-to-assemble, self-contained gardening system, measuring 20 inches high.

DR Marketing Group:Raised bed gardeningholds the soil above the ground for a custom soil mix that is perfect for your crops.

Backyard Botanical:It also allows for easy access without tilling, walking, and compacting the soil. Because the Backyard Botanical is raised, you’re not bent over, adding stress and strain to your back, your knees, and your whole body.

DR Marketing Group:Not only is the bed held in special polyethylene planting tubs to promote better root attachment and expansion, but the overall structure, including built-in trellis, is made of special, decay resistant natural cedar, which is ideal for moist environments.

Backyard Botanical:It also featuresdurable, vinyl coated fence that stands up to whatever your kids, pets, or even small rodents can throw at it.

DR Marketing Group:Everything you need to assemble and maintain your garden is right at your fingertips, making the Backyard Botanical Eden Garden the easiest, most versatile garden you can find.

Backyard Botanical:It really is a self-contained little backyard garden.  So there is no reason that anyone today can’t grow their own produce, you don’t have to go to the grocery store and pay 5 dollars for a tomato, you can grow your own and they taste better and you don’t need a lot of room for it.

DR Marketing Group:In today’s economy, none of us have a lot of time or a lot of money, and for what you get in such a small package, it’s really a very good product.

DR Marketing Group:Can I grow my flowers, herb and vegetables at the same time?

Backyard Botanical:We’re happy to tell you the answer is a resounding Yes.The Backyard Botanical Eden Garden features 16 square feet of planting area – 16 square feet. That’s enough to grow vegetables for a family of four or enough flowers for a wedding party.

DR Marketing Group:The Backyard Botanical Eden Garden makes the most of square foot gardening, so you get almost twice the harvest in half the space of a conventional row garden. It even features a built-in trellis to increase your growing area – vertically!

Backyard Botanical:Did you know that the Burpee Seed Company reports that gardeners can harvest $1,250 worth of produce with just an investment of $50 in seed and fertilizer?  Which means the Backyard Botanical Eden Garden will more than pay for itself in the very first year!

DR Marketing Group:When you grow your own food and produce, you know it’s fresh, homegrown, and organic, free of any pesticides or chemicals.

Backyard Botanical:The quality in the food, like the taste – the tomatoes are sweeter, the broccoli is crunchier – it’s more of a wholesome, fresh taste.

DR Marketing Group:It truly is more delicious growing it organically and it’s less expensive then having to go purchase organic food at the grocery store.

DR Marketing Group, based in Pompano Beach Florida, is a wholly owned subsidiary of O2 Media Inc, and the sister company of  Quorum Productions Inc., BrandStar Entertainment and O2 Production Studios Inc.  DR Marketing Group is a turn-key marketing agency focused on developing and implementing brand integration strategies. With core competencies in direct response (DR) television production, branded entertainment, online & mobile marketing, and product distribution, DR Marketing Group is able to respond quickly and efficiently in order to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive marketplace. For more information about DR Marketing Group, please visit www.drmarketing.com or contact Christopher Seega, Vice President of Brand Development and Marketing, at 954-691-1102.