Evolution of Bruno

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FLOWERS – A WELCOME ADDITION TO ANY DÉCOR

There is nothing like the look and smell of a colorful bunch (aka bouquet) of fresh cut Flowers.  The way a vase of flowers enhance a room is breathe taking, they help to keep that summer sunshine and springtime glow constant throughout your home.  Flowers not only brighten an otherwise dull room, they also serve as a natural air freshener for any bathroom, family room, guest room, or any other room in the home.  A vase of flowers could and should adorn every room in any and every home, everyday. 
Sure, it’s always nice to get an unexpected gift – cash works for me.  But whenever you feel the desire to spruce up your spirits or home you may want to consider taking a trip to the florist, or simply pick up the phone and order an arrangement or two. 

Bottom-line, if you want Flowers, don’t allow anything to stand in your way to get flowers, even if you have to get them for yourself.  However, if you’re the kind of person who’d rather give flowers than receive them, remember, fresh cut flowers aren’t just for the holidays or to cheer up the sick.  Flowers are a delight anytime or for any reason, and whether you buy them at the store or you get them out of your own personal garden, they're always a joy to the person that receives them.   Sending flowers during a sporting event, especially the Superbowl, can be considered a priceless and welcomed gift.

A final suggestion, periodically send yourself a bouquet of flowers to your job, you’ll be amazed at how easy fresh cut flowers can transform the ambiance of a routinely dull environment, while at the same time putting you and your colleagues in a pleasant mood – can you say, “ a delightful mood equals better productivity.”    You or that special person you know, deserve the marvelous scent of a fresh cut, so why not order some fresh Flowers for them or yourself, so that you can be a cut above the rest, because flowers are a welcome addition to any décor – at any time.

AMELIA BOYNTON ROBINSON A BLACK TREASURE

It saddens me somewhat that I have lived the number of years I have and did not know of this Black Treasure amongst us. 

Amelia Boynton Robinson was the first woman black or white to run for Congress from the state of Alabama, winning 10 percent of the vote at a time when only 5 percent of registered voters were African-American. Then, on what became known as "Bloody Sunday", she was brutally beaten and left for dead by Alabama state troopers as she and other African-Americans tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge to march on Montgomery.  Read more:  BLACK TREASURE

Additional note, This remarkable woman is still alive at age 99 years.

Jerry Murdock Full-Service Insurance Agency

Jerry Murdock operates an independent full-service insurance agency, specializing in many types of insurance coverage.  An independent agent is one who works as an agent for a variety of different insurers.  As such, an independent can produce policies from several insurers and offer some comparisons of different insurance policies with access to several different companies, allowing the consumer the ability to compare.  Therefore, it only makes sense that independent agents like Jerry Murdock, should work for the customer to find the best coverage to fit the customer’s needs at the most competitive price possible. 

During the trying times of today’s economy it is essential for consumers to get the most for their hard earned money, and in order to do so, consumers need to armed themselves with all the available resources at their disposal in order to make an informed decision.  Since quite a few consumers are strapped with hectic schedules and limited time for comparison shopping, an independent agent may be the answer to eliminated the guess work; because an independent agent such as, Jerry Murdock can offer some comparisons of different insurance policies, again allowing the consumer the ability to compare and make an informed decision.

Jerry Murdock’s Insurance Agency is not only a full-service insurance agency but offers risk management services as well, for both commercial and personal clients, and have been doing so since 1993.   Because Jerry Murdock Insurance is committed to the customer, their focus is on building strong relationships with their customers through practical solutions and excellent service, and they are quite proud to have been able to provide insurance and financial solutions to more than 2,000 individuals, families and businesses. 

Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners – Exceptional Team Member

Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners is one of Insight Venture Partners shining VPs who when not focusing his efforts on infrastructure software and internet investments is concentrating on giving back to the community through several care-giving efforts – He is a supporter of the Make a Wish Foundation and the Sergeants Benevolent Association. In addition, as Event Chair for the New York City Police Foundation he is instrumental in raising funds for the New York Police Department. Not withstanding are several of his other charitable efforts, he contributes a substantial amount of his time to Minds Matter, a well-deserved New York based charity for underprivileged High School Students.

Since 2002 Alex has been an exceptional team member at Insight Venture Partners and he has shown integrity in negotiations, set appropriate expectations, and has been a strong advocate for making decisions that are in the best interests of the Company.  Prior to joining Insight Venture Partners. Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners credentials were already lengthy and impressive he worked as an investment banking Analyst, with Credit Suisse First Boston's Global Energy and Power Group. Rounding out his career and his charitable work, he involves himself in various clubs; He is a member of the Entrepreneurship Club, the Technology & Media Club, as well as the Wine & Cuisine Society.

As a solid foundation to his career work, charity, and outside interests, Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners has a Masters in Business Administration, which he earned at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; while there, he received the Dean's Award for Excellence.

DISCOVER UNLIMITED LUXURY - Hotel Parco San Marco Beach Resort, Golf & SPA

Ah, The Hotel Parco San Marco Beach Resort, Golf and Spa is one of Europe’s top Hotels and perhaps one of the most charming.  With its gorgeous breathtaking lake views, the family friendly property is situated on the Italian side of magical Lake Lugano, less than 10 miles away from the "jet set hideaway" Lago di Como. 
If it’s tranquility and relaxation you’re looking for, then the choice is simple, experience one of the most striking resorts in the Mediterranean with its unique combination of beautiful exquisite beaches and pools.  In addition to an indoor pool and a seasonal outdoor pool, Hotel Parco San Marco Beach Resort, Golf & SPA provides a private beach, a health club, a spa tub, a sauna, children' pool and play area, fitness room, beach-volley, a diverse choice of water sports and entertainment facilities, a fully equipped conference room, as well as four excellent restaurants for unforgettable dining experiences. Business-related amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, a technology helpdesk, and secretarial services.

The Parco San Marco Beach Resort Golf & SPA Hotel is one of Europe's top 70 Hotels, and in the top ten of Switzerland Beach Resorts; it offers the perfect setting for a unique holiday or vacation.  The hotel is only a short drive away from one of Europe's most beautiful golf courses in Menaggio on Lake Como.  So why not take advantage of Lake Como Golf, like George Clooney, who chose the area around Lake Como as his second home; playing on one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, or go on of one of the several excursions to Switzerland, for example to the Verzasca or Maggia Valleys in the upper Tessin and to the other northern Italian lakes.  Surrounded by a lovely park, with breathtaking views over the lake, this 4 star Lake Lugano Vacation hotel offers luxury accommodations in elegantly furnished suites. 

Its easy to discover unlimited luxury, because this property provides 24-hour room service and features spa services, massage and treatment rooms, facial treatments, body treatments, and beauty services.  Special relaxation sessions in the Spa section, a broad selection of fitness and relaxation services as well as tailor-made massage and beauty treatments are available.  A personalized treatment that will help you find again the right balance between body and mind.  Get inspired by the wide range of wellness offers at the Italian Spa Hotel health resort.  The whole family can enjoy wellness and relaxation in the park, at the beach, at the Meditation Pavilion, in the hammocks, in the wellness center or while enjoying some sport activities; there is something for everyone, from the adventurer, to the nature lover, or just the romantic in you.

Milestone Tradition Ends With Anew – And Resolutions Be Damn.

Milestone birthdays 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 55th, and so on usually consist of throwing a big hoorah party with family and friends.  Or perhaps  traveling via a Carnival cruise ship to exotic exciting Barbados, offering endless fun filled days basking in the shimmering glow of the sun while floating on the clam coral blue waters – or digging your toes into the warm white sand as you sit on the beach and sip leisurely on a tall refreshing drink recommended as one of the favorites the local natives enjoy.  However, sometimes traditions are meant to be broken or at least amended.   No need to wait to proclaim a New Year’s resolution, that you may not keep,  instead opt for a gift worth giving onto yourself and others.   That said…

Well, wouldn’t you know it, a milestone birthday for a certain Writer has arrived and not wanting to be a follower or just feeling its time to break with tradition, I’ve decided to give myself one of the best gifts I could possibly give or receive, a self-serving meant to be shared gift - the gift of accomplishment.   In my case, that gift would consist of the completion of my novel;  starting with a jumping off point of publishing 2-4 novellas to be followed by the ultimate goal of accomplishment, so look for it, the suspense (novel) I will soon be sharing.   In the meantime, Happy Birthday to me.

Pediatrician and Immunologist, Dr. PAUL OFFIT

Back during the time when he was a young medical student Paul Offit felt a personal need to challenge the danger of infectious diseases.  He studied the great epidemics of history and was awestruck by their killing power.  Determined to make a difference, Dr. Paul Offit followed his interest in infectious diseases and vaccines into a 30-year career of achievement. 

Now, a renowned Immunologist that entered the field almost 30 years ago Dr. Paul Offit, is Chief of infectious diseases and the Director of the Vaccine Education Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and one of the nation's most outspoken advocate for childhood immunizations. In addition to his duties at Children’s Hospital,  Paul who believes passionately about the safety of vaccines, works with the pharmaceutical industry to develop new vaccines.  He is a recipient of many awards including the J. Edmund Bradley Prize for Excellence in Pediatrics bestowed by the University of Maryland Medical School, the Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development from the Infectious Disease Society of America, and a Research Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Paul Offit is one of the co-inventors of the rotavirus vaccine, RotaTeq recommended for universal use in infants by the CDC; for this achievement he  received the Gold Medal from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Jonas Salk Medal from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.  He has also published more than 130 papers in medical and scientific journals in the areas of rotavirus-specific immune responses and vaccine safety.  Dr Paul Offit once a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the author of several books titled Vaccines: What You Should Know (Wiley, 2003, 3rd Edition), Breaking the Antibiotic Habit (Wiley, 1999), The Cutter Incident: How America’s First Polio Vaccine Led to Today’s Growing Vaccine Crisis (Yale University Press, 2005), Vaccinated: One Man’s Quest to Defeat the World’s Deadliest Diseases (HarperCollins, 2007), and the fifth book titled Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure was published by Columbia University Press in the fall of 2008.  His most recent book, "Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure," is a critical assessment of the theories that have swirled around autism, the therapies marketed to fix it, and the people—the "false prophets"—who he says have taken emotional and financial advantage of parents seeking a cure.

Plastic Surgeon and Dedicated Physician, DR. JOEL ROSKIND

 

From his early days as an intern, Dr. Joel Roskind believed that good medical care must be patient oriented.   During his 30-year career as a surgeon and teacher, Dr. Joel Roskind developed areas of interest which enabled him to make even broader and more comprehensive contributions to patient well-being.  One of those special interests is that of operating room safety inspector and patient safety advocate.  As a practicing surgeon, Dr. Joel Roskind experienced first hand the massive changes sweeping through the healthcare industry.  Sadly medical costs were skyrocketing and unfortunately insurance companies were balking at paying for hospital based procedures and visits.

Another area of Dr. Roskind’s interest comes from his 30 years of experience in running his large and successful practice.  This aspect of Doctor Roskind’s expertise has developed into a field now called practice management.  Today, as a dedicated physician and plastic surgeon retired from private practice, Dr. Joel Roskind has succeeded in turning his interest in patient safety in the operating room environment into an additional aspect of the issue.   Dr. Joel Roskind works as a consultant to physicians and surgeons helping them prepare their ambulatory surgical facilities for certification.

Investing In Technology, Jerry Murdock Managing Director Insight Venture Partners

Jerry Murdock is the Managing Director and the co-founder of Insight Venture Partners, a growth-oriented, financially flexible, and entrepreneur-focused investor in expansion and late stage software, internet, and data-enabled businesses.   Jerry Murdock  plays a significant role on the investment team, and has done so since Insight’s inception in 1995.  He has played a leading role in defining the company’s investment strategy and has been primarily responsible for the development of many of the firm’s portfolio investments; he is a strategist that knows about phenomenally-thriving Technology Investing.

Prior to Insight, Jerry Murdock’s credentials were already lengthy and impressive, as founder and director (from 1988 to 1995) of the Aspen Technology Group a firm focused on providing strategic consultancy services to clients including Andersen Consulting, EDS, TRW Corporation and numerous high technology companies and private equity investment firms.  Mr. Murdock is also a member of the Board of Trustees of both The Santa Fe Institute and The Aspen Institute, and a co-founder of the Institute’s Roundtable on Information Technologies; he has also worn several directorial hats, serving as director of Fuze Box, Inc., Dorado Software, DriveCam and Beatport, Quest Software and See Beyond Technology Corp, just to name a few.  Jerry Murdock graduated with a degree in Political Science from San Diego State University and subsequently worked at the Georgetown Center for Strategic & International Studies where he was a contributor to the export competitiveness project.  Mr. Murdock’s work was published in The Export Competitive Series: Comparative Analysis of Export Policy, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada and Japan.

Venture Capitalist: Jeff Horing

When searching for VC financing the search results will surely uncover the credentials of Jeff Horing  a Managing Director at Insight Venture Partners, a New York private-equity firm which he co-founded in 1995.  The information will point out that Mr. Horing focuses on all aspects of e-commerce and software infrastructure investing; and that under his leadership Insight has become the leading private equity firm focused on growth investments in software and internet businesses, with $3 billion under management.
It is documented that Jeff Horing is someone who is fluent in the technologies that define the world  and is passionate about the way they’re influential to the future.  Mr. Horing is someone who understands how technology connects us, and how it can shape a conversation.  He isn’t just waiting for the next big idea to come along, but is making it happen.  Guest what?  Jeff Horing has over 12 years experience as a venture capitalist and is a visionary who has unique talent  Mr. Horing and Insight Venture Partners are always looking for an investment that they can make shine – his areas of focus include…data, mobile, online gaming, infrastructure and Internet software, infrastructure.
Jeff Horing credentials and track record speak for themselves:  Mr. Horing currently serves on the board of directors of Datacore Software (storage virtualization), GFI (security & messaging), Jagex Ltd (online gaming), Shunra Software (WAN emulation), Solar Winds , and Teamviewer (remote desktop collaboration).  Prior to founding Insight, Jeff Horing was a key member of the technology investing team at E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co.  Earlier in his career he worked at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in the Capital Markets group.  Mr. Horing is a former member of the board of directors of Airborne Entertainment, CTSpace, Beechwood Data Systems, Greenfield Online, Hitwise, IAG Research, Promira Software, SLP Infoware and Xchange.  Horing and Insight have always shown integrity in negotiations, set appropriate expectations, and have been strong advocates for making decisions that are in the best interests of the company.  Mr. Horing also holds an MBA from the M.I.T. Sloan School of Management.  In addition, he has dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Engineering and Wharton School, where he graduated with high honors and was Phi Beta Kappa.

Additional insight on Insight reveals that the New York growth-equity firm has seen two of its companies go public this year (Solar Winds and Medidata) and a third, Internet electronic retailer Newegg Inc., just recently filed for an IPO (initial public offering: a company's first stock offering to the public). 

Author, Writer, or Pimped?

For as far back as I can remember I’ve always had a great passion for reading the works of other Authors, and for story-telling in and of itself, so much so, that I genuinely thought I wanted to become an Author – and I still do wish to become a published Author.  However, several years later and still without my own published works, other than a 52 page gift book of, Short engaging quotes of love and affection, Internet Marketing projects, and  Content writing projects; realization is beginning to sink in – how can I complete a novel when I don’t even seem to be able to compose a freakin blog post without wanting to pull out my hair.  Am I trying too hard or not hard enough?  Am I inapt or just haven’t found my true Author’s voice yet?  I’ve never wanted to give up my heart’s desire, I’m just wondering if I have the capabilities of fulfilling my dream.

What the heck made me think I could write, or continue to write and make a living out of doing it?  Just because I love doing it, just because nothing else I’ve ever done in life has made me feel this charged.  Is it enough to eat, sleep, and breathe the written word?  Or is an Author truly something special – are they born or breed to be such?  I not certain, I just know I’ve spend numerous years professing my desire to become a published Author – I have several unfinished manuscripts.  I’ve even gone so far as to proclaim that I am a Freelance Writer, starting my own writing service – which initially wasn’t doing as well as I’d hope, but has started looking more promising, and I will commit to a serious marketing campaign before the end of the year to ensure that in 2010 the business will have a higher success rate.  In the mean time, I’m curious, how the heck do people think of the zillions of tantalizing topics they post to the zillions of blogs, on a daily basis without spending endless amounts of time thinking of what to write, not to mention the research involved and still have time to devote to serious writing or to their regular job?  Do they have some magical writing program that I can purchase, do they have a new revised Thesaurus that I don’t have access to, or is it simply a talented gift they possess, that is far beyond my grasp?  I’m wondering too, if I missed a step because I’m not making the mass amount of income that other Writers profess to be reaping.  Don’t get me wrong, I have found some success with Internet Marketing, Reputation Management, and the SEO services that I offer, and although Internet usage has been on the rise for some time now, writing projects seem to have become quite lean during the last few years, especially when it comes to the pay rate.   In an effort to supplement my income, I’ve begin searching the web for writing jobs, and there are quite a number of them listed.   The only thing is, the pay rate for those jobs is insulting.  I have never been naive about the financial riches rewarded to Authors/Writers, but lets be honest, .01¢ - .05¢/wd is freakin ridiculous.  At those rates, I guess I’m not a Writer; and as far as I’m concerned anyone who agrees to write for rates so ridiculously low can’t consider themselves Writers either, and I can pretty much guarantee an Author would never compromise themselves or skills to write for pennies a word.  I may not be able to write the next best-seller right now, or be the greatest Internet Marketing Writer on the planet, but I know what pimping is, and any employer offering pennies for a writing project is attempting to pimp the Writer, and obviously isn’t expecting quality work. 

I recently responded to an ad for a “Social Media/Website/Blog writer”, and received the following response from the poster after inquiring about the rate for said writing project: “I'm not looking for someone who applies for a job with negativity on their tongue.”  This coming from a guy too lazy or inapt to even bother to capitalize the word “I” throughout his four paragraph response, in which he still neglected to answer my question.  BTW, here’s my inquiry: “I would like to know what the rate or project budget will be for this assignment? If the rate is at an insulting pennies per word rate, I must thank you but I really wouldn't be interested in participating.”  Perhaps its me, but I don’t read negativity in my request to know how much I’d be paid for providing unique content that would enhance someone’s business.  I’ve wasted too much of my time and effort applying and submitting samples only to learn the job pays only $3 apiece for 375-400 word articles that as the ad expressed, “expects each of them can pass the scrutiny of Google's duplicate contact checker.”  or $1 for a 500 word article.  I’m trying to write and earn a reasonable wage doing so,  and although I follow a blog entitled Chrystal’s Corner, I can assure you I wasn’t standing on it when I applied for any of the writing assignments, so what makes these employers think they can pimp me or any other Writer?  But I did get an interesting answer from one of the employers: “If you want to thank someone for reformatting the sweatshop for the white-collar, work-at-home, 21st century world, thank Google ... it's all an unintended consequence of the Adword and Adsense bastardization of the Web.”

There is a difference between an Author and a Writer – a Writer wrote this post, the Author is still seeking the realization of a dream – publication of a novel,  neither wishes to be pimped at pennies per word.

Boycott Internet/Writing Sweatshops for Fair Rates Or Be More Selective In Your Choices

Discussion about fair rates for freelance writing is always a hot topic. And if truth be told, most Writers have at some point in time approached the Google search bar seeking current rates, hoping for confirmation of what they know to be a fair rate – if that wasn’t the case, most of you would not be reading this article; hoping to get some insight as to what your writing is worth or what you should charge. This article isn’t going to tell you what you should charge, but may help you to make a determination of what assignments to accept.

Many Writers have wasted far too much time and effort applying and submitting samples only to learn that the job only pays $1 - $3 apiece for a 500 word article and demand that the articles pass the scrutiny of Copyscape, Google, and all other duplicate contact checkers.

The United States Department of Labor regulates that The Fair Labor Standard Act, for work performed on or after July 24, 2009, mandates that the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour – which in and of itself is an insult – seriously, $7.25 an hour to support oneself/family is utterly ridiculous considering the cost of living in the U.S, but at least it is mandated unlike the rates for Freelancers who must perform extensive research in order to provide unique content at the drop of a hat for mere pennies. Should Writers boycott in order to receive fair rates? Some of my colleagues seem to think that can possibly be the answer to achieving the goal for fair rates. That said Writers may wish to…

Keep in mind that the Internet is worldwide and while $5/article may be petty to most U.S. Writers, for someone in another country it may indeed be a worthwhile venture. Yes, it hurts those of us who want and deserve more, but regardless if we boycott those buyers, we can not do anything about the writers who choose to work for lesser sums of money. It is a personal choice. However, if the majority of Writers make the choice not to accept the insulting rates, those choices may indeed be part of the solution.

One of the major contributors to the “lack of pay” for Writers is the Internet which has created such a huge need for bulk that lots of things are passing for "writing" and this need will continue to grow. Unfortunately there are those who yearn to write so much that they readily jump at those so-called "opportunities" and do whatever it takes to fulfill even the most ridiculous demands. Perhaps it comes under the heading of "paying one's dues," but those of us with portfolios, resumes and years of experience know what is involved and (hopefully) won't be tempted. For the most part, it appears that some think that although the money is appreciated, the recognition is what is helpful in actually getting other work. Of course one can't count on that. But learning the "art" of writing online can be valuable, and allows one to expand their horizons and look at other opportunities. The question is, is it beneficial or not to accept mere pennies on the dollar for your hard earn writing efforts, or do you hold out for more, possibly risking losing a writing opportunity? One answer is, it’s a choice each individual needs to make for themselves. Another is it’s not worth the aggravation of ones integrity to stoop to that level.

Final thoughts from some of my colleagues and myself are - boycotting on behalf of writers who are seeing a new iteration of the writing/marketing/publishing business being unleash will be ineffective. Few people care what the publisher paid for the content or who they paid. Believe it or not, some of the sweatshop content at $5 an article is not bad stuff, from writers who never learned to market their work and don't believe they can compete, so they settle - which something most seasoned Writers are attempting to forego.
Each individual makes his/her own decision - We each have to find the markets that fit our specialty, snuggle into our niches, and produce quality. And then we have to spend a huge percentage of our time actively marketing by phone, email or mail to markets that suit our niche. Surfing the web and submitting a bid along with thousands of other people, or sending an application to a website that just got 1000 more today is nonsense. As professional Writers, when it comes to the types of assignments we accept, we must be more selective in our choices. Otherwise, we may find ourselves subjected to and accepted of slave wages/rates.

Internet Sector/Venture Growth Strategist Deven Parekh

Competitively, successful venture capital firms believe that if you want to have true long term defensible traffic for your online business you may want to do it yourself.   Basically, you're the true owner of your own destiny and you can control your own traffic.  And if you don't and you're a category market that monetizes reasonably well, a speculator will do it and they'll drive traffic to your site but at the end of the day they control that traffic.  And if somebody else will pay them more for that traffic, you won't own it anymore.  One of the areas to really focus on is making certain that the traffic that a company has for their online business, whether they’re an e-commerce, a content company, or an Internet service that the traffic is defensible.  And domains is a part of that strategy. It's not the only strategy but it's a part of that strategy.  One of the best persons in the industry to effectively communicate this strategy to clients and executives on a business and individual level is Deven Parekh.
Deven Parekh , currently serves as a managing director of one of the fastest growing venture capital firms, Insight Venture Partners which he joined in 2000.   Insight Venture Partners is a venture capital/growth equity firm that's based in New York.  They have approximately $3 billion of capital under management, focusing on investments in enterprise software, technology and most recently over the last couple of years probably its biggest focus has been the Internet-enabled sector.

• Deven Parekh, was previously a Principal investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions at Berenson Minella & Company (1992-1999), a merchant bank in New York.  He graduated magna cum laude from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Economics.
• Prior to Berenson Minella, Deven Parekh was with The Blackstone Group, where he was involved in both M & A advisory and principal activities.
• Deven Parekh proudly sits on the board of Publicolor a non-profit organization that uses color, and painting to engage and motivate disaffected teenaged students.  Publicolor enables students to work together to improve the quality and appearance of their learning environments.
• Deven Parekh is a Henry Crown Fellow of The Aspen Institute. This fellowship honors the memory of Chicago industrialist Henry Crown (1896-1990), whose legendary career was marked by a lifelong commitment to honor, integrity, industry and philanthropy.

The Aspen Institute mission is: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues.  The Aspen institute promotes its mission by sponsoring seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs and public conferences and events.
To get the best return on your investment remember, Deven Parekh has a proven track record with successful results in software, technology, and internet businesses.

An Emperor Of Business Development, Carl Sgro

A tournament-quality bass fisherman, isn’t who you’d normally expect internet and technology companies to seek out for professional advice on expanding their businesses;  but that’s where you’d be wrong, because although he has fished many of the major lakes and inlets from Maine to Florida;  Carl Sgro is an expert with over 25 years of business development experience.  Business professionals seek him as their SEM and SEO specialist to guide their  businesses in search engines ranking by assisting to design, implement, and market technologies; because they know that Carl Sgro’s strategies make an incredible difference.

Carl Sgro takes all aspects of his job quite seriously, particularly recognizing his client’s needs and achieving those desired results by conveying the clients message to their targeted audience, using fresh, crisp, thought provoking styles and techniques.  Crafting copy that catches the readers attention while injecting Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) into digital copy that gets the results clients want. 

Having compassion emphasis that you care about your client’s needs, as well as the community and Carl Sgro  has demonstrated this attribute ten fold; not only in his business dealings by hosting an Internet Reputation Management Blog, providing free insightful advice regarding the relevance of utilizing professional help in neutralizing bad online publicity and moving negative content down the rankings.  But he’s also done so, through his personal efforts as well; Carol Sgro was instrumental in establishing the ‘Take a Kid Fishing’ Foundations a non-profit organization that supports disadvantaged youth and children with special needs of Eastern North Carolina, by hosting a day-long coastal fishing adventure to introduce young children to the sport of fishing.

Businesses know that it would be a tremendous mistake not to let Carl Sgro help them to achieve the results they need, want, and deserve - success.

The Military Get’s Golden Corral’s Appreciation

If you’ve ever stood in a (military) chow line or know someone who did, you can appreciate the irony at The Golden Corral today at the 9th annual Military Appreciation Day as the line was literally wrapped around the building.  However, the old military adage of “hurry up and wait” was anything but the case in spite of the large number of military personnel that stood chatting amongst themselves about their past and present military experiences – with all branches represented by, the young, not so young, and the old.  Instead, servicemen and women inched their way swiftly to the open doors manned by High School JROTC personnel who stood proudly – in full uniform.
    It was reminiscent of yester-years of being in a basic training dining hall, as they went from one food station to another in an orderly fashion, waiting as their fellow serviceman plate filled with large portions of first one dish than the next.  There was an abundance of food choices more than enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
    The Golden Corral is thankful for the men and women of this country who have fought to make and are still fighting to keep America free.   The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military.   Rather you’re are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you were invited to join them for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation dinner, at one of its 485 restaurants nationwide.  Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.
    America’s freedom comes with a big price tag for our men and women in the military and their families as well, and to say thank you, Golden Corral has  provided a free meal to veterans once a year for the past nine years.   It's come at a cost to the company, but the philosophy of the restaurant chain is that veterans deserve it and more.
    On behalf of the military personnel (past & present) in my family, and there are quite a few, including me - I want to thank the Golden Corral for appreciating all military personnel – active and inactive and for continuing to say thank you, in such a considerate way.

The Marvelous Scent On A Fresh Cut

I have an incredible fondness for fresh Flowers there is nothing like the look and smell of a colorful bunch (aka bouquet) of fresh cut flowers.  The way a vase of flowers enhance a room is breathe taking, they help to keep that summer sunshine and springtime glow constant throughout your home.  They not only brighten an otherwise dull room, they also serve as a natural air freshener for any bathroom.  If I had my way, a vase of flowers would adorn every room in my home, everyday.  It amazes, amuses, and saddens me a bit when I hear women complaining that their husband, spouse, or significant other didn’t buy them flowers for their birthday, anniversary, or some other named occasion.
Whenever I feel the desire to spruce up the house or my spirits, I make a trip to the florist , or simply pick up the phone and order an arrangement or two.  And I don’t see any reason anyone should have to wait for someone else to surprise them with flowers.  Sure, it’s always nice to get an unexpected gift – cash works for me.  But something produced by nature needs no special occasion to be given or received.  So if you want flowers, get flowers – even if you have to get them for yourself.  Or, if you’re the kind of person who’d rather give flowers than receive them, remember, fresh cut flowers aren’t just for the holidays or to cheer up the sick.  They are a delight anytime or for any reason, and whether you buy them at the store or you get them out of your own personal garden, they're always a joy to the person that receives them.
Here’s another suggestion, periodically send yourself a bouquet of flowers to your job, you’ll be amazed at how easily fresh cut flowers can transform the ambiance of a routinely dull environment, while at the same time putting you in a pleasant mood – can you say, better productivity.  
You or that special person you know, deserve the marvelous scent of a fresh cut, so why not get your Flowers from one of the best, and save at the same time with a “free” coupon1800Flowers coupon that you can use immediately on your order at checkout.

Tis' The Season For The Simple Meaningful Gift

For some insane reason I have become my family’s designated-go-to-person for holiday ideas, and they look to me to come up with special events and so forth. So I try to think of different things to do to celebrate and earmark the occasions, because tis’ the season after season ...that warms our table and warms our hearts. Although I want our holidays to be special I don’t want our family members to waste unnecessary money on expensive undertakings.

I’ve sent cards, hosted theme dinners, and arranged out of state adventures, but considering the state of our economy, an out of state adventure can be somewhat costly with large families such as mine. Therefore, this year I was trying to do something special with my family; while still staying within a well-defined budget.

Yet, I was at a lost as to what I should or could do.   I considered perhaps once again sending cards to each family member, but everyone sends cards, plus I’d already done that a few years back…then it hit me, I love fresh cut flowers so instead of cards, sending festive floral arrangements seem a bit more meaningful, it says you took the time to select something special for someone special – and family members will remember that you did. It’s such an inexpensive meaningful gesture of love and affection…

If/when you want to wish everyone you know a holiday filled with all the goodness of the season and plenty of time to enjoy it. I think flowers can say it all.  If you don’t know who to call or where to go, try Flowers they are able to help you with all your occasion needs. They have something for every occasion ; including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Anniversary, Congratulations, Get Well, I'm sorry, Just because, Love & romance, New baby, Sympathy & funerals, Thank you, & Wedding.

1-800-flowers,  offer plants from Bonsai to house plants; they even offer fruit & gourmet baskets-yummy! Don’t forget they offer to hand-deliver the same day! So, tis’ the holiday season, and I decided to think fresh, think flowers, and think 1-800-flowers.

The Unofficial Greatest Fisherman – Sakwinder Narwal

Some do it as a necessity to feed their families; others do it to feed their hunger  for the sport of it, either way, no one knows better than Sakwinder Narwal, a successful businessman and entrepreneur about feeding his hunger for the dedicated passion he has for the sport of fishing. Sakwinder is more dedicated to fishing than some spouses are to one another. He’s even been known to make his own fishing pole on the rare occasion he’s found himself without one of his own many poles.

Sakwinder Narwal may not have been officially declared the greatest fisherman in the world, nor is he as world famous as Zyg Gregorek, the first recreational fisherman anywhere to catch all 27 species in the “royal slams” set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).  But most sports enthusiast will agree, Sak Narwal comes in as a close second.  Sakwinder Narwal has one of the greatest loves for fishing any true fisherman could possibly have.  Sak has been obsessed with fishing since he was a small boy.  As busy as he is with his many business endeavors, Sakwinder Narwal makes the time to fish just about every week and his voyages have taken him from Bristol Bay in Alaska where he chased the salmon, Dixon Lake where he fished for bass, the Florida Panhandle where he fished for Catfish, and Roscoe NY where he fished for brook trout.  Sak Narwal has even fished for sharks in the waters off Montauk Point, on New York’s Long Island.

Though he loves fishing, Sakwinder Narwal is quick to say that it is the thrill of the hunt, not of the kill, that he enjoys.  A strictly “catch and release” fisherman, Sak says, “There is nothing as relaxing and satisfying as catching fish on a beautiful day on a beautiful body of water.”

Renew International Can Fuel A Conversation

Politics and religion are two topics that are sure to fuel a conversation, which is why I steer clear of both as much as possible. However, when the topic has good content I break my rule of silence and I even sometimes share – as in this case.

I learned through a business acquaintance about RENEW International, a  Roman Catholic ministry which provides dioceses with the structure, training, and resources to administer and empower individuals and communities to encounter and include God in their everyday life,  RENEW fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition.   RENEW International has helped over 150 archdioceses and has worked to provide programs and materials to help each diocese meet their annual goals.   RENEW has touched the lives of over 25 million people through its ministry services in both the United States and in 23 countries around the world.

RENEW International, helps the entire dioceses to become a more loving community that is more sensitive and responsive to people’s needs.  Through these efforts the dioceses discover that many individuals want to be involved in a meaningful ministry.  Its refreshing to know that RENEW International is helping to provide quality caring ministry to its congregation for as long as people need it.

RENEW also has an Online Store, and offers quite a number of free downloads from their Bookstore.