Family Stocks Blog

Sassy Scrubs, a US based custom nurse uniform manufacturing company and online retailer, operating in Penn Yan, New York, recently continued their resolve to support US servicemen and women by donating two huge boxes of nurse scrub uniform pants.  These uniform pants were requested by American Army hospitals and medic units in Europe and the Middle East to be used by hospital staff and recovering patients, who will use the uniform pants as substitute lounge pants.

Sassy Scrubs Company Owner, Karen Bradley, explains “We have donated to the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project for quite a while now, and due to suggestions from this institution, can determine what the actual needs are for our servicemen and women.”  So far, this has signified shipping donations of hospital scrubs tops for first response medics; hospital scrub pants for injured patients and hospital staff; and spirit lifting surgical caps to be used by hospital staff and medics in the field.  Another regular desire which has been met by the uniform Company in the past is patriot themed med bags, for containment of each patient’s personal goods, medical records, and medicines as they are transported from field to hospital.  To enliven moods at Christmastime, Sassy Scrubs is also working to send Christmas Stockings, which have been asked for, to the soldiers who’ll be treated in the overseas hospitals at Christmas.

Since the medical scrubs uniform manufacturer custom sews all the uniforms they offer, Sassy Scrubs is ready at a moment’s notice to zero in on a particular need to provide assistance to American military members.   “We keep apprised of the requests by soldiers as they are posted”, states Bradley, “and assist when we can fulfill a request.”  The scrubs Company pledges to continuing their on-going donations to support US service members for as long as there exist US troops abroad and for as long as there is a need.

The massive oil spill inside the Gulf of Mexico is a gigantic warning call for all of us. We all must cautiously consider the devastating effect that the actions of companies and individuals are having on our earth’s ecological system. A lot has been written and will continue to be said about BP and the public relations nightmare it caused itself through the epic oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico. What you may not know that there’s a different ongoing environmental controversy centered around the problem of deforestation and a company known as Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). Small businesses and organizations in all places can learn an important lesson from the pickle APP finds itself in. APP is a division in the mega business, Sinar Mas, and refers to itself as one of the world’s leading pulp and paper manufacturers.

APP has of late been linked to being a major contributor to deforestation. Deforestation, the human-caused loss of naturally occurring forests by means of logging or burning, is a gigantic crisis in today’s world. It is estimated that about 50% or more of the planet’s plant and animal species exist within the 7% of the globe where rainforests presently exist. For example, the most renowned of rainforests, the Amazon, a majestic 1.4 billion acre rainforest located in South America encompassing sections of 9 different countries, offers just 82.3% of the moist broadleaf jungle cover it enjoyed in 1970. It is also estimated that between 1991 and 2000, the entire loss of Amazon rainforest increased from 415,000 square kilometers to almost 600,000. The above data is according to Wikipedia.

A different lesser known however similarly struggling rain forest, the Indonesian rainforest, has made the latest headlines after a report from Greenpeace. Within the details, Greenpeace accuses Asia Paper and Pulp of “relentlessly trashing rainforests, driving species extinction and, if left unchecked, will threaten Indonesia’s efforts to address climate change.” According to CNN.com, Indonesia is one of the world’s largest culprits of producing greenhouse emissions mainly because of the clear-cutting and burning up of rainforests for logging and additional reasons. Indonesia has long been a recipient of criticism for its environmental practices primarily due to disregard for global and even their very own laws. Asia pulp and paper is presently going through a public relations nightmare because of the Greenpeace report, and naturally is claiming Greenpeace’s statements are exaggerated. Nevertheless things in recent times took a turn for the worse for Sinar Mas when in July, 2010, Wal-Mart, announced they have taken steps to stop purchasing their paper, as a result of this and additional controversies associated with APP. It appears that APP’s denial of the problem is making things worse and currently costing them major business. Losing Wal-Mart’s business over the next year and beyond will drastically impact their total sales.

This brings us to a great question: In today’s difficult global economy, how can businesses make certain they are adopting environmentally-friendly and energy efficient business practices and never on the incorrect side of a PR controversy? Business.Gov, the official business link to the American Government, includes a 10ñstep guide to help organizations ensure they are energy efficient, meeting the requirements of environmental regulations, and recognized as a green business. Here are the steps: Comply with Environmental Policies, Cultivate an Environmental Management Plan, Build Green, Purchase Green Products, Implement Energy Efficient Practices, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes, Save Water, Prevent Polluting of the environment, Make a Green Marketing Strategy, and Connect with Industry Partnership and Stewardship Programs.

Step 4 Obtain Green Products, is a superb idea that many organizations fail to think about. A unique way to raise consciousness about deforestation at the same time as marketing your brand is through eco promotional products like seed paper, crafted from actual seeds and can still take root and sprout into a lovely flower when planted. Something as simple as seed cards like a seed business card or a seeded thank you card can create a truly memorable interaction with a client or industry colleague. You could also incorporate a statement on the subject of deforestation on the stationary, which makes it extremely clear about where your business stands out on environmental matters. Another one that stands out on this list is step 6, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wastes. Remembering to cut back and reuse is the best way to eradicate the need to recycle in the first place. Now is the time to do something to prevent deforestation along with making sure your company is recognized as being a green business, as a consequence solidifying your eco friendly reputation. The 10 steps above are a good guide for any business owner or CEO to execute sustainable practices within your business. Embrace the challenge of continuously improving your organization’s ecological footprint. Your company’s leadership and example will help end the terrible effects of deforestation and the time spent is going to be well worth it.

Unfortunately many of us have seen the destruction and death that comes with the fighting of war mirrored through magazines , but we’ll never be able to envision the real pain and horrors that our service men go through while they are deployed oversea.  That’s why whenever I see a soldier in uniform I go out of my way to thank them for their devotion that they have given to their country.  Sometimes it’s as simple as a pat on the back, while other times if I see them in a coffe shop I buy their food without them knowing.  These young soldiers need to know that we respect and look up to them for their efforts and I encourage you to do like wise .  I know that my “Thank You’s” and my purchased meals for the service men may not be the most important part of their day, hopefully it does bring a smile or a warm feeling to them.  These ideas  are some good ways to thank soldiers for their service, but there are even more ways to show your gratitude .

One of the ways that you can show recognition for the armed forces soldier that you know is by rewarding them with a personalized military statue.   There are several different types of military statues to choose from in the marketplace today.  You can find these soldier statues in many different types of positions .  They produce figurines depicting soldiers walking with a rifle in their hands, standing at attention and also kneeling down resting on one knee.  You can also find military figurines that show the officer doing reconnaissance work and there are even others that show the GI aiming their rifle , insinuating that they’reengaged in combat .   Clearly there are numerous poses that you can buy these soldier statues in, but the options don’t stop there.

Not only do these military figurines come in different poses, but they also come customized from every major branch of Armed Forces.  So it doesn’t matter if your veteran is from the Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force there is a specific resin soldier just for their military branch.  

The Air Force soldier statue shows an Airman in full pilot gear and carrying his helmet in route to his fighter .  The Navy statue shows a soldier dressed in his sailor uniform while also lugging a bag full of his belongings.  The Army statues gives a good look into the daily life of an Army officer by showing an Army soldier in full combat gear, while he is aiming his weapon at any enemy that may be in range.  Lastly is the Marine resin statue that also shows a soldier in full combat gear, rifle in hand and a marine pack on his back.

It’s plain to see that there are numerous diverse styles and branches of soldier statues to select from on the market today.  Unfortunately, none of these military sculptures will give our soldiers the true appreciation and admiration that they are deserved, but hopefully it will be a minor token of thanks that will help them realize how blessed we feel to have them guarding us throughout the years.

America’s Tallest Flagpole is 200 ft tall, and situated in Dorris City Park in Texas. Everything is huge in Texas! It was the local Lions Club challenge to instill pride and community volunteerism. On special events they fly 60 feet by 120 feet Nylon American flags.

To even the least technically minded individual it somewhat is smart that very tall flagpoles require a more complicated support structure than small 10 ft residential flagpoles. Sometimes an aluminum flagpole won’t meet the stress requirements because of wind loads, and therefore a “flag tower” should be built.

Some years in the past the North Koreans constructed such a tower within the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in North Korea. This flagpole reached a height of 525 feet and has flown a  North Korean flag weighing 300 kilos.

Throughout a battle for the sky between the Koreas, the South Koreans initially added 330 feet to their flagpole flying a 330 pound flag, thus “teasing” the North Koreans. The North Koreans had been quick to respond by countering this transfer by constructing a flag tower that pretty much reaches into space.

Interestingly, the 600 lbs (dry-weight) heavy North Korean flag is instantly taken down throughout rains, as the load of the flag increases dramatically, thus growing momentum (because the flags whips around at the top of the flag tower), thus increasing the stress on the flag tower significantly.

Nevertheless, the claim made by reportedly the tallest tallest flagpole in the world located in Kijong-dong has not been accepted (particularly by competitors) unanimously. Taking a look at flagpoles particularly, the tallest flagpole on the earth is the Ashgabat flagpole in Turkmenistan.

The Ashgabat pole reaches up to about 436 feet in height and is king over the formerly record holding Aqaba flagpole in Jordan, which is 433 feet in height. Due to its location, the Aqaba flagpole will be seen from neighboring countries.

Doubt almost about which flagpole will probably be thought-about the tallest flagpole on the planet will fade away as 530+ ft flagpole in Azerbaijan is under construction. The Country Flag Sq. is near reaching its ultimate height and standing of being the tallest flagpole on the earth very soon. What’s next in the world of flagpoles?

Have you ever been fascinated by the French behavior, art, culture and people? Would you choose to be like them? Here is a easy solution – use this Rocket French Review to speak the language of love and explore hitherto unexplored vistas about France and its grace.

It is a fact that Rocket French is greatly effective than any other French language training course out there. This online course comes handy to all those who want to enhance their French speaking skills and take their communication to a/an completely different level.

A lot of people across the world have learnt French using this uniquely designed course. You may be wondering what makes Rocket French a course chosen by a lot of people. The real thing is that it is worth the money you shell out for it. Priced at an modest $99.99 the program is more than you’ve ever experienced in the past. Apart from being priced modestly, this course also includes a lot of stuff that would keep you hooked to it. A learner would never feel bored when this course is taken up by him/her, it would for sure manage to sustain his interest in the language.

Rocket French is devoid of all those bland, boring components of an normal module and includes interactive audio, video lessons. This course can be downloaded and you will enjoy the module for sure for its multimedia content.

The audio classes have been recorded by professional artists, whose mother tongue is French. The beginners can especially profit from these audios as pronunciation is always the complex zone for speakers of English and other languages. The quality of Rocket French audios is on par to the best teachers and if you have been following them properly you could soon pass off as a native French speaker.

Rocket French enhances the learning experience with three games. MegaAudio, the first game of these, makes you learn 1000 French words. There is a collection of correct spellings of the words you hear and corresponding graphics; all you need to do is to match them correctly. The more words you match with their spellings and pics the more points you get.

In the next game, MegaVocab, you will be able to find an English word with four French words. You score points by choosing the correct French counterpart of the English word that is shown. You can also choose to hide the word in English to make the game more gripping.

In Megaverbs, the learner will be able to see 25 4-mark questions. The user is shown a basic verb and a tense in addition to an English phrase which they should translate into French. Wrong answers lead to a deduction of one point each.

A 24×7 helpline by the name Rocket French Review Learners’ Forum is always there to help you out when you get doubts. Go online and you can gain access to the virtual helper waiting to help you out.

This is not the end. The course also has a self-assessment feature, which helps you test your expertise in French.

Haven’t you made up your mind already? This is the best French training course present online. Get yourself Rocket French Review and speak French like you’ve only imagined.

Sassy Scrubs, custom sewn in the USA.  That has always been the focus of this Penn Yan, NY manufacturing business and e-tailer, as they custom make hospital uniforms for the surgical, dentist and veterinarian areas.  In this small town business, the business’s well made nursing uniforms are made and mailed through the use of talented local American staff.  The Company’s reputation for American quality was noticed recenty by author Bruce H. Wolk as he researched the made in the USA theme at Sassy Scrubs and added the manufacturer in his new publication, “Made Here, Baby!”.

In a consultation with Sassy Scrubs CEO Karen Bradley, book author Wolk revealed that he had discovered the manufacturer through spokesmen of other businesses he had added to his publication.  It was clear that Sassy Scrubs’ custom made in America reputation had already gotten around.  When producing his book, Bruce Wolk knew the manufacturer would be a good choice.  “His book is chiefly focused on American produced items for babies and children,” states Bradley, “and he was impressed by our custom sewn Kids Scrubs, manufactured right here in Penn Yan.”

The book is a guide to more than 400 American manufacturers of toys, games, apparel, baby products and much more to help guide parents in finding good quality, locally made items which are built with kids in mind.  Sassy Scrubs’ Kids Scrubs – a smaller interpretation of adult nursing and veterinary scrubs uniforms – matched the focus and reason for Wolk’s publication.

“We’re very happy to be included in a guide meant for American families” states Bradley, “and we’re also proud to be able to manufacture our products right here in the United StatesAmerica.”

Bruce H. Wolk’s guide “Made Here, Baby” can be found at bookstores across the country.  Find out more about Sassy Scrubs’ Kids Scrubs at www.sassyscrubs.com.

For a lot of people who are facing foreclosure discover of foreclosures is the end of the line. This doesn’t need to be the case, but evidently those who have homes see the first signs of foreclosures and panic. The first thing you have to do if facing foreclosure if you happen to get a discover is act. You have to name your lender and see what the primary options are. If you cannot contact your lender or you’re too pissed off to act upon the primary notion to speak with your lender, you will want to call in a professional. For those who want assistance to cease foreclosure you are able to do so with Non-Profit services. These skilled providers are actually an advocate for a house owner that can thwart foreclosure and converse to your lender on your behalf. They can outline different choices that you just may have the ability to manage, relatively than having to lose your home and break your credit. These corporations are somewhat inexpensive and in lots of cases you will see that non revenue organizations trying to help you together with your foreclosure notice. The options that are introduced with a Non-Profit professional foreclosure services vary in quite a lot of ways. They could help you get a payment forgiveness, unfold the missed funds over time, or may even make a separate mortgage that can assist you keep away from the finalization of foreclosure. Whether you’re just getting a foreclosure notice, otherwise you’re foreseeing a problem paying your mortgage due to monetary pressure, you must act fast. Delaying the method means it’s a must to do some quick work before things get too difficult, and you lose your home.

The FED (Federal Reserve) just  made  new laws  to regulate credit card companies from “unreasonable” late payment and penalty fees. The new rules also call for issuers to “reconsider” interest rate hikes imposed since 2009. Millions of Americans have piles  of consumer  debt that  is drowning them in fees and interest payments.

These new rules  will help to back-up  other credit card laws  that were signed into law by President Obama as the “Credit Card Accountability Responsibility Disclosure Act” and will take effect August 22, 2010.

“The new rules require that late payment and other penalty fees be assessed in a way that is fairer and generally less costly for consumers,” states Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A. Duke. “Card issuers must also re-evaluate recent interest-rate increases and, if appropriate, reduce the rate.” 

One of the main tenets  of the latest  regulations  is a cap in most late payment fees. presently many credit card companies are charging $39 or more in late fees; but the new rules cap that fee at $25.

Another pillar is to ban credit card companies from charging a fee that is bigger than the infraction (ie a $5 late payment can only be assessed a $5 fee).

Companies  are also now prohibited from charging numerous  fees because of a single late payment or other single violation of terms; and “inactivity” fees for the non-use of cards is now banned completely.

One of the ways debtors  had been avoiding such fees is through instant approval credit cards which usually do not have any fee system  .

Although the changes have received some accolades , many more are saying  that the changes
 don’t do enough to change the underlying problem; the huge quantity of credit card debt that Americans are trying to get out from under.

Paul Hollender from Bloomfield-based firm Corash & Hollender states, ”It’s taking away some of the most outrageous things that credit-card issuers are doing, but I think it’s not enough to stem the tide of impending bankruptcies.” 

The video below is quickly making the rounds on the web and for good reason.  It clearly shows the spreading unemployment rate in a manner that resembles the spreading of a plague.  Sadly, this economic plague will alter a community and destroy lives as if it was a virus attacking the body. 

Both your political leanings and mine are irrelevant as both of us have been utterly betrayed by temporarily elected (and in some cases appointed) political hacks.     The result of this naked abuse of power is the suffering of its people.   Our current crop of “leaders” could possibly be the most corrupt and the most devious in modern if not all of our nation’s history. 

What is being implemented to spur real economic growth?  Nothing!    The truth is obstacles are being constructed at every turn.    No wonder many believe that the government is destroying the greatest society ever created…on purpose!  When you witness the layers of new bureaucracy, burdensome taxes, and unfunded entitlement programs, it is hard to conclude anything else. 
 

It does not take an economist to understand that these things retard economic growth and discourage entrepreneurship.  Businesses and industries that provide us with the most comfortable lifestyles on the planet, institutions that should be embraced, are vilified as if they are single entities not comprised of real American men and women.  It’s sad to see it unfold in such a manner and is extremely stressful for many a business person.

For your part, you are to tow the line, put your nose to the grind stone, and try as you might to create a sustainable living. All you can do is continue to sell.   Sell your products, sell your services, and most importantly sell yourself as hard as you can and as creatively as you can.   For example, with regard to our office supplies website, we’re concentrating on a niche that supports breast cancer patients. Pink office supplies are still under the larger umbrella of our core business but it allows us a new focus.  Find a similar area in your business and do the same. Pay no attention to the looming dark clouds and even if it’s just an inch at a time, continue to move forward.  Anything less could mean your demise.

Believe in yourself for now may be the time to invest in your business or your craft.  Perhaps now the window has opened just enough to leap frog your more passive competition.  Much easier said than done of course.   It takes nerves of steel to press when others are peeling back.   However, it is this exact contrarian posture that could be your saving grace.  To say it another way, when they zig, you must zag.  Seriously explore new market opportunities be it on the internet or value added areas. We did just this exact thing when we started selling business office supplies exclusively online as a means to protect our business form the destruction left behind when hurricane Katrina passed through our area.   The climate today is much like it was in New Orleans back in 2005 only now the devastation is nation-wide and completely economical. Find your motivation and stay positive it will sustain you.  And, have faith in America and its people.   You and the rest of your American brethren are ultimately stronger than the political goons who temporarily hold office.  

Enlarge your screen (there is no sound but the point is well made)

Our governments Making homes affordable plan was created to assist individuals who are in real monetary difficulty and could be at risk of losing their houses to foreclosure.

Making Home Affordable has distinct programs which all fall below the same name, such as the LMBP or loan modification bailout system, second lien modification or 2MP,  Residence Inexpensive Refinance Plan or HARP plan, House Inexpensive Foreclosure Alternatives or HAFA, the Residence Inexpensive Modification System or HAMP plan.

These legendary Obama administration aid nearly know 1 and cost millions just to staff, but if you’re 1 with the lucky few who get a loan modification don’t via any parties as you might be now 3 times a lot more likely to default in your mortgage . Some mortgage modification plans that are component of making homes affordable provide financial institutions hard cash bonuses to aid out home owners in economic distress.

All that’s necessary is for somebody to explain to you exactly what you need to have to save your house With all a lot of these phrases flying all over a lot of individuals do not really understand just what to do and if you’re having difficulties with your loan installments the last factor you may need would be to have confusing terms which are difficult to realize.

Here may be the breakdown of what you’ll need to know -.

The making home affordable plan have the following requirements.

Your home loan needs to be below $729,750.

The mortgage customization below the MHA plan can’t surpass thirty a single percent of your total income.

You should be living within the house your searching to remortgage.

Should you are eligible for this remortgage they will modify the loan so it is possible to afford it by lowering interest rates and stretching the duration with the loan.

The bottom line may be the system you ought to be seeking at could be the Making Home Affordable plan and not the, what we think about, worthless house inexpensive modification system system. In case you are behind in your home loan or are afraid you may be in your method to being so then find assistance and locate a organization who is component with the mortgage modification bailout system or MHA (making home affordable as it’s called).

The faster you find assistance the far better. The last factor you need would be to discover yourself in such economical trouble that even in case you are eligible for the financial hardship letter sample program plan you end up in such bad shape financially that is no longer feasible for you to handle the reduced payments and subsequently lose your home.