One of the main reasons home sales are slow right now is fear, foreclosure expert Timothy Powers of Alamo theorizes. With the economy so shaky, Alamo’s Timothy Powers explains, Americans are afraid to make any bold moves. They wait, putting off selling and buying homes until things get better, but as Timothy Powers of Alamo points out, the evening news keeps predicting doom and gloom, perpetuating the problem.

While the unemployment rate recently dropped slightly, according to Labor Department reports cited by Timothy Powers, Alamo citizens are still uncertain. Despite these reports, for the average resident in Alamo and around the county job security is still an individual concern, Timothy Powers of Alamo reports. Until the economy stabilizes, Alamo’s Timothy Powers believes many Americans will still be concerned about the sudden loss of employment.  We are now facing the lowest national home ownership rate since the 1940’s.  says Tim Powers of Alamo.

Alamo resident and businessman Timothy Powers points to Fannie Mae’s maximum limit of $625,500 in northern California. Unfortunately, for northern Californians, the average home price is still above $500,000, leaving many homebuyers unable to secure the loan money they need, Timothy Powers of Alamo explains. Still, California’s houses seem to be holding their value better than some other states. According to Timothy Powers of Alamo, a 2011 report by CBS ranked Idaho, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and Illinois as the five states with the highest home depreciation.

With more than twenty years of experience in real estate, Timothy Powers of Alamo often encounters the question, ‘Why buy now if prices could come down?’ To that, Alamo’s Timothy Powers answers that the market could just as easily go up. Most experts agree that now is a great time to buy, Timothy Powers of Alamo says, with prices likely to increase in the next few years. Plus, as Alamo’s Timothy Powers points out, now is a great time to get an unprecedented deal on a house, as well as help the U.S. economy.

Alamo’s Timothy Powers runs East Bay Foreclosure Support, a company that provides free foreclosure advice to individuals going through illness or military deployment. Assistance can be provided by telephone or in person. For more information, call 925 855-1810 or go online to www.timothypowersalamo.com

Aicube.com: Welcome to our readership Nancy Alcorn.  We know you are very busy, so we appreciate your time.

Nancy Alcorn: I am thankful for your time and the time of your readers.

Aicube.com: Tell our readers, Nancy Alcorn, how did Mercy Ministries come about?

Nancy Alcorn: I spent several years, when I was younger, working for the Tennessee Department of Corrections.  I wanted to impact the lives of young women.  Yet what I witnessed was many young women falling through the cracks.  I would see female juvenile delinquents go through our programs only to become incarcerated adult offenders.

Aicube.com: And through that experience Mercy Ministries was birthed?

Nancy Alcorn: Yes.  Little did I know that God was showing me one major thing was missing when it came to impacting the lives of women:  Him!

Aicube.com: So secular counseling wasn’t working?

Nancy Alcorn: It’s not that counseling wasn’t working.  It was that the secular programs were missing the life change component of Jesus Christ.  He alone holds the power to radically and permanently change the lives and paths of people.

Aicube.com: And you know that personally.

Nancy Alcorn: I do.  He dramatically changed my path.  In my youth, I never imagined stepping out on faith, with nothing, and launching what would become Mercy Ministries International.

Aicube.com: Nancy Alcorn, you mentioned the word International.

Nancy Alcorn: Yes.

Aicube.com: Let’s talk about the role of Nancy Alcorn in the amazing growth, now international, of Mercy Ministries.

Nancy Alcorn: My role has been to do my best to listen to God’s leading and vision for Mercy Ministries.  The rest, the growth, the life change in women’s lives has been totally God.  My role today is serving as Founder and President of Mercy Ministries.

Aicube.com: Yet under the leadership of Nancy Alcorn, Mercy Ministries has experienced phenomenal growth in just under 30 years.

Nancy Alcorn: But this has never been about Nancy Alcorn.  I have worked to follow God closely, allowing His power and dream for Mercy Ministries to take hold.

Aicube.com: And Mercy Ministries has seen dynamic growth, let’s talk about that.

Nancy Alcorn: The growth is simply a testimony to the power of Christ in the lives of girls, including this Tennessee girl.  We opened our first West Coast home for women in October of 2009.  In addition, Mercy Ministries has residential homes in Louisiana, Tennessee and Missouri.  We are now working at an international level as well with global affiliates.

Aicube.com: We read somewhere that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries had worked with over 2000 women.

Nancy Alcorn: Actually the number is over 3000 women.

Aicube.com: And out of a recent survey, a large percentage responded that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries had changed their lives.

Nancy Alcorn: 93% said that the Mercy Ministries six-month residential program had indeed transformed their lives.  Even more so, had restored their hope.  Praise God.

Aicube.com: Nancy Alcorn, thank you for the update.  What exciting news about growth and life change.  I know our readers join Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries in prayer and support as they continue to bring life change and light into the lives of young women.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.

Nancy Alcorn began her career working with female juvenile delinquents in the Tennessee Department of Corrections.  Nancy Alcorn is now the Founder and President of Mercy Ministries.  Mercy Ministries utilizes nutritionists, licensed Christian counselors and a biblically-based curriculum with the emphasis that true freedom from addition and life-controlling issues is possible.  All of this is free of charge for the women.  Nancy Alcorn is the author of several books and a sought after convention and conference speaker.

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About Nancy Alcorn

During her five years working for the state of Tennessee, at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls, Nancy Alcorn developed a passion to impact the lives of hurting young women.  Time and time again, Nancy Alcorn watched as the young women she worked with at the juvenile facility passed the age of eighteen and ended up in the women’s prison system because they never got the real help they needed.

During the next three years, as Nancy Alcorn investigated child abuse cases for the state of Tennessee, she saw firsthand why so many of these young women were angry and hurting.  Working with juvenile delinquent girls and investigating alleged cases of child abuse gave Nancy Alcorn the opportunity to interact directly with secular rehabilitation programs and the girls impacted by those programs. It was during this time that Nancy Alcorn realized that these programs were not producing permanent results that exemplified changed lives.

Following her tenure with the state, Nancy Alcorn accepted an appointment as Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge.  Through all of these experiences, Nancy Alcorn began to realize that true transformation would never come as the result of any government system.  Nancy Alcorn understood that only Jesus could bring restoration into the lives of girls who were desperately hurting and searching for something to fill the void they felt in their hearts.

Nancy Alcorn began to sense that God was unfolding a plan prompting her to step out in faith.  God called Nancy Alcorn to help hurting young women find freedom and have their lives transformed.  With her experience to assist her and God to guide her, Nancy Alcorn would prayerfully make a giant step of faith to help hurting young women.

In January of 1983, Nancy Alcorn relocated to Monroe, Louisiana and established Mercy Ministries of America.  Nancy Alcorn was determined that the Mercy Ministries program would bring about true-life change in the lives of young women.  With that in mind, Nancy Alcorn knew there were three guiding principles to which she must always remain faithful.  First, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would accept girls free of charge.  Second, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would donate ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries.  Third, Nancy Alcorn made the decision that Mercy Ministries would never accept any state or federal funding.  In no way did Nancy Alcorn want any money that might interfere with the freedom to share Christ.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries, under the leadership of Nancy Alcorn, has seen exponential growth and impact.  Establishing locations in Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri and California, Nancy Alcorn has seen her God-sized dream impact numerous women ages 13 to 28.  Nancy Alcorn has seen Mercy Ministries grow beyond the borders of the United States with home in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help young women seeking freedom from physical and sexual abuse (including sex trafficking), eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, depression and unplanned pregnancy.  Mercy Ministries, with Nancy Alcorn serving as Founder and President, assists young women through a non-conventional approach to healing that allows them to stop and break destructive cycles of behavior.  Nancy Alcorn continues her commitment to helping young women recognize their self-worth and reach their full potential.

For more information about the services offered by Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries, visit the Mercy website online at http://www.mercyministries.com.

Many people find apparent relief from stress, says Yochanan Berkowitz, when they indulge in vices or bad habits. Yochanan Berkowitz points out that some clients report turning to alcohol, tobacco and caffeine to relax or clear their heads. Yochanan Berkowitz explains that these methods for reducing stress do not actually work. Those who use alcohol to calm down or “take the edge off” of their problems, notes Yochanan Berkowitz, will find those problems waiting for them when the alcohol wears off. Using alcohol excessively as an escape mechanism, continues Yochanan Berkowitz, can actually lead to rebound behavior. Yochanan Berkowitz explains that this means that once the alcohol wears off, problems will seem bigger than before.

Yochanan Berkowitz says tobacco is another myth of stress management. Yochanan Berkowitz notes that smokers often report using tobacco to calm their nerves. In reality, tobacco is a stimulant drug, says Yochanan Berkowitz, causing increases in heart rate and blood pressure. The illusion of relaxation, reports Yochanan Berkowitz, comes from the relief a smoker feels at feeding their nicotine craving. However, according to Yochanan Berkowitz, the nicotine craving causes more stress in a smoker than the smoking itself. For this reason, smokers are under the illusion that they are being calmed when they consume nicotine, says Yochanan Berkowitz, but they are actually feeding an addiction and stimulating their body, not relaxing it. In overall health terms, says Yochanan Berkowitz, a non-smoker is usually less stressed than a smoker. A person battling with stress, concludes Yochanan Berkowitz, should be encouraged to quit smoking rather than use smoking for false relaxation.

About the Author

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit www.familiesheal.com.

Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz encourages daylong hikes, exploring pathways and identifying plants and animals. Such simple and pleasant activities can be very therapeutic. When going for a hike, Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz suggests getting an early start. Hiking in the morning, says Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz, is the coolest time of day. A good early start on a nature hike, adds Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz, offers an opportunity to beat the afternoon heat when the sun is high and hot.

Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes that support the ankles and give good traction over variable terrain, says Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz. Hiking terrain can be unpredictable, notes Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz, sometimes rocky, dusty and dry, and at other times wet, dirty and slippery. Because of this, dependable, broken-in hiking shoes are a must.

Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz also suggests that it is important to travel light when hiking. If hiking an established path, says Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz, a little water, some dried fruits and nuts, and a small lunch will often provide enough energy for the day. Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz points out that many people also find it rewarding to bring a camera along to capture lovely or uncommon sights. Finally, if you are a beginning hiker, Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz suggests starting out with short hikes that are no longer than half-day loops. Build up a pace and distance over time, says Yochanan Jonathan Berkowitz, until you can hike for several miles and require a backpack for supplies.

Certain cooking oils have very distinctive flavors and must be paired accordingly. Before choosing cooking oil, Chef Ben Vaughn encourages people to familiarize themselves with the available oils. Some of the most common oils on the market are olive oil, coconut oil, walnut oil, and macadamia nut oil.

Olive oil is a popular favorite, says Chef Ben Vaughn, and comes in four major varieties. In order of their smoke points, from lowest to highest, the four olive oils are extra virgin, virgin, pomace, and extra light. Olive oils contain high levels of monounsaturated fat, informs Chef Ben Vaughn, qualifying them as a heart healthy oils. Extra virgin olive oil has a rather low smoke point, says Chef Ben Vaughn, and is best utilized uncooked.

Coconut oil has a very low melting point, says Chef Ben Vaughn, congealing to a solid state at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Coconut oil can withstand higher temperatures, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, and consequently makes a good pan cooking oil. Chef Ben Vaughn says that walnut oil has the lowest smoke point of all the aforementioned cooking oils, burning after 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Walnut oil also has a distinct nutty flavor, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, making it best suited to salads and dressings. Macadamia nut oil has one of the highest smoke points, says Chef Ben Vaughn. Because of this characteristic, says Chef Ben Vaughn, macadamia nut oil is a great frying and baking oil.

JS Properties, LLC, maintains that the primary difference between leasing to commercial clients as opposed to residential tenants is the lease terms and conditions. Commercial lease terms are generally longer and have more legal connotations than residential. The importance of carefully screening prospective tenants, points out JS Properties LLC, is vital to the process. A responsible, reliable tenant can make all the difference when leasing a property. Joyce Smotherman, owner and manager of JS Properties, LLC, also notes that professional property management for commercial leases has many benefits in addition to tenant screening.

Marketing and showing the properties, negotiating lease terms, changing the locks from previous lessees, ensuring prompt payment of rents due and handling any maintenance issues, says JS Properties, LLC, are just some of the responsibilities that a professional management firm will handle.

JS Properties, LLC says there are also the legal aspects involved with zoning and codes restrictions, in putting up signs and other considerations when leasing commercial real estate. All signs must meet the requirements for dimensions, height and other criteria before they can be erected. According to JS Properties, LLC there are also different zoning rules and codes requirements for different types of businesses and those rules must be researched and adhered to before a lease agreement can be implemented.

Joyce Smotherman of JS Properties, LLC, with over twenty-five years experience in the real estate business and complete dedication to her customers and clients, insures that every aspect of the commercial leasing process is handled professionally, in a timely manner and in the best interests of all parties involved.

First of all, according to the team at Homes by Vanderbuilt, modular homebuilders, including Homes by Vanderbuilt, build thousands of homes at one factory. The materials used by the builder, whether it

CARMACK MOVING SAYS “DON’T HIT A SOUR NOTE WHEN MOVING A PIANO”

by Robert Carmack, carmackmoving.com

There are many funny cartoons and movies that feature situations involving people trying to move a big heavy piano. Pianos can be very difficult to move, especially if they’re heavy antiques and heirlooms passed on from generations and you don’t utilize professionals like CarmackMoving.com. Here are some ways for you to move your piano to another room, or if you want to bring your piano with you as you move residences.

The grand piano is the first thing that comes to mind when people say “piano.” The strings of a grand piano are laid out horizontally along a specially-shaped case. Most grand pianos are used for ballrooms, auditoriums, music halls, and are often rented out for recitals and other formal functions.

CarmackMoving.com reminds you that he strings, keys, and hammer mechanisms of a grand piano are quite sensitive; you may accidentally cause the strings to go out of tune if you move the grand piano the wrong way. The lacquered case of a grand piano may also get pitted, chipped, or scratched.

If you do not use a professional service such as CarmackMoving.com you will need at least three people to move a grand piano. To move a grand piano, follow these steps:

1. Secure the lid of the piano with elastic bands or nylon straps.
2. Lift the piano from the front left leg, and carefully prop it on a jack.
3. Remove the front left leg, and carefully position the corner on the piano skid.
4. Remove the rear left leg, and lower the piano to its flat side on the skid.
5. Lift the piano up, using the edge of the piano as a lever. Once the piano is propped up on its flat side, remove the front right leg of the piano.
6. Protect the piano on the skid with blankets or other padding, and secure the instrument with cables or rope.
7. Move the piano very carefully while it’s secured on the skid.

It is always best to spend the money and hire a professional such as CarmackMoving.com. Long after you have saved a little money the scratches in the lacquer remain.

Robert Carmack is the owner of Carmackmoving.com located in Chantilly, Virginia. With more than thirty years of experience in light hauling, local moving, regional moving and long haul national moving operations Mr. Carmack shares his insights from years of experience and overseeing thousands of moves through Carmackmoving.com. Carmackmoving.com may be reached at 703-378-1616. ]]> http://aicube.com/carmackmoving-com-says-%e2%80%9cdon%e2%80%99t-hit-a-sour-note-when-moving-a-piano%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 http://aicube.com/carmackmoving-com-says-%e2%80%9cdon%e2%80%99t-hit-a-sour-note-when-moving-a-piano%e2%80%9d-2/ http://aicube.com/carmackmoving-com-says-%e2%80%9cdon%e2%80%99t-hit-a-sour-note-when-moving-a-piano%e2%80%9d-2/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:27:22 +0000 AdminR http://aicube.com/?p=20

CARMACK MOVING SAYS