Club Cabeza

The Perfect Fit for CrossFit

2012-01-23T12:41:00.000-05:00

Steve Bowser

To have the outdoor space for running and the interior space for gymnastic rings and hanging ropes, Steve Bowser knew he was going to need plenty of room for his CrossFit facility. At 595 Corporate Park of Commerce, he found a 4,000-square foot space he and his trainers could call home—and put people through the challenging workouts CrossFit is famous for.

“Our location is right off the 595 corridor, so we loved the convenience for our clients when we were looking for new gym space,” said Bowser, who is the owner and program director of the CrossFit Affliction facility. “It’s been our location for three years, and the management company and owners keep it incredibly clean, neat and organized.”

[ Desk Job = Damaged Back ]

At its core, CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program designed for everyone—the gym even offers classes for those ages 6 to 12. The space is a weightlifter’s dream, filled with power racks, kettlebells, rowing machines, medicine balls and Prowler sleds. For exercisers considering giving CrossFit a try, Bowser recommends calling their location and making an appointment. CrossFit offers introductory sessions to walk exercisers through techniques and common exercise movements so exercisers can start their first class feeling comfortable and safe.

Finding Your Space

Like Bowser and the CrossFit facility, businesses can find the space to fit their needs, from showroom and warehouse spaces ranging from 2,000 to more than 30,000 square feet of space.

[ Broward County Real Estate Heats Up ]

“In business, location is everything—and we feel like we have the best location in town in an area that’s only going to expand,” said Robert Lechter, managing member with the REMS Group, who developed the 42-acre 595 Corporate Park of Commerce. “The Corporate Park of Commerce was built to be a complex that fit a business’ aesthetic needs, not to mention how convenient and highly visible it is from the interstate.” Check out the video tour.

You’ll Get Hooked

Bowser’s gym has the term “affliction” in the title because that’s the kind of dedication CrossFit trainees have. When clients catch the affliction, they keep coming back to get fit.

“We have a broad base of clientele, from the grandparent who would like to lift her grandchild a little easier to the cage fighter that trains for a televised bout,” Bowser said. “The best part about CrossFit is that people see results so quickly. You’re never going to get bored.”

[ Rainforest Relaxation ]

To learn more about CrossFit Affliction, visit www.crossfitaffliction.com or call (954) 846-8666. The facility is located at 10400 State Road 84 #103 in Davie. To find out how you can become a nearby tenant at 595 Corporate Park of Commerce, visit www.595corp.com or call Maiko Winer at (954) 474-1000.

Rachel Nall wrote this article exclusively for Amplification, Inc. To check out more of her work, visit http://www.demandstudios.com/profile-7146611d-Rachel-Nall/.

Are you prepared for the coming battles?

Costa Rica Rainforest Relaxation

2012-01-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Rio Celeste River

Less-Traveled Costa Rica

Think you’ve seen all there is to see in Costa Rica? Think again. The Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a Costa Rican area that’s off the beaten track.

Located in Guatuso, Costa Rica, just 100 miles north of San Jose, the hotel is a short drive from the Liberia, Guanacaste, airport. Situated in the lush, Costa Rican tropical rainforest, the boutique hotel features 26 casitas with the amenities of home, such as flat-screen televisions and Jacuzzi tubs, coupled with the experiences you could only get at the Rio Celeste, such as a balcony that opens out to the rainforest, with its brightly colored birds and flowering plants.

[ Social Karma ]

The Rio Celeste’s walking distance to Tenorio Volcano National Park attracted guest Alex Ramos, to travel from Sacramento, Calif., to the Rio Celeste. It is from this park where the Rio Celeste takes its name—the Rio Celeste River is a breathtaking shade of blue derived from the sulfur of the nearby Tenorio Volcano. Check out the video.

While Ramos classifies herself as the kind of traveler that loves to be on the go all the time, at the Rio Celeste, she found a place where she felt she could truly relax.

“I absolutely loved visiting the park for a great hike to see the volcano, river, falls and hot springs,” Alex said. “At Rio Celeste, I just wanted to hang out on the casita balcony or any part of the hotel and relax.”

In addition to the reach-out-and-touch-it scenery, Alex was impressed with the hotel service—the staff even baked a cake especially for her boyfriend’s birthday.

An Authentic Experience

The desire to find a less-discovered portion of Costa Rica also attracted George S. and his wife from Oceanport, New Jersey, to the Rio Celeste.

“My wife and I have traveled all over Costa Rica, and we wanted to try somewhere different, so we thought we would see the Tenorio Volcano area and the blue Rio Celeste,” George said.

[ Desk Job = Damaged Back ]

During their December 2011 stay, the couple hiked the Rio Celeste River for hours, taking in the sites and enjoying the wildlife bird-watching opportunities.

“This part of Costa Rica is really different from all other parts of the country that we have seen and had very few tourists,” George said. “We went on a drive that took us through many farm areas where they grow pineapple, papaya and many other things. It was all just beautiful.”

To find your own authentic Costa Rican experience at the Rio Celeste Hotel, visit www.RioCelesteHideaway.com, or call (954) 234-2608. Check out Rio Celeste's Facebook page for more photos and guest feedback.

Amplification, Inc.

What Better Women's Care Looks Like!

2012-01-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

In a world obsessed with quantity over quality, the office of Dr. Andrew Krinsky is a breath of fresh air. The minute you walk in, you’re welcomed by an environment that is attentive to a woman’s entire well-being. A luxurious waiting room complete with relaxing background music, soothing images of nature, and the calming scent of vanilla are just a few ways you know this is not your average gynecology practice.

[ Desk Job = A Damaged Back ]

“People often don’t look at a woman as a whole person and instead focus on treating the surface symptoms,” Dr. Krinsky says. “There are many facets in a woman’s life that might lead to her not feeling well. Understanding what is going on has a great effect on getting to the basis of her health issues and providing meaningful, useful care with a focus on wellness and preventing health issues.”

Holistic and Traditional

Having performed his medical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, and maintaining status as a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FACOG), Dr. Krinsky has a firm grasp on traditional Western medical practices. However, he doesn’t let his traditional medical training prevent him from having a fuller view of women’s health.

“I’m open to what other cultures have been doing for centuries and have found effective,” Dr. Krinsky says. This provides Dr. Krinsky’s patients with a unique approach to their care that combines holistic and traditional medicine.

[ Refinance NOW! ]

Who comes to Dr. Krinsky for gynecologic care? Women of all walks of life from ages 15 to 105 in need of a yearly exam, cancer screening, breast health or contraception assistance, nutrition or exercise advice, or issues with menopause. They’re housewives, physician’s wives, fellow physicians, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, working professionals, and students. They have one goal: More complete health in a boutique setting.

“Going to the gynecologist isn’t always the most relaxing experience, so we do everything we can to make it more comfortable for them,” Dr. Krinsky says. “We treat our patients like people, and they appreciate it.”

[ Are you Afflicted? ]

Above and Beyond

Along with typical health services, women who turn to Dr. Krinsky have immediate access to an impressive array of auxiliary services. Whether you need a pelvic ultrasound or advanced skin care, you can get it in a medically monitored setting.

“We really want to help women enjoy life and maintain the highest level of functioning and quality of life,” Dr. Krinsky says. “One way we do this is by listening to what our patients want out of their healthcare experience and finding ways to provide it.”

[ Some Social Karma! ]

By offering diagnostic testing (osteoporosis, ovarian cancer, bladder issues, and others) Dr. Krinsky makes it possible for women to avoid getting lost in the medical system. Tests are performed and read right inside Dr. Krinsky’s office, and all results are discussed with the patient either in person or over the phone, allowing women to have any questions or concerns addressed immediately.

Dr. Krinsky’s services also recently expanded to skin care treatment.

“As women age, they begin to experience a lack of hormones, and their skin can show the effects of that,” Dr. Krinsky explains. To combat this, a certified licensed aesthetician performs facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and skin resurfacing. Ladies who want to get rid of unwanted hair on their bikini line or elsewhere can take care of it at Dr. Krinsky’s as well, via laser removal.

[ Rainforest Relaxation? ]

Mohel Services

Dr. Krinsky also travels to homes, synagogues, and other locations as a mohel to perform ceremonial circumcision for Jewish families. Whereas there are a number of physicians and laypersons who are mohels, very few are surgically trained like Dr. K.

“This is a stressful time for new mothers, their hormones are still raging from the delivery of their new baby,” Dr. Krinsky says. “Having a medical doctor who is a surgeon and can offer medically based advice, topical anesthetic for the baby, and who is religiously trained to perform the entire ceremony puts everyone at ease.”

[ Your Coming Caregiving Battle! ]

As a certified mohel, Dr. Krinsky carries out the entire Bris ceremony. He performs various readings, offers prayers in celebration of the new baby’s birth, circumcises the child, pronounces Hebrew blessings upon the child, helps the parents choose a Hebrew name for the child, and performs the naming ceremony of the new child.

“People often come to a Bris and don’t understand the meaning and don’t participate. I go to extra lengths to explain the traditions and rituals,” Dr. Krinsky says, “and my services encourages and includes readings by everyone in attendance.”

[ Florida's Gold Coast ]

The result is a meaningful experience for family and friends, regardless of their religious preference. Like the rest of Dr. Krinsky’s services, his mohel practice offers comprehensive personal care, attention to detail, and a professional yet comfortable feel.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (954) 722-2002 or visit drandrewkrinsky.com or southfloridamohel.com. Andrew Krinsky, MD, LLC, is located at 7401 North University Drive, Suite 101, Tamarac, Florida 33321.

This article was written by Daniel Brantley exclusively for Amplification, Inc. (Facebook / Twitter / YouTube).

Sowing Social Karma

2012-01-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

Social Karma

Spreading the Social Media Love

Maybe you’ve noticed…it’s not 2011 anymore. With a renewed sense of optimism about how to bring you success in 2012, we share tips for getting your media messages noticed, finding the best drinks and locating an exotic place to stay when you want to get out of town.

Discover Costa Rica

The Travel Channel recently named Costa Rica one of the “Best Places to Visit in February.” The warm weather and rain-free days of February are the ideal time to plan your trip—and we know the best-kept secret in Costa Rica: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. This boutique hotel is nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest, and you’ve never seen greenery this lush against the backdrop of a luxury hotel. Check out their TripAdvisor reviews to hear from very happy guests. One recent visitor said: “The staff was amazing, the rooms were beautiful, everything about it was impeccable.” That's the kind of endorsement that makes us want to pack our bags.

To find out how to make your dream vacation happen, visit www.riocelestehideaway.com or call (954) 234-2608, and click here for a special from Living Social.

You’re Feeling Thirsty…Very Thirsty

We always knew McSorley’s Beach Pub has the best drinks, DJs and atmosphere—and now they’ve got the award to prove it. Goldcoast magazine voted McSorley’s “Best Bar By the Sea” and we can’t help but agree. If you have a private party or event coming up, McSorley’s is the place to book it. Or just bring your friends to one or all of their four bars: The downstairs Beach Pub and Snug and the upstairs Sundeck and Lounge. Follow McSorleys on Facebook / Twitter / YouTube.

Find McSorley’s at www.mcscorleysbeachpub.com, call (954) 565-4446 or plug 837 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale into your GPS.

An Earth-Friendly New Year’s Resolution

If your New Year’s resolution was to reduce your carbon footprint, our friends at LocallyRooted.com have a wide selection of eco-friendly products. For ways to start incorporating an eco-friendly lifestyle into your home and even your workouts (we love the eco-friendly yoga mats from Jade Yoga), check out their latest blog post. Best of all, each of their vendors fit into a “Community Conscious” model, meaning your purchase will in some part support a charitable cause. Good for the Earth, good for the community and good for you—that’s the best way to shop.

Amplify It!

Feel Like Your Messages Are Going Nowhere?

Social media guru Tonya Scholz specializes in social media messaging for the anti-aging, aesthetics and wellness industries. To strengthen her messages, she uses content aggregation. If you don’t know what that is, the information you’re working so hard to put on the web is likely going nowhere. Content aggregators find the best web articles related to a particular topic—in Tonya’s case, anti-aging and wellness and share them via Twitter, the web, Facebook, you name it. As a result, your information gets by a wider audience.

[ The Coming "Sandwich Generation" Battles ]

“Keywords are the key to having more people read your articles,” Tonya explained. “Your article has to have a focus, and the headline and first two sentences are the most important to helping content aggregators and readers determine if they need your information.”

Tonya offers a few tips for your next article, ad or blog post:

• Head to GoogleAdWords and go to “Find Keywords.” This search lets you know what people are looking for—make your keywords go along with this.

• Keep things fresh. Google returns the freshest results, and if you aren’t updating your information every 30 days, you’ll get left behind.

• Keep keywords to the point. Tonya believes in 10 key words. Put three in the headline and add seven more. If you use more, you’re not focused enough.

Find Tonya at kNOw-aging.com or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kNOwaging.

Need some persuasion? You've come to the right place. Amplification, Inc.

The Coming "Sandwich Generation" Battles

2012-01-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

When Gloria G. Alfonso, 74, retired in her late 60s, she expected to experience rest and relaxation. But when her mother, now 92, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago, she took on the role as her mother’s caregiver.

“My life completely changed,” Alfonso says. “Sometimes I wake up as much as 10 times in the night because she needs something or because I am worried about her.”

Alfonso is just one of the estimated 1.7 million caregivers in South Florida. Being a caregiver can be classified as anything as simple as taking a loved one to weekly doctor’s appointments to having a parent move in with the family full-time. One growing subset of the caregiver population has been called the “Sandwich Generation” because caregivers are often sandwiched between providing care for aging parents and their own children.

[ Is Your Desk Job Damaging Your Back? ]

For Alfonso, being a caregiver means offering round-the-clock support to her mother, who can go through periods of recognizing Alfonso and other family members coupled with times of confusion and fear.

As the disease process is understandably challenging for Alfonso, a friend recommended attending the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, a free monthly service offered by United HomeCare, a Miami-based not-for-profit home health and community care organization. On the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Alfonso says she attends the support group, where participants share concerns, tips and stories with each other.

“The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group has been wonderful,” Alfonso says. “Many times I believe it is the only way I have survived through this situation.”

A Growing Need

While many caregivers help without question, it often is at a strain to themselves. That’s why United HomeCare offers not only the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group that Alfonso attends, but also a larger Caregiver Resource Center. The Center is the first of its kind in Miami and offers programs including counseling, a stress management support group and yoga classes, among other activities. The center also acts as a centralized network for education, information and referrals to needed community services.

[ Check Out United's Video ]

“Caregivers are so consumed with their loved one, they often neglect their own health and self-care,” says Blanca Ceballos, Manager of the Caregiver Resource Center and Volunteer Department at United HomeCare. “That’s why we offer programs to provide them with information, educational materials and events where they can come and take a relaxing break.”

Another aspect of service United HomeCare provides is its Working Caregiver Assistance Program, which offers education for employers on what employees may be going through as caregivers. The estimated cost to employers for missed days of work and other costs related to caregiving are $17.1 billion annually. United HomeCare offers Lunch & Learn programs at the worksite and health fairs that can help companies make adjustments that reduce lost productivity, yet assist caregivers in their responsibilities.

Financial Implications

In addition to the emotional and physical toll caregiving can have on a family, caregiving can be costly and an unexpected expense.

“You’ve worked all your life to grow your assets, but health insurance does not typically provide for custodial care,” says Marc Rheingold, owner of Marc Rheingold & Associates, Inc. an independent financial and employee benefits firm in Weston. “There are options available where you as a caregiver can ensure your parents are cared for, and that you’re prepared should you require long-term care for any reason.”

[ Broward County's Real Estate Market Heats Up! ]

If you are in a position where you may be caring for aging loved ones in the future, Rheingold suggests sitting down with a financial and insurance planner to discuss insurance policy options that can lessen the long-term financial constraints associated with caregiving.

One emerging option is the long-term care, asset-based policy, which is a life insurance policy that also covers long-term care needs. While the initial contribution may represent an up-front investment, many like that the premium is not lost should the owner not require long-term care, Rheingold says. Such policies have increased by 79 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.

Maintaining Perspective

Alfonso says she tells other caregivers to take advantage of programs designed to help whenever possible. Through programs like the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, she has found a way to cope.

[ The Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street ]

“Alzheimer’s disease makes my family feel like we lost my mother before we really lost her,” Alfonso says. “It can be heartbreaking because the person changes so much. I would just encourage caregivers to remember there is a place inside each loved one where they remember us and love us.”

Help Is Here

To learn more about United HomeCare and its Caregiver Resource Center, visit UnitedHomeCare.com, call (305) 716-0710 or visit the center at 8400 NW 33rd St., Fourth Floor, Miami, FL 33122. The Caregiver Resource Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[ Its A Great Time To Refinance ]

For ways you can protect your financial assets as a caregiver, contact Marc Rheingold & Associates, Inc. at (954) 217-3066. Rheingold’s offices are located at 1840 Main Street, Suite 202, Weston, FL 33326 or you can learn more by visiting www.marcrheingold.com.

This article was written by Rachel Nall exclusively for Amplification, Inc. Check out the YouTube Channel.

Is Your Desk Job Damaging Your Back?

2011-12-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

Elzette has a great back!

Does your typical work day consist of eight, nine, or even more hours sitting at your office desk? Do you sandwich this time between a lengthy commute to and from work? If so, you need to think about your spine and the effects this idle time is likely having on your back.

First, Look at the Spine

To better understand what goes on in your spine while you sit for long periods, let’s first look at the spine itself.

The spine has four main parts, including the vertebrae, discs, joints, and nerves. Each vertebra is a separate bone that attaches to another vertebral bone, forming a protective column around the spinal cord. At each vertebra is a joint and between each vertebra is a disc, which acts as a cushion to keep the bones from rubbing together.

Discs tend to be the first part of the spine to show damage from wear and tear over the years. As noted in an article found on the Cleveland Clinic’s website, with age the gelatin-like substance that makes up the center of each disc can dry up, thus hindering the disc’s ability to absorb shock and cushion the spinal bones and joints. This condition is referred to as disc degeneration.

[ Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street ]

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people beyond age 40 will experience some degree of disc degeneration due to overuse of and/or strains and sprains in the back. Often people are affected by a specific type of disc degeneration in which the normal water content within the discs is lost. This loss then diminishes the effectiveness of the discs to do their job of absorbing pressure and shock from our movements.

Additionally, sitting still for lengthy periods causes the fluid to wring out of the discs. Couple this with the natural drying of the discs’ gelatin-like center and you have a recipe for back pain and potentially further resulting complications.

“Most patients who have sedentary jobs don’t have the core muscle strength to support their spine properly,” says Scott Goldberg, chiropractor with 212 Chiropractic in Sunrise, Fla. “They end up slouching, which overtime curves the spine like a ‘C’ shape and speeds up the arthritic process.”

Sitting Pretty

To help combat the effects of prolonged sitting, Robin Thompson, OTR, LAP, Florida-based occupational therapist, recommends getting up and stretching every half hour for a few minutes during the work day. If that’s not possible, shoot for every hour, she urges. In addition to moving around regularly, make sure your working environment is ergonomically sound, meaning that your desk, computer, and other tools are fitting to your body’s posture and range of motion.

[ About Club Cabeza ]

“As an occupational therapist, part of my job is to evaluate the ergonomics of the office space,” says Thompson. “A desk should not be too high, as to cause you to strain your back, or be too low as to allow you to hunch. Desks are not one size fits all.”

Thompson (email her) also suggests using a lumbar support pillow to significantly help reduce strain in your low back.

Build a Stronger Core

While making sure your office space is ergonomically fit, you can further help your spine fight the effects of hours of sitting still by strengthening your core muscles—the muscles in your abdomen, back, and buttocks. By strengthening your core muscles you can help your back become more resistant to injury and pain.

Not sure how to exercise these oh-so important muscles?

[ Broward County's Real Estate Market Heats Up ]

“I recommend doing specific core workouts twice a week,” says Goldberg. “The most basic exercises for this are ‘supermans’ and planks. Moreover, during every activity always draw your belly button into your spine, pull your shoulders back and down, and pull your butt in so it is in line with the rest of your body.”

Goldberg also suggests bringing a stability ball to the office and sitting on it rather than your office chair for periods during the day as a way to promote core strength. Because the ball inherently rolls, you have to use your core muscles to stabilize and balance. For those readers who are just starting to exercise, consider saving this tip for a later date when you’re a bit stronger as to avoid any potential workplace accidents.

[ Helping a New Generation of Students Find Their Way ]

Address the Pain

If you find your desk-bound job has already caused you to suffer from low back pain, first consult your physician. He or she can determine the source of your pain and recommend the best options for pain management, recovery, and/or prevention of future injury. Your doctor will likely address the topics of office ergonomics and core strengthening. You may also choose to ask your physician about chiropractic care and acupuncture, as both can be a beneficial element of spinal care and well-being.

[ It's a Great Time to Refinance Your Home ]

“Acupuncture can help by alleviating pain and tightness caused by prolonged sitting, especially when used in conjunction with therapies such as electro stimulation; Tui-na, a Chinese massage technique; moxibustion, heat with the Chinese herb mugwort; and cupping,” says Thompson. “Acupuncture helps to restore the energy flow by stimulating the points in the meridian of the body that are blocked by stagnation, or no movement of blood flow.”

While acupuncturists often utilize thin, metallic needles to stimulate points on the body, chiropractors use hands-on manipulation of the spine to correct the misalignments responsible for the pain. At 212 Chiropractic, Dr. Goldberg often incorporates new, advanced therapies with these traditional spinal adjustments to bring patients optimal pain relief and well-being. Among these technologies are cold laser therapy, decompression therapy, and the Graston instrument. (Learn more about these services on the practice’s website at www.212Chiropractic.com and click here to read about Ion Detoxification Foot Baths)

“We’re all about wellness,” adds Dr. Goldberg. “We have many patients who come to us regularly for preventive care. So often, people wait until their backs hurt before they take care of it. Just like you get your teeth cleaned regularly to avoid cavities and other problems, it’s important to take care of your back.”

Robin Thompson can be reached at (786) 351-5218.

By Erin King, exclusive to Amplification, Inc. Does your message need to be heard? We can help.

Check out Steve Cabeza's award-winning video health commentary for M.D. News.

It is a Great Time to Refinance!

2011-12-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

Refinancing your home may bring about financial balance.

Wondering if it’s time to refinance your home? Wonder no more.

With mortgage rates hitting record lows, you probably know one or two or a dozen people who have taken the opportunity to refinance their homes. Hearing about their new lower monthly payment probably has you thinking about taking the refinancing plunge yourself.

“This is an incredible time to buy a new home, and it’s an equally great time to refinance the mortgage on your existing home,” says Melanie Levine, owner of Mellex Title Company, LLC. “Just about anybody can benefit from refinancing, but you’ll need to ask yourself a very important question before jumping into it.”

[ Broward County Real Estate Market Heats Up ]

Will It Pay Off?

Been paying on your mortgage faithfully for a dozen years? You should take time to consider the implications of refinancing. On the positive side, refinancing can immediately provide you with a lower monthly payment. At the same time, this lower payment may require starting the 30-year payment process over. However, if you intend to pay down the mortgage early or would just prefer to save a few bucks each month—even if it takes longer to pay off, refinancing may be just what your pocketbook ordered.

Another thing to consider is that when you refinance, you have to pay closing costs. Thankfully, you can usually have these costs tossed into your overall mortgage balance, so you don’t have to feel the immediate pain of a few thousand dollars sucked out of your bank account. However, if you’re not sure how much longer you’re going to stay in your current home, you may want to shy away from refinancing. Otherwise, you may move into a new home a month or a year after refinancing, making it impossible to recoup the money you spent on refinancing closing costs. Remember—the purpose of refinancing is to save money. And if refinancing doesn’t put more cash in your pocket in the long run, you’ve done something wrong.

[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

Fear Not

While you will want to sit down and do the math before refinancing, this is no reason not to consider the possibility.

“A lot of people get nervous about refinancing because they didn’t understand the loan process the first time through,” Melanie says. “At Mellex Title, we get customers the best refinancing rates possible, and we explain everything along the way so customers feel good about the end result and the process required to get there. We want our clients to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision, and we do this each and every day.”

Ready to get started on refinancing your home? Let the pros at Mellex Title, LLC make it happen. With a single phone call, you can start finding out whether refinancing is going to help you meet your financial goals and how Mellex can help you meet your goal. Contact Melanie Levine at Mellex Title at (954) 472-5025 or Melanie@MellexTitle.com, find Mellex online at www.MellexTitle.com, or follow Melanie on Twitter.

Written exclusively for Amplification, Inc. by none other than Daniel Brantley, urban chicken farmer and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly.

[ Helping a New Generation of Students Find Their Way ]

Broward County Real Estate Markets Heat Up In Winter

2011-12-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

Guy Harvey's Offices

While the national commercial and residential real estate markets have been decidedly downward, Broward
County real estate representatives aren’t feeling the chill.

“The winter months are truly the busiest of the year in
South Florida—from large commercial buildings to
residential properties, deals are closing,” said Melanie
Levine of Mellex Title Services, LLC, a Plantation, Fla.-
based title services company and winner of Fidelity National Title’s Top Ten Agent for Southeast Florida award.

If trends continue in the current market, Levine predicts continued sales in the Weston
(Western Broward County) market, which has shown some of the largest increases
in homes sold versus homes on the market. In addition, South Florida vacation property
sales have reached their highest point in five years since the market’s peak in March 2005.

“This is an excellent time to be an investor or buyer in Southeast Florida,” said Moe Veissi,
the president-elect of the National Association of Realtors in a speech given November 7 at
the Miami International Real Estate Conference .

Capitalizing on the fast-growing commercial real estate opportunities in Weston is the 595 Corporate Park of Commerce. Located in Central Broward County, directly off Interstate
595, the site has seen the benefits of prime location in a growing residential community.

“From a geographic and facilities standpoint, it’s the best project in town,” said Robert
Lechter, managing member with REMS Group who developed the 42-acre site, visible
from East and West I-595. “Commercial investors are attracted to the fact that it’s a
state-of-the-art commercial park in a location where people are not only purchasing
homes, but also buying goods.”

Attracting Industries Near and Far

The 595 Corporate Park of Commerce (video) is home to Dragados, USA, the construction division of international company ACS Group, who specializes in promoting infrastructure
and services. The company is currently conducting a $1.8 billion construction project along
I-595, further enhancing the attractiveness of the Weston market. Also calling the
595 Corporate Park of Commerce home, is the international headquarters of marine
life artist Guy Harvey. The Sun-Sentinel recently reported that Guy Harvey, Inc.
has announced plans to develop its second boutique Outpost resort, which travelers
can reach via chartered plane from Fort Lauderdale.

[ More about Guy Harvey and their signage ]

As unemployment rates reached their lowest nationwide numbers—8.6 percent in
November—since March 2009, the economic climate is right for job creation and new
businesses moving into the area. Considering the interest in the 595 Corporate Park of
Commerce and the growing Weston market, Lechter says he is not surprised at the market
shift toward Weston.

“The 595 Corporate Park of Commerce is situated in one of the few areas in the entire
country that is financially sound,” Lechter said. “We built this park with space to meet the
needs of a variety of commercial investors.”

595 Corporate Park of Commerce has completed units available for purchase or lease,
ranging from 1,970 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft. For more information about opportunities to capitalize on this growing market, contact Maiko Winer with REMS Group at (954)
474-1000 or mw@remsgroupinc.com.

This article was written by Rachel Nall exclusively for The Club, part of the Amplification,
Inc. social media network. Click here regularly to check out Rachel's ever-expanding body
of freelance work. Please follow along on Twitter and Facebook.

[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

Helping a New Generation Of Students Find Their Way

2011-12-08T08:28:00.001-05:00

In August, City College opened the doors to their fifth campus in Hollywood, Fla. For the college, setting up a new branch wasn’t easy—in addition to recruiting students and establishing programs, the school had to retain the logo and brand consistency they had honed for decades. When it came to creating the Signs that would help new students identify their new collegiate home, City College turned to the company that worked hard to earn their business and that local professionals recommended: Davie SIGNARAMA.

“The branding part for City College is important, and our Sign was our way to show that we’re here in the community,” said Lora James, Executive Director at City College, whose branches include Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Hollywood, Miami and Altamonte Springs. “The Sign helps students easily recognize our facility, find us without frustration and identify with our existing campuses.”

Custom Signs and Much More

When it came to conceptualizing the kind of Signs that would get City College noticed, Gina Leggiere, the owner of Davie SIGNARAMA, said creating the Signs was a tall order—literally. One of the Signs on the south side of the City College building was to be placed four stories high, meaning considerations for recognizable color and size had to be made. From there, other supporting Signage projects were completed, including Door Graphics for the college’s offices.

“Davie SIGNARAMA’s experience with school-based projects equipped us with the expertise to produce Custom Signs for City College,” Leggiere said. “This project created a Signature Sign for City College, one that everyone in the area can come to recognize the college by.”

Hands-On Education

City College supported a local business in Davie SIGNARAMA, and the college aims to support community members at large. The Hollywood campus offers four degrees in the Business, Allied Health (Medical Assisting and Medical Billing and Coding) and Emergency Medical Services.

“Our philosophy is to help students and give them an education that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals,” James said. “We chose these degrees for the Hollywood area because they are where our students can be fully trained, so they can get jobs after they’ve completed their education.”

Just as City College plans on adding new students to its programs, it will also add additional Signage on the building and Entrance Monument, all thanks to Davie SIGNARAMA. They’re a way to welcome students to a new future.

“Davie SIGNARAMA was instrumental in making these Sign Projects happen,” James said. “We’re dedicated to supporting community businesses and community members so everyone can grow.”

[ An Eco-Friendly Answer to Wall Street? ]

To see Davie SIGNARAMA’s Signs in person, visit City College at 6565 Taft St., Suite 200 in Hollywood. For more information, visit www.citycollege.edu or call (954) 744-1777. If you have need of a Signature Sign, banner, magnet and so much more, call Davie SIGNARAMA at (954) 476-4923, e-mail sar@daviesignarama.com or visit www.daviesignarama.com. Or you can visit the welcoming Sign Professionals at Davie SIGNARAMA located at 1906 South University Drive in Davie, Florida, 33324. They’re located in the Tower Shops near Costco. And check them out on YouTube!

Need help getting your message out and increasing sales? Amplification, Inc. combines the best parts of reputation management, public relations, awareness, advertising, and marketing delivered via social media. Check out our YouTube Channel.

An Eco-Friendly answer to Wall Street?

2011-11-28T00:04:00.001-05:00

Ever feel like your shopping dollars are going… nowhere? Ever question how a product was made? How about if a product does something to help, or hurt, the environment? In the vast sea of ecommerce websites, super shopping centers and city malls, it’s easy to lose sight of the basics. If you strive to find unique, high-quality eco friendly products that do more than just fill up space in your home, then look no further. LocallyRooted.com is the answer.

What is Locally Rooted?

Locally Rooted, dubbed as “the leading online marketplace for green goods,” is a new kind of shopping experience. Locally Rooted products are made exclusively by companies that are going the extra mile by giving back to their communities or to charities. By leveraging a philanthropic message against social media networks and a consumer base hungry for exposure to businesses doing more than just looking for a profit, Locally Rooted has rocketed to the forefront of the online green retail space.

"Locally Rooted was born out of a desire to support companies doing great things for our communities and society as a whole,” Nolan Garrido, co-founder of Locally Rooted, explains. “We didn't like the idea that our consumer dollars were simply thickening the wallets of business executives who viewed the green movement as another way to make a buck. So we created the Locally Rooted marketplace. Here, customers can select from a wide variety of green products made by companies who care about the world we live in as much as they care about making a great product. It really is a smarter way to shop."

What is community conscious shopping?

Community conscious shopping is the act of purchasing products while conscious of the impact the product and its manufacturer have on their communities, society, and the Earth as a whole. It's putting extra thought into the purchasing decisions we make, and taking into account the charitable pursuits of the manufacturer as well as the cost and benefit to our planet.

The word community is the key in all that Locally Rooted is working towards. Poised to revolutionize the future of green shopping, Locally Rooted was created for consumers who want quality eco-friendly products and a sense of empowerment by knowing that their dollars are also going to support great causes.

What types of products are available through Locally Rooted?

Organic cotton baby clothes, eco-friendly home décor, all-natural bath and body products, and everything in between - Locally Rooted has great, green products from every stretch of the imagination. "Locally Rooted has a great selection of unique, eco-friendly gifts, but we take it a step further,” Kalia Gordon, co-founder of Locally Rooted explains. “Simply being eco-friendly is not enough - our vendors have to give back. That's what makes them community conscious. As a result, Locally Rooted customers not only feel good about the products they’ve purchased – they also feel good about the company that made them."

How can you be sure that Locally Rooted's vendors are community-conscious?

Each company on LocallyRooted.com is thoroughly researched to make sure that it fits the community conscious philosophy. The companies give back to their communities in many different ways. Some provide monetary contributions to charitable organizations. Others donate their personal time to help non-profits reach their community-focused goals. You can read all about the community conscious companies on the product pages. Locally Rooted has done all of the legwork - these companies are researched and reviewed, and the information is displayed in an easy-to-find, easy-to-read format.

Do they back it up? Is Locally Rooted a community conscious company?

Locally Rooted prides itself on being a community conscious company. With the help of the amazing folks at Trees for the Future, Locally Rooted pledges to plant one tree for every order received. They also donate their junk mail and discarded paper and shreds it into packing material whenever possible. Shipping boxes are reused from previous shipments – nothing is thrown away if it can be avoided. If new shipping boxes are needed, only boxes made from 100% post-consumer recycled material are used.

At the corporate level, all Locally Rooted employees are incentivized to volunteer at the charitable organization of their choice at least one day per month. These charitable endeavors range from serving at soup kitchens to cleaning cages at animal shelters to reading to children at local elementary schools. Employees are encouraged to seek out innovative volunteer avenues to reach their own personal goals.

Being community conscious is more of a journey than a destination - there's always something else that can be done to become more eco-friendly and community conscious. Locally Rooted continues to take inspiration from its great community conscious vendors and adopts great ideas as they go.

What is the Monthly Get and Give?

The Monthly Get and Give is Locally Rooted’s version of a super charged, eco-friendly grab bag. For a monthly fee of $39.95, subscribers get a package containing hand-picked, high quality, Earth-friendly merchandise delivered directly to their doorstep. In addition, $10 of the subscriber's monthly fee is donated to a specially featured charity each month. This allows customers to be a part of a larger network of accelerated giving. Locally Rooted periodically announces the total amount of donations and encourages customers to track their personal contributions.

What are the customers saying?

Locally Rooted prides itself on its customer service, making sure that customers are as happy as possible with their Locally Rooted experience. As a result, they've received great feedback from their customers.

Here is what some of their recent customers are saying:

"I will definitely be making more purchases from your site as I've never seen some of the items anywhere else - they are so unique!"

"I googled the Priti NYC Crystal Nail File after MSN posted an article about things that make up artists can't live without. Your website came up as carrying them and you had one of the cheapest products and the nicest website. “

"Love your website! Will definitely be back."

Locally Rooted encourages customer participation; the company’s website urges readers to take surveys, give suggestions and write comments. “We always want to hear from you,” Kalia says. “Our customers are the heart of our business and we are dedicated to do right by them every step of the way.”

Where can you learn more about Locally Rooted?

The website, www.locallyrooted.com, of course. Check back early and often as the product selection is always changing. Locally Rooted is on Facebook and Twitter. Special promotions and deals are broadcasted regularly through their social media. You can also sign up for the newsletter to keep an eye on the Locally Rooted buzz. Phone lines are open at (954) 305-5187 Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm EST.

Written exclusively for The Club (Amplification, Inc.) by Dori Starnes, writer and editor extraordinaire. For copywriting inquiries, please contact her directly.

MD New Network Video Wins Merit Award #Healthcare #Reform

2011-11-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

MD News Network Video Wins Merit Award

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By: Staff Writer
Friday, November 04, 2011

The MD News Network’s Critical Condition — a video series featuring commentator Steve Cabeza — was among the list of Web Health Awards' Summer/Fall 2011 merit winners for offering the “best digital health resources” to medical professionals.

Photo: Steve Cabeza on the Critical Condition Set

The honor was awarded for a Critical Condition webisode focusing on medical liability reform (watch the video). Judging criteria included content, format, targeted audience success, and overall quality. Additional merit winners in the webcast video category included John Hopkins Medicine, among others.

The goal of Web Health Awards is to recognize quality digital health resources for consumers and health professionals.

ls. In 2011, Web Health Awards, organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), is celebrating its 13-year anniversary. HIRC is an 18-year-old clearinghouse for consumer health field professionals. Download a PDF with a complete list of Web Health Award winners.

MDNews.com and the MD News Network represent the online arm of MD News, an award-winning, custom business and practice-management publication for physicians and surgeons. MD Newsand the MDNews Network are divisions of True North Custom Media.

This blog is part of Amplification, Inc. - the perfect fusion of marketing, public relations, advertising, reputation management, buzz and awareness creation delivered via social media. We can help you make sense of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Digg, StumbleUpon, G+, Foursquare, Yelp, and more.

Get Your Game Face On, Girl! #NFL #Football

2011-11-06T12:58:00.001-05:00

Got your game face on? You better.

‘Cause it’s Monday morning, and you better be in the know.

Remember that play on fourth and three that changed the entire game? Or the punt return for a touchdown that was declined on a bogus call? If not, you’ll need to stop by LadysFootball.com before heading to work on Monday so you can get your game face on. That is, unless you like being in the dark.

“Monday mornings can be daunting for women who aren’t aware of what happened on the gridiron on Sunday,” says LadysFootball.com founder Leslie Carlet. “But with LadysFootball.com, women of all levels of football knowledge can confidently hang with the boys.”

Football Smarts

What does LadysFootball.com offer ladies who are into the game and have a hard time watching every game each week? A world of information from people who do watch every game every Sunday. And not bland information that you can get anywhere. It’s coming from people who eat, breathe, and sleep football, and their obsession shines through.

With the click of a button, you can access Twitter updates from four Tweeters who are deeply imbedded in the world of NFL: Adam Schefter, Matthew Berry, Rotoworld Football, and the NFL. Schefter is an NFL Insider with ESPN, Berry is ESPN’s Senior Fantasy Football Analyst), Rotoworld Football specializes and focuses on nothing but fantasy sports, and the NFL is…well—if you don’t know what the NFL is, you can head to the chat room at LadysFootball.com to get the answer. (Hint: It begins with National and ends with Football League.)

A Personal Touch

But LadysFootball.com doesn’t just pull information from the pros. It also gets it from real ladies who really love NFL. On top of offering a ton of great info on the main site, LadysFootball.com provides an extra touch of ladylike football knowledge by Tweeting throughout Sunday’s games. And since the LadysFootball.com ladies watch every game on TV, you can keep up with all the football goodness by following them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ladysfootball.

“Football is such a passion of mine, and many other women feel the same about this great game,” Leslie says. “With LadysFootball.com and the LadysFootball.com Twitter updates, women don’t have to feel outside of the loop any more. Now, they can get in there and bust heads with the big boys and let them know football isn’t just for guys. It’s for ladies as well.”

Ready to beef up your football know-how? Head to your local sports bar this weekend. Or stay at home, watch a few games, and grow your knowledge at LadysFootball.com. And if you’re a guy who finds LadysFootball.com a useful site, you’re not alone. Plenty of guys frequent LadysFootball.com. Just don’t expect them to admit to it. But each day, more guys and gals are finding out that a quick trip to Ladysfootball.com helps you put your game face on no matter where you are.

Also, LadysFootball.com needs your help! Whether you’d like to contribute blog entries, participate in the growing forums, or sponsor the site financially, head to LadysFootball.com to learn how to get started.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley, football lover and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly.

Amplification, Inc. incorporates the best parts of public relations, marketing, reputation management, and advertising to help your brand come alive on social media.

4ACKDWU8VM9P

Fashion and Food Featured at SoMi Talk of the Town Rooftop Party #Parks #MIami-Dade

2011-11-01T20:41:00.002-04:00

You are invited!

(MIAMI, November 1, 2011) – South Miami’s favorite fashion boutiques and restaurants are coming together all in one location for another rooftop party – SoMi Talk of the Town, showcasing great food and fine fashion, benefiting the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project. SoMi Talk of the Town will be on Saturday, November 19, from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. on the rooftop deck of the parking garage, located at 5829 SW 73 Street (above RA Sushi and across from Bougainvillea’s). Click here to go to the event on Facebook.

Guests will enjoy live music by popular local bands the Mojo Scoundrels, Cat Shell and the Vibe, sample some of the finest foods from area restaurants, and enjoy a fashion show by local fashion boutiques competing for “Best of” in four categories – SoMi Chill (Casual), SoMi Style (Chic), SoMi Exclusive (Most Unique), and the coveted “SoMi Talk of the Town” award.

Zoo Miami’s very own Ron Magill returns as master of ceremony for the evening.

Advance ticket costs are $30 general admission per person, $50 general admission per couple, and $50 VIP per person for the VIP Package which includes a special seating area and complementary cocktails, in addition to the samplers and beer and wine. To pre-purchase tickets online, please visit www.mdparks.org. There will be an additional surcharge of $10 at the door the night of the event.

Parks Foundation members can receive one free general admission ticket to the event, or a $30 credit towards an upgrade to a VIP ticket, but must RSVP online at www.mdparks.org and enter their membership code to receive their ticket.

“We are excited to host another great evening event after the overwhelming success of the July 9 SoMi Taste of the Town where restaurants competed for the Taste of the Town award,” said Allison Diego, Executive Director of the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade. “This time around the restaurants will be supporting the area merchants that will showcase their latest in fashion and accessories competing for the Talk of the Town award. The evening promises to be bigger and better than the first, and all for a worthwhile cause.”

Sponsors include Big Cheese, Casa Lario’s, Chamber South, Community Newspapers, Fox’s Lounge, Red Sunset Merchants Association, Miami Disc Golf Association, South Miami Hospital, SoMi Magazine, and United HomeCare.

Participating restaurants and retailers include Casa Lario’s and Fox’s Lounge hosting the VIP tent, A Venue Boutique, Aurum Collections, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, Cervezas, Co-Sign of the Times, D Find at Sunset, Fresh Beer, Gardner’s Market, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Massage Envy, MD Ageless South, Outback Steakhouse, Roaster’s n Toaster’s, Secret Vanity Boutique, Shula’s 347, Si Belle, Sports Grill, Swensen’s, Tastie Treats Café, Teleboro Wireless, The Boston Beer Company, The Irish Times, Wok Master, and more.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project.

About the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade
The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.

Monies raised through membership and fundraising efforts help fund: scholarships for disadvantaged children to attend after-school and summer camp programs; recreational and community programs, such as disability services and health and wellness initiatives for people of all ages; and Parks Open Space Master Plan initiatives, such as the development of trailways, bikeways and safe access to parks and open spaces throughout Miami. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.parksfoundationofmiami-dade.com.

About Million Trees Miami Project
Million Trees Miami Project Campaign is a community-wide effort to plant one million trees by 2020 in order to achieve a thirty-percent tree canopy cover for Miami-Dade County. The campaign was developed by the Miami-Dade Community Image Advisory Board and was born of the idea that a healthy and sustainable urban forest provides significant social, economic, and environmental benefits that foster a high-quality, livable, vibrant, and beautiful community. In order to reach our urban tree canopy goal of 30%, everyone needs to participate.

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The Foreclosure Opportunity #Real #RealEstate #Broward #Foreclosure

2011-10-27T21:08:00.001-04:00

Thinking of making a foreclosure your home sweet home? Better gather up your trustees.

After the housing market skyrocketed beyond a maintainable level, it fell to a new low. One of the most noticeable consequences is the incredible number of foreclosures now on the market. But if you’re thinking of getting a low mortgage payment by becoming the owner of a recently foreclosed home, you better know what you’re getting into.

Gift Some Safety!

“Foreclosure properties are great opportunities to get into a nice home at a great price,” says Melanie Levine, owner of Mellex Title, Inc. “You’ve just got to know what you’re doing and surround yourself with people you can trust.” Who should you include in your circle of foreclosure trustees and why? You’re about to find out.

Trustee 1: Inspector

If at all possible, you should have a professional inspector check out your potential new home. While it’s always important to give your next house a good look-over, it’s even more important if your next house is a foreclosure. Because in case you didn’t get the memo, foreclosed properties aren’t always left in pristine condition.

Need Focus?

As the previous owners obviously struggled to make their mortgage, they likely got caught up in things other than home maintenance. As a result, the house may have some serious issues that become yours when you sign on the dotted line. Having a pro look it over will let you determine if you’ve got enough dough to afford buying such a cheap home.

Trustee 2: Loved Ones

Just because a house passes inspection doesn’t mean it’s the place for you. Instead of plunging into buying a foreclosure, have your loved ones check out the place as well. Ask their opinion of the home and accept their opinion for what it’s worth. They may notice issues you overlook because of the great price you’re getting.

If these issues (bad neighborhood, small or unkempt yard, 20 more minutes from work) aren’t enough to keep you moving forward with purchasing the foreclosure, then go for it. Just make sure you consider what your loved ones have to say. They are, after all, trying to look out for your best interest.

Trustee 3: Title Agent

Want to make sure your new home is your home until you’re ready to sell it? Then you need a title agent who makes sure everything is done properly on the front end. That means making sure you get title insurance and a municipal lien search on the property. And a quality title agent won’t let you get away with a hit-and-run lien search. Melanie recommends making sure your search includes code violations, open permits, past due taxes. Otherwise, you may get stuck with something you didn’t bargain for.

Mixed Martial Arts Phenom!

“I had one client who couldn’t be convinced to undergo a municipal lien search, and was so convinced she didn’t need one that she signed an affidavit to hold the title harmless,” Melanie recalls. “As a result, she got stuck with a lien from the previous owner, and it’s all because she was in such a hurry to close!”

Interested in purchasing a foreclosure and want to make sure your money and your home is protected? Contact Melanie Levine at Mellex Title at (954) 914-5858 or Melanie@MellexTitle.com, find Mellex online at www.MellexTitle.com, or follow Melanie on Twitter.

Written exclusively for The Club by none other than Daniel Brantley, chicken farmer and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly. Amplification, Inc. combines the best parts of reputation management, awareness, marketing, public relations, and buzz delivered via social media. Check us out!

God's Heart

Give the Gift of Safety #Broward

2011-10-23T16:34:00.000-04:00

It may look great, but is your car safe for you and your family?
Get some peace of mind with Autologic's free safety inspection!

The next time you hop in your car, ask yourself if you’re safe. If you’re not sure, Autologic, Inc. will find the answer at no cost.

Whether you’re going to work, taking your kids to school, heading out on vacation, or picking up a prescription at the pharmacy, you want to be safe in your car, truck, SUV, or van. Unfortunately, there is an array of minor or major problems that could put you in harm’s way while on the road. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of any potential problems.

To help you do just that, Autologic, Inc. is here to give you the gift of safety.

“Keeping people safe on the road is a passion that I’ve been pursuing for a long time,” says Ariel Chmielarz, master mechanic who founded Autologic 32 years ago. “One way we’re doing this now is by offering a free safety check and a discount on any work done for anyone and anyone who cares about keeping their car in tip-top shape.”

Mixing Business with Pleasure

Free?

Yes. Free. There are no ifs, ands, or buts; no fine print; no tricks to force you to have work done at Autologic. Just a crew of experienced mechanics who are willing to check out your ride to make sure it’s road-worthy for the safety of you, your family, and everyone else you come across in your travels.

In the event an issue or two is found with your automobile, you’re given the diagnosis and explained what ought to be done to remedy the problems. However, there is no obligation to have your car serviced at Autologic. Just a little incentive. Because for customers who take advantage of the free safety check, Autologic is offering $50 off the first $100 worth of work. Think that $50 won’t go too far? Then you’ve never been to Autologic. With Autologic mechanics’ skill, honesty, and dedication to providing the right price, that $50 will go a long way toward getting your ride on the road, safe and sound.

Find the Focus

Make It Happen

Interested in turning your not-so-safe ride into a beacon of safety? Contact Autologic to schedule your safety inspection. Don’t have time to drive to the shop? They’ll provide free pick up and drop off within a five-mile radius of Autologic headquarters.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to encourage folks to bring their cars here,” Ariel says. “Our goal is to help people have safer automobiles, and we do it in a convenient, cost-effective way. It’s how we’ve done business from day one, and that’s not going to change.”

Once you drop off your car, truck, van, or SUV at Autologic, you can get back to life. A couple hours later, you’ll be contacted about your ride. If any issues are found, you’ll be updated on the problems, and a master mechanic will tell you the best solution. Of course, you don’t have to keep this safe-tastic deal to yourself. Have a loved one whose car needs a little work? Get them a $100 gift certificate to Autologic for only $50. Because safety is one of the few gifts that gives back every day.

From Hockey to Mixed Martial Arts

When you’re ready to find out just how safe your automobile is and what can be done to make it even safer, contact Autologic, Inc. at (954) 462-7560 to schedule your free safety inspection. Know there are some issues that need to be resolved with your car, truck, van, or SUV? Head to Autologic at 608 Southwest Flagler Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, and tell them you’d like to turn your $50 into $100 worth of work. (Limit: One $50-for-$100 discount per vehicle.) And learn more about Autologic by visiting www.autologic.com.

Written exclusively for The Club by none other than Daniel Brantley, chicken farmer and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly. Amplification, Inc. turns up the volume on your message by delivering the best aspects of marketing, public relations, advertising, and reputation management through social media. Follow along on Facebook.

Conception to Delivery #Acupuncture #Wellness #Chiropractic

2011-10-19T21:48:00.001-04:00

How acupuncture can help you from conception to delivery.
Giving birth is one of the most powerful events any woman will ever experience. Where there was one two people, a third emerges, turning a woman into a mother. But what if there are problems along the way? What if a woman has difficulty getting pregnant or delivering the baby? That’s where acupuncture steps in.

“Acupuncture is an incredibly helpful tool that is known for helping people deal with pain and stress,” says Dr. Louis Klionsky DC, DCBCN owner of Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers. “What most people don’t realize is that it is also extremely useful for women who are wanting or expecting a child.”

Business + Pleasure

From Conception

Having problems getting pregnant? Before you spend thousands of dollars on in vitro fertilization or other invasive and lengthy procedures, why not try something different? If acupuncture doesn’t work on it’s own, you can couple it with IVF for improved likelihood of success. In fact, a study in Germany found that women who undergo acupuncture before and after in vitro fertilization increased their success of getting pregnant by as much as 37 percent.

Find + Focus = Thrive

But this isn’t only an overseas phenomenon. Dr. Klionsky has helped hundreds of women realize their dreams of pregnancy in the Florida area. With each acupuncture treatment, the amount of blood that reaches the ovaries and the uterus is increased, resulting in healthier eggs and a stronger uterine lining that is more able to hold fast to the fertilized egg. Both of these add up to an increased likelihood of pregnancy.

To Birth

Once pregnant, you can continue to reap some serious benefits from acupuncture. In addition to reducing stress throughout your 40-week pregnancy, acupuncture can help you avoid Caesarean section deliveries by turning upside down (breach) babies the right way. That’s right—a breach baby doesn’t necessarily translate into a C-section. With a few acupuncture treatments, Dr. Klionsky has helped many soon-to-be-born babies get their acts straight. And when you’re ready to push but your body isn’t quite there yet, acupuncture provides a safe, non-invasive way to induce labor. Overnight, a well-timed acupuncture can help dilate your cervix so your new bundle of joy can make his or her entrance into the world.

From Hockey Player to Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

“Most women don’t know about the power of acupuncture when it comes to the delivery of their children, so they’re often at their doctor’s mercy for drugs and surgical intervention,” Dr. Klionsky DC, DCBCN says. “However, they often don’t need any of these potentially dangerous options, as a few acupuncture treatments can do the same thing without any of the risks.”

No risks a great success rate, and more than 30 years experience? No wonder more women are researching their prenatal options and turning to acupuncture at Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers.

If You Love NFL Football We Need Your Help

Whether you need a little help getting pregnant, need to turn a breach baby, or aren’t dilating well, acupuncture at Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers may be just what the baby ordered. Contact Dr. Louis Klionsky at drk@calldrktoday.com or (561) 439-5555 or (561) 393-0054 to find out how you can take the next baby step toward growing your family. You can also learn about other health issues and how Dr. Klionsky treats them by visiting www.lowbackdisc.com.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley, chicken farmer and freelance writer and editor. Find him online, follow him on Twitter, or contact him directly.

Club Cabeza is part of Amplification, Inc.--a growing and interconnected social network that delivers “buzz” via a proactive and blended awareness campaign integrating aspects of social media, public relations, marketing, advertising, and reputation management to turn up the volume on your message, and present it in the appropriate form for consumption in our digital world on smart phones and tablet computers.

Mixing Business with Pleasure

2011-10-16T14:01:00.000-04:00

New dichroic glass designs!

The unique story of Sam Jacks, an entrepreneur with a great mind and ceaseless passion.

When 1993 rolled around, Sam Jacks’ time as a charter boat captain came to an end, as he found his way into the world of insurance. After working for an insurance agency from the comfort of his home for a while, Sam decided to set sail on his own.

“I was using my home office and my own resources, and I was getting half the commission,” Sam recalls. “After a while, it didn’t make sense.”

Into Insurance

Instead of continuing to work for someone else, Sam opened Pelican Insurance Agency. Today, Sam and his team at Pelican provide worker’s compensation insurance, a full line of commercial insurance services, and some personal insurance services as well. Thanks to a unique agency management system penned by Sam, Pelican is extremely efficient and can provide services in a timely manner that other insurance agencies cannot.

With a work ethic that constantly puts the customer first, Sam and Pelican Insurance Agency has a great retention rate. In fact, many clients have been onboard since the doors first opened to Pelican Insurance. This same dedication to quality comes out loud and clear in Sam’s other venture: God’s Heart Designs.

God-Sent Jewelry

Sound familiar? That’s because you can find a God’s Heart Designs necklace, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry (check out the video) in 8,000 Hallmark stores across the United States of America. And while Sam only began producing God’s Heart pieces (become a fan) in 2000, the idea behind the company began decades earlier, when he was speaking with his then 5-year-old son.

“I was trying to explain that God is love,” Sam says. “All I wanted him to know is that there is a God, and he is love.”

As he explained this to his young son, Sam envisioned a heart made from a G and a D. He wondered whether an O could be placed between the two letters, and the instantly recognizable God’s Heart Designs logo was born. Sam sketched out the logo, put it aside, and life went on.

Up and Coming MMA Fighter

It wasn’t until he accidentally happened upon his original design 20 years later that God’s Heart Designs came to fruition. Sam made a few samples of jewelry, took them to a licensing trade show in New York in 2000, and the rest, as they say, is history.

More than 10 years later, God’s Heart Designs creates bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pendants, and a number of other items are in the works.

“People seem to really resonate with the message of God’s Heart Designs,” Sam says. “I’ve received so many wonderful notes and letters from people who appreciate what God’s Heart means to them.”

What is God’s Heart to so many? A gentle, beautiful reminder that “With love in your heart, there is God. With God in your heart, there is love.”

To get your hands on a unique piece of jewelry that will have everyone talking about God’s love, visit God’s Heart Designs online at www.godheart.com.

Need to beef up your insurance coverage? Get it with the company that is ready to help you right now by contacting Pelican Insurance Agency at (954) 583-5444 or visit them at 6950 Cyprus Road, Plantation, Florida 33317.

Finding the Focus #Thrive

2011-10-10T23:15:00.002-04:00

Erin Currin

When Erin Currin’s career was on autopilot, Fran Asaro of Thrive Any Way stepped in to put her back into the driver’s seat.

As co-owner of Staged Access, Erin Currin works with entrepreneurs who are having a difficult time communicating their message to potential clients. If it weren’t for Fran Asaro, owner of Thrive Any Way, Erin insists she wouldn’t be where she is today.

When the two first met in December 2008, Erin was at a crossroads. She had a solid job as the chief financial officer for a concrete manufacturer. However, she’d been looking for a way out for a while. In fact, Erin had gone so far that she promised herself that she would write her resignation letter by the first Monday of January 2009.

“One of the first calls I had with Fran was to say I didn’t know if I could write the letter,” Erin says. Fran’s solution? Write the letter, see how she felt afterward, and decide what to do after that. Erin followed Fran’s suggestion. “That first Monday of January,” Erin says, “I turned in my resignation with a two-months notice.”

Read About The Grizzly!

Two Years’ Journey

While others turn to Fran to figure out what to do with their lives, Erin knew where she was going. Unfortunately, her family and friends were skeptical. They didn’t understand why Erin would walk away from a great job to chase a dream. But it wasn’t an option for Erin, because she wasn’t where she needed to be. There was something better out there, and she needed someone who understood and appreciated her path and would serve as an emotional and moral support, a sounding board and cheerleader.

Over the next two years, Fran fulfilled that role. Always on call, Fran cheered Erin on as she honed the vision of her company. What started as a business that provided education on alternative medicine and natural healing gradually became what it is now: a company that helps entrepreneurs understand their business so they can convey that clearly to others.

NFL for the Ladies!

Still Connecting

“Fran was the one who I would call in hysterics, freaking out and crying, saying I can’t possibly do this,” Erin says. “She would let me go through that fear, and when I came back to being committed to the company again, she didn’t hold it against me. She understands life is like a giant buffet. You’ve got to taste everything before you figure out what you want seconds of.”

While Erin has her entrepreneurial feet placed firmly beneath her and has a great support group surrounding her, she hasn’t stopped contacting Fran on occasion. The only difference is that Erin now considers Fran more than a coach. She considers her a friend.

Need some help moving past the brick walls in your own life? Let Fran Asaro help you Thrive Any Way. Get moving by contacting Fran at (954) 370-8001 or fran@thriveanyway.com. For more information about Fran and Thrive Any Way, visit www.thriveanyway.com.

And if you’re looking for more clients or having a hard time getting your target market to hear you, let Erin help. Visit http://www.unmistakablemarketingmessage.com. You can also contact Erin Currin at (954) 494-3375 or erin@erincurrin.com.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley, part chicken farmer, part freelance writer and editor. Find him at his main site or on Twitter or contact him directly.

Amplification, Inc. - where reputation management, awareness, marketing, and public relations meet social media. Business Out Loud! Connect with us on Facebook, and PLEASE subscribe to this blog! Need an honest mechanic?

Knocking on the Door #MMA #UFC

2011-10-06T18:26:00.001-04:00

How Joey “The Grizzly” Leccese is using persistence and work ethic to forge his place in the world of MMA.

With a wrestling background, Rob Cannova has been in love with mixed martial arts (MMA) from day one. But it wasn’t until his sons showed an interest in the sport that he opened Imperial Athletics, a warehouse gym that has quickly become synonymous with professional MMA talent.

“It’s an incredible honor to have the pros working out in my gym,” Rob says, “but I actually built the place for the kids.”

Do not feed caged animals.

If You Build It…

For years, Rob and his wife, Mindy, have run Boca Raton Youth Athletic Association, a non-profit athletic association that provides baseball, basketball, wrestling, and football programs for youngsters. When his two sons became interested in MMA, he decided to turn a storage warehouse into an MMA training facility for them. With all the equipment needed for a full workout under one roof, Rob intended for kids to come for MMA training, while their parents worked out at the same time.

As soon as word spread about his facility, Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva showed up with his training partners. They started a camp and stuck around. Fellow pro Jorge Santiago did the same, as did a number of others—including Rashad Evans. With so many professional fighters on the training roster, it was only a matter of time until hungry up-and-comers made their way to the gym.

One of the most promising is Joey “The Grizzly” Leccese.

“When you look at the guy, you want to stay away from him,” says Rob. “But he’s the nicest guy I’ve ever met. My wife loves him, my kids love him, the coaches love him. No one has anything bad to say about him.”

NFL for the Ladies!

Drive to Succeed

Of the many reasons no one can find anything bad to say about The Grizzly, his work ethic is on the top. When he first joined Imperial Athletics, Joey purchased a normal gym membership, like an average Joey. But he is anything but average, and he didn’t plan on being seen as average for long.

From day one, The Grizzly struck up a relationship with Rob, asking to join the pros in their workouts. Rob told him to give it time and they would let him in. Soon, Joey’s daily dedication to working out and improving his skills won over the pros. A short time after joining the gym, The Grizzly earned the right to the pro’s inner circle and began working out with some of the top names in MMA.

How Important is a Home Inspection?

Today, Joey drives an hour to the gym two times each day to work out with the best of the best, attend nutrition classes, and soak up all the MMA knowledge he can. Rob suspects this obsession is a key reason The Grizzly has made such monumental improvements in such a short time. Add on a strong core and unparalleled balance that come courtesy of a previous life in professional hockey, and it becomes clear why Rob expects The Grizzly to become a 205-pound knock-out machine.

“I have a lot of strong guys, but he has a different strength—the Grizzly strength,” Rob says. “And he has persistence unlike anyone I’ve ever met. You won’t find a tougher guy, both mentally and physically, than The Grizzly.”

With his Grizzly strength, hockey balance, and unparalleled persistence, it’s only a matter of time until the rest of the MMA world gets to see The Grizzly unleashed.

Get on The Grizzly bandwagon by liking his Facebook page or following him on Twitter. If you’re a business owner, The Grizzly is on the prowl for a few more sponsors. Contact him about a potential sponsorship at (864) 320-7277.

I saw the sign!

Interested in using the same equipment as the pros? Find out how to join Imperial Athletics by visiting them in the Wiley Commerce Park at 4500 Oak Circle, Building B, Suite 1 Boca Raton, Florida 33431. And to learn more about Boca Raton Youth Athletic Association, call (561) 672-1308.

Amplification, Inc. - where reputation management, awareness, marketing, and public relations meet social media. Business Out Loud! Connect with us on Facebook, and PLEASE subscribe to this blog! Need an honest mechanic?

Grow Your Writing Expertise #freelance #writing

2011-09-27T11:08:00.000-04:00

Grow your writing skills, watch your bottom line
move in the right direction.

Yes, I have my specialties when it comes to writing. At least I used to have specialties. Now I look for ways to grow my expertise and thereby my income. Because while specializing has its perks for those who break into the big-money markets, the rest of us need to canvas the market to stay fed.

My freelance career began in 2001. I was a high school English teacher with a couple published pieces under my belt (think: mediocre poetry, tense-shifting sci-fi, and small literary magazines). Somehow, I grabbed a gig covering sports for one of America’s first online-only newspapers, Chattanoogan.com. Sure, I played baseball with the owner’s son in high school and college, but I never dreamed of working for him. After all, newspapers were full of fact and boring sentence structure, whereas I was full of fiction, themes, daring story construction, and artistic merit. But I did it for a little extra cash and to get into sporting events for free.

As a reporter for an online newspaper, I had to submit my story immediately after the game finished. It was a bit frustrating for a burgeoning writer as myself. I needed time, time, time! How else could I polish my prose to be as unprosaic as possible? Eventually, I realized there was no option. I did what had to be done. I compromised my literary name to get a job done. That’s right—I forced myself to write quickly. One or two edits at most, and the story was shot to my editor, who would edit it once more before launching the story into the land of 0s and 1s.

Fast-forward a year. I’d given up on teaching and was looking for full-time work, as I continued freelancing for Chattanoogan.com. Providentially, I got an interview at True North Custom Publishing Company (now True North Custom Media). They appreciated my ability to work on deadlines and still write with a little pizzazz. (Okay, I added the pizzazz part. It’s called artistic license.) Over the next five years, my writing became compact and my areas of expertise expanded.

Mainly a healthcare custom publishing company, True North practically handed me an honorary MD. I diagnosed loved ones and told them about the latest treatment available to care for their diseases. Slowly, the company picked up a few bank clients, put out an outdoor magazine for a while, and even produced an art magazine. While the company grew, so did my writing chops and confidence. At the peak of my time there, I wrote 3,000 words a day, and most of them found their way to print with very little revision.

But as Robert Frost said (or was it Ponyboy?), “Nothing gold can stay.” Things changed and it became time to move on. I became the editor of a weekly paper, only to have the paper go defunct under my feet a year later. Suddenly, the freelancing I’d done for years on the side became necessary. No freelancing? No food or shelter.

Thankfully, my training at the Chattanoogan.com and True North paid off. I’d not written press releases, eBooks, or paid blog entries. I’d never covered snowboarding equipment, how to become a better conversationalist, or working as a paparazzi. That all changed when my freelance business required a boost. I was ready and willing to tackle it all!

At least I was until I didn’t get paid for a job. Desperate for more work, I told a client if I didn’t do a bang-up job, there was no need to pay me. Guess what? The client didn’t like what I wrote. Or he said he didn’t. Regardless, I didn’t get paid and became more selective in my clients. I continued going after demanding jobs that stretched my abilities. However, before I’d sign on the dotted line, I would make sure I could work well with the client and provide the quality work they deserved. More often than not, the answer has been yes. Yet there are still times when I am approached for work when I have to decline.

Has diversifying my writing improved my bottom line? Of course it has. If you don’t open yourself to new challenges and a greater diversity of work, you’ll go hungry or possibly worse, your writing will grow stale. Thankfully, with the crazy variety of new clients coming my way courtesy of folks like Amplification, Inc., I don’t have time to let my writing grow stale. In the event things get a little routine, I’ll just look back at my last blog entry and get my head back on straight.

Written by Daniel Brantley, freelance writer and editor who is always on call with Amplification, Inc.

NFL for the Ladies

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-04:00

Inside the female-friendly world of LadysFootball.com.

Founded in 2002 with the mission of providing an intimate, boutique experience that focuses on customer service, American Benefit Partners (ABP) provides an array of health insurance services to individuals, families, and corporations. As the owner of ABP, Leslie Carlet has her hands full.

However, that doesn’t keep her from pursuing another passion.

“I probably spend 50 percent of my day thinking about football and fantasy football,” Leslie says.

A peek at the 2010 draft party for Leslie Carlet's fantasy football league. Front row from left: Julie Dubreulil, Carissa Emile, Leslie Carlet, Al Gomez, Mike Puglisi, Josh Dorman, Laura Haag (wife of player), and Mark Haag. Back row from left: Dudley Emile (husband of player), Lindsey Staltare (wife of player), Abe Falkowitz, Glenn Staltare (fella with the brew in hand), girlfriend of player, Jermel Williams (U-Conn player), and Dan Olsen.

Knocking On The Door

Football?

Yes. Football. NFL to be exact. She got hooked on it while in college and hasn’t turned back. After spending a few years screaming at the TV, she decided to start a fantasy football league. At the end of the season, she was in dead last. Before the next season, she did her homework and took the top spot in her league. Currently, she is in a fantasy league with a college football player, a professional football player, and some others—including a few women.

But Leslie isn’t not the only woman interested in football, and it’s not all about fantasy football. (Interesting fact: Each year, a woman has come out on top in Leslie’s fantasy league.) In fact, a whopping one-third of the 150 million folks who watched the 2010 Super Bowl were women. When Leslie learned that, she started to talk football with women she knew.

To her surprise, many of them loved football and would scream their heads off during a game, but they didn’t understand much about the sport. That’s when a light bulb went off inside Leslie’s head. Instead of chatting up a few women who grasped the game she loved, while other women were left grasping for straws, Leslie founded LadysFootball.com.

“The goal of LadysFootball.com is to go after the everywoman who wants to learn more about football,” Leslie says, “so I built a safe site that is inviting to women of all levels of football knowledge.”

What You’ll Find

If you’ve not already hopped over to LadysFootball.com, prepare for love at first hike. Anything and everything you need to grow your football knowledge and spread your love of the game is at your fingertips. There is an easy-to-understand guide to the game, talking points to use in conversation after Sunday’s big game, a place to chat with other fans, fantasy football tutorials, and Guilty Pleasures—a section dedicated to the juiciest off-the-field stories. Additionally, you can get your football news fix and the hottest NFL-related Tweets consolidated in one place, so you don’t have to wade through the overwhelming flood of news and tweets out there.

Want to be part of something bigger than yourself? Want to help women across the world have a better understanding of the NFL and football in general? Leslie wants you!

I Saw The Sign

How Can You Help?

LadysFootball.com is only as good as its members. Hence why Leslie is looking for some football newbies to post their questions in the LadysFootball.com chat room and knowledgeable football fans to give answers, football fans to post informational blog posts, gossip mongers to post behind-the-scenes stories of players and coaches, and of course—sponsors.

What are you waiting for? Your pigskin destiny awaits you at the deceptively cute www.LadysFootball.com. Interested in sponsoring the site or lending your writing expertise? E-mail Leslie Carlet at info@ladysfootball.com to get started. And don’t forget to spread the word!

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley. Drop him a line, check his site, or follow him at www.twitter.com/danielkbrantley.

Read this article if your child's health, wellness, weight, and fitness are important!

Club Cabeza is part of Amplification, Incorporated, a growing, integrated social network that delivers “buzz” via a proactive and blended awareness campaign integrating aspects of social media, public relations, marketing, advertising, and reputation management to turn up the volume on your message, and present it in the appropriate form for consumption in our digital world on smart phones and tablet computers.

Accidental Treatment with Purpose

2011-09-16T15:06:00.000-04:00

Had an auto accident? Either get it treated properly or suffer the consequences.

In June 2008, West Palm Beach, Florida resident Judy Daniels was involved in a car accident. As a result, she wound up with neck pain, arm pain, pain in her shoulder blades, lower back pain, a herniated disc, and radiating pain in her right leg.

Initially, Judy was referred to a doctor. After six months, she wasn’t getting any better.

“When a car runs into another car or a tree, it gets knocked out of alignment,” says Dr. Louis Klionsky, owner of Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers. “The same thing is true for the body. If these issues aren’t diagnosed and addressed appropriately, the end results can be frustrating and even devastating.” [Click here to read an earlier article about Dr. Klionsky]

Catch It Early

Some of the complications that may arise from leaving accident-related issues untreated include persistent pain, numbness and tingling in the affected extremities, loss of grip strength, bladder problems, and other severe conditions that may require invasive surgical intervention and months of post-surgery rehabilitation. Thankfully, Judy didn’t wait too long before finding her way to Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers.

“If you get in an accident like Judy, it’s imperative that you get checked out to make sure you don’t have any sort of pain-causing misalignment,” Dr. Klionsky says. “Medications can deaden the pain signals to the brain and temporarily treat the symptoms of an accident, but when the pills are gone, the pain comes back.”

Instead of a temporary fix, chiropractors specialize getting to the root of the problem, identifying nerve issues and vertebrae that are out of alignment. For a clear diagnosis, a full exam must be performed, including an orthopedic and neurological examination, which can be performed at Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers.

Better than Ever Once in the capable hands of Dr. Klionsky, Judy began undergoing gentle spinal alignment to remove subluxations (out-of-place spinal bones), electrical stimulation, cold compresses, acupuncture, and massage. Soon, Dr. Klionsky prescribed exercises to regain strength in her lower back and right arm. Following six months of unsuccessful treatment elsewhere, Judy began feeling better after only three weeks in Dr. Klionsky’s care. [ Read this article if your children's health and wellness and weight is a concern! ]

“I now have no pain, and I’ve never felt better,” Judy says. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me!”

To make sure she stays healthy and happy, Judy still performs the exercises prescribed by Dr. Klionsky a couple years ago. Since overcoming her pain and getting back to life, Judy has referred many friends to Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers. And in the event she has another car accident in the future, Judy knows exactly where she’ll turn: Dr. Klionsky.

Suffered auto accident and decided you just have to live with the pain? Let Dr. Klionsky change your mind. Contact him for a free consultation, and review of your x-rays and MRIs. Schedule an appointment at Boca Spine & Acupuncture Centers via e-mail (drk@calldrktoday.com) or phone (Boca Raton: 561-393-0054 or West Palm Beach: 561-439-5555) to take the first step toward a healthier, fuller life without pain. You can also learn about other chiropractic issues and how Dr. Klionsky treats them by visiting www.lowbackdisc.com. Follow along on Twitter.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley. Find him online at www.danielkbrantley.com, follow his chiropractic-loving life at www.twitter.com/danielkbrantley, or drop him a line at daniel@danielkbrantley.com.

Club Cabeza is part of the Amplification, Incorporated (“Amplification”), a growing, integrated social network that delivers “buzz” via a proactive and blended awareness campaign integrating aspects of social media, public relations, marketing, advertising, and reputation management to turn up the volume on your message, and present it in the appropriate form for consumption in our digital world on smart phones and tablet computers.

How important is having your home inspected? Click here to find out.

Handshaking Mechanic for the Fleet and Family

2011-09-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

When Jim Pascucci needs a car, truck, van, or SUV serviced in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Autologic has him covered.

As the vice president of operations at Airstron, Inc., Jim Pascucci, Sr. was in charge of a fleet of more than 100 vehicles. Within the fleet were dozens of 3/4-ton and 1-ton service vans; a few flatbed trucks; some pick-up trucks; and a handful of SUVs, sedans, and pick-up trucks scattered across Florida.

A big part of taking care of the vehicles was finding local mechanics to perform routine maintenance and more labor-intensive work. Fortunately, when Jim was driving around town, he happened to drive by Autologic, Inc. Wanting a good mechanic who had the technology and expertise to handle any size job in a timely manner, Jim decided to drop in and check out the shop.

“I was looking for a one-stop shop close to our office, and Autologic was only five minutes away,” Jim recalls a few days into his retirement. “When I met the owner, Ariel Chmielarz, I was immediately comfortable, because he was very knowledgeable and straight-forward.”

All on a Handshake

Soon after, Autologic became Airstron’s hometown mechanic. Whenever an automobile in the local fleet needed an oil change, new spark plugs, radiator flush, differential inspection, or a new engine or transmission, Autologic took care of it. And it didn’t require anything more than a gentleman’s agreement, sealed with a handshake.

“It shouldn’t take a fancy contract to build trust, and Ariel understands that,” Jim says. “In today’s business world, everything has to be signed and notarized because people are afraid they’ll get sued. Ariel isn’t that way at all. When he says going to do something, he does it, and he does it well, so there is a mutual respect and trust between him and his customers.”

More than a Business Deal

At the same time Jim was taking his fleet of vans, trucks, and cars to Autologic, he was doing the same with his own personal automobile and those of his family. Now that he has retired, that’s not going to change. Unless he or his family moves, Jim expects his wife, children, and grandchildren will continue using Ariel and the master mechanics at Autologic for years to come, and Autologic will continue to be the local mechanic for Airstron.

“I want to deal with people who can be trusted. Ariel is one of those people,” Jim says. “He’s a great mechanic with a good crew in there with him. I’m really glad I found Autologic.”

Ready to put your ride in the hands of skilled and honest mechanics? Hop in your car, truck, van, or SUV, and head to Autologic, Inc., at 608 Southwest Flagler Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. You can also contact owner Ariel Chmielarz and the rest of the Autologic crew at (954) 462-7560 or learn more about their high-quality, cost-efficient services by visiting www.autologicfl.com. Find them on Facebook by clicking here.

Written exclusively for The Club by Daniel Brantley, who is growing so tired of putting his car in the shop for weeks at a time that he is considering moving to Florida to get access to Autologic. E-mail Daniel, find him online, or follow him at www.twitter.com/danielkbrantley.

Amplification, Inc. - where marketing, advertising, public relations, and social media meet!

Surefire Sign of Freshness #Davie #Miramar #Signage

2011-09-09T09:29:00.000-04:00

Jack's Sub Shack: it's fresh, it's new, and thanks to Davie SIGNARAMA, it's irresistible.

Many entrepreneurs jumpstart new restaurants, and few find the success that Jack’s Sub Shack has enjoyed. Opened in the summer of 2011, Jack’s Sub Shack is jam packed from open to close every day. But Jack’s instant popularity didn’t come accidentally. It came courtesy of careful planning, a desire to give customers what they want, and having all the right signs.

“When I decided to open a restaurant, I wanted it to be a place where I could tend to the customer,” says Samuel Simpkin, owner/operator of Jack’s Sub Shack. “I’m old-fashioned and believe the customer is always right—even if he’s wrong.”

Building the Shack

With this mindset, Samuel began brainstorming his ideal restaurant. Ultimately, he came up with Jack’s Sub Shack, a sub shop that makes the freshest, meatiest subs in the galaxy. But Samuel’s meaty subs aren’t the only thing that sets his business apart. He came into the sub shop determined to do something different, and it started with signage that made his brand bigger than life.

“Image is everything, and when people think something is big, they assume it’s great,” Samuel admits. “I wanted people to walk in and assume the Shack is a franchise.”

To impress this upon customers, Samuel needed the right company to create his signage. Hence why he called on Gina Leggiere, owner of Davie SIGNARAMA. Having worked with Gina to create signs for two All-State franchises he owned previously, Samuel knew what to expect from Davie SIGNARAMA.

“The signs I had in mind were going to be challenging because of the colors in my logo and the uniqueness of each sign, but with Gina’s knowledge and expertise, I knew she’d deliver,” Samuel says. “And she did.”

Special Delivery

A quick visit to Jack’s Sub Shack makes it clear what Gina delivered: high-quality, gorgeous signage that fits Jack’s perfectly. From the giant LED channel letter sign on the exterior to the custom menu board to the fun, funky logo sign designed on 1.5”-thick carved foam made to look like vertical wooden planks, the signage at Jack’s Sub Shack don’t just tell you where you are. These signs draw customers in, and they do it with style.

Once through the doors, customers are consistently wowed with Jack’s fantastic subs, $2.99 kids meal, and their customer-first mindset. Would Jack’s Sub Shack have been such an instant hit without help from Davie SIGNARAMA? Samuel wasn’t willing to find out.

Want to make sure your business’s image is in good hands? Look no further than Davie SIGNARAMA for high-quality signs that will be an obvious sign of quality for your business. Contact Davie SIGNARAMA at (954) 476-4923 or sar@daviesignarama.com. You can also learn more about Davie SIGNARMA at www.daviesignarama.com or visit Gina Leggiere and the Davie SIGNARAMA team at 1906 South University Drive, Davie, Florida 33324.

Hungry for the freshest, meatiest sub you’ll ever put in your mouth? Head to Jack’s Sub Shack, located at 12136 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Florida 33025. You can also learn more about Jack’s at www.jackssubshack.com.

Written exclusively for The Club (part of the Amplification, Inc. social media network) by Daniel Brantley, a sign-loving, sub-eating writer and editor. Contact him via e-mail, learn more about him online, or follow him at www.twitter.com/danielkbrantley.

A Healthy Start! #fitness #wellness

2011-09-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

School bells are ringing. At Fitwize 4 Kids of Coral Springs, class is in session!

Now that summer vacation is a thing of the past, you may find it difficult to get your kids out of the house for a little exercise in the sun. Thankfully, you don’t have to fight the battle for their good health on your own any longer. Fitwize 4 Kids of Coral Springs is here to help.

“Keeping kids healthy is no easy task,” says Alex Duran, owner of Fitwize 4 Kids of Coral Springs. “You’ve got to know how to do it, and you’ve got to make it fun, so they’ll want to be healthy.”

The Fitwize Solution

At Fitwize 4 Kids, combining good health and fun is the name of the game. Created to help address America’s childhood obesity epidemic, Fitwize 4 Kids is the nation’s leading innovator in children’s fitness and nutrition education. The Fitwize 4 Kids Lifestyle Center in Coral Springs offers a fun-filled environment where kids ages 5 to 15 learn about fitness, nutrition, and living healthy lifestyles.

Fitwize’s open program lets you drop your kids off to join a supervised, 45-minute, full-body, circuit-style workout—just like mom and dad, only focused on meeting kids’ unique needs. Membership also includes a world-class nutrition curriculum, a motivation and rewards system, kid’s night out events, field trips, summer camps, birthday parties, school assemblies, and other fun activities for kids and their families. There are also programs and special rates for Girl Scout troops, athletic teams, and other groups.

Kids Take Charge

Take one step into Fitwize 4 Kids at Coral Springs, and you’ll realize you’re in a unique environment. Every aspect of Fitwize 4 Kids was designed with kids in mind, from the lively décor and energetic music to fitness equipment specifically designed for the physiology of children’s growing bodies. However, none of the equipment or expertise would do any good if the kids don’t buy into it.

“Our goal is to empower our local youth to take ownership of their health and adopt fitness lifestyles,” Alex says. “Our hope and expectation is that kids who come to us will achieve new levels of academic and sports performance, overall health stabilization, and increased self-esteem that sticks with them for the rest of their lives.”

Whether for general health improvements or enhanced sports strength training, Fitwize 4 Kids at Coral Springs is a place where kids can get away from it all and have fun getting fit. And with the introduction of the new school year, this is the perfect time to introduce your kids to a new way to get and stay fit!

To learn more about how Fitwize 4 Kids of Coral Springs can give your children the motivation necessary to get and stay health or to join Fitwize, call (954) 323-2216, e-mail Alex Duran directly at coralsprings@fitwize4kids.com, or visit Fitwize 4 Kids of Coral Springs at 9705 West Sample Road, Coral Springs, Florida 33065.

Article by Daniel Brantley, exclusive to Club Cabeza, part of the Amplification, Inc. social media network.