SMART Carpet customers are instructed to pick up food spills with a spoon and absorb any moisture by blotting the wet spill area with paper towels. Never scrub the carpet, warns the staff at SMART Carpet. This could cause damage to the carpet.

The first line of defense is plain water. Most stains are food based and can be deluted and cleaned with good old H20. Once a food spill or wet spill is cleaned up as much as possible, the SMART Carpet team recommends spot cleaning with a mild detergent. Use the smallest amount of detergent possible, add the SMART Carpet experts, so that there is no residue that might either dull the carpet or cause it to attract soil.

SMART Carpet employees say that the most frequently recommended cleanser is regular laundry detergent. The liquid soap should be clear with no bleach, cautions SMART Carpet staff, and only a quarter teaspoon of the detergent should be mixed into a quart of water. As always, the SMART Carpet team promotes following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After blotting the area with the soapy water, SMART Carpet recommends rinsing it thoroughly. Don’t soak the carpet, says the SMART Carpet staff. It’s enough to use a spray bottle both with the soapy water and the clear water for rinsing.

Once the area has been rinsed well, the advice from SMART Carpet is to blot and air. If the carpet area is very wet, some SMART Carpet professionals say to layer white paper towels on the spot, and put a heavy object on top of the towels. The goal here, points out SMART Carpet, is to get the area as dry as possible. Once further blotting doesn’t soak up any moisture, adds the team from SMART Carpet, the area can be further air dried, using a fan to promote air circulation.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD says that adults should spend a minimum of two full minutes — that’s 120 seconds — brushing in order to really cleanse the teeth thoroughly. In addition to brushing long enough, Dr. Eric Siani DMD advises his patients to brush gently. Hard brushing doesn’t equal cleaner teeth. In fact, brushing too hard can cause sensitive gums to bleed, cautions Dr. Eric Siani DMD.

Remember that it’s not just the easy-to-reach front teeth that should receive attention. Dr. Eric Siani DMD says that each tooth must be cleaned as thoroughly as possible, including the back teeth and the inner surfaces of all the teeth.

Like many dentists, Dr. Eric Siani DMD prefers that his patients use toothbrushes with soft bristles. For the same reason that brushing should be done gently, soft to medium toothbrushes are strong enough to remove debris and plaque, explains Dr. Eric Siani DMD, but not so hard as to irritate sensitive gums.

Automatic toothbrushes are often recommended by dentists, including Dr. Eric Siani DMD, as many people will brush longer with them than they do with standard toothbrushes. Children especially can benefit from using battery-operated toothbrushes, observes Dr. Eric Siani DMD, as they tend to race through brushing — or even try to get away with not brushing their teeth at all.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD also believes that hi-tech toothbrushes can also make hard-to-reach teeth somewhat easier to clean. People with arthritis or rheumatism (or any other manual dexterity limitation) can also find automatic toothbrushes helpful, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD.

When a toothbrush is three months old or shows any sign of wear, Dr. Eric Siani DMD recommends replacing it with a new one. Worn bristles don’t reach as far nor are they as effective in cleaning teeth and removing plaque, explains Dr. Eric Siani DMD. Many brushes have color indicators on the bristles themselves as another visual reminder of when it’s time for a new toothbrush.

Does billboard advertising work?
Billboard advertising, replies Fantich Media Group, is useful when it is wisely executed. An important rule of thumb, according to Fantich Media Group, is to be very particular when it comes to selecting a billboard location. Fantich Media Group says that billboard advertising is most effective if it promotes a business that is accessible via an upcoming exit. Fantich Media Group sites an old advertising adage that states, “The two most important words on a billboard are EXIT NOW.”

It is also important for the business, says Fantich Media Group, to personally select the billboard location. Leaving billboard location selection to the billboard company can lead to very inconvenient ad placement, which is essentially wasted money. Fantich Media Group encourages advertisers that are planning to purchase billboard space to “drive around and think like a customer.” Fantich Media Group says this will help ensure the company chooses a billboard site that best fits their location. Of course billboard advertising can be used to simply maintain brand awareness, says Fantich Media Group, but there are usually better ways than billboards to increase brand awareness.

How do I select a creative ad agency?
According to Fantich Media Group, the best strategy for choosing a creative ad agency is to identify evocative and impressive advertisements. Great commercials, says Fantich Media Group, are produced by the best agencies. Fantich Media Group suggests that prospective advertisers do some basic research and trace their favorite ads back to the agency that produced them. A smart shopper will call the newspaper, station, or website that runs their favorite advertisements, says Fantich Media Group, and speak with the account representative. Fantich Media Group explains that the account representative will gladly tell an interested caller which advertising agency is producing the popular spots. The account representative will be forthcoming with the information, adds Fantich Media Group, because he hopes to receive more commission if the enquirer chooses to hire that agency.

1. Never buy the “Package of the day” that radio and TV stations offer every week, says Marc Fantich. Think of it as a doctor prescribing medication before he or she diagnoses what’s wrong. These types of deals are not well targeted to consumers, says Marc Fantich.

2. Marc Fantich also recommends steering clear of sponsoring local sports teams. These are usually the worst return on your investment, according to Marc Fantich. Sponsorships like these usually go unnoticed by customers, says Marc Fantich.

3. Find an ad agency with big buying power, says Marc Fantich. This can help lower the cost per spot. Normally, explains Marc Fantich, if you approach a radio station alone, costs will be higher than what a big agency may pay on your behalf. Joining forces with an agency is like joining a co-op.

4. Avoid donating money to clubs and activities at the local high school, recommends Marc Fantich, unless the motivation is to help a friend. School organizations like cheerleading and band typically do not lead to a good return on your advertising investment. They normally net ZERO new customers, although you might still be able to write it off as an expense at the end of the day.

5. Radio ads are normally presented to you in thirty-second increments, reminds Marc Fantich. When buying a slot, insist on a sixty-second segment at the same price. Often the station will agree, says Marc Fantich.

With the grand opening of his sumptuous dinner-only restaurant, Grace, barely out of the way, Chef Ben Vaughn has already expanded his dining vision. Chef Ben Vaughn’s new restaurant is an informal, cafe-style breakfast and lunch house called Au Fond Farmtable. The driving theme of Au Fond Farmtable, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, is to create a menu of delicious affordable dishes prepared from a fresh and unique selection of locally produced foods. Chef Ben Vaughn’s Au Fond Farmtable also includes a quaint retail counter inside the eatery. Chef Ben Vaughn explains that patrons can purchase the finest meats, cheeses and imported delicacies available in the greater Memphis area.

Reared under the musical and artistic influence of his mother, Chef Ben Vaughn always related to a life in the arts. When he began cooking at the tender age of 8, Chef Ben Vaughn realized that his artistic medium was the kitchen. By the time Chef Ben Vaughn was 16, he was a baker in a south Florida kitchen at a well-regarded restaurant called Mario’s. Chef Ben Vaughn learned faster than any one could teach him.

Eventually, Chef Ben Vaughn grew up and moved on to Memphis, Tennessee. Much to the delight of the people of Memphis, Chef Ben Vaughn has decided to stay. With a successful stint at the River Oaks Restaurant and an award as one of the top 5 “Best Chefs in Memphis,” Chef Ben Vaughn has found a home in west Tennessee.

Au Fond Farmtable
Cooper-Young next to Grace Restaurant
938 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN, 38104
901.274.8513

According to Neil G. Pansey, conferences on this topic are common. Engineers are often called together to brainstorm. Neil G. Pansey says that lots of progress is being made in many directions. For one, solar power is being examined as a possible source for locations with small populations, says Neil G. Pansey.

New power plants are being faced with strict regulations, continues Neil G. Pansey. This is to ensure energy stability in the future. Neil G. Pansey reminds Americans that power plants must work together to supply energy. Current plants are working to do just that with newer technology.

Biomass as an energy source is developing quickly, says Neil G. Pansey. Biomass is known as waste of animals and plants and the energy within them, explains Neil G. Pansey. If this energy can be harvested well, it can provide lots of energy to homes around the country. Neil G. Pansey speculates that energy from biomass material will soon become very common.

Renewable energy is a big issue, believes Neil G. Pansey. With the world growing at a faster rate than ever, energy is important. Engineers work hard to access how to renew this power, explains Neil G. Pansey. This leads to energy conservation programs. Many states are stepping forward to push water conservation, says Neil G. Pansey, and many offer free recycling services for the public.

Engineers across the country are focused on expanding affordable power supplies, asserts Neil G. Pansey. It is important to do these things cleanly and quickly. Neil G. Pansey believes that there is a solid future for energy because of this hard work.

New generation digital video cameras, explains On Off Digital World, have come a long way since the era of clunky tape-based video cameras with heavy batteries and shoulder rests. An excellent example of how far video cameras have come, notes On Off Digital World, is the Flip Slide HD Camcorder. This 3.5 x 7.7-inch camera is only 1.6 inches thick, says On Off Digital World, and boasts a 3-inch wide touch screen allowing instant sharing and managing of videos. On Off Digital World explains that this video camera is beyond the days of removable media like burned DVDs and memory cards. The Flip Slide HD Camcorder at On Off Digital World has a built in USB wand that connects directly to a Mac or PC to transfer, edit, share and organize favorite videos in a snap. On Off Digital World says the built in recording capacity of the Flip Slide HD is impressive. While able to record and store a full 4 hours of high definition video, raves On Off Digital World, the Flip also has a Space Saver setting that expands the camera’s capacity to 12 hours of video, and all this easily fits in the palm of your hand.

Contact On Off Digital World at:
485 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-573-6827

Because some schnauzers can have sensitive stomachs, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers recommends that owners refrain from serving puppies anything rich, spicy, or greasy. Instead, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers suggests extra pieces of dog food or dog cookies for treats. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers reminds owners that overfeeding can cause loose stools and unnecessary weight gain, so portion sizes are important.

Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers also directs pet owners to watch that the puppy’s teeth fall out properly as adult teeth come in. Sometimes, cautions Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers, large canines will need to be pulled. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers recommends brushing adult teeth with a soft, child size tooth brush.

Miniature schnauzers are much easier to care for when they are kept clean and neat, so Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers advises brushing well once or twice a week to prevent matting. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers recommends soft slicker brushes for the task. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers also reminds owners that the longer the coat grows, the more it tends to mat.

For proper holding of a puppy, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers teaches owners to pick it up with one hand under the chest, the other under the rump. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers cautions that small children should always sit on the floor to hold a puppy, and then only with adult supervision.

Owners should use only nonslip leather or nylon collars for daily wear, says Marian Harding, although the experts at Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers do sanction ‘choke’ collars for walk time only. Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers also advises against harnesses, as they encourage a dog to pull rather than learning to walk normally.

Finally, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers encourages owners to find a good obedience trainer who uses positive motivational methods and has studied current canine learning behavior. Upon request, Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers can provide referrals for local owners.

For more information about Marian Harding’s breeding services, please visit the Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers website at www.hardinhaus.com.

Marian Harding teaches that the Miniature Schnauzer is a cross between the Standard Schnauzer and the Affenpinscher (potentially with Poodle influence). They originated in Germany, and Marian Harding notes that the goal was to retain the same look and characteristics of the Standard Schnauzer but in a more manageable size.

As a result, Marian Harding has observed that Miniature Schnauzers are generally well mannered and friendly. Marian Harding recommends them as great companions, because they love to be around people and do well in a family environment. Also, Marian Harding’s clients enjoy Miniature Schnauzers as wonderful alarm dogs.

Marian Harding adds that Miniature Schnauzers’ physical characteristics also suit them for home life. In Marian Harding’s experience, they shed very little and are not imbued with the typical “dog smell.” Marian Harding breeds Miniature Schnauzers to be loveable dogs that exhibit high intelligence, as well as alert, active, and affectionate companions.

For those who are considering Miniature Schnauzers for their families, Marian Harding strongly recommends going through a respected local breeder to ensure the animal’s health and temperament. Marian Harding directs buyers to seek a breeder who breeds for the betterment of the animals rather than for profit. A trustworthy breeder like Marian Harding provides health records as well as support services for care of the animal and satisfaction of the owner. Marian Harding suggests discussing with the breeder the breed standard as well as the finer points of the genetics involved in the breeding process, in which Marian Harding and any other good breeder will be well versed. Finally, Marian Harding notes that a reliable breeder will be able to demonstrate membership in regional and/or national breed clubs, as well as registration of all bred offspring with the American Kennel Club. Marian Harding is a member in good standing of the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.

For more information about Marian Harding’s breeding services, visit the Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers website at www.hardinhaus.com.

Marian Harding
Hardinhaus Miniature Schnauzers:
4637 Blairwood Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37938
865-922-0522
865-207-6199

If a rider is not sure of the bike size to order from Bikes Direct, using the customer’s inseam measurement can help make that determination. If you fall between bike sizes, Bikes Direct sales staff says personal preference will make the final choice: if you take the smaller biker, you’ll have lower handlebars, which means more agile handling. If you order the larger size bike from Bikes Direct, you’ll get higher handlebars but less straddle room.

People who have never ordered bikes from an online provider like Bikes Direct often rely on the opinions of those who have, before taking the plunge themselves. It might help to read, for example, that one satisfied Bikes Direct customer in Chicago (who purchased a Motobecane Vent Noir) said that his “bike came quickly and was very well packaged. There was no damage whatsoever even though the box took a beating”. He went on to say that he would endorse Bikes Direct and the Bikes Direct experience completely.

Another happy biker contacted Bikes Direct to confirm receipt of his Motobecane bike (he bought the “Le Champion” model). He said that “it was well packed and well protected and arrived in perfect condition.” Yet another customer thanked Bikes Direct “for putting up with a paranoid e-mail shopper” and added that his Bikes Direct “bike came out of the box in great order and was easy to put together.”

Still another customer confirmed that Bikes Direct “shipping was fast” and went on to mention “above all the Bikes Direct courteous and personal touch in responding to email-messages (on time). Bikes Direct is as close as an Internet bike shop can be to a real bike shop.”

For more information, or to speak with someone at Bikes Direct, please go online to www.bikesdirect.com or send Bikes Direct a fax at 877-245-3329.

Satisfied Customers from Bikes Direct:

Dear Bikes Direct,
Remember, I got a Motobecane 500DS mountain bike [from Bikes Direct] two weeks ago? I just wanted to notify Bikes Direct, that I am completely satisfied with the bike! It’s a great riding experience! Probably the best I ever had on a bike. In addition, the retired owner of a bike store here in Baltimore asked me about the price of the bike, he suggested $1500!

Thanks again.
Daniel

Bikes Direct,

Just wanted to tell you that I got my 500 DS [from Bikes Direct] just over a week ago and I am enjoying trail riding on it. By the way, assembly was very easy.

Thanks,
Lynn (Lake Charles, LA)