The Quick And Easy Formula For Pottery Buying

Author: Amy Metz

Source: isnare.com



Did you know that pottery buying is actually an easy process?



People spend their weekends digging through all sorts of rummage sales, yard sales, and specialty stores looking for the perfect piece of pottery to go in their home. In fact, there is an incredible home furnishings store in our city that has simply amazing pieces of pottery that anyone would love to buy (including us). However, we are constantly amazed by the large amount of people who don't have any idea what the different types of pottery are and how to buy the right type of pottery for their home. Pottery shopping is actually a fairly easy process once you get the hang of it. Follow these simple steps and you will be ahead of 95% of pottery buyers who end up paying more and getting less.



1. Get educated on the different types of pottery. Can you tell the difference between Stoneware pottery and Polish pottery? Pottery comes in many different styles and can sell for all sorts of different prices. Spend the $7 on an informative pottery book from Amazon.com and truly take the time to learn all about pottery and how to tell the good stuff from the bad.



2. Use the internet to familiarize yourself with pottery.Guess who is the #1 used car dealer on the face of the earth right now (and probably for the foreseeable future)? Ebay. Guess who also has extensive pottery listings? That's right: Ebay. Ebay isn't just for swapping beanie babies anymore. There are immense amounts of people who sell things on Ebay including lots of pottery. If you simply watch what is selling on Ebay and the prices that they are going for, you can get a pretty good idea of what the new and used pottery market is like offline too. I've generally found most ebay items to sell for at least a 25% discount to new offline merchandise.



3. Finally, you must compare pottery prices. Without proper price comparison, the other two points are almost meaningless. There are tricks to getting the best deal on pottery by comparing prices and no one should buy any without price comparison.






Pottery Is The Eyes Of The Beholder

Author: James Monahan

Source: articleage.com



In the days of ancient Egypt, when the pharaohs rule the Nile

and Osiris lorded over them, and before the age of the Maoist

communism in China way back in the age of great dynasties and

divided kingdoms there was one distinct craft that was

considered the toast of kings and queens.



In those times the streets are filled and lined up with all

sorts of creations by different master that acclaim for

themselves the right to be called "master potter."



>From days of long ago when the art of pottery was considered to

be the greatest career anyone could ever venture and the pottery

techniques are solely-owned by one family.



Just like martial arts in some parts of the Asian region where

they pass on to the next generation of the family lines the

secret technique that can be found in their martial arts,

potters have handed down from generation to generation the

secret to what makes their pots stand out from the other.



And from generation to generation the secret to pottery making

has been a closely guarded knowledge up until the time when

commercial pottery has taken over the good old hand made pots,

vases, jars and other products of pottery.



Today's way of life has taken off by leaps and bounds and the

way we see pottery has greatly deteriorated from the time of the

great kings. Potters nowadays rides a broomstick, waves his

magic wand, has an owl for a pet and plays an out of this world

game where you can literally die.



The good years of the art of pottery has taken a back seat to a

different kind of potter. Sad as it is children, even adults at

this time never really recognize the historical and cultural

impact of pottery in our society.



Besides being one of the oldest means of livelihood in the post

cavemen society, pottery speaks about the kind of life that an

early civilization has. Pottery in ancient China was one of the

major industries back then.



Palaces were adorned with all shapes, sizes and kinds of

pottery. Yet, unlike the crude concoction of mud and water baked

until golden brown or dried under done for a day, the Chinese

discovered the wonderful use of ceramic. Chinaware--which is

what it's commonly called nowadays--is the pioneer product of

the pottery world.



Chinaware is intricately designed with scenery and calligraphy.

Potteries during the age of the dynasties are abundant because

of the diverse cultural influence of the Chinese.



Unlike in the pottery in ancient Egypt, where everything was

either made from red clay or dyed red and then painted on

designs with the juice of berries and trees, Chinese pottery has

reached a certain level of sophistication when it comes to

production process.



Pottery are not just crudely placed on a rotating wheel, shaped

to a certain form, and afterwards baked in the sun. Pottery

making in china offered not just a view at the kinds of

industries they had but the kind of culture that they have

developed.



And way before the western colonizers ever set sail to the

Newfoundland, the Asian and the African side of the world have

set up a civilization based on camaraderie and progress. And

thanks to the presence of ancient pottery, these truths are

realized today to give us an idea what's it like to the pottery

in the eye of the beholder.






Try Indian Pottery For Unique Southwest Interior Design

Author: Craig Chambers

Source: isnare.com



Indian pottery, like that made by the Tarahumara and Tigua Tribes, is a wonderful way to bring true southwestern style to your home decor. The earthen clay is not only able to withstand years of use but is also what gives the pottery that popular rustic look. The way of making this beautiful pottery has been passed down throughout the generations and is still made today as it has been for centuries. If you are like me and love American Indian pottery, you will definitely like holding a piece of this unique art in your hands, imagining the effort that goes into creating such unique pottery.



If you are interested in collecting Indian pottery, you will find many types and might even discover a few that you never knew existed. From rustic style pieces of Tarahumara pottery with dark earth tone colors to beautiful art pieces, made by the Tigua Indians, you will definitely not have a problem choosing something you like. The variety of pottery is exciting for collectors because there is so much available. The most interesting part of purchasing genuine Native Indian pottery is the fact that it has always played a part in Indian lifestyle. Recently, pottery collecting has seen a renewed interest because of the revival of traditional Mata Ortiz pottery found in the northern part of Mexico.



Many pieces of Indian pottery can be used both to cook with or to add as part of a collection. Many of the Tarahumara pots or ollas as they are known as, are used to prepare beans, corn and other traditional Native American dishes. The pots are utilitarian in design and come in various sizes and shapes that determine how that particular pot will be used. No matter which type of pottery you buy, whether to be used for both cooking and decorating, you will certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making Indian pottery.



You will find the way pottery is made very fascinating. Made by hand, the potter uses the coil and pinch method without the use of a pottery wheel. Pottery making is begun by first finding the clay and then grinding it to a fine powder using a stone metate. Water is then added to the clay powder and brought to the right thickness. A piece is cut for the foundation of the pot and then clay coils are molded together to build up the sides. The tools the Tarahumaras use for cleaning and smoothing the pot are nothing more than pieces of gourd, stone or wood. They then fire the pot in a shallow hole after it has dried in the open air. The fired pot is then painted with traditional items like a feather, the fingers or a cloth-wrapped stick and a variety of paints like red ochre, iron oxide or hematite.



Owning American Indian pottery, whether a roughly made Tarahumara pot, a brilliantly painted piece by the Tigua Indian Tribe, or sophisticated artwork like Mata Ortiz, is truly a wonderful privilege and allows you to experience American Indian culture in the most authentic way. You can buy beautiful Indian pottery online, and in pottery shops and many stores that sell southwestern decorating accessories. If you want to be part of the exciting rebirth of Indian pottery collecting and add Native American style to your home, try decorating with original pieces of hand-crafted Indian pottery.






American Indian Pottery: In The Past And In The Present

Author: Edward Charkow

Source: isnare.com



How American Indians arrived and when they arrived in the United States is a topic that has long been up for debate. There are conflicting reports and theories on when American Indians arrived here and how they did. In any culture, people and animals pass on and belongings become ruined. This tends to make it difficult to understand and study a particular culture. A popular tradition in the history of American Indians has made it easier for their history to be examined.



Pottery was a tradition that existed in the past and it continues to exist today. Pottery making has changed with time, but many American Indians have continued to carry on the tradition of making pottery in the same way that their ancestors did. In addition to being a longstanding tradition, pottery pieces have made it easier to understand the history of American Indians.



In today's society American Indian pottery is often made for the sole purpose of money. There are a large number of individuals who still do it for the love of pottery and the history of it, but Native American pottery is wanted by individuals all around the world. This popularity has led to the development of a large number of American Indian pottery stores.



In the past, American Indian pottery was made with the purpose of using it. Men, women, and children used pottery on a daily basis. Pottery was often used for cooking, storage, and transporting necessities. Art was often the last thing on the mind of a pottery maker. Despite the fact that American Indian pottery was made for the purpose of being used, there are many similarities between today's pottery and the pottery of the past.



Whether they intended it or not, may ancient pottery pieces are beautiful pieces of artwork. In fact, ancient pottery pieces are often valuable and considered a treasure. There are a large number of individuals and museums that pay a large amount of money to obtain older works of art. Whether it is for public display or personal possession, there is just something about owning a piece of history.



When American Indian pottery is made for commercial use, modern methods are often used to make the items. This modern way of making pottery has caused a small amount of controversy. There are many American Indians who wish to hold onto and celebrate their culture. This includes leaving traditions the way that they were. When many families teach their children how to make pottery, they often do so the way that their ancestors did. Many American Indians, to this day, still dig their own clay, mold it, and finish it with fire the way that it was done in the past.



Throughout the years, American Indians have had to alter their lives and traditions to fit into today's society. Keeping with their past beliefs and traditions is difficult to do in today's society. That is why pottery making continues to be an important tradition to American Indians. Pottery making has not only kept an important tradition alive, but it has helped to provide valuable financing to tribes and families that may be in desperate need of the money.






Functional Pottery Makes a Great Gift, Plain and Simple

Author: Robert Gravestock

Source: articleage.com



Are you looking for something unique to give a friend or family member for an upcoming birthday or holiday? If you really want to wow that special someone, why not consider purchasing an original one of a kind pottery gift that makes life better in some way.

Pottery gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and they can be practical or extravagant. If your recipient loves to take afternoon tea, why not surprise him or her with a gorgeous tea set, complete with teacups, saucers, and teapot? You might even want to add a serving tray for that extra special touch. Perhaps you know someone who adores fresh flowers. A delicate vase to showcase a vibrant bouquet would likely be appreciated.

If you long to combine functionality with beauty in your everyday life, you will likely find pottery to be outstanding in every way. From the depth of color to the texture to the overall design, each piece stands apart from the next. Keep in mind that you do not have to buy matching sets of cups, plates, and bowls. In fact, it can be equally attractive to mix and match plates of one design and color with bowls from an entirely different set.

Handcrafted pottery takes time to create, as each piece must be molded from clay, glazed, and fired. If you appreciate fine art and won't accept less than the best, you will be pleased with the extensive inventory of handmade pottery that can be purchased from the internet. From birdbaths to vases to tableware, we are certain here at Northern Inventions that you will find the pieces that will bring joy and function to your life.

Handcrafted pottery is unique in that each piece has some variation, as it is nearly impossible to create two identical pieces of pottery. It takes great pains to design pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The process from start to finish takes no less than 20 to 30 steps, so you can be sure that you are only getting the highest quality handcrafted pottery.

One of the perks to purchasing handcrafted pottery is that every piece should be dishwasher and microwave oven safe. Furthermore, you should also be able to use pottery in a conventional oven with no worries, as all of the glazes used should be 100 percent lead free, whether you are looking for dinnerware, oversized coffee mugs, or a beautiful vase.

I believe functional pottery serves a purpose, even if that purpose is to add to the aesthetics of your home, along with being quite beautiful. It should also serve practical functions such as serving tea or holding a colorful bouquet of fragrant roses or to provide a haven for birds to gather and bathe in the outdoors. Every piece of pottery that you will find on any site should be functional, as well as pretty and stimulating to your senses. After all, pottery that makes you feel good by putting a smile on your face every time you look at it serves the most important purpose--making you happy.

Whether you are looking for a specific piece of pottery to fulfill a need, such as a colorful vase to display your floral arrangements, or you just want to fill your home with beauty, all functional handmade pottery should be expertly handcrafted from the capable and artistic hands of an artist that is experienced in what they are doing.

All of our stoneware pottery that you see on our site is durable and safe to use in the dishwasher, microwave, and conventional oven. This may come as a surprise to many people because our unique handcrafted pottery from Sofi's Sunspot Studio is so beautiful that you may be afraid to put it to good use. At Northern Inventions, we only sell products that are functional, and we encourage you to use your stoneware pottery in your everyday life.

In the rare instance that you don't find what you want, please let us know by contacting us at 705-524-3947. Or if you prefer, send us an email at Robert@northerninventions.com, and we will do our best to meet your needs in a speedy fashion.






The Business Traveler's Diet Problem: Staying Fit When on the Run

Author: Jim Duffy

Source: articleage.com



Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed by almost anyone with an Internet connection or a library card, the 21st century has picked up where the last one left off: one dominated by poor eating habits.

The reason for this national dietary deficiency is not due to any single source or kind of nutrition misinformation. Nor can it be said that a lack of interest or effort on the part of health-conscious Americans is to blame. Actually, there are more health-conscious Americans than ever before. The problem of poor eating habits is not a strategic, idealistic, or tactical one it is a logistical dilemma.

Americans of all ages live such busy, fast-paced lifestyles, that eating nutritious meals is seen as something of a luxury to be enjoyed on special occasions or when one rarely has a few hours to prepare a complete meal. Seldom is this healthy eating challenge more pressing, however, than for the typical business traveler[i].

The second biggest source for unhealthy food in the life of a typical business traveler begins at the airport. The vast majority of these hubs of transit activity offer travelers a selection of fast foods or snack foods that are usually very high in carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and loaded with calories.

Yet if the airport or station is the second biggest source of unhealthy eating, then what is the first? Without doubt, it is on the airplane itself.

In the past, the criticism levied against airline food was its sheer tastelessness and lack of variety. Yet as the overall awareness of nutrition - and lack of nutrition - in some food sources has grown over the past decade, a related distress has grown over the nutritionally flawed food that most business travelers are subjected to while en route.

Indeed, according to a study by the American weight-loss program organization Nutricise[ii], the average meal served by airlines in all service classes tops 1000 calories. This high number for a single meal is more than half the daily total number of calories for "average eaters". Yet this problem goes beyond calorie counting. Almost 45% of the 1000+ calories in an airline meal come from fat which is a full 15% more than some experts recommend as the 30% optimum daily fat-from-calorie level[iii].

In response to this challenge, some airlines are offering more eating options for business travelers, including vegetarian and vegan meals that are typically (though not always) lower in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. However, a 2003 study[iv] by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) regrettably noted that of the 10 airlines surveyed, only 1 of the 10 was observed to provide easily available healthy eating choices. 3 of the 10 airlines offered some degree of healthy eating options, though planning ahead was necessary -- something that is not always feasible for business travelers. The remaining 6 airlines surveyed were criticized for providing little or no effort at offering vegetarian (i.e. low-fat, low sodium, low calorie) in-flight eating options.

On top of this, business travelers are faced with yet another eating challenge that those not in the air are not forced to address. Whereas most people "on the ground" can physically leave a restaurant or deliberately choose to purchase food that conforms to a healthy eating regimen, those "in the air" are often forced to accept what they are given. Most business travelers are typically short of time and running from meetings to airports and back again. Therefore, the decision to eat the high-fat, high-calorie, high-sodium, and altogether unbalanced airline meal is often better than the alternative of not eating at all.

While some awareness is creeping into the world of business traveler nutrition, thanks in part to the work of the PCRM and others, this awareness is not spreading quickly enough. Business travel in the US comprises over 200 million person-trips per year[v] and this means that a lot unhealthy meals are awaiting a lot of business travelers who, quite frankly, need more nutritious food.

There have been some attempts to respond to this massive business traveler need, including a halfhearted effort by most airlines to revise menus. There have also been several "nutritional supplement" options, typically in fluid or bar form, that have proposed to help fill this business traveler nutritional gap.

Unfortunately, like the revised airline meal effort, the vast majority of these supplements fall short of providing a high-protein, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate nutrition that travelers need. Furthermore, the handful of products that have in some sense met these protein, calorie, and carbohydrate requirements are usually devoid of essential nutrients.

However, a small number of nutritionally wise products are generating positive feedback from business travelers, both for nutritional value content, and for traveler-friendly fluid containers that can take a great deal of airport bag handler abuse. Furthermore, since these products are liquid, they can be ingested easily without needing to be diluted, mixed, or taken with large amounts of water or other fluid.

Taken as either a supplement or a meal on its own, these intelligent and scientifically validated nutritional products - which offer a complete range of essential vitamins - help business travelers stay healthy in ways that fit into their busy, time-conscious lives.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

References

[i] Source "Tips for Eating Healthy Away from Home". BetterHeathUSA.
http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/267.cfm

[ii] Source: "Healthy Eating on the Road". Business Traveler Center Magazine.
http://www.businesstravelerusa.com/articles.php?articleID=291

[iii] Source: "Fat Lowering Tips". Ask The Dietician.
http://www.dietitian.com/fatlower.html

[iv] Source "Doctors Rate Airline Food for Healthy Options". The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
http://www.pcrm.org/news/health031117.html

[v] Source: "Travel Statistics and Trends". The Travel Industry Association of America.
http://www.tia.org/Travel/traveltrends.asp

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com






What Is Art Pottery?

Author: Robert Hemken Jr

Source: isnare.com



We all know what pottery is, so the phrase "Art Pottery" refers to any pottery that is decorative, stylish, attractive or even beautiful... a work of art... Art Pottery!



Obviously "art" is open to interpretation, but since there is so much to choose from, anyone can fall in love with some form of art pottery. A favorite of many is Roseville, also others such as McCoy and Weller are very desirable and quite popular. There are over fifty categories of pottery on eBay alone with thousands of pieces to view at any given time. With so much diversity there is enough Art Pottery for everyone.



Art pottery is designed not only for beauty but also functionality. This makes art pottery a welcomed addition to any home. You can get matching pieces with the same design so as to emphasize a specific theme or color throughout your home. For example, Roseville is renown for its floral themes and since everyone likes flowers it can be an impressive addition to your home.



Many pottery manufacturers are no longer in business and so their pieces are valuable to collect. Some are considered antiques and should be displayed only. Some pottery companies are still manufacturing after over a century of business. Some relatively new pottery companies are producing interesting work of great quality with a more modern look. Whatever your taste you will be able to find something to fit your fancy.



It used to be that the only way you could expose yourself to Art Pottery, so as to learn about what is out there and its value, was by visiting antique shops, yard sales and purchasing books on the the subject of Art Pottery or going to retailers who stock one brand or another. Now learning and acquiring is made easy with the Internet and sites like eBay. Just the thousands of images of Art Pottery alone, found on the Internet, add up to quite an education. By researching Internet dealers and auction sites you can get a good idea of what various pieces of Art Pottery are worth. You are also able to view Art Pottery from all over the world and even acquire some if you like.



Collecting and displaying Art Pottery can be a very satisfying hobby and can really beautify your home. There is quite a bit of history behind some of the companies who used to manufacture Art Pottery, their techniques and the artist they hired to design their lines. When this is researched it gives more value to the Art Pottery you display. I have seen people of all ages and backgrounds literally intrigued when first introduced to a piece of art pottery on display in a home. The combination of beauty and history along with the designers original functionality can be quite a topic for conversation.



You can find beautiful and sometimes rare art pottery pieces in the most unlikely places.Take a look around, who knows, you may find the next rare undiscovered piece of Art Pottery!



Robert E Hemken Jr If you would like to browse thousands of pieces of Art Pottery, view quality pictures and get an idea of values visit the author of What is Art Pottery | MyArtPottery site today!


The Business Traveler's Diet Problem: Staying Fit When on the Run

Author: Jim Duffy

Source: articleage.com



Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed by almost anyone with an Internet connection or a library card, the 21st century has picked up where the last one left off: one dominated by poor eating habits.

The reason for this national dietary deficiency is not due to any single source or kind of nutrition misinformation. Nor can it be said that a lack of interest or effort on the part of health-conscious Americans is to blame. Actually, there are more health-conscious Americans than ever before. The problem of poor eating habits is not a strategic, idealistic, or tactical one it is a logistical dilemma.

Americans of all ages live such busy, fast-paced lifestyles, that eating nutritious meals is seen as something of a luxury to be enjoyed on special occasions or when one rarely has a few hours to prepare a complete meal. Seldom is this healthy eating challenge more pressing, however, than for the typical business traveler[i].

The second biggest source for unhealthy food in the life of a typical business traveler begins at the airport. The vast majority of these hubs of transit activity offer travelers a selection of fast foods or snack foods that are usually very high in carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and loaded with calories.

Yet if the airport or station is the second biggest source of unhealthy eating, then what is the first? Without doubt, it is on the airplane itself.

In the past, the criticism levied against airline food was its sheer tastelessness and lack of variety. Yet as the overall awareness of nutrition - and lack of nutrition - in some food sources has grown over the past decade, a related distress has grown over the nutritionally flawed food that most business travelers are subjected to while en route.

Indeed, according to a study by the American weight-loss program organization Nutricise[ii], the average meal served by airlines in all service classes tops 1000 calories. This high number for a single meal is more than half the daily total number of calories for "average eaters". Yet this problem goes beyond calorie counting. Almost 45% of the 1000+ calories in an airline meal come from fat which is a full 15% more than some experts recommend as the 30% optimum daily fat-from-calorie level[iii].

In response to this challenge, some airlines are offering more eating options for business travelers, including vegetarian and vegan meals that are typically (though not always) lower in saturated fat, calories, and sodium. However, a 2003 study[iv] by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) regrettably noted that of the 10 airlines surveyed, only 1 of the 10 was observed to provide easily available healthy eating choices. 3 of the 10 airlines offered some degree of healthy eating options, though planning ahead was necessary -- something that is not always feasible for business travelers. The remaining 6 airlines surveyed were criticized for providing little or no effort at offering vegetarian (i.e. low-fat, low sodium, low calorie) in-flight eating options.

On top of this, business travelers are faced with yet another eating challenge that those not in the air are not forced to address. Whereas most people "on the ground" can physically leave a restaurant or deliberately choose to purchase food that conforms to a healthy eating regimen, those "in the air" are often forced to accept what they are given. Most business travelers are typically short of time and running from meetings to airports and back again. Therefore, the decision to eat the high-fat, high-calorie, high-sodium, and altogether unbalanced airline meal is often better than the alternative of not eating at all.

While some awareness is creeping into the world of business traveler nutrition, thanks in part to the work of the PCRM and others, this awareness is not spreading quickly enough. Business travel in the US comprises over 200 million person-trips per year[v] and this means that a lot unhealthy meals are awaiting a lot of business travelers who, quite frankly, need more nutritious food.

There have been some attempts to respond to this massive business traveler need, including a halfhearted effort by most airlines to revise menus. There have also been several "nutritional supplement" options, typically in fluid or bar form, that have proposed to help fill this business traveler nutritional gap.

Unfortunately, like the revised airline meal effort, the vast majority of these supplements fall short of providing a high-protein, low-calorie, low-carbohydrate nutrition that travelers need. Furthermore, the handful of products that have in some sense met these protein, calorie, and carbohydrate requirements are usually devoid of essential nutrients.

However, a small number of nutritionally wise products are generating positive feedback from business travelers, both for nutritional value content, and for traveler-friendly fluid containers that can take a great deal of airport bag handler abuse. Furthermore, since these products are liquid, they can be ingested easily without needing to be diluted, mixed, or taken with large amounts of water or other fluid.

Taken as either a supplement or a meal on its own, these intelligent and scientifically validated nutritional products - which offer a complete range of essential vitamins - help business travelers stay healthy in ways that fit into their busy, time-conscious lives.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

References

[i] Source "Tips for Eating Healthy Away from Home". BetterHeathUSA.
http://www.betterhealthusa.com/public/267.cfm

[ii] Source: "Healthy Eating on the Road". Business Traveler Center Magazine.
http://www.businesstravelerusa.com/articles.php?articleID=291

[iii] Source: "Fat Lowering Tips". Ask The Dietician.
http://www.dietitian.com/fatlower.html

[iv] Source "Doctors Rate Airline Food for Healthy Options". The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
http://www.pcrm.org/news/health031117.html

[v] Source: "Travel Statistics and Trends". The Travel Industry Association of America.
http://www.tia.org/Travel/traveltrends.asp

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com






Action Travel Selects ATX for Integrated Voice and Internet Solution

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



New York, NY - July 18, 2002 - ATX Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: COMMD), a leading integrated communications provider, announces that it has recently formed a strategic partnership with Action Travel Center, Inc. The Cleveland travel agency, a two-time recipient of the Better Business Bureau Award honoring Outstanding Commitment to Customer Service, is utilizing ATX's streamlined ATX CoreConnectSM Preferred Plus solution. The agency's local exchange carrier, inter-exchange carrier, toll, data, and Internet services are consolidated through two high bandwidth capacity facilities (T1 lines), which help manage the agency's daily call volume.







"We chose ATX/CoreComm because we were confident that they could effectively handle our travel agency's heavy call volume at our main office in Solon and our branch in Ashtabula," explains Arlene Goldberg, Action Travel's president and co-founder. "Not only has ATX/CoreComm been able to reduce our monthly communication bills by over 30%, but with the installation of the T1 lines, our phone lines work quickly and smoothly and our computer reservation system is faster."







Founded in 1980, Action Travel Center, Inc. is a full-service travel management company and the oldest and largest professional travel management company in Solon, Ohio. Action Travel is a division of Professional Travel, Inc., Ohio's largest privately owned travel management company.







Action Travel is a travel partner with Apple Vacations, one of the nation's largest vacation companies and a longtime ATX customer, through Apple's national network of travel agencies.







About ATX



Founded in 1985, ATX is a facilities-based integrated communications provider offering local exchange carrier and inter-exchange carrier telephone, Internet, e-business, high-speed data, and wireless services to business and residential customers in targeted markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States. ATX currently serves approximately 400,000 business and residential customers. For more information on ATX, please visit www.atx.com.







"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:



In addition to the historical information presented, this release also includes certain forward-looking statements concerning the future development of the business. Such statements represent the Company's reasonable judgment on the future and are based on assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in factors affecting such statements.






Pocket Media LLC "Info To Go " Expands Nationwide into Pilot Travel Centers

Author: Anonymous

Source: free-articles



Ponte Vedra Beach, FL July 30, 2004 -- Pocket-Media LLC has expanded once again, by adding 257 pilot travel locations to their already successful Petro Stopping Center advertising program. The success of Pocket-Media's miniature brochure program has been their โ€œlasting media that travels the roadsโ€, which reaches over 130 million truckers and travelers each year providing the retention and recall advertisers seek.







After a 2003 rollout in the industry leading Petro Stopping Centers, Pocket-Media has achieved an impressive renewal rate of 92% among its advertisers, many of whom desire to target the difficult to reach truck and traveler demographic. Advertisers include an array of trucking and travel related clients that target driver recruitment, driver related products, travel and tourist attractions, including restaurants and casinos.







Pocket-Media's targeted media is simple, concise and portable, attracting advertisers that want to cut through the clutter of newspapers and magazines while improving the retention and recall necessary to be successful in today's competitive advertising market. As managing partner Jann Parker notes, โ€œwe sell Pocket Media as part of a balanced and complete advertising program. โ€œOur customers tell us that Pocket Media is the only element that their targeted customers can take with them and keep indefinitely.โ€







As the featured advertiser inside the Petro and Pilot Travel Plazas locations, Pocket-Media's high visibility locations offer a unique opportunity for savvy advertisers to reach a large yet to date untapped consumer market. The goal is to drive the consumer to an 800 number, web site, provide a map with directions, complete a loyalty program or provide incentives such as coupons and free gifts.







As Parker notes, โ€œYou might say we are the anti Tivo. All ads, all the time. We find that consumers still want to learn about new products and opportunities, but they want it on their terms. They pick up the cards they are interested in and save them for use later. This is what is unique about Pocket-Media.โ€ Unlike larger format brochures the Pocket-Media mini brochures easily fit into any pocket or wallet.







In addition Pocket-Media is a complete program that includes design, manufacture and monthly distribution. It offers the flexibility of national, regional and local or zone advertising which allows the advertiser to concentrate their ad dollars where they will have the greatest impact. It also allows the advertiser to tailor a national program to regional taste.







For more information call us at 800-960-1959 or you can reach us on the web at pocketmediallc.com