Cotton Burr Compost, is it America’s Best Compost?

In the world of composting, experts worldwide agree that The Soil Food Web (soilfoodweb.com) is the world’s leading authority in the field of compost research, testing, and grading of compost. Founded by noted researcher Dr. Elaine Ingham, the Soil Food Web has a network of laboratories around the world and is a leading advocate of sustainable agriculture.

Only a few consultants are endorsed by and associated with the Soil Food web, one of which is Ms. Jennifer Appel. When interviewed about the efficacy of cotton burr compost, Ms. Appel told me that, “cotton burr compost is head and shoulders above any other compost.” Yes, that’s a big claim, so my follow- up question dealt with her reasoning for this position. Ms. Appel states that “cotton is a very heavy feeder, absorbing vast amounts of nutrients from the soil as it grows and the bulk of the nutrients are located in the burr left over from the ginning process.”

What are the three things that make cotton burr compost America’s favorite composting choice? Continue reading “Cotton Burr Compost, is it America’s Best Compost?”

A History of Food Delivery Services

The history of food delivery services traces its inception over sixty years. Since this time food delivery services still have the same basic principle to ensure that members of the community can have a hot, tasty and enjoyable meal.

The first meal delivery services are believed to have been started in wartime London. As a result of the Blitz, many Londoners had lost their homes and their ability to cook for themselves. In response to this need the WVS (Women’s Volunteer Service) produced meals and delivered them to people who had lost practically everything. This caring approach was carried on in various areas of the UK where injured servicemen were provided meals by volunteers in the local vicinity.

After the war the first true food delivery service evolved in Hemel Hempstead in 1947. The recipients were still servicemen who were incapable of cooking their own meals but instead of the vans used to transport meals today, these early services apparently used prams, lined with felt and even straw to ensure that the meal was delivered warm. Understandably this type of service was extremely labour intensive requiring a vast network volunteers, each with good cooking knowledge and skills. Today, the processes involved incorporate mass production principles. Continue reading “A History of Food Delivery Services”

Dick Loehr – The Founder of Team National

Team National is a members only network marketing company, offering a variety of goods and services to members at factory direct pricing. Team National was founded in 1996 by serial entrepreneur and former race car driver Richard Loehr, better known as Dick.

Loehr began his career as a race car driver in 1961 with the Ford drag racing team based in Michigan. He was an incredibly successful driver, winning many titles, including 26 national events, and eventually captained the team. Loehr was an engineer by trade and so was able to use his business connections to gain sponsorship. Ford left the world of racing in 1971, and Loehr, after 10 successful years, also decided to call it a day and left the racing industry.

Loehr opened his own car dealership and RV lot in 1971, and ran it for 8 successful years.. Loehr became a big name in the automotive industry, and was on several board of directors for various car companies. Loehr was president of the Chrysler Ad Console, president of the dealer console of American Motors and president of the New Car Dealers Association amongst other things. It was through the Chrysler dealership that Loehr met Lee Iacocca. Iacocca involved Loehr in a big fund raising project to restore the Statue of Liberty. Loehr left the automotive industry in 1990, and moved into the catering business in 1991.Loehr owned several restaurants in South Florida, but left the industry in 1995 to move into direct selling. It was this point when Team National started to formulate. In 2001, National Companies Inc., aka Team National was born. Continue reading “Dick Loehr – The Founder of Team National”

Key Challenges Faced on Eradicating Child Labor in India and Other Developing Regions

All around the world, especially in the developing parts, there are widespread instances of children being used as an informal labor force across industrial sectors. According to surveys, countries like Sudan, Congo, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Ethiopia have consistently ranked high on the child labor employment charts. But it is India, the largest democratic republic nation in the world that has the dubious distinction of being regarded as the worst of the lot.

The actual numbers vary since there is no real consistency on the statistical data gathering process. From the official estimates to the numbers put forward by non-governmental organizations and unofficial guesstimates, the numbers fluctuate wildly, going from 10 million children being employed to the high numbers breaching the 100 million mark.

Certain types of industries and occupations have also traditionally lent themselves to employing children out of choice. Examples include: Fireworks industry, Jari work, artificial jewelry units, textile units, etc. Moreover, the entire small and medium scale industry framework has also been at the risk of employing child laborers. Apart from these, ship building yards, scavenging and informal recycling networks, food service industries, etc. too have found to be significantly involved in contributing to the employment of children. Continue reading “Key Challenges Faced on Eradicating Child Labor in India and Other Developing Regions”

Why Lagos State Government Must Reach-Out To Communities on COVID 19 – CSOs

Some civil society organisations have commended the Lagos state government on the manner it is handling the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in a state with an estimated population of 23million people.

Gbenga Komolafe, Secretary General, Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON), Chief Raymond Gold,Coordinator, Housing and Community Upgrade,Nigerian Slum / Informal Settlement Federation (Federation), Dr Taibat Lawawson, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos,.Dr. Temilade Sesan, Sankofa Policy Lab, Betty Abah, Centre for Children’s Health Education,

Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE Nigeria), Olamide Udoma – Ejorh, Lagos Urban Development Initiative, Deji Akinpelu, Rethink Cities Initiative, Folashade Adeboyejo, POLYBRIQ and Segun Ogunleye, Urbanovate Enterprise, signed the press statement issued.

According to the CSOs, COVID-19 testing and advocacy be extended to low income communities, with clear protocols on reporting and responding to suspected cases outlined, bearing in mind that these communities are densely populated Continue reading “Why Lagos State Government Must Reach-Out To Communities on COVID 19 – CSOs”

3 Leadership Books on Power

Power is a tricky topic. Fortunately there are some great leadership books to help us navigate the pitfalls. Here are three contemporary authors who deliver.

Learning to wield power is an early leadership skill we need to master
There’s no getting away from how delicious power feels. It is incredibly energising. It gives us a sense of strength and status. It allows us privileges and perks. It’s no wonder we see so many leaders fall under its spell. From Julius Caesar to Genghis Khan, from despotic politician to narcissistic business leader, power is a galvanising force. With it we can conquer lands and squash competition.

Power wielded as a sword causes human collateral. Eventually dictators fall, some more quickly than others. Though our civilisations have moved farther away from oppressive power hungry regimes, some remain.

In our workplaces, we still see the burgeoning beast of power. As thoughtful, reflective leaders, it is our moral imperative to know power, and wield it wisely. Continue reading “3 Leadership Books on Power”

Food Hygiene – The Eight Principles of "From Farm to Fork"

Food hygiene can be compromised at eight different stages in its supply and preparation. These stages start on the farm and end on the fork.

At every stage great care must be taken to ensure that the end product will be safe to eat. Let’s define all eight stages.

The eight stages are:

FROM FARM TO FORK!

1) The farm- Animals, and crops must be handled and cared for humanely & professionally by trained professionals and with proper supervision by qualified Vets. Continue reading “Food Hygiene – The Eight Principles of "From Farm to Fork"”

The Hemp Network – Is It A Viable MLM Business Opportunity?

There is now a multi-level marketing (MLM) business established to provide hemp and wellness related products to the masses. Hemp is a plant that has been around for thousands of years capable of producing food, fuel and fiber and is used in numerous applications including textiles, paper and composites for manufacturing. According to myhempsystem.com, hemp contains less than 1% THC, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis Sativa Linnaeus. In other words, hemp is to marijuana as non-alcoholic beer is to beer.

What is The Hemp Network?

The Hemp Network is an MLM based division of Medical Marijuana Inc. Medical Marijuana Inc. is an Oregon corporation founded in March of 2009 that delivers an efficient and secure infrastructure for the Medical Marijuana Industry. The creators of The Hemp Network believe there is a growing demand for hemp based products so they are responding to that demand by setting up a multi-level marketing model for its distribution. Continue reading “The Hemp Network – Is It A Viable MLM Business Opportunity?”

Ray Kroc Enters Network Marketing

Ray Kroc, the man behind the innovation of McDonald’s has been a hero in the network marketing industry forever. Why?

Ray Kroc created duplication with his McDonald’s franchise. People bought those franchises not for the love of the food, but because with Kroc’s blueprint they would have his success duplicated. Basically Kroc had created a system that pumps out profit for those who would put it to use.

In network marketing we have always heard about duplication. Duplication is what drives your success. So why has your team never duplicated itself? Or better yet, why has it never been able to?

People cannot be duplicated is the problem. Only systems can. Most MLMs use a broken system that either no longer works, or only works for those few superstars. It won’t happen for everyone because the same innate tools are not usable by everyone. Continue reading “Ray Kroc Enters Network Marketing”

Mood Control – Food, Neurotransmitters And Reclaiming Your Calm

You and I know that we can’t always control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond to them. What happens however when your having a bad week, your peri-menopausal or pre-menstrual? Well science might have an answer.

Let me introduce you to the world of brain chemistry and a powerful group of natural chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. The communication network in your brain is a multi-trillion maze of connections capable of performing 20 million-billion calculations per second. Yes, I did say 20 billion!

How does this intricate network operate? Well there are three major players:

Neurons, which power the message,
Neurotransmitters, which create the message and
Receptors, which receive the message.

Continue reading “Mood Control – Food, Neurotransmitters And Reclaiming Your Calm”