Choices

I'm a lucky guy, in that I constantly get to interact with so many talented individuals-many of whom run their own firms. The following list, which will be updated from time to time, gives you just a small sampling of what I'm writing about. It is presented in no particular order.

NOTE:
Feel free to mention my name if you contact any of these fine folks.

1. Website design

Sarah and Michael Miller are tops. They designed this website. Enough said. To visit their website, please click http://setnow.com.

2. Lottery Tickets

Tiger's, run by the one and only Ralph Tiger. Located at the intersection of Routes 571 and 130, East Windsor, NJ. 609.448.1818. Lottery tickets, magazines, great sandwiches, and the absolutely finest potato salad you'll ever taste.

3. Carpet and upholstery cleaning

Brian McCartin, who heads McCartin's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, is who I contact. He operates out of Southampton, PA, but will travel to get to just about anything else within an hour's drive. 215.493.2085.

4. Hypnotherapy

Not too long ago, I had a problem with having to get blood tests. I found myself getting extremely anxious. So I visited Dr. Andrew Scarpati, and he helped me solve the problem in just one visit. And I haven't had a problem since then, though truth be told, I haven't had a blood test either. (Just kidding!) He also does wonders if you're having weight control, smoking, etc. issues. To visit his website, please click http://www.achievementcenter.com.

5. Salon

Daniel Focarelli has been my stylist for a long time. He and his staff do great work, plus they're nice about it too. I like the fact that I can get a massage there as well. (Ask for Angela Pangaldi.) 2238 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ. 609.588.4944.

6. Cellular service

You won't do any better than by contacting Chuck Bademan with Verizon Wireless. 215.630.0926.

7. Marketing newsletter

Murray Raphel, my marketing guru, has a great marketing newsletter that you can get for FREE! Each issue contains many useful ideas and stories. To get on his list, please click http://raphel.com/Newsletter/subscribe.html.

8. Organizer

Years ago, a friend suggested that I enter HOME OFFICE COMPUTING's "Most Disorganized Office" Contest . . . the only problem was that I couldn't find the application for three years because it was buried in some pile on my desk . . . so I decided to bring in Annemarie Eggink, a professional organizer and head of O.R.D.E.R (her own firm) . . . she has been able to help me design systems that have made my life easier . . . her number is 856.428.2831.

9. Dentist

Dr. Alan Levine heads the Eastern Dental Service office I frequent in Hamilton Township, NJ . . . he runs a great facility . . . I've never received anything but the best service from Dr. Levine and his staff . . . furthermore, I love the fact that because of my union affiliation, I never have to pay a cent! . . . nor is there ever any paperwork to fill out . . . best of all: when my daughter needed braces, that treatment was covered too . . . 609.587.0600.

10. Library

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, so it logically follows that I love all libraries . . . they're such a great place to visit AND use! . . . I'm particularly spoiled in having a great branch (Twin Rivers) of the Mercer County Library System so near where I live . . . it is always a pleasure to go in and receive a warm greeting from Lisa, Sharon, Ina, Nancy, etc. . . they're all great . . . and then there's Linda, the person usually there when I go at night . . . many people have told me that they agree with my assessment that she is one of the friendliest and helpful people they have ever encountered . . . 609.443.1880 is the number for the Twin Rivers branch . . . for a complete listing of the entire system and for a very useful website in terms of getting information, please click http://www.mcl.org/.

11. Ice cream

Goodnoe's in Newtown, PA. Whatever you do, make sure you try Muddy Sneakers, a yummy concoction of vanilla ice cream, caramel and Snickers candy. For directions, please click http://www.goodnoe.com/.

12. Ice cream, part 2

I also like Sweet Hart's Ice Cream & Yogurt in Morrisville, PA . . . the Harts just make you feel so welcome, and it is always fun to talk football with Dick (a former player on the Philadelphia Eagles) . . . 215.736.0368.

13. Pizza

Avalon Café in Newtown, PA, is the place for me . . . my favorite is bacon cheeseburger pizza, though sometimes I'm in the mood for Joe Kervick (the proprietor and my friend) to make me a Hawaiian Surprise pie . . . in case you never had it, that's with pineapple and ham . . . don't knock it until you try it it . . . 215.968.1803.

14. Italian Restaurant

Dolce Carini in Newtown, PA . . . I've had several parties there and never been disappointed . . . ask for Chris . . . 215.579.2970.

15. Cassette tapes

I truly believe that half of what I've learned, I have learned in the past five years-in large part because of my use of cassette tapes when driving. As such, I'm indebted to Paul Arroyo. He runs an absolutely super tape rental club. You can rent both cassettes and videotapes there, featuring such notables as Wayne Dyer, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Stephen Covey, and many others. For the complete listing, please click http://www.achievement.com/.

16. Chevrolet sales and service

I know, I know . . . you always thought I was a Porsche kind of guy . . . but hoping I don't surprise you too much, I must admit that Cavaliers work just fine for me . . . they're reasonably priced, and they seem to rarely break down . . . I've bought my last several cars from Freehold Chevy in Freehold, NJ . . . John or Mitch could help you in sales . . . the service is also excellent; ask for Bill or Renee . . . 800.648.8656.

17. Consumer protection advice

Your best bet is to check out your county's Consumer Protection Department . . . I've been fortunate to work with two of the finest people around whenever in need of such help . . . Courtney Yelle is in charge of the Bucks County office; his number is 215.348.7442 . . . Donna Giovannetti heads the Mercer County office; her number is 609.989.6671.

18. Securities arbitration

My folks, alas, are involved in an arbitration case involving securities fraud . . . I'm at least glad that I found a very fine lawyer to work with them on their case . . . her name is Debra Speyer . . . to reach her, please click http://www.speyerlaw.com.

19. Chamber of Commerce

If you're in business, I strongly advise that you check out your local Chamber of Commerce . . . but don't just check it out; become active in it also . . . the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce (Pennsylvania) is one of the best such organizations I know about, in large part because of the tireless efforts of Executive Director Clark Shuster . . . to find out more, please click http://www.lbccc.org/.

20. Auto body shop
My hope is that you won't need this information, but in the unlikely event that you do... Master Craft Collision Center in Penndel, Pennsylvania does excellent work... also, it is completed in a timely fashion... and I like how Jack Aigner and his crew will also help you with your insurance company, take care of car rentals, etc... Call 215.752.0100.