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Money Management : 5 Bills NOT to Automate

2011-08-02T15:32:00.000+07:00

Service providers are happy to give you the "convenience" of automated payments — primarily because it lets them reach into your wallet each and every month. But although autopay can be a valuable financial tool for some bills and expenses, for other types of payments, you may be setting yourself up for all-too-frequent fee hikes, surprise costs, and payments for services you never even use.

Money Management : 5 Bills NOT to Automate

Those unexpected costs can hit you with a double whammy, says Jean Ann Fox, director of consumer protection for the Consumer Federation of America. In addition to the extra costs themselves, surprise fee hikes can bleed your account balance dry, she says — and "if you run low in your checking account, you can easily overdraw your account and rack up $35 overdraft fees."

Here are five fees to drop from your automated payment list today.

Mobile Phone Bills
Perhaps the only thing more exasperating than getting your usual sky-high smartphone bill is getting a bill that's even higher than you expect after you've exceeded your plan's texting, phone, or data limits. "If you've got kids, you've got to be paying particular attention to your bills. Oftentimes, they'll download 'free' ringtones that have monthly subscription fees buried in the terms and conditions," says Kathy Kristof, MoneyWatch columnist and author of Investing 101. "If you've automated that expense, you might not notice the charges for months."

"In-app" purchases — such as a game's additional levels, premium features, or virtual goods — also can easily add hundreds of dollars to a monthly bill.

Insurance Payments
Aggressive advertising from insurance companies has conditioned people to look for the very best prices on home and auto insurance. And you can get great deals — for a while. "I call them ungrateful service providers," says Brian Preston, wealth manager at Preston and Cleveland in McDonough, Ga., and host of the Money Guy podcast. "They give great rates to brand-new customers, but then they'll have premium creep over the years, because they hope you're not paying attention." Keep them honest by shopping the rates every year or two.

Utilities
Sitting down to pay water, electric, and heating bills may seem like an onerous chore, but those bills may be the first tipoff that something's out of whack. "If the electric bill is high, maybe it means the refrigerator in the garage has its door open," Kristof says. Big bills will encourage you to investigate problems early.

Gym Memberships
According to a study done by Stanford and Berkeley researchers, most people dramatically overestimate the number of times they go to the gym each month — in essence paying $17 a visit with a monthly fee. "One technique you can use to save money is to pay a la carte," says Ramit Sethi, author of the blog and book I Will Teach You to Be Rich. "It sounds crazy to buy a day pass each time you go, but that may actually save you money."

Other options include buying packages of passes (often found at climbing gyms and yoga studios) or using smartphone apps to support your (free) workout. The free Adidas miCoach app, for example, tracks the distance and speed of your runs while piping helpful coaching advice into your earbuds.

Cable Bills
Cable used to have a lock on the best programming, but that's changing quickly. Instead of shelling out three figures every month to get your weekly Mad Men fix, consider individual purchases from iTunes or Amazon. "When you're forced to experience the pain of paying each time you purchase a show, you might decide you don't actually want it," says Sethi. "It can also get people out of the house and off the TV."

Still want your TV and movie fix? You can add top-flight movies streamed over your internet connection from Netflix for a more reasonable cost of $8 a month and many past and current TV shows from Hulu Plus for $8 a month. ***

Title : Money Management : 5 Bills NOT to Automate
Keywords : Tips, Personal Finance

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Via : Erin Peterson, Yahoo Finance

7 Youngest Self-Made Billionaires

2011-07-28T11:37:00.000+07:00

They may be young, but the following seven people had the vision and drive to turn themselves into billionaires before they reached the ripe "old" age of forty.

Yusaku Maezawa: from rock star to mega-rich retailer by age 35

Yusaku Maezawa: from rock star to mega-rich retailer by age 35

Yusaku Maezawa is a former rock musician who started selling CDs and band t-shirts online back in the early 1990's. He then started a company called Start Today, along with a wildly-successful e-commerce site called Zozotown. Zozotown is set up like a mall, with different shops for different types of fashion and other products that are all sold on consignment.

The company has doubled its value every year since it was established in 2005, and Zozotown currently has over 3 million subscribers (one must subscribe in order to access Zozotown). At age 35, Maezawa is a billionaire and his company is still flourishing despite hard economic times felt elsewhere in the world

Mark Zuckerberg: the 26 year-old geek who created an empire

Mark Zuckerberg: the 26 year-old geek who created an empire

Twenty-six year-old Mark Zuckerberg is the computer savvy Harvard student who created a little website you might have heard of called Facebook. Though there is some controversy over who came up with the idea for the social networking site (see the 2010 blockbuster "The Social Network"), there is no denying that it was Zuckerberg's hard work and brain power that brought Facebook to life and made it the most popular social networking site online today.

To date, Zuckerberg has made over 13.8 billion U.S. dollars. To his credit, Zuckerberg has already donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities and recently pledged to donate over half of his fortune to charity either over the course of his lifetime or after his death.

Yoshikazu Tanaka: the 34 year-old who wants to rule the (social media) world

Yoshikazu Tanaka: the 34 year-old who wants to rule the (social media) world

Watch out, Zuckerberg... Yoshikazu Tanaka is coming for you! Founder of Japan's largest social networking site, Gree, Tanaka (age 34) is already worth over $2.2 billion. Tanaka aims for global expansion and will soon establish a California office for Gree.

The name "Gree" is a play on the expression, "Six degrees of separation."

Dustin Moskovitz: the 26 year-old who had the best college roommate ever

Dustin Moskovitz: the 26 year-old who had the best college roommate ever

Just 8 days younger than his Facebook co-founder, Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz was Zuckerberg's Harvard roommate and Facebook's third employee. Serving as Facebook's first Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Engineering, Moskovitz amassed a self-worth of over $2.7 billion. He left Facebook in 2008 to start his own company, Asana.

Oleg Bakhmatyuk: an egg-cellent 35 year-old business man

Oleg Bakhmatyuk: an egg-cellent 35 year-old business man

This 35-year-old from western Ukraine is the majority owner of Avangard, Ukraine's largest producer and exporter of chicken eggs.

Yes, chicken eggs! Bakhmatyuk worked previously in the lucrative state gas and oil industry, but moved into egg and egg products because he thinks that businesses will be increasingly interested in feeding the world's hungry people in the future.

Sergey Brin: you might not know this 38 year-old's name, but you probably used his website today

Sergey Brin: you might not know this 38 year-old's name, but you probably used his website today

This thirty-eight year-old Russian-American computer scientist and industrialist co-founded Google, the world's largest Internet company, with Larry Page. As of 2011, his personal wealth is estimated to be $19.8 billion.

Xiaofeng Peng: the 36 year-old who makes money from the sun.

Xiaofeng Peng: the 36 year-old who makes money from the sun.

Xiaofeng Peng, age 36, is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of LDK Solar Co., Ltd. He founded the company in July 2005 and it went public in 2007; it is now worth over $1.8 billion. Peng has made his own personal fortune of $1.5 billion all through renewable solar energy. ***

Title : 7 Youngest Self-Made Billionaires
Keywords : Fascinating Facts, News

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Via : Oddee

Things Your Flight Attendant Won’t Tell You

2011-07-27T17:33:00.000+07:00

1. Do not poke or grab me. I mean it. No one likes to be poked, but it’s even worse on the plane because you’re sitting down and we’re not, so it’s usually in a very personal area. You would never grab a waitress if you wanted ketchup or a fork, would you?

2. We’re not just being lazy. Our rules really say we aren’t allowed to lift your luggage into the overhead bin for you, though we can “assist.”

3. Is it that difficult to say hello and goodbye? We say it 300 times on every flight, and only about 40 people respond.

4. I don’t care if you want to be in the mile-high club, keep your clothes on. Who decided the mile-high club was something that everyone wants to do anyway? It’s cramped and dirty in those bathrooms.

5. If you hear us paging for a doctor or see us running around with oxygen, defibrillators and first aid kits, that’s not the right time to ask for a blanket or a Diet Coke.

6. The only place you are allowed to pee on the airplane is in the lavatory. Period.

7. Don’t ask us if it’s okay to use the lavatories on the ground. The answer is always yes. Do you think what goes into the toilet just dumps out onto the tarmac?

8. You really expect me to take your soggy Kleenex? Or your kid’s fully loaded diaper? I’ll be right back with gloves.

9. Sure, I don’t mind waiting while you scour the seatback pocket and the floor for candy wrappers and other garbage, then place them in my bag one by one. I only have 150 other passengers to serve.

10. I’m sorry it’s taking forever to get you a wheelchair, but that’s one thing you can’t blame the airline for. The wheelchair service is subcontracted to the cities we fly into, and it’s obviously not a top priority for many of them.

–Additional reporting by John Clark
Sources: Longtime flight attendant, Los Angeles; John Safkow, a San Francisco–based flight attendant and creator of marthastewardess.com; and flight attendant Betty Thesky, author of Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase. ***

Title : Things Your Flight Attendant Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Michelle Crouch, Reader's Digest

Secrets Pilots Won’t Tell You

2011-07-26T17:20:00.000+07:00

We asked 17 pilots from across the country to give us straight answers about maddening safety rules, inexplicable delays, the air and attitudes up there—and what really happens behind the cockpit door. What they told us will change the way you fly.

What You Don’t Want to Know

“I’m constantly under pressure to carry less fuel than I’m comfortable with. Airlines are always looking at the bottom line, and you burn fuel carrying fuel. Sometimes if you carry just enough fuel and you hit thunderstorms or delays, then suddenly you’re running out of gas and you have to go to an alternate airport.” -Captain at a major airline

“Sometimes the airline won’t give us lunch breaks or even time to eat. We have to delay flights just so we can get food.” -First officer on a regional carrier

“We tell passengers what they need to know. We don’t tell them things that are going to scare the pants off them. So you’ll never hear me say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we just had an engine failure,’ even if that’s true.” -Jim Tilmon, retired American Airlines pilot, Phoenix

“The Department of Transportation has put such an emphasis on on-time performance that we pretty much aren’t allowed to delay a flight anymore, even if there are 20 people on a connecting flight that’s coming in just a little late.” -Commercial pilot, Charlotte, North Carolina.

“The truth is, we’re exhausted. Our work rules allow us to be on duty 16 hours without a break. That’s many more hours than a truck driver. And unlike a truck driver, who can pull over at the next rest stop, we can’t pull over at the next cloud.” -Captain at a major airline

What We Want You to Know

“Some FAA rules don’t make sense to us either. Like the fact that when we’re at 39,000 feet going 400 miles an hour, in a plane that could hit turbulence at any minute, [flight attendants] can walk around and serve hot coffee and Chateaubriand. But when we’re on the ground on a flat piece of asphalt going five to ten miles an hour, they’ve got to be buckled in like they’re at NASCAR.” -Jack Stephan, US Airways captain based in Annapolis, Maryland, who has been flying since 1984

“The two worst airports for us: Reagan National in Washington, D.C., and John Wayne in Orange County, California. You’re flying by the seat of your pants trying to get in and out of those airports. John Wayne is especially bad because the rich folks who live near the airport don’t like jet noise, so they have this noise abatement procedure where you basically have to turn the plane into a ballistic missile as soon as you’re airborne.” -Pilot, South Carolina

“At some airports with really short runways, you’re not going to have a smooth landing no matter how good we are: John Wayne Airport; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Chicago Midway; and Reagan National.” -Joe D’Eon, a pilot at a major airline who produces a podcast at flywithjoe.com

“I may be in uniform, but that doesn’t mean I’m the best person to ask for directions in the airport. We’re in so many airports that we usually have no idea.” -Pilot for a regional carrier, Charlotte, North Carolina

“This happens all the time: We’ll be in Pittsburgh going to Philly, and there will be a weather delay. The weather in Pittsburgh is beautiful. Then I’ll hear passengers saying, ‘You know, I just called my friend in Philly, and it’s beautiful there too,’ like there’s some kind of conspiracy or something. But in the airspace between Pittsburgh and Philly there’s a huge thunderstorm.” -Jack Stephan

“You may go to an airline website and buy a ticket, pull up to its desk at the curb, and get onto an airplane that has a similar name painted on it, but half the time, you’re really on a regional airline. The regionals aren’t held to the same safety standards as the majors: Their pilots aren’t required to have as much training and experience, and the public doesn’t know that.” -Captain at a major airline

“Most of the time, how you land is a good indicator of a pilot’s skill. So if you want to say something nice to a pilot as you’re getting off the plane, say ‘Nice landing.’ We do appreciate that.” -Joe D’Eon

“No, it’s not your imagination: Airlines really have adjusted their flight arrival times so they can have a better record of on-time arrivals. So they might say a flight takes two hours when it really takes an hour and 45 minutes.” -AirTran Airways captain, Atlanta.

When to Worry

“It’s one thing if the pilot puts the seat belt sign on for the passengers. But if he tells the flight attendants to sit down, you’d better listen. That means there’s some serious turbulence ahead.” -John Greaves, airline accident lawyer and former airline captain, Los Angeles

“There’s no such thing as a water landing. It’s called crashing into the ocean.” -Pilot, South Carolina

“A plane flies into a massive updraft, which you can’t see on the radar at night, and it’s like hitting a giant speed bump at 500 miles an hour. It throws everything up in the air and then down very violently. That’s not the same as turbulence, which bounces everyone around for a while.” -John Nance, aviation safety analyst and retired airline captain, Seattle

“Is traveling with a baby in your lap safe? No. It’s extremely dangerous. If there’s any impact or deceleration, there’s a good chance you’re going to lose hold of your kid, and he becomes a projectile. But the government’s logic is that if we made you buy an expensive seat for your baby, you’d just drive, and you’re more likely to be injured driving than flying.” -Patrick Smith

When Not to Worry

“Pilots find it perplexing that so many people are afraid of turbulence. It’s all but impossible for turbulence to cause a crash. We avoid turbulence not because we’re afraid the wing is going to fall off but because it’s annoying.” -Patrick Smith

“People always ask, ‘What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to you?’ I tell them it was a van ride from the Los Angeles airport to the hotel, and I’m not kidding.” -Jack Stephan

“I’ve been struck by lightning twice. Most pilots have. Airplanes are built to take it. You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that’s it. You’re not going to fall out of the sky.” -Pilot for a regional carrier, Charlotte, North Carolina

We Don’t Get It

“Most of you wouldn’t consider going down the highway at 60 miles an hour without your seat belt fastened. But when we’re hurtling through the air at 500 miles an hour and we turn off the seat belt sign, half of you take your seat belts off. But if we hit a little air pocket, your head will be on the ceiling.” -Captain at a major airline

“If you’re going to recline your seat, for God’s sake, please check behind you first. You have no idea how many laptops are broken every year by boorish passengers who slam their seat back with total disregard to what’s going on behind them.” -John Nance

“There is no safest place to sit. In one accident, the people in the back are dead; in the next, it’s the people up front.” -John Nance

Advice for Nervous Fliers

“The smoothest place to sit is often over or near the wing. The bumpiest place to sit is in the back. A plane is like a seesaw. If you’re in the middle, you don’t move as much.” -Patrick Smith

“If you’re a nervous flier, book a morning flight. The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it’s much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon.” -Jerry Johnson, pilot, Los Angeles

What Really Drives Us Crazy

“Please don’t complain to me about your lost bags or the rotten service or that the airline did this or that. My retirement was taken to help subsidize your $39 airfare.” -Pilot, South Carolina

“Here’s a news flash: We’re not sitting in the cockpit listening to the ball game. Sometimes we can ask the controllers to go to their break room to check the score. But when I fly to Pittsburgh on a Sunday afternoon, the passengers send the flight attendants up at least ten times to ask us the Steelers score.” -Commercial pilot, Charlotte, North Carolina

“I am so tired of hearing ‘Oh my God, you’re a girl pilot.’ When you see a black pilot, do you say ‘Oh my God, you’re a black pilot’?” -Pilot for a regional carrier

Those Silly Rules, Explained

“We don’t make you stow your laptop because we’re worried about electronic interference. It’s about having a projectile on your lap. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to get hit in the head by a MacBook going 200 miles per hour.” -Patrick Smith

“People don’t understand why they can’t use their cell phones. Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we really are.” -Jim Tilmon

“We’re not trying to ruin your fun by making you take off your headphones. We just want you to be able to hear us if there’s an emergency.” -Patrick Smith

“We ask you to put up the window shade so the flight attendants can see outside in an emergency, to assess if one side is better for an evacuation. It also lets light into the cabin if it goes dark and helps passengers get oriented if the plane flips or rolls over.” -Patrick Smith

It’s Not All Glamour Up in the Air

“When you get on that airplane at 7 a.m., you want your pilot to be rested and ready. But the hotels they put us in now are so bad that there are many nights when I toss and turn. They’re in bad neighborhoods, they’re loud, they’ve got bedbugs, and there have been stabbings in the parking lot.” -Jack Stephan

“Those buddy passes they give us? I give them only to my enemies now. Sure, you can get a $1,000 airfare to Seattle for $100. But since you have to fly standby, it will take you three months to get back because you can’t get a seat.” -Pilot, South Carolina

Here’s a Little More Free Advice

“Cold on the airplane? Tell your flight attendant. We’re in a constant battle with them over the temperature. They’re moving all the time, up and down the aisles, so they are always calling and saying, ‘Turn up the air.’ But most passengers I know are freezing.” -Captain at a major carrier

“I always tell my kids to travel in sturdy shoes. If you have to evacuate and your flip-flops fall off, there you are standing on the hot tarmac or in the weeds in your bare feet.” -Joe D’Eon

“Most people get sick after traveling not because of what they breathe but because of what they touch. Always assume that the tray table and the button to push the seat back have not been wiped down, though we do wipe down the lavatory.” -Patrick Smith

“The general flow of air in any airplane is from front to back. So if you’re really concerned about breathing the freshest possible air or not getting too hot, sit as close to the front as you can. Planes are generally warmest in the back.” -Tech pilot at a regional airline, Texas

“I know pilots who spend a quarter million on their education and training, then that first year as a pilot, they qualify for food stamps.” -Furloughed first officer, Texas

Behind the Cockpit Door

“Do pilots sleep in there? Definitely. Sometimes it’s just a ten-minute catnap, but it happens.” -John Greaves

“People tend to think the airplane is just flying itself. Trust me, that’s not true. It can fly by itself sometimes. But you’ve always got your hands on the controls waiting for it to mess up. And it does mess up.” -Pilot, South Carolina

“One time I rode in the jump seat of a 747 freighter, which carries cargo, not passengers. As soon as the doors closed, the first officer went in back and put on a bathrobe and slippers. No kidding. He said, ‘I’ll be damned if I’m going to wear a tie for a bunch of boxes.’” -Tech pilot at a regional airline, Texas

“We don’t wear our hats in the cockpit, by the way. On TV and in the Far Side comic, you always see these pilots with their hats on, and they have their headsets on over the hat, and that always makes us laugh.” -Joe D’Eon

“Remember this before you complain about the cost of a ticket: Fares today are about the same as they were in the 1980s.” -Patrick Smith

A Parting Thought

“Here’s the truth about airline jobs: You don’t have as much time off as your neighbors think you have, you don’t make as much money as your relatives think you make, and you don’t have as many girlfriends as your wife thinks you have. Still, I can’t believe they pay me to do this.” -Commercial pilot, Charlotte, North Carolina

Three Things Pilots Will Never Say

“We’re heading into some thunderstorms.” What they’ll say instead: “It looks like there’s some weather [or “rough air” or “rain showers”] up ahead.”

“One of our engines just failed.” What they’ll say instead: “One of our engines is indicating improperly.” (Or more likely, they’ll say nothing, and you’ll never know the difference. Most planes fly fine with one engine down.)

Well, folks, the visibility out there is zero.” What they’ll say instead: “There’s some fog in the Washington area.”

Airline Lingo

Blue juice: The water in the lavatory toilet. “There’s no blue juice in the lav.”

Crotch watch: The required check to make sure all passengers have their seat belts fastened. Also: “groin scan.”

Crumb crunchers: Kids. “We’ve got a lot of crumb crunchers on this flight.”

Deadheading: When an airline employee flies as a passenger for company business.

Gate lice: The people who gather around the gate right before boarding so they can be first on the plane. “Oh, the gate lice are thick today.”

George: Autopilot. “I’ll let George take over.”

Landing lips: Female passengers put on their “landing lips” when they use their lipstick just before landing.

Pax: Passengers.

Spinners: Passengers who get on late and don’t have a seat assignment, so they spin around looking for a seat.

Two-for-once special: The plane touches down on landing, bounces up, then touches down again.

Working the village: Working in coach. ***

Title : Secrets Pilots Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Michelle Crouch, Reader's Digest

13 Things Your Home Remodeler Won’t Tell You

2011-07-26T16:44:00.000+07:00

1. Business is down 16 percent.
The good news for you: I’m returning calls and trimming prices.

2. High-end people will do smaller jobs
We might have spurned a few years ago. Focus on projects that will keep your house market-ready, like upgrading a bathroom.

3. Triple-check financing before you start.
You don’t want to run out of money to pay me because your lender decides to lower or eliminate your home equity line of credit. (And it can, at any time.)

4. Those of us who do new houses or commercial projects
May not have great remodeling skills. Long track records count.

5. Look at work I’ve done in the past 12 months,
On a budget similar to yours. (Older projects likely had bigger budgets and more expensive materials.)

6. Check me out: Any liens?
Pending lawsuits? Do I have a valid state license? Do my subcontractors?

7. Test-drive me
On a smaller project before you commit.

8. Do I have insurance?
(Check directly with my insurance company. Those papers I waved in front of you may have expired years ago.)

9. Don’t overimprove—
Especially since home values are falling. Check out local trends in the “Cost vs. Value” report at remodeling.hw.net.

10. Spell everything out.
Otherwise, I may not prime the walls before I paint or I may not build that closet shelf and put up that rod. Expect nothing that’s not in writing.

11. Ask if you’re getting a dedicated crew.
If not, your project may drag on while I juggle multiple jobs. Tie the contract to deadlines for each phase.

12. Ditto for the brand and precise quality of the materials,
appliances, and fixtures you are ordering. Don’t let us sub in materials of “equal or better quality” that aren’t.

13. Put “while you’re at it” projects on a separate list
and ask me to give you separate estimates. Home improvement spending is projected to slide another 12 percent this year. I’ll likely have time—and be glad—to come back.

Sources: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies; Roger Peugeot, president of Roger the Plumber, Inc., Overland Park, KS; Collin Johnson, director of inspection services for the City of Glendale, WI; Bruce Case, president of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., based in Bethesda, MD. Interviews by Joanne Cleaver. ***

Title : 13 Things Your Home Remodeler Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Interior Design, Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Reader's Digest

22 Things Your Pharmacist Won’t Tell You

2011-07-24T15:04:00.000+07:00

1. Don't try to get anything past us.
Prescriptions for painkillers or sleeping aids always get extra scrutiny.

2. We're not serving fries in here.
I’d think twice about using a drive-through pharmacy. Working there distracts us—not a good thing when it comes to pharmaceuticals.

3. Generics are a close match for most brand names.
But I’d be careful with blood thinners and thyroid drugs, since small differences can have big effects.

4. Sometimes we can't read the doctor's handwriting either.
E-prescribing can help, but as of 2006, fewer than 20 percent of prescriptions were being electronically transmitted.

5. I hate your insurance company as much as you do.
“Even if something’s working for you, the insurance company may insist you switch to something else,” says pharmacy owner Stuart Feldman. “I’m stuck in the middle trying to explain this to customers.”

6. We can give flu shots in most states.

7. All pharmacists are not created equal.
A less-qualified pharmacy technician may have actually filled your prescription. Currently, there is no national standard for their training and responsibilities.

8. We're human…
And we make mistakes (about two million a year). Ask if we use a bar-code system to help keep us from pulling the wrong drug off the shelf or giving the wrong strength of the right drug.

9. When in doubt, ask.
I can give you a generic refill that’s different from the one you started with. Online resources like cvs.com let you double-check your pill.

10. We're not mind readers.
There’s not some big computer database that tracks your drugs and flags interactions for pharmacists everywhere. Use one pharmacy. If you start using a new one, make sure we know what you’re taking.

11. It Avoid the lines.
It gets busy Monday and Tuesday evenings, since many new prescriptions and refills come in after the weekend.

12. Look into the $4 generics.
Chains like Target, Kroger, and Wal-Mart offer them. And it can’t hurt to ask your pharmacy if it will match the price.

13. Yelling at me won't help.
If I can’t reach your doctor and/or insurance company to approve a refill, there’s nothing I can do about it. “It’s frustrating,” says pharmacist Daniel Zlott, “but I’d be breaking the law in some states if I gave it to you.”

14. Don't put up with the silent treatment.
Pharmacists are required by law in most states to counsel patients and answer their questions. If your pharmacist seems too busy to do talk with you, take your business someplace else.

15. An over-the-counter version might do the trick.
You may just need to take more pills and forgo insurance reimbursement. But always talk to your pharmacist, and do the math.

16. Ask about over-the-counter drugs.
“People assume that if it’s over-the-counter, it’s safe,” says Daniel Zlott, a pharmacist at the National Institutes of Health. “I’ve seen serious complications.”

17. Go ahead and call me doctor.
(I’m just not that kind of doctor). Since mid-2004, pharmacy students must pursue a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D) in order to be licensed. Pharmacists licensed before then must have at least a Bachelor of Pharmacy and pass a series of exams. Either way, your pharmacist has spent more time studying drugs than even your doctor has.

18. Open up a little.
“The better I know you as a patient—your health history, your family, and how busy your life is—the better I can tailor medications to fit your lifestyle,” says Zlott. “You may not want to take a drug three times a day, for example, and I’ll know that if I know you.”

19. People take too many drugs.
Two out of every three patients who visit a doctor leave with at least one prescription for medication, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. “Drugs are an easy solution,” says pharmacy owner Stuart Feldman, “but there are other solutions.”

20. Talk to me—and check my work.
Half the prescriptions taken in the U.S. each year are used improperly, and 96 percent of patients nationwide don’t ask questions about how to use their medications. When you pick up your prescription, at a minimum, ask, What is this drug? What does it do? Why am I taking it? What are possible side effects? and How should I take it? Not only does this help you to use the drug correctly; it’s also a good way to double-check that you’re getting the right drug.

21. We'll save you money if we can.
“A good part of a pharmacist’s time is spent dealing with patients and their incomes,” says pharmacist Cindy Coffey. Part of that is suggesting generic or OTC alternatives. Or if a doctor has prescribed a newer drug with no generic alternative available, says Zlott, “I might call the doctor to suggest an older drug that’s equally effective.”

22. Pharmacists are filling more prescriptions than ever.
“Some pharmacies are so volume-driven that the pharmacist can’t look up all day,” says pharmacist Cindy Coffey. There were a record 3.8 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. in 2007—a 13 percent increase from 2003.

Sources: Dr. Daniel Zlott, oncology pharmacist, National Institutes of Health; Cindy Coffey, PharmD; Greg Collins, pharmacy supervisor, CVS/pharmacy, California; Stuart Feldman, owner, Cross River Pharmacy, New York. ***

Title : 22 Things Your Pharmacist Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Reader's Digest

So What is Kindle Anyway?

2011-07-23T18:30:00.000+07:00

Kindle Gadgets

So what Is Kindle everyone talking about? It is an Amazon’s latest marvel in technology, so let’s get right down to what is Kindle and how it will change how you view your reading material.

The Kindle is an electronic reader, also known as a portable e-reader. Currently there are 3 different models available; the Kindle DX, Kindle 3G, and Kindle WiFi.

And What Is Kindle 3G?

The proprietary hardware and software combination developed by Amazon, utilizes either standard wireless connectivity, or Amazon’s 3G “Whispernet” network. This enables you to browse, shop for, download and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other digital media anywhere you have connection.

Once the media has been downloaded onto your Kindle, you do not even need an internet connection to read whenever, or where ever you want!

Similar to other electronic reading devices, the Kindle uses an e-ink electronic paper display that displays up to 16 shades of gray, minimizes power consumption and simulates reading on paper. The latest version of e-Ink technology, called e-Ink Pearl, is utilized on the latest version of the Kindle DX.

What is Kindle’s e-Ink Pearl technology? Simple – it allows you to read the screen in virtually any lighting; including direct sunlight. ***

Title : So What is Kindle Anyway?
Keywords : Tips, Travelling

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Via : Amazon, whatiskindle.com

26 Things Your Auto Mechanic Won’t Tell You

2011-07-23T18:12:00.000+07:00

Real mechanics reveal more tips to help you avoid an auto-repair scam.

1. Extra Work
“If a mechanic offers to change your timing belt and water pump, question how long the job will take. Some will charge you double labor even though the second task is essentially done once the belt is removed.”.

2. Old Parts
”Always ask for your old parts back. This way you’ll know they’ve been changed, and you or a friend can tell if they’re worn.”.

3. Road Hazard
”Be careful with “road hazard” warranties on tires. The shops may give you a free tire here and there, but eventually they will soak you with unnecessary alignments or suspension replacements.”.

4. Mark Up
”All brakes are not equal; ask for estimates on brake jobs. Many mechanics will use very cheap parts and mark them up. Good mechanics who understand cars will never skimp in this area.”.

5. Test Drive
”Remember to have your car test-driven. A good test-drive is just as important as a regular service — it might mean the difference between simply needing brake pads and having a complete rotor replacement.”.

6. Good Mechanics
”Good mechanics, like good customers, are hard to find — communication is key. A good mechanic will explain repair phases and give you choices.”.

7. Pre-Owned
”Be wary of certified pre-owned cars. Usually in this business the only thing that’s certified is that someone owned the car before you. Very little ever gets done on these types of cars.”.

8. Rush Job
”Don’t bring your car in on Friday afternoon, because the mechanics might rush the job to get out for the weekend.”.

9. Rookie Mistake
”Beware of a mechanic who shows you a transmission pan with metal particles in it, and recommends a major job. The shavings are usually a sign of normal wear.”.

10. Tire Tread
”Before buying new tires, know what your state’s tread specifications are. Then have the mechanic measure the old tread with a gauge.”.

11. False Promises
”Watch out for ads promising $100 brake jobs. No mechanic can make money on that.”.

12. Scam Alert
”Transmission flushes are one of the biggest scams going. Manufacturers don’t recommend them, and your car almost never needs one.”.

13. Brand Name
”The market is being flooded with cheap parts from China. Request a name-brand replacement and ask to see its box.”.

14. Scare Tactics
”Watch out for scare tactics. Admonitions like ‘I wouldn’t drive this another mile’ should be viewed with suspicion.”

15. Certification on Display
”Check for ASE [National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence] or AAA [American Automobile Association] certification, as well as a state license. Reputable shops are proud to display them.”

16. Speak Up, Look Around
”Ask, ask, ask. For recommendations, years in business, warranties offered, licenses, and the type of equipment used. Look for a clean garage. A floor cluttered with empty oil cans, worn tires, and dirty rags is a red flag.”

17. Read Before You Sign
”Never sign a blank authorization form. Always get a signed work order with a specific estimate for each job and warranties that apply.”

18. Look For a Specialist
”It’s nuts to take a car with engine problems to a shop without a good engine analyzer and scan tool. Any mechanic who says ‘I don’t need fancy equipment’ should be avoided.”

19. Motor Oil Upgrade
”Synthetic motor oils may cost more, but you’ll get a lot more miles between changes.”

20. Blind Second Opinion
”When you go for a second opinion, don’t tell the mechanic what the first diagnosis and price were.”

21. Costly Gimmicks
”Coolant flushes and power steering flushes are very common gimmicks at quick lubes. Check your owner’s manual; many cars have fluid that is designed to go 100,000 miles. And cleaning fuel injectors is a waste of time and money. There are additives on the market that do a great job.”

22. Brake Pad Upgrade
”Always ask for OE [original equipment] brake pads or at least equivalent material. A $49.95 brake job will usually get you the worst friction material you can buy-it’s the difference between stopping short and causing a pileup on the way to work.”

23. Tire Check
”Ask about your new tire’s ‘build date.’ If you’re getting an unusually good deal, you might be receiving three-year-old treads, especially risky for snow tires.”

24. Muffler Timeline
”Lifetime mufflers? What would ever make you think a muffler will last a lifetime? Yes, they’ll give you free replacements, but they’ll hit you over the head for expensive pipe repairs.”

25. Warranties and Replacements
”Consult your dealer before you have work done on a catalytic converter or emissions parts. Some of these items carry a very long warranty, and free replacement is often required by law.”

26. Check Engine
”It’s not okay for your ‘check engine’ light to stay on all the time. It’s probably not ‘a loose gas cap.’” ***

Title : 26 Things Your Auto Mechanic Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Reader's Digest

Things Your Computer Person Won’t Tell You

2011-07-23T17:31:00.000+07:00

* Keep it clean. On a PC, run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter at least once a month. This will store files more efficiently so your system doesn’t slow down. After about four years, your computer is elderly. If you’re shelling out for a blazing-fast Internet connection, pony up for a new model.

* Check the cables. “People are always shocked that a cable came loose,” says Geek Squad agent Derek Meister. Of course, everything that needs power is plugged into an outlet, right?

* Got neighbors? If you do, protect your home wireless network with a password. “If a person knows what he’s doing, getting into a computer on a non-encrypted network is easy,” says Schildkraut.

* You backed up your data, right? External hard drives with lots of memory now sell for under $200, and automated programs like Cobian Backup or Apple’s Time Machine make regular backups a no-brainer. Secure online backup services save your data offsite should anything happen to your home.

* If you travel with your laptop, get a lock. A 2007 survey by the Computer Security Institute found that 50 percent of respondents had a laptop or other mobile device sto-len in the past year. A simple cable lock (starting at about $20) lets you physically secure your laptop anywhere you go.

* Remember: If your company owns the computer, they own what’s on it, too—even your email in some cases. Act accordingly.

* Please remember: We didn’t create the problem; we’re just trying to help you fix it.

* Turn it off, turn it back on. “Nine times out of ten, rebooting your computer-and any equipment that connects to it-will solve the problem,” says Aaron Schildkraut, who owns a home tech-support service in the New York tristate area.

* Just because we're “buddies” at work, don’t expect me to come running every time you’ve got a problem. I’ve got a slew of IT problems to fix.

* We're like Santa: We know if you've been bad or good. Fessing up to what really happened right before the system crashed is going to save time-and I’m going to figure it out anyway.

* Use “strong” passwords. Geek Squad agent Derek Meister suggests combining letters and numbers-but not your birth date-to create a “base” password, and adding a unique suffix for each site you use. If your base password is your spouse’s initials and your anniversary date (say, SP061789), your Amazon password might be “SP061789AM.”

* Make sure you have current antivirus and anti-spyware protection, and set it to update at least once a day and run a full-system scan at least once a week.

* There's no free lunch. Downloading free music, movies, and games from file-sharing sites can open holes in your system for others to exploit. Play it safe and use established services like Rhapsody, iTunes, and Netflix.

* Remember: Public Wi-Fi is public. If you don’t have a compelling reason to check your e-mail or bank account while sipping a latte at the mall, don’t do it. While you’re on a public network, even one that’s encrypted, a nearby hacker can capture your passwords.

* Give it a rest. Turning off your computer when it’s not in use saves energy and clears out the RAM, or temporary memory, which would otherwise slow your machine over time.

* If you can't get online, call your Internet service provider first. Connection problems can often be checked and fixed-free.

* If you want to see less of me, get a Mac. That’s what we use. “Macs are actually a little bad for my business,” says Schildkraut.

* No, you can't use your cell phone to pop popcorn. Next time an Internet rumor drops into your inbox, don’t just pass it on-check it out at snopes.com first.

* Sometimes we talk about you--in code. If you hear “HKI error” (for human-keyboard interface) or “PEBCAK” (problem exists between chair and keyboard), we’re insulting you.

* If you don't understand me, I'm not doing my job. Confusing tech jargon is a sign of insecurity, not intelligence.

–Interviews by Adam Bluestein. Sources: Derek Meister, Geek Squad; Aaron Schildkraut, myhometech.net; anonymous posters on TechRepublic.com; techcomedy.com. ***

Title : Things Your Computer Person Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Reader's Digest

Emergency Locksmith Secrets and Things Your Locksmith Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T22:19:00.000+07:00

1. Think twice before you buy a locked safe at a flea market, estate sale, or auction. It’s probably going to cost you $300 or more to open it, and chances are, all you’re going to find is mouse poop.

2. Contractors stink at installing dead bolts. I can’t tell you how many times I go out to rekey one or let someone in, and I find problems. If it’s not installed right, it won’t protect you.

3. A lot of us do undercover work for the cops. We make keys for them and get them into places at 3 a.m. so they can set up surveillance equipment or put the bugs in place. It’s part of the thrill of doing what we do.

4. When you buy a new house, always have your locks rekeyed. Otherwise there’s probably a master key out there that can easily open your home.

5. You’re supposed to check ID before you open anything. But half the time when someone is locked out of their house or car, where do you think their ID is?

6. The biggest mistakes people make with their safe: spinning the dial too fast, trying to open it before it’s unlocked, and forcing it closed when there’s obviously a problem.

7. I’ve seen my share of dead bodies. It’s always a bad sign when the landlord calls to get into an apartment, and nobody’s seen the tenant for ten days.

8. Don’t feel bad if you have to call me twice in a short span of time. I once had a guy lock himself out of his house three times in one day.

9. Never tell me, “Don’t worry. It’s an easy lock.” Every time someone says that, it takes an extra ten minutes to get it open. It’s the kiss of death.

10. Many locksmiths in the phone book or online are scam artists. They’ll quote you a great price, but when they get there, they’ll say you have a special lock they can’t pick, so they have to drill it open. Then they charge you $125 for a replacement lock you can buy at Home Depot for $25.

11. Find someone reputable at findalocksmith.com, the official website of the Associated Locksmiths of America.

12. If it’s 2 a.m. and some guy calls me because he’s locked out of his car at a strip club, a service call that’s normally $55 is automatically $100. If he’s got money for strip clubs, he’s got money for me.

13. It’s easy to defeat the cheapo locks from big-box stores. Most are mass-produced by reputable manufacturers but to very low standards. Look for at least a grade 2.

14. The best lock is a dead bolt that’s properly installed. It should have at least a one-inch “throw,” and on the “strike side,” there should be a security plate with screws at least three inches long that go all the way into the door’s wood frame.

15. If you have a window on or near your door, a thumb-turn dead bolt won’t do much good. They knock out the glass, stick a hand in, and turn. Get a double cylinder lock that needs a key on the inside.

16. Keys stamped “Do not duplicate” are duplicated all the time. Ask me about high-security locks with keys that can’t be replicated at the hardware store.

17. Don’t believe a car dealer who says only he can duplicate keys. In most cases, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can make you a key—usually cheaper.

18. Divorce lock-outs are a challenge. The soon-to-be-ex wife will call and say she’s locked out, so I get her in and change the locks. Then the husband calls with the same request. I refer him to a competitor.

19. Have a housekeeper who needs a key? Ask me to key your door so that your master key works on both the dead bolt and the doorknob, but hers works just on the knob. On the day she comes, lock only the knob.

20. Try the door. I’ve gone to houses and found it open. (I’m still going to charge you for the service call.)

21. If your key won’t turn, try WD-40 or silicone spray. Sometimes the pins get jammed up, and 25 to 40 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

22. If you’re locked out, please call just one of us. More than once, I arrived at a lock-out to find two competitors’ trucks already there. At that point, we all agreed to leave and abandon the inconsiderate victim.

Sources: Tom Rubenoff, a hardware salesman and former locksmith in Brookline, Massachusetts; Charles Eastwood, who operates Locksmith Charley in Phoenix, Arizona; Bob DeWeese, a locksmith in Baltimore, Maryland; and Rick Bayuk, owner of Karpilow Safe & Lock in Bridgeport, Connecticut. ***

Title : Emergency Locksmith Secrets and Things Your Locksmith Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Tips, Things They Won't Tell You, Fascinating Facts

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Via : Michelle Crouch, Reader's Digest

Things Your Nanny Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T22:03:00.000+07:00

Things Your Nanny Won’t Tell You

1. I have my own family. Many of us have kids in other countries. We’d like to see them, but we need vacation time.

2. If your child bites me, don’t reward her. One parent actually said “Oh honey, are you hungry?” to her child while ignoring my bleeding face.

3. Don’t come home drunk or on drugs in the middle of the night, wake up your children to play with them, and then wake me up to put them back to bed. Don’t do drugs if you’re going to be around kids, period. And don’t wake me up in the middle of the night just because you’ve partied too hard to care for your own children.

4. Nannies from other cultures need orientation. Tell me which foods are fancy gourmet foods to be used sparingly and which are everyday foods. I kept eating up the best caviar and spitting it out in the trash, thinking it had gone bad.

5. We’re appalled when you feed your children junk. Seriously—give your kids a vegetable once in awhile! If you don’t keep junk food in your house, your kids can’t eat it. You can give them choices without destroying their health.

6. Don’t misrepresent yourself to an agency. If you don’t have an extra room for the nanny, say so. Don’t claim to have a bedroom and bathroom for her, and then ask her to sleep with your child.

7. Pay us well. Value your child a little more and cut corners elsewhere.

8. I am not paid enough to be a substitute parent for your child all the time. If you do not have the time or patience to raise a child, don’t have one.

9. Treat your nanny with respect and as an equal, and you will have a loyal friend for life. Most of us become lifelong friends of the babies we helped raise, as well as their parents.

Sources: Nannies or former nannies in Boston, New York, Seattle, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles. (Including playwright Lisa Ramirez, whose off-Broadway play Exit Cuckoo deals with nannying, and an English nanny who worked for a Hollywood couple).***

Title : Things Your Nanny Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Parenting, Things They Won't Tell You, Tips

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Via : Jennifer Steil, Reader's Digest

39 More Secrets Your HRD Person Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T21:47:00.000+07:00

See also : 10 Things HRD Won't Tell You About Your Resume

1. “The No. 1 thing in job security is your relationship with your boss. Even if he says, ‘I’m sorry I really wanted to keep you, but they made me lay you off,’ that’s almost never true. He probably made that decision.” –Cynthia Shapiro, former human resource executive and author of “Corporate Confidential: 50 Secrets Your Company Doesn’t Want You to Know.”

2. “If you’re accused of sexual harassment, even if you’re found to be not guilty, people will always look at you funny afterwards. It can kill your career.” –Laurie Ruettimann, HR consultant and speaker in Raleigh, N.C .

3. “Even in jobs where you test applicants and those with the top scores are supposed to get the job, I’ve seen hiring managers fix scores to get the people they like.” –HR representative in the manufacturing industry.

4. “If you have a question, come to my office. Don’t corner me in the bathroom.” –HR professional at a mid-sized firm in North Carolina

5. “Children and hobbies do not belong on a résumé. And never, ever say, ‘Now that my kids are in college, I’m ready to get back in the workforce.’ ” –HR professional at a mid-sized firm in North Carolina

6. “Someone might tell you to ‘Be yourself’ in the interview. Don’t be yourself. That’s the worst advice ever. We don’t want people who are neurotic and quirky and whatever else. All we care about is your skill and experience.” –Laurie Ruettimann, HR consultant and speaker in Raleigh, N.C.

7. “You’re right to be paranoid. The company is always watching you, and there’s a record of everything you do: every phone call, every text, every tweet and instant message. At most companies, they save that data forever.” –Laurie Ruettimann, HR consultant and speaker in Raleigh, N.C

8. “I was asked by one CEO to hire the long-legged girl with the long dark hair even though she didn’t have the right skills. Another time, I was instructed not to hire anyone with children because the company had too many people leaving for soccer games. That kind of thing happens all the time.” –Cynthia Shapiro

9. “I know many of you met your former spouse at the company. But the thing is, for every one of you, there are five people it doesn’t work out as well for. And your office romance can and will be held against you.” –Kris Dunn, chief human resources officer at Atlanta-based Kinetix who blogs at HRcapitalist.com.

10. “Many people think, ‘If I work extra hard, I’m going to get noticed.’ But it doesn’t work that way. If you want to advance, some of the responsibility falls on you to toot your own horn. Make sure your supervisor and your supervisor’s supervisor are well of aware of what you’re contributing.” –Michael Slade, HR director at Eric Mower and Associates, an integrated marketing communications agency.

11. “I know a lot more about you when you walk in the door than you realize. I’ll search for you on the web and often use my own personal network to do a pre-interview reference check.” –Senior HR Executive in New York City

12. “Generally speaking, you only put someone on paid leave if you’re pretty certain that they might be terminated from the company once you do your investigation.” –Kris Dunn

13. “Never accept the job immediately. Say you need to think about it overnight. Once you sign on the dotted line there’s no room for negotiation.” –A human resources professional in New York City

14. “If you get fired, don’t just stomp out and go on with your life. The company may be willing to give you some severance, especially if you can point to someone different from you who didn’t get as severe a punishment. Just saying, ‘Well, I talked to my attorney’ (even if you don’t have an attorney) can also give you some leverage.’” –Suzanne Lucas, a former HR executive and the “Evil HR lady” on bnet.com

15. “If we ask ‘What salary are you looking for?’ say you’re flexible, or say it depends on the responsibilities of the job. Try not to name a salary unless we really push you, because that gives us a leg up in the negotiating.” –A human resources professional in New York City

16. “I’ve always hated the big United Way drive at work. Not because of the United Way. Great organization. Because of the smell of solicitation in the air, and because we are usually in the middle of it.” –Kris Dunn

17. “Companies do have black lists. It’s not written down anywhere but it’s a list of people they’d be happy to get rid of if the opportunity arises. If you feel invisible, if you’re getting bad assignments, if your boss is ignoring you, or if they move your office, you’re probably on it.” –Cynthia Shapiro

18. “I may say ‘I’m terminating you because you didn’t meet performance measures.’ I’m not going to say it’s because you’re a pain in the butt and piss people off every time you interact with them.’” –HR Manager at a healthcare facility

19. “I once had someone send me Forget-me-not seeds with their thank you note. Yes, thank me for taking the time, that’s great. But sending me seeds? That’s weird.” –Sharlyn Lauby, human resources consultant in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

20. “Don’t lie about your salary. Ever. Even if your employer doesn’t tell us (and most do), we’ll find out eventually. I’ve terminated two people for doing that.” –A human resources professional in New York City

21. “One time a candidate sent – I love this – a thank you card with a professional picture of herself, which quite honestly became the running joke for weeks. The picture was blown up and posted in my office with hearts drawn around it.” –HR director at a financial services firm

22. “Don’t ever tell me that you have to have this job because you’re going to lose your house, your kids have nothing to eat, your mother has cancer. Companies aren’t a charity.” –Suzanne Lucas

23. “Networking does not mean using Facebook or Linked In. It means going to events, getting your face in front of people and setting up informational interviews.” –A human resources professional in New York City

24. “We get résumés on fancy schmantzy papers. We get them with gold-pressed lettering. We get them in binders and in document protectors with ribbons. None of that sways me.” –HR Manager in St. Cloud, Minnesota

25. “98 percent of the résumés we receive when we post a position on a big jobs site like hotjobs, monster or careerbuilder are junk, people who are nowhere near qualified. We’ll get a guy who’s a bar manager applying for a director of public affairs position. Or a shoe salesman. That’s why we like posting jobs on websites that target specific industries.” –Michael Slade, HR director at Eric Mower and Associates, an integrated marketing communications agency.

26. “Your job isn’t safe just because you’re pregnant or a new mom. Lots of people get pink slips while they’re on maternity leave. Companies can do it as part of a larger layoff, include you in there and create a justification for it.” –Cynthia Shapiro

27. “Some companies do everybody’s raises on their anniversary dates. I’m not a fan of that because if the budget comes out in January, those poor people hired in December get, ‘Oh sorry, we’d like to give you more but we gave a huge increase to Bob so you’re just going to get 2 percent.’” –Suzanne Lucas

28. “I don’t lay people off at the end of the day because I think it’s rotten to get a whole workday out of someone, then lay them off. I always lay them off in the morning.” –A human resources professional in New York City

29. “I had somebody list their prison time as a job. And an exotic dancer who called herself a ‘customer service representative.’ ” –Sharlyn Lauby, human resources consultant in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

30. “It doesn’t take 40 hours a week to look for a job. So if you’re unemployed, do something: take classes, meet people, go to industry meetings, start a blog, read a book a week. Just don’t sit on the couch and eat Doritos.” –Ben Eubanks, HR professional in Alabama

31. “My Linked In profile is for myself, a way for me to find another job. It’s not a way to find a job with me.” –A human resources professional in New York City

32. “In interviews, everyone works well with others, and everyone learns quickly. Please tell me something else.” –HR manager in St. Cloud, Minn.

33. “I’ve seen managers not hire a woman because the environment is mostly male, and they’re worried that no matter how smart or talented she is, she won’t fit in.” –HR representative at a Fortune 500 financial services firm

34. “If it’s been a week or two and I tell you ‘I don’t have an update yet,’ that often means there’s a better candidate we’re talking to, but we can’t tell you that in case they decide not to take the job.” –Recruiting consultant Rich DeMatteo. Philadelphia, Pa.

35. “If you call to check on the status of your résumé and I ask, ‘What job did you apply for?’’ If you don’t know, you’re done.” –HR professional at a mid-sized firm in North Carolina

36. “When we had someone go out on disability and we knew he was faking it, we didn’t want to go to court to prove it. So we put him on the end of the assembly line in a job where we knew he wouldn’t succeed. Eventually, we were able to fire him.” –HR pro at a mid-level staffing firm

37. “I have better things to do than deal with who slept with who, or who’s talking about you behind your back. Sometimes I feel like a high school guidance counselor.” –HR professional at a mid-sized firm in North Carolina

38. “Yes, I have access to everyone’s salary but I don’t look unless I have to. There’s nothing worse than having to reprimand someone, and then seeing they make $60,000 more than me.” –HR professional at a midsize firm in North Carolina

39. “Don’t stalk me.” –A human resources professional in New York City. ***

Title : 39 More Secrets Your HRD Person Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Career, Jobs, Tips, Things They Won't Tell You

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Via : Michelle Crouch, Reader's Digest

Things Your Jeweler Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T21:27:00.000+07:00

1. Want your ring to look better than rings that are far more valuable? There’s a simple formula: Keep it clean. A clean imperfect diamond is much more attractive than a dirty flawless one.

2. People tend to think that stores that do a lot of volume can give you the best price, but the reality is that the markups at national chains are often a lot higher than the markups at independent jewelry stores. Always check and compare.

3. If you’re paying big bucks for a diamond, always get a certification report from a major lab such as the GIA or AGS.

4. To cope in this economy, a lot of jewelers have transformed themselves into buyers of scrap gold because it’s a way to make quick money. But many have let their merchandise selection slip as a result.

5. Sure, there may be some jewelers who don’t tell their customers the diamond they’re buying is fracture filled. But there are also a lot of husbands and boyfriends out there who don’t tell their loved one that the diamond they’re getting is fracture filled. The woman brings it to me to clean or alter it, all the filling comes out—and I’m the one left in the lurch.

6. If you’re buying something expensive, ask your jeweler to put the details of your piece in writing on the sales receipt. Then take it to a gemologist appraiser who holds a respected credential (MGA, CGA, or CMA). Never deal with a jeweler who doesn’t have a generous return policy.

7. If I tell you your diamond has been “clarity enhanced,” it basically means it had fractures that we filled with glass.

8. Don’t buy a piece of jewelry, then return it with the smell of perfume all over it and say, “My wife didn’t like it.” At least clean it first.

9. If you have a ring that was passed on, but it’s not to your taste, bring it in and have me take the stones out, rearrange it, put it in a new setting. Don’t let it just sit in your jewelry box.

10. Before you complain about your birthstone, find out whether it comes in other colors. Most do. November’s topaz, for example, can be blue, yellow, green, purple, or pink.

11. Just because a stone is a genuine diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald doesn’t mean it’s valuable. I can show you some that aren’t worth 50 cents a carat because they’re cloudy or dull, but I can still sell them to you for a big profit.

12. The biggest trend in jewelry right now? Sterling silver jewelry mixed with gold accents. Because gold and platinum prices are so high, we’re selling a lot more silver. Get a polishing cloth to keep it from tarnishing.

Sources: John Henne, president of Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clayton Bromberg, president and CEO of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, Florida; Antoinette Matlins, author of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide; and gemologist Renée Newman, author of Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide.***

Title : Things Your Jeweler Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Tips, Things They Won't Tell You

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Via : Michelle Crouch, Reader's Digest

Things Your Wedding Planner Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T20:55:00.000+07:00

Things Your Wedding Planner Won’t Tell You

It’s easy to think of Jennifer Lopez’s role in The Wedding Planner when hearing about people who plan weddings. Here, planners and pros from across the country pull back the curtain on what it takes to make dreams come true on a couple’s big day.

The second the ring goes on the finger, commonsense goes out the door.

This is a full time job, but on the big day we are steaming the bridal gown, pinning boutonnieres, making sure that the timelines are being met, making sure there are no spots on the glasses or silverware, allowing gum to be spit out in our hands before the ceremony, dealing with any situations that arise, and the list goes on!

I feel like a therapist when I am forced to step in to help with family drama. My insight is to be polite and respectful. Often, meddlesome people just want to be heard out. Since I’m an independent third party, I’m able to bring neutrality to emotionally charged situations.

Sisters are tough to work with. Often the Maid of Honor takes her role very seriously and doesn’t trust my capabilities. I take it in stride but have sometimes been forced to take sisters aside. By the end of the night, we’re friends!

If I’m doing my job right you don’t end up with Bridezillas.

Make sure the things you spend money on can be reused. Don’t have bride and groom etched on your flutes and toasting glasses. The same rule applies to serving pieces. If you must get something engraved, make it your initials, and then you have an heirloom.

Some things will not go perfectly. We’ll do our best to fix mistakes without you knowing and bill you later at our discretion.

I do a lot of out of town work and am sometimes away for days at a time. People interested in being a wedding planner often don’t take that into consideration.

While occasionally glamorous, the reality of this career is you need to be a business person, a therapist, an artist, a mediator, and a psychic!

I’ll make sure everything you’re offered is in the contract. If the first manager you work with offers you a complimentary toast, get it in writing. If that manager leaves for whatever reason, you won’t be forced to argue about these details with his or her replacement.

We are quick on our feet. I had a situation once where the florist forgot one of the Bridesmaids bouquets. Within minutes I had one ready for her by gathering some flowers from the centerpiece arrangements and ribbon that I had in my emergency kit.

Stay focused on the big picture. It’s easy to micromanage all of the details at the expense of the big picture. As long as people marry for the right reasons, the details of wedding planning are really secondary. Don’t make decisions to please or impress others.

My job is to make sure you don’t have a big overage, but many caterers will fix 5% more than what’s guaranteed. While the buffet food can’t be salvaged, what’s leftover in the kitchen can. Ask your catering manager to send the extra food to a food bank.

You get what you pay for. The biggest mistake you can make is choosing the cheapest vendors in the hopes of saving money. Really research your vendors, because you truly get what you pay for.

I wish you’d respond to my emails as quickly as you expect me to reply to yours.

So the resort says you can’t use an outside vendor? If you have your heart set on a particular photographer, consult the resort specialist about having a “friend” take your photos. Offer to pay for your photographer/friend’s flight and accommodations. Many will be eager to build their portfolios with destination shots and won’t charge you as much as they do traditional clients.

Reuse flowers from ceremony to reception if at all possible. If you’re planning to do this, tell your florist, otherwise your flowers may arrive one-dimensional, and won’t look as nice in an open space.

If you’ve been engaged for a week and your wedding planning organizer is thicker than mine (which usually contains paperwork for the five or six weddings I’m currently planning,) then I automatically tell you that I’m booked on your date… and your backup date.

Do you really want to do this? Sometimes I get a gut feeling about a couple and really want to say head to counseling or put the wedding on hold. ***

Title : Things Your Wedding Planner Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Tips, Things They Won't Tell You, Fascinating Facts

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Study Reveals Three Key Factors for Job Seeker Success

2011-07-22T20:39:00.000+07:00

Study Reveals Three Key Factors
for Job Seeker Success

The reasons behind America's yawning job gap are numerous. Beyond increases in productivity, which have reduced the number of workers needed to produce goods and services, the recent recession has made employers reluctant to hire until they're sure the economy is on solid footing.

Adding to job seekers' frustration is that employers today are pickier than ever, requiring skills and talents their businesses demand but seemingly fewer workers possess.

But that doesn't mean there's little hope for the long-term unemployed or those looking to get out of a dead-end job. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified three factors they say enable job applicants to get an edge in their job search and help them succeed in their careers.

Citing a dozen years of research into employer preferences, sociologist Mary Walshok and two colleagues found that employers consistently seek all three factors when considering applicants, though many job seekers aren't aware of the process. The researchers detailed their findings in the new book, "Closing America's Job Gap," published earlier this year.

Factor 1: Ability to Learn

Chief among the factors, the study found, was a need for applicants to prove they have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to perform a job or at least learn how to do it.

"Employers perceived that the nimbleness of their organization and the rapidly changing marketplace required them to have employees who could adapt and change with the marketplace," Walshok says. Though direct experience is relevant, it wasn't viewed as important as a proven ability to adapt and perform in new circumstances.

Factor 2: Dependability

Secondly, the study findings showed that employers wanted evidence that potential employees be counted on to show up to work daily and be ready to perform their duties. Job seekers rarely address this concern during the interview, failing to note past attendance records or recently completed training or certification that provide employers with insight into potential employees' dependability.

Employers are aware that illness and other concerns can cause attendance issues that can be costly through lost productivity and increased workloads on other workers. Businesses seek to combat the known costs of poor attendance by hiring prospects with great attendance records, the research says.

Factor 3: Punctuality

Lastly, employers want to know that potential employees will be on time. Habitual lateness, even for meetings, was viewed as disrespectful, the study found. To that end, job seekers needed to demonstrate to potential employers a track record of being on time.

"Employers in the U.S. expect and want their employees to be on time, despite what other cultures and traditions may dictate," Walshok says. "Chronic lateness has been shown to cost employers billions of dollars." ***

Title : Study Reveals Three Key Factors for Job Seeker Success
Keywords : Career, Jobs, Tips

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21 Things and more a Burglar Won’t Tell You

2011-07-22T20:34:00.002+07:00

1. Of course I look familiar.

I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom.

When I was working in your yard last week, you let me in. While I was there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste.

And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway.

And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. Virgin snow drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.

6. Is there decorative glass on your front entrance?

Don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink.

And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. We're not afraid of getting wet.

It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first.

If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer?

I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint:

I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. Safes aren't always secure.

You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.

If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard.

Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most:

Loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise.

If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

17. Your alarm only works if it's on.

I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows.

I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page.

It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

20. Lock your windows.

To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

21. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door.

Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job. Reader's Digest***

Title : 21 Things and more a Burglar Won’t Tell You
Keywords : Tips, Things They Don't Tell You, Fascinating Facts

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How To Prepare and Get Organized to Go Back to School

2011-07-21T18:55:00.000+07:00

Back to school

Going back to school after vacation can be one of the most trying ordeals of a young student’s life. If you’re that student, be encouraged by the fact that you could employ strategies to ensure that you’re adequately prepared to get back into the swing of things. The more prepared you are to go back to school, the better your chances of actually feeling excited about it. The key is to prepare as early as possible.

* Prepare your outfits. One of the best ways to get yourself excited to go back to school is to have around one or two new back-to-school outfits. If you have the budget for it, purchase new outfits, but do take advantage of back-to-school sales at your local mall. Another option is to “shop your closet”. That is, take about two hours (or more, if necessary) to rearrange your closet and mix and match items that you would never have ordinarily thought of putting together. This is an especially good idea if you’re interested in making a new image for yourself after the school break.

* Reclaim your study area. Chances are your study table has become either dusty due to disuse or swamped with non-academic items. It’s time to get your desk back in shape. The objective here is to consolidate all your school items back into your designated area for studying. Place all your books, notebooks, writing tools and electronic gadgets back onto your desk. It’s best that you arrange all your things horizontally (such as in between bookends) rather than vertically (in piles). This is one great tip for you to maintain the organization of your desk all throughout the school year.

* Take a look at your schedule. You may have forgotten how your class schedule looks like. Sit down and review your daily schedule. Look at your calendar for the month so you could remember any upcoming events, deadlines and obligations.

* Browse through your notes and books. If you’re going back to school after Christmas break, for example, it’s a good idea for you to review your notes from the previous months. Most of the time, teachers will lose no time getting their students back to their lesson, even if it’s just the first day after a mid-school year break. To get a head start, warm yourself up and review past lessons on your own.

* Have something to look forward to for school. Apart from the physical and cognitive preparations you make, it’s great if you prepare yourself emotionally as well. Think of an event that you are looking forward to in school. If you can’t think of any such an event, you could make one: schedule a lunch or after-school movie date with your closest classmates. Mark this event in your calendar. This way, every time you do a countdown towards the resumption of classes, you will also be counting down towards another, more highly-anticipated event.

The better prepared you are for getting back to school the more excited you will be at the prospect of it. That’s why it’s great if you can allot at least two days before school starts for this entire process. Good luck! ***

Title : How To Prepare and Get Organized to Go Back to School
Keywords : Class, Tips, Study

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How To Prepare for High School Finals

2011-07-21T18:42:00.000+07:00

High school final

High school prepares you for your college life and teaches you the skills you’ll need to succeed in the world. It’s a difficult time for many people, because the academic lessons can be quite challenging.

One of the more trying times of high school is how to survive finals week. This is the culmination of all the lessons learned throughout the semester. A battery of tests on all subjects is given, and you must be prepared to handle all of it in order to make the grade. Ample preparation is key so you can focus on your tests and ace it with flying colors.

* Pay attention throughout the semester. An exam is a test to check how well you have mastered a given subject and the concepts that have been taught. If you did not go to your classes, listen to the lectures, read the materials or study and take notes, you’ll have a verydifficult time passing your finals. The key to a successful finals week is to learn the lessons throughout the semester and the school year. It’s impossible to learn the entire course material in one night.

* Know the exam date and venue. Note down the dates of your exam so you can be prepared. This will help you prepare for the upcoming test. Study for the exams you will have first.

* Devote more time to the areas where you need more help. If you are good in history but have some difficulty in math, spend a little more extra study on the subject that you are weak in. This will let you pull up your grades where you need it most.

* Join a study group or get a tutor. A good study group can help you stay motivated. If you have weakness in a certain subject, your study group can help you since it’s sometimes easier to learn from a peer than from a teacher. Choose your study group carefully so you join one that is focused and intent on studying, rather than a group that uses the time to socialize and worry together.

* Develop effective study skills. Learn how to manage your time properly and study effectively. Work with your strengths. Have discipline so you can prioritize your time. Stay focused on your academics so you’re not easily distracted by your extra curricular activities. If you treat your studies as important, you’ll devote the time necessary to make it a success.

* Keep yourself in good physical health. Take your multivitamins to stay healthy. If you’re putting in late nights, take anti-oxidants. Lecithin supplements have also been shown to improve memory. This way, you’ll be in the best of health to take your exams.

* Avoid emotional issues. Exam week is not the time to break up with your girlfriend or think about your parent’s divorce. Your priority is to do well in school. Channel all your energies into effective studying.

* Do mental preparation. Give yourself a pep talk so you’ll have confidence and not let your fears get the better of you. Imagine yourself acing your exam. Accompany this with the right level of diligent studying.

On exam day, don’t cram or you’ll have a mental block. Go to school early and be on time for your exams. Bring your pen or pencil and leave your study materials behind. Focus on each question and develop a strategy so you have ample time to finish the exam in the allotted time. Final exams make up about 30 percent of your final grade. Do well throughout the semester so your life doesn’t hang on the balance come exam week. ***

Title : How To Prepare for High School Finals
Keywords : Class, Tips, Study

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How To Write an Effective Reflective Essay

2011-07-21T18:22:00.000+07:00

Writing an essay

A reflective essay is a written work where you reflect, think and assess certain events and experiences from your own personal point of view. It is, in essence, a narrative of any happening in your life or community that may have affected you in certain ways. The objective of writing this literary work is to create new impressions on the audience based on your individual analysis. It is not easy to write a reflective essay because at the back of the writer’s mind, is the desire to appear convincing, believable and authentic to the readers. Of course the writer cannot force his reflections to people but at least the hope remains that in one way or the other, his reflective essay is read and understood.

If you want to come up with an effective reflective essay, read these tips:

* Decide what events or aspects in life you want to write about. Your topic is the springboard from which you shall start your essay. Think of a theme that truly touches your heart and challenges your mind. Develop your essay from here on.

* Construct your lead sentence. The lead sentence is the first sentence in your essay. It should be able to attract the attention of the readers. Make sure this sentence is woven creatively. You can actually have a one-word opening sentence as long as it is strong enough to stir the readers’ curiosity. You may use a known phrase related to the topic, a question or a statement of fact. Whichever technique you choose, make sure they are in conjunction with the idea of the whole essay.

* Illustrate or draw your thoughts with pen and paper. Chart the main topic, the events surrounding it and cap it with your reflections. You may ask someone to discuss the plan so you can draw suggestions and impressions from him.

* Get ready with supporting facts. You cannot invent what you write down. They should be factual and realistic. Although you may deal with experiences on ghosts and supernatural beings, you still need to boost your claims with actual information and details.

* Choose only the vital points from your map. No matter how detailed and factual your chart is, you cannot include everything in the essay. Hence, you need to really sit down and analyze your thought map and pick out only those that can help you weave an effective reflective essay.

* Provide a personal aspect on the topic you are discussing. If, for instance, you write about global economic crisis, point out your own experiences on financial difficulties and your family’s coping mechanisms to overcome the prevailing monetary shortage.

* Conclude your work with a reflective question or statement. This is the part where you will enjoin the readers to be analytical and critical about the topic. Leave a challenge for the readers to reflect on to make them want to read the essay again or look forward to more written articles under your authorship.

* Edit your essay to make it seamless and unified. Make use of conjunctions to join phrases and sentences together. Blend the ideas and make sure the sentences flow smoothly for an easy read.

Bear in mind that a reflective essay must be devoid of feelings. It should appeal to the intellect not on emotion. Though sentiments are included, they must be presented only to give more enlightenment on the topic and not really to trigger drama or spectacle. ***

Title : How To Write an Effective Reflective Essay
Keywords : Class, Tips, Study

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How To Survive Calculus

2011-07-21T17:51:00.000+07:00

A Girl solving Calculus in front of class

Because it involves lots of algebraic and trigonometric computations, Calculus is one of the most difficult branches of Math. If they could, students would have liked to avoid this subject altogether. Calculus, however, is often unavoidable. If you are about to take Calculus, you must understand that the best thing to do is to prepare yourself for the subject. Below are some tips.

1. Stay focused.

Focus is very important in learning Calculus. Without which, it is nearly impossible to master the subject. Sometimes, however, focusing is a very challenging to do, whether you are in class or doing your homework alone in your room. If you are having difficulty with focusing, try doing some exercises until you can keep your mind on the subject without wandering after every few seconds.

2. Never skip a class.

Yes, attendance is of utmost importance. A new lesson is introduced each day, which is usually connected to the previous and future lessons. Remember, Calculus lessons are intertwined which is why missing just one class will get you so far behind. If you need to skip a class, make sure to make up by borrowing notes from a classmate or asking someone to fill you in on the lesson. Do not go to class without studying the previous lesson; otherwise, you won’t fully understand the present.

3. Practice a lot.

You can’t master the concepts behind Calculus without practicing them over and over. Remember, practice establishes familiarity, and familiarity leads to mastery. Practicing shouldn’t only be done in class but should also extend outside of the school. It will be best if you spend at least two hours of self-studying and work on different problems everyday. Take this time to spot and strengthen your weak points so that you can perform better in class and during exams.

4. Join a study group.

Better yet, build one on yourself. Meet with some of your classmates who share the same goal to do well in Calculus. It doesn’t have to be a big group. You can meet with two to three people on a regular basis to review what you have learned from school. You can do some solvingexercises or study for an exam. Meeting with a study group gives you an opportunity to learn without being exposed to the innate pressure of a classroom.

5. Make notes.

Have a big notebook where you will write all the techniques, tips, and strategies your teacher will give you. Make sure to review the notes when you get home and apply them to the problems you are solving on your own.

6. Have supplementary references and resources.

Your textbooks will bring you far along, especially if you study them diligently. But if you find that your textbooks are not enough, then by all means get additional resources. Ask your teacher for recommendations and try to look Calculus materials in your library. You can also search the Internet.

Study very well. Unless you have some kind of a super power, you will never get through Calculus without studying long and hard. Take advantage of all the assistance that you can get from your teacher, classmates, books, and other resource materials. And, make sure to have a structured study schedule. ***

Title : How To Survive Calculus
Keywords : Tips, Class, Study

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Choosing a Good High School Education

2011-07-21T17:28:00.000+07:00

Choosing a Good High School Education

As a parent one of the most important things you can do is make the right educational choices for your children. It is necessary to ensure your children are able to go to a good high school with a qualified and motivated staff that will see to all the needs your children have while in school.

Unfortunately, not all schools are filled with excellent teachers and principals. This is why it is up to you to determine where your child needs to become educated, be it in a public or private school. Get tips to help you research school information and learn how to choose the best high school education foryour child.

1. Begin your search for a good high school early.

If your child is in elementary school it's not too soon to start looking for a good high school. It could take some time to find the right school and this is not a decision where you should be rushing. You need to have time to visit the school and speak with the staff so you know you are gettingyour child into a good high school. If you are choosing a public school and do not wish to move to their area, you will need to learn about the special out-of-district arrangements that need to be made in your state. You may need to arrange for proper payment arrangements if your state makes your pay tuition to high schools not in your home district.

2. Decide between public and private school.

Good schools come in both private and public schools. You do not have to choose a private school to see that your child gets a good high school education. However, this may be the route that you have always intended to go. If you are unsatisfied with the quality of public schools,your child has special needs, or for whatever other reasons you may have then you may want to check out a private school. If you choose a private institution, your first decision will need to be whether you wish to send them to a religious or secular high school. Once you have made the decision between public or private and religious or secular, you can move on to looking at the individual school. There are plenty of online search tools that will help you find the top rated high schools in your area. GreatSchools.net is a helpful online Smiling high school student resource for choosing a good high school, as is the Private School Review if you want to find a good private high school.

3. Take a serious look at the school's academic record.

The most important part of picking a good high school is going to revolve around the academics. Is the high school willing to sit down and go over the basic and in-depth curriculum they provide with you? Will they answer your questions and let you see a basic homework schedule for the average student in their school? If there have been cutbacks in the schools funding, as many schools are now facing, how is that affecting their curriculum? Do the teachers use additional books and resources beyond the main text or isyour child going to be learning from one set book per subject? These are all going to be important things to find out. If the school is unwilling or unable to answer your questions about academics, you may conclude it's the wrong school for you.

4. How are the attitudes of the professionals?

You are going to want your child to be in a high school where the professionals have a pleasant and helpful attitude. If they do not want to be bothered then you need to consider the needs ofyour child and continue to look for another school. The attitude that the school professionals give to you and your child will also affect the way that your child learns or perceives the learning experience. It is important for them to be around helpful, supportive, upbeat professionals that love their jobs because this will helpyour child to love learning with them.

5. Does the high school cater to all kinds of children?

No two children are ever going to be the same. The simple truth is that everyone learns differently. Of course, you cannot expect a high school to have a set curriculum for each child but you can hope that they respect all learning styles and do not attempt to fit all children into one box. Ifyour child is advanced or has trouble in certain areas you should pay special attention to the programs that the high school has set in place for both advanced and learning or emotionally disabled children. It is important to see thatyour child is treated fairly and that learning is fostered no matter what the situation.

6. How are the career and college services?

At some point your child will deal with a high school's career and college services department, so you will want to speak to them too. You need to determine how helpful and knowledgeable they are. Does the high school offer extensive help in finding part-time jobs while in school? Are they going to offer plenty of guidance on various colleges? Will they be able to answer specific college questions thatyour child may ask? How much information do they have on different colleges? Make sure they do not focus on just a few local colleges, but instead have information on many colleges throughout the country.

7. What extracurricular activities does the school have?

You should encourage your child to become involved in sports and other activities because these are things that will not only promote socialization, but will also look good onyour child 's college applications. Does the high school have an excellent sports program? How are the non-sport activities for children that are not good in sports? A school that has spirit and offers a lot to do is going to be a good high school foryour child to attend. The more activities, events, and interest they take in their education, the better.

8. What do you notice about the other children going there?

Socialization is going to be important. Of course, this means you are going to want your child going to a good high school that is safe and that has other children that you feel are being raised in a proper manner. No one wants their child going through a metal detector to get into their high school so you should consider the other children and the school's location, in addition to all the other mentioned issues. How do the media perceive the school? Have there been issues with fights or violence that worry you? When you visit the high school, how have the students acted or reacted in your presence? This is one of the most important things because, when dealing with peer pressure,your child may do things that these other children want them to do.

Good luck finding the best high schools for your child. Remember, this may take time so have patience. ***

Title : Choosing a Good High School Education
Keywords : Parenting, School, Tips

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How to Choose Between Private and Public School

2011-07-21T16:27:00.001+07:00

How to Choose Between Private and Public School

Choosing the appropriate school for your child is one of the most important parenting decisions you make. Deciding between private and public schools can be difficult, but with a little introspection and research, you can make the best schooling choice for your child.

1. Consider your family's values and goals. Ideally, you want any school setting to reinforce the ideals you try to teach your children at home. Figure out what values are most important to you as a parent, and determine whether private or public school situation best fits the culture of your family.

2. Research each school's academic reputation and college prep. Look at findings all the way up through graduation rates and college acceptance statistics, even if your child is quite young. The foundation your child receives early on proves vital to future opportunities, so make sure the school system's early work plays out well as students graduate and move on.

3. Factor in safety. Unsafe schools are less likely to offer good academic and extracurricular programs, but even if an unsafe school were excellent, it probably isn't worth sending your child there. Make sure your child can feel comfortable and safe in the school setting by checking out the building, the teachers, the policies and the reputation for safety before making your final decision.

4. Count the cost. Remember that if you have enough disposable income, you can supplement your child's education through family trips and outings. If your family is constantly strapped for cash, an expensive private education might prove too stressful or might require one or both parents to be absent more than desirable. Figure out price factors and look into financial aid options as you make your decision.

5. Decide if and how you want your child to receive religious instruction. You can teach your child at home, use after-school and weekend programs or choose a private school that is religiously oriented. Determine what works best for your family and your child, and select a school that can best fit your desires.

6. Remember that no schooling situation is perfect. Teachers and school systems simply can't meet every need of any child. Set your priorities and stay active within your child's life and education, and chances are you can set your child up for success in either a private or a public school setting. ***

Title : How to Choose Between Private and Public School
Keywords : Tips, Parenting, School

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How to Choose the Best Elementary School

2011-07-21T16:05:00.001+07:00

How to Choose the Best Elementary School

Public, private or parochial? Montessori or Waldorf? Parents have more educational choices than ever, which is both wonderful and overwhelming. How do you pick a school that helps your child thrive--and that meshes with your educational values? Once you've found the ideal school for your child, all you have to do is get him or her in. As many parents will tell you, this is no easy task.

Selecting the best school

1. Take a good look at your child's temperament, personality and learning style. You want to find a school, public or private, that builds on his or her strengths. When considering the issue of class size, take into account whether your child is more naturally comfortable in large or small groups.

2. Explore various educational philosophies. Montessori schools, for instance, encourage students to pursue their own interests, while Waldorf schools integrate arts into the curriculum but frown on using computers and television.

3. Visit schools and talk to teachers, administrators and other parents about that school's academic emphasis. If the curriculum is strong in science but not in art, you may wish to look elsewhere for a school that suits your budding Picasso.

4. Get a written description of the academic goals for each grade. If they're not written out, they may not be sufficiently well developed. Evaluate whether the curriculum will challenge your child. Dig a little deeper into the curriculum and teaching style. Some teachers use broad themes on one topic (dinosaurs, the solar system) to teach lessons in math, science, art and so on. Are students actively engaged in what they're learning? What kind of student work is displayed in halls and classrooms?

5. Look for challenging enrichment programs that encourage creativity and stimulate development such as art, dance, science, music and bilingual language programs.

6. Investigate how well students are doing academically. How does the school measure their progress, and how do they perform on standardized tests? Your school system should publicize each school's test results.

7. Ask what the student-teacher ratio is. Also find out about what kind of help the teachers get in the classroom in terms of the number of aides and parent volunteers.

8. Learn what services are available if your child has a learning disability or other special needs. Investigate the special-education staff, opportunities for individualized attention and the policy on mainstreaming in the regular classroom.

9. Ask about family involvement in the school. Schools, often beset by draconian budget cuts, welcome and encourage parent involvement. Find out how much volunteer time is expected and decide if you have that time to give. If you're working full-time, explore other ways besides classroom time that you can volunteer such as write the newsletter and serve on the PTA.

10. Take a look at the condition of the playground, library, classrooms and bathrooms. Is this a place you'd like your child to go to school? Is it a stimulating and creative environment?

11. Step back from the political debate if you're having a difficult time choosing between private and public schools. There's no questioning the value of public education. It is also clear, however, that safety concerns, spiraling class sizes and diminishing resources all detract from a child's education even when the level of teaching and quality of curriculum is very good. The situation is highly variable from district to district and will remain so as long as school funding is tied to property taxes. ***

Title : How to Choose the Best Elementary School
Keywords : Tips, Parenting, School

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Via : eHow

Three Things That Make You Irresistible to Employers

2011-07-19T17:37:00.000+07:00

Three Things That Make You
Irresistible to Employers

In a tight market, every job seeker needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd. What separates the great from the good and makes a particular candidate too irresistible to pass up? Often, it is one of these three things:

1. Ability to prove worth

It is one thing to call yourself an outstanding communicator or an effective leader. It is another to back those claims with proof. Employers want to know what you'd bring to the table if hired.

"Candidates who can provide real, tangible examples of successes at their current and past jobs certainly stand out," say Western Union's Chris Brabec, director of leadership vice president of talent acquisition.

Alan Guinn, CEO of The Guinn Consultancy Group in Bristol, Tenn., agrees. "More and more of my clients simply aren't interested in questions like, 'If you were an animal, what would you be?' They are exponentially more interested in seeing if the candidate for a position understands the value that he or she brings to the employer when hired."

Guinn says that most applicants for commission-driven jobs know they can demonstrate competency and quantify value by discussing how they met quotas, exceeded sales objectives or searched out new clients. Candidates in other fields who are not accustomed to thinking this way may have more difficulty, but trying to do so may ultimately land them a job.

To come up with examples, it might help to examine your resume; and performance reviews. What have you accomplished that sets you apart from others? How can those achievements be applied to this job? Is there a way to quantify or explain results in terms of time or money saved, output or improvement?

It can be especially effective to search for instances that would be noteworthy for the specific position or employer. For example, since Western Union is a global company, a candidate who highlights his international experience would grab the attention of Brabec and Hopkins. Examining the job ad for keywords can offer clues as to what might be most significant.

2. More than a simple knowledge of the company

An acceptable candidate looks at the company's website before heading to the interview. An irresistible one learns more.

"To stand out, you need to show that your research was a mile deep and not an inch deep like most candidates," says Jim Langan, partner and manager of the investment and financial services division for Winter, Wyman -- one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. "You need to go above and beyond in your efforts to show that you understand this company inside and out."

Annual reports and financial statements can help. Likewise, check for any recent news events or press releases. Langan says these things also might be helpful to know about a company:

* Its motto or vision.
* Its products and what makes them stand out in the market.
* Its competitors.
* Its stock price.
* Its senior management and their history with the company. (Bonus points: If any of them have written a book or been quoted in a publication, see if you can mention that in the interview.)

3. Enthusiasm

If you've taken the time to demonstrate your worth and to do homework on the company, chances are you're well on your way to becoming the final thing an employer can't resist: an enthusiastic candidate.

How does enthusiasm shine through? "First and foremost, I believe, is the candidate's interest in the interview itself," Guinn says. "It's directly in proportion, I think, to how excited the candidate might be to be offered the job." He says the questions that enthusiastic candidates ask are not only about the job they would be doing but also about the job in the future. "They ask the interviewer how they may expand positional responsibilities. They demonstrate interest in upward mobility. They want to know who has moved up and why the position they are being interviewed for is vacant. They also are interested in how they will fit in with the group to which they are assigned." ***

Title : Three Things That Make You Irresistible to Employers
Keywords : Career, Jobs, Tips

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Via : Beth Braccio Hering, CareerBuilder

Is Job Happiness a Fairy-Tale?

2011-07-19T17:26:00.000+07:00

Is Job Happiness a Fairy-Tale?

Michael, a senior manager in his mid-thirties, has a secure job with a decent salary that enables him to comfortably support his wife and small daughter. When asked what he loves about his work, he responds: "I don't love anything about my work. It's just a job. Does anyone really love their job?"

Jon Gordon, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author, believes that everyone can and should not only love their job, but find passion, purpose and happiness in it as well. In fact, he's written a book about it, and although it's a work of fiction, he uses it as a parable to prove his point.

The book, called "The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work" (Wiley) is about Josh, an up and comer in his company who has lost his passion at work. His boss, who has noticed Josh's apathy and poor performance, challenges Josh to take two weeks to decide if he really wants to work there.

Josh then heads to the country, where he meets a farmer who hands Josh a seed and tells him that when he discovers the right place to plant the seed his purpose will be revealed to him.

It may sound like a Jack and the Beanstalk fairy-tale, but Gordon hopes readers come away learning a few very important points about finding happiness in their work:

1. Focus on 'get to' instead of 'have to.'

While commuting to work, focus on what you "get to" do instead of what you "have to" do. Realize with gratitude that you don't 'have to' do anything. You 'get to' go to a job while so many are unemployed. Gratitude floods your body and brain with emotions that uplift and energize you, as opposed to stress hormones that drain you.

2. Don't expect your boss, co-workers and customers to make you happy.

Realize that happiness is an inside job. Our happiness has less to do with forces outside of us and more to do with what's inside of us. The way we think and feel about work influences our happiness at work. You'll also be happier when you focus on what you are giving instead of what you are getting.

3. Don't seek happiness.

If you want to be happier, don't seek happiness. Instead share your strengths and decide to work with passion and purpose, and happiness will find you. Research shows that people are most energized when they are using their strengths for a bigger purpose beyond themselves. Whatever your job, decide to bring passion to it and find purpose in it. Every job will get mundane and "old" if you let it, but purpose and passion keep it fresh and make you happier.

4. Focus on excellence instead of success.

When you focus on success you easily can fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, looking over your shoulder, feeling envious, playing office politics and competing against co-workers instead of collaborating. However, when you focus on excellence, you measure yourself against your own growth and potential. You strive to be the best you can be. You simply focus on getting better every day and this makes work more meaningful and rewarding.

5. Celebrate together.

While we shouldn't depend on others to make us happy, by building a positive team or support group at work, we will be happier. Instead of expecting others to make you happy, you proactively create the positive relationships that enhance your engagement, productivity and happiness. One great way to do this is to huddle with your team/group at the end of the week and have each person share their accomplishments, victories and great moments of the week.***

Title : Is Job Happiness a Fairy-Tale?
Keywords : Career, Jobs

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Via : Lisa Johnson Mandell, AOL