Living Life Without Limits

iTunes and your Security Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:32:00 +0000

From the big chair, in the corner office.
Posted by Rick Irrgang.

As a public service to all Apple iTune users.
DO NOT EVER FORGET YOUR ANSWERS TO YOUR SECURITY QUESTIONS.
I recently installed a new hard drive and OS in my laptop a month ago.
Sunday I was attempting to purchase an Album on iTunes. At the point of check-out, iTunes asked me for the answers to two security questions. As the pop up stated, "seems you are making a first purchase on a new computer". Yes I was and yes.... they are that smart. I don't remember yesterday much less 5 years ago. Answers to what? Really?
Three days and 4.5 hours of being on hold and I finally got my security questions reset. There must be one lonely soul stuffed in a small cube somewhere in India that had to make the grand decision to allow this act of mercy and kindness to take place. I doubt the IRS has security this secure.
Rule number one: Make note of your answers and guard them with your life.
Rule number two: Keep your answers simple. One word, no caps. DON'T be cute.
Rule number three: Be sure to have a "rescue" email address in your iTunes profile. This will eliminate the tortuous 4.5 hours of being on hold.
Rule number four: Be happy you have an Android Phone, I am. :)
Rule number five: Do not waste your time on the web, trying to circumvent what will inevitable. You will be tortured resetting your security questions.
Cheers..... Happy Holidays

Could it be any easier?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Conversations From The Corner Office By Rick Irrgang
Star Date 03/02/2012
With the weekend approaching, you may of made plans. You may of because before you know it will be Monday morning ....... again. Some like them, some don't, I'm in the don't column. We've been working on a plan to eliminate this dislike of Monday mornings and it revolves around a simple and effective process called using and sharing. Like you would a great movie, dinner house, book, product no matter. Julia and I have been using and sharing for years with great success. It's a simple business model that any one can follow with very little help. We have been leaders in a business with Neways International for 7 years. During the worst of the worst recession that started in 2008, we've seen our industry grow by 30 plus percent. Why? People are taking control of their financial future by not depending on their J.O.B's to see them through. Playing it safe and not looking around at other opportunities is risky in today's market. I invite all that reads this blog to watch the video at the top of this page. It's called "The Four Year Career". What is says is so simple that you may wonder why you've never thought of it before. Julia and I would be honored to show you what we did to hedge our bet for the future. It may ring true for you too. You can check our website at www.livesafeandhealthy.net to learn even more. Have a super fine weekend. Let's do something together about those pesky Mondays. Cheers

Your Brain Is a Code Cracker

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner office
By Rick Irrgang

You might not realize it, but your brain is a code-cracking machine.

For emaxlpe, it deson’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod aepapr, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer are in the rghit pcale. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit pobelrm.

S1M1L4RLY, Y0UR M1ND 15 R34D1NG 7H15 4U70M471C4LLY W17H0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17.

If your brain can unscramble the above two paragraphs, I'm thinking it may be able to also crack the code of the power of leveraged passive income. An income from a business that once built can provide you and your family with a lifestyle that not many could rival for the rest of your life. As many of you know, Julia and I have been building a business we'll call plan "B" for the moment. Our plan "A" was taken away when the housing / economy crashed just a few short years ago. It cost us a house, a business and a retirement account we saved for, for over 20 years. Odd but true plan "B" never got hurt by this crisis. How? We simple do something everyday, that you do and you don't even know it. Think about that for a moment. Curious? I would be too! In a few days, I'll post again to lay out a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself from a plan "A" going away again. If you have already lost it, we may be able to help get it back.
Cheers from the corner office.

Mastering the Fundamentals

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office
11/02/2011
A re-post by Rick Irrgang

Hello to all of our dear followers of the blog. I came across a great article by a master of training and motivation, Michael Clouse. If you only pick up a few tips from this, it will be time well spent. Our profession, Network marketing, is one that can work for almost anyone who wants it to. Do you want it to? Are happy with your Job, your income, your amount of time off? We provide a simple and effective way for you to achieve your dreams and aspirations. Why not spend 10 minutes to enjoy the following article. I know I did, and am sure you will too!

Mastering The Fundamentals
by Michael S. Clouse

It happens, I get that, but I will never completely understand why... Why does someone suddenly appear to represent a Network Marketing Company and then disappear just as quickly as the colors of summer turn and then fade away?

What happened to them? Where did they go? Was it our fault they left us so swiftly? The flowers will return in the spring, but will those we've witnessed wither and die return in the subsequent season of life?

They probably didn't have a big enough dream. They probably didn't even understand what it was they were supposed to do. They probably were a little scared. But they told us they wanted, or perhaps even needed, their business to succeed. It was important to them...

And yet they're gone.

Did they return to the jobs they hated? Did they return to unrewarding careers? Did they give up on their future and settle for an even smaller fraction of the life they deserved? Too many questions rush though my mind as yet another year creeps ever closer to its conclusion...

So what about you? When this year draws to its inevitable conclusion just a few short weeks from now, where will we find you? Will you still be here, actively building your Network Marketing business and loving the life you live? Or will you have become another sad statistic somewhere along the highway of success?

True, how you chart your course is your choice. But remember that your direction, right or wrong, will still ultimately determine your destination. With so many distractions in life, is it any wonder that trying to stay on track is perhaps the most difficult thing we will ever do?

And yet after 27 years as a distributor, writer, and speaker, I've still witnessed far too many good people giving up on Network Marketing too soon. In part because they didn't believe; they didn't take the time to learn; and they didn't fundamentally understand that Network Marketing only works when we do.

But the story of those who quit doesn't need to be yours! If you want to succeed in Network Marketing, then go to work on mastering the fundamentals: build your belief in Network Marketing, improve your skills, and increase your activity. In other words, became a serious student. Learn how this business works. And promise yourself that you'll be here, still actively involved, a year from now!

All the best,

MSC

P.S. If you're ready to begin Mastering The Fundamentals, then this four hour audio training program perfect is for you! Here's why >>>

Mastering The Fundamentals by Michael S. Clouse

"Michael, nine years ago you personally gave me Mastering The Fundamentals on cassette tape which I still play in my car to this day! That audio program guided us into the Millionaires Club! Forever grateful." —Kevin Mack

© 2011 by Michael S. Clouse. All Rights Reserved.

About the author: In addition to over 50 published articles on the subject of Network Marketing, Michael S. Clouse is the author of numerous books and CD programs on the subject of Network Marketing. An internationally recognized Network Marketing expert, Michael is a well respected business consultant, personal success coach, and a dynamic educational speaker. His weekly newsletter is read by tens of thousands of Network Marketing Professionals around the world.

Building Trust, Admiration and Respect

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:33:00 +0000

From the Corner Office:
Re-posted by Rick Irrgang

Could there be a better way to say this than what one of the finest human beings on the planet did? I got this wonder email from Richard Brooke and thought it would be something everyone would love to read. Please enjoy this as much as I did. Read twice, three times maybe more. Make it part of you. You'll be a better you for doing so.
Cheers, from Rick

Building Trust, Admiration and Respect
Posted on Oct 20, 2011 05:00 am By Richard Brooke

In today’s world of over-selling, hype and fraud at the highest levels of our society, nothing could be more important to a sales person and business owner than building trust, admiration and respect with prospects, customers and associates. Most of us are in a highly suspect business to begin with. Network Marketing, to some people, does not spell value, honor and integrity. Yet to us, it does. So how do we bridge the gap and shine some light on what we see in our chosen profession?

Trust
Trust is obviously not given automatically. It must be earned. Too often, we take it for granted — either because we trust ourselves, trust others or fail to recognize in the moment how others may see our offer of financial gain. Trust is earned through what we say and what we do. In these actions we must become predictable and believable to others.

Predictable means that others must learn, based on what we say and do, and that we are consistent. For example, doing what we say we will do. Early in a relationship this can be as simple as showing up or calling on time; or following through completely on getting an answer to a question. Later, as people feel they know who we are and what we stand for, they expect to see us act according to that identity. This is called having integrity and it creates trust.

When you have the courage show people glimpses of your humanity, then what they get is you.

Believable means that people tend to believe what we say. In this sense, it is sometimes not the best idea to tell the whole truth. Perhaps you truly do earn $20,000 a month part time. Maybe it would continue to flow whether you worked it or not, making it worth $4 to $5 million. If who you are telling this truth to cannot fathom it, then you may be gaining in ego, but losing in trust. People need to be able to believe what you say — both in its content and, most importantly, how you say it. Sincerity can be faked. Authenticity cannot.

Authenticity is the real you. All of you — the good, bad and the ugly. When you have the courage to tell people not just all of your wonderfulness, but also show them glimpses of your humanity; then what they get is you. And even though you will not be perfect, people believe in the authenticity and humanity of others. Perhaps you do have an extraordinary income opportunity or product to sell and perhaps you have failed to execute it yourself at times or perhaps you sometimes feel your product is expensive. Give them the whole you and nothing but you. People trust that.

Admiration
As you might expect, a lot of admiration can be created from building trust. So the path gets shorter after building trust. Obviously, people admire others for what they have accomplished. You may or may not have that going for you at the moment. Accomplishments take time. What you can do right now to be admired will depend on who you are for others. What we mean by this is what you contribute to the people who might admire you. Here, the greatest tool at your disposal is listening.

Listening is an extraordinary gift that can be practiced by all of us, all the time. It is such a unique and extraordinary gift to others that when we give it they can be blown away by its impact on them, yet not know exactly what we did to have such an impact. Listening at this level has little to do with understanding the content of what someone says — although their name is worth remembering the first time they say it. Listening here is about hearing the source of their comments; hearing the emotion behind their conversation and the intent behind what they are telling you. More than anything in the world, human beings want and need to be heard, known, accepted and loved. When we are telling someone a story important to us, about us or just our opinion about something, we very much need for the listener to get it, to really understand what we are saying and why. This is often not found in the words being spoken, but rather in the energy of the speaker. A powerful listener will put their own desire and need to be heard, known and accepted on hold while they are fully focused and accepting of who is speaking and what is being said. This level of what we call Therapeutic Listening does actually heal people, as it is perhaps the first time since true love that someone listened to them in this way.

Respect
Respect flows with gaining trust and admiration. And the value of respect in this business is that people tend to follow those whom they respect. Trust alone is often not enough, nor is admiration. But with respect, people will often buy what you are selling and go where you are going.

On top of trust and admiration, you can gain respect with two powerful tools. One is your character. Having character in the eyes of others means they are clear about what your highest values are and understand that you honor those values. This is to know someone. If you know someone well enough to know that family, integrity, fun and leadership are the most important things to them — and you experience them living a life honoring those values — then they are seen as having character. Even people whose values we do not share have character. We may (if we embrace diversity) respect them, but choose not to follow them.

Courage is simply to see danger and act anyway (assuming it is in your best interest). Courage is sourced in your motivation and therefore is in such short supply that anyone seen as having courage is highly respected. To the degree you are self-motivated, you will demonstrate extraordinary courage. Courage, for example, to tell the truth responsibly; to talk to people you would not ordinarily talk to; to speak to groups; to make and honor commitments; and to ask others to hold you accountable. We tend to respect people who have the courage to do the things we are afraid to do. Courage builds respect.

In the Network Marketing profession, we are charged with the opportunity to sell products through a channel that is not always the norm for customers and to sell them on an income opportunity using a concept most are not looking for. It is not easy and it will not be done on your behalf without you having the trust, admiration and respect of those whom you need to build it with. Success comes in our business not to you but through you, based on who you can become for yourself — and for others. For a more direct, detailed message on how to follow your path to personal freedom, listen to my audio book Mach II With Your Hair On Fire.

– Richard

What's the Economy Doing For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Conversations from the corner office
By Rick Irrgang

The news surely has been interesting these days. Osama gone, gas prices up, house values low, jobs scarce. Our future? Uncertain. As we move in to the second half of 2011, I ask you. What has the economy done for you lately? If you are waiting for a hand out from the government, you may be waiting for some time. Many of our elected officials are busy with more important things. I mean really, spending time sending crotch shots to co-eds from your office congress has got to be more important than helping us, right? Worrying about taking care of the third world has got to take precedence over worrying about Americans. And those banks and auto companies, they really do need our money to stay in business. Any one that reads the news could write a book about all the wrong but let's focus on the right for a change.
What would it take, as an extra income, not to have to worry about the price of gas and food? Would taking your family on a much needed summer vacation interest you? Maybe some much need home repairs? The kids could use new school clothes maybe? Would an extra 2,3,5 or 7 hundred dollars in your mailbox each month help you out? By just transfer buying some of the products you already buy to your own business and recommending them to a few other people you care about, could create a second stream of income that would allow you to do some more of things that you may not be able to do now. The products I'm talking about are ones that you already buy at other stores. Personal care products, nutritional supplements, ladies cosmetics and even a few home cleaning items. Better yet, you'll be paid to use and recommend them. Julia and I have been helping people searching for some financial relief for years and we are reaching out again to provide some much needed answers about the financial well being of people just you and us. Please take the time to watch the short few videos here on our blog. They may just be the answer you've been waiting for.
.....Let's Create Amazing Lives, Together.
-Rick and Julia

Not Sure About Direct Selling? This CNBC Video May Help

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:55:00 +0000

Why Recession Proof Jobs are a Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:51:00 +0000

Conversations from the corner Office.
Re-Posted by Rick Irrgang 12.06.10.
It's so great to have friends refer me to great articles that I can share on our blog. Please enjoy this weeks post written by Rick Newman.

Why "Recession-Proof" Jobs Are a Myth
usnews

Rick Newman, On Tuesday November 30, 2010, 2:16 pm EST

When President Obama proposed a federal pay freeze recently, there must have been quite a few civil servants who thought, "Whoa! This isn't supposed to happen!"

[See 20 industries where jobs are coming back.]

In private firms, pay freezes have become as common as Post-It notes. But government jobs, you'll recall, are supposed to be "recession-proof" and far less susceptible to the strains of a weak economy. The government has never said that, exactly, but lots of career experts have, and if the compact was never overt it was at least well understood: Government jobs tend to come with lower pay and prestige, but with benefits and job security that make up for it.

No longer. As with so many other things, many of the old assumptions about safe jobs and stable careers have been shattered by the grueling economic transformation we're still in the middle of. Yet the ubiquitous lists of best careers and recession-proof jobs continue to propagate the phony idea that some lines of work are immune to economic stress. Here are some of the careers recommended by outfits like CareerBuilder, Forbes, Time, HR World, and Associated Content, along with the more sobering reality:

Education. Conventional wisdom: Education is indispensable and most teachers get their paychecks from state or local governments, which are less susceptible to recessions than private industry. Plus, most teachers belong to unions, which provide further protection against layoffs and pay cuts.

Reality: State and local governments are facing severe budget pressures and are starting to lay off teachers. Since 2008, for instance, the number of local teaching jobs has fallen by 157,000, according to the Labor Department. Plus, teachers' unions that refuse to accept pay and benefit cuts are increasingly seen as out of step with the rest of America, prompting a backlash in some areas that could lead to school consolidations and other recession-like moves.

[See 12 industries still losing jobs.]

Military. Conventional wisdom: We're still fighting two wars, terrorism is ever-present, and Congress always supports the military.

Reality: The huge federal debt has to be cut somehow, and the military is one of the biggest targets. One prominent proposal calls for freezing military pay, cutting benefits, and outsourcing many military jobs to contractors. As for Congress, it tends to support big weapons programs more than spending on troops. Plus, the Iraq deployment is winding down and a drawdown in Afghanistan is scheduled to begin next summer.

Public safety. Conventional wisdom: Police, firefighter, and federal law enforcement jobs will be the last to be cut.

Reality: Maybe so, but governments have now reached that point. Police and fire departments are now subject to the same pressures as other local government agencies, and cuts in the federal workforce seem inevitable as well, with every agency likely to give up something. Overall, state and local governments have cut 260,000 jobs this year alone, with more cuts likely in 2011 and 2012.

Utilities. Conventional wisdom: Everybody needs to keep the lights on and heat the house, plus most utilities are regulated, which keeps prices stable and helps smooth out ups and downs.

Reality: It's true that everybody needs energy, but Americans have cut back on virtually everything, including gas, electric, and water. Labor Department data shows a net loss of about 4,000 jobs in this industry since 2008, with steeper cuts in traditional power plants and minor gains at nuclear facilities.

[See why every worker needs new skills.]

Energy. Conventional wisdom: Energy is obviously a staple, so demand will stay strong in any economy, providing job security.

Reality: Energy is a volatile commodity subject to steep price swings. Energy demand has held up reasonably well over the last few years, with a net job increase in industries like oil and gas extraction. But anybody from Texas or Oklahoma can tell you that an energy bust can be brutal. And "green energy" remains a wild card that could flourish, taking jobs away from fossil-fuel industries, or peter out, leaving a bunch of shuttered startups where people were once hoping to find stable, high-paying jobs.

Accounting. Conventional wisdom: "Death and taxes are a sure thing," according to one job-advice site, which reasons that tough times ought to force companies and individuals to scour their finances more closely than usual, making more work for accountants.

Reality: There's a glut of unemployed accountants and bookkeepers right now, thanks to severe corporate cutbacks and weak revenue at small businesses. There are about 86,000 fewer accounting jobs now than there were three years ago.

Computers. Conventional wisdom: Companies are increasingly replacing people with processors, with no end in sight to the technology revolution.

Reality: With intense pressure to cut costs at most companies, lower-level IT jobs are being shipped overseas in droves; any job that can be done remotely by a lower-paid worker in India probably will be. The safer jobs involve systems engineering and proprietary software work, which requires a high degree of skill and tireless attention to new technology.

[See how the middle class is shrinking.]

Sales reps. Conventional wisdom: In a downturn, companies are likely to hold onto the sales reps who bring in desperately needed new business, while cutting support functions and other jobs that don't contribute to the bottom line.

Reality: Companies don't always do what's rational, and besides, sales reps don't add to the bottom line when potential customers hunker down and refuse to spend money. No wonder the economy has lost more than 400,000 sales jobs since 2008.

Federal government. Conventional wisdom: Uncle Sam doesn't have to please shareholders or customers, so it doesn't face the same budget pressures as private companies. Plus, many government jobs have union protection.

Reality: The federal government has been spending far more than it takes in for a decade, with the national debt ballooning and the day of reckoning drawing near. Voters have now made it clear they want a smaller government, and cutbacks in the federal workforce seem inevitable. One harbinger of coming cuts is the U.S. Postal Service, once thought to be recession-proof itself; its labor force has shrunk by 137,000 jobs since 2008.

To be fair to the job-advice sites guiding workers toward precarious fields, many of their recession-proof lists predate the 2007-2009 recession that proved them wrong. And a number of them are derived from a 2008 book that could not have anticipated the ravages of a downturn that destroyed more than 8 million jobs. Still, many of those outdated lists pop up high on a Google search for "recession-proof jobs," and readers don't always check the date when doing research on careers.

[See what could cause the next recession.]

Practically every list of recession-proof careers also includes a variety of medical jobs, from nurses and doctors to technicians and home health aides. That's valid, since the aging of America's population makes it inevitable that more people will need health care. And sure enough, healthcare has gained jobs in practically every sector over the last few years, despite the recession. But even in healthcare there are a lot of variables that could make jobs less appealing down the road. As more people flee declining industries and flock toward the few that are growing, a glut of qualified workers can develop, driving down pay and benefits. Healthcare reform could produce unexpected changes that make some jobs safer than others. And the complexity of healthcare, combined with relentless pressure to lower costs, is already leading doctors and other caregivers to report high levels of stress and low levels of satisfaction.

It might be distressing to think that no job is safe from recession, but in a fast-changing economy where old industries are displaced by new ones faster than ever, focusing on safety and stability may be the wrong way to pursue a rewarding career. There's mounting evidence that adaptable skills, creativity, and lifelong learning are the new determinants of success, with the biggest rewards going to people with multidisciplinary experience who can apply lessons learned in one field to another and accept the idea that they're likely to have two, three, or four careers, not just one. Cathy Farley of consulting firm Accenture says that as companies recover from the recession and start to hire again, they'll build a more agile workforce capable of responding to a wider variety of challenges. "Companies will organize themselves more flexibly," she says. "They'll look for people with the ability to adapt to different types of work."

[See 3 myths about disappearing prosperity.]

Companies built around a fixed set of skills, meanwhile, may not be hiring for a long time. Industries like manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, and even insurance are still losing jobs, more than a year after the recession officially ended, and many of those lost jobs may never return. A lot of workers in those fields, naturally, are trying to break into different lines of work that offer more stability. But the first move ought to be recession-proofing yourself, by building skills that will transcend the inevitable lurches in the economy. That way, you won't be caught flat-footed when the next pay freeze or technological transformation comes along.

The Power of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:12:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office.
Posted by Rick Irrgang
Good day to all of our friends and business partners. As we near the end of an other wonderfully prosperous year we must remind ourselves that we must be grateful for all we have. As many of you know, I quote many of the sayings and teachings of my mentor Richard Brooke. Today's post is a replay.........a replay for those who may of not read it last year..........a replay for those who may of read it and forgot the message......me included.
Enjoy today's post "The Power of Gratitude" by Richard Brooke

The Power of Gratitude
Posted By: Richard B. Brooke
Date Posted: November 17, 2010
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s an American tradition; the day we give thanks for all we have. Thanks for the things, the conditions and the people we may take completely for granted the other 364 days of the year.
What I love most about Thanksgiving is the purity of it.
Notice how we don’t buy each other gifts. You know, the gifts we must make sure are at least as good as the ones we think we will receive. The gifts we cannot afford. The gifts we end up paying for, many months after the holiday has passed.
Notice how it does not matter what religion we practice. Anyone can celebrate Thanksgiving. It is the holiday that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Kind of like how our forefathers envisioned us as a country.
Notice how there aren’t any goofball, make-believe characters that we have morphed into being the icon of Thanksgiving. Not even the turkey has taken on any meaning, other than food for our feast. Now I don’t have anything against Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. They are great fairy tales for kids. They just don’t have anything to do with Christianity, nor does spending billions of borrowed dollars to celebrate these characters.
Gratitude carries such amazing power. Gratitude instantly reshapes our over-amped ambitions, competitiveness and rat-race mentality. Gratitude heals many wounds and every relationship, when we give it a chance.
If you want to give someone a gift that will really make a difference — a gift that they will remember and likely keep forever — write them a letter about how much you appreciate them, love them and cherish them. Tell them the specific things they do and who they are that is such a gift to you. It is free, but priceless.
Today I am reminded of, and celebrate, those qualities of my life for which I am thankful. I share them with you here so that you will perhaps make a list of your own. Carry them in your heart all year, and all your years to come are guaranteed to be more peaceful, loving and abundant.
I am thankful for:
My health … for without it, nothing else matters much. This is the area of my life I still take for granted, and I do make improvements every year.
My lover, wife and life partner Christine … who inspires in me a love like I have only imagined. She makes me want to be a better man.
My friends … you know, the ones who do not have a vested interest in any conditions; they are just my friends. Period. No matter what, they are always there and always will be.
My experiences … some extraordinary, some frightful. Some I am happy to have out of the way, so I do not have to go through them in the future. They have given me great empathy, some wisdom, and have fed my infinite curiosity about life and people and places.
My financial freedom … which gives me so many things. Freedom to pursue my passions: flying, poker, real estate, personal development, exploring, business. The peace of mind that we will never be homeless, forced to take a meaningless job, or be in a position to not take care of each other.
My associates … so much of my freedom and peace of mind comes from the loyalty, gratitude and commitment of the people with whom I work: sales leaders; office staff; corporate leaders and customers. I vow never to take any of them or their efforts for granted, for without them … well, I would just have to start over. No fun.
My country … what extraordinary good fortune for most of us that we live in Canada or the U.S. As selfish, immature and twisted as some of our country’s political, business and religious leaders are, we still are the place where people die every day in an attempt to come here.
People will die this week in pursuit of the level of religious freedom we enjoy; in pursuit of this economic opportunity; in pursuit of our Bill of Rights. They will give their lives attempting to cross our borders or cross an ocean to freedom. They will pay a king’s ransom and risk their lives just for a shot at the life we take for granted.
And yes, 2010 will go down as a year when we all got a reality check. When the Universe (or God or whomever) slapped us down for being so lazy, irresponsible and greedy. The year when we maxed out our global Visa card so badly that our credit limit was slashed, trashing our grandiose lifestyle. Our overheated economic growth of the last decade was not due to our productivity or ingenuity, but rather the virtually unlimited credit for everything from cars, to clothes, to twice the house we really could afford. Let it be a lesson to us. We need a more "pay-as-we-go" lifestyle.
Several years ago, I hopped a plane for Havana, Cuba, and spent a week wandering the streets of the old district. The city looks like the ornate parts of San Francisco, but with the lights turned out about 1956. There has been no maintenance of the infrastructure since then. The plumbing does not work anymore. Water is pumped from trucks to tanks on the rooftops; sewage drains into the streets. Electricity, when it does work, is hand-strung from dwelling to dwelling. People live in almost cave-like condos they have carved out of the rubble. I met a lady who lived in a room as small as our bathroom. She had lived and raised her family there since 1958, with the same refrigerator. How many of us have the same anything from 1958?
People in Cuba are so scared of Fidel and Raúl, they lower their heads and whisper at midnight in their own homes when you ask about them. Many Cubans have made a run across the sea to Florida. Some of those I met on my trip did not make it when they fled. For every day at sea, they get a year in prison. Prison in Cuba is so bad, the manliest of men could not speak to me about it.
Cuba is 90 miles off our coast. In a fun boat they could be here in less than an hour. They occasionally get to read our magazines or catch a radio broadcast, but other than that they are living on dreams … the dream of one day living in the USA or, better yet, of having America come back to them.
If you are thankful for nothing else this day, be thankful you live where you do. Any of us could have easily been born 90 miles south of the wrong border.
Thanksgiving.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this day was the most celebrated day in our year? Celebrated by us truly giving thanks, saying thank you and meaning thank you.
I do thank each of you for the part you play in my life. Without you, it would be maybe a little or maybe a lot different. I love it just the way it is.
www.RichardBrooke.com

Recession May Be Changing Americans' Attitudes Toward Work

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:04:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office.
Posted by Rick Irrgang 10.23.2010
Enjoying your weekend? Perhaps you enjoy it more than you do your week at work? Perhaps you enjoy more than ever because of your week at work? We do have alternatives and they can work for you. After reading today's entry, take a listen to the audio at the top of our blog. It may strike a resounding note with you.

FRIDAY, Oct. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Recession-linked job insecurity has many Americans questioning the sacrifices they make for work, such as having less time for family, leisure and self-improvement activities, a new study suggests.
Florida State University researchers surveyed more than 1,100 full-time workers with a range of jobs and career stages. Nearly half (48 percent) said the recession had increased their appreciation of family, and 37 percent said the recession triggered thoughts that work isn't as important as it once was in the overall scheme of things.
Among the other findings:

49 percent of respondents said the recession helped them recognize the value of people over things.
23 percent said the recession raised their awareness of being over-committed to work at the expense of family and recreation.
43 percent said the recession increased their drive to be a better person rather than just a better worker.

More than 70 percent of respondents said most days on the job "seem like they will never end," which is a common attitude in workplaces where increasingly more time and output is expected even though there is less support and fewer certain rewards, the researchers said.
The study also revealed differences between men and women.
"Digging a little deeper into the data, it was evident that men's reflective, and often remorseful, thoughts were driven by recession-related job insecurity and its subsequent role in encouraging hostile work treatment," study author Wayne Hochwarter, a professor of business administration in the Florida State University College of Business, said in a university news release.
Conflicts between work and family obligations were more likely to trigger women's reevaluation of job-related sacrifices, according to the study, which is being prepared for publication.
The findings are positive in many ways, according to the researchers.
"The fact that many employees spent time evaluating the importance of non-work factors may be the first step in reducing the stress associated with imbalanced lives," study co-author Stuart Tapley said in the news release.
"Many of the people that we talked to felt that having less faith in work afforded them opportunities to direct more faith toward other often-neglected areas of life, and in most cases, it was family and friends," added co-author Tyler Everett.

19 Surprising Facts About the Deindustrialization of America

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 15:07:00 +0000

Conversation From The Corner Office
Posted by Rick Irrgang.
If you are wondering what is happening to this great country we live in, take a few minutes to read this short article I found today. The author is credited at the end of this post.
I think our plan "B" better become our plan "A". Let's build a better life together.

The United States is rapidly becoming the very first "post-industrial" nation on the globe. All great economic empires eventually become fat and lazy and squander the great wealth that their forefathers have left them, but the pace at which America is accomplishing this is absolutely amazing.
It was America that was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. It was America that showed the world how to mass produce everything from automobiles, to televisions, to airplanes. It was the great American manufacturing base that crushed Germany and Japan in World War II.
But now we are witnessing the deindustrialization of America. Tens of thousands of factories have left the United States in the past decade alone. Millions upon millions of manufacturing jobs have been lost in the same time period. The United States has become a nation that consumes everything in sight and yet produces increasingly little.
Do you know what our biggest export is today? Waste paper. Yes, trash is the number one thing that we ship out to the rest of the world as we voraciously blow our money on whatever the rest of the world wants to sell to us. The United States has become bloated and spoiled and our economy is now just a shadow of what it once was.
Once upon a time America could literally outproduce the rest of the world combined. Today that is no longer true, but Americans sure do consume more than anyone else in the world. If the deindustrialization of America continues at this current pace, what possible kind of a future are we going to be leaving to our children?
Any great nation throughout history has been great at making things. So if the United States continues to allow its manufacturing base to erode at a staggering pace, how in the world can the U.S. continue to consider itself to be a great nation? We have created the biggest debt bubble in the history of the world in an effort to maintain a very high standard of living, but the current state of affairs is not anywhere close to sustainable. Every single month America goes into more debt and every single month America gets poorer.
So what happens when the debt bubble pops?
The deindustrialization of the United States should be a top concern for every man, woman and child in the country. But sadly, most Americans do not have any idea what is going on around them. For people like that, take this article and print it out and hand it to them. Perhaps what they will read below will shock them badly enough to awaken them from their slumber. The following are 19 facts about the deindustrialization of America that will blow your mind....

The United States has lost approximately 42,400 factories since 2001. About 75 percent of those factories employed over 500 people when they were still in operation.
Dell Inc. (DELL), one of America’s largest manufacturers of computers, has announced plans to dramatically expand its operations in China with an investment of over $100 billion over the next decade.
Dell has announced that it will be closing its last large U.S. manufacturing facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in November. Approximately 900 jobs will be lost.
In 2008, 1.2 billion cellphones were sold worldwide. So how many of them were manufactured inside the United States? Zero.
According to a new study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute, if the U.S. trade deficit with China continues to increase at its current rate, the U.S. economy will lose over half a million jobs this year alone.
As of the end of July, the U.S. trade deficit with China had risen 18 percent compared to the same time period a year ago.
The United States has lost a total of about 5.5 million manufacturing jobs, since October 2000.
According to Tax Notes, between 1999 and 2008, employment at the foreign affiliates of U.S. parent companies increased an astounding 30 percent to 10.1 million. During that exact same time period, U.S. employment at American multinational corporations declined 8 percent to 21.1 million.
In 1959, manufacturing represented 28 percent of U.S. economic output. In 2008, it represented 11.5 percent.
Ford Motor Company (F) recently announced the closure of a factory that produces the Ford Ranger in St. Paul, Minnesota. Approximately 750 good paying middle class jobs are going to be lost because making Ford Rangers in Minnesota does not fit in with Ford's new "global" manufacturing strategy.
As of the end of 2009, less than 12 million Americans worked in manufacturing. The last time less than 12 million Americans were employed in manufacturing was in 1941.
In the United States today, consumption accounts for 70 percent of GDP. Of this 70 percent, over half is spent on services.
The United States has lost a whopping 32 percent of its manufacturing jobs since the year 2000.
In 2001, the United States ranked fourth in the world in per capita broadband Internet use. Today it ranks 15th.
Manufacturing employment in the U.S. computer industry is actually lower in 2010 than it was in 1975.
Printed circuit boards are used in tens of thousands of different products. Asia now produces 84 percent of them worldwide.
The United States spends approximately $3.90 on Chinese goods for every $1 that the Chinese spend on goods from the United States.
One prominent economist is projecting that the Chinese economy will be three times larger than the U.S. economy by the year 2040.
The U.S. Census Bureau says that 43.6 million Americans are now living in poverty and according to them, that is the highest number of poor Americans in the 51 years that records have been kept.

So how many tens of thousands more factories do we need to lose before we do something about it? How many millions more Americans are going to become unemployed before we all admit that we have a very, very serious problem on our hands?
How many more trillions of dollars are going to leave the country before we realize that we are losing wealth at a pace that is killing our economy? How many once great manufacturing cities are going to become rotting war zones like Detroit before we understand that we are committing national economic suicide?
The deindustrialization of America is a national crisis. It needs to be treated like one. America is in deep, deep trouble folks. It is time to wake up.

About the author: Michael T. Snyder

Michael T. Snyder is a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and has two law degrees from the University of Florida. He is an attorney that has worked for some of the largest and most prominent law firms in Washington D.C. and who now resides outside of... More

The New Poor? Let's not join that Club!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:14:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office.
Re-posted by Rick Irrgang
09.21.10

I ran accross a great article in the New Yor Times this morning. It made me realize just how close to trouble we may be and we don't even know. Would having a plan "B" in this economy be a good idea. I'm thinking yes and hope you do too. Please read this very interesting article on "The New Poor"
If this sounds worrysome, let's talk. Julia and I do have a plan be and it's not being a Wal-Mart Greeter. Let's do something together. When done reading this you may want to listen to the great audio at the top of this blog. Let's create weath!

Patricia Reid is not in her 70s, an age when many Americans continue to work. She is not even in her 60s. She is just 57.

But four years after losing her job she cannot, in her darkest moments, escape a nagging thought: she may never work again.
College educated, with a degree in business administration, she is experienced, having worked for two decades as an internal auditor and analyst at Boeing before losing that job.
But that does not seem to matter, not for her and not for a growing number of people in their 50s and 60s who desperately want or need to work to pay for retirement and who are starting to worry that they may be discarded from the work force — forever.

Since the economic collapse, there are not enough jobs being created for the population as a whole, much less for those in the twilight of their careers.

Of the 14.9 million unemployed, more than 2.2 million are 55 or older. Nearly half of them have been unemployed six months or longer, according to the Labor Department. The unemployment rate in the group — 7.3 percent — is at a record, more than double what it was at the beginning of the latest recession.

After other recent downturns, older people who lost jobs fretted about how long it would take to return to the work force and worried that they might never recover their former incomes. But today, because it will take years to absorb the giant pool of unemployed at the economy's recent pace, many of these older people may simply age out of the labor force before their luck changes.

Patricia Reid, 57, lost her job at Boeing four years ago and has struggled to find a new position.

For Ms. Reid, it has been four years of hunting — without a single job offer. She buzzes energetically as she describes the countless applications she has lobbed through the Internet, as well as the online courses she is taking to burnish her software skills.
Still, when she is pressed, her can-do spirit falters.

"There are these fears in the background, and they are suppressed," said Ms. Reid, who is now selling some of her jewelry and clothes online and is late on some credit card payments. "I have had nightmares about becoming a bag lady," she said. "It could happen to anyone. So many people are so close to it, and they don't even realize it."

Being unemployed at any age can be crushing. But older workers suspect their resumes often get shoved aside in favor of those from younger workers. Others discover that their job-seeking skills — as well as some technical skills sought by employers — are rusty after years of working for the same company.

Many had in fact anticipated working past conventional retirement ages to gird themselves financially for longer life spans, expensive health care and reduced pension guarantees.

The most recent recession has increased the need to extend working life. Home values, often a family's most important asset, have been battered. Stock portfolios are only now starting to recover. According to a Gallup poll in April, more than a third of people not yet retired plan to work beyond age 65, compared with just 12 percent in 1995.

Older workers who lose their jobs could pose a policy problem if they lose their ability to be self-sufficient. "That's what we should be worrying about," said Carl E. Van Horn, professor of public policy and director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, "what it means to this class of the new unemployables, people who have been cast adrift at a very vulnerable part of their career and their life."

Forced early retirement imposes an intense financial strain, particularly for those at lower incomes. The recession and its aftermath have already pushed down some older workers. In figures released last week by the Census Bureau, the poverty rate among those 55 to 64 increased to 9.4 percent in 2009, from 8.6 percent in 2007.

But even middle-class people who might skate by on savings or a spouse's income are jarred by an abrupt end to working life and to a secure retirement.

"That's what I spent my whole life in pursuit of, was security," Ms. Reid said. "Until the last few years, I felt very secure in my job."

As an auditor, Ms. Reid loved figuring out the kinks in a manufacturing or parts delivery process. But after more than 20 years of commuting across Puget Sound to Boeing, Ms. Reid was exhausted when she was let go from her $80,000-a-year job.

Stunned and depressed, she sent out resumes, but figured she had a little time to recover. So she took vacations to Turkey and Thailand with her husband, who is a home repairman. She sought chiropractic treatments for a neck injury and helped nurse a priest dying of cancer.

Most of her days now are spent in front of a laptop, holed up in a lighthouse garret atop the house that her husband, Denny Mielock, built in the 1990s on a breathtaking piece of property overlooking the sound.

As she browses the job listings that clog her e-mail in-box, she refuses to give in to her fears. "If I let myself think like that all the time," she said, "I could not even bear getting out of bed in the morning."

With her husband's home repair business pummeled by the housing downturn, the bills are mounting. Although the couple do not have a mortgage on their 3,000-square-foot house, they pay close to $7,000 a year in property taxes. The roof is leaking. Their utility bills can be $300 a month in the winter, even though they often keep the thermostat turned down to 50 degrees.

They could try to sell their home, but given the depressed housing market, they are reluctant.

"We are circling the drain here, and I am bailing like hell," said Ms. Reid, emitting an incongruous cackle, as if laughter is the only response to her plight. "But the boat is still sinking."

It is not just the finances that have destabilized her life.

Her husband worries that she isolates herself and that she does not socialize enough. "We've both been hard workers our whole lives," said Mr. Mielock, 59. Ms. Reid sometimes rose just after 3 a.m. to make the hourlong commute to Boeing's data center in Bellevue and attended night school to earn a master's in management information systems.

"A job is more than a job, you know," Mr. Mielock said. "It's where you fit in society."

Here in the greater Seattle area, a fifth of those claiming extended unemployment benefits are 55 and older.

To help seniors polish their job-seeking skills, WorkSource, a local consortium of government and nonprofit groups, recently began offering seminars. On a recent morning, 14 people gathered in a windowless conference room at a local community college to get tips on how to age-proof their resumes and deflect questions about being overqualified.

Motivational posters hung on one wall, bearing slogans like "Failure is the path of least persistence."

Using PowerPoint slides, Liz Howland, the chipper but no-nonsense session leader, projected some common myths about older job-seekers on a screen: "Older workers are less capable of evaluating information, making decisions and problem-solving" or "Older workers are rigid and inflexible and have trouble adapting to change."

Ms. Howland, 61, ticked off the reasons those statements were inaccurate. But a clear undercurrent of anxiety ran through the room. "Is it really true that if you have the energy and the passion that they will overlook the age factor?" asked a 61-year-old man who had been laid off from a furniture maker last October.

Gallows humor reigned. As Ms. Howland — who suggested that applicants remove any dates older than 15 years from their resume — advised the group on how to finesse interview questions like "When did you have the job that helped you develop that skill?" one out-of-work journalist deadpanned: "How about 'during the 20th century?'"

During a break, Anne Richard, who declined to give her age, confessed she was afraid she would not be able to work again after losing her contract as a house director at a University of Washington sorority in June. Although she had 20 years of experience as an office clerk in Chattanooga, Tenn., she feared her technology skills had fallen behind.

"I don't feel like I can compete with kids who have been on computers all their lives," said Ms. Richard, who was sleeping on the couch of a couple she had met at church and contemplating imminent homelessness.

Older people who lose their jobs take longer to find work. In August, the average time unemployed for those 55 and older was slightly more than 39 weeks, according to the Labor Department, the longest of any age group. That is much worse than in August 1983, also after a deep recession, when someone unemployed in that age group spent an average of 27.5 weeks finding work.

At this year's pace of an average of 82,000 new jobs a month, it will take at least eight more years to create the 8 million positions lost during the recession. And that does not even allow for population growth.

Advocates for the elderly worry that younger people are more likely to fill the new jobs as well.

"I do think the longer someone is out of work, the more employers are going to question why it is that someone hasn't been able to find work," said Sara Rix, senior strategic policy adviser at AARP, the lobbying group for seniors. "Their skills have atrophied for one thing, and technology changes so rapidly that even if nothing happened to the skills that you have, they may become increasingly less relevant to the jobs that are becoming available."

In four years of job hunting, Ms. Reid has discovered that she is no longer technologically proficient. In one of a handful of interviews she has secured, for an auditing position at the Port of Seattle, she learned that the job required skills in PeopleSoft, financial software she had never used. She assumes that deficiency cost her the job.

Ms. Reid is still five years away from being eligible for Social Security. But even then, she would be drawing early, which reduces monthly payments. Taking Social Security at 62 means a retiree would receive a 25 percent lower monthly payout than if she worked until 66.

Ms. Reid is in some ways luckier than others. Boeing paid her a six-month severance, and she has health care benefits that cover her and her husband for $40 a month.

And she admits some regrets: she had a $180,000 balance in her 401(k) account, and paid $80,000 in penalties and taxes when she cashed it out early. She did not rein in her expenses right away. And now, her $500-a-week unemployment benefits have been exhausted.

She has since cut back, forgoing Nordstrom shopping sprees and theater subscriptions, but also cutting out red meat at home and putting off home repairs.

In order to qualify for accounting posts, she is taking an online training course in QuickBooks, a popular accounting software used by small businesses. She recently signed up for a tax course at an H&R Block tax preparation office in Seattle.

And she is plugging ahead with her current plan: to send out 600 applications to accounting firms in the area, offering her services for the next tax season. Eventually, she wants to open her own business.

With odd jobs and her husband's — albeit shriveled — earnings, she could stagger along. For now, she stitches together an income by gardening for neighbors, helping fellow church members with their computers, and participating in Internet surveys for as little as $5 apiece.

"You don't necessarily have to go through the door," Ms. Reid said. "You can go around it and go under it. I can be very creative. I think that I will eventually manage to pull this together."

Millions of lost jobs. Many will never return

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:23:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office
Posted by Rick Irrgang.
I found a great article on the current job market in the U.S. Before you read on, ask yourself a few questions.
Is your job secure?
Are you one of the millions who no longer have a job?
If there would be a way to add to or replace the income you have now, would you be interested in taking a look?
Please scroll back to the top of this page and spend a few minutes listening to and watching our short video. Then come back and read the following post.

By Christopher S. Rugaber

updated 5/13/2010 4:10:49 PM ET

Millions of jobs lost, many may never return
Fewer construction workers will be needed. Don't expect as many interior designers or advertising copywriters, either. Retailers will get by with leaner staffs.
The economy is strengthening. But millions of jobs lost in the recession could be gone for good.
And unlike in past recessions, jobs in the beleaguered manufacturing sector aren't the only ones likely lost forever. What sets the Great Recession apart is the variety of jobs that may not return.
That helps explain why economists think it will take at least five years for the economy to regain the 8.2 million jobs wiped out by the recession — longer than in any other recovery since World War II.
It means that even as the economy strengthens, more Americans could face years out of work. Already, the percentage of the labor force unemployed for six months or longer is 4.3 percent. That's the highest rate on records dating to 1948.
Behind the trend are the cutbacks businesses made in the recession to make up for a loss of customers. To sustain earnings, they became more productive: They found ways to produce the same level of goods or services with fewer workers. Automation, global competition and technological efficiencies helped solidify the trend.
Diminished home equity and investment accounts have made shoppers more cautious, too. And their frugality could endure well into the recovery. That's why fewer retail workers, among others, will likely be needed.
Among those whose former jobs may be gone for good are:

Julie Weber of Milwaukee, who designed office cubicles for nearly seven years. She lost her job about a year ago. Since then, she's been able to find only part-time work outside her field. Interior design was hammered by the real estate downturn. "My hope for getting back into the industry is not very high," says Weber, 29.
Erik Proulx, 38, a former advertising copywriter in Boston, who finds more companies are turning to social media and viral marketing and are less drawn to agencies that focus on traditional TV and print ad campaigns. Proulx was laid off in October 2008 — the third time an employer had cut his position or had closed. He no longer wants to rejoin the industry. Proulx has started a blog to help other unemployed ad professionals network.
Louis DiFilippo, 30, who decided to study information technology after losing his job managing a gourmet food store in Washington, D.C. After six months of unemployment, he embraced a career with more stability. He now works on computer network security for the Navy. "I'm much happier now," he said.

More than one-third of chief financial officers at 620 big companies surveyed in March by Duke University and CFO magazine said they didn't expect to restore their payrolls to pre-recession levels for at least three years. Nearly all cited higher productivity and tepid consumer spending.
"Companies have just figured out, 'We didn't want to fire people ... but now that they're gone, we've realized that we can get by without them,'" said John Graham, a Duke finance professor who directed the survey.
Productivity grew at an annual rate of 6.3 percent in the year ending in March, the Labor Department said this month. It was the largest increase in 48 years, though most economists think that pace isn't sustainable.
In the long run, more productive workers raise standards of living: Companies can pay more without inflating prices. But in the short run, high productivity delays hiring.
U.S. employers did add 290,000 jobs in April. The unemployment rate rose to 9.9 percent, though, because 805,000 people without jobs poured into the labor force to seek work.
Three industries, in particular, where many jobs may not be coming back are retailing, manufacturing and advertising.
Retailers have lost 1.2 million, or 7.5 percent, of jobs that existed before the recession, according to Labor Department data. Circuit City and Linens & Things have collapsed. Starbucks closed nearly 800 U.S. stores. Robert Yerex, an economist at Kronos, a work force management company, estimates 20 percent of those jobs are never coming back.
Manufacturing has shed 2.1 million jobs, or 16 percent of its total, since the recession began. Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Boeing Co. laid off a combined 15,700 people during the recession. General Motors eliminated 65,000 through buyouts and layoffs. And as Americans buy fewer cars and homes, more than 1 million jobs in the auto, steel, furniture and other manufacturing industries won't return, according to estimates by Moody's Analytics.
Advertising and PR agencies have lost 65,000 jobs, or about 14 percent of the pre-recession total. Moody's Analytics estimates those industries will lose even more within five years.
In addition, a consolidated airline industry has shed layers of jobs that won't likely return. Delta Air Lines earlier this year spread out departure times for flights from its Cincinnati hub, rather than bunching them at peak travel times. That way, it could operate from one concourse rather than two, said Kent Landers, a spokesman. The change allowed a Delta subsidiary, Regional Elite Airline Services, to cut more than 700 baggage handling and other ground services jobs.
More than half the 15.3 million people out of work in April said they regard their layoff as permanent, the Labor Department said. That's the highest proportion on records dating to 1967. In previous recessions, workers often endured only temporary layoffs: Their employers would recall them once business picked up.
Caterpillar Inc. has resumed hiring after laying off 19,000 full-time workers during the recession, thanks to rising demand for its construction and mining equipment. But most of the new jobs will be overseas. Of the 9,000 hires CEO Jim Owens said Caterpillar plans to make this year, only 3,000 will be in the U.S.
Many economists say eventually, companies won't be able to squeeze any more work out of their employees. That would force employers to step up hiring.
But Janet Yellen, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, cautions that this won't happen anytime soon. She believes corporate America remains in the early stages of a drive for greater efficiencies.
"We may be in store for ... high productivity growth for some time," she said in a speech this year. "If so, the rate of job creation will be frustratingly slow."

MOTIVE-ation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Conversations From The Corner Office:
Re-posted from Richard Brooke's Blog.
Julia and I hope you all are having a great weekend. How is your business going?
Do you think it could be doing better? Are you really in your business or just sitting on the side lines?
Take a few minutes of your day and give this recent post a good read.
Julia and I have re-committed ourselves to helping people live their lives on their terms. This short blog really helped cement the deal.

MOTIVE-ation
Posted By: Richard B. Brooke
Date Posted: June 4, 2010
SIGN A CONTRACT
INVEST MONEY
    (Perhaps that you don’t really have to risk.)
MEET NEW PEOPLE
INVEST TIME
    (Perhaps that you don’t really have.)
STAKE YOUR REPUTATION ON A PRODUCT OR SERVICE
    (And a company you don’t really know.)
ASK YOUR “NETWORK” TO TAKE A LOOK
    (Risk them saying “No” and, “You are rude to even ask.”)
All of the above are things a new distributor must do – and a lot more – to venture successfully into a new business. All of these actions carry a burden. They are hard … harder for some than others. They take physical effort, but more directly they take emotional effort.
As the business grows the list of activities grows to include travel, training, leadership, personal growth and more financial and time investment. All of this for an opportunity most new distributors are not sure will work … many are even sure it will not.
Every time we imagine doing something new or “hard,” we imagine (fantasize in our mind) what it will be like. Sure, we think of the endeavor itself – like investing money – but then we imagine what it will really be like to write that check or tap that already too-high credit card. We imagine how it will add to our stress, add to uncomfortable conversations with our spouse, and add to our debt load.
As we imagine, we feel the associated emotion. We feel it in every fiber of our body. It instantly changes our body chemistry. It changes our mood, our eyes and our voice. It shrinks us, making us small, both physically and emotionally. We become weak and cannot move past it. This is our Vision. And we act and attract in accordance with it.
Once you know this, you know WHY people shrink around our offer. Perhaps it is the words we choose to describe it. Perhaps it is our inability to paint an inspiring picture. Perhaps we are not clear how their imagination kills it for them. Perhaps they simply do not understand it and can only articulate their uncertainty by saying: “I don’t know anyone.”
So WHY would anyone pursue a new business with the passion and confidence required to pull it off? They won’t, unless they know WHY. And it is not enough to know WHY as a “thing,” like more money to pay off debts or cover that ever-escalating mortgage payment. To be able to name the “thing” is not enough. Our imagination muscle is far more inclined to “work out” the negative, and much less inclined to “work out” the positive.
Belief is the fire that crystallizes our fantasies, making them Visions. When we believe what we imagine, we drill it deeply by telling ourselves everything about it and feeling everything about it. It is much easier to believe something new will not work. It is so much easier to believe that more debt is bad and that risk is bad. Those thoughts immediately become Visions that compel us.
The reason anyone would take the risk and endure some pain, is to enjoy the feelings of success. Success is different for all of us. For some it may be free time. For others it may be new relationships or winning in competition. And for others, it may be financial abundance. We are all made up of a different blend of these values. The challenge we must overcome is mastering what those values are for us personally, and for everyone to whom we offer our opportunity. Without this mastery we are left to recruit by the numbers … and the numbers are not encouraging at all.
Roughly …

1% of us enjoy what we would define for ourselves as extraordinary success.
4% of us feel we are on a solid path to it.
45% of us have struggled for so long that we have rationalized how our lot in life is acceptable. In other words, we have given up.
50% of us never even got started, and we blame the rest of the world for our failures.

So if you are going to rely on the MOTIVE-ation of those you prospect, you are going to have to recruit 100 people to get five to even look at it in a positive light. Maybe two or three will pursue it, and maybe only one will create the kind of success you and they want.
Whoever said: “You cannot motivate other people” did not understand the role of a Leader. Leaders do motivate other people. They have to in order to have anyone to lead.
And here is how they do it …
It starts with Values, both imposed and core.
Imposed Values are those values our parents and society have pressed into our consciousness as having to be “valuable.” Our interpretation around these values is that if we don’t have them, we are bad people. Imposed values do motivate; they are limiting, but they are better than nothing.
Core Values are those values that define our own authentic, spiritual self (nothing to do with religion). These are the values we would love to express in life if we felt we had permission. Most people never discover their full set of core values. You can help them do so. Core Values are the truth about you and me. And our truth sets us free. Free to rock the world with our unique power and passion.
You can start the process of MOTIVE-ation by asking lots of curiosity questions. Not as though you are interviewing people, but rather conveying a genuine interest in knowing who they are, both at an imposed level and at their core. When you know the difference between imposed values and core values and you LISTEN with your heart, you can hear the difference in people. You can hear the passion, the energy, the heat in their voice as they talk about what is important to them.
Listen with your heart, not your head (or your values). And listen for the heat. When you hear the heat, drill down. That is where the “gold” lies buried. This is a process that can go on for years. And here is how it starts the motivation process:
First, when you become this kind of leader for others, you become someone unique in their lives. There are probably only a handful of people that have ever been so interested in them … interested at a heart level … unconditionally. Their mother and anyone that has ever fallen in love with them qualify. And you now fall into that category as well. People will open up to you because deep down all any of us really wants … more than fancy cars or homes or status … is to be known, accepted and loved anyway.
They will feel heard as you ask questions like:
Where do you live?
What do you like about it?
What don’t you like about it?
Where would you love to live?
What about that place does it for you?
What do you do for work?
What do you like about it?
What don’t you like about it?
What would you really love to do?
What about that does it for you?
Tell me about your family.
What do you love most about them?
What worries or frustrations do you have around them?
What would you love most to do for them?
If you could spend more time with them doing something, what would it be?
What do you do in your free time?
What about that is important to you?
What would you do if money were no object?
What would you do if you won the lottery or inherited a few million dollars?
What would you do first?
What would you do around work?
What would you do about where you live?
What would you do for your family?
What would you do with your hobbies, recreation and special interests?
What would you do if you learned you only had a few years to live?
What would you do if you learned your spouse or a child only had a few years to live?
What would you do around any of the above, if your parents wholeheartedly approved?
Every time you feel the heat, drill down and ask: “How would that make you feel?” Guide them to feel it.
These questions, and others you may intuit along the way, lead others to drill down into their own hearts to think about what is important to them. As they think about it, as they talk to themselves about it, they start to feel what it would feel like to experience it. Their body chemistry changes. Their mood changes. Their eyes and tone of voice tell a different story. Their energy changes and, most importantly, their power and passion for acting and attracting is dialed up a notch. They are, in this moment, En-VISION-ing something important to them and they are MOTIVE-ated to bring it to fruition.
In these moments they are not thinking and feeling anything about the risk, or the debt, or the fear of failure. It is not possible for the mind to hold two opposing thoughts at the same time. As long as they keep thinking about and feeling the picture you guided them to, they will be MOTIVE-ated to accomplish it.
So how do we keep them engaged? BELIEF.
It is one thing to think of success. It is quite another to believe in it so that your thinking of it is a natural, normal thought habit … something that is with you all the time, guiding your actions and attractions.
Belief is accomplished by the following:
Experience
If we have experienced this vision before, then we believe in it. If your prospect has earned $10,000 a month in a similar opportunity, then they will tend to believe they can, and will, do it again. In this case, you don’t have to do much motivating.
Spaced Repetition
The subconscious and emotional mind cannot tell the difference between a real experience and one that has been vividly imagined. When you imagine success over and over and over and over again, it gradually grows as a truth in your heart and mind. As a leader, every time you guide someone to think about their vision, every time you ask them to look at their pictures, to read their affirmations, to talk to you about how it will feel; every time you do this, you are motivating them and leading them one step closer to believing it themselves. And every time they do these things on their own, they are leading themselves to do the same.
Proof and Logic
Our conscious mind responds to proof and logic. These can be in the form of: testimonials from other people, business plans that makes sense logically, income calculators, stories, positive group dynamics (it is easy to believe something will work when you are in a meeting of believers for two or three days), and training (understanding how something works helps the conscious mind believe). As leaders we can facilitate all of these, and we must.
As we discover along with our followers what our own core values are, and craft our visions around them, we learn to believe they are inevitable. Then we become one of those very fortunate top 5-percenters who already bathe in our abundance or are on the fast track to the bath house.
Consider, these questions:
If everyone you might ever prospect knew what you know about your opportunity, would they be at least interested? What percentage would be interested? (I say at least 50 percent.)
If you learned some of the most important things (feelings) MISSING in these people’s lives, and you showed them exactly how they could get them, what percentage of them would give it a go? (I say at least 50 percent of the 50 percent.)
That means 25 percent of everyone you now know, or will ever meet, will become new personally sponsored representatives. That is at least 50 to 100 new personally sponsored distributors a year. You only need to do that for a year or two to explode an empire that could create a lifetime of income for you.
Learn the motives that will propel YOU to lead with passion and power. Learn the motives of everyone you talk to about your opportunity. Develop the habit of teaching yourself and all of your people how to believe success is inevitable. And you and your team’s success will clock Mach II velocity.

Americans "bombarded" with cancer sources:

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:24:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office:
Posted by Rick Irrgang
A well needed day off from our normal busy days. The weather, perfect.
A business partner of ours forwarded us this fantastic piece on Cancer sources. We are so fortunate to have Neways in our lives, protecting us and our families from harmful ingredients in our personal care products. Please take a few minutes from your busy day to read today's post.
To Your Health

Americans "bombarded" with cancer sources: report

(Reuters) - Americans are being "bombarded" with cancer-causing chemicals and radiation and the federal government must do far more to protect them, presidential cancer advisers said on Thursday.

Although most experts agree that as many as two-thirds of cancer cases are caused by lifestyle choices like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise, the two-member panel said many avoidable cancers were also caused by pollution, radon gas from the soil and medical imaging scans.

"The incidence of some cancers, including some most common among children, is increasing for unexplained reasons," wrote the two panel members, Dr. LaSalle Leffall, professor of surgery at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington and Margaret Kripke, an emeritus professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Cancer is the No. 2 killer of Americans, after heart disease. Kripke and Leffall, both appointed by President George W. Bush, decided in 2008 to focus a report on potential environmental links to cancer.

"The American people -- even before they are born -- are bombarded continually with myriad combinations of these dangerous exposures," they wrote in a letter to President Barack Obama at top of the report.

"The panel urges you most strongly to use the power of your office to remove the carcinogens and other toxins from our food, water, and air that needlessly increase healthcare costs, cripple our nation's productivity, and devastate American lives."

A White House spokesman indicated he had not yet seen the report and the National Cancer Institute declined comment.

KNOWN RISKS

The American Cancer Society said the report downplayed known risks that cause most cases of cancer including tobacco, obesity, alcohol, infections, hormones and sunlight.

"The report is most provocative when it restates hypotheses as if they were established facts," the society's Dr. Michael Thun said in a statement.

"For example, its conclusion that 'the true burden of environmentally (pollution) induced cancer has been grossly underestimated' does not represent scientific consensus."

The American Chemistry Council, an industry group, agreed and said the report underemphasized prevention efforts.

The report, available at pcp.cancer.gov, offered some of its own advice to consumers.

For instance, the report said that although large studies have found no links between cell phone use and cancer, people would be prudent to wear headsets and make calls quickly.

The report delighted environmental groups that have been pressing for more regulation of chemicals. "It is very gratifying to see this remarkable report that addresses those concerns," said Julia Brody, executive director of the Silent Spring Institute.

"The 40-year war on cancer has been called for what it is ... a failure," Jeanne Rizzo, president and chief executive of the Breast Cancer Fund, which advocates about links between chemicals and breast cancer, told reporters in a telephone briefing.

New Jersey Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg said he hoped the report would help boost support for a bill requiring closer regulation of chemicals.

"My Safe Chemicals Act will require testing of all chemicals, and take substances off the market if the manufacturer cannot prove they are safe," he said.

(Editing by Eric Walsh)

For information to create a healthy home, free of potentially harmful ingredients, please call 928-830-2248 or email Rick and Julia at info@lifesafeandhealthy.net
Visit us online at www.livesafeandhealthy.net

More great news from Omama Bama. Who's In Charge of Who's In Charge?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Conversations from the corner Office
Posted by Rick Irrgang
04.05.10

Interesting news release from our closet smoker President Omama bama.

For Immediate Release, March 28, 2010

Contact: Tierra Curry, Center for Biological Diversity, (928) 522-3681

Obama Puts Pesticide Pusher in Charge of Agricultural Trade Relations

WASHINGTON— Sidestepping a stalled Senate confirmation vote, yesterday President Obama recess-appointed Islam Siddiqui to be chief agricultural negotiator in the office of the U.S. trade representative. Dr. Siddiqui’s nomination was held up in the Senate and was opposed by the Center for Biological Diversity and more than 80 other environmental, small-farm, and consumer groups. More than 90,000 concerned citizens contacted the White House and Senate to oppose the nomination. Siddiqui is a former pesticide lobbyist and is currently vice president of science and regulatory affairs at CropLife America, a biotech and pesticide trade group that lobbies to weaken environmental laws.

“Dr. Siddiqui’s confirmation is a step backward,” said Tierra Curry, a scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “His appointment ensures the perpetuation of pesticide- and fossil-fuel-intensive policies, which undermine global food security and imperil public health and wildlife.”

As undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Siddiqui oversaw the development of the first national organic labeling standards, which allowed sewage sludge-fertilized, genetically modified, and irradiated food to be labeled as organic before public outcry forced more stringent standards. Siddiqui has derided the European Union’s ban on hormone-treated beef and has vowed to pressure the European Union to accept more genetically modified crops.

CropLife America, formerly known as the National Agricultural Chemicals Association, lobbies to weaken the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, claiming that pesticides are not pollutants because of their intended beneficial effect and that pesticides positively impact endangered species. The group has lobbied to allow pesticides to be tested on children and to allow the continued use of persistent organic pollutants and ozone-depleting chemicals. It also launched a petition asking Michelle Obama to use pesticides in the organic White House garden and fought county initiatives in California banning genetically modified foods.

What's That? Bad Stuff in Mainstream Personal Care Products?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:12:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office.

Posted by Rick Irrgang.

Green Patriot and OCA Expose 1,4 Dioxane in Household Products

March 12, at a press conference held adjacent to the Natural Products Expo West, the Green Patriot Working Group (GPWG), led by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman, and the Organic Consumers Association announced that Procter and Gamble (P&G) and the Green Patriot have reached an agreement in principle that P&G will reformulate its top-selling Herbal Essences brand to reduce levels of the carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane. The press conference also announced new 1,4-dioxane test results for twenty laundry detergents, of which notably some of the most popular mainstream brands - including Dial, Church & Dwight Co. and Procter & Gamble - had the highest levels overall.

For about the same price as off the shelf, harmful personal care products, you and your family can use safe and effective Neways Products, delivered right to your home. Just think, you'll never have to read a label again and you will be using the safest products on the planet. Endorsed by the Cancer Prevention Coalition and Dr Samuel Epstein. For more information email info@LiveSafeAndHealthy.net or call 928-830-2251.

Neways North America Sends Aid to Haiti Earthquake Survivors

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:20:00 +0000

Neways North America Sends Aid to Haiti Earthquake Survivors

SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Jan 20, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In response to the earthquake that recently ripped through Haiti, Neways North America (www.neways.com/usa) is sending more than 6,000 hygiene items to assist survivors of this tragic event.

"How can you not look at the news and see the devastation and not want to help?" asked managing director Thierry Sorhaitz. "I am so grateful that I work for a company that cares and responds to those in need." Neways North America partnered with Globus Relief, a nonprofit organization, to ship its donation to Haiti and is very grateful for their trusted partnership.

Globus Relief and Neways have worked together on many projects.

"Thanks to donors like Neways, Globus Relief is able to make a timely response to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake," said Globus Relief's director of donor relations, Darlyn Eddington. "With our distribution channels in place, the Neways donation of hygiene products will help meet the critical needs of those suffering such devastating losses. Thank you, Neways." This donation was put together quickly, thanks to the combined efforts of many Neways employees, including the stock-room employees who prepared the shipment, the driver who rushed it to Globus, and others who organized the aid.

"It's great to see us all work together for the benefit of others," said Sorhaitz. "It's a wonderful feeling to know that you're thinking outside of yourself and to see everyone coordinate and come together for the common good." Neways communications coordinator Megan Lavin's husband has family in Haiti. "I know that these products will make a huge difference in survivors' lives," she said. "It adds extra meaning to know that my company's products will be benefiting people so close to my heart. It helps me feel like I was able to contribute and add my small part." If you wish to donate, please contact Globus Relief at 801-977-0444.

About Neways Founded in 1992, Neways is dedicated to helping families transform their homes into Healthy Homes. With dozens of safe, effective nutritional and personal care products that are free of questionable ingredients, the company strives to make the world a healthier place, one home at a time.

In addition to providing exclusive products, Neways enhances people's lives with a home-based business opportunity. About half a million active Neways distributors share the products in 29 countries, with nearly half of the company's annual revenues paid back to distributors as commissions.

For more info, contact Rick and Julia Irrgang at 928-801-2248

The Best Business Keeps Getting Better

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:43:00 +0000

Conversation From the Corner Office:
Posted by Rick Irrgang
02.04.10

I was reading through some of Richard Brooke's older articles today and found one that rang a resounding bell. As I find my self unemployed for the second time in as many years. Julia and I give thanks that we made a really good decision 4 years ago to supplement our "not" so regular income with the company we choose to do business with called Neways. Without it, we'd be having a very hard time dealing with having NO JOB. Do you see your self in this position today or know someone who is? It's not fun. Sleepless nights, constant low level irritation and not having the money to do the things you truly want to do, it's just not fun. Please take a few moments to read the following. Perhaps it will ring true with you too! Julia and I have found a way to live an Amazing life and we can show you how to as well.
When you are done reading, we invite you to scroll back to the top of our blog and listen to a dear friend of ours on the subject of "Creating Wealth". It might be the best 38 minutes of the day.

The Best Business Keeps Getting Better
Posted By: Richard B. Brooke
Date Posted: October 21, 2009

"(MLM) is the best-kept secret in the business world."
— Fortune magazine

"Dollar for dollar, (MLM) is the best investment I've ever made."
— Warren Buffet

It’s a grim economic picture these days. Businesses are downsizing, going virtual or going offshore and taking our jobs with them. That’s bad news. Making matters worse, the recession that is gripping our economy — while showing some signs of recovery — has hit many of us hard. The unemployment rate is hovering around 10 percent, a 26-year high. And there is a widening gap between the richest and poorest Americans as these rippling job layoffs ravage household budgets.

Not everybody is struggling. Many of us who have pursued Network Marketing have gone from relying on an employer to pay us and take care of our security, to us “getting it” that we are our only security. What was once considered risky — starting your own business — is rapidly becoming known as the smartest way to reduce taxes, increase your income, build net worth and create free time.

So just how promising is Network Marketing? Could it be the answer to the financial security you’re looking for? And just as important, is this industry tested and proven?

To answer these questions, I’ve included a link to an educational and eye-opening video I recently recorded called The Industry. It takes a good, hard look at this 60-year-old industry from an insider’s perspective as I explain the proven merits of the Network Marketing and how it can truly offer a viable solution to a lifetime of financial security.

I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch The Industry because the truth is, for most of us, the traditional business approach is out of reach.

Why? Hundreds of thousands in start-up capital — all at risk and far more than a full-time effort with competitors around every corner. There are no solid mentors and no life beyond the business.

Network Marketing provides an alternative for those serious about their net worth and their freedom.

In his best-selling book, The Automatic Millionaire, David Bach says, “the beauty of this industry is that it’s all done for you. The only thing you need to do is find a reputable company — one that you trust, that offers a product or service you believe in and can get passionate about.”

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad says, “you’re actually building an income-generating asset. Direct selling gives people the opportunity, with very low risk and very low financial commitment, to build their own income-generating asset and acquire great wealth.”

And what once may have been looked down upon as a peddler’s opportunity is now seen far differently by those that should know. In the past few years alone, Network Marketing has been showcased in Forbes, Fortune, USA Today, US News and World Report and the Wall Street Journal.

“The best-kept secret of the business world.” That’s how an article in Fortune magazine described Network Marketing in August 2004.

In 2002, Warren Buffet got many people’s attention when Berkshire Hathaway purchased a major Direct Sales company. Buffet now owns three Direct Sales companies and has said, “dollar for dollar, it’s the best investment I’ve ever made.”

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records and a host of other Virgin companies, founded Virgin Cosmetics in the UK — a Direct Sales company. The list of major MLM investors reads like a who’s who: Bertelsmann, The Body Shop, Crayola, Hallmark Cards, Jockey, Nestle, Remington Industries, Sara Lee, Unilever and Time Warner.

In his most recent book, The Next Millionaires, Paul Zane Pilzer forecasts 10 million new millionaires in the U.S. over the next 10 years, and predicts many of them will be people who are getting involved in their own Network Marketing business now.

Network Marketing has grown every year for the past 20, jumping over 91 percent in just the past 10 years. Today, more than 40 million of us enjoy annual sales of $30 billion in the U.S. and $100 billion worldwide.

Every week, an average of 175,000 new people in the U.S., and an additional 300,000 worldwide, get their starter kit, learn their products and start offering their opportunity to others. Some will persevere with a personal vision of fun, health and abundance and go on to live extraordinary lives. Others will not harness this personal power and will move on. Either way, the opportunity to be part of a great movement in our country and the world is available to all of us.

We cannot deny that we are smack-dab in the middle of the opportunity to change our lives and the lives of our families for generations to come. Not just with the wealth we can create, but with the wisdom to live lives worthy of such abundance. What we do with it today, tomorrow and every day is entirely up to us. As good ol’ Henry Ford said profoundly: “If we think we can, we will. If we think we can’t, we won’t.”

It does not take a Ph.D to figure out how things won’t work for you. Actually, any idiot can decide that fate. It takes vision, courage and creativity to figure out every day how it will work for you.

Make it happen for yourself. Do it ANYWAY!

www.RichardBrooke.com

How Hard is it to Spell "D"?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:13:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office
Posted by Rick Irrgang
02-02-10

How Hard is it to Spell ‘D’?

According to a paper in the current British Medical Journal, “more than 50% of the adult population (in Great Britain) had insufficient levels of vitamin D and 16% had severe deficiency during winter and spring”. Another recent study found that an alarming 69 percent of pregnant women (and 78 percent of women who aren’t pregnant) are vitamin-D deficient. Indeed, it is estimated that 77 percent of the U.S. population suffers from vitamin D deficiency.
This is a matter of urgent concern, given that 17 different cancers have been linked, at least in part, to vitamin-D deficiency (the lower one’s vitamin-D status, for example, the higher the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.) Vitamin-D deficiency is also associated with strokes, asthma, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders, chronic pain, unsteadiness, poor balance and weakened immunity. Vitamin-D deficiency has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease among American children.
John Jacob Cannell, MD, of the Vitamin D Council, cites the connection between vitamin-D deficiency and influenza infection. According to Cannell, the majority of in-patients are vitamin D deficient.
Way back in 2003, the journal Clinical Epidemiology called vitamin-D deficiency an unnecessary pandemic. So why are public-health officials not jumping on the crisis and its remedy?

For more information about Vitamin D and other essential nutrients. Please visit our website at:
www.livesafeandhealthy.net
Or contact us directly at 928-830-2248. We can show you how to have a healthy home.

Toxins in Your So-Called "Organic" Health & Beauty Products

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Conversations from the Corner Office.
Posted by Rick Irrgang
01.16.10

Toxins in Your So-Called "Organic" Health & Beauty Products

Do you use Jason Pure, Natural & Organic, Avalon Organics, Kiss My Face ObsessivelyOrganic, Nature's Gate Organics, Stella McCartney 100% Organic, Giovanni Organic, Head Organics, Eminence Organic, Physicians Formula Organic Wear, Good Stuff Organics, Desert Essence Organics, or any "organic cosmetic" certified by Ecocert?
Hate to break it to you, but these so-called "organic" personal care products aren't really organic and actually contain hazardous ingredients that would never be allowed in products certified to USDA organic standards.
Yesterday, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), along with certified organic personal care brands Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, Intelligent Nutrients, and Organic Essence, filed a complaint with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), requesting an investigation into the widespread and blatantly deceptive labeling practices of leading so-called "Organic" personal care brands, in violation of USDA NOP regulations.
The complaint, filed on behalf of the estimated 50 million regular consumers of organic products, argues that products such as liquid soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizing lotions, lip balms, make-up and other cosmetic products produced by 12 different corporations have been advertised, labeled and marketed as "Organic" or "Organics" when, in fact, the products are not "Organic" as understood by the average health and environmental-minded organic consumer.
Read the complaint
In addition to the complaint, Organic Consumers Association's Coming Clean campaign has launched a boycott of cosmetics that claim to be organic, but aren't certified to organic standards as required by law.
Read more
We're encouraging our members to switch to USDA certified organic body care and cosmetics products, as part of a New Year's Resolution to "be more organic" in 2010.
Switching to organic health and beauty products is easy and affordable. The simplest personal care regime involves shaving with an organic shikakai shaving gel, washing your body and hair with organic soap, following that with an organic hair rinse, and then using a baking-soda-based organic deodorant and finally moisturizing with an organic lotion or balm make of vegetable oils.
On our body care page, we've listed 26 different health and beauty brands where every single item under the brand name is certified to USDA organic standards.
Learn more
We need your help to get the USDA to take enforcement action based upon our legal complaint. Please write to the USDA today.
We're also collecting the stories of consumers who have been defrauded by fake organic health and beauty care companies. Do you feel shammed? Please share your story with us.

To assure you and your family you are getting 100% safe and effective ingredieants in your personal care products, please visit us on the web at www.livesafeandhealthy.net. Purchase online for a 30% discount
Cheers from Rick and Julia
9280-830-2248

Your Best Year Ever? Yes 2010 Will Be If, You Want It to Be.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office.
Posted by Rick Irrgang
01.05.10

Happy New Year. As we get ready to tackle an other year, what are you going to do to have the best year ever? Julia and I are excited about 2010 and are committed to making it our best year ever with Neways. What that really means is that we are committed to helping a lot of other peopla make 2010 an extraordinary year of prosperity where you have the time, money and good health to enjoy the lifestyle you really want.

I came across a very interesting list of 62 ways to make 2010 your best year yet. Please enjoy, save print and share this most wonderful list.

62 WAYS TO MAKE 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR YET
Kindly donated by Mr Robin Sharma
World Class Business Coach
1. Remember that leadership isn't about your position. It's about your influence.

2. Get fit like a pro athlete.

3. Lift people up versus tearing people down.

4. Protect your good name. An impeccable reputation takes a lifetime to build. And 60 seconds to lose.
5. Surround yourself with positive, ethical people who are committed to excellence.

6. Remember that even a 1% daily innovation rate amounts to at least a 100% rate of innovation in 100 days.

7. Believe in your dreams (even when others laugh at them).

8. Measure your success, not by your net worth but by your self worth (and how happy you feel).

9. Take an intelligent risk every 24 hours. No try-No Win.

10. Read "Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist".

11. Watch "Man on Wire".

12. Regardless of your title at work, be a team builder.

13. Remember that business is all about relationships and human connections.

14. Say "please" more.

15. Say "thank you" more.

16. Know your Big 5: the five things that need to happen by the end of this year for you to feel its been your best year yet.

17. Read your Big 5 every morning while the rest of the world is asleep.

18. Read "As You Think". At least twice this year.

19. Be willing to fail. It's the price of greatness.

20. Focus less on making money and more on creating value.

21. Spend less, save more.

22. Leave everything you touch better than you found it.

23. Be the most positive person in every room you're in.

24. Run your own race.

24. Stay true to your deepest values and best ideals.

25. Write a handwritten thank you note to a customer/friend/loved one every day.

26. When you travel, send love letters to your kids on hotel stationary. In time, they'll have a rich collection to remember your travels by.

27. Read "Atlas Shrugged".

28. Be a problem solver versus a trouble maker.

29. Rather than doing many things at mediocrity do just a few things-but at mastery.

30. Honor your parents.

31. Commit to doing great work-whether anyone notices it or not. It's one of life's best sources of happiness.

32. Give more than you receive (another of the truths of happiness).

33. Have your 1/3/5/10/25 years goals recorded on paper and review them weekly.

34. Be patient. Slow and steady wins the race. The only reason businesses that went from zero to a billion in a year or two get featured in magazines is because 99% of businesses require a lot more time to win.

34. Underpromise and then overdeliver.

35. See part of your job as "a developer of people" (whether you work in the boardroom or the mailroom).

36. Wear your heart on your sleeve. When people see you're real, they'll fall in love with you.

37. Be authentic versus plastic.

38. Read "The Alchemist".

39. Remember that life wants you to win. So get out of your own way.

40. Consider that behind every fear lives your next level of growth (and power).

41. Eat less food.

42. Drink more water.

43. Rest when you need to.

44. Read "SUCCESS" magazine.

45. Write your eulogy and then live your life backwards.

46. Demand the best from yourself.

47. Remember that the more you go to your limits, the more your limits will expand.

48. See everything that happens to you as an opportunity to grow (and therefore, as a precious gift).

49. Be obsessed with learning and self-development.

50. Become comfortable alone (you are the only person you get to be with your whole life).

51. Smile. It's a stunningly effective way to win in business and life.

52. Reflect on the shortness of life.

53. Be bold when it comes to your dreams but gentle with those you love.

54. Remember that success is dangerous because it can kill drive/innovation/passion and going the extra mile. Be successful yet stay hungry.

55. Read "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin".

56. Be of deep value to this world.

57. Own beautiful things but don't let them own you.

58. Use excellent words.

59. Laugh more.

60. Don't complain, gossip or be negative.

61. Plan as if you'll live forever but live as if you'll die tomorrow.

62. Feel free to pass these lessons on to those you want to help.

The High Cost of So-Called Cheap Food

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:47:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office
Posted by Rick Irrgang, CEO of my life
12.23.2009

I ran across an interesting article about food today. Julia and I do what we can to protect our health. From what we eat to what we let come in to contact with our skin, it all makes a big difference. Please enjoy today's feature. If you'd like to know more about protecting you and your family, please contact me at rick@lifesafeandhealthy.net

The High Cost of So-Called Cheap Food

Over the past 65 years, chemical agriculture, factory farms, and now genetic engineering have devastated public health, wrecked the environment, and destabilized the climate. The U.S. public now spends $2.4 trillion dollars a year on health care, $800 billion of which is directly attributable to consuming chemical-laden junk food.
After poisoning us with cheap food and destroying the environment, Big Food Inc. turns us over to Big Pharma and the Industrial Health Complex to repair the damage, or rather to keep us alive long enough to extract maximum profits. But from the warped perspective of the for-profit health insurance industry, overweight and diseased people aren't very profitable. That's why health insurance corporations spend $350 billion per year trying to avoid coverage and deny claims. The vast, paper-pushing bureaucracy the for-profit insurance industry has created to help them avoid providing services soaks up 31% of all health care spending!
If we shifted the 31% of health care spending taken up by the administrative costs of the for-profit health insurance industry to a single-payer, universal health care system, we could cover the uninsured without increasing total health-care spending. The Organic Consumers Association supports single-payer, universal health care, with a focus on preventive health, diet, nutrition and stress-reduction.
However:

IF PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS A BILL THAT TAKES AWAY OUR HEALTH RIGHTS, THAT FORCES AMERICANS TO BUY OVERPRICED, INADEQUATE COVERAGE FROM THE FOR-PROFIT HEALTH INSURANCE INDUSTRY, OCA WILL LAUNCH A BOYCOTT!

Eventually, we have to stop arguing over who's going to pay for out-of-control health care costs and restore public health! The real solution to our health care crisis is to stop subsidizing chemical and GMO food and farming, along with the destruction of our environment and our climate, and make the long overdue transition to organics. Then, under universal healthcare or Medicare for All, we can shift from health care that treats sickness caused by unhealthy food and an unhealthy environment and lifestyle to health care that promotes wellness.

Best wishes for a healthy wealthy 2010 from Rick and Julia Irrgang

Are You Living in a Healthy Wealthy Home?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:57:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office.
12-16-09
Posted by Rick Irrgang

Are your personal care products safe? As we come near the end of the year and start making plans for 2010, why not make plans to make you and your home a healthy wealthy home? Did you know that you can get paid to make the change? Let us show you how.
Please read todays post and see if you home is a healthy home.

Dangerous chemicals contaminate our polluted
world, yet we often turn a blind eye to the potential
dangers from chemicals in our everyday lives, even
though they can be avoided. This is especially true of the products in our bathrooms.
What is on the ingredients list?
You may be surprised.
Harmful or Carcinogenic Ingredients Commonly Found in Products
Diethanolamine (DEA) (shampoos, body washes, bubble bath, shaving cream)
Triethanolamine (TEA) (moisturizers, cosmetics, deodorant, toothpaste, body oils, washes)
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) (as above)
Propylene Glycol (moisturisers, shaving cream, deodorants, baby products)
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) (shampoo, bubble bath, shaving foam, cleansers etc)
Sodium Fluoride (toothpaste)
Alcohol (mouthwash, toners, baby products)
Talc (baby powder, make-up, foot preparations)
Glycerine (moisturizers, lotions)
PABA (sunscreens)
PEG (cosmetics, make-up, shaving cream)
Artificial flavours (toothpaste, mouthwash)
Artificial colours (make-up, toothpaste, shampoos)
Ether (nail treatments, shampoo, conditioner)
Coal Tars (shampoo, conditioner, hair dyes, soap, skin care, cosmetics)
Aluminium (antiperspirants)
Acetone (nail polish remover)
Formaldehyde (antiperspirants, nail treatments, perfumes)
Fluorocarbons (hair spray)
Dioxins (shampoo)
Petrolatum or Mineral Oil (baby products, washes)
This list is not exhaustive and the above ingredients are found in many more products than just those
indicated.
Unique Cancer Risk from Cosmetics and Personal Care Products.

Dr Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, states that mainstream industry cosmetics
and personal care products (CPCPs) are the single most important, yet generally unrecognized, class of
avoidable carcinogenic exposures for the overwhelming majority of citizens in major industrial nations. The
reason for these unique risks reflects a complex of individual and interactive factors such as:
• Interaction between different ingredients: even though a specific ingredient might not be in itself a
“frank” carcinogen it might be a “hidden” carcinogen that may, under certain conditions, have
carcinogenic properties when it combines with other ingredients in a product.
• Prolonged duration of exposure: the concern is that daily exposure, over a lifetime, of toxic ingredients,
many of which are left on skin, has a cumulative negative effect.
• High permeability of skin: the skin is highly permeable to carcinogenic and other toxic ingredients,
especially following prolonged exposure.
• Effect of wetting agents on skin permeability: the permeability of skin to carcinogens, besides other
toxic ingredients, is further increased by the presence of wetting agents or surfactants, probably the
most common class of ingredients in the majority of CPCPs.
• Bypassing detoxifying enzyme: carcinogens in CPCPs pose greater cancer risks than does food
contaminated with carcinogenic pesticides and other industrial carcinogens as they are not detoxified
by the liver but reach the general blood circulation without this protective detoxification.

Frank & Hidden Carcinogens
Acrylate
acid orange 3
Acrylate copolymers
amorphous silicates
Benzyl acetate
blue 1,2,4
bromonitrodioxane
bronopol
bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
butyl benzylphthalate
Butylated hydroxyanisole
butylated hydroxytoluene
Ceteareth-3
chlorhexidine
Choleth-24
chrystalline silica
coal tar dyes
DEA
DEA-Cocamide & Lauramide & Oleamide condensates
DEA-cocamide/lauramide condensates
DEA-MEA/ Acetame
DEA-Sodium lauryl sulfate
diaminoanisole
diaminophenol
diaminotoluene
diazolidinyl urea
Diethanolamide-cocamide, lauramide & oleamide
condensates
dioctyl adipate
disperse blue1
disperse yellow3
DMDM-Hydantoin
ethoxylated alcohols
ethyl alcohol
fluoride
formaldehyde
glutaral
green 1,2,3
hydroquinone
Imidazolidinyl urea
lanolin
Laureth's
Methacrylate copolymers
metheneamine
Metheneamine
methylene chloride
Morpholine
nitrophenylenediamine
Nonoxynol
Oleth's
Padimate-O (octyldimethyl para-amino benzoic acid)
PEG's (polyethylene glycols)
polyoxymethyleneurea
Polysorbate 60
Polysorbate 80
polyvinyl acetate
polyvinyl pyrrolidone
p-phenylphenylenediamine
pyrocatechol
Pyroglutamic Acid
Quaternium-15
quaternium-26
red 4,9,17,19,22,33,40
saccharin
Sodium/Hydroxymethylglycinate
talc
TEA
TEA-Sodium lauryl sulfate
titanium dioxide
Yellow 5,6,8

Wow, are you interested in learning more? It was this list that we read that started our commitment to sharing Our safe and effective products with the world.

Labor Dept: Available Labor Rate Increases To 10.2%

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Conversations From the Corner Office:
Posted by Rick Irrgang
12-10-09
You know, I'm always looking to the right side, the bright side, no matter what rock I have to turn over to get it. Today, bad news can actually be good news, it's all a matter of your point of view. Are you a 1/2 glass full or 1/2 glass empty sort of person. Today's post is a funny twist on bad news gone good. Enjoy today, if you are still not one of the millions of potentially employable Americans, just wait you might be. Until then, Julia and I offer a sound business that anyone can participate in. Why wait?
Have fun with today's post.

Business Section:
Labor Dept: Available Labor Rate Increases To 10.2%

WASHINGTON—In what is being touted by the Labor Department as extremely positive news, the nation's available labor rate has reached double digits for the first time in 26 years, bringing the total number of potentially employable Americans to an impressive 15.7 million.

"This is such an exciting time to be an employer in America," said Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, adding that every single day 6,500 more citizens join America's growing possible workforce. "There's such a massive and diverse pool of job-ready Americans to choose from. And each month the number only gets higher."
"While our current available labor rate of 10.2 percent isn't quite as robust as it was in 1982 or 1933, we're happy to say that reaching that benchmark is no longer out of the realm of possibility," Solis continued.
According to the Department of Labor's report, nearly 200,000 more Americans suddenly became fully hirable in October alone. And November saw unprecedented gains in the number of high-quality auto workers, teachers, lawyers, part-time retailers, and even doctors who could be employed.
The report also explained that, because of the booming would-be-employee market, college graduates are having an easier time than ever joining the ranks of those ready and able to receive monetary compensation for work performed at some point.

Enlarge Image

Moreover, it found that, while all Americans were benefiting in some way from the new trend, the nation's African Americans appeared to be in the best position to take advantage of the upward swing in potential employment, with 15.7 percent of all black citizens now situated to have a chance of becoming wage-earners someday.
"We are very lucky to be living in a time when so many people can just go out whenever they feel like it and get a job application," Deputy Labor Secretary Seth Harris announced. "Compare that to the late '60s or late '90s, when the available labor rate plummeted to 4 percent and employers didn't have their pick of millions upon millions of Americans dying to put on a hard hat or suit jacket for practically peanuts."
Added Harris, "Those were scary times in America."
Though Labor sources said the new figures were encouraging, officials were quick to point out that the exact number of those now possessing the capacity to be offered work someday is actually much higher.
"Our findings don't take into account all the men and women who are available for work but haven't applied for a job in the last month," Solis said. "That's another 2.4 million Americans out there who can proudly say they wake up every day, get their kids ready for school, and then sit in their living rooms praying for the phone to ring."
Solis told reporters she is also encouraged by the vast number of citizens in every state who are willing to take jobs beneath their personal dignity and education level.
The Labor Secretary cited the fact that California boasts an impressive available labor force of more than 2 million citizens, while in Oregon, 11.5 percent of the state is ready to fill out a growing stack of empty W-2 forms. In Michigan, more than 15 percent of all citizens said they could start work either today, tomorrow, or right this very second if that's what it takes.
"I'll do anything," said Ohio resident Garret Landry, who was last not available for steady employment more than 10 months ago. "Seriously, anything. Cars? I could learn how to fix cars. Manual labor? An office job? Just say the word and I'm there."
"I'll transcribe what you're writing for $50," Landry added. "Okay, $25."

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Labor Dept: Available Labor Rate Increases To 10.2%