'Stupid' Cruise Questions, Part Deux

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By Paul Motter

In my recent "Stupid Cruise Questions Answered" column, I invited readers to send me their own questions and comments. There were no "stupid cruise questions" I hadn't heard before, but I did receive some clever jokes I had forgotten. Please keep the cruise jokes coming. 

I thought it time to address some more "stupid questions" that, over the months, I have received from cruisers. The most well-known "stupid cruise questions" are in the repertoire of most cruise directors and ship comedians, so I hear them all the time, but I really don't think some are funny. (Maybe because I personally asked some of them at one time?) 

 

Here's a selection:

"What is our elevation?" Obviously, a ship always floats at sea level - but if you mean "how far above the water line are we when standing on deck 12?" then your "elevation" is closer to 50 ft. That's a perfectly valid question. At least I thought so when I asked it. One crew member said he was in Glacier Bay, Alaska, when he was asked "what is our elevation?" I suppose many people confuse elevation with latitude. Glacier Bay is 58 degrees north. 

I received an email from one crew member who was asked, "Does this elevator stop at deck 11?" and he replied "Only if you want it to..." 

To me, that is more of stupid answer than a stupid question. Several emails cited "do these stairs go up?" as a hilariously stupid question. I never found this question to be that funny. I once started to ask an officer if a set of stairs went up to deck 10, but he started laughing when I got to "Do these stairs go up..." and I didn't get to finish. I wanted to "deck" that officer, to be honest. 

Funny Cruise Stories 

A little old lady is invited to dine at the captain's table, where she asks him, "Sir, do these magnificent ships sink very often?" The captain replies, "Only once, madam." Once again, silly question or silly answer? The lady wrote a letter to the cruise line's president complaining she was "forced to eat with the crew." 

April 15 is the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. Is 100 years still "too soon?" I will let you be the judge... Bruce Ismay, designer of the Titanic, asked Captain Edward Smith how far it was to the nearest soil. "It's about two miles," the captain replied. "Straight down." 

Serious Cruise Questions 

Dozens of people sent me serious cruise questions, so I will answer the most popular ones first: 

"What kind of clothes should I pack for my cruise?" For a typical tropical cruise you have daytime and nighttime clothes. Daytime clothes include cargo shorts with lots of pockets; t-shirts and sneakers are fine for on the ship or on shore. You will want a swimsuit for the beaches and swimming pools. Hats and sunglasses are a must for sun protection. 

During the day, you can wear the same clothes onboard or on shore, except bathing suits are not allowed in dining rooms. Nighttime attire (after 6:00 p.m.) means no jeans, shorts or t-shirts in the main public areas. If you don't feel like dressing up for dinner, the buffet area is always casual. Proper nighttime restaurant attire requires slacks and collared shirts for men. Neckties are optional on "casual" ships, while a dinner jacket and tie qualifies you for "formal night" on almost any ship. 

If you are already booked, check your cruise line's web site for dress code clarification. Price is not always an indicator. Some of the most elegant ships are entirely "cruise casual," while some more "affordable" lines still have formal nights. 

Here is a summary of most cruise line dress codes: 

Mainstream cruise lines: Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean prefer slacks and collared shirts after 6:00 p.m., but if you only brought jeans and t-shirts you will probably be allowed in the dining room. Just keep in mind that you will stand out like a sore thumb, much like at church or a wedding. 

Premium lines: Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Disney. These lines will not tolerate jeans or t-shirts after dark, and will deny you entrance to the dining room. They will have "optional elegant" nights where most men will wear dinner jackets with ties optional. Women will wear skirts or coordinated pants suits.

Upscale lines: Oceania Cruises, Azamara, Windstar, Great American Steamboat Company and river cruise lines. These lines have relaxed their dress codes, recommending "country club casual" every night. Luxury Lines: Seabourn, Silversea and Regent are also "country club casual" almost all the time. This means collared shirts for men (polo shirts are OK) with slacks, dark socks and dress shoes. Skirts or elegant pants suits for the ladies are good. They may have one "elegant" night per 14-day cruise - add a jacket, tie optional. There are two luxury cruise lines where you'll still typically see men in tuxedos and ladies in ball gowns -- Cunard Line and Crystal Cruises. 

If true "Golden Age" formal dress is what you want in a cruise you can't beat Cunard's Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossings. It's ballroom is the most truly elegant place at sea. These days, you only see a handful of passengers in tuxedos on a typical Caribbean cruise. Very few ships mandate formal dress to enter the dining room anymore. 

True formal dress is now "optional" - a remnant for the people who still want to strut their stuff on ships. Men: With a pair of dark slacks, dinner jacket, dress shirt with necktie, shoes and other collared shirts (polo acceptable) you ready for any dress code. 

For the more casual ships skip the necktie. But taking it up a notch on any ship is a sure way to get the ladies to notice you. Ladies: Mix-and-match packing is the most efficient approach; more outfits can be created out of fewer pieces. Don't underdress, don't overdress. 

If you bring a different ensemble for every night, you will probably stand out more than you want. Bring your best fake jewelry to liven up your wardrobe. Large, colorful bangles go over very well on cruises. 

Everyone: Do not go overboard buying new clothes for your first cruise - wait and see how regular cruisers dress. Also, avoid the temptation to buy "nautical" themed clothes - epaulets, stripes on armbands, captain's hats, etc. 

Almost all cruise ships have laundry services for dry cleaning and pressing. A travel steamer comes in handy, but irons are not allowed on ships. Many ships have laundromats on passenger decks with washer-dryers and ironing. 

Cruise Line Tipping Guidelines 

The second most popular question was "What is the proper etiquette for tipping?" Tipping on cruise ships is convoluted. One does not tip during the cruise at all, when served a drink, for example. All tips are given at the end of the cruise. The recommended total amount is about $10 per passenger per day. In the old days, a passenger would bring cash to stuff into separate envelopes for his waiter, room steward, the Maitre D' and busboy, and hand them out on the last day of the cruise. This process often took hours and I did not enjoy it. 

Today, cruise lines will simply charge gratuities to your shipboard account, itemized on your final bill. It makes the process less discretionary, but if you really feel someone does not deserve a tip you can go to guest services and request that the tip be taken off. 

Some lines have turned gratuities into "service charges," however, so you cannot remove them. Letting the cruise line charge your account is the proper etiquette -- no more, no less. All tips are pooled and divvied up to the staff as the cruise line deems appropriate. 

Do make sure your tips get charged, however; some lines will ask you halfway through the cruise if you want tips charged to your account, and you have to approve it. If not, you have to get the cash and envelopes. 

Three Tipping Tips: 

1) Every drink you buy already has a service charge added to the price. There will be a space for you to leave an "optional gratuity" on the ticket. Why tip twice? 

2) All money given to any staff member is supposed to be pooled. So if you really want to tip a specific person, you should hand them cash, and do it very discretely. There are cameras all over the ship, except in your stateroom. 

3) Be careful of crewmembers who try to play on your emotions. I have heard stories of people "adopting" their room stewardess because she misses her family but she must stay on the ship to send money home. 

I don't approve of crewmembers saying this to guests, and neither do their employers. Give her your sympathy, but not your money. Crewmembers are not indentured servants; they are paid well compared to what they could make in their home countries. Otherwise, they wouldn't be there. Some cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing where tips are not expected or accepted. They are Silversea, Seabourn, Regent, and starting January 1st, 2012, Crystal Cruises. The staff is well paid and the service is usually excellent. And yes, you pay more for these cruise. 

The Meaning of POSH 

On the "which side of the ship is best" question I covered previously, many people challenged my definition of the word POSH, which sounded plausible to me -- but I was wrong. The word was apparently derived from Brits sailing the tropical route to India before air conditioning was invented. Sailing to the east, you would want the sun away from you (port out and starboard home). Those who corrected me should know that Snopes disagrees with this story as well, saying that acronyms were not popular before the 20th century, and that "posh" was derived from gypsy slang for "money" or "wealth." 

Other Topics to Follow 

I received plenty of additional questions about seasickness, the cost of "extras" onboard, and an amusing letter from a yo-yo tricks expert willing to trade his talent for free passage on a cruise. 

Please send your cruise questions to editor@cruisemates.com. I will try to answer all of them eventually

Top 10 Affordable Holiday Wines

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Bring a little festive cheer to the season's celebrations with one of these festive wines as selected by Gayot.com. Our typically diverse selection includes a classic Champagne, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert wine from Chile. With prices starting at $9, these bottles won't break the bank either. "Cheers!" 

SPARKLING 

Piper Heidsieck Vintage 2004 Champagne, France $75 

Florens-Louis Heidsieck, the son of a Lutheran minister from Westphalia, founded this famed Champagne house in 1785. Piper-Heidsieck's 2004 vintage is composed of 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay. A multi-layered bouquet reveals almond and hazelnut aromas, apricot and rhubarb as well as fragrant floral notes. Fresh and effervescent on the palate, this vintage is pleasantly dry, with just a hint of coconut. 

Parés Baltà NV Cava Brut Penedès, Spain $17 

This family-owned winery in the Penedès region of Spain boasts a history stretching back to 1790. Parés Baltà produces still and sparkling wines made from organically-farmed grapes grown on their estate vineyards. Their non-vintage dry cava is a light and refreshing blend of Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo grapes. Aromas of pear and apple carry through on the palate factory. 

J Vineyards & Winery Brut Rosé Russian River Valley, CA $28 

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan (who grew up in the Jordan Winery family), J is known as a leading American sparkling wine producer. This dry rosé is composed of 64 per cent Pinot Noir, 34 per cent Chardonnay and 2 per cent Pinot Meunier grapes, all sourced from J's estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The result is crisp and refreshing with raspberry, lemon and blood orange flavors. 

WHITE 

Buty Winery 2009 65% Sémillon, 27% Sauvignon & 8% Muscadelle Columbia Valley, WA $25 

Nina Buty Foster and her husband, winemaker Caleb Foster, founded Buty Winery in 2000. Their aptly-named blend of white grape varietals grown in Washington's Columbia Valley offers zesty lemon aromas on the nose with fragrant floral notes. Its crisp acidity and supple texture make this wine ideal for pairing with seafood, white meats and light pasta dishes. 

MacMurray Ranch 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, CA $20 

Nestled in the Russian River Valley, MacMurray Ranch was bought by Hollywood actor Fred MacMurray in 1941. His daughter Kate now lives and works on the ranch, where vines were planted in the mid-1990s. MacMurray Ranch's 2009 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay offers an aromatic bouquet that includes hints of caramel and vanilla, as well as ripe lemon and melon flavors on the palate. Malolactic fermentation endowed it with a rich and creamy mouthfeel.  

ROSE 

Tapeña 2010 Rosé Tierra de Castilla, Spain $10 

Tapeña's name is a combination of the Spanish words tapas and peña, slang for a group of close friends. In other words, Tapeña wines are meant to be enjoyed with food and among friends. Their 2010 Rosé is composed of 55 per cent Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre), 40 per cent Garnacha and 5 per cent Shiraz. It is crisp and acidic with bright citrus flavors balanced by mineral notes. Pair it with light appetizers, crunchy salads or seafood. 

RED 

Joseph Phelps Vineyards 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, CA $56 

Joseph Phelps founded his eponymous vineyards in 1972. Six years later he released his 1974 Insignia, becoming the first California vintner to produce a blend of traditional Bordeaux varietals under a proprietary name. This 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a similar blend of varietals, but with a comparatively lower price tag. Plum and blackberry aromas mingle with earthier notes, while flavors of dark fruit and spice, firm tannins and a lush mouthfeel fill out the palate. 

Waterstone 2008 Carneros Pinot Noir Napa Valley, CA $22 

Winemaker Philip Zorn and longtime wine executive Brent Shortridge founded their Napa Valley winery in 2000. Their 2008 Pinot Noir, made from grapes grown in the cool Carneros region, is medium-bodied with soft tannins. On the nose, it offers plum and cherry aromas with a hint of cola, while a touch of vanilla is evident on the palate. Pair it with roast turkey, salmon or ravioli. 

DESSERT 

Wilson Creek Almond Champagne Temecula Valley, CA $17 

A family-owned estate vineyard and winery, Wilson Creek is located in southern California's Temecula wine country. Their signature offering is this Almond Champagne, a non-vintage blend of Colombard and Chardonnay grapes, with just a hint of pure almond added. The resulting sparkling wine tastes sweet, but not cloying, with a rich aroma and flavor much like that of marzipan. 

Viña Tabalí 2009 Reserva Late Harvest Muscat Limarí Valley, Chile $9 (375 ml) 

The tabalí in Viña Tabalí means "passage of waters" in the local dialect. Waters do run through northern Chile's Limarí Valley (near the Atacama Desert), where the winery and its vineyards are situated. Made from estate-grown grapes, Viña Tabalí's 2009 Reserva Late Harvest Muscat is unsurprisingly sweet. It offers rich and complex flavors of apricot, papaya and honey and a smooth, soft finish. 

 

5 Things Trainers Wish You Knew About Your Workout

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 By Karen Asp

Are you undermining your workout? Fitness experts weigh in on common exercise infractions—and how to correct them easily.

1. You Need to Switch Up Your Workouts
“After doing the same cardio or strength routine three to six times, your body adapts and you burn fewer calories,” says Michael Sokol, the owner of One-on-One Fitness Personal Training Services, in Chicago and Scottsdale, Ariz. 

Eventually your results—weight loss, muscle definition—will slow down. Also, repeatedly placing stress on the same muscles and joints could lead to an overuse injury.

Action plan: Once a month, change one thing about your cardio and weight-training regimens: Take a Zumba class in lieu of your Saturday walk, for instance, or use a resistance band instead of dumbbells. Bonus: Mixing things up may help you stick with exercise. A 2001 study conducted at the University of Florida, in Gainesville, found that people who varied their routines enjoyed their workouts more—and exercised more regularly—than did people who went with the same thing every day.

2. Cardio Isn’t the Magic Bullet for Weight Loss
While biking, running, and walking are great for your heart, “research suggests that it’s difficult to lose fat when you do only cardiovascular activity,” says Jeff Halevy, a celebrity trainer and the CEO of Halevy Life, a health and fitness service factory in New York City. Although aerobic exercise will burn calories, it doesn’t really change your metabolism. What does: lean muscle mass. “Muscle helps you burn more calories even after your workout is over,” says Halevy. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate (the baseline amount of calories you burn in a day), says Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., the director of fitness research at Quincy College, in Quincy, Mass. Women tend to lose five to seven pounds of muscle in each decade of adulthood—one reason why the pounds creep on as we get older. Westcott’s research has found that if you do strength training three times a week, you can add an average of three pounds of muscle in about three months, increasing your metabolism by 6 to 7 percent.

Action plan: Keep doing cardio three times a week, but add two or three strength-training workouts. Aim to work all the major muscles over the week; complete one to two sets of eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise. To get started, check out the website of the American Council on Exercise for an extensive library of weight-training moves.

3. Wimpy Weights Will Get You Nowhere
According to the “overload principle,” for muscles to become stronger, they have to be challenged with a load that’s heavier than what they’re used to. (Think about the weight of your handbag—dinky three-pound dumbbells just don’t compare.) Without challenging your muscles, “you can’t substantially strengthen or tone them,” says Halevy.

Action plan: Choose a weight that you can lift for only 10 to 15 repetitions before losing good form—trainers call this “working to failure.” (That doesn’t mean your arms should feel like noodles when you’re done, or that you can’t bang out a second set after a minute or two of rest.) Don’t worry: You won’t bulk up. “Women’s bodies have a biological limit on how much muscle mass they can build,” says Halevy. “It’s hard for women to get big without using steroids.”

4. Muscles Come in Pairs; Train Them That Way
Most of us focus on what trainers call the mirror muscles—the ones you see when you look in the mirror (biceps, quadriceps). But just as every action has an equal and opposite reaction, every muscle has a mate that works in the opposite way. For example, you use your triceps to extend your arm and your biceps to bend it. To avoid imbalances that can lead to injury, it’s essential to train both equally.

Action plan: Consider doing weight training in what’s known as a split. Work, say, your biceps and hamstrings one day, then your triceps and quadriceps the next. This way, you’ll hit every muscle pair over the course of a week. One exception: the back muscles. “Many women have weak back muscles from working at a computer all day,” says Carly Pizzani, a New York City–based personal trainer. If you’re desk-bound from nine to five, follow a two-to-one ratio when working your back and chest. That is, for every exercise you do for the chest, do two for the back.

5. Crunches Aren’t Crucial for Strong Abdominals
“They’re not the best exercise choice, because they strengthen only a few of the muscles in your core,” says Pizzani. What’s more, if your abs are weak, doing crunches could cause a strain on your neck, since you’ll probably be pulling on it in an effort to lift your torso.

Young Guns: Marketing That Doesn't Feel Manufactured

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 By Christina Scotti

Singer George Clinton said it best: “If you fake the funk, your nose will grow.”

Marketing expert Coltrane Curtis seems to follow this motto--saying the traditional way of marketing brands by buying big-name talent with no real connection to the company can come across as fake.

“When the contract ends, that’s when the real relationship begins,” said Curtis, the founder and CEO of NYC-based marketing agency Team Epiphany, who has a talent for memorable one liners, even in casual conversation.

Curtis was describing how his new-approach startup markets its clients without making things feel contrived and manufactured.

“People aren’t looking for something that is phony,” he said.

Started in 2004, Team Epiphany has grown into an estimated $5 million factory with 20 employees. Social media, which is a big component of its client strategy, has been crucial to his enterprise.

“Without it, we would not be here,” said Curtis, who isn't shy about pointing out that he saw the power of this medium early on.

But, he explained, connecting through Twitter and Facebook and other digital communication mediums is not as simple as saying "use social media."

“We have to create something to say in social media. We have to think about what stories we are going to create for these brands because sometimes their stories aren’t cutting it.”

------

Six Shooter Q&A with Coltrane Curtis

1. What is your favorite quote and why?

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." Steve Jobs

This is my favorite quote because it representative of my upbringing as well as the environment that I want to create at Team Epiphany. Yes, it's easy to retread things that work from client to client. That's not what we do. We delivery the proper solution for the clients needs whether its easy or not.

2. What’s harder: Living up to your own expectations or living up to those others have for you

Living up to my own expectations. I am my worst and hardest critic.

3. Why will Team Epiphany succeed?

We have to succeed, we have no other option. Failure is not on our radar.

4. Why will you succeed?

I do what I love; my passion is marketing, pr, and brand-building! My love for my craft allows me to run circles around industry competitors.

5. How is Team Epiphany different than other marketing firms?

We are a hand-selected group of talented entrepreneurs that creates trends. We engineer cool. Most other marketing agencies amplify what we have helped to create.

6. Who is your biggest source of inspiration?

My wife, my son, my mom and dad, close friends and global travel

What's The Hottest Career Field?--Health Care

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By Tony Moton    

 A noticeable pattern has developed in the health care industry.

Workers keep getting hired.

Health care suppliers added 17,000 new jobs in November 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, while averaging an increase of 27,000 jobs per month over the past year.

  

Health care's hot track record for hiring isn't a recent occurrence. It's actually part of a much more long-term trend, says John Canally, an economist and investment strategist at Boston-based LPL Financial.

"Health care added 700,000 jobs from December 2007, when the recession started, to October 2010," says Canally. "No other job sector did that."

Looking for a stable career with a variety of education options? Keep reading to see how you can prepare for a hot career in health care.

Career #1: Medical Assistant

Medical assistants with administrative expertise help keep doctor's offices and clinics running smoothly. Those with clinical backgrounds do everything from taking vital signs to sterilizing medical instruments.

Why it's hot: Americans are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. That means more patients and more opportunities for medical assistants. In fact, the profession is projected to add nearly 164,000 medical assisting jobs between 2008 and 2018, according to the BLS.

How to prepare: A certificate or diploma in medical assisting can be completed in as little as one year. Another option is to earn an associate's degree in medical assisting.

What it pays (on average): Medical assistants have an average salary of $29,760, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.*

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Career #2: Dental Assistant

Dental assisting is a profession tailor-made for friendly people with a knack for putting others at ease. During procedures, they work alongside dentists to handle equipment and assist with vital tasks.

Why it's hot: What's not to smile about in this career? Job opportunities are flourishing, partly due to a greater emphasis on preventative dental care. Over 100,000 new dental assisting jobs are expected to be created from 2008-2018, according to the BLS.

How to prepare: Go after a certificate or diploma in dental assisting or set your sights on an associate's degree in dental assisting.

What it pays (on average): Dental assistant earnings average at about $34,140 per year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Career #3: Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians provide a helping hand to licensed pharmacists by preparing medications, counting tablets, labeling bottles, and providing customer service.

Why it's hot: Over 93,000 new pharmacy techs are expected to receive jobs between 2008 and 2018. This growth is due in part to the fact that our elderly population - who may have more prescriptions - is increasing.

How to prepare: You can earn a certificate in pharmacy technology in as little as six months or get an associate's degree in pharmacy technology in as little as two years.

What it pays (on average): The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician is $29,330, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

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Career #4: Medical Records Technician

Technicians in the health care field assemble patient records, medical histories, and test results for service providers.

Why it's hot: As our population continues to expand, more medical technicians are needed to handle an ever-increasing amount of tests, treatments, and medical procedures. Medical records technician job opportunities are expected to grow by more than 35,000 during the 10-year period ending in 2018.

How to prepare: Get an associate's degree in medical records technology to prepare to pursue entry-level work as a medical records technician.

What it pays (on average): Medical records technicians have an average yearly salary of $35,010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Career #5: Medical Transcriptionist

When physicians and medical professionals need to communicate important information, they turn to medical transcriptionists who translate doctor's notes into medical reports and other files.

Why it's hot: A large percentage of medical transcriptionists work in hospitals, but there will be an increased need for their work in editing transcripts taken by speech recognition systems. Close to 12,000 new medical transcriptionists are expected to get hired from 2008 to 2018, according to the BLS.

How to prepare: Want to pursue this career? Consider earning a medical transcription certificate or an associate's degree in medical transcription.

What it pays (on average): The average yearly salary in this field is $33,530, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Career #6: Registered Nurse (RN)

Even in a massive industry like health care, the impact that the nursing profession has on the job market is substantial. RNs held some 2.6 million jobs in 2008 - mostly in hospitals - and the opportunities for work continue to rise.

Why it's hot: Technological advancements in patient care and a growing interest in preventative health measures are accelerating the need for new nurses. Nearly 600,000 new nursing jobs are expected to open between 2008 and 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

How to prepare: One of the best aspects of breaking into the nursing profession is the variety of education options available. Obtain a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing to get your career going.

What it pays (on average): RNs have an average annual salary of $67,720, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

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Career #7: Medical and Health Services Manager

Health care providers rely on administrative managers to lead the complex business of running hospitals, clinics, and various patient facilities. Managers are involved in everything from developing reports and budgets to spearheading community outreach programs. Their job is crucial to the well-being of employees and patients alike.

Why it's hot: Management jobs in doctor's offices and clinics are expanding as health care services broaden outside of hospitals. According to the Department of Labor, the number of new medical and health services managers will grow by more than 45,000 over the 10-year period ending in 2018.

How to prepare: Get your foot in the door by earning a bachelor's degree in health care administration.

What it pays (on average): The average annual pay for a medical and health services manager is $93,670, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

How to Protect Skin From Cold Winter Weather

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Cold weather is drier and can have damaging or negative effects on skin, but there are steps people can take to look and feel better, according to Dr. Amy McMichael, a dermatologist at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.

McMichael offered the following tips for protecting skin during the winter months:

• Switch to a thicker facial and body moisturizer.


• Do not use indoor tanning beds.


• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid hot beverages to minimize rosacea flare-ups. Laser and chemical procedures are available that can help treat rosacea, melasma (a kind of skin discoloration) and other skin problems.


• Take advantage of off-season or post-holiday sales on sun-protective clothing to help protect your skin all year long.

10 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

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By Katie Adams

In a dour housing market, wouldn't it be nice to know that your remodeling project would pay off when you went to sell the property? Remodeling Magazine evaluated the top remodeling projects, how the cost-to-value has changed since the housing market implosion, and which projects are still worth the investment. Using the magazine's "Cost Vs. Value Report for 2008-2009," let's look at some of the best projects you can undertake and recoup the majority of your cost.

Upscale Projects

• Siding Replacement (fiber-cement or foam-backed vinyl). With the economic slump, home buyers aren't being dazzled by bells and whistles as much as they are improvements that will ensure lower repair and utility bills. Although replacing current siding with fiber-cement has lost value from 2007, it still nets an astonishing 87% ROI. If you prefer a foam-backed vinyl product replacement instead, you can still look to recoup 80% of your cost.


• Window Replacement (vinyl or wood).  Windows are not only an aesthetic feature. For most homeowners, they represent one of the easiest ways to lower home heating and cooling bills. By replacing your current windows with more efficient vinyl or wood ones, you can save on your utility bills, attract future home buyers and net a nearly 80% (vinyl) or 77% (wood) return on your investment.


• Bathroom Remodel.  Depending on the size and amenities of your desired bathroom, you could expect to pay over $50,000 to tear out walls, repair joists and wall studs, change structural elements and make major layout changes, such as switching a toilet and shower. However big the price tag, you can still expect to recoup nearly 71% of the cost (which would be $36,400 if you have a $50K bill) when you go to sell. This project increased its value since 2007, while its sister project – adding a complete bathroom – fell in value.


• Major Kitchen Remodel. Kitchens are typically the most frequently used room in a home, so it makes sense that investing money here is going to pay off when it comes time to sell. While a major kitchen renovation is usually the most time-consuming and expensive home improvement job (averaging more than $110,000), it's also one of the most profitable. Regardless of the size of your financial layout, you can expect to get a nearly 71% ROI.


• Deck Addition (composite product). With families cutting their entertainment budgets, they're spending more time at home, so it makes sense that adding a deck (composite, not wood) is a good investment. You can plan on recouping 63% of your total job cost to boost your home's value by nearly $24,000 if you paid the average job cost of $37,000.

 

Mid-Range Projects

While all of the mid-range projects dropped in value versus cost since 2007, there are still numerous projects that will net you a significant ROI. Here are a few of the best bets for your money:

• Deck Addition (wood). If your bank balance can't swing the higher price tag that comes with composite decking, you may still be able to afford a wood addition on to your home. While a wood deck would cost you, on average, in the neighborhood of $10,000, the resale value it will add to your home is more than $8,600 – an 81.8% return on your investment.


• Siding Replacement (vinyl). Fiber-cement or foam-banked vinyl are often more preferable siding upgrades, but getting vinyl siding replacements instead is still a good choice. You can recoup nearly 81% of your cost which, if the job cost you more than $10,000, means you could add more than $8,200 to your home's value.


• Minor Kitchen Remodel. With belt-tightening in style, people are turning to minor kitchen improvement projects instead of major overhauls. It turns out that that choice is not only frugal, but financially wise. While major kitchen remodeling jobs can still, on average, return a nice 70% ROI for homeowners, minor kitchen remodeling jobs net an even higher 79.5% return.


• Attic Bedroom.  Anytime you can add bedrooms, you're going to add to the overall value – and listed purchase price – to your home. If your attic's dimensions allow you to convert it to a bedroom, you may want to consider investing the money to do so. You'll add some sleeping space and net a nice 74% return when a new buyer puts your home under contract.


• Basement Remodel. If you're fortunate enough to live in an area with a water table high enough to permit basements, you should think about squeezing all the value you can out of it. By remodeling and finishing a previously-unfinished basement you can expect to get nearly 73% of your investment returned with a higher list price, come time to sell.


•  




• sources : finance.yahoo.com

 

Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions

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  By Carole Martin

Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence.

1. What Are Your Weaknesses?

This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."

2. Why Should We Hire You?

Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial factory and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."

3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."

4. What Are Your Goals?

Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

5. Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?

If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."

If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."

6. When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?

The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

7. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?

What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

8. What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?

It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

9. What Salary Are You Seeking?

It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"

10. If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?

Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

 

sources: career-advice.monster.com

How Small Business Owners Can Curb Employee Fraud

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By Cindy Vanegas

From check tampering to false reimbursement submissions, employee fraud is becoming prevalent at businesses of sizes, especially with the weak economic environment.

The most recent Global Fraud Study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that the median loss in companies caused by fraud cases was $160,000 in 2010, with small businesses being disproportionately victimized.  

While small business owners may not have the man power to employ a full-fledged fraud detection unit, there are procedures they can implement to curb employee fraud.

"Segregate accounting duties to the greatest extent possible," recommended Ken Stalcup, certified fraud examiner and certified public accountant at Somerset CPAs. "No one person should be responsible for an entire accounting cycle, meaning no one person should be allowed to approve vendor invoices, prepare checks to go back to that same vendor, sign the checks, post the checks to the general ledger and reconcile the bank account."

A system of checks and balances should also apply to inventory. "If you are a business that includes inventory, make sure your shipping and receiving departments are separate departments handled by separate employees,” advised Marc Bourne, vice president of Know It All Intelligence Group. He added that annual inventory counts should be done by a third-party vendor or an employee that is not responsible for the involved departments.

In addition to separating duties and instituting checks and balances, business owners should implement new policies and standards of practice in the workplace.

"We are big believers in mixing things up and adding a different flavor to policies and procedures," said Greg Jones, CEO of BookKeeping Express, a factory that provides domestically-outsourced professional bookkeeping for small businesses. Jones recommended instituting new short-term policies like not only requiring receipts but requiring that clients sign-off on meal and entertainment-related expenses.

Business owners must create a workplace culture of honesty and values by setting an example.

"Human beings can rationalize anything,” said Joe Gerard, co-founder of i-Sight, software used to manage investigations of fraud or employee misconduct. “An owner who goes out for steak and three bottles of wine is implicitly creating a culture where this sort of behavior is perceived to be normal."

Monitoring behavior is key to detecting employees who may be susceptible to committing fraud. "If you notice sudden changes of your long-term employees, such as financial habits, like extreme spending, gambling, borrowing from co-workers, devotion or lack of devotion to work, there may be reason for concern," warned Bourne.

One of the hardest things for small business owners to do is admit that they are being taken advantage of by trusted employees. But, Jones of BookKeeping Express cautioned "the most tenured and knowledgeable in the organization are the ones who can get away with things."

The Global Fraud Study found that "frauds committed by owners or executives were more than three times as costly as frauds committed by managers, and more than nine times as costly as employee frauds."

In terms of detecting fraud, The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners recommended that "organizations implement hotlines to receive tips from both internal and external sources....[that] allow anonymity and confidentiality, and employees should be encouraged to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal."

Business owners should strive to educate employees on the cost of fraud and how it can impact everyone’s financial future. Stalcup recalled cases in which fraud has shut down business and left people unemployed. "Fraud can damage a company's reputation.  Upfront and recurring training should help establish that there is zero tolerance with fraud and stealing."

If a business owner suspects that an employee is committing fraud, Gerard of i-Sight recommended that management rotate staff to look for inconsistencies and conduct a surprise audit, then have investigators review servers and computers for evidence.

"Get the person to take a holiday, if that isn't possible then investigate at night or on weekends," said Gerard. "You don't want the perpetrator to know you're onto them until you've gathered evidence."

 

How to Burn Butt Fat

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By Mark Dilworth

Even though butt fat is healthier than belly fat, every woman I know doesn’t want either one. It's not right to talk about one without mentioning the other.

The primary way to burn dangerous belly fat is to eat whole, natural foods. Severely limiting sugars, food in a bag or box, unhealthy saturated fats, trans fats and processed foods will definitely burn belly fat (and make you healthier). Also, drink mainly water and unsweetened drinks like tea. Finally, adjust your calorie intake to reach your fat loss goals.

Here's how to burn your butt fat: Maximize your time exercising. Do the right exercises at the right intensities. Exercising at higher intensities will burn fat faster. Although cardio plays a part in the fat burning process, it’s the strength exercises that primarily build muscle and transform your body. Commit to full body strength training at least three days a week.

So, which strength exercises will shape and tone your butt faster?

In an American Council on Exercise research report, “Glutes to the Max,” it talks about the most effective glutes exercises. The study was led by John Porcari, Blake Ristvedt, and a team of researchers from the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program. They used electromyographic (EMG) analysis to compare the muscle recruitment patterns of eight common gluteal exercises. Twelve subjects, six men and six women, participated in the study. They all regularly used strength training.

Researchers compared muscle activation for each exercise and compared it with the traditional favorite — the two-legged squat. The other exercises tested were horizontal and vertical leg press, step ups, lunges, single-legged squats, four-way hip extensions and quadruped hip extensions.
The results were as follows:

1. Two machine exercises, horizontal and vertical leg presses ranked lowest in muscle activation for the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius (hips) and hamstrings.

2. For the gluteus maximus, squats had no significant muscle activation advantage over the non-leg press exercises.

3. For the gluteus medius, the quadruped hip extensions, step ups and lunges showed significantly more muscle activation than squats.

4. For the hamstrings, quadruped hip extensions, step-ups, lunges and four-way hip extensions all had significantly more activation than squats.

“Our study showed that there are several exercises that work equally as
well as the traditional squat at targeting the gluteal muscles,” says Ristvedt.

Here are my recommendations for your glutes and leg strength workouts:

1. Do minimal machine weight exercises. Machines stabilize your body for you and limit your range of motion. Your core muscles are also minimally activated with machine exercises. Machine weight exercises are best for beginners or those doing rehabilitation.

2. Stand up exercises are more intense than sit down exercises.

3. One-leg exercises are more intense than two-legged exercises.

4.Do leg strength circuits on a regular basis using the exercises above as well as other leg exercises.

5. Incorporate bodyweight, dumbbell, medicine ball and barbell glutes and leg strength exercises in your routines.

6. There are many squat exercises available for your use. Some others not mentioned above are plie squats, sissy squats, split squats, prisoner squats, y squats, Bulgarian split squats, side squats and sumo squats. Work them all into your program.

7. Don’t underestimate bodyweight exercises. Many people think that you must lift heavy weights to grow and shape your leg muscles. That is simply not true. Your body weight provides adequate resistance to help you build muscle and burn fat on your lower body. Plus, lifting heavy weights will take a toll on your joints.

Go and work your butt off!

 

Want More Business? Ask for It

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 By Mary Rosenbaum

Your best source for new business is satisfied customers and clients.

 It seems obvious that people satisfied with your services or products would be great brand ambassadors, yet asking for referrals or recommendations is one of the least utilized and most avoided techniques used by small business owners to gain more customers.

It’s not always easy to ask for referrals. You don’t want to turn off clients or embarrass them by asking and risk losing their business. Or perhaps you’ve already asked and are reluctant to ask again. Or maybe you’re afraid the request will make you appear needy or unsuccessful.

Here is another way to look at it: We’ve been asked for recommendations--whether it’s for a restaurant, movie, physician, school, or product. And as a business owner, you have most likely picked up business through referrals as well. 

Asking for referrals proactively can increase your business even more than random and sporadic referrals. Here are steps to take to make asking for a referral easier and more effective.  

Confirm Your Value and Define Your Brand

Confidence in the value your product or service provides is integral to making a recommendation request that yields positive results.

You should understand the unique value you provide to customers and how to articulate it. Be able to communicate how you help make customers’ lives easier, why they use your services and your advantages—this helps you define your brand from the standpoint of your customers.

Once you have the answers to these questions then you can formulate the ask.

Make the Ask

Who to ask: Target repeat customers—people you know by name and have regular interactions with. If you provide services, ask clients who are extremely satisfied with your work and can point directly to how you fulfilled their needs.  

What to ask: Before you make the ask, reconfirm with them the value you provide.  Let them know you are looking for clients and customers like them that stand to benefit from your services. Be specific with what type of clients you are seeking.  For example, if you own a small real estate sales company you might want to ask a customer for young couples (like them) looking for their first home in a particular geographic region.  

Another way to ask for a recommendation is to create programs to encourage referral business. Programs that incorporate discounts like a 2-for-1 offer, or a bonus card  that becomes more valuable with each referral can also generate a buzz.

No matter how you ask, remember to always reiterate the value that these potential new customers would be receiving.

Show Gratitude

Regardless of who and how you ask for a recommendation, show your customers appreciation for any referrals they make. It could be a gift card, flowers, or a handwritten thank-you note--anything that enables you to “touch” your customers or clients and acknowledge their support. An act of gratitude is remembered for a long time, and serves as an incentive for them to keep on passing the word about your great business.

 

How to Deal with a Difficult Boss

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Most people at some point in their lives have to deal with a difficult boss. Difficult supervisors vary in personality from being a little pushy or rude, all the way to being downright abusive. Many people feel that an abusive boss has control of their personal life outside of work by lowering their self-esteem and making them live in constant fear. The role of a supervisor sometimes attracts certain controlling-type personalities because they crave the power it gives them and because they lack such control in their own personal lives. A supervisor has complete control over your most basic human needs梱our ability to put food on the table and a roof over your head. These are powerful motivating factors that allow a difficult supervisor to control people out of fear of losing these basic needs. We may not be able to always correct their behavior, but we should never have to live in fear and let our difficult boss control our lives

1

Analyze your actions. Make an honest analysis of your work. If you feel like your job performance has declined since your difficult boss came into the picture, try re-focusing on the projects at hand. There may be changes in your boss' behavior.

2

Make a list of the behavior you find difficult to deal with. Document anything you find unethical, unprofessional or abusive. Just jot down the facts, not your reactions to the events. Make this list as detailed as possible. If you do end up filing a complaint, you will need accurate records to refer to.

3

Find a mentor. If you love the factory but can't deal with your bad boss, you could try to develop a mentoring relationship with another supervisor.

4

Don't take it, but respond to your difficult boss with a professional attitude. If your boss insults you, respond calmly that there is a better way to deal with the situation. Do not become abusive or show that your boss' behavior has upset you. Maintain a professional distance and keep calm.

5

Get support from your co-workers. You may not be the only one who feels this way about your boss, and having a support system can help all affected. At the same time, do not speak badly about your boss - especially to his superior.

6

Know when it's too much. If your boss' behavior becomes abusive, try to schedule a meeting with a neutral party present. Let your boss know your concerns and see if you can find a middle ground. If the bullying has had an effect on your health, it may be time to get out.

7

Have an escape plan. If you can't find a way to resolve the issue and it seems your boss will never change her behavior, you should looking for a new job. If possible, try not to quit before having something else lined up.

8

Report your boss to Human Resources. A last resort is reporting the actions of your boss to Human Resources. This can have either positive or negative results. Human Resources may do something about the situation, or the tension between you and your boss could increase. Do this only if you feel there is no other option.

9

Find the lesson in the experience. Try to evaluate the situation objectively. There may be factors in your boss' life you are unaware of, or unresolved issues in your life. You may also be able to learn something about what not to do, should you ever be a boss.

 

Will 2012 Be a Libertarian Year?

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By John Stossel

As 2011 draws to a close, I wonder: Is freedom winning? Did America become freer this year? Less free? How about the rest of the world?

I’m a pessimist. I fear Thomas Jefferson was right when he said, “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.” That’s what’s happened. Bush and Obama doubled spending and increased regulation. Government’s intrusiveness is always more, never less. The state grows, and freedom declines

 

But there were bright spots. We don’t yet know what will become of what people call the Arab Spring. But this year, for the first time in my life, there was hope that masses of people in the Middle East will embrace liberalism -- in the original sense of people being left alone to pursue their own lives.

Another possible bright spot: President Obama declared the war in Iraq over. I don’t believe it because 17,000 embassy personnel remain, but at least he’s saying it, and troops have left. Some will also leave Afghanistan. But I'm confused. Obama was elected partly because he promised to end the wars. But then he almost tripled the number of American soldiers in Afghanistan, from 35,000 to 100,000.

I'm pessimistic about America going bankrupt, like Greece, thanks to ballooning spending on entitlements like Medicare. But terms of debate can change quickly. This spring, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan (R) presented a timid plan that would have slowed the growth of government slightly. Even Republicans went bonkers. Newt Gingrich called it “right-wing social engineering.”

But now, just seven months later, the country’s in a different place. Newt’s apologized. Speaker John Boehner and other Republicans praise Ryan’s plan. The Republican Study Committee wants to go further. Now Ryan agrees that his plan was “mild.” Today he says he’d go farther.

Maybe attitudes changed because Americans watched the video of riots in Greece and realized what can happen when the money runs out. Maybe Standard and Poor’s downgrading of the government’s credit rating mattered. Maybe attitudes changed simply because the deficit numbers are so ugly that even the establishment has to acknowledge it.

But also, attitudes changed because we libertarians won the battle of ideas. Now every Republican presidential candidate -- not just Ron Paul -- talks about free enterprise.

Alec Baldwin told Occupy Wall Street demonstrators, “You can’t not have strong capital markets in this country or the country’s going to go down the tubes.”

Wow. Even left-wing celebrities defend “strong capital markets”? The world is moving toward limited government and free factory. We libertarians have won!

But wait. What am I talking about? We haven’t won. Even Republicans want to grow government. When the Super Committee failed to reach its super conclusion and thereby put us on automatic pilot to a trillion dollars in spending cuts, Republicans screamed about draconian damage to the military. But the automatic cuts are really just cuts in the rate of increase. Spending will still go up, just at a slightly slower rate. Why is this even controversial?

I fear that much of the country is in agreement with the Wall Street protestors who love free stuff from government -- free health care, free college education, free lunch. 

Elderly Americans want no cuts to Medicare. Even after the Solyndra scandal, 62 percent of Americans say America should continue to invest in clean-energy jobs. Don’t they think about what that money would be producing if left in the hands of free, entrepreneurial individuals? No.

Lots of Americans oppose free trade and free markets. It takes some knowledge to realize that the seeming chaos masks underlying order. The benefits of freedom are not intuitive, and when you go against people’s intuition, they get upset.

The benefits of freedom are largely “unseen,” as the 19th century French liberal Frederic Bastiat put it. He meant that rising living standards and labor-saving inventions don’t appear to flow from freedom. But they do.

It’s one of the ironies of life that people need not understand freedom for it to work, and because of this, there is the perennial danger that they will give it up without realizing the disastrous consequences that follow.

We freedom-lovers have a lot more work to do.

How to Invest in You in 2012

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By Amanda Hearle    

We often treat resolutions like birthday wishes - they're nice to dream about, but they'll probably never come true. Don't let this be another year where your resolutions evaporate like the smoke from a birthday candle.

Instead, set a plan in place to ensure that you follow through. Whether your resolution involves going back to school or quitting smoking, preparing a strategy is an essential part of making resolutions stick, according to John Norcross, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Scranton.

To help you begin the New Year on the right foot, we put together this list of practical tips to help you turn your resolutions from wishes into concrete changes.

Resolution #1 - Learn Something New

Are you ready to switch careers, or just eager for a new challenge? Going back to school could expand your knowledge and open the doors for new opportunities in your professional life. Here are a few education options to consider:

• Earn a degree: From master's, bachelor's, associate's, and certificate programs, there are degree options that could help you move forward at any stage of your academic and professional life.

 

• Take online classes: An online education gives you the flexibility to attend classes when and where it's convenient for you. This means that you could maintain your daily responsibilities - whether it's work, family, or social responsibilities - and still go back to school.

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Resolution #2 - Get Active

While some people dream of running a marathon, many would settle for not getting winded going up a flight of stairs. Whatever your reasons or goals, here are some tips for starting a healthy, safe exercise routine:

• Start small: The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but everyone needs to start somewhere. Start with 10 to 15 minutes a day of walking or jogging. After a few weeks, start inching closer to that 30-minute mark.


• Vary your routine: Working on those biceps may boost your self-esteem, but you're more than just an arm. Remember to exercise in a way that benefits your whole body. According to the ACE, a complete, safe, and effective fitness program should include aerobic exercise, muscular conditioning, and flexibility exercise.

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Resolution #3 - Lose Weight

It's that time of year when all our bad eating decisions from the holidays come back to haunt us. Get out of the vicious cycle and take control of your diet with these tips:

• Do it for the right reasons: "Many people find more success when they find other reasons [besides losing weight] to change their diet," says dietician Rachael Richardson. Understanding how a healthier diet can improve sleep and brain function, increase energy, and reduce pain - to name a few examples - can help you stay motivated when faced with temptation.


• Cut back on sweets and junk food: Giving up sweets and junk food cold turkey usually leads to secret late night binges and an unhealthy dose of guilt. Start by limiting what you eat rather than cutting them out completely. For example, if you usually drink two sodas a day, try drinking just one. As you begin feeling better and losing weight, you'll be more motivated to continue cutting back.

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Resolution #4 - Quit Smoking

You probably already know that smoking puts you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. But knowing the reasons to quit isn't always enough to kick the habit. Sometimes you need extra help. Consider these tips:

• Look into Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): This method includes nicotine patches, inhalers, nasal spray, and lozenges. In a survey of 132 clinical trials, the Cochrane Collaboration, an international nonprofit, found that NRTs help increase your chances of quitting by 50 to 70 percent. Take time to do some research and talk with your doctor about what NRT could work best for you.


• Find a support group: Quitting can be easier when you're surrounded by people who share your struggles and your commitment. Nicotine Anonymous (NA) is a national network of support groups with meetings 365 days a year. 

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Resolution #5 - Help Those in Need

Looking for a way to make a positive impact? Volunteering with a nonprofit organization can help you give back to your community. Here are some ways to get connected:

• Tap into your passion: Think about what you really love to do. Are you a gifted artist, an athlete, or a reader? Whatever your passion, it can help those in need. You could mentor a child, read to the elderly, or coach a sports team.


• Put your professional background to work: Many nonprofits rely on volunteers to work in a variety of areas. If you have a professional background in marketing, administration, finance, or business, your experience could be invaluable in providing training, streamlining administrative tasks and more. Connect with nonprofits looking for professional volunteers at www.smartvolunteer.org.

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Resolution #6 - Save Money

The New Year is a great time for making financial resolutions and breaking them as soon as the first clearance sale hits. Don't let your good intentions collapse at the sight of the first 50 percent off poster. Consider these plans to take control of your spending:

• Set a goal: It's no good saying, "I want to save money" without knowing why. Ask yourself where you hope to be financially in 10 years. Do you see yourself out of debt, buying a house, or traveling the world? As financial advisor Keith Newcomb says, "If you take the time to think through your values and what's important to you, it's easier to resist what feels good now."


• Set a budget: Tossing your receipts in a drawer and not looking at them till tax season is no way to control your spending. Find a systematic way to track your expenses and spending. There are several online options, that provide free services for categorizing your expenses, tracking spending, and setting long-term financial goals.

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Resolution #7 - Spend More Time with Loved Ones

Can't remember the last time you had a family gathering that didn't revolve around the television? With all your obligations leaving you short on time and energy, consider a more proactive approach to quality family time:

• Reinstate family dinners: Regular family dinners have been linked to better achievement in school, fewer behavioral problems, and healthier dietary patterns in children. Anne Fishel, a professor of clinical psychology at Harvard, explains that mealtime "is a medium of play - a way for families to have pleasure with one another."


• Plan a vacation: There are plenty of fun and relatively inexpensive ways to get away as a family. Consider visiting one of our nation's 397 national parks. Annual passes are just $80, according to the U.S. Forest Service, and can be used for family hikes, backpacking, and camping trips.

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sources: education.yahoo.net

The Question Every American Should Be Asking

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By Andy Andrews

The Republican Iowa caucus is two weeks away, and with key primary contests shortly thereafter, the 2012 Presidential election will be upon us in no time. 

With a president seeking reelection and a GOP field that has been filling newspaper print, broadcast air and online space, voters will be facing an increasingly difficult question -- which of these people do we actually want to be president? Even more vexing, how do we determine whom the right person is to receive our vote?

How do we come about our decision? Usually, we will do a little bit of research on the candidates, read their stance on some issues on their websites, and perhaps listen to the talking heads on television,. Some in the media  will avoid the issues and instead focus on the irrelevant.

However, for the upcoming election year, let’s consider a different tactic. Let’s ask ourselves a different question when deciding on the “right” candidate, the question every American should be asking: What is our standard for being led?

We need think about this in earnest, because this one question will lead Americans to common ground, something this country needs and deserves now.

Of course, there isn’t one universal standard for being led. What one leadership quality could we all -- Republicans and Democrats and Independents -- agree on?

When one truly ponders this question,  Americans will come to understand that we all can agree on one vital desire: truth.  

Who is telling the truth? Not just now, but who has been telling the truth throughout his or her career?

It seems for the past several decades, our politicians having been saying whatever is necessary to get elected. 

Could the 2012 election be the turning point when this stops?  History is replete with the ill-fated actions of elected leaders, politicians and governments whose citizens did nothing to stop it.

While there can be a difference of opinion, what we need is the simple: black & white truth. Who is looking at us square in the eye and telling untruths? This can longer be tolerated and accepted as politics as usual. We need to stand up and challenge the candidates, demand of them a higher standard.

Our only barometer of a leader is through their words and deeds. We should judge our potential leader as we do with our family.

In the long run, it may be easier for Americans to undo the policies of our leaders who failed to tell the truth, since we can vote them out. It is more difficult, however, to restore common sense and wisdom, when people have been deceived over and over again. 

Perhaps, a democratic system can survive having chosen fools as its leaders. But, history shows time and again that a nation of fools is surely doomed

Can we agree to stop being foolish? Can we decide to turn off our party-line blinders and really search for that leader who will look us squarely in the eye and tell us the truth, as painful as it may be, in such a way that will resonate with voters.

The question remains: Who might that person be? We may not be able to figure that out as quickly as we would like. However, if we agree to demand the truth, our search may become a whole lot easier