2:24 PM - Jul. 15, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Tune up that grill

The grilling season is heating up and regardless of whether you’re crazy about charcoal or are gaga over gas grills, you need to make sure your grill is in good working order before heading out to the patio with the brats, burgers and buns.

“Don’t treat your grill like a second-class culinary citizen. It’s an appliance just like your stove or refrigerator and with proper maintenance and care, it can give you decades of great use,” said Angie Hicks, founder ofAngie’s List (www.angieslist.com), a provider of ratings on local service providers.

“One Angie’s List member thought his 40-year old grill was a goner one summer when he tried to fire it up. He called the store where he’d bought it and not only was his service call made by the same technician who installed it originally, but that expert found a way to repair it and the grill is still in use today,” Hicks said.

While emergency calls can be made, it’s best to have a yearly service call to ensure your grill is in good shape.

The lifespan of a grill varies greatly, depending on how well-constructed it is. Typically, you get what you pay for. Regardless of price, replacement parts are available for most grills. It’s time to replace your grill when its casting (the lid and bowl) is rusted.

Angie surveyed dozens of highly-rated grill experts to help make sure your barbecue bash doesn’t flame out.

1. Clean and spider free: Before you fire it up for the season, give your grill a good scrub to get rid of food, grease and - spider webs. Spiders are attracted to the smell of propane and they can take up residence in the venturi tubes and valve openings, blocking air and gas flow and leading to uneven cooking and possible safety hazards.

2. Annual checkup: Just like your car, annual service checks on your grill are a good idea and most warranties require them.

3. Test drive: Give your grill a test run before the day of the big barbecue to make sure everything is in good working order. That way, if it does need a new part or repair, you’ll have it working in time for the big cookout.

4. Fuel check: Check that you have enough gas or coals for your grill before you fire it up. You can add a gauge to your propane tank to help detect levels. For charcoal users, generally use about 30 coals per pound of meat, with the charcoal extending about one inch beyond the area where the food is.

5. Low salt diet: Avoid seasoning while grilling. Salt acts as a corrosive and can help contribute to rust.

6. Keep it clean. Once you’ve pulled the food from the grill, allow any excess food to burn off and then clean the grill with a brass bristle brush. Avoid using a stainless steel brush on a porcelain-enamel finish. Clean the grill while it’s still warm. It’s far easier to clean than waiting until food and grease settles and hardens. Clean the drip pan regularly.

7. Protect your grill with a water-resistant cover when not in use. During colder months, store it out of the elements.

2:21 PM - Jul. 13, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Don't become an identity theft victim

According to recent statistics released by the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1.6 million households experience theft of existing accounts other than a credit card (such as a banking account), and 1.1 million households discover misuse of personal information (such as their social security number) annually. In addition, a recent poll revealed that "sixteen percent of adults say they have had their credit or debit card used by someone they don't know without their permission" and that "substantial numbers" of people have taken specific steps to help prevent identity theft from happening to them.

Here are some important tips for keeping your information safe and sound:

Give it to me in writing. While many of us have limited our exposure to telemarketing calls by utilizing the Do-Not-Call registry, charities are exempt from the Do-Not-Call rules. If you receive a phone call from any charity, ask the caller to send you information in the mail instead of giving out your credit card information over the phone. If you get any resistance, just hang up. If someone isn't willing to give you the chance to review some information, they could be interested in more than earning a commission.

Just the facts. We often give unnecessary information like our date of birth and income level when we're filling out things like warranty cards for new products we've bought or supermarket club cards. Share only what's really necessary in every situation.

Navigating the Net. Never post your address or your full date of birth on any social networking sites because both are pieces of information needed to steal your identity. In addition, if you utilize internet job sites, never give a potential employer your Social Security number until they are ready to hire you. Also, thoroughly investigate companies before you submit your resume and check the privacy policies of any online job boards to make sure they won't sell your information.

The world of paper. Even though the Internet has added a whole new dimension to identity theft, there are still important steps to take when it comes to paper items. First, never keep your Social Security number in your wallet, glove compartment, and other easy-to-access places. Also, never have it printed on your checks or use it as your password. Second, when you are ready to get rid of old documents that contain important information, shred them. And last, if you have to mail something that contains sensitive information, drop the letter in a secure mailbox instead of a mailbox that anyone can open (like the kind at the end of many people's driveways).

The bottom line is this: When it comes to your personal information, share it on a need-to-know basis only!

2:28 PM - Jul. 5, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Why are you late again?

 If the minutes on the clock seem to fly by in the morning as you frantically run around collecting your keys, getting your kids out the door and grabbing your bills while trying to make it to work on time, you’re not alone. According to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey, 15% of workers say they arrive late to work at least once a week, while nearly one-in-four of all workers (24%) admit to making up fake excuses to explain their tardiness. The CareerBuilder.com survey, “Late to Work,” was conducted from February 11 through March 13, 2008 among 2,757 employers and 6,987 workers.

“Although flexible schedules are more common in the workplace these days, it is still important for employees to be mindful of their arrival times,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder.com. “Consistently showing up late can affect how others in the company view your work ethic and discipline, as well as affect your productivity.”

While 43% of hiring managers say they don’t mind if their employees are late as long as their work is completed on time with good quality, others are much stricter, and would consider terminating an employee if he or she arrives late several times a year.

When asked to identify the primary cause for coming in late, more than 32% of workers claimed traffic was the culprit. Falling back asleep was the reason cited by 17%, while 7% pointed to a long commute as the main cause. Other popular reasons included getting kids ready for school and day care, forgetting something at home and feeling sick.

While the majority of hiring managers believe their employees’ reasons for being late to work, more than 27% say they are skeptical of the excuses.

Hiring managers provided the following top 10 examples of the most unusual excuses employees offered for arriving late to work:

- While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.
- Someone stole all my daffodils.
- I had to go audition for American Idol.
- My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn’t drive to work.
- My route to work was shut down by a Presidential motorcade.
- I wasn’t thinking and accidentally went to my old job.
- I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.
- The line was too long at Starbucks.
- I was trying to get my gun back from the police.
- I didn’t have money for gas because all of the pawn shops were closed.

Insights for Managers about Tardiness

Other jobs can be successfully performed with very flexible hours.

Some jobs require adherence to a specific schedule in order to maintain quality service levels and precise hours of operation. Other jobs can be successfully performed with very flexible hours. Whether you tend to be strict or flexible about schedules, frequent tardiness or lack of reliability should not be ignored. Managers who have frequently tardy employees should do the following:

Candidly discuss the tardiness issue with the employee, seeking the root cause. The employee may have personal scheduling issues that can be worked around with reasonable schedule adjustments. Employees who have problems with oversleeping or unanticipated traffic delays may need help understanding the importance of strong personal discipline. In talking with these employees, also inquire about their level of satisfaction with their current role. Frequent lateness can sometimes be an indicator of job dissatisfaction.

Evaluate the current policies and consider trying flextime, which can be implemented with various levels of flexibility. One recommended approach is to set “core business hours” and a weekly time requirement.

For example, require employees to be in the office between the core hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (excluding lunch), while working a total of 38 to 45 hours per week. This kind of policy, which lets employees set their own schedule to avoid traffic or drop kids off at school or day care, may reduce stress in the workplace.

When using flextime, it is usually best for managers to clearly define expectations and use measurements based on accomplishments and deadlines, rather than specific hours.

6:53 PM - Jun. 21, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Time Management and You

Time is money….there are only 24 hours in a day and everybody is allotted the same amount. How time is managed makes the distinction between true success and mediocre performance according to Tom Ninness of Cherry Creek Mortgage in Denver and President of Summit Champions. Big Ben in London has a poignant quote regarding the importance of time inscribed at the base of the clock tower. It reads: “No minute lost ever comes back again. Take heed and see you do nothing in vain.”

How do you use your time? Is your day comprised of rote activities, meaningless contacts and time wasters, or are you diligent in using each day as efficiently as possible? The importance of staying focused and using time wisely boils down to the small actions that can be taken throughout the day.

Reviewing the “list” before going to bed helps to organize your priorities for each day. By taking a few minutes in the evening to outline and prioritize the next day, you allow your mind to wind down and guarantee a better night’s sleep. Creating that time to permit a “brain-dump” before heading to bed, allows your whole being to be more relaxed and benefit with better sleep. Develop and maintain a list of specific things that will need attention each day. Keeping a notepad and pen by your bedside can help log ideas that occur during the night. Checking off details on the list daily offers a level of satisfaction and will enable you to accomplish more in less time. Aim to accomplish the most important difficult task/project to be completed early in the day.

Examine the month ahead and anticipate what obstacles may be lurking. Are there big projects or opportunities that need extra planning and time blocking? Anticipate what’s on the calendar. Sales appointments that are the bread and butter of most businesses and need advance preparation. Often the worse appointments are those that were not prepped in advance. “Winging it” should never be a part of an appointment.

Procrastination is a time killer. Self-talk is defined as what you say or think to yourself, either silently or aloud. Positive self-talk involves thoughts you intentionally choose to think because of the results they will produce in your life and business. Motivate yourself by being your biggest supporter!

What is time worth? Refine your day into doing the activities and tasks that will create the kind of income that your time is worth. Eliminate the non-dollar productive activities. Examine what your hourly rate is and focus on the activities that produce that rate, consistently.

Creating uninterrupted time to concentrate on the high priority items or activities that will improve business is the most elusive. For sales professionals, prospecting is the number one action for success. Eliminate all distractions and interrupts for four of the eight hours a day and a successful sales career will be secure. Place your phone calls on hold, offer a voice mail recording identifying specific times when you return calls, and outline time lines for specific activities, such as prospecting, paperwork and calls outside the office.

Take time to periodically examine your life and business plan. If you haven’t developed these plans, do so. A focused plan allows inspection of each project, person or activity, and the determination of the time and effort associated with it. Align purpose with your life and business model. Learn the advantages of using OPE-Other Peoples Energy and Expertise and delegate responsibilities whenever possible. Your time is important, as well as the use of capital and talents.

Time is a statement of starting, leaving or arriving and is what's expected. To be slightly early sends a message of purpose, courtesy and respect - to others and yourself - and assures better results over time.
To be even one minute late (consistently or not), implies a message of rudeness.

Time is serious. Respect time. Be organized, be prompt, respect the time of others and develop continuity within each day; the positive impact will improve business, and create trust.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Activity is contagious." Have an impact. Enjoy great results. Embrace the early start. Go long. Inspire yourself and others.”marketing.

 

3:05 PM - Jun. 15, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Keep your PC running smoothly

Every PC user has been there. One day, things are great – your programs open swiftly and you are able to navigate the Internet with ease. But when you turn on your computer the very next day, you quickly realize that everything has changed for the worse. Here's the good news: these issues are very preventable. The following are our eight favorite user-friendly tips for keeping your PC clean and performing at an optimal level.

We'll start by saying that if you are an IT person, or someone who really knows PCs, much of this information will be stuff you already know. This article is not intended as a definitive work on PC maintenance. Instead, this is meant for people who use a computer, but who need a few pointers to keep it performing well.

1. Purchase a Quality Antivirus Program
Before purchasing a program of this nature, it is important to make sure that in addition to virus protection, it also protects against both spyware and adware. While viruses have the ability to take down a computer, the latter are capable of slowing it to a snail's pace and compromising your personal information.

While there are several quality antivirus programs on the market, two that we keep hearing about are Trendmicro (available at www.trendmicro.com) and Spysweeper (available at www.webroot.com). Whatever product you choose, make sure you do so before surfing the Net, or opening emails. Also, be sure to keep your software current by downloading any updates, and don't forget to renew your subscription every year.

2. Perform Your Windows Updates
Your computer will periodically instruct you that there are available Windows updates. It is important to perform these updates, as many will pertain to both computer security and overall operations. You can also set Windows to automatically update for you.

It's important to note, however, that some updates may have a negative result. This is because any time a change is made within your computer's operating system, it carries a risk of causing problems. The solution here is to keep track of all the updates you do. It will definitely help in troubleshooting any problems that may arise.

3. Utilize Your Windows Firewall
Current versions of Windows come equipped with a personal firewall, or a program that protects your personal network from any outside networks. It is highly important to make sure that this is turned on. To do so, simply click your start menu. Now click the "run" button and type firewall.cpl. Now click "OK." On the "General" tab, select "On," and then click "OK."

4. Make Sure You Have Plenty of RAM
Not to be confused with hard drive space, RAM is the memory your computer uses to store programs and data that you are currently working on. Here's what normally happens.

You buy a computer thinking that you don't need the biggest, fastest, or most powerful one on the market. Chances are you probably don't. However, what many people fail to consider is their potential to outgrow a computer. Considering the thousands upon thousands of great computer programs on the market, it's not hard to do. Run a few too many programs on a computer with insufficient RAM and it will definitely run slow.

There is only one way to fix this problem, and the good news is that it's fairly easy and cheap. Go to a local computer store, preferably the one where you bought your computer, and tell them you need to purchase more RAM. The cost will depend on the amount of RAM you already have, as well as the amount you need for an appropriate upgrade. In terms of installing it, there should be no problem having it done at the store.

5. Uninstall Any Unused Programs
Now that you've learned about the importance of RAM, you can understand why it's crucial to keep only the programs you use. To delete any unused programs, click "start" and then click on "Control Panel." Find the icon that says "Add or Remove Programs," and click it on. Scroll down to find the appropriate program, and have it removed. Your computer will prompt you with instructions.

6. Perform Regular Housecleaning
Regularly deleting your temporary Internet files, cookies, and Internet history will do wonders for maintaining a quick and clean PC. To do so, click "Tools" on the taskbar of your Internet browser. Scroll down and click on "Internet Options." From there, select what you would like to delete.

Another bit of housecleaning one should regularly perform is emptying your trash bin. It's called trash for a reason, so you need to deal with it in the same way!

7. Defragment (Defrag) Your Hard Drive
Defragmenting your hard drive may be the single best thing you can do to keep your computer running optimally. Here's why:

As you add programs and data to your computer, the information in question takes up blocks of actual physical space on the hard drive. Imagine these blocks of information piling up linearly, one right after another. Whenever one of those blocks is deleted, a blank space is created. Build up enough of these blank spaces and it causes your computer to take complicated paths in order to find information. By defragmenting your computer, you remove the blank spaces and create a more efficient pathway.

In order to perform a "defrag" on your hard drive, start by double-clicking your "My Computer" icon. Next, right-click on the "C-Drive" option. Click "Properties," "Tools," and then "Defragment Now." Depending on how fragmented your computer's hard drive is, some system defrags can take several hours, and during that time, you cannot use your computer.

8. Use an Email Service with a Good Spam Filter
The ability for an email service to effectively filter out insidious spam emails is highly important when it comes to minimizing your risk. Some spammers are nothing but scammers; Internet grifters, if you will. Others are bad guys posing as good guys for the purposes of either tracking your online activities for marketing purposes, or looking for ways to steal your information and identity.

Aside from regularly cleaning out your email spam file, we also recommend never giving personal information via an email. A very common trick used by these "bad guys" is to send emails pretending to be your bank. The email will request you to update certain information and provide a link for you to do so online. After clicking on the link, you are taken to a website that may look like your bank's website, but it's not. If you provide the information, they've got you. If you ever do need to update information online, go directly to the company's webpage by way of your Internet browser.

You can now consider yourself well informed on the subject of keeping your computer clean and running quickly. But that's not enough. You should look at this article as a call to action. Trust us when we say that by taking a proactive approach with your computer, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration.

2:57 PM - Jun. 13, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Consider travel insurance this summer

It may seem a bit early, but believe it or not, summer is right around the corner…time to start thinking about that family vacation getaway.

When planning your fun-filled itinerary, the last thing you want to do is worry about any financial loss that might occur as a result of a missed flight, an injury or illness, lost baggage, or any other unforeseen incident. To ensure your peace of mind while away from home, many companies provide several different types of traveler's protection plans to help ease the burden.

Without insurance, a traveler can lose nonrefundable deposits and prepayments that can add up to hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. A good, comprehensive travel insurance plan will often reimburse a traveler for all pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses for a covered loss.

The cost of travel insurance is based, in most cases, on the value of the trip and the age of the traveler. Typically, the cost is 5-7 percent of the trip cost. Now, you may think, "I'm paying so much for this vacation already, why should I pay even more for something I may not even need?" True, but then, why take your car in for a tune-up when it's running smoothly? Why go to the dentist for a routine check-up if you don't actually have a pain in your mouth? Like most every other type of insurance, be it automobile, medical, or homeowner's, you hope you never need to use it. But it sure is a relief to have it when you do need it, right? Well worth it, when you consider the alternative.

Here are some general types of coverage you should consider before heading out for this summer's vacation:

Travel Arrangement Protection
This covers you in case of trip cancellation, interruption, or travel delays (these can include inclement weather, lost or stolen passports, quarantine, hijacking or natural disaster).

Medical Protection
Just because you have health insurance at home, the moment you set foot on foreign soil or even set sail on a cruise, many health plans are considered null and void, so be sure you get travel medical protection to cover emergency medical expenses, such as illness and accident expenses, and emergency medical transportation to the nearest medical facility.

Baggage Protection
Not only do you want coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage, but many plans offer reimbursement for the purchase of essential items if baggage is delayed.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance
If traveling outside of the country, make sure you purchase a policy that covers international emergencies. This can include emergency cash transfer assistance, legal assistance, and lost travel documents assistance.

If you make your travel arrangements through a travel agent, be sure to ask them about the different types of travel insurance they recommend for your trip. If you book your travel plans online from reputable companies like Travelocity or Expedia, these companies will offer you insurance through their website. Or, alternatively, you can contact companies like AIG Travel, and purchase a wide variety of plans through them.

So before embarking on your next trip, do your homework. Talk to your travel agent about all the different insurance options available to you.

Have a happy and safe vacation!

2:39 PM - Jun. 11, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Comparison shopping

Sometimes shopping online can be as stressful as standing in line at a store. Comparative online shopping engines allow you to search for the product you need while giving you competitive pricing and product reviews. Below are some helpful tips and websites that can make your online shopping experience a happy one.

Research
There are many websites that offer product information and comparisons. Prior to purchasing a new computer, camera, computer software or even a barbeque grill, look at a comparison shopping engine that shows product specifications, attributes and prices. Find reviews, product rankings, as well as positive and negative feedback from consumers. Read forums and buying guides to get the latest professional and consumer advice on products. Everyone has a different opinion, so try to stay focused on the qualities that are most important to you.

Many popular shopping websites allow you to view product demos, ratings, comparisons and information on new and updated products.
Visit: www.cnet.com, www.bizrate.com, www.internetshopper.com, www.epinions.com

Returns, Warranties and Product Guarantees
Once you have found the best product for the best price, check the return and warranty policies. Though many online stores offer 30-day money back guarantees, return policies can vary. Also look to ratings for online stores to get some insight on their customer service and if they have received any negative feedback. Be sure to keep your receipt in case of product failure or defect.

Comparative Shopping Websites
www.shopzilla.com – Shopzilla is a basic comparative shopping site. You search for the product you wish to purchase and it will show you a list of results, prices and which stores carry them. Another great feature is the tax and shipping calculator. Prior to check out you can get the total cost of the product, tax and shipping, so there won’t be any surprises when you checkout. 

 

5:48 PM - May. 30, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Survey says - what is America's favorite book?

When it comes to reading, we know what genre Americans are reading, but what is Americans’ favorite book? Across all demographic groups the number one book is The Bible. Behind The Bible, the Civil War is still being fought as Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind comes in second. Fantasy and a bit of fear round out the top five favorite books of all time: in at number 3 is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and number 4 is that other fantasy series, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. In fifth is one of the masters of scary books - Stephen King and The Stand.

These are the results of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,513 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive® between March 11 and 18, 2008.

The next five start off with Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, followed by To Kill a Mockingbird. Number 7 is another Dan Brown novel, the Robert Langdon prequel Angels and Demons, followed by Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged at number nine. Finishing off the top 10 favorite books is J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.

The Second Favorite Book among Different Groups

While The Bible is number one among each of the different demographic groups, there is a large difference in the number two favorite book. For men, that belongs to Lord of the Rings while women cite Gone with the Wind as their number two. There is also a generational divide. For Echo Boomers (those aged 18-31) their second favorite is the Harry Potter series while Generation X (those aged 32-43) is split between The Stand and Angels and Demons. Baby Boomers (those aged 44-62) and Matures (those aged 63 and older) think alike and both cite Gone with the Wind.

While it’s not surprising that Gone with the Wind is the second favorite book in the South, it’s also number two in the Midwest. Easterners are more partial to the Lord of the Rings series and Westerners cite The Stand as their second favorite book. Whites and Hispanics also say Gone with the Wind is their second favorite while African Americans say it is Angels and Demons. Educational levels have the largest differences. Those with high school or less education cite Gone with the Wind as their second favorite book of all time while Americans with some college education say it is The Stand. College graduates go to Lord of the Rings and those with a post graduate education are tied as both Lord of the Rings and To Kill a Mockingbird come in number two for them.

Finally, they may not agree on candidates, but one thing that brings together partisans is their favorite book. For Republicans, Democrats and Independents, the top two books are the same - The Bible followed by Gone with the Wind.

12:35 PM - May. 22, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Journal to help made decisions

When confronted with a decision, there is clearly no better way to consider our options, determine the potential, or contemplate our feelings than writing it down. Keeping a journal is as simple as this nursery rhyme; we need no more than a pen and paper to chronicle our life journey according to Kim Ades, MBA, president of Opening Doors and Frame of Mind Coaching

The words that we write in our journals have the power to transform our lives; from confronting our battles, personal demons and deep dark secrets to exploring and exposing our fantasies, dreams, hopes and aspirations. Writing allows us to envision the kinds of miracles and joys we’d love to see come into our world. It allows us to reframe our life experiences by giving us a forum in which to express and redirect our thoughts. When we write, we engage in a very different process-one that is experiential. When we write down our thoughts, feelings, or desires, we allow them to come to life. In the written word, our dreams and goals become tangible, are validated, and are more valuable.

Oprah Winfrey is a huge advocate of journaling, and has even featured the process on her show. For years, Oprah dreamed of creating her own television network. In fact, she says, “In 1992, I wrote in my journal that I had a vision of creating my own network…,” and in January, she announced that she was partnering with the Discovery Channel to launch OWN-the Oprah Winfrey Network. Writing is a powerful, powerful tool to visualize and manifest our dreams.

Do we need any more proof of the power of writing?

Studies have proven that top performers use the tool of writing to fuel their careers and fulfill their dreams. Therefore, consider these five benefits of journaling:

1. Writing provides a vehicle by which we can let go of the things that are clouding our thoughts and getting in our way. It provides a way for us to gain a heightened awareness of our thoughts and actions. It’s personal; there is no judgment; it is true and authentic; and the only commentary comes from us.

2. Writing in a journal allows us to connect to our inner voice, and provides us with a clean slate on which we can chart a path, plot, plan, envision, create, and explore the possibilities in our lives.

3. The act of journaling allows us to reflect, step back and look at our lives, and consider our past, present and future thoughts and dreams. A journal gives us the perspective to switch tracks-to see what is working for us and what is not and make changes.

4. The act of writing invites us to engage our imagination, and as such, taps into a very powerful resource. We start to design, craft, and write the story of our life the way we would like it to be. It calls us to take action.

5. Writing is the vehicle that allows us to get from where we are now to where we want to be. As we do this, we are actually creating a shift in our mind, and that shift starts to attract and draw the things that we want in our lives toward us.

To keep a journal is to gain insight into ourselves. It’s the place to plan a spectacular menu, bake a sumptuous pie and set the mood for our vision. Indeed, a place to make it rain.

7:29 PM - Apr. 26, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Outdoor safety

Wild Encounters
When you are outdoors its important to be aware of your surroundings and the animals that are living in the area that you are exploring. Stay in groups and supervise children, you never know when a wild animal will cross your path.
Mountain Lions – Don’t trap them, as they will most likely look for an opening to escape. Don’t run or turn your back on the animal. Make sure to keep yourself and children calm without panicking and screaming. Make yourself appear large by waving your arms, flapping your jacket and speaking in a loud, low voice. Throw branches or stones or anything in reach. Do not bend over or crouch down. You want the mountain lion to think you are a threat to them not prey. If you are attacked, block your face and neck, try to remain standing and grab anything in reach to defend yourself. Report all encounters to authorities.
Bears – If you spot a bear and it doesn’t see you, leave the area and speak loudly so the bear notices your presence. If you are facing a bear, don’t run. Stay calm and back away slowly and do not make eye contact. Speak softly and don’t show fear. If a bear stands up its not necessarily aggression its just trying to detect all the smells in the air. If a bear is provoked and attacks, fight back with sticks, rocks, your hands and anything else around you. Report all encounters to authorities.

12:09 PM - Apr. 16, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Make up your mind to be happy

 Cliff Baird, PhD, the developer of The RealSTAR Online Recruiting System, has the following advice on how to make your life happy - starting now.

Stop Waiting for Your Happiness

Decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy about life.
We all have a dark side and a bright side. Do you know which one always comes out on top? It is the one that we feed! The one that we nourish survives. This is just another example of the echo principle: we are always moving in the direction of our thoughts.

During this period of reorganizing, rebuilding and redirecting your real estate career, you need to create peace of mind about where you are headed. You need to focus on the truth about the future and how to get there. Fear is not your native soil. The only way we can attempt to predict the future is to see it in the light of history. For those of us who have endured the past storms of real estate, we can say with certainty that it will pass quickly. There are those among us who succeeded when interest rates were higher than 20%. We survived and thrived-and so can you. It’s your choice!

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have.

Check Yourself for Positive Thinking

-Surround yourself with those who think positive. You may not think others have that much power over your train of thought, but they do.
-Actively try to see the upside to all things. Eventually, it will become second nature, but until such time you have to force yourself. Every time something negative happens, actively force yourself to find something positive in the situation.
-Make the best of what you’ve got. If you’re depressed over not making enough money, first look and see if you’re making the best of what you have already.
-Speak positively to others; it’ll rub off on you. This is an example of “fake it until you make it.” Little by little, you’ll notice yourself thinking on the positive side naturally, more and more often.
-Realize it’s never too late. If you’re breathing, it’s not too late to make anything right. Where there is life, there is hope.

 

6:13 PM - Mar. 31, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Don't let those stains get you down

 Before applying these stain removing techniques, read the fabric care tag on the article you are cleaning.

Pre-test stain removing solutions on an inconspicuous area of the article.    Use a clean white cloth to rub solvents to ensure the color of the towel doesn’t transfer when wet.

 Be sure to work on your stains in a well ventilated area.

Avoid solvent exposure to your eyes, skin or clothes; if exposure occurs wash area immediately.

Candle Wax - Place stained article between folded paper towels. Iron at low temperature. Replace papers and iron again. Continue changing papers and ironing until no wax remains. Sponge with a dry cleaning solvent, such as Carbona, Energine, K2R or Goddards, or petroleum distillate-based cleaners such as OOPS!.

 

Grass – Make a paste of powdered enzyme laundry detergent and water and apply it to the stain and let it sit in a warm place for at least 30 minutes. Wipe off excess detergent. Then with an eye dropper, apply a solution of one part white vinegar or ammonia to two parts water. Blot until all of the stain has been removed. Rinse in cool water and launder as usual.

 

Ballpoint Ink – Wipe off any excess ink and allow it to fully dry. Set the affected area face down on a clean towel. Spray the backside of the stain with hairspray, rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Blot the backside with a clean cloth removing as much ink as possible. Apply laundry pre-treatment and wash as usual.

 

Red Wine on Carpet – Blot the stain with paper towels or clean cloth. Combine 1 teaspoon of carpet cleaner or dish soap and 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Soak a clean sponge in the mixture, squeeze out the excess and gently blot the stain with the sponge. The stain should lift out completely. Then sponge the stained area with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

 

Lipstick – Blot any excess lipstick, and then with your finger, rub dish soap on the stain. Since lipstick is oil based, it’s best to use detergents that remove grease. Rinse with warm water, then wash. Don’t dry the article in the dryer in case the stain doesn’t fully come out, this way you can take it to a professional cleaner.

 

Rust – pots and pans – Cut a potato in half lengthwise and dip the inside in baking soda or salt. Wet the rusty pan and rub the potato on the rust spot and rinse.

Clothing – Lay the clothing on paper towels. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice to saturate the stain (bottled lemon juice works too). Set the piece of clothing with the paper towels in the sun and the stain should disappear.

 

Berries – Boil a quart or more of water in a teakettle. Take the garment and pull it as taught as possible over a bath tub or sink. Then while the water is still very hot, hold the teakettle as high above the fabric as you can and pour the water in a steady stream directly on the berry stain. This should push the berry stain out completely.

 

Mud on Carpet – Remove any loose or wet mud. Make a paste with powdered detergent and water and rub it on the stain with a cloth. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse out the cloth, removing all of the solution, in hot water. Rub the clean cloth on the stain in a circular motion until the stain disappears.

 

Not sure what the stain is exactly? There are some solutions you can use to treat mysterious stains.
Fels-Naptha – This bar soap is available at discount stores and grocery stores. It works well on clothes, upholstery as well as treating poison ivy!

Caldrea Stain Remover – Works best on organic stains.

Goo Gone – For adhesive removal. Works well on skin and most fabrics.

 

For more stain solutions visit: www.ehow.com, www.chemistry.co.nz/stain_frame.htm, http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-stains-and-spots.htm

 

12:52 PM - Mar. 15, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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One more reason to check that credit score

It looks like lenders, landlords, insurance companies and employers aren't the only ones interested in credit scores these days - now the health industry is getting in on the act.

Credit industry giant Fair Isaac is working with Healthcare Analytics and Tenet Healthcare to create a new "MedFICO" score. This new credit score is intended to judge a person's likelihood of paying their medical bills and could debut as early as this summer. Understandably, the new score is already raising concerns from consumer advocacy groups that fear it will be checked before patients are treated. They are afraid that people with low medical credit scores could receive lower-quality care than those with a higher MedFICO.

According to Stephen Farber, chairman and chief executive of Healthcare Analytics, that will not happen. Hospitals will check the score, which will be based on the patient's medical bill payment history, only after the patient is discharged.

And under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, hospitals and doctors may report health care debts to credit reporting agencies but cannot indicate what they were for. Hospitals generally do not report delinquent accounts, but they do turn them over to collection agencies. In such cases, only the medical provider's name and the amount owed should be listed. And even then great care must be taken so as not to reveal the type of care given, as would be the case with the Betty Ford Clinic, which is widely known for treating drug and alcohol addiction.

But can they be trusted?

Given the problems with the credit system in general - such as identity theft and inaccurate scoring data - consumer advocates question whether or not this information should be used as the basis for a new medical version. In an analysis of more than 500,000 individuals' credit scores, the Consumer Federation of America says 29 percent were 50 points lower than they should have been.

They ask, "What's going to happen if there's a mis-scoring due to clerical error or when there are two people with names like Bob Jones who have similar numbers?" Insurance companies are already using a person's credit score to determine their premiums now. What's going to stop health insurance providers from doing the same thing once the new MedFICO score is available?

If you ever doubted the importance or legitimacy of your credit score being as high as possible, this should be your wake up call!

 

4:56 PM - Feb. 28, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Eat great in 2008

When dining out, be sure not to fill up on bread and butter. Mintel Menu Insights, a national restaurant-tracking service, has identified eight exciting trends sure to transform the American menu in 2008. Shaking and stirring everything from fine dining to fast food, these menu changes are sure to satisfy appetites, taste buds and health concerns alike.

“Everyone’s looking for the next breakthrough item, the next mini burger appetizer, mojito or pomegranate flavor,” says Maria Caranfa, director of Mintel Menu Insights. “This year, we expect to see new twists on already popular items, giving people more flavors and options for the foods they love. Restaurants will get more creative with foods and preparation techniques as they attempt to cater to American’s evolving tastes.”

1. Superspices are the New Superfruits - 2007 created a superfruit frenzy. With such high antioxidant content, superfruits such as pomegranates, blueberries and açaí berries flourished on the restaurant menu. This year, expect to see “superspices” seasoning American menus. Research suggests that superspices like cumin, ginger, cinnamon and tumeric may boast more antioxidant power and medicinal benefits than their superfruit cousins.

2. Snack Attack - This year, plan on satisfying that snack attack. Restaurants hope that small portions, big flavors and low prices will lure in hungry snackers. Mini burgers and wraps caught on late in 2007, but look for restaurants to add more “mini” favorite foods this year. From fast food to fine dining, restaurants may soon compete to create the fastest and most filling snacks.

3. Fine Fast Food - Fast food is going gourmet. Popular celebrity chefs are branching out with convenient, fast casual restaurants that promise high quality food, fine cooking and bold flavors…all on a 30-minute lunch break. Bobby Flay, Rick Bayless and Wolfgang Puck have invested in fast casual operations, bringing their unique culinary flairs to the masses. Expect more celebrity chefs to get in the mix this year.

4. Grain Goodness - With the health benefits of whole grains becoming more widely known, certain nutritious grains will grow on the American restaurant menu. Kamut, quinoa, barley and millet pack a worldly punch along with healthy, essential nutrients. These grains are the ideal backdrop for tomorrow’s innovative ethnic flavor and health trends.

5. Ingredient Provenance - Food safety and ecological issues have made headlines recently, causing many Americans to rethink where their food comes from. As concerns over ingredient origins rise, restaurants have responded with more local ingredients, more natural and organic menu items and more sourcing information on the menu. Expect all types of restaurants to take some of the “science” out of dining out this year.

6. Bulking up the Bar - Watch closely as restaurants flex their bar muscles. Enhancing menus with more flavorful cocktails and savory appetizers than ever before, restaurants want diners to linger, lounge and just have fun in the bar. Look for beverage lists to grow longer than entrée lists, while appetizers occupy more of the menu in coming months.

7. The Return of the Classic Cocktail - Once the preferred choice of Hollywood sophisticates, classic cocktails fell behind flashy, froufy new favorites in recent years. But no more. In 2008, expect a rebirth of cocktails such as the Sidecar, Manhattan, Bellini and Tom Collins. Classic and glamorous, these old-fashioned choices are sure to shake things up.

8. Mocktails Rock - Ice-cold lemonade with strawberry puree, fresh ginger, crushed mint leaves and … no alcohol? Rising demand for better non-alcoholic drinks created the mocktail. Boasting the same premium flavors as the cocktail menu, alcohol-free mocktails are a sophisticated alternative for “non-drinkers” and “drinkers” alike.

12:46 PM - Feb. 14, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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Winter vacations in Colorado

Thinking about taking a winter vacation this year? There are many websites that can offer you great ideas and discounts on ski/snowboard packages throughout Colorado. The Internet is a helpful tool in finding the vacation that best fits you. Enjoy!

 

www.liftopia.com – Save as much as 50% on lift tickets and lodging. Sign up with your email address to get notified of exclusive offers.

 

www.rocky-mountain-ski-vacations.com – Get a variety of options and discounts with Rocky Mountain Vacations (RMV). RMV is a wholesale agent for all the major ski resorts in the western United States and Canada. Therefore they hold wholesale contracts with hundreds of lodging properties, including slope side hotels, condominiums and private homes.

www.discovercolorado.com - Find daily deals and printable coupons on this helpful website for Coloradans. Learn about the wonderful resorts that Colorado has to offer including ski/spa packages, updated snow reports for each resort and a calendar of events.

www.skicoupons.com/regions.cfm/r/9 -Not only can you get
great discounts on ski and snowboard equipment rental you will
also find discount coupons for lodging and dining at ski resorts
on this resourceful site.

www.coloradoski.com/Resorts/Deals - This website offers you
great deals for the entire family! Get helpful information on
ski/snowboard lessons and discount lift tickets from children to
seniors.

www.mtnres.com/?kw=colorado – Explore featured ski properties and

6:59 PM - Jan. 24, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

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