(NewsUSA) – Many of us have career dreams we aspire to achieve, but often we are left feeling daunted by how to turn those dreams into reality.
Whether your goal is to land your ideal job upon graduating from college or earn that promotion you have been eyeing in your current job, it’s vital to have the support of those around you for your cause.
Garnering the support of others is possible but takes effort, according to Guy Kawasaki, best-selling author and former chief evangelist for Apple Computer. He calls this process “enchantment.”
Kawasaki’s latest book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions,” explains how one can attain and utilize enchantment to convince people to dream the same dream that you do.
“Enchantment is more than simply manipulating others to help get your way,” says Kawasaki. “The goal is long-lasting support that can be mutually beneficial — not a one-time sale or transaction.”
“To achieve enchantment, individuals must build a strong foundation to implement it,” says Kawasaki. “That foundation is built on three pillars: likability, trustworthiness and a great cause.”
Enchant People the "Apple Way" for Career Success
How to Entertain Like the Stars
(NewsUSA) – So you say you want to learn to throw a party worthy of the Kardashians? Well, admittedly, that’s asking a lot. After all, one of their more recent bashes featured synchronized swimmers — it was a poolside event — surprising guests with a routine straight out of a 1950s Esther William movie.
But take heart.
The Kardashian sisters — who seemingly never run out of mind-blowing ideas — didn’t think that party highlight up themselves. Linnea Johansson, author of “Perfect Parties: Tips and Advice from a New York Planner,” did. And even if you don’t have money to throw around, she says to apply the “same principle” of doing “something unexpected” at your event:
For more on how that translates into actionable advice, read on:
* Fun in finger foods. Out: sit-down dinners. In: small plates and finger food like the very trendy Russian-style tapas called zakuski. As far back as Tolstoy’s 19th century, the custom was to individually plate an array of what literally translates into “small bites” and eat them in a set order.
The key to really pulling it off, though, says Johansson, a noted chef herself, is to pair the zakuski with an authentic premium Russian vodka, which to her means Russian Standard Vodka. “It’s the number-one premium vodka in Russia, and it’s perfect for drinking neat or in cocktails, and excellent paired with food.”
* Creativity shines in centerpieces. Why spend a fortune on store-bought white roses for your dinner table? Pick some pine cones and holly leaves while out strolling, say, throw in a few cinnamon sticks and clove-laden oranges, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece so delicious-smelling that it doubles as an air-freshener.
* Toast to great times. Russians certainly know how to drink vodka, and toasting is the perfect invitation to celebrate and party. The traditional way of toasting in Russia is continuous and lasts throughout the night — which can only lead to a great time!
* House cocktail to invite tastebuds. Even if your guests’ tastes lean more to chips-and-dip than zakuski, Johansson says that vodka — used as the base for a custom cocktail like the one below — is “a definite crowd pleaser.”
5 Math Games to Overcome Algebra Woes
(NewsUSA) – The votes are in: parents would rather teach their children how to drive or educate them about alcohol and drug abuse than help with algebra homework.
But parents aren’t alone in their terror of polynomial equations — 8th- and 9th-graders surveyed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress would eagerly give up Facebook and video games if it meant no more algebra.
Education expert Dr. Richard Bavaria recommends parents treat algebra like reading, a fun chance for quality time with your kids.
“We read with our kids on a fairly regular basis — story time, bed time, read-aloud time. Why shouldn’t we get the same enjoyment doing math with them?” says Bavaria, who has spent 40 years immersed in the education field.
To encourage parents to enjoy helping their middle schoolers with their dreaded algebra homework, Bavaria suggests making math fun with the following games.
1. Keep score. If your kids enjoy sports, board games or playing cards, emphasize the role of score keeper. When watching sporting events, play up “statistics manager” and help them track the stats of their favorite team or player.
2. Use manipulatives. Manipulatives are tangible objects allowing kids to visualize math problems. Tailor it to the interests of your child by using their preferred foods or framing arithmetic questions around their hobbies.
3. Guess the number. Get your whole family to participate by each picking a number while everyone takes turns guessing. Ask smart, educational math questions, like “Can I count to your number by twos? Is it divisible by three?”
4. Use real money. Teach kids to guess what coins are in your pocket by giving them clues, such as four coins that equal eight cents. If appropriate, go to your bank, and have the kids help balance your checkbook or fill in deposit slips.
5. Pick a “number of the day.” Instead of a word of the day, choose a number. Challenge your kids to find several ways to reach the number by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Reward them with little prizes for participating.
“We can’t allow our math insecurities to get in the way of our kids’ success. We can even estimate our kids’ progress by using Fit4Algebra — a free screener that measures how prepared students are for the subject,” notes Bavaria.
Fit4Algebra, developed by tutoring service Sylvan Learning, is available online at www.Fit4Algebra.org. Learn more about navigating the math crisis at www.sylvanlearning.com.
Degree Completion: Removing Barriers to Career Success
(NewsUSA) – Earning a bachelor’s degree can be a valuable step toward career success. Fewer than 5 percent of bachelor’s degree-holders over the age of 25 are unemployed, compared to a national unemployment rate that’s over 9 percent.
Despite the benefits of degree programs, many students don’t complete the process due to perceived barriers, such as a full-time job, family commitments or worries about achieving a balance between their personal and professional lives. Others are eager to start a career and make money.
Although they may think they are getting a “head start” on their careers, many of these students will find that former classmates who completed their degrees have quickly caught up with them professionally and are better equipped to achieve longevity and advancement in their careers.
“Job seekers drastically improve their chances of getting hired by developing what I call ‘the full suite’ — skills, experience and education,” said Joyce Barden, CPA, CBM and senior professor at DeVry University. “It all starts with education.”
Regardless of how long you have been out of the classroom, completing a degree program helps to ensure a competitive edge in the job market.
Here are four compelling reasons to re-commit to education and complete your degree:
Take a Break From Home Improvement, Chores
(NewsUSA) – For the young homeowner, each year presents a new set of home improvement projects. The year 2012 is no different.
As each task — from kitchen remodeling to hardwood floor installation — is completed, you can feel the momentum building. Inching your way ever closer to the ultimate dream-home goal, you keep pressing. But as any doctor will tell you, too much of one thing is rarely good. That’s why 2012 is the year to supplement your home improvement pace with some fun filled activities designed to reduce stress and reinvigorate that designer spirit.
Here are five ideas that can help you feel renewed while you continue your home improvement dream:
1. Get out of the house. Whether you are simply going for a walk or taking a weekend camping trip with the family, some time away from your canvas can rejuvenate those creative juices. Trips to art galleries can be especially helpful as new themes spark creative ideas that make your home improvement job more enjoyable.
2. Watch a funny movie. Sometimes all you need is a good laugh to rebuild your spirits and relax your tired brain. The latest comedy from Seven Arts,
“The Pool Boys,” stars Matthew Lillard (“Scream,” “The Descendants”), Brett Davern (MTV’s “Awkward.”), Efren Ramirez (“Napoleon Dynamite,” “Eastbound & Down”), Rachel Lefevre (“Twilight, New Moon,” CBS’s “A Gifted Man”), and Hollywood’s favorite comedian, Tom Arnold. Learn more about “The Pool Boys” movie and see the R-rated trailer at www.ThePoolBoysMovie.com. The movie is currently playing “On Demand” from your local cable provider and premieres on computers, mobile phones, tablet computers and DVD.
3. Start a weekly game night. If you have a family, board games are a great way to strengthen that bond. If you are a single bachelor, grab some cards and poker chips. A Texas hold ‘em poker night will be a great way to ease some stresses and can also bring some buddies who can help with larger projects in your house.
4. Keep up with your favorite hobby. Even if you think that your home improvement project is your hobby, you need to find something else to take your mind off of it for a while.
5. Have a party. Break up your home improvement projects into weekly tasks. As each task is completed, throw yourself a small bash to celebrate. When the festivities subside, regroup and refocus.
Keep Old Man Winter at Bay
(NewsUSA) – When the air turns crisp and the trees start to shed their leaves, you know winter is not too far around the corner. Before the temperatures start to drop, you may want to address commonly overlooked home winterization projects to ensure that you and your family stay warm and comfortable this season.
One of the most overlooked — yet most essential — items in your home is the furnace, and there are some simple steps you can take to avoid being left in the cold. According to Lori Boyce, manager of heating and indoor air quality products for Carrier’s Residential Systems, it is important to perform a visual inspection of the furnace before it begins its heating cycle. Boyce recommends homeowners begin by inspecting the furnace exterior and area around the unit. The surrounding area should be kept clear of clutter or debris.
Next, Boyce recommends checking to see if the air filter needs to be changed. It is recommended that you replace your filter quarterly or semi-annually. “A clean filter is important to keep your furnace operating efficiently,” says Boyce. “A local Carrier dealer can provide you with a high-quality replacement filter, or you can clean reusable filters at home using cold water.”
Set your thermostat to heat in order to confirm that the furnace cycles from start-up through shut-down normally. Check to make sure air is blowing from the small grates in each room.
If a furnace fails to start up during a system check, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the furnace door is properly in place. There is a safety switch on many furnace doors that “pops out” when the door is removed. If this is the case, properly close or position the door, and repeat the system check. If the furnace still fails to start-up, call your local heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional.
Even if you regularly check to make sure your HVAC equipment is operating efficiently, it is a good idea to schedule seasonal check-ups with an HVAC professional.
“A properly working furnace is essential for most people during colder months, but there are other steps homeowners should take to maximize the heat in their homes,” added Boyce. “Installing storm windows, adding extra insulation in the attic or walls, and replacing weather stripping on windows and doors are all dependable ways to keep your family comfortable during the winter season.”
For more seasonal tips throughout the year, visit www.carrier.com.
Jennifer Grey Promotes Effective Communication About Pain
(NewsUSA) – Movie icon, dancing star, and patient advocate Jennifer Grey is one of the millions of Americans who has lived with chronic pain. According to the Institute of Medicine, over 100 million adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain conditions. Grey’s journey with this complex medical condition began more than ten years ago, and it has impacted her personal life and career.
Now she is sharing her experience to inspire others to become “communication experts” about pain. Grey understands how important open and honest dialogue is to developing an individualized treatment plan with your healthcare professional.
Grey has joined forces with Partners Against Pain to launch a national initiative called A Hands On Approach for Pain Management. The goal of the program is to empower pain patients and healthcare professionals with practical information and tools to communicate more effectively with each other.
“Pain is part of life, but suffering doesn’t have to be,” says Grey. “No one should suffer in silence. I want people to know that communicating about pain is an important first step to identifying the best treatment options for you.”
To get the most out of a medical appointment, Grey suggests preparing in advance by following the “Three R’s”: Research, Record and Rehearse:
* Research and learn all you can about chronic pain so you’ll know what to ask during your next medical appointment. Be sure to write down your questions and take them with you.
* Record how you’re feeling day-to-day in a pain journal. Write down what your symptoms are, their severity, and any steps you’re taking to relieve pain.
* Rehearse with a loved one or caregiver to organize your thoughts and key points to communicate to your healthcare professional.
To learn more about A
Hands On Approach for Pain Management, please visit Partners Against Pain ( http://www.partnersagainstpain.com/). The web site offers practical information and tools to help improve the way patients and healthcare professionals share information about pain, including a downloadable pain journal; guides with tips for getting the most out of each medical appointment; and a video feature with Jennifer Grey on communicating effectively about pain.
Don’t Let Chores Create Stress
(NewsUSA) – A study performed by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reported that men and women who feel they’re responsible for most household chores experience higher blood pressure and overall anxiety.
Here are a few tips that can help ease the stress:
1. Plan ahead. Plan your meals a week in advance, and only make one trip to the grocery store for everything on your list. Multiple shopping trips quickly add up.
2. Divide and conquer. Tackle mounting housework one day at a time or one task at a time. Prevent a long stretch of cleaning on Saturday by spending 30 minutes a day on different chores. For example, vacuum on Tuesdays, dust on Wednesdays and clean the bathrooms on Thursdays.
3. Simplify errands. Do you loathe the weekly trip to the store for cleaning supplies and paper products? Make your life simpler and save money by shopping online for essentials. Check out www.dollargeneral.com for items that are a chore to get home. Have big, bulky items and other necessities shipped directly to your door.
4. Check out store brands. You can save a lot of money by trying store brands. Now, private-label products have national equivalent money-back guarantees. Even replacing a few frequently purchased items with their private-label counterparts will result in big savings.
5. Get your family involved in household management. Age-appropriate tasks can be assigned to children. Let older children help prepare dinner, and give younger children simple tasks such as helping set the table. Other simple tasks for children include making their bed and putting away toys.
Tips to Keep Wildlife Outdoors This Season
(NewsUSA) – As colder weather settles in, many creatures are looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Rodents, birds, raccoons and other wildlife are seeking refuge from the cold — in your home.
Birds will take shelter in warm attics, mice will snack on holiday foods, and raccoons will paw through garbage. These over-eager guests can spread disease by leaving droppings and urine around your home and wreak havoc on wires and insulation, increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Plus, mice can bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into the home.
However, if homeowners are prepared, they can prevent a wildlife problem before damage ensues. Check out these tips from the National Pest Management Association to help keep wildlife from becoming a nuisance this winter:
* Seal all cracks, holes and voids. Mice can squeeze into spaces as small as a nickel. The best way to keep mice and other rodents outside is to eliminate all holes and entry points. Look for them in attics, basements and other storage areas that aren’t often frequented.
* Keep firewood and debris piles away from the house. Some rodents, like rats, take cover in brush, logs or whatever shelter is around. Remove anything that could harbor rodents, including sources of moisture or dampness. Look for mice and rats in pantries, cupboards or any other space where dry foods are stored.
* Keep pet food and trash covered and out of birds’ reach. Nothing is more inviting than a smorgasbord of scraps for birds to snack on. Also avoid letting pools of water collect in gutters or other spots. Standing water provides birds with a much-needed water source, which encourages them to nest.
* Clean out attics early. All kinds of insects and critters will nest in the eaves of a house, especially once it gets cold. Cleaning and sealing any openings early on prevents future nesting and infestations.
To learn more tips about pest prevention, check out www.pestworld.org.
Insulating Window Treatments Save Energy and Look Good Doing It
(NewsUSA) – As Old Man Winter makes his mighty push, 79 percent of Americans expect to pay the same or more to heat their homes as compared to last winter, according to a recent survey by the Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance, a section of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
To save money on those heating bills, though, homeowners can take steps now to stay warmer and more comfortable this winter. For example, caulking and extra insulation are relatively inexpensive and easy projects that will pay dividends all winter.
Another way to cut home heating bills 20 to 35 percent is by installing a vent-free gas fireplace or heater in the room you use most. According to Sue Walker, chairwoman of the AHRI’s Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance Section, this “zone heating” strategy allows you to turn down the central furnace and take advantage of the inherent efficiency of supplemental vent-free gas heating.
“For every dollar you spend on gas using a vent-free appliance, you get 99 cents worth of heat in your living space, as these products are 99 percent efficient,” said Walker.
Vent-free gas products have been around for more than 30 years, according to Walker. “With more than 20 million units installed in homes, they are time tested for savings and safety.
Because a vent-free gas heating system does not require tearing out walls to run vent pipe, professional installation is surprisingly inexpensive, fast and cost-effective.
For a home with an existing wood-burning fireplace, converting it to a vent-free gas log set or insert turns a messy, inefficient system into a clean, hassle-free, highly economical heat source. Environmentally friendly vent-free appliances are heated with natural gas or propane, among the cleanest of all fossil fuels according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both gases are domestically abundant and are secure sources of energy.
“Clean-burning fuel and super efficient operation — that makes vent-free a truly green heat source,” said Walker.
For more information, visit ventfree.org.
