Monday, December 31, 2007
The Ultimate Way To Stop Global Warming
by: Jessica Brown
The Earth’s surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. Human activities have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases—primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed although uncertainties exist about exactly how earth’s climate responds to them.
Energy from the sun drives the earth’s weather and climate, and heats the earth’s surface; in turn, the earth radiates energy back into space. Atmospheric greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse.
Without this natural “greenhouse effect,” temperatures would be much lower than they are now, and life as known today would not be possible. Instead, thanks to greenhouse gases, the earth’s average temperature is a more hospitable 60°F. However, problems may arise when the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases increases.
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15%. These increases have enhanced the heat-trapping capability of the earth’s atmosphere. Consequently, the temperature of the planet earth is rising.
Fossil fuels burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses, and power factories are responsible for about 98% of world carbon dioxide emissions, 24% of methane emissions, and 18% of nitrous oxide emissions. Increased agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production, and mining also contribute a significant share of emissions. All these have dramatically reduce the lifespan of living earth.
The quest for efficient energy affects every country on the planet. Worldwide there is an increasing interest in developing clean, reliable alternatives to petroleum fuels. Many smart, safe, and clean alternative power sources are available in the market.
People can easily install these clean power sources at their home as alternative energy to help reducing carbon dioxide emission as well as reducing their utilities bill.
In recent year, people has come up with alternative power sources run their cars in order to reduce the spending on petrol gas and of course, reduce the carbon dioxide emission.
Please play your part on global warming. It is easy and at the same time, you could save money!
About The Author
Jessica Brown has successfully installed alternative power source on her car. She never pumps gas ever since. Recently, she sold her 10 year-old car to a company.
Visit: http://www.fczones.com
Source: articlecity
The Real Secret of Getting What You Want In Life
by: Tony Hall
Have you ever heard the old saying, "If you don't ask, you don't get!"?
It's well worth taking heed of because far too many of us are afraid to ask for the things we need in order to succeed in life. Asking questions can open doors and bring to us the opportunities that without doubt are already out there. So why do we find it so hard?
The chances are that if you went to a good school you were always encouraged to ask questions. If you didn't quite understand what the teacher was telling you the only way to get it was to ask the meaning. As a Dad I certainly urge my sons to ask questions, it's the only way to learn.
But maybe as a child it's easy to say you don't understand and accept that you don't know something. Then it's easy to do something about it, ask for help and find the solution.
But sadly as we get older we stop asking! Maybe it's because we feel that as adults we should know what things mean and how to do them and so we don't want to appear foolish, particularly in front of our friends, family or work colleagues.
Or perhaps we have just stopped caring enough to want to learn new things and gain new experiences. It's sad, because when you do start to ask you usually start to get!
Sure, we all ask for things every day. We have to when we go shopping, go to the cinema, or go to a restaurant. But we only ask for the simple things!
Take that last example. When you go to a restaurant and see something on the menu that is unfamiliar do you ask the waiter what it is? Congratulations if you do, but most people will simply pass it over and stick with what they know. That's an opportunity lost!
And how many times, when in conversation with a group of people has something been mentioned that you don't understand? Instead of saying so and asking for an explanation it's so easy to just stay quiet and stay ignorant. Another chance wasted!
It's true isn't it? You just don't want to appear foolish.
Well it's time to change!
If you really want to move forward then you need to learn new things every day. You need to broaden your horizons, take on new experiences and discover all you need to get where you want to be.
So start asking. Ask what things mean, how to do them, and above all ask for the things you want in life.
The fact is that one of the keys to good conversation is asking questions. People won't think you're dumb or get annoyed. Instead they'll warm to you and you'll soon find that you are gaining all sorts of benefits. So don't be afraid to raise questions. Ask especially about the topics that you need to find out about to help you to achieve your goals.
Ask why, ask who, ask what. All those questions will get people talking and you'll soon to start to learn lots of new facts and information. You'll gain new knowledge and you'll discover new opportunities that will bring success to your life. And don't ever be afraid to ask for help.
So why not start right now by asking yourself some searching questions. Ask what it is you really want in life and what you need to do to get it. Search inside to find what will really bring you the happiness and fulfillment you desire. Because if you don't know what motivates you then you won't get to where you want to be.
So ask, and very soon you will begin to "get"!
About The Author
This article was written by Tony Hall who runs his own business dedicated to helping individuals develop their personal and business skills. You can learn more about how to develop your own life skills by signing up for his weekly newsletter at: http://www.selfimprovementskills.com/newsletter.html
Source: articlecity
Sunday, December 30, 2007
2008 Winter/Spring "Creative Expression" Contests
UTClique.com , the internet site which gives talented and opinionated urban teens the opportunity to display their talents and express their opinions, is pleased to announce the schedule of its' 2008 Winter/Spring "Creative Expression" Contests. First Prize in each contest is $500 and the top 10 entries in each category will appear on UTClique.com.
The contest schedule is as follows:
Opinion Essay Contest
January 15, 2008 Deadline
Martin Luther King Essay Contest
February 15, 2008 Deadline
Short Story Contest
February 15, 2008 Deadline
Poetry & Spoken Word Contest
March 15, 2008 Deadline
Art / Drawing Contest
April 15, 2008 Deadline
Winners will be announced via the website on the last day of each deadline month. For more information on contest guidelines, visit www.UTClique.com and click the "Contests" menu option for entry requirements. Please indicate that you are entering the contest when you submit. All submissions must be digital.
About UTClique.com
UTClique.com is the Ultimate Site for Urban Teens with an emphasis on creative self expression, entertainment news, and great advice on surviving high school and becoming successful afterward. Garnering over 50,000 unique visitors per month prior to launch, a fully featured UTClique.com is poised to become the preferred online destination for Urban teens. www.UTClique.com
For more information, contact Quentin Plair at 770-831-8622 or Quentin.Plair@plgkinc.com
Account Manager – Chicago South / Cook County South Territory
Uline, a leading international distributor of packaging and industrial supplies located north of Chicago, Illinois, seeks an Account Manager for their Chicago South / Cook County South sales territory.
As a Uline Account Manager, take advantage of the following benefits:
Work with established customers who regularly order from Uline.
Limited overnight travel - most accounts are located in Chicago South / Cook County South area.
All Account Manager positions are salary-based.
Consistent growth provides plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
Uline offers 3 bonus programs plus phone, car, and DSL allowances.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES / REQUIREMENTS:
Manage existing/established customer base within designated territory
Set appointments, visit about 20 customers per week, and make follow-up calls
Provide packaging solutions to customers
Focus on residual sales; cross-selling and up-selling
2+ years "Hands-on" account management, sales, or customer service experience
Please visit www.uline.com/jobs for more information on our benefit package and open jobs.
JOB FAIR: Click here for detailed information and directions.
EOE m/f/d/v
Customer Service Work / Study Program
Uline, a rapidly-growing international distributor of packaging and industrial supplies, seeks candidates for a new Customer Service Work / Study Program at their distribution center in Waukegan, Illinois, north of Chicago.
Come Grow Along with Uline:
Experiencing a phenomenal 25% growth rate – open positions due to continuous expansion.
Consistent growth provides plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
Excellent pay and flexible hours.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES / REQUIREMENTS:
Candidates who successfully complete the program may be considered for Customer Service Leadership Trainee openings
Evening hours are flexible and are designed around students' schedules
Process customer orders via phone, internet, and fax
Complete a variety of misc. projects from Marketing and other departments
Review and release customer orders and catalog requests
Working knowledge of e-mails, computers, and web site navigation
Maintain customer satisfaction and demonstrate patience/telephone etiquette with customers
Strong writing skills and the ability to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment are required
Must be currently enrolled in college to qualify for program
Please visit www.uline.com/jobs for more information on our open jobs.
JOB FAIR: Click here for detailed information and directions.
EOE m/f/d/v
Information Assistant
The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” and America’s largest trade association involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries, representing 1.3 million members (including NAR’s institutes, societies and councils) is seeking an Information Assistant to work in our Legal Affairs department. This individual will report directly to both the Senior and Associate Counsel.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE):
The Information Assistant will have various clerical/administrative duties in addition to the following responsibilities:
Research, organize and prepare materials for Risk Management and License Law Forum, including fliers, posters, handouts, agenda and forms. Coordinate handouts, scheduling, and other logistics with Forum speakers. Prepare and disseminate publicity regarding the Forum through INS, AE Talk, The Letter of the Law, and other media. Prepare annual renewals for the REALTORÒ Relief Foundation, in approximately 40 states, which includes: completing forms; gathering supporting documents, such as the Form 990 and the annual audit; gathering signatures from Foundation’s officers; determine cost of annual renewal and request check from Finance; and prepare correspondence as needed with state regulators. Keep track of deadlines for registrations, which are spread out over the entire calendar year, and ensure that forms are completed in a timely fashion or extensions are requested when necessary. The Information Assistant will provide administrative support for various committees, task forces, work groups, etc. as assigned, both on and off site. Will coordinate meeting logistics, prepare and distribute agenda and materials in advance of the meeting, prepare and post minutes; assemble liaison briefing memo. Communicate with Convention staff as necessary to arrange for hotel and food and beverage service, correspond with committee members to confirm meeting details; review members' expense reports for approval; and prepare reports and minutes as necessary. Communicate with affiliates regarding process for NAR Board approval of bylaw amendments. Professional Liability Insurance Program for REALTORÒ Associations. Maintain chart tracking claims and threats of litigation filed with insurance carrier. Check new claims/threats against database maintained by Board. File documents. Assist in determining if the association’s governing documents are in compliance with NAR policy. Additionally, the Information Assistant will be responsible for Legal Scan (which comprises of receiving cases and statutes from research company. distributing relevant cases/statutes to attorneys, and organizing and filing all cases and statutes received), Library Management and Research (file all new books and periodicals, maintain library inventory list, review and process all bills for books and periodicals, file loose-leaf periodicals and pocket-part; research, review, and select relevant articles for the Risk Management Forum and other programs; summarize articles for attorney review, use the Legal Scan, Westlaw, the Internet, and outside law library to find cases, statutes and articles, as requested by attorneys).
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS):
Bachelor's degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of previous administrative experience and must be extremely organized. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, analytical, resourceful, technologically savvy, energetic and curious. Must be able to travel at least two times per year and more, if needed.
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the largest trade association in the nation with over a million members and the most influential real estate organization in the world. We offer a rewarding and challenging work environment along with a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter and salary requirements to:
HRJob05@realtors.org EOE
Data Entry- Call (847) 969-0311
Description:
We are currently looking for experienced Data Entry candidates to join our team in Rosemont. This is a great temp to hire position for a dynamic candidate. To qualify for this position, candidates must be able to type a minimum of 55 WPM.
*This is a first shift position*
Data Entry Associates will need to be able to work with multiple databases because this position requires flexibility when entering data. Candidates should have reliable transportation since the site location is not accessible by public transportation.
To apply, please call 847-969-0311. Don't worry about sending your resume first; just call for immediate consideration. We can even send you a typing test to check your speed at home. We look forward to hearing from you!!!
Volt Services Group is an international leader in offering human resource solutions for our customers. Publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (VOL), Volt has been in business for 54 years and has over 300 locations in the United States and Canada and has operations in over 15 countries across the world.
Volt offers industry-leading benefits as we strive to be recognized as the employer of choice by our employees. No Recruiter will work harder to place you into one of this area's top employers. We want you to have an experience with us that will encourage you to refer your friends and family to us in the future. Volt is an Equal Opportunity Employer!!
Volt provides career management to individuals in the specialty skills area of office support, clerical, customer service, call center, data entry, reception, administrative, executive secretary, accounting, sales, warehouse, forklift and light industrial. Volt Services Group has numerous positions available on an ongoing basis. Please visit us at http://volt.com/jobs to apply online.
Requirements:
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Must be able to type a minimum of 55 WPM
2. Must be able to work first shift from 8:00 a.m-5:00 p.m
3. Must be able to toggle between multiple screens
4. Must have no more than 3 jobs in the past 2 years
5. Must have reliable transportation
Location: Rosemont, IL
Type: CONTRACT
Duration: Temp to Hire
Pay Rate: 10.00 - 12.00 Hourly DOE
Contact:
Volt Services Group
schaumburg051299@volt.com
Volt Services Group
1101 Perimeter Drive, Ste. 610
Schaumburg, IL 60173
PH: 847/969-0311
FX: 847/969-0230
Administrative Coordinator
Company: Relay Worldwide, a sponsorship and event marketing agency, 100% owned by Publicis Group
Job Title: Administrative Coordinator
Immediate Supervisor: HR Director
Position Summary:
The Administrative Coordinators responsibilities are varied. He/she has full responsibility for the front desk and helps all departments and project teams . This position is responsible for administrative functions of the office and must be detail oriented. This position will also be assigned responsibility for specific aspects of projects and must be able to prioritize his/her entire workload so that all job functions are completed in a timely manner.
Specific Responsibilities:
• Full responsibility for the front desk, lobby and conference rooms including answering telephones, greeting guests, maintaining the front desk, lobby, conference room and copy/fax areas
• Provides administrative support to executive managers, including travel arrangements, expense reports and correspondence
• Provides support to executive managers including data entry, correspondence and mail
• Helps with presentation development
• Maintains office supply area and coordinates with Office Manager to reorder office supplies as needed
• Maintains the organizations’ travel calendar and distributes same to all personnel
• Maintain the organizations’ administrative lists/reports including birthdays, address and phone extensions
• Assists Account Directors and teams with details regarding event execution, including but not limited to internet research, presentations and data entry
• Assists in management, organization and appearance of front conference room
• Responsible for processing several different invoices
Required Skills:
Bachelor degree required
Industry experience or knowledge preferred
Individual must be a self-starter
Must exhibit strong organization skills and be detail oriented
Must able to prioritize and juggle many projects at one time
Strong computer skills required in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point; Visio and Project preferred
Must interact with every department in the company
Please apply via website at www.relayworldwide.com
M/F/D/V
George W. Bush's Convenient Truth
by: Walter M. Brasch
The man whom the people elected in 2000 to be president was in the temporary residence of the man whom the Supreme Court anointed.
President George W. Bush hosted former Vice-President Al Gore, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and five other Nobel laureates, Nov. 26. This annual handshake photo-op has been an American tradition.
The Nobel committee had cited Gore, Oct. 12 , as “probably the single individual who has done most to create greater worldwide understanding of the measures that need to be adopted” to reduce global warming. Gore shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a UN network of about 2,000 scientists, who have shown that global warming isn’t a liberal conspiracy theory.
Believing that it is some kind of liberal conspiracy theory are the fringe right-wing who dominate Talk Radio and Pundit TV. The day after the announcement, Steve Doocy, co-anchor of FOX’s morning show, set the tone for the rabid-dog attacks. He produced a chart of past Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including “that crazy Jimmy Carter,” and claimed the award is nothing more than an “anti-Bush” trophy. On CNN, guest commentator Marlo Lewis, who was identified as a global warming expert, called Gore’s writings manipulative, misleading, and exaggerated. Jay Richards of the National Review claimed the Peace prize is “politicized.” Rush Limbaugh, who had a front group nominate him for the Peace Prize only to learn that the Landmark Legal Foundation had no standing to nominate anyone, was furious that Gore, not he, received the honor. With the microphone of more than 600 radio stations that carry his talk show, Limbaugh claimed his lawyers—the ones at the Landmark group—“are looking into the possibility of filing an objection with the Nobel Committee over the unethical tampering for this award that Al Gore is engaging in.” He claimed, “This is clearly above and beyond the pale. I mean, this might happen in high school class president elections and so forth, but this is shameless.”
Bloggers chattered almost endlessly that not only didn’t Gore deserve the award but also that global warming is a myth. The Nobel committee, blogged William Teach of Pirate’s Cove, “has basically surrendered to hysterics, mass exaggerators, and liars.”
Also doubting global warming, and volumes of scientific evidence, is Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), former chair of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, and recipient of one of the largest cumulative campaign donations from the oil and gas industry. Inhofe has claimed that there is “compelling evidence” that global warming not only is a hoax, but that it is “the greatest hoax ever perpetuated on the American people.”
George H.W. Bush, during his failed re-election campaign in 1992, called Gore “Ozone Man,” and claimed the vice-presidential candidate was “so far out in the environmental extreme we’ll be up to our necks in owls and outta work for every American.”
As for the current President Bush, he delegated the “congratulations” to a deputy press secretary. Tony Fratto told the media that Bush is not only “happy for Vice President Gore,” but also happy for the UN scientists who co-shared the award. “Obviously, it’s an important recognition, and we’re sure the vice president is thrilled,” said Fratto, dripping with insincerity.
The Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader, one of the nation’s most conservative newspapers, claimed, “The Nobel Peace Prize is worse than a joke. It's a fraud,” and called the prize a “useless medal.” The Wall Street Journal didn’t even mention Gore in its editorial the day the Nobel committee made its announcement, but listed several others who should be considered for the award. The Journal’s unscientific poll of its largely conservative upper middle-class and upper class readers that day revealed that 54 percent didn’t think Al Gore deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. One reader, reflecting the opinion of about 13,000 who disagreed with the award, called it “a joke and it encourages the pursuit of junk science for political gain.” Another reader believed, “The fear being installed from man made global warming is now officially a communist plot to control behavior.” However, among the 11,250 who believed the award was justified was one reader who believed that Al Gore, the former journalist, “did what the National Academy of Sciences could not do—explain the issue in a way that non-scientists can understand.”
For more than three decades, Al Gore has been one of the nation’s strongest voices for the protection of the environment. His first book, Earth in the Balance (1992), had pushed protection of the environment onto the national political agenda; as vice-president, he became the Clinton Administration’s primary advocate to protect the environment and the nation’s natural resources.
During the past seven years, Gore co-founded a major TV cable network (Current TV), which was honored with an Emmy in 2007; wrote the best-selling book about the effects of global warming, An Inconvenient Truth (2006), which was turned into a box office hit that won an Oscar for the best documentary; wrote a best-seller, The Assault on Reason (2007), which received the Quill Award for history/current events/politics; and increased his public appearances to speak out about a number of social issues, including environmental protection.
During the past seven years, George W. Bush spun a nation not only into a war that has destroyed the environment and natural resources of Iraq, but had also begun a war in America that is leading to a destruction of its environment and natural resources. President Bush consistently ignored the evidence of global warming, and suppressed the views of government scientists. He allowed Enron and other energy companies to direct the nation’s energy policy. With a cabinet that includes persons who either were employed by large oil and coal companies or were paid lobbyists against environmental protections, he reduced federal environmental rules. He believes that most of the 250 million acres under jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management should be available so private industry can strip the resources for their own economic gain. He has allowed extensive off-shore drilling, increased the incursion by mining companies, and allowed logging companies to devastate federal lands. He is a leading advocate for allowing oil companies to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, claiming it’s for “national security,” but completely oblivious to the reality that such intrusion would severely alter the balance of nature, while yielding little gas and oil for the American people. He has permitted gas-spewing recreational vehicles to tear up federal parks and permanently disturb the wildlife. He reversed himself on a campaign pledge to reduce acceptable levels of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and determined that higher levels of arsenic and other toxins in drinking water was acceptable. He reduced the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency, preferring companies to undergo “voluntary compliance,” and eliminated the tax upon the oil and chemical industries that paid for the clean up of SuperFund toxic waste sites. It’s now the taxpayers not polluters who are paying for clean-up operations.
Within months of his first inaugural, Bush withdrew the United States from the Kyoto Protocol that called for global environmental protection by stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. With Australia about to sign the Protocol, 173 nations will have signed the agreement; the U.S. is now the only industrialized nation not to sign.
And now, on a Monday evening after Thanksgiving, President George W. Bush was meeting with five American Nobel laureates, including Al Gore. By all accounts, a 40-minute private meeting with Mr. Gore was “cordial.” The President, after snubbing the former vice-president when the Nobel committee made its announcement, could now be cordial. He had personally called Gore to make sure the former vice-president was available, and was willing to rearrange the White House schedule to accommodate Mr. Gore. At the post-Thanksgiving ceremony, Bush could smile and backslap. After all, George W. Bush was president, and nothing that Al Gore was doing to protect the environment would ever be enough to erase this president’s political ability to alter the environment to benefit corporate interests.
About The Author
Walter M. Brasch is professor of mass communications/journalism at Bloomsburg University. His current book is Sinking the Ship of State: The Presidency of George W. Bush, available through Amazon.com. You may reach Dr. Brasch at www.walterbrasch.com.
Source: articlecity
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Segment 3: Talking to Employers about a Criminal Past
The True Meaning of Ex-:
Tips for Job Seekers with a Criminal Past
By: LD Lewis, CWDP
If you were to become uncomfortably warm after walking in the glaring sun, you might take off as many items of clothing as you can get away with and still remain decent. If you see shade, you’d probably head toward it to get some relief.
When an employer asks, “Why were you locked up?” , and you answer with, “I assaulted someone...I committed armed robbery...I stole some property..., etc, you become that glaring sun. And as a natural reaction, the employer will probably want to run for cover. But when you instead answer questions about having been incarcerated by skillfully shading the truth so the employer can handle it, you are providing a “cooling-shade” response to a very difficult question. Shading is not an act of lying. It is an act of protecting an opportunity to get hired. Consider the following:
Q: Why did you serve time?
A: (Cooling-shade response) My real crime was my faulty decision-making skills. So, I no longer make decisions based on emotions, for instance. I now make decisions based on brainstorming and planning...(then you proceed to share your skills and experience with plenty of examples).
What if, in response to your first cooling-shade response, the employer says, “That’s nice. But what did you get
locked up for?“ Rather than glaringly claiming, “I shot someone” or “I was convicted of second degree murder”, try cooling language such as, “Well, without thinking things through I let words make me angry enough to retaliate with a weapon.” Or “I no longer problem solve using a weapon because it is a dumb thing to do. Instead, I…”, then state new skills you have developed for solving problems, such as negotiating for a win-win.
Note how the shaded responses do offer a strong truth about the applicant’s crime, but that they don’t cause the employer to want to run away.
What if you served time served for armed robbery? Try “I talked myself into answering a need by taking what did not belong to me. Stealing is wrong and was a very foolish thing to do…” Then steer the employer toward the strengths you have to offer.
There are no magic responses which will cause the employer to hire people right on the spot whether they do or don’t have criminal records. But at least by using sincere, cooling-shade responses, you may be able to interview longer than you would using glaring-sun responses.
Join me next week for suggestions for handling other difficult questions related to being an ex-er.
Would your church or organization like a The
True Meaning of Ex-“ workshop presented at your location? Call toll free 866-270-2424 or visit wordworkers. Thanks to ResCare, Inc. or some items in this article.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Written by: Darshana Sugathan
Edited by: Julia Wolfe
Joboja Staff Writers
A Raymond suit,Versache designer glasses,Woodlands shoes,a Marlboro cigarette in hand...is that your perfect cool metro man? When you’re stressed do you want to smoke? Do you think smoking at parties increases your prestige?
You are in the danger zone. If you are still smoking in spite of a lot of smoking awareness campaigns, it’s time to quit!
Smoking started as early as 5000 BC, and has been recorded in many cultures across the world. Tobacco, which originated in the Andes, has been cultivated and smoked in the Americas for at least 5000 years. In India, cannabis smoking has been practiced for over 4000 years.
Early smoking evolved in association with religious ceremonies—sometimes as offerings to deities or in cleansing rituals. It was used by shamans and priests to alter their minds for divination or spiritual enlightenment. After the European arrival in the Americas, the practice of smoking tobacco quickly spread.
In regions like India and Sub-Saharan Africa it merged with existing practices of smoking (mostly of cannabis). In Europe, it introduced a previously unknown drug and social activity.
Most people are aware that smoking can lead to lung cancer and emphysema. Many don’t realize other harmful repercussions that smoking can cause. Smoking drains your body of many essential vitamins and minerals.
It also affects your body's ability to absorb these vital nutrients. Vitamin C is one of your body's main antioxidants.
Its job is to prevent disease by repairing damage to DNA and other cell components. It is also important for building tissue throughout your body.
In addition, cigarettes have been shown to decrease calcium absorption. This can be a critical loss for teenagers since our skeletons continue to develop until we hit 25. Later on in life, smoking can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.
Other vitamins affected by smoking include Vitamin B6, which is important for the prevention of cancer because it protects DNA from breaking down. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that protects the body from damage.
A few studies have also shown that some smokers do not eat meals that are as well-balanced as non-smokers do. This can lead to other nutritional deficiencies and problems.
You are filling your body with toxins and replacing much needed oxygen with carbon dioxide each time you smoke. Your blood carries oxygen to every cell, tissue and organ in your body to help them perform vital life processes. When that oxygen is replaced with carbon dioxide your cells can no longer function properly, disrupting all processes including growth.
Smoking is associated with excessive tiredness and causes increased respiratory infections, ear infections and chronic cough. Smoking is also known to significantly increase the risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure and cancer of lungs/stomach/intestines/ and mouth.
Quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do. Here are some suggestions:
talk with your doctor about medication that you can use (nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or a drug called Zyban)
contact your health care provider about a stop-smoking group
find an activity to take your mind off of smoking (like the gym)
try chewing gum, sucking candy or chewing carrots to help with the oral urges - spend time with friends who do not smoke
try to avoid social situations where people smoke.
True or False?
Smokeless tobacco (chew or spit) not as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.
It'll take years before smoking hurts my heart and lungs.
“Cold turkey" is the best way to kick the habit of smoking and/or using chewing tobacco.
Answers: 1.False, 2.False, 3.False
Some facts about smoking
More than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year are from smoking-related illnesses. Smoking greatly increases your risks for lung cancer and many other cancers.
Among infants to 18 months of age, secondhand smoke is associated with as many as 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia each year.
Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to deliver babies whose weights are too low for the babies' good health. It’s been estimated that 4,000 babies die every year from complications associated with women smoking during pregnancy.
Housekeeping Associates
COMPANY KOHL'S
JOB TYPE All year/Part-time
WAGES To be discussed
Hourly
LOCATION 725 - Chicago
2140 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Position Summary:
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining floors, carpets, fixtures, doors, windows, restrooms, and all other interior areas of the store, clearing snow and ice from curbs and sidewalks, and other general maintenance of the store exterior. Processes receipts of merchandise, fixtures and supplies. Moves merchandise, fixtures and
supplies between the sales floor and stock areas. Carries large purchases to customer’s vehicles and retrieve shopping carts.
Primary Responsibilities:
Housekeeping:
• Cleans and maintains floors per Company procedures and standards. Vacuums and shampoos carpeted areas as well as cleaning the register areas, fitting rooms, offices and stock areas.
• Cleans restrooms and break room. Cleans mirrors, doors, and windows. Collects trash and empties trash into receptacles for pick-up. Empties recyclable bag receptacles.
• Clears curb, sidewalks and entryways. Removes snow, ice, and debris from store exterior.
Maintenance:
• Replaces light bulbs and ceiling tiles. Assembles, repairs and paints fixtures and equipment.
• Repairs and cleans shopping carts. Assists in the retrieval of shopping carts.
• Identifies maintenance needs (ie: painting, plumbing, fixture/equipment repair, etc.) and promptly reports needs to Supervisor. Maintains blood borne pathogen supply area and
adheres to all safety policies and procedures.
• Maintains proper care and use of housekeeping supplies and equipment. Maintains a clean and organized supply area.
Customer Service:
• Smiles and says, “Hi.” Acknowledges all customers throughout the store whenever eye contact is made. Assists customers in a friendly courteous manner. Effectively responds to questions and request from customers.
Receiving/Stocking:
• Unloads direct merchandise shipments, fixtures and supplies from trucks and dispenses them to the sales floor or stock area. Packs and loads merchandise, fixtures and supplies onto trucks for transfers and returns.
• Assists sales floor department Associates in moving merchandise and fixtures on the sales floor or between the sales floor and stock area. Assists in assembling fixtures and furniture.
Other duties and responsibilities:
• Performs other duties as assigned. Examples may include, but are not limited to, hanger P/U, sorting, callbacks, transfers, and taking of inventory.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior housekeeping or building and equipment maintenance experience in other retail or office environments.
Job Requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Ability to spend up to 100% of work time moving around the store. Physical activities include pushing power-cleaning equipment, using hand tools and cleaning equipment (ie: mops, brooms, snow shovels, etc.), bending, stooping, climbing, reaching and lifting on a frequent basis.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as necessary.
• Adherence to Company policy and procedures is required.
• Regular attendance is required.
Additional Information:
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math and reading skills, legible handwriting, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team and interact effectively with others.
• Critical features of this job are described within this job description. Job responsibilities may change at any time due to business needs.
• Please discuss requests for reasonable accommodations with hiring manager.
El Pollo Loco Restaurant Management Job Overview
COMPANY El Pollo Loco
JOB TYPE All Year/Full-time
Full-Time/Part-Time
WAGES Hourly
LOCATION El Pollo Loco #6062
2715 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Set a spark to your career!
Come join El Pollo Loco's RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT TEAM!
We have immediate openings in your area!
For over 25 years, El Pollo Loco has been providing outstanding career opportunities to thousands of people. Our people have helped us grow to become the nation’s leading quick-service restaurant chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken. We are also expanding into new markets across the nation where we are currently in 9 states.
Why work for El Pollo Loco? Well, we’re a winning brand!
QSR Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants
Nations's Restaurant News' Top 100
As a part of our Restaurant Management team, your responsibilities will include:
Train and develop employees to ensure exceptional guest service
Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, and cleanliness
Order and receive food deliveries checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity
Monitor food preparation methods, portion sizes, and presentation
Schedule staff hours and assign duties
Account for all company funds and inventory on assigned shifts
Monitor compliance with health and safety regulations
Ability to create a fun and productive work environment
If you are ready to meet our challenge and start a new and exciting job opportunity, then El Pollo Loco is the place for you. So strike while it’s hot and come join our team!
7-Eleven (AM) Assistant Manager Job Overview
COMPANY 7-Eleven (AM)
JOB TYPE All Year/Full-time
WAGES To be discussed
Hourly
LOCATION 33582-58 E. Lake
33582-58 E. Lake
Chicago, IL 60601
At 7-Eleven, the Sign of Opportunity is Always On
At 7-Eleven, we’re always on…on target with consumer trends, on track with training and career advancement options, on the cutting edge of retail technology. This is big-time, fast-paced, high-tech, hands-on retail…a world-wide, information-enabled, people-driven customer service machine… and we’re turned on 24/7.
We didn’t just develop convenience retailing…we invented it. And now, with almost 80 years of experience behind us and an international network of more than 31,000 stores, we’re on top of the industry we founded. Our unique approach to retail blends great people, product innovation and technology so hot it sizzles…all on a global scale.
Think you can play on the team that’s leading the world in convenience? Are you up for a challenge today and the chance to advance your career quickly? Then bring it on!
Assistant Store Manager
As an Assistant Store Manager, you’ll assist the Store Manager with store operation and implementation of our company’s Five Fundamentals – Quality, Assortment, Service, Value and Cleanliness. You’ll learn about 7-Eleven’s Retailer Initiative strategy, and be trained on our Retail Information System, inventory management and ordering technology. After completion of the required training and certifications, you’ll also assist with managing the store staff through coaching, training, feedback and scheduling.
What Will You Do?
Forecast, order, stock and merchandise product
Ensure prompt reconciliation of store paperwork
Ensure prompt, efficient and courteous customer service
Maintain a clean, customer friendly environment
Assist with management of store staff
Getting There
We believe great training is the foundation for exceptional performance. The Assistant Store Manager training program teaches you the retail business using our state-of-the-art Retail Information System and Career Path training through classroom, hands-on and Computer Based Training.
Are You Ready?
The Assistant Store Manager position requires the following:
High School Diploma or equivalent required
Six to nine months experience as a Assistant Manager; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong mathematical ability
Strong written and verbal communications skills
Desire to be part of a performance-driven team
Physical Requirements:
The Assistant Store Manager position requires constant standing, bending and reaching. Frequent lifting of one to five pounds and occasional lifting of up to 40-50 pounds is required.
What’s In It For You?
7-Eleven is committed to creating an environment that encourages and rewards excellence, providing a range of benefits that includes:
Competitive salary
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits
Short-term disability benefits
Employee assistance program
Vacation pay
Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan
And more…
Copywriter, Interactive
Job Description:
At Arc, you'll work with a team of smart marketers and gain global marketing insights, as we share our capabilities across 37 offices in 31 countries. And talk about our marquis list of clients! We partner with Diageo, Disney, Kellogg, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Purina, Visa, Whirlpool, and the list goes on... We're also part of Paris-based Publicis Groupe, the world's fourth-largest marketing and communications company.
As a member of the Arc Worldwide team, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact on a wide array of marketing practice areas, share ideas with some of the best minds in the business, and meet creative and professional challenges. Are you ready?
We are currently looking for a talented Interactive Copywriter to join our Chicago office.
We are looking for someone with the following:
* 5+ years Agency experience.
* Conceptual thinker capable of generating "big ideas" for multiple media outlets (online, outdoor, events, POP, etc.)
* Online ad experience is a must.
* A self-starter with the ability?and sense of responsibility?to see projects through from creative brief to "flawless" digital comp stage.
* Great attitude, willing to do what it takes.
Searchable Keywords: Copywriter, Interactive / gj-mo
Expected Travel Time: None
This company may offer relocation assistance.
Company: Arc Worldwide
Email: 5186462.6@JobFrenzy1.Com
Address: Arc Worldwide Arc Worldwide 60601
Career Services Representative
Everest College is a world-class educational institution and a rapidly growing part of Corinthian Colleges, Inc. At our campuses, we work to provide adult learners with the practical skills and training necessary to secure rewarding positions in today's dynamic job market. We prepare students to compete for solid career opportunities by offering degree programs that emphasize the high-tech skills and aptitudes today’s employers want and need. These programs include accounting, business administration, criminal justice, medical insurance billing and coding, medical assisting, information technology, paralegal, and numerous others.
Career Services Representative
Everest College – Merrionette Park, IL
General Duties:
Identify potential employers that match the educational background of our students.
Prepare students and graduates for their job search and offer any necessary assistance.
Teach career development and employer expectation subjects.
Setup and administer mock interviews.
Work with students to develop resumes and interview skills.
Requirements:
AA degree in Business, Marketing or a related field and 0-3 years of experience OR an equivalent combination of training, education and experience
Light outside sales experience
Must be comfortable with accountability and cultivating new employment opportunities
Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communications skills
Knowledge of the medical field and experience in acquiring job orders is a BIG PLUS
We offer competitive compensation and the opportunity to grow as part of a successful post-secondary education company. For immediate consideration, send your resume to: DLagon@cci.edu . Include the reference code: Career Services Rep in your subject line when applying for this position. Only candidates considered qualified will be contacted. No phone calls please. For further information about CCi, visit our website at www.cci.edu EOE
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Internet Jobs And How You Can Find Them
by: Mark Farrar
Twenty years ago it was inconceivable that one day in the future people would be able to earn money using solely a computer with an Internet connection. Things have certainly changed since then. Technological breakthroughs have made this 'crazy' idea possible. Indeed, there have been a number of amazing and stunning advances in technology in recent years.
For most people, having a job entails working long days, over-time and work stresses etc. The daily routine of a working professional involves waking early, gobbling down breakfast, running to catch the bus or dashing to the closest taxi stand before arriving at work slightly late. Doesn't it?
If you don't think that there is any way out of this bind, then you haven't closely examined the wide variety of positions available over the internet. A simple search for "online jobs" with any major search engine will result in thousands of hits, many of them for positions that you otherwise would not have known existed. The World Wide Web has something for virtually everybody.
You can find millions of internet based jobs on the market today, and some people tend to argue about the legitimacy of these jobs. But if you can filter out the real opportunities from the chaff, you can undoubtedly earn a considerable income from a respectable online job.
Legit online jobs http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/53148-earn-money.php) are sometimes hard to find. Researching them thoroughly is your best bet. Look for jobs that are in your skill range and what you like to do. Do you like data entry, writing, web designing or translations? Becoming your own boss is rewarding, and just think of all the money you save on not having to commute
You can find resources and articles on the Internet which provide you with valuable insights into the nature of "Internet jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/)" and thus make sure that you do not get cheated. There are many web sites which serve the purpose of providing details about online jobs. With the power of "Internet jobs", making money (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.
About The Author
Mark Farrar
There are many advantages to working online, such as the elimination of time, stress, and monetary expense otherwise wasted on commuting. Others love their newfound freedom from oppressive bosses. For every skill level, there are many "legit online jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/53148-earn-money.php)". There are income opportunities available in data entry, technical writing, foreign language translation, web designing, marketing, etc. One only has to look. By harnessing the power of Internet jobs (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/), making money (http://www.PerfectWealthFormula.co.uk/pwf_articles/22674-internet-jobsmaking.php) can be easy. There are also many reputable web sites to help one investigate the details about various online jobs.
Source: articlecity
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Life Coach: How to Make the Top Ten New Year Resolutions Permanent
Written by: Kelly Burris
This is not yet another article to give you advice or tell you what to do. Most people have a difficult time telling a five year old what to do let alone someone who has lived with an unwanted behavior for 5, 10, 15 or more years. This is an article about the basics of how to get the job done.
The mind is great at multitasking. This is why one can maintain several bad habits at once and this is why one can make several resolutions to replace those habits and accomplish them all. Before we get started with the top ten New Year Resolutions however one needs to understand some basic principals about the subconscious.
From your very first breath everything you have seen, heard, smelled, tasted or felt is stored in the subconscious mind. The subconscious uses this information to determine how you emotionally respond to your world. This is what is referred to as your subconscious programming. You are continually subject to the random information of the subconscious if you do not know how it works.
This is why there is an endless supply of advice givers because no one has taken the time to address the single most important question for goal setting, New Year Resolutions or just simply a change in behavior and that is "What determines a human behavior?" A New Year Resolution or setting a goal is all about fixing something that does not work. This brings up another question "Can you fix anything if you do not know how it works?" The answer to this is an emphatic no. It is the equivalent of banging on the top of your radio or TV when it goes on the blink and suddenly it starts working. You say to yourself...I guess I fixed it. Does it make any sense to guess when speaking in terms of the quality of your life and what you need for it to work?
Once you have an answer to the question (What determines human behavior?) you will need information on how to act upon the answer but first let's take a look at the top ten New Year Resolutions slightly revised by a Master Life Coach.
1) Learn the Process of What Determines Human Behavior
The resolution of changing any behavior always begins with a question and the question here is, "What determines human behavior?You are guessing how to accomplish your New Year resolutions if you cannot answer this question. Without learning the process of what determines a behavior it is unlikely you will be able to permanently change any behavior so this question needs to be number one on your list.
2) Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Love is your most powerful emotional state and spending more time with people you love assists in solidifying this emotional state. If you underhand how an emotional state comes about you can maintain this powerful state in the absence of family and friends.
3) Health, Fitness and Weight Loss
Fifty-five percent of adults in America are overweight so this has become a popular New Year Resolution. Evidence of this is the packed Health Clubs in January. Weight Loss is almost a 40 billion dollar a year industry. Every year it is a rehash of the same old things and people continue to buy them. At some point you need to ask yourself if you have control over your eating behavior. If the answer is no or not really then it is time to get control of what is controlling you.
4) Quit Smoking
Smoking is more than just a habit it is a physiological addiction. This is why you must attack this problem from two fronts. There are a number of different ways to immediately address the physiological part of the equation but the behavior must be addressed at the same time in order to permanently kill the habit. When the habit is not addressed along with the physiological side of the problem more harm than good can be done. This happens when you continue to smoke while wearing a patch or using other pharmaceuticals to kill the addiction.
5) Enjoy Life More
This seems like it would be so simple but if you do not understand how an emotional state comes about this is easy to say but very difficult to accomplish.
6) Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped with the skills in taking control of their subconscious. If you do not run the subconscious the subconscious is going to run you.
7) Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Out of control dept often means out of control emotionally. Over spending has a lot to do with trying to make yourself feel better. If you begin to understand how an emotional state comes about then you need not overspend to attempt to affect it.
8) Learn Something New
Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand. Especially if you are learning how the subconscious works and how to take control of it.
9) Help Others
This is a popular, non-selfish New Year resolution. As human beings our only real value is what we can do for other people.
10) Get Organized
Organization is the key to permanently maintaining a long New Year Resolution List but where do you start. You start by taking control of what allowed you to become disorganized to begin with and that is of course the supreme ruler in your life, the subconscious. Getting control of the clutter in the subconscious will bring about organization automatically in our lives.
The reason all New Year Resolutions gets down to the subconscious is because the subconscious runs approximately four times faster than you can speak and right now you have no idea what it is doing. The conscious and subconscious is like a rope tow with the vat of mud in the middle. The conscious is one person on one side against the subconscious which is four people on the other side. If consciously you say to yourself, I want to lose weight, quit smoking etc. it is usually a losing proposition because you are outnumbered with information. In other words if you do not understand how to take control of the subconscious you will almost always be out gunned by the subconscious.
Until you learn how to recognize access and change your subconscious programming your New Year Resolutions will probably always be carried over to the next year. The question before you make a New Year Resolution is "Do I want control over my New Year Resolutions?" If the answer to this question is yes then the first step is to get control of your subconscious.
About The Author
Kelly Burris
THE Burris Life Coach the only clinically proven process for depression and the foundation for THE Burris Life Coach for Adults and THE Burris Life Coach Ages 7-17. For more about Kelly and becoming a Certified Burris Life Coach please visit http://www.KellyBurris.com.
Source: articlecity
Monday, December 24, 2007
My 1st Rehab
Written by: Danielle Johnson
Joboja Staff Writer
I had always wanted to “get into” real estate investing. Like everyone else, I had seen the late night infomercials and heard all the “get-rich quick” schemes where everything sounded so easy. I was never truly convinced by any of the so-called gurus, so I bided my time until about a year ago.
It was in February 2006 that I completed the investor training program taught by Guy Williams of Williams Realty and Investments in Hyde Park. This program forced me to master principles of time management and money management which led to the purchase of my first investment property on 9/28/06. I acquired the property for $77,750, rehab costs were $20,000 and the After-Repair Value was $145,000. This left me with a gross profit from this deal of over $45,000.
In addition to mastering the principles stated above, I also put in a lot of hours looking at properties. I looked at 60+ properties before finally closing on my first deal. I had to look at so many properties for the following 2 reasons. First, I was working full time so that only left the weekends to look at properties.
As a result, a lot of properties were snatched up during my hours spent at work. The other reason I had to look at so many properties is because I had limited funds and I had to locate a property where purchase price AND rehab were provided by my lender.
In terms of renovation on the property, my initial budget was $15,000 which was somewhere between a cosmetic rehab and a full gut rehab. I completed the following work on the property: new windows, new carpet, and fresh paint throughout the property. I remodeled the kitchen and the bathroom as well. On the exterior, I put new vinyl siding on the property and redid parts of the roof. When the rehab was about 90% complete, I uncovered extensive plumbing issues which added an extra $5,000 to my budget. Fortunately, I was able to go back to my lender, explain the situation and was able to receive the additional funds to complete the job.
Rehab began on the property immediately after closing and was 80% complete in about 4 weeks. The contractor that I ended up using, I met quite by accident. Since I had rehabbing on the brain so much, I was trying to pick up as many useful contacts as possible. So whenever I came across a white van or anyone or anything that looked like a contractor, I obtained their business cards. This is how I located my contractor. I basically served as the general contractor and he hired individuals as needed to complete the work. Of course, I made sure to see his driver’s license, a copy of his license and a copy of his insurance. Of the 4 bids I obtained, his was the most reasonable.
My contractor had the property fully complete by 12/1/06 and I officially became a landlord on 12/9/06. In January 2007, I refinanced the property and pulled out $10,000 in equity, which was the exit strategy I ultimately decided to go with. My initial strategy was to sell immediately, but due to the implementation of HB 4050, I decided that it might be easier to simply refinance the property and rent until it became clear how the new law would play out. I felt the refinance would be the easiest to accomplish and would allow me to see much-needed funds right away. Currently, I have $29,900 in equity remaining which I will pull out upon the sale of the property later this year. I plan on listing the property for sale within the next 3 months. The current rent is $1200 per month which provides nearly $200 per month positive cash flow after the mortgage payment and hazard insurance.
I know that a lot of the time neophyte investors get burned during the rehabbing process. I was fortunate, however, to have mastered certain principles beforehand, which made rehabbing a lot easier. During the last year, I have since acquired my real estate license and joined the staff of Williams Realty and Investments, where I now teach my clients the same principles which allowed my first rehab to be a resounding success. I believe that acquiring the property is the easiest step of the process. After all, anyone with decent credit and earnest money can acquire an investment property. It has been my experience, however, that few know what to do with the investment property after the acquisition. Due diligence is absolutely key in real estate investing and it can prevent a lot of headache and frustration down the road.
Since completing my first rehab, I have come to the conclusion that rehabbing becomes far less challenging when pursued in the proper manner. I don’t mean to imply that the process is simple because rehabbing is inherently challenging. However, it is my belief that if certain principles are followed – success is just a matter of time. I will close with one of my favorite quotes: “If an individual cannot master their household budget, it will be very difficult to master the budget for a rehab project.”
Danielle is an Investor and licensed sales associate with Williams Realty and Investments. She has a passion for coaching others on building wealth using real estate investing. She can be reached at 773.551.4769 or d_n_johnson@yahoo.com.
You can also visit her website at www.investchitown.com
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain: They’re All the Same, Right?!
by: Kevin Wiggin
We have all heard the terms freezing rain, sleet, and snow when tuning into our local weather person on the television before, but do you really know the difference between these elements? Some of you may ask: Why do I need to know the difference? Well, the difference between freezing rain, sleet, or snow event could be the difference between knowing you have a chance to make it to work in the morning or whether you should really prepare to work from home. A brief snow may have moderate impacts on your travel, but a brief freezing rain event could wreak havoc on everyone’s travel plans.
Snow occurs when a snowflake falls from the upper levels of the atmosphere and does not encounter any layers enough above freezing throughout its journey to the earth that would melt the snowflake. There are many classifications of snow and most travels are well aware of the impacts from high accumulations of snow. The difficulty comes in differentiating between other types of freezing precipitation.
Sleet occurs when a snowflake falls from a cloud then enters into a warm layer and melts. The now melted snowflake then continues to fall then it enters into a cold layer near the surface of the earth and freezes again. When the frozen droplet impacts the earth, it is usually in the form of ice and does not freeze upon impact. High accumulations of sleet may cause problems for the road travelers, but is typically not as devastating as a freezing rain event.
Freezing rain occurs when a droplet starts as snow as it falls through the atmosphere. Then, this snowflake melts as it falls through layers of the atmosphere. The now melted snowflake encounters a below freezing layer of air near the surface of the earth which quickly supercools the droplet. With the droplet now supercooled, it will then freeze upon impact of the earth’s surface or any other surface along its way. Freezing rain is one of the culprits that brings down power lines in the winter, puts highways at a standstill, and turns any location into a crystal city.
At times you may hear your local weather person use the term “mix”. The forecaster is usually referring to an area that could see any combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow. These areas typically are some of the most dangerous areas to travel due to the possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Defining the exact lines of freezing rain, sleet, snow, or rain can be very difficult for forecasters.
Whether you will encounter snow, sleet, or freezing rain, you are bound to have some delays in your travel. Hopefully this will help you to better understand the differences and what to expect when you wake up in the morning to head to your destination. Keep a close eye on the weather along your route when the next storm system is pushing through.
Drive safe,
Kevin Wiggin
About The Author
Kevin Wiggin is a founding member of http://WiperWeather.com. WiperWeather provides top-quality road weather forecasting services. They combine your route with weather information so you can plan ahead. You can also share pictures and road trip experiences with others in the WiperWeather community. WiperWeather is a start-up limited liability company consisting of four principle officers with combined industry experience of 40 years.
Source: articlecity
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tips for Safe Driving During the Holidays
by: Valerie Nay
Every year during the holiday season TV, radio, newspapers and others talk a lot about the hazards of drunk driving and remind us to be careful. Extra police are on the streets and many cities set up sobriety checkpoints to catch drunk drivers on nights when there are likely to be more parties.
This extra focus reduces the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and makes all of us safer on the road during the holidays.
Drunk drivers aren’t the only hazard on the road during the holidays, though. While most of us would never dream of getting behind the wheel drunk, we could still be creating serious dangers without thinking about it.
Holiday Madness
Juggling normal responsibilities with shopping, parties, and extra school events can make a normally safe driver a literal wreck. Even if you are always calm and collected, remember that other drivers may be more on edge than usual and take these precautions.
*Be extra patient and make allowances for other people and the mistakes they make. Don’t forget to watch out for pedestrians as well as other drivers.
*Try to keep your attention on what you are doing. Not only could they cause you to make a mistake, but cell phones, eating and other distractions keep you from paying attention to other people and the silly errors they can make.
*Be especially careful in parking lots crammed with cars and pedestrians at this time of year. Take it a little slower than normal to avoid fender benders or worse.
*Take note of your emotions and consider taking a break if you get too stressed out, irritated or emotional. Get a cup of coffee or tea and relax for 10 minutes before you dive back in to the frenzy.
Holiday Fatigue
Another danger that is often forgotten, but also a huge problem during this hectic time of year, is driving while drowsy. Falling asleep at the wheel is obviously the most dangerous result, but tired drivers also tend to be more irritable and impatient.
This year like normal there will no doubt be many people who leave work on Friday and start out on long-distance trips to be with family or friends. College students whose holiday break begin after classes on Friday may be headed home as well.
Here are some recommendations you should consider and pass along to family members and friends who may be traveling by car during the holidays:
*Don’t start your journey tired. Be aware of the risks if you get up unusually early to start your trip or leave directly from work or school when you are tired.
*Plan your trip to include a 15-minute break every two hours.
*Make sure that you and everyone on your trip is carrying emergency contact information and valid identification.
*Share the driving if possible. Safety experts recommend switching off every three hours.
*You’re too tired to drive if you start drifting from your lane, hitting rumble strips, yawning repeatedly, having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open, missing road signs or tailgating. Pull over to a safe place as soon as possible, drink a high caffeine drink and take a 15-minute nap.
About The Author
Valerie Nay is the founder of http://www.EmergencyContacts.com and writes a free monthly newsletter full of valuable information to help you and your family stay safe.
Source: articlecity
Friday, December 21, 2007
10 Tips to Manage Your Money Better
Written by: Danielle Johnson
Joboja Staff Writer
1. GET DIRECT DEPOSIT
Automatic deposit of your paycheck can help you avoid the desire to spend your money as soon as you receive it. We all are familiar with that “burning hole” feeling due to having a significant amount of money readily accessible. All of a sudden we “need” a new pair of shoes, new clothes, jewelry or other baubles. This pursuit of items that we “need” can easily lead to financial disrepair. Most of us get into financial trouble because of our wants and not our needs.
2. PAY YOURSELF FIRST
It is imperative that we make it a priority to save at least 10% of our annual gross income. According to a CBS news article dated 2/7/06, Americans actually have a negative savings rate of .5%. The savings rate has only been negative for a full year twice before, in 1932 and 1933, when Americans were struggling with job layoffs during the Great Depression.
3. GET A COPY OF YOUR CREDIT REPORT & CORRECT ERRORS
By some estimates, over 50% of credit reports contain errors. These errors can be very costly in terms of higher interest rates and fees that result from lower credit scores, if not corrected. Unfortunately, the only way most of us find out about credit reporting errors is after we apply for some type of credit. All consumers can now obtain free copies of their credit reports once per year from each of the three major bureaus. Please note that there are a lot of fakes offering “free” reports in exchange for signing up for some type of credit monitoring. Please visit www.annualcreditreport.com which is the official site to obtain your reports.
4. READ ABOUT SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRES
Read as much as you can on individuals that are self-made millionaires. You should make it a point to make a file for yourself of self-made millionaires to serve as a source of motivation.
5. AVOID INSTANT GRATIFICATION
As a society, we spend, spend and spend. Take a minute and think about some of things that you have that you don’t need. At what point did you purchase those items? If we are honest with ourselves, most of us would agree that the majority of those items were impulse purchases. We saw it, we wanted it and without much thought, we bought it. However, in order to build wealth and improve our cash flow, we absolutely must conquer the habit of wanting everything in life immediately.
6. BUY A PRIMARY RESIDENCE
The debate continues on whether it makes more sense to buy rather than to rent. Over the past several months, the media has bombarded the public with constant reporting on the “housing slump” and the “housing slowdown” in different markets throughout the country. Owning your own home is, in my opinion, the first step towards wealth creation. Even if you purchase a home and it appreciates only 5% per year, that equates to a $5,000 increase in net worth per year on a $100,000 home. If you think about it, the average person is not saving $5,000 per year - some folks are not even saving $500 per year. Owning your own home is the equivalent of a forced savings account. Renting, on the other hand, does nothing to build wealth.
7. DISCUSS FINANCES WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER EARLY
Talk with your significant other about finances early in the relationship. Money problems are the #1 cause for divorce in the USA. You can never begin too early to start discussing finances in your relationships with your life partner. We have been trained to shy away from the topic of money, as if it were going to take care of itself. Women, in particular, tend to fall into the role of letting the man handle all of the finances and remaining clueless throughout the relationship. Give yourself and your partner the opportunity to have the best financial relationship possible and bring these topics into the open early in the relationship.
8. LOCATE & STOP SPENDING LEAKS
If you have ever uttered the following phrases, “money goes like water” or “I don't know where my paycheck went,” chances are you suffer from at least one spending leak. Spending leaks are the constant draining of funds on seemingly insignificant expenses. One example that readily comes to mind is buying lunch every day at work. Even if a person only spends $5/day for five days a week, that totals $100 per month. If a person cuts back to even half that amount, that represents a savings of $50/month. In order to locate your spending leaks, track every single expense for the next 30 days and tally at the end of the month. Also at the end of the month, notate next to each expenditure whether the money spent was a want or need. I can guarantee that you will locate at least $100 that you can recover if you adjust your spending habits.
9. DEVELOP A BUDGET
In order to build wealth, you must know your cash flow. Most of us know very well how much money we make every month but little, if any, idea of how much we spend. Exercising control over poor spending habits is critical to the pursuit of real wealth. Everyone should have a detailed budget broken down into fixed and variable expenses readily available at a moment's notice. Budgets force financial discipline when properly followed and financial discipline leads to faster wealth creation.
10. KNOW YOUR NET WORTH
Assets minus liabilities equals your net worth. You should know what this number is at all times and be very leery of any expenditure that doesn't add to your net worth. Remember, net worth has nothing to do with how much money you make - it has everything to do with how much money you actually keep. If someone has an income of $100K per year and they spend $100K per year, his/her net worth is a big fat zero. Be careful not to fall into a high consumption lifestyle in which every dollar you earn is completely utilized to maintain that lifestyle. Learn to live below your means and you will quickly accumulate wealth.
Danielle is an Investor and licensed sales associate with Williams Realty and Investments. She has a passion for coaching others on building wealth using real estate investing. She can be reached at 773.551.4769 or d_n_johnson@yahoo.com.
You can also visit her website at www.investchitown.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tales from a Metra-sexual
Written by Bob Rehak
Edited by: Sharon Estill
Joboja Staff Writers
I once sat next to a man on the train and watched him eat the Tribune.
That’s right, EAT the Tribune, not read the Tribune. Although to be fair, I do think he read what was on the page before putting it in his mouth. And no, it wasn’t the Food section. This wasn’t a case of a really sharp digital photo of a watermelon altering this man’s reality. I believe he was eating the Tempo section.
While it was disgusting to think about what newspaper print would taste like as I watched him (I’m guessing a blend of dried oatmeal and stale licorice), I simply could not turn away. The method he employed as he enjoyed his Trib dinner was more sleight-of-hand than hand-to-mouth. He would grab a corner of the paper and tear it slowly into a vertical two-inch strip. Kind of like string cheese, without the nutritional value.
Normally this tearing action wouldn’t get my attention. As a seasoned Metra rider, I have become immune to the everyday background noises on the train; the Metra-nome, if you will. I have come to accept the sounds that occupy my 52-minute commute as white noise, no matter the ethnicity of their origins.
There’s the random folding of newspapers coming from all sides, like some Sunday Gospel reading gone awry, when none of the congregation can find the right page in their hymnals. There’s the clumsy, subtle banging of the train’s wheels as they struggle to grab the rails, punctuating every worn-out section of their steel-on-steel marriage. (By the way, how do they keep the tracks perfectly spaced to match the span of the wheels? I mean, they’re parallel bars of steel bolted to imperfect wooden railroad ties. It blows my mind, especially when the rails are curved).
The soundtrack of the Metra also includes a chorus of coughs, sneezes, and the constant chipmunk chatter of the cell-phone crowd, all announcing the same message to the loved ones back home: “I’M ON THE 5:04 TRAIN. I’LL BE AT THE STATION AT 5:34. THAT PUTS ME IN THE DRIVEWAY AT 5:58!” Thanks for the newsflash, Tom Brokaw. I look forward to your next public newscast on the 5:04 tomorrow, too.
What brought my attention to the paper-eater was the slow tearing of the paper every 35 seconds or so. I’ve heard tearing of paper on the train before, but it’s usually the Sudoku junkies racing to finish their puzzles before their stops. No – this was a slow, extended tearing, due to the size of the Tribune. A Sun-Times paper eater would have had a shorter tearing hang-time and may not have been as noticeable. Perhaps this guy started out with the Sun-Times in his teenage years and then elevated his appetite to the Tribune.
At first I thought he was just tearing out columns of interest, but after the third or fourth prolonged tear I paid closer attention. After the paper strip had been peeled from the page, he would ball it up in his hand, effortlessly, like a magician’s hand swallowing a scarf. He would then wipe his hand across his mouth, and as his hand came back to rest at his side, the paper ball would disappear. My original thought was that he was dropping the paper kibble at his side, creating a stockpile of oversized spitballs.
Slowly I came to realize that the paper strips had indeed disappeared as they passed his mouth. With a mixture of horror and fascination I came to realize that his jaws were moving, almost imperceptibly, like a churchgoer finishing a Communion host. This guy was, most certainly, eating the paper.
It has been two years since I saw the contents of the Tempo section of the Trib consumed in a manner for which they were never intended. I often wonder if the paper-eater got sick and ended up in the hospital. I imagine the surprise on the surgeon’s face as he unwinds the classifieds from the colon.
Perhaps the paper-eater stopped eating the paper altogether, having realized that it is both socially unacceptable and bad for your teeth (ink will stain your molars, I’m sure).
Perhaps he has moved on to another Metra line. Or on to Time magazine.
Entertainment Cruises Servers Job Overview
COMPANY Entertainment Cruises
JOB TYPE Seasonal/Part-time
WAGES Hourly
LOCATION Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Server Job Description
The main objective of a server is to ensure that his/her guests leave the Odyssey with unforgettable memories of their experience. Not only are they to enjoy good food, beverage, sightseeing and entertainment, but they should enjoy hospitality more gracious than they could have anywhere else.
Server’s responsibilities include greeting tables and providing the guest with cruise information, taking and ringing beverage and food orders, table maintenance, food and wine presentation and service, dining room reset, and sidework. Servers must be able to provide a complete food description of all menu items. They must be able to describe all wines by the glass, and have basic knowledge of the wine list and all liquor products that are available. Servers are responsible for check presentation and collecting payment for onboard purchases. Servers must be 21 years of age.
The server must maintain a professional and friendly manner, consistent with the Odyssey Server Manual and the Odyssey Service System Standards. This includes understanding and demonstrating the Odyssey Identity Statement,. Odyssey Shared Values and the Five Hospitality Behaviors. Servers must also help other teammates in other departments if needed.
Odyssey believes all employees should work together to achieve excellence through mutual respect and teamwork. A positive work environment will foster a positive guest experience!
Our severs are bright, energetic, "take charge" people who have the stamina to lift, transport and break-down heavy trays, climb up and down stairs, and be active on their feet for at least eight hours of the day. Servers are required to lift tables and chairs on and off the boat as needed for deck reset. The server must maintain a clean, professional and positive work area at all times, as well as clean and professional uniform standards.
The work can be challenging, but the rewards will be great. Welcome aboard!
T.J. Maxx Merchandise Associate Job Overview
COMPANY T.J. Maxx
JOB TYPE Full-Time/Part-Time
WAGES To be discussed
Hourly
LOCATION #0578 - 2840 North Broadway
2840 North Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
Have your career take off with T.J. Maxx! We are currently looking for people with strong customer service skills to staff our stores!! As one of the nation's leading off-price retailers, our growth is creating exciting opportunities every day. Here, you'll find professional growth, individual recognition, and even time for a life outside of work! Plus, as a part of the flagship division of The TJX Companies, Inc., we offer all the success and stability that comes with being part of a $15 billion industry leader.
We offer our Associates an energized and exciting environment that focuses on open communication and advancement. So come see what the best of the best has to offer.
Merchandise Associates – Responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the store. Must be able to substitute in the areas of merchandise presentation, processing, fitting room, cashier, customer service and lay-away, if necessary. You will need to be flexible and possess top-notch customer service skills.
If you are friendly, flexible self-motivated and want to be part of a great team while making money, T.J. Maxx is for you.
Recruiting Assistant-Call (312) 263-4505
Description:
Volt Services Group is looking for a dynamic individual to join our growing downtown Chicago office. We are looking for someone who is interested in recruiting and is eager to learn the ropes. This is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door with one of the premier industry leaders.
The Recruiting Assistant will be responsible for processing payroll, preparing new hire paperwork, completing I-9s, scheduling interviews, reviewing resumes, entering and tracking candidate information in our internal database system, filing, and copying confidential information. To be successful in this position, you must possess strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills. This position has a heavy administrative focus.
This position is part time, working 25 hours per week. This is a great opportunity that has the potential to become a full-time direct position.
Volt Services Group is an international leader in offering human resource solutions for our customers. Publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (VOL), Volt has been in business for 54 years and has over 300 locations in the United States and Canada and has operations in over 15 countries across the world. Volt offers industry-leading benefits as we strive to be recognized as the employer of choice by our employees. No Recruiter will work harder to place you into one of this area's top employers. We want you to have an experience with us that will encourage you to refer your friends and family to us in the future. Volt is an Equal Opportunity Employer!! Volt provides career management to individuals in the specialty skills area of office support, clerical, customer service, call center, data entry, reception, administrative, executive secretary, accounting, sales, warehouse, forklift and light industrial. Volt Services Group has numerous positions available on an ongoing basis.
Requirements:
To be considered for this position, you must possess the following requirements:
1. High School Diploma or Equivalent; Bachelor's Degree preferred
2. Minimum 2 years experience in an administrative role
3. Ability to successfully pass a Drug Screen and Background Check
4. Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
5. Strong multi-tasking skills
6. Ability to meet demanding deadlines
7. Ability to work in a team environment.
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: CONTRACT
Duration: 120 - 180 Days
Pay Rate: 12.50 - 13.00 Hourly DOE
Contact:
Volt Services Group
chicago303186@volt.com
Volt Services Group
55 W. Monroe St., Ste. 3490
Chicago, IL 60603
PH: 312/263-4505
FX: 312/263-9910
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