If you're worried that the daily dose of bad news about the economy could impact your next paycheck, you're not alone.
More than 2 of 3 respondents to a recent Yahoo! poll believe their job is in jeopardy due to the current economic slowdown.
While you never can be completely prepared to lose your livelihood, there are certain signs that may indicate that your job could be at risk.
Your Performance Assessment
First, ask yourself some tough questions about your role at work, recommends business coach and author Mary Key. Your answers will provide good indicators.
The questions include: What would be the impact of your departure? What kind of ROI (return on investment) is your employer getting from your performance? Have you gotten positive reviews? Do you get along with coworkers? Can your skills translate to other positions within the firm?
"If you are unsure of the answers to these questions, or if you have some responses that might be negative, your job may be on the chopping block in a downturn," says Key, who heads the leadership practice for i4cp www.i4cp.com, The Institute for Corporate Productivity, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Time's Not on Your Side
Having extra time for two-hour lunches, marathon computer games, and multiple instant-message chats with loved ones doesn't bode well for a long future in your current position.
"If you were once a busy professional and now work is being taken away and given to someone else, or you're not being assigned new work, you should start asking some questions," says life and career coach Annemarie Segaric.
Where Have All the Clients Gone?
If the new business team seems to be spinning its wheels, as major clients jump ship and they are not replaced, your job could be on the hit list.
"There is only so long that your boss can be giving you busy work," says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Northampton, Massachusetts-based Human Resource Solutions. "Eventually, his boss will catch on, and it will be time to go."
Experienced Workers Need Not Apply
Warning: Your company starts posting openings for entry-level workers, without announcing new initiatives or experiencing a mass exodus of employees.
"This is a clear sign that they are trying to cut payroll costs by hiring less experienced people," Matuson says. "It won't be long before you receive the pink slip."
The Risk of Mergers
If bad times drive your company to merge with a rival, start polishing your resume, advises Kevin Steele, president of The Winter, Wyman Companies.
"In almost all cases, there are many employees whose job responsibilities are duplicated by someone at the acquiring company, and, in an effort to cut costs and maximize ROI, the acquiring company will usually move quickly to eliminate the overlap," Steele says.
Friends in Similar Places
When friends or others you know who have equivalent jobs in the same or a related industry begin to suffer layoffs, know that you could be next.
"Layoffs happen in waves," says Segaric, author of "107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills." "What goes on in other companies can be used as a barometer for what is happening in the industry as a whole."
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
7 ways to minimize stress
Inner Peace on the Job: 7 Ways to Minimize Stress
Although it is not possible to eliminate stress completely, there are some things we can do to reduce it. Here are effective ways to reduce stress in your day.
1. Slow down and be in the present. It is natural to believe that the harder you work, the more you will get done. However, though it may seem paradoxical, if you work at a slow and steady pace with full awareness, you will most likely turn out better work with fewer mistakes - and feel better while doing it!
2. Set boundaries. Are you the go-to person for every favor and question that is needed in your workplace? Learn to respectfully set your boundaries and say no. Also, take a look at your calendar and make sure you are not over-scheduling yourself after work. Write in one night a week for yourself, and treat yourself to a tai chi or meditation class, a bath, or just an evening curled up with a good book.
3. Remember to breathe deeply all day. Most people who are under a lot of stress or tension breathe shallowly, up in the throat area. When you breathe deeply into your lungs, you are naturally bringing in more oxygen and activating energy in your body.
Try this to remember to breathe: set your intention to take 10 deep breaths once every hour. (If necessary, set a timer to help you remember.) It will only take a minute, but the rewards will be tenfold.
4. Bring nature inside. As much as possible, let natural light and fresh air permeate your workspace. Surround yourself with the inspiring colors of beautiful flowers, which have a powerful influence on a person's mind-set. A beautiful bouquet can lift a less-than-lovely mood and even eliminate stress. In fact, one study showed that people who sat next to an arrangement of colorful flowers were able to relax more during a five-minute typing assignment than those who sat near foliage-only plants.
5. Give yourself a time-out. Take the breaks that are given to you. In this high-paced world, people often work through their breaks, claiming they have too much work to do - this will lead to serious repercussions in the future.
Remember that you are a human, not a machine. Even a machine needs downtime for maintenance! Try taking a 15-minute powernap on your lunch break. If you only have five minutes to spare, just close your eyes. Even this brief rest can reduce stress and help you relax.
6. Meditation brings relaxation. Meditation gives your body a rest and produces slower brain waves that are similar to sleep, effectively combating tension. Regular practice of meditation, tai chi, or yoga can help you slow down and bring peace, not only in your job, but also in your life. To learn more about how to use meditation to decrease stress, click here.
7. Perk up naturally!
Skip the second latte, which stimulates your central nervous system, makes your mind race, and adds to your stress. Instead, try these simple and natural pick-me-ups:
• Take a tea break. Instead of coffee, go for teas that gently boost your energy, such as ginseng, eucalyptus, or ginger.
• Find ways to keep moving all day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Drink a glass of water from the water cooler every hour. Park your car a few blocks away from where you're going. Not only will this perk up your energy, it will also improve your mood.
• If it's a nice day outside, eat lunch outdoors or just take a walk around the block. The fresh air and the break from routine will be an invigorating addition to your workday.
• Get sustainable energy with snacks. Eat a snack at mid-morning and another one at mid-afternoon consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, or protein-rich foods like humus made from beans will help you sustain your energy and prevent low blood sugar from setting in.
I hope you find the ways to minimize stress in your work environment! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao
Although it is not possible to eliminate stress completely, there are some things we can do to reduce it. Here are effective ways to reduce stress in your day.
1. Slow down and be in the present. It is natural to believe that the harder you work, the more you will get done. However, though it may seem paradoxical, if you work at a slow and steady pace with full awareness, you will most likely turn out better work with fewer mistakes - and feel better while doing it!
2. Set boundaries. Are you the go-to person for every favor and question that is needed in your workplace? Learn to respectfully set your boundaries and say no. Also, take a look at your calendar and make sure you are not over-scheduling yourself after work. Write in one night a week for yourself, and treat yourself to a tai chi or meditation class, a bath, or just an evening curled up with a good book.
3. Remember to breathe deeply all day. Most people who are under a lot of stress or tension breathe shallowly, up in the throat area. When you breathe deeply into your lungs, you are naturally bringing in more oxygen and activating energy in your body.
Try this to remember to breathe: set your intention to take 10 deep breaths once every hour. (If necessary, set a timer to help you remember.) It will only take a minute, but the rewards will be tenfold.
4. Bring nature inside. As much as possible, let natural light and fresh air permeate your workspace. Surround yourself with the inspiring colors of beautiful flowers, which have a powerful influence on a person's mind-set. A beautiful bouquet can lift a less-than-lovely mood and even eliminate stress. In fact, one study showed that people who sat next to an arrangement of colorful flowers were able to relax more during a five-minute typing assignment than those who sat near foliage-only plants.
5. Give yourself a time-out. Take the breaks that are given to you. In this high-paced world, people often work through their breaks, claiming they have too much work to do - this will lead to serious repercussions in the future.
Remember that you are a human, not a machine. Even a machine needs downtime for maintenance! Try taking a 15-minute powernap on your lunch break. If you only have five minutes to spare, just close your eyes. Even this brief rest can reduce stress and help you relax.
6. Meditation brings relaxation. Meditation gives your body a rest and produces slower brain waves that are similar to sleep, effectively combating tension. Regular practice of meditation, tai chi, or yoga can help you slow down and bring peace, not only in your job, but also in your life. To learn more about how to use meditation to decrease stress, click here.
7. Perk up naturally!
Skip the second latte, which stimulates your central nervous system, makes your mind race, and adds to your stress. Instead, try these simple and natural pick-me-ups:
• Take a tea break. Instead of coffee, go for teas that gently boost your energy, such as ginseng, eucalyptus, or ginger.
• Find ways to keep moving all day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Drink a glass of water from the water cooler every hour. Park your car a few blocks away from where you're going. Not only will this perk up your energy, it will also improve your mood.
• If it's a nice day outside, eat lunch outdoors or just take a walk around the block. The fresh air and the break from routine will be an invigorating addition to your workday.
• Get sustainable energy with snacks. Eat a snack at mid-morning and another one at mid-afternoon consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, or protein-rich foods like humus made from beans will help you sustain your energy and prevent low blood sugar from setting in.
I hope you find the ways to minimize stress in your work environment! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao
Daddy's Rules for dating!
Daddy's Rules for Dating
Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :
Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..
Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four:
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a stron g romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :
Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..
Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
Rule Four:
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.
Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'
Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.
Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge . Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?
Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a stron g romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.
Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.
Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi . When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.
application to date my daughter
APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER :
NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.
NAME_____________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH_____________
HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________ DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________ CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of years they have b een married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION
AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:&nbs p;
In a minimum of at least 50 words, what does 'LATE' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
In a minimum of at least 50 words, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
In a minimum of at least 50 words , what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION:
Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________
mother? _____________
pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:
Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers
are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want shot would be:
______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:
______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the:
______________________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:
__________________________________________________ ____________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:
______________________________________________________________
F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________ ;
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO
THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT,
NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE
WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.
_________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)
_______________________________ ___ _____________________________
Mother's Signature Father's Signature
_______________________________ ________________________________
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual.
Please allow four to six years for processing.
You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)
To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating.
NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.
NAME_____________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH_____________
HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________ DRIVERS LICENSE #________________
BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________
HOME ADDRESS_______________________ CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______
Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Number of years they have b een married ______________________________
If less than your age, explain
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
ACCESSORIES SECTION:
A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No
B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No
C. A waterbed? __Yes __No
D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No
E. A tattoo? __Yes __No
F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?
(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION
AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)
ESSAY SECTION:&nbs p;
In a minimum of at least 50 words, what does 'LATE' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
In a minimum of at least 50 words, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
In a minimum of at least 50 words , what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
REFERENCES SECTION:
Church you attend ___________________________________________________
How often you attend ________________________________________________
When would be the best time to interview your:
father? _____________
mother? _____________
pastor? _____________
SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:
Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers
are confidential.
A: If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want shot would be:
______________________________________________________________
B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:
______________________________________________________________
C: A woman's place is in the:
______________________________________________________________
D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:
__________________________________________________ ____________
E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:
______________________________________________________________
F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________ ;
I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO
THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT,
NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE
WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.
_________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)
_______________________________ ___ _____________________________
Mother's Signature Father's Signature
_______________________________ ________________________________
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi State Representative/Congressman
Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual.
Please allow four to six years for processing.
You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)
To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating.
Tips to help save the Environment
Technology is a HUGE part of our daily lives. We carry around cell phones and media players, work all day on a computer and come home to watch television.
But electronic devices make up 70 percent of the toxic waste in our landfills. Here’s eight ways to make sure your need for information doesn’t compromise the environment.
1. E-cycle
Keep your electronics out of landfills at all cost. If they still work, donate them to a second-hand store for reuse. If not, use Earth 911’s recycling locator to find a place to recycle them. It could be a community event, a retail store or even a manufacturer take back program. All of these are better than your trash can.
2. Provide a Second Life for Electronics
Recycling electronics is important, but only if they no longer work. Consider options that will reuse this technology again and keep it out of the waste stream.
Trade in video games and movies for credit at stores that sell these items
Donate your televisions and computer monitors to Goodwill; you can find second-hand store locations using Earth 911’s recycling locator
Offer your old cell phone to a service provider so it can be refurbished
3. Reach for the Energy Stars
Electronics use up a lot of energy. ENERGY STAR products can cut energy use by 50 percent. If you’re shopping for new electronics, check for an ENERGY STAR label. This covers computers and monitors, televisions and even battery chargers.
Some other energy-related notes for when you’re purchasing:
Notebook computers use less energy than desktops
LCD TVs use less energy than plasma TVs
4. Use Rechargeable Batteries
You already charge batteries for cell phones and laptops. So why are you buying disposable AA and AAA batteries for other products? Rechargeable batteries last up to three years longer, and are accepted by more recyclers than other batteries.
5. Power Down Inactive Electronics
Why keep your TV on when no one is in the room? Booting up a computer may take a few minutes, but at the very least turn off the monitor when it’s not used. Also, unplug chargers that aren’t in use. They still use energy even if they aren’t charging anything.
6. Lay Off the Heavy Metal
Deep inside our electronic devices lie potentially hazardous materials like lead and mercury. These metals are not only a health hazard to you, but make proper disposal of electronics a necessity for the environment. Manufacturers are beginning to respond to this by producing devices with less/no hazardous materials, so look for these in the future.
7. Be Responsible With Packaging
Electronics are fragile, so they come with lots of packaging. Whether it’s cardboard boxes, Styrofoam or plastic bags, all this material should be recycled. Cardboard can be recycled with your paper, and all plastic should have a number on it (e.g. Styrofoam is #6) used for recycling. Use Earth 911’s recycling locator to find out where you can recycle all your packaging.
8. Spring for the Warranty
Warranties allow for your electronics to be fixed instead of replaced, meaning they stay out of the waste stream. They also encourage you to keep products for longer, which is better for the environment.
If you are looking for new electronics, consider an upgrade instead of a new purchase.
Use the same case for your computer, with a new motherboard and more RAM
Get a digital converter to modernize the picture of your analog TV
This story is part of Earth 911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas. Click here to see Earth 911’s “Green Eight” archive.
But electronic devices make up 70 percent of the toxic waste in our landfills. Here’s eight ways to make sure your need for information doesn’t compromise the environment.
1. E-cycle
Keep your electronics out of landfills at all cost. If they still work, donate them to a second-hand store for reuse. If not, use Earth 911’s recycling locator to find a place to recycle them. It could be a community event, a retail store or even a manufacturer take back program. All of these are better than your trash can.
2. Provide a Second Life for Electronics
Recycling electronics is important, but only if they no longer work. Consider options that will reuse this technology again and keep it out of the waste stream.
Trade in video games and movies for credit at stores that sell these items
Donate your televisions and computer monitors to Goodwill; you can find second-hand store locations using Earth 911’s recycling locator
Offer your old cell phone to a service provider so it can be refurbished
3. Reach for the Energy Stars
Electronics use up a lot of energy. ENERGY STAR products can cut energy use by 50 percent. If you’re shopping for new electronics, check for an ENERGY STAR label. This covers computers and monitors, televisions and even battery chargers.
Some other energy-related notes for when you’re purchasing:
Notebook computers use less energy than desktops
LCD TVs use less energy than plasma TVs
4. Use Rechargeable Batteries
You already charge batteries for cell phones and laptops. So why are you buying disposable AA and AAA batteries for other products? Rechargeable batteries last up to three years longer, and are accepted by more recyclers than other batteries.
5. Power Down Inactive Electronics
Why keep your TV on when no one is in the room? Booting up a computer may take a few minutes, but at the very least turn off the monitor when it’s not used. Also, unplug chargers that aren’t in use. They still use energy even if they aren’t charging anything.
6. Lay Off the Heavy Metal
Deep inside our electronic devices lie potentially hazardous materials like lead and mercury. These metals are not only a health hazard to you, but make proper disposal of electronics a necessity for the environment. Manufacturers are beginning to respond to this by producing devices with less/no hazardous materials, so look for these in the future.
7. Be Responsible With Packaging
Electronics are fragile, so they come with lots of packaging. Whether it’s cardboard boxes, Styrofoam or plastic bags, all this material should be recycled. Cardboard can be recycled with your paper, and all plastic should have a number on it (e.g. Styrofoam is #6) used for recycling. Use Earth 911’s recycling locator to find out where you can recycle all your packaging.
8. Spring for the Warranty
Warranties allow for your electronics to be fixed instead of replaced, meaning they stay out of the waste stream. They also encourage you to keep products for longer, which is better for the environment.
If you are looking for new electronics, consider an upgrade instead of a new purchase.
Use the same case for your computer, with a new motherboard and more RAM
Get a digital converter to modernize the picture of your analog TV
This story is part of Earth 911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas. Click here to see Earth 911’s “Green Eight” archive.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Save on GAS!
SOME GAS SAVING TIPS FROM WWW.MSN.COM
Check Your Air Filter
A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10
percent, and nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Straighten Up
Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly,
but also forces your engine to work harder, which can reduce
fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Tune Up
A properly tuned engine can improve mileage by 4 percent.
Cost Savings: 11 cents a gallon.
Pump 'em Up
More than one quarter of vehicles have improperly inflated
tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss
of 2.8 percent in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 8 cents a gallon.
Check Your Cap
It is estimated that nearly 17 percent of cars on the road have
broken or missing gas caps, which not only reduces gas mileage but may harm the environment.
Cost Savings: 2 cents per gallon.
Slow Down
For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel
consumption by 7 percent.
Cost Savings: 19 cents, by reducing speed from 70 mph to 65 mph.
Drive More Smoothly
The more smoothly you accelerate and decelerate, the better your
gas mileage, with potential gas savings of 33 percent on the
highway and 5 percent around town.
Cost Savings: 48 cents a gallon.
Lighten Up
For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses
1 to 2 percent in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 4 cents a gallon, per 100 pounds of weight removed.
Check Your Air Filter
A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10
percent, and nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Straighten Up
Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly,
but also forces your engine to work harder, which can reduce
fuel economy by as much as 10 percent.
Cost Savings: 28 cents a gallon.
Tune Up
A properly tuned engine can improve mileage by 4 percent.
Cost Savings: 11 cents a gallon.
Pump 'em Up
More than one quarter of vehicles have improperly inflated
tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss
of 2.8 percent in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 8 cents a gallon.
Check Your Cap
It is estimated that nearly 17 percent of cars on the road have
broken or missing gas caps, which not only reduces gas mileage but may harm the environment.
Cost Savings: 2 cents per gallon.
Slow Down
For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel
consumption by 7 percent.
Cost Savings: 19 cents, by reducing speed from 70 mph to 65 mph.
Drive More Smoothly
The more smoothly you accelerate and decelerate, the better your
gas mileage, with potential gas savings of 33 percent on the
highway and 5 percent around town.
Cost Savings: 48 cents a gallon.
Lighten Up
For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses
1 to 2 percent in fuel efficiency.
Cost Savings: 4 cents a gallon, per 100 pounds of weight removed.
THE WONKY DONKY!
THE WONKY DONKY …
Have fun with your drunk friends! (Try telling this one after a few drinks!)
What do you call a donkey with one leg?
A wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye?
A winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love?
A bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind?
A stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind, wearing blue suede shoes?
A honky tonky stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind,wearing blue suede shoes and playing piano?
A plinky plonky honky tonky stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind, wearing blue suede shoes, playing piano and driving a
Bus?
Very talented!
Have fun with your drunk friends! (Try telling this one after a few drinks!)
What do you call a donkey with one leg?
A wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye?
A winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love?
A bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind?
A stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind, wearing blue suede shoes?
A honky tonky stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind,wearing blue suede shoes and playing piano?
A plinky plonky honky tonky stinky bonky winky wonky donkey
What do you call a donkey with one leg and one eye makin' love while
breaking wind, wearing blue suede shoes, playing piano and driving a
Bus?
Very talented!
Monday, April 7, 2008
A man's honesty thru Song...Very funny! (rated PG-13 for language)
See more funny videos at CollegeHumor
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Bad places to get dumped
BAD PLACES TO GET DUMPED
When it comes time to dump your man/woman, where you do it is almost as important as how you do it.
If you make a mistake and call things off in the wrong place, it will be almost impossible to bow out gracefully. At best, you'll be embarrassed. At worst, you could be maimed.
According to AskMen.com, here's a list of some of the worst places to end a relationship:
At your house -- You never want to give them an opportunity to break your things. Also, it eliminates your ability to walk away -- literally. You're stuck. Go to her house, which would allow you to make a run for it when you choose.
On vacation -- A no-brainer. Ruining a trip is just stupid -- and a waste of money. If you're stuck on vacation with asomeone you want to dump, pretend you love them, try to get them to do some kinky stuff in bed, then dump them when you get home.
On a plane -- Again, in this post-911 world, a no-brainer. You don't need a hysterical chick freaking out on you in a 747. There are armed Air Marshals up there in the sky with you. The last thing you want is to get their attention.
In the car -- This is the most dangerous place to dump, especially if he/she wasn't expecting it. You want to kill the relationship -- not yourself.
At a bar -- Dumping omeone while hopped up on booze means you're not bringing your A-game. Nobody needs extra doses of drama -- or a drunken audience.
In a restaurant -- You would think this would be a great place to dump someone. It's face-to-face and reasonably quiet. And, even though they are getting dumped, you'd think they’d be happy to get at least one more free meal out of the relationship. (Double desserts!) The problem is there's no privacy -- and there's the potential for that gawking audience again.
Text - Ditching them with a text, e-mail, Facebook wall post, or over the phone is for boys. Be a man. Show up and dump her in person. Then, and only then, can you walk with pride to the next singles bar to start scamming on new chicks.
When it comes time to dump your man/woman, where you do it is almost as important as how you do it.
If you make a mistake and call things off in the wrong place, it will be almost impossible to bow out gracefully. At best, you'll be embarrassed. At worst, you could be maimed.
According to AskMen.com, here's a list of some of the worst places to end a relationship:
At your house -- You never want to give them an opportunity to break your things. Also, it eliminates your ability to walk away -- literally. You're stuck. Go to her house, which would allow you to make a run for it when you choose.
On vacation -- A no-brainer. Ruining a trip is just stupid -- and a waste of money. If you're stuck on vacation with asomeone you want to dump, pretend you love them, try to get them to do some kinky stuff in bed, then dump them when you get home.
On a plane -- Again, in this post-911 world, a no-brainer. You don't need a hysterical chick freaking out on you in a 747. There are armed Air Marshals up there in the sky with you. The last thing you want is to get their attention.
In the car -- This is the most dangerous place to dump, especially if he/she wasn't expecting it. You want to kill the relationship -- not yourself.
At a bar -- Dumping omeone while hopped up on booze means you're not bringing your A-game. Nobody needs extra doses of drama -- or a drunken audience.
In a restaurant -- You would think this would be a great place to dump someone. It's face-to-face and reasonably quiet. And, even though they are getting dumped, you'd think they’d be happy to get at least one more free meal out of the relationship. (Double desserts!) The problem is there's no privacy -- and there's the potential for that gawking audience again.
Text - Ditching them with a text, e-mail, Facebook wall post, or over the phone is for boys. Be a man. Show up and dump her in person. Then, and only then, can you walk with pride to the next singles bar to start scamming on new chicks.
how to survive a bad break up
HOW TO SURVIVE A BREAK UP
So you've been dumped. Here are some tips from Catherine Specter on How To Survive a Breakup:
- Don't Let Yourself Go. Don't get drunk, or pig out on ice cream and pizza. The last thing you need on top of heartache is to feel overly full and ugly. This is the time to eat healthy, take vitamins, and generally be good to yourself.
- Exercise. It's the last thing you want to do when you feel nauseated and teary and alone. But it will pay off big-time.
- Distract Yourself. Make yourself pay bills, read the newspaper, clean the house, do laundry, run errands, see movies, go out to dinner, hang out with friends, whatever distracts you from the pain for a few minutes or hours here and there. If you have trouble falling asleep, read a book in bed rather than watching TV (reading is less passive yet more relaxing, and will have a noticeable effect on your ability to drift off). Take down pictures of your ex. Put their stuff in a box, or moved to one area away from plain view until they come to get it, or until you get rid of it.
- If You Must Rebound, Do It Lightly. The 'rebound relationship' is OK, to a point. Absolutely go out and date, it can be a nice little distraction. But don't put too much effort into it or take it too seriously - not only because you might make bad choices during your heartbreak, but also because someone might fall for you when you're not ready to receive them.
- Get A Little Angry And Don't Feel Guilty About It. When you get dumped by someone you love (or even really like), it's natural to remember them as perfect. This is a great time to recall how rude they were to waiters or how snippy they got after a long, hard day. Were they cheap? Were they a tad too conceited? Were they annoyingly snobby about their taste in food, movies or music? It's alright- it only means you've remembered them for who they were, rather than a fantasy.
So you've been dumped. Here are some tips from Catherine Specter on How To Survive a Breakup:
- Don't Let Yourself Go. Don't get drunk, or pig out on ice cream and pizza. The last thing you need on top of heartache is to feel overly full and ugly. This is the time to eat healthy, take vitamins, and generally be good to yourself.
- Exercise. It's the last thing you want to do when you feel nauseated and teary and alone. But it will pay off big-time.
- Distract Yourself. Make yourself pay bills, read the newspaper, clean the house, do laundry, run errands, see movies, go out to dinner, hang out with friends, whatever distracts you from the pain for a few minutes or hours here and there. If you have trouble falling asleep, read a book in bed rather than watching TV (reading is less passive yet more relaxing, and will have a noticeable effect on your ability to drift off). Take down pictures of your ex. Put their stuff in a box, or moved to one area away from plain view until they come to get it, or until you get rid of it.
- If You Must Rebound, Do It Lightly. The 'rebound relationship' is OK, to a point. Absolutely go out and date, it can be a nice little distraction. But don't put too much effort into it or take it too seriously - not only because you might make bad choices during your heartbreak, but also because someone might fall for you when you're not ready to receive them.
- Get A Little Angry And Don't Feel Guilty About It. When you get dumped by someone you love (or even really like), it's natural to remember them as perfect. This is a great time to recall how rude they were to waiters or how snippy they got after a long, hard day. Were they cheap? Were they a tad too conceited? Were they annoyingly snobby about their taste in food, movies or music? It's alright- it only means you've remembered them for who they were, rather than a fantasy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)