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Jenny McCarthy Blogs On Oprah

On Monday, May 4, 2009, Jenny McCarthy will begin blogging on Oprah.com. Jenny is calling it her “give it up before summer” blog.

She’ll be blogging about how to give up such things as sugar and/or chocolate. If you have anything you want to give up, you can sign into the blog, join in the conversation and share with Jenny McCarthy what it is you’re struggling with.

Like Jenny, is it chocolate? Is it gossiping? Or how about white foods or caffeine?

It’s easy. Just log into Oprah.com. Look for the link to Jenny McCarthy’s blog and leave a comment.

It sounds like a fun endeavor. We all get to weigh in and have our say and read what others are saying, too.

For more information on Jenny McCarthy and her crusade on autism, check out Children With Autism – Help For Parents

Or, you can find some of Jenny McCarthy’s books here:

1. Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide
2. Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
3. Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism
4. Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds

According to Oprah.com it appears Jenny McCarthy’s blog will last for thirty days. If it’s a hit, maybe Oprah will keep Jenny as a permanent blogger on Oprah.com.

Tags: addicts, blog, Blogging, blogs, caffeine, chocolate, comments, giving up, jenny mccarthy, oprah, oprah.com, sugar, weigh in, white foods

How To Hold Onto Your Job During A Recession

Holding onto a job, whether we like it or not, has become essential with the country in a recession. Although many feel collecting unemployment is a good alternative, the benefits of our current job usually outweighs the benefits of being on unemployment.

For example, if your employer offers medical benefits, paying for these benefits ourselves could quickly eat into our weekly unemployment checks, as could the other perks we will no longer receive.

In order to secure our position in a company during a recession, it’s essential to do more than just show up. We need to do more than is expected of us and show those in authority, our skills are more valuable than what we’re being paid.

Some hints to keep in mind:

1) Show up early.

2) Have a good attitude – limit complaining, negativity and/or gossip

3) Volunteer for extra work

4) Be willing to learn other jobs – cross train

5) Show respect for your superiors whether you like them or not

6) Do not abuse your computer access – limit or completely stop personal emails (these can be tracked)

7) Avoid incoming/outgoing personal phone calls – keep them to emergencies only. (your phone may be monitored)

8.) Follow the rules – dress codes, use of personal cell phones, etc.

9) Stay late when needed – be willing to help complete projects

10) Be flexible regarding your work schedule, including working on weekends or your days off

11) Do not abuse sick time, paid time off, or vacation time.

12) Do not steal from your company – not even paper clips

13) If you finish a project, ask for more work instead of just “looking busy”

14) Learn to get along with your peers. Trouble makers are often the first to go.

15) Remember you’re at work to work. Limit your conversations with fellow employee to breaks and/or lunches

16) If needed, take college courses at night to increase your knowledge base

17) Don’t assume seniority will protect you. When layoffs are imminent during a recession, companies often keep those who produce the most

18) Don’t bad mouth the company you work for. Word gets around and others who are trying to hold onto their jobs may repeat what you said to the boss

19) If you deal directly with customers, treat them with respect. Remember, it’s them who pays your wage. Without customers, companies will be forced to downsize or close their doors, recession or not.

20) If your peers notice a change in your attitude and accuse you of sucking up, let them know your job is important to you and you’ve chosen to change your old ways.

Keep in mind, anything you learn on a job is something no one can take away from you. Whether you use this “free education” to procure another job, or move into self employment, what you’ve learned is yours to keep. Make the most of it.

So there you have it. If your job is threatened by a possible layoff due to the recession, put yourself in a position where you and your work will be valued and hopefully you’ll hold onto your job.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Job openings edge down as employers hold back (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Mid-Sized Companies Laid Off Smallest Percentage of Workers (blogs.wsj.com)
• Job openings dwindle (money.cnn.com)
• Fewer Americans Spend Full Year Employed (blogs.wsj.com)

Tags: Business, collecting unemployment, computer access, cross train, Dress code, Education, emergencies, Employment, jobs, keeping a job, Layoff, medical benefits, recession, seniority, Sick leave, Unemployment

DTV 2009 – Converter Boxes – Coupons – FAQs

You’ve seen the ads on TV. In February of 2009 you television set will go black. You’ll no longer have access to analog television stations.

According to the TV Converter Box Coupon Program website, they say:

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

This issue can be confusing. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program website has the facts. Here are a few links to their site:

1) Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
2) Your Options.
3) Application for a coupon
4) Locate a converter box retailer near you.

For additional information, including eligible converter boxes and partners, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, click on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program website.

Tags: analog switch, analog television, converter box, converter boxes, coupon program, coupons, digital broadcasting, dtv, fact sheets, february 17, power television, programming options, television set, television stations, tv box, tv converter, united states

What Are Green Collar Jobs

You may be hearing the term “green collar jobs”, and wonder what this means.

Green collar jobs are positions in the clean energy sector. These are jobs in the areas of renewal energy, recycling, green building, wind power farms, solar energy, organics (of all types), or any other type of position that has been established to help “save the planet” and/or reduce global warming.

Although these jobs are actually white or blue collar jobs, because these workers are involved in the energy/environmental sector, the name “green collar jobs has been attached to these positions.

Many politicians are urging the government, corporations and/or small businesses to create more green collar jobs; jobs which will help to save the environment and reduce our dependency on oil.

Tax breaks, loans and/or grant opportunities may become available to businesses for the creation of green collar jobs.

Years ago, we created green collar jobs with a recycling business. For the tutorial, read Wood Recycling, A Green Opportunity

Tags: blue collar jobs, clean energy, energy sector, environmental sector, government corporations, oil tax, organics, renewal energy, solar energy, wind power

What Is A Virtual Assistant (VA)

You may have heard the term, and also asked the question, “what is a virtual assistant (VA)”

Wikipedia defines a Virtual Assistant (VA) as follows:

A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients–usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence “virtual”), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 40,000-50,000 virtual assistants worldwide. Common modes of communication and data delivery include the Internet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and fax machine. Although the occupation gives a degree of independence, work is on a contractual basis, and a long-lasting cooperation is standard. Typically 5 years of administrative experience in an office is expected at such positions as executive assistant, secretary, legal assistant, paralegal, legal secretary, real estate assistant, office manager, etc.

Virtual Assistants are independent contractors. They are classified as self employed. Virtual Assistants are responsible for their own self employment taxes, i.e Federal, State, etc… The contract between an “employer” and a Virtual Assistant (VA) can be terminated by either party.

In the past, the jobs of Virtual Assistants were, and still are, referred to as telecommuting. Often, the terms WAH (work at home) or WFM (work from home) are also applied to these positions.

Being able to work from remote locations has made telecommuting extremely popular. Potential employers have a larger pool of “employees” to draw from, and the Virtual Assistants have a wider range of jobs to apply for.

Many employers are turning to Virtual Assistants in instances where an employee does not need to be physically “on location”.

Although some Virtual Assistants are self employed, many Virtual Assistant Agencies are popping up online. Finding a job through an agency could result in lower wages, however, it may be a great way to gain credibility and experience.

It is reported self employed Virtual Assistants can make from $20 to $70 per hour. Wages will vary depending on the task, as well as the expertise required to complete the job.

Telecommuting spawned the rise of offshore outsourcing. With the capabilities of satellites, high speed internet, software programs, laptops, and wifi, etc., working from remote locations has now become a popular way to reduce the carbon footprint for many individuals and corporations.

According to Wikipedia,

Research conducted by Kate Lister and Tom Harnish in 2008 shows that thirty-three million Americans hold jobs that could be performed at home. If they did, the U.S. could make major cuts in oil dependency. Based on their synthesis of data from EPA, DOT, and 7 other recent sources, they found that telework could reduce Gulf oil imports by 24 to 48%, reduce greenhouse gases by up to 67 million metric tons a year, and save as much as 7.5 billion gallons of gasoline each year. These new telecommuters would collectively avoid 154 billion miles of driving and save $25 billion in fuel purchases (even accounting for mileage for errands formerly accomplished driving to or from work). What’s more, their research shows that by not commuting, these new teleworkers would enjoy the equivalent of an extra 5 workweeks of free time each year.

With energy prices rising, and more individuals and corporations striving to reduce their carbon footprint, a surge in the employment of Virtual Assistants appears inevitable.

Tags: contractual basis, creative assistance, file transfer protocol, free time, independence work, independent entrepreneurs, modes of communication, realtor virtual assistants, self employment taxes, transfer protocol ftp, what is a virtual assistant

How To Patent An Invention

Many of us have bright ideas for inventions. However, we are often unsure if our invention is similar to what has been patented by someone else, how to patent a new invention and/or how to sell a patent.

By going to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), you can perform an online search using keywords to describe your invention. The site also offers information on how to file a new patent, the required fees, drawings, and/or paperwork needed, plus much more. The US Patent and Trademark Office also offers a search page to find a patent attorney or agent in your area if you don’t want to patent it yourself.

Although a patent attorney could cost several thousands of dollars, it may be money well spent. The information on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) site although thorough, proves the requirements to file a patent is very exacting. Some money can be saved by carefully reading all of the information on the United States Patent and Trademark Office site so if you do hire a patent attorney, you will be an informed consumer.

Anytime you are visiting a patent attorney or agent, it may save time and money by having all of your paperwork in order.

Tags: bright ideas, how to file a patent, Intellectual property, invention, inventions, Law, Patent, patent and trademark office, patent attorney, Patent Services, Services, states patent and trademark office, united states patent, united states patent and trademark, united states patent and trademark office

Reduce Clutter – Get Organized

Reducing clutter will aid in getting yourself organized. But how we reduce that clutter is the first challenge.

If your home or office has a lot of clutter, to avoid becoming overwhelmed, start small. Whether it’s a drawer or closet, getting started is half the battle. You’ll find that the act of decluttering becomes contagious. Now only for ourself, but often for other family members, as well.

If children are involved, make it a game. Set up boxes or totes and let them determine that which can be donated, or maybe later sold in a garage sale. If children are taught charity (the gift of sharing and giving to the less fortunate), they will soon learn how to easily give up toys they are not playing with.

As you declutter, you may encounter some items to which you have an emotional attachment. If you’re not willing to let go of these items, think about packing them up and putting them in storage.

On thing I learned from reruns of the “Home Made Simple” show on TLC (The Learning Channel , is to have either a “path” or a “home” for everything you own.

A home for your clothes would be a closet or drawer

A home for dishes, pots or pan may be in a cabinet, drawer or hanging off of a pot rack.

A home for books would be a bookcase or shelf

A home for a family heirloom may be a curio cabinet

A path for excess toys, clothes not being worn, or decorator items not being used may be…”to our favorite charity”

A path for broken or worn out items would be ….to the garbage

A path for seasonal clothes or sports equipment would to …..to storage

A path for important papers would be……to be filed.

I now use this technique when I go shopping. If I see something, and I think of buying it, I ask myself, “Do I have a home for it?” Often the answer is no. By using this technique, I’m not only saving money, but reducing excess clutter.

Some say, if you bring one new item into your home, you should remove two like items. Although this appears to be a great system to declutter a home, I haven’t tried it yet.

Photo Credit: ifindkarma’s photostream

Tags: decluttering, decorator items, emotional attachment, excess clutter, family heirloom, garage sale, half the battle, photo credit, pot rack, rerun

Stop Junk Mail For A Greener Planet

Junk mail is a waste. It’s a waste of valuable trees, paper and time. For the benefit of the planet, a reduction in the amount of junk mail is essential.

Can you imagine how many trees are cut down to produce the paper junk mail is printed on? How many hours are wasted by postal handlers sorting all of that junk mail? It has to be millions.

And have you ever calculated how much time you spend, opening, sorting, shredding and/or tossing junk mail? For me, it’s a lot.

When I look at the whole junk mail picture, I realize jobs are created and big money is made in the forest industry, paper companies, printing (junk mail)l companies, credit card companies, and within the postal system.

When I pick up my mail, about 75% of it ends up in the recycle bin, shredder or garbage.

So how does a consumer stop this influx of junk mail?

Thus far, I have found two ways.

1) Call the 1-800 number in your credit card statements and ask to “opt out” of future credit card offers.

Then, proceed to call or write to all companies who are sending you catalogs, brochures, sales letters, contest entries, or other junk mail. Ask them to take your name off of their mailing lists.

2) Sign up for Green Dimes.

Green Dimes does the work for you. For a small annual fee, they not only reduce the amount of junk mail you’re receiving, they will also plant trees “in your honor”.

For me, this is a win-win-win situation. They do the work, freeing up your precious time. Your junk mail is reduced, and best of all trees are planted to replace the ones that were chopped down to produce the junk mail.

On Green Dimes website you can view their tree planting partners, plus read testimonials from satisfied customers.

Say “no” to junk mail, and help make the world more green.

Photo Credit miss karen’s photos

Tags: brochures, catalogs, credit card statements, garbage, green dimes, junk mail, postal system, shredder, trees

Oprah And Peter Walsh Give Motivation To Declutter

Did you see Oprah on March 26, 2008? It was about people who hoard stuff, aka hoarders.

Peter Walsh, author of “Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?: An Easy Plan for Losing Weight and Living More was a guest on Oprah.

The show was a rerun, but ever since I saw it the first time, It has stuck with me. Clutter is bad, for many reasons.

But, it’s tough to let go of clutter. In some odd way, we become attached to our “stuff”. It makes us feel secure, but often wanting more.

But, the problem is, if we hoard stuff, we can create a breeding ground for all kinds of unhealthy stuff…spider nests, black mold, mildew, and other unhealthy airborne viruses and respiratory problems. It’s lack of air circulation that partially causes these problems.

Oprah’s show me motivated. I got rid of stacks of magazines, cleaned out my closets, and cabinets, and now have a good collection of stuff to sell at my next garage sale.

It also opened my eyes to what I bring into the house. I try to only buy stuff I need or will use.

As I get older and wiser, I find I now only want to be surrounded by stuff that “makes my heart sing”. Stuff I really, really, really enjoy looking at. That’s right, that’s 3 “reallys”.

I also keep my receipts. Often, a day or two after I buy something, I change me mind and decide I really don’t want/need it. Now I take it back to the store.

Did Oprah’s show on hoarding motivate you? What did you think about what Peter Walsh had to say?

Update:

Or did you see Dr. Phil’s show on April 28, 2008 about hoarders? Share your thoughts in the comment section (below).

Tags: air circulation, black mold, breeding ground, closets and cabinets, garage sale, hoarders, mold mildew, oprah, peter walsh, rerun, respiratory problems, spider nests

How To Save Money During A Recession

Saving money during an economic slow down, or recession, often becomes a topmost priority for many.

Until a stimulus kicks in, or the economy turns around on its own, we are left struggling to pay our bills, put food on the table, survive from day to day, while looking for ways to save money until the recession passes.

Listed below are a number of small ways to save. Utilizing more than one method, will increase your overall savings. Whether in a recession or not, these are all great ways to save money on a day to day basis.

For Your Vehicle and Driving

1) With gas prices at an all time high, drive only when necessary. Take time to plan your trips. Combine trips to the grocery store, with dropping the kids off at school, or with another set appointment.

2) Keep your tires properly inflated. Most tire stores will check your tires for free if that’s where you purchased your tires from.

3) If you always get your tank filled, start filling your tank when it reaches half. Although this won’t save you money, you can spread the cost to fill your tank over several days or weeks.

4) Remove any “car carriers” you may have on the top of your car.. Keep your vehicle as aerodynamic as possible. Car carrier can reduce your miles per gallon.

5) Keep your car tuned up. An improperly running car may cause an excessive use of gas.

6). Carpool If possible carpool with others thus sharing the expense. Or, if you are running errands, ask friends and/or family if they need you to pick up something for them, or vice versa.

7) Use public transportation Instead of driving, take the bus or train. Use this time to listen to music, read, write, journal, etc.

Walk Walking is one of the best exercises. Instead of driving to the corner store, put on your sneakers and enjoy the fresh air.

At Home or Work

1) Buy generic brands. The taste difference for most generics is minimal.

2) Buy in bulk. If the packages contain too many, share the cost for friends or family

3) Stretch hamburger recipes with grated potatoes. By adding grated potatoes to hamburgers or hamburger dishes, less meat can me used, thus saving money on groceries.

4) Click and use coupons. Coupons can often be doubled, saving you even more. Check the local newspaper for the “double up” coupons.

5) Search online for low cost recipes. Many websites have classifications of low cost recipes. Soups are often low cost to make. Add a salad and some bread for a great and filling meal

6) Order off the $1.00 menu at fast food restaurants. With most fast food being high in fat and calories, you’ll not only save money, but may save a few extra calories as well.

7) Buy take and bake pizzas. Papa Murphy’s offers a wide selection of choices. Check for others in your area. Remember to check their weekly specials. By calling in your order, you will also save time. Refrigerate the pizza until you are ready to bake it.

8.) When eating out, consider sharing a meal. Some restaurants may add a “plate charge” for a shared meal, however this will be much less than the cost of two separate meals. Desserts can usually be shared at no additional expense.

10) Change out your light bulbs. Use the compact fluorescent light bulbs in as many fixtures as possible. Start by replacing the light bulbs in the fixtures which are used most often. There are also compact fluorescent light bulbs available for appliances such as refrigerators and vent hoods. I bought mine at WalMart.

11) Do comparison shopping via the telephone. Most businesses will tell you what a product costs over the telephone. Comparison shopping is also easy to do online. Look for sites that offer free or low cost shipping.

12) Recycle By recycling paper products, cans, and bottles, you may be able to reduce the size of your curbside garbage container. Also, ask your garbage company if you can save by only having your garbage picked up every other week (instead of weekly). Most garbage companies also have a “vacation” plan if you are going to be gone for any length of time.

13) Stop or reduce newspaper deliveries. If you only read the Sunday paper, stop subscribing to the daily ones.

14) Visit the library Instead of buying new books, get a library card and check out books from your local library for free.

15) Keep your receipts. If you buy an item and find it doesn’t serve it’s purpose, return it. Often impulse buying can cost us hundreds of dollars, only to have items hanging in the closet with price tags still on them. Do not remove price tags until you are certain the item will be used.

16) Be a smart shopper. When shopping, ask yourself, “Do I really, really, really love this?”, “Does it fit?”, “Do I have a spot in my house for it?”, “Do I really, really need this?”. Often you’ll realize you have one at home just like it, or you don’t have a spot for “it”.

17) Close the doors/vents. If you have rooms in your home that are not being used, close the heating vents, and close the door. It doesn’t make sense to heat a room that is not being used.

18) Install ceiling fans. Remember, heat rises. Use ceiling fans to push the heat back down.

19) Make and pack your lunch for work. Bringing your own lunch to work, can save thousands of dollars over the course of a year.

20) Decrease your purchases of daily lattes/mochas/specialty coffees. Paying $3-$4 for a cup of coffee adds up fast. One cup, every day of the month is will cost over $90 a month/$1000+ a year. Over a five year period, you can easily spend $5000. For more information on “the latte factor”, here’s a great article titled: Where Have All The Dollars Gone, which includes tips on how to chart your expenses, and curb spending.

21) Stop buying bottled water. Buying bottled water at $1.00 a piece can add up just like purchasing specialty coffee drinks. Filter your own and store in reusable water bottles. For more information on the actual cost of bottled water, read this eye opening article, titled Are You Paying Too Much For Water?, which details how the cost of bottled water can surpass the price of a gallon of gas.

Save on energy costs – 30 ways.. Click on the link and learn an additional 30 ways to save on your energy costs.

Save Money – 16 Ways. More great ways to save money.

Another 16 great ways to save money. Here’s another list to save you a few coins.

Uses for Baking Soda. This great article plus the links included, will show your hundreds of uses for baking soda, a very cheap alternative to cleaning chemicals.

22 Cheap Holiday Gift Ideas. Save money on gifts by checking out this list of 22 ideas. It may spur your creativity for more great ideas.

Disclaimer: Some of the above links may include duplicate information, however, that does not reduce the effectiveness of the money saving tips.

Photo Credit annia316 ?’s photos

Tags: blog, car carrier, car carriers, food on the table, generic brands, Gift Idea, photo credit, saving money on groceries, taste difference, tire stores, topmost priority

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