Know what's expected. No one wants a drone or a yes-man, but if you don't understand the corporate culture and if you don't know what's expected of you, you're gone. It's possible to fit in without squashing your creativity. Remember whom you work for and why.
Money isn't everything. Don't create the impression that you're working just for a paycheck. That's the hallmark of a clock-puncher and will kill all chances for advancement. If you're so unhappy with your job that you live for the 15th and 30th of each month, it's time to start sending out résumés.
Leave the gossip to the supermarket tabloids. Idle chit-chat at the water cooler is a fact of life and acceptable, and is even expected in small doses. But don't chatter endlessly about who's in and who's out. To do so reflects badly on you and takes time away from turning the wheels. Your boss will notice if you spend more time yapping than working.
Flubbing deadlines. Deadlines are real and must be met because, believe it or not, the world doesn't move to your beat. Missing deadlines will back up the whole show and make your boss look bad. A bad hair day is no excuse for missing a deadline. Work late to get the job done if you have to.
Cubicle etiquette counts. Leave it to future historians to determine how cubicle culture changed America. All you have to do is live with it. Remember: Privacy's nonexistent in a cubicle, so don't have phone conversations that you don't want others to hear. Personal decorative touches should be tasteful.
Personal e-mails are death. Here's a basic truth many employees miss: The company e-mail system is for company business. Don't use it to gossip, and don't write anything that you don't want read by the boss, because many systems save deleted messages to a master file. Horror tales of someone hitting "Reply to All" and mistakenly sending a juicy note about the boss to everyone, including the chief, are common. Call up your personal e-mail account to send personal notes, and keep it short; you're at work.
Isolation leaves you vulnerable. You don't have to constantly hang out with co-workers after hours, but don't isolate yourself with standoffish behavior. You don't want to be seen as someone who thinks you're too good for the proletariat. Extend the simple courtesies to your co-workers: good morning, good night, please, thanks. Your mother was right: Manners count.
Don't climb ego mountain. No one likes an egomaniac, and for good reason: They're boring, obnoxious, trivial people. Listen to what your co-workers tell you. Ask questions. Learn from the experienced hands. Improve your skills and boost your productivity.
Don't take credit for others' work. It's a familiar tale: The office go-getter takes credit for other people's work. Such people overlook a basic point: It's dishonest. If you do this, word will eventually reach the boss, and your standing will crumble instantly. Along the way, the long knives will be out, and your co-workers will root for, and cheer, your demise. Some may even knife your aspirations.
Office romance invites catastrophe. We all work long hours, and sometimes work becomes our social life, leading to romantic entanglements. This is fine if you get married and live happily ever after. What are the chances of that? Think: What will you do if the relationship ends badly? Never become involved with your boss. Your accomplishments and promotions will become suspect, and one of you will have to move to another department, and perhaps another job, when the romance becomes known. Helpful hint: Look outside the office for the sweetie of your dreams.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
10 minute manicure
10 Minute Manicure
Nails done on the run
100 S Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33131-2005
(305) 374-3535
Express & spa length manicure and pedicure services
What they do:
:10 Minute Manicure is a growing chain of nail salons designed for the busy professional. Their upscale salons and kiosks can be found in busy urban locations and airports. Using only the highest quality products for the care of hands and feet, :10MM offers services ranging from our express ten minute manicure to spa length treatments. A sealed, fresh pack of sanitized tools is open in front of every customer to ensure the highest standards of care. In their larger locations, other services including waxing and massages are available. The stores are beautifully designed and appointed with custom seating providing an oasis from the office or during a hectic travel schedule.
Now there's no excuse for him not to get his nails done!
Nails done on the run
100 S Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33131-2005
(305) 374-3535
Express & spa length manicure and pedicure services
What they do:
:10 Minute Manicure is a growing chain of nail salons designed for the busy professional. Their upscale salons and kiosks can be found in busy urban locations and airports. Using only the highest quality products for the care of hands and feet, :10MM offers services ranging from our express ten minute manicure to spa length treatments. A sealed, fresh pack of sanitized tools is open in front of every customer to ensure the highest standards of care. In their larger locations, other services including waxing and massages are available. The stores are beautifully designed and appointed with custom seating providing an oasis from the office or during a hectic travel schedule.
Now there's no excuse for him not to get his nails done!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Balm's the Bomb!
If your lips are perpetually parched -- or you just fancy new flavors all the time -- the Lip Balm of the Month Club is just the ticket to a pleasing pucker. For a 30-dollar yearly fee, the folks at MyLipStuff-dot-com will send a different flavor tube your way every month -- August's taste sensation is Twisted Melon.
Egg-citing!
Eating two eggs a day could CUT your cholesterol and help you lose weight
By Daily Mail Reporter
Eating two eggs a day could help you lose weight and cut cholesterol levels, say researchers.
Previously, there was thought to be a direct link between consuming cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs and an increase in blood cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of heart disease.
But research to be published in The European Journal of Nutrition found that those who ate two eggs per day while on a calorie-restricted diet not only lost weight - but also reduced their cholesterol levels.
A team from Surrey University, led by Dr Bruce Griffin, fed two eggs per day to almost 50 overweight but otherwise healthy volunteers for 12 weeks.
They also had to follow a reduced-calorie diet recommended by the British Heart Foundation.
Another group followed the same diet, but cut out eggs altogether. Both groups lost weight and saw a fall in the average level of blood cholesterol.
Dr Griffin said: 'There is no convincing evidence to link an increased intake of dietary cholesterol or eggs with coronary heart disease. Indeed, eggs make a nutritional contribution to a healthy, calorie-restricted diet.'
It is thought that eating eggs for breakfast contributes to weight loss by making people-feel fuller for longer.
This research provides evidence to support the scientific consensus that saturated fat, found in pastry, processed meats, biscuits and cakes, is more responsible for raising blood cholesterol than cholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs, which are low in saturated fat.
By Daily Mail Reporter
Eating two eggs a day could help you lose weight and cut cholesterol levels, say researchers.
Previously, there was thought to be a direct link between consuming cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs and an increase in blood cholesterol levels, which raises the risk of heart disease.
But research to be published in The European Journal of Nutrition found that those who ate two eggs per day while on a calorie-restricted diet not only lost weight - but also reduced their cholesterol levels.
A team from Surrey University, led by Dr Bruce Griffin, fed two eggs per day to almost 50 overweight but otherwise healthy volunteers for 12 weeks.
They also had to follow a reduced-calorie diet recommended by the British Heart Foundation.
Another group followed the same diet, but cut out eggs altogether. Both groups lost weight and saw a fall in the average level of blood cholesterol.
Dr Griffin said: 'There is no convincing evidence to link an increased intake of dietary cholesterol or eggs with coronary heart disease. Indeed, eggs make a nutritional contribution to a healthy, calorie-restricted diet.'
It is thought that eating eggs for breakfast contributes to weight loss by making people-feel fuller for longer.
This research provides evidence to support the scientific consensus that saturated fat, found in pastry, processed meats, biscuits and cakes, is more responsible for raising blood cholesterol than cholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs, which are low in saturated fat.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Smell like yourself
The latest trend in scent is to smell exactly like yourself -- and thanks to science, it's easier than ever to achieve. Believe it or not, you can purchase a personalized "biologically seductive" cologne or perfume made from your own D-N-A. Using just a swab from your cheek, My D-N-A Fragrance says it can create a perfume made just for you based on your genetic code's information.
I figure if you don't shower for a few days you could get the same result.
I figure if you don't shower for a few days you could get the same result.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Debbie does Chico's
Phelps' mother’s clothing choice boosts Chico’s business
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Susan R. Miller South Florida Business Journal
There’s no doubt that Michael Phelps will get product endorsements following his eight gold medals.
But, his mom won’t be left out, either. In fact, she’s already got her own collection of clothing — The Phelps Collection by Chico’s.
Chico’s, a specialty retailer of women’s clothing based in Fort Myers, Fla., said Debbie Phelps visited her favorite Chico’s store in Maryland before leaving for Beijing and outfitted herself from head to toe in mix-and-match outfits.
“She spent the week cheering her son to record breaking gold while wearing Chico's signature Travelers Collection and unique novelty print tops,” the company touted in a media release. “Now, Debbie's long list of accomplishments not only includes mother to the world's greatest athlete, but also fashion plate!”
Phelps, no doubt, has been good for business.
“Ever since Debbie first wore Chico's in Beijing, our phone lines have been ringing off the hook," Chico's Brand President Michele Cloutier said. “Women everywhere want to know how to get Debbie's look.”
There's no official relationship now, but "we are talking to her people," said Chico’s spokeswoman Jessica Wells.
Check out her look.
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Susan R. Miller South Florida Business Journal
There’s no doubt that Michael Phelps will get product endorsements following his eight gold medals.
But, his mom won’t be left out, either. In fact, she’s already got her own collection of clothing — The Phelps Collection by Chico’s.
Chico’s, a specialty retailer of women’s clothing based in Fort Myers, Fla., said Debbie Phelps visited her favorite Chico’s store in Maryland before leaving for Beijing and outfitted herself from head to toe in mix-and-match outfits.
“She spent the week cheering her son to record breaking gold while wearing Chico's signature Travelers Collection and unique novelty print tops,” the company touted in a media release. “Now, Debbie's long list of accomplishments not only includes mother to the world's greatest athlete, but also fashion plate!”
Phelps, no doubt, has been good for business.
“Ever since Debbie first wore Chico's in Beijing, our phone lines have been ringing off the hook," Chico's Brand President Michele Cloutier said. “Women everywhere want to know how to get Debbie's look.”
There's no official relationship now, but "we are talking to her people," said Chico’s spokeswoman Jessica Wells.
Check out her look.
Bike safety
It's a beautiful day — the sun is shining, the birds are chirping. What could be more perfect than a bike ride? But wait! Before you pull your bike out of the garage, let's find out how to stay safe on two wheels.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Costs of hating your job
Do you hate your job, even though you need the paycheck? Think carefully before just sticking with it: The impacts of putting up with a job you hate can be very real. You'll pay in stress, your life-view will be changed, your self-confidence will erode, your relationships will suffer and you won't deliver your actual potential. (DumbLittleMan.com)
Costs of Hating Your Job
1. You'll Pay in Stress
If you hate your job, then chances are you're already stressed by the situation. Stress includes not feeling like you're in control of what's happening, not being able to make choices about what happens and feeling powerless about what's happening. It's important to be brutally frank with yourself about what's happening, and you need to be prepared to make some tough choices.
2. Your View of Your Life Will Suffer
If you stay in a job you don't like, you're forcing yourself into a role that doesn't work for you in some important ways. The more time you spend in that role, the more you come to see it as the way things are. You slowly forget about what can happen and who you are outside of that role. Always keep your strengths, talents and values close, and always recognize that you have positive choices you can make.
3. Your Self-Confidence Will Take a Battering
If you're spending time in a job you hate, the message you're effectively giving yourself is, "I can't do anything else," "I'm nothing special" or "I don't deserve anything better than this." Don't allow your confidence to shrink and atrophy through inaction. Even though it can be scary as hell, trust yourself to make decisions and trust that you can deal with whatever happens next -- that's real confidence.
4. Your Relationships Will Suffer
When you're stressed, frustrated, upset or angry, it's a good bet that it's a partner, friend or family member who you'll snap at, be short with or not let fully into what's happening. Be frank with yourself first of all, and then be aware of how your situation is leaking out into your behavior and affecting your relationships. Keep in mind that you value your relationships and have that positive intention in mind when you're with them. Talk about where you are when it's appropriate to, and always remember to be their friend too.
5. You Won't Deliver on Your Capability
If you're running the very real risk of damaging your confidence, self-esteem, relationships and options by sticking at a job you hate, you obviously won't be delivering on your true capability. If you had a choice (and you do), how would you like to think or feel about your work? How would it be if you could find a career that works for you, rather than the other way around? Go where you find a pull or some energy; go where you feel a sense of fun or excitement, even if it looks scary.
Costs of Hating Your Job
1. You'll Pay in Stress
If you hate your job, then chances are you're already stressed by the situation. Stress includes not feeling like you're in control of what's happening, not being able to make choices about what happens and feeling powerless about what's happening. It's important to be brutally frank with yourself about what's happening, and you need to be prepared to make some tough choices.
2. Your View of Your Life Will Suffer
If you stay in a job you don't like, you're forcing yourself into a role that doesn't work for you in some important ways. The more time you spend in that role, the more you come to see it as the way things are. You slowly forget about what can happen and who you are outside of that role. Always keep your strengths, talents and values close, and always recognize that you have positive choices you can make.
3. Your Self-Confidence Will Take a Battering
If you're spending time in a job you hate, the message you're effectively giving yourself is, "I can't do anything else," "I'm nothing special" or "I don't deserve anything better than this." Don't allow your confidence to shrink and atrophy through inaction. Even though it can be scary as hell, trust yourself to make decisions and trust that you can deal with whatever happens next -- that's real confidence.
4. Your Relationships Will Suffer
When you're stressed, frustrated, upset or angry, it's a good bet that it's a partner, friend or family member who you'll snap at, be short with or not let fully into what's happening. Be frank with yourself first of all, and then be aware of how your situation is leaking out into your behavior and affecting your relationships. Keep in mind that you value your relationships and have that positive intention in mind when you're with them. Talk about where you are when it's appropriate to, and always remember to be their friend too.
5. You Won't Deliver on Your Capability
If you're running the very real risk of damaging your confidence, self-esteem, relationships and options by sticking at a job you hate, you obviously won't be delivering on your true capability. If you had a choice (and you do), how would you like to think or feel about your work? How would it be if you could find a career that works for you, rather than the other way around? Go where you find a pull or some energy; go where you feel a sense of fun or excitement, even if it looks scary.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Can I see your ID?
UM's Shalala Not Signing On To Lower Drinking Age
Parents, Students Decidedly Split On The Idea
Click here to see which presidents support the initiative
Read the official statement
(CBS4) ― More than one hundred university presidents, including Duke University, the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University, have signed a petition they believe may spark a movement to reduce the drinking age from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.
Many college students welcome the debate, but there has been mixed reactions to the proposal, including stiff opposition from groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
The movement is called the Amethyst initiative. The word amethyst, the group says, "is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning "not" (a-) and "intoxicated" (methustos)."
Supporters believe that 21 isn't working as a minimum drinking age because it fosters binge drinking off college campuses.
"The conclusion of these presidents is that it's important to find a way to take the underground drinking that is forced by the 21 and over drinking age, and find a way to bring it back up above ground," said Dennis O'Shea of John Hopkins University.
Students interviewed had mixed feelings, some saying the drinking minimum age is fine and some saying that decriminalizing drinking at an early age will only avoid problems.
Locally, the president of Johnson and Wales's all 4 campuses signed the initiative.
"I am advocating that it is time to take a different course of action, as it is clear the current measures are not addressing the problem," said John Bowen, President of Johnson & Wales University.
But University of Miami President Donna Shalala says she won't be supporting the initiative.
Shalala told the Associated Press, "To shift it back down to the high schools makes no sense at all."
While states might be able to change the drinking age none have since 1984. According to the Amethyst Initiative, that was the year Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. The bill threatened any state lowering the drinking age to under 21 with losing 10 percent of the state's federal highway money.
The United States has the highest drinking age in the world, along with Indonesia and Mongolia. In some foreign countries, the drinking age is as low as 16-years-old.
Parents, Students Decidedly Split On The Idea
Click here to see which presidents support the initiative
Read the official statement
(CBS4) ― More than one hundred university presidents, including Duke University, the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University, have signed a petition they believe may spark a movement to reduce the drinking age from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.
Many college students welcome the debate, but there has been mixed reactions to the proposal, including stiff opposition from groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.
The movement is called the Amethyst initiative. The word amethyst, the group says, "is derived from the ancient Greek words meaning "not" (a-) and "intoxicated" (methustos)."
Supporters believe that 21 isn't working as a minimum drinking age because it fosters binge drinking off college campuses.
"The conclusion of these presidents is that it's important to find a way to take the underground drinking that is forced by the 21 and over drinking age, and find a way to bring it back up above ground," said Dennis O'Shea of John Hopkins University.
Students interviewed had mixed feelings, some saying the drinking minimum age is fine and some saying that decriminalizing drinking at an early age will only avoid problems.
Locally, the president of Johnson and Wales's all 4 campuses signed the initiative.
"I am advocating that it is time to take a different course of action, as it is clear the current measures are not addressing the problem," said John Bowen, President of Johnson & Wales University.
But University of Miami President Donna Shalala says she won't be supporting the initiative.
Shalala told the Associated Press, "To shift it back down to the high schools makes no sense at all."
While states might be able to change the drinking age none have since 1984. According to the Amethyst Initiative, that was the year Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. The bill threatened any state lowering the drinking age to under 21 with losing 10 percent of the state's federal highway money.
The United States has the highest drinking age in the world, along with Indonesia and Mongolia. In some foreign countries, the drinking age is as low as 16-years-old.
Sanjaya-ize yourself
Wow, you look just like Sanjaya! Depending on how you feel about the "American Idol" wannabe from a couple of seasons back, that is a high compliment or a low insult. Either way, you can try to see what his various hairdos will look like on your face - - or the face of anyone else you have digitized images of. Check out the site sanjaya-ize.com.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Adoption
Becoming an adoptive parent can be a great experience for both the parent and the child. Children who are unable to go back to their homes are in need of a permanent family with a safe and loving home.
Do you want to be a parent? Learn more about adoption.
What makes a good adopter?
There are no hard and fast rules. All sorts of children need all sorts of families.
In general you need to;
like children
have time and space in your life
be adaptable
be willing to learn
be able to ask and accept support
be able to accept and value the child's past experiences
Parenting a child who has been through separation and loss requires more than just love alone. Early childhood experiences may have left the child deeply unsettled, expressing their hurt and confusion through their behaviour - which could range from angry and aggressive to withdrawn and sensitive. Gaining their trust may take time and adopters need to be prepared to accept that they may face some very challenging behaviour.
Do you want to be a parent? Learn more about adoption.
What makes a good adopter?
There are no hard and fast rules. All sorts of children need all sorts of families.
In general you need to;
like children
have time and space in your life
be adaptable
be willing to learn
be able to ask and accept support
be able to accept and value the child's past experiences
Parenting a child who has been through separation and loss requires more than just love alone. Early childhood experiences may have left the child deeply unsettled, expressing their hurt and confusion through their behaviour - which could range from angry and aggressive to withdrawn and sensitive. Gaining their trust may take time and adopters need to be prepared to accept that they may face some very challenging behaviour.
Not having kids?
More Women Than Ever Are Childless, Census Finds
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Women are waiting longer to have children, and more women than ever are choosing not to have children at all, according to a new Census Bureau report.
Twenty percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago, the report said; and women in that age bracket who do have children have fewer than ever — an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976.
“A lot of women are not having any children,” said Jane Lawler Dye, a Census Bureau researcher who did the report, which looked at women of childbearing age in 2006. “It used to be sort of expected that there was a phase of life where you had children, and a lot of women aren’t doing that now,” Ms. Dye said.
Women with advanced degrees are more likely to be childless, the study found. Of women 40 to 44 with graduate or professional degrees, 27 percent are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school, the data show.
The numbers are consistent with a 2006 report Ms. Dye issued on the same subject. While year-by-year change is slow, Ms. Dye said, the data show that women of the baby boom generation are continuing to transform the American family.
Hispanic women are the only group bucking the trends found in the study, averaging 2.3 children each by their 40s. The number of children a Hispanic woman has decreases sharply, however, depending on how many generations her family has lived in the United States, the data show.
One in five new mothers in 2006 were foreign-born, the study found, with California having the highest number of foreign-born new mothers.
Of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked, with the highest numbers of working mothers in the Midwest. That may be explained by another census study, which found that, for children under 5, the Midwest has more child care available than any other region. Researchers said the numbers seemed to be consistent with other demographic trends, including the rising age of women marrying and having children for the first time, as well as women with more education having fewer children later in life.
“Clearly women have competing alternatives for the use of their time, with the labor market and employment being one and delayed marriage, which has been another trend,” said Suzanne Bianchi, chairwoman of the sociology department at the University of Maryland. “The interesting question is, has it stopped? Is this it, or will we see even higher rates of childlessness among future generations?”
Of women who gave birth in 2006, 36 percent were separated, widowed, divorced or never married. Five percent were living with a partner.
The study also shows sharp geographic differences among children who were born into poverty in 2006. Nearly every Southern state had more children born into poverty than the national average of 25 percent.
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Women are waiting longer to have children, and more women than ever are choosing not to have children at all, according to a new Census Bureau report.
Twenty percent of women ages 40 to 44 have no children, double the level of 30 years ago, the report said; and women in that age bracket who do have children have fewer than ever — an average of 1.9 children, compared with the mean average of 3.1 children in 1976.
“A lot of women are not having any children,” said Jane Lawler Dye, a Census Bureau researcher who did the report, which looked at women of childbearing age in 2006. “It used to be sort of expected that there was a phase of life where you had children, and a lot of women aren’t doing that now,” Ms. Dye said.
Women with advanced degrees are more likely to be childless, the study found. Of women 40 to 44 with graduate or professional degrees, 27 percent are childless, compared with 18 percent of women who did not continue their education beyond high school, the data show.
The numbers are consistent with a 2006 report Ms. Dye issued on the same subject. While year-by-year change is slow, Ms. Dye said, the data show that women of the baby boom generation are continuing to transform the American family.
Hispanic women are the only group bucking the trends found in the study, averaging 2.3 children each by their 40s. The number of children a Hispanic woman has decreases sharply, however, depending on how many generations her family has lived in the United States, the data show.
One in five new mothers in 2006 were foreign-born, the study found, with California having the highest number of foreign-born new mothers.
Of all the women who had children in 2006, nearly 60 percent worked, with the highest numbers of working mothers in the Midwest. That may be explained by another census study, which found that, for children under 5, the Midwest has more child care available than any other region. Researchers said the numbers seemed to be consistent with other demographic trends, including the rising age of women marrying and having children for the first time, as well as women with more education having fewer children later in life.
“Clearly women have competing alternatives for the use of their time, with the labor market and employment being one and delayed marriage, which has been another trend,” said Suzanne Bianchi, chairwoman of the sociology department at the University of Maryland. “The interesting question is, has it stopped? Is this it, or will we see even higher rates of childlessness among future generations?”
Of women who gave birth in 2006, 36 percent were separated, widowed, divorced or never married. Five percent were living with a partner.
The study also shows sharp geographic differences among children who were born into poverty in 2006. Nearly every Southern state had more children born into poverty than the national average of 25 percent.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mold?
Basic Mold Cleanup
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Keep kids safe
Before letting the kids frolic outdoors, make sure it's safe; downed wires, flood waters, tree limbs and other debris can pose serious dangers.
Hurricanes and Tropical storms like other natural disasters and traumatic events, affect people in different ways. Life history, personality, age and a person’s experiences during and after a storm all play a role in shaping a person’s response
to a hurricane. Because some people will be more affected than others, reactions to a storm may differ greatly from individual to individual.
For many children and adults, a distressing storm can bring about strong feelings and mixed emotions. As time passes, their feelings about the storm may change. This is normal for those who experience a natural disaster or other distressing event. Keep in mind that there will be days and times when you will feel better than others.
Hurricanes and Tropical storms like other natural disasters and traumatic events, affect people in different ways. Life history, personality, age and a person’s experiences during and after a storm all play a role in shaping a person’s response
to a hurricane. Because some people will be more affected than others, reactions to a storm may differ greatly from individual to individual.
For many children and adults, a distressing storm can bring about strong feelings and mixed emotions. As time passes, their feelings about the storm may change. This is normal for those who experience a natural disaster or other distressing event. Keep in mind that there will be days and times when you will feel better than others.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Homework help
Tips For Helping Kids and Teens With Homework and Study Habits
Certain key practices will make life easier for everyone in the family when it comes to study time and study organization. However, some of them may require an adjustment for other members of the family. For lots of helpful internet tools for research and mastering subjects visit our Homework Help Center.
Turn off the TV set. Make a house rule, depending on the location of the set, that when it is study time, it is "no TV" time. A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.
What about the radio? Should it be on or off? Contrary to what many specialists say, some youngsters do seem to function all right with the radio turned on to a favorite music station. (Depending on the layout of your house or apartment, maybe an investment in earphones would be worthy of consideration.)
Certain rules should be set about the family phone during study hours. The more people in the household, the more restrictions on long and unnecessary phone calls are needed. A timer, placed next to the phone, can help to control the length of calls so that the telephone will be available if it becomes necessary to call a schoolmate to confirm an assignment or discuss particularly difficult homework.
Designate specific areas for homework and studying. Possibilities include the child's room or the kitchen or dining room table. Eliminate as much distraction as possible.
Since many young people will study in their own rooms, function becomes more important than beauty. Most desks for young people really don't have sufficient space to spread out materials. A table that allows for all necessary supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, books, and other essentials works extremely well.
Consider placing a bulletin board in your child's room. Your local hardware store sells wallboard that might not look too pretty and isn't framed, but a 4 x 3'section is inexpensive and perfect on which to post pertinent school items. You might want to paint or cover it with burlap to improve its appearance or let your child take on this project.
Encourage the use of a small book or pad for writing down assignments so that there is no confusion about when certain assignments must be turned in to the teacher.
Keeping general supplies on hand is important. Check with your child about his needs. In fact, make it his responsibility to be well supplied with paper, pencils, note pads, notebook paper, et cetera.
Regularity is a key factor in academic success. Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it's time to crack the books. If the student doesn't have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before supper.
Consider you child's developmental level when setting the amount of time for homework. While high school students can focus for over an hour, first-graders are unlikely to last more than 15 minutes on a single task. Allow your child to take breaks, perhaps as a reward for finishing a section of the work.
Organize study and homework projects. Get a large calendar, one that allows space for jotting down things in the daily boxes. Rip it apart so that you (and the child) can sequentially mount the school months for the current semester. For example, you can tear off September, October, November, December, and January and mount them from left to right across one wall. Have the child use a bold color writing instrument (felt tip pen) to mark exam dates in one color, reports that are coming due in a different color, et cetera. This will serve as a reminder so that things aren't set aside until the last dangerous moment.
Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. One of the most misunderstood aspects of schoolwork is the difference between studying and doing homework assignments. Encourage your child to do things like:
take notes as he's reading a chapter
learn to skim material
learn to study tables and charts
learn to summarize what he has read in his own words
learn to make his own flashcards for quick review of dates, formulas, spelling words, et cetera
Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed. Many students don't know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realized the value of an outline form of note-taking. Well prepared teachers present their material in a format that lends itself to outline form note taking..
Should notes ever be rewritten? In some cases, they should be, particularly if a lot of material was covered, and the youngster had to write quickly but lacks speed and organization. Rewriting notes takes time, but it can be an excellent review of the subject matter. However, rewriting notes isn't worth the time unless they are used for review and recall of important information.
A home dictionary is essential, but if it is kept on a shelf to gather dust, it won't do anyone any good. Keep it in an accessible place and let your child see you refer to it from time to time. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his exclusive use.
Good dictionary, encyclopedia and organizational skills depend on the ability to alphabetize. See if your child's teacher practices alphabetizing in class. Try alphabetizing spelling words, family members' names or a few favorite toys at home as a way of practicing.
Help your child to feel confident for tests. Taking tests can be a traumatic experience for some students. Explain to your child that burning the midnight oil (cramming) the night before a test is not productive. Better to get a good night's sleep. Students also need reminding that when taking a test, they should thoroughly and carefully read the directions before they haphazardly start to mark their test papers. They should be advised to skip over questions for which they don't know the answers. They can always return to those if there's time. Good advice for any student before taking a test: take a deep breath, relax, and dive in. Always bring an extra pencil just in case.
During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration. No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.
Should parents help with homework? Yes-if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won't prove. No-if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all!
Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work. Remember to make positive comments - you don't want your child to associate homework with fights at home.
Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or books in the library.
Certain key practices will make life easier for everyone in the family when it comes to study time and study organization. However, some of them may require an adjustment for other members of the family. For lots of helpful internet tools for research and mastering subjects visit our Homework Help Center.
Turn off the TV set. Make a house rule, depending on the location of the set, that when it is study time, it is "no TV" time. A television set that is on will draw youngsters like bees to honey.
What about the radio? Should it be on or off? Contrary to what many specialists say, some youngsters do seem to function all right with the radio turned on to a favorite music station. (Depending on the layout of your house or apartment, maybe an investment in earphones would be worthy of consideration.)
Certain rules should be set about the family phone during study hours. The more people in the household, the more restrictions on long and unnecessary phone calls are needed. A timer, placed next to the phone, can help to control the length of calls so that the telephone will be available if it becomes necessary to call a schoolmate to confirm an assignment or discuss particularly difficult homework.
Designate specific areas for homework and studying. Possibilities include the child's room or the kitchen or dining room table. Eliminate as much distraction as possible.
Since many young people will study in their own rooms, function becomes more important than beauty. Most desks for young people really don't have sufficient space to spread out materials. A table that allows for all necessary supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, books, and other essentials works extremely well.
Consider placing a bulletin board in your child's room. Your local hardware store sells wallboard that might not look too pretty and isn't framed, but a 4 x 3'section is inexpensive and perfect on which to post pertinent school items. You might want to paint or cover it with burlap to improve its appearance or let your child take on this project.
Encourage the use of a small book or pad for writing down assignments so that there is no confusion about when certain assignments must be turned in to the teacher.
Keeping general supplies on hand is important. Check with your child about his needs. In fact, make it his responsibility to be well supplied with paper, pencils, note pads, notebook paper, et cetera.
Regularity is a key factor in academic success. Try to organize the household so that supper is served at a standard time, and once it and family discussions are over, it's time to crack the books. If the student doesn't have other commitments and gets home reasonably early from school, some homework can be done before supper.
Consider you child's developmental level when setting the amount of time for homework. While high school students can focus for over an hour, first-graders are unlikely to last more than 15 minutes on a single task. Allow your child to take breaks, perhaps as a reward for finishing a section of the work.
Organize study and homework projects. Get a large calendar, one that allows space for jotting down things in the daily boxes. Rip it apart so that you (and the child) can sequentially mount the school months for the current semester. For example, you can tear off September, October, November, December, and January and mount them from left to right across one wall. Have the child use a bold color writing instrument (felt tip pen) to mark exam dates in one color, reports that are coming due in a different color, et cetera. This will serve as a reminder so that things aren't set aside until the last dangerous moment.
Teach your child that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. One of the most misunderstood aspects of schoolwork is the difference between studying and doing homework assignments. Encourage your child to do things like:
take notes as he's reading a chapter
learn to skim material
learn to study tables and charts
learn to summarize what he has read in his own words
learn to make his own flashcards for quick review of dates, formulas, spelling words, et cetera
Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed. Many students don't know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realized the value of an outline form of note-taking. Well prepared teachers present their material in a format that lends itself to outline form note taking..
Should notes ever be rewritten? In some cases, they should be, particularly if a lot of material was covered, and the youngster had to write quickly but lacks speed and organization. Rewriting notes takes time, but it can be an excellent review of the subject matter. However, rewriting notes isn't worth the time unless they are used for review and recall of important information.
A home dictionary is essential, but if it is kept on a shelf to gather dust, it won't do anyone any good. Keep it in an accessible place and let your child see you refer to it from time to time. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his exclusive use.
Good dictionary, encyclopedia and organizational skills depend on the ability to alphabetize. See if your child's teacher practices alphabetizing in class. Try alphabetizing spelling words, family members' names or a few favorite toys at home as a way of practicing.
Help your child to feel confident for tests. Taking tests can be a traumatic experience for some students. Explain to your child that burning the midnight oil (cramming) the night before a test is not productive. Better to get a good night's sleep. Students also need reminding that when taking a test, they should thoroughly and carefully read the directions before they haphazardly start to mark their test papers. They should be advised to skip over questions for which they don't know the answers. They can always return to those if there's time. Good advice for any student before taking a test: take a deep breath, relax, and dive in. Always bring an extra pencil just in case.
During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration. No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.
Should parents help with homework? Yes-if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won't prove. No-if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all!
Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work. Remember to make positive comments - you don't want your child to associate homework with fights at home.
Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or books in the library.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
How to fight fairly
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach shares his eight rules for fighting fairly in a marriage.
When couples fight dirty, they end up prolonging their pain and creating lasting wounds and rifts, he says. But when couples fight fairly, they actually build more understanding and intimacy.
Rabbi Shmuley shares his eight rules of fighting fairly, which he defines as conveying your point of view legitimately in order to achieve a consensus.
8 Rules of Fighting Fairly
1. Never use name-calling, slurs or insults. Also, don't make fun of your partner's body, weight or other things over which they have no control.
2. Never refer to the person as being a certain way, rather just refer to their behavior as being a certain way. "Never criticize character—criticize behavior," Rabbi Shmuley says.
3. Never bring your spouse's family into an argument. This will only make your partner more defensive and less willing to hear your perspective, he says.
4. Do not speak in anger. Control your behavior and calm down before you say anything you may later regret.
5. Don't cut each other off. Wait until your partner finishes, then state your point of view.
6. Don't yell. Shouting and screaming is especially harmful for children to witness. "There's never an excuse for yelling," Rabbi Shmuley says.
7. Don't go to sleep without resolving an argument. The longer an argument is drawn out, the harder it becomes to end it. It's better to stay up all night and resolve your differences than to go to bed upset, Rabbi Shmuley says.
8. Apologize. If you hurt your spouse, you must apologize. Remember, marriage isn't about proving who's right and who's wrong—it's about having a strong, loving relationship.
(msn.com)
When couples fight dirty, they end up prolonging their pain and creating lasting wounds and rifts, he says. But when couples fight fairly, they actually build more understanding and intimacy.
Rabbi Shmuley shares his eight rules of fighting fairly, which he defines as conveying your point of view legitimately in order to achieve a consensus.
8 Rules of Fighting Fairly
1. Never use name-calling, slurs or insults. Also, don't make fun of your partner's body, weight or other things over which they have no control.
2. Never refer to the person as being a certain way, rather just refer to their behavior as being a certain way. "Never criticize character—criticize behavior," Rabbi Shmuley says.
3. Never bring your spouse's family into an argument. This will only make your partner more defensive and less willing to hear your perspective, he says.
4. Do not speak in anger. Control your behavior and calm down before you say anything you may later regret.
5. Don't cut each other off. Wait until your partner finishes, then state your point of view.
6. Don't yell. Shouting and screaming is especially harmful for children to witness. "There's never an excuse for yelling," Rabbi Shmuley says.
7. Don't go to sleep without resolving an argument. The longer an argument is drawn out, the harder it becomes to end it. It's better to stay up all night and resolve your differences than to go to bed upset, Rabbi Shmuley says.
8. Apologize. If you hurt your spouse, you must apologize. Remember, marriage isn't about proving who's right and who's wrong—it's about having a strong, loving relationship.
(msn.com)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Travel tips
Beijing...Paris...London...Tokyo...Rome...Sidney...Rio
When you travel out of our country you can run into issues that may ruin your trip. Here is a great site that offers tips for traveling abroad.
I always say, "go with the flow or you won't have a good time."
When you travel out of our country you can run into issues that may ruin your trip. Here is a great site that offers tips for traveling abroad.
I always say, "go with the flow or you won't have a good time."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Best olympic moments
1. Retton vaults to fame
Sixteen-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton entered the 1984 Olympics with no major international experience. She became the first American, woman or man, to win the all-around after earning perfect 10s for the floor exercise and vault.
2. Ali and the flame
Muhammad Ali, trembling from Parkinson's disease, lit the cauldron to open the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Ali received a gold medal to replace the one he tossed into a river after being refused service at a whites-only restaurant.
3. Gritty Strug takes one for team
In the 1996 women's gymnastics team competition, little-known Kerri Strug injured her left ankle on her first vault but gamely attempted a second and stuck the landing to ensure the U.S. women got their first team gold.
4. Icebreaker for Jansen
Speedskater Dan Jansen won the 1,000-meter race in 1994, ending a 10-year Olympic medal drought lowlighted by two falls at the 1988 Olympics while mourning the death of his sister. He took a victory lap holding his infant daughter.
5. Tonya vs. Nancy drama
Nancy Kerrigan rebounded from the knee whacking heard 'round the world to win the 1994 Olympic silver. Tonya Harding, whose ex-husband masterminded the attack, stopped her long program to cry about a boot lace.
6. Johnson blazes to 200-400 double
Michael Johnson broke his own world record in the 200 meters by .34 seconds in 1996 en route to becoming the first man to win the 200 and 400 at the same games. Johnson blazed through the last 100 in 9.20 seconds to finish in 19.32.
7. Lewis runs alongside Owens
Carl Lewis ran an 8.94-second anchor leg to lead the U.S. men to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay in 1984, winning his fourth gold medal of those games to match Jesse Owens' total from 1936.
8. Gardner turns Greco-Roman world upside down
Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming dairy farmer's son competing in only his second major international tournament, upset three-time Olympic champion Aleksandr Karelin in the 2000 super-heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling competition. It was the RussianÕs first defeat in 13 years.
9. Louganis takes a hit, dives back in
On his ninth dive of the 1988 preliminary round for springboard, Greg Louganis hit his head on the board and fell into the water. He got temporary stitches before completing his 10th dive, which earned the highest score awarded in the preliminaries. The next day he won gold.
10. Dream Team dominant
The original Dream Team, with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as captains and other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and David Robinson on the 1992 roster, was perhaps the greatest assembly of talent ever. They dominated as expected, beating Croatia 117-85 in the gold-medal game.
11. Steroids catch up with Johnson
Three days after Canadian Ben Johnson won the 100 meters in 1988 in 9.79 seconds, the International Olympic Committee announced he had tested positive for steroids. Johnson was the first big-name athlete to be caught. The gold went to Carl Lewis.
12. Torvill and Dean heat up ice
Britain's Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean earned 6.0s in 12 of their 18 marks for their free-dance interpretation of "Bolero" in 1984. They received unanimous perfect scores for artistic impression and were the first non-Soviet or Russians to win ice dancing gold.
13. Flag day for Freeman
Cathy Freeman, an Australian with Aboriginal heritage who days earlier lit the cauldron to open the 2000 Sydney Olympics, won the 400 meters under a searing spotlight. She took a victory lap carrying the Australian and Aboriginal flags,
14. Blair skates into history
Speedskater Bonnie Blair defended her Olympic title at 1,000 meters in 1994, winning by the largest margin in event history (1.38 seconds) and becoming the first U.S. female Olympian, winter or summer, to win five gold medals. She also was the first American to win six Winter Olympic medals.
15. Hughes in a stunner
In fourth after the short program at the 2002 Olympics, 16-year-old Sarah Hughes upset favorites Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya with a technically superior long program.
Sixteen-year-old gymnast Mary Lou Retton entered the 1984 Olympics with no major international experience. She became the first American, woman or man, to win the all-around after earning perfect 10s for the floor exercise and vault.
2. Ali and the flame
Muhammad Ali, trembling from Parkinson's disease, lit the cauldron to open the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Ali received a gold medal to replace the one he tossed into a river after being refused service at a whites-only restaurant.
3. Gritty Strug takes one for team
In the 1996 women's gymnastics team competition, little-known Kerri Strug injured her left ankle on her first vault but gamely attempted a second and stuck the landing to ensure the U.S. women got their first team gold.
4. Icebreaker for Jansen
Speedskater Dan Jansen won the 1,000-meter race in 1994, ending a 10-year Olympic medal drought lowlighted by two falls at the 1988 Olympics while mourning the death of his sister. He took a victory lap holding his infant daughter.
5. Tonya vs. Nancy drama
Nancy Kerrigan rebounded from the knee whacking heard 'round the world to win the 1994 Olympic silver. Tonya Harding, whose ex-husband masterminded the attack, stopped her long program to cry about a boot lace.
6. Johnson blazes to 200-400 double
Michael Johnson broke his own world record in the 200 meters by .34 seconds in 1996 en route to becoming the first man to win the 200 and 400 at the same games. Johnson blazed through the last 100 in 9.20 seconds to finish in 19.32.
7. Lewis runs alongside Owens
Carl Lewis ran an 8.94-second anchor leg to lead the U.S. men to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay in 1984, winning his fourth gold medal of those games to match Jesse Owens' total from 1936.
8. Gardner turns Greco-Roman world upside down
Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming dairy farmer's son competing in only his second major international tournament, upset three-time Olympic champion Aleksandr Karelin in the 2000 super-heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling competition. It was the RussianÕs first defeat in 13 years.
9. Louganis takes a hit, dives back in
On his ninth dive of the 1988 preliminary round for springboard, Greg Louganis hit his head on the board and fell into the water. He got temporary stitches before completing his 10th dive, which earned the highest score awarded in the preliminaries. The next day he won gold.
10. Dream Team dominant
The original Dream Team, with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird as captains and other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and David Robinson on the 1992 roster, was perhaps the greatest assembly of talent ever. They dominated as expected, beating Croatia 117-85 in the gold-medal game.
11. Steroids catch up with Johnson
Three days after Canadian Ben Johnson won the 100 meters in 1988 in 9.79 seconds, the International Olympic Committee announced he had tested positive for steroids. Johnson was the first big-name athlete to be caught. The gold went to Carl Lewis.
12. Torvill and Dean heat up ice
Britain's Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean earned 6.0s in 12 of their 18 marks for their free-dance interpretation of "Bolero" in 1984. They received unanimous perfect scores for artistic impression and were the first non-Soviet or Russians to win ice dancing gold.
13. Flag day for Freeman
Cathy Freeman, an Australian with Aboriginal heritage who days earlier lit the cauldron to open the 2000 Sydney Olympics, won the 400 meters under a searing spotlight. She took a victory lap carrying the Australian and Aboriginal flags,
14. Blair skates into history
Speedskater Bonnie Blair defended her Olympic title at 1,000 meters in 1994, winning by the largest margin in event history (1.38 seconds) and becoming the first U.S. female Olympian, winter or summer, to win five gold medals. She also was the first American to win six Winter Olympic medals.
15. Hughes in a stunner
In fourth after the short program at the 2002 Olympics, 16-year-old Sarah Hughes upset favorites Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya with a technically superior long program.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Who can you sue?
By Siobhan Morrissey / Miami
As if there weren't enough people out there suing each other, now a Florida attorney has come up with a way to make the process even easier.
Beginning next month, anyone with access to the Internet should be able to log onto WhoCanISue.com. The new website plans to help consumers determine whether they actually have a case and help them find an attorney from a list of lawyers who advertise their expertise on the website. The attorneys will pay an annual fee of $1,000 to appear on the site, plus an additional amount of their own choosing that will determine how prominently they appear in the listings on the site. The website will vet the attorneys to make sure they are in good standing with their state bar associations.
Curtis A. Wolfe, formerly general counsel for Fort Lauderdale-based private equity firm Ener1 Group and the founder of WhoCanISue.com, plans to unveil the new website in September. But he will begin signing up attorneys to advertise on the site when the American Bar Association convenes it annual meeting in New York City on Thursday.
Wolfe's website is not the first of its kind. His most direct competition includes SueEasy.com and LegalMatch.com, among others. But Wolfe says his service — which is free to the consumer — differs from the others in that he will provide real-time access to attorneys. After consumers answer a set of general questions about their grievances, they will be given some guidance about whether they might have a case worth pursuing; if they do, they will be immediately put in touch with an interested attorney.
The proliferation of legal matchmakers like Wolfe leaves some in the profession skeptical. "As if there aren't enough lawyers out there inventing lawsuits, now we're going to invite the public to do so," scoffed prominent Miami trial attorney Richard Sharpstein, a partner at Jorden Burt. "I think this is nothing more than a referral service," he says of WhoCanISue.com. "It encourages, if not creates lawsuits. Our country's courts are clogged with unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits which delay, if not obstruct, the access to courts of people that really need to get there, that have serious legal grievances."
But Wolfe maintains his service could just as easily help someone realize he doesn't have a case — or that, while they may have a legal claim, it won't generate enough money to interest an attorney to take it on.
"With our system they can either find a lawyer or find out by talking to our lawyers that they don't really have an interest in that case," Wolfe says. "I don't think WhoCanISue.com is going to, by itself, increase the number of lawsuits there are, but it may make people more aware of what their rights are."
University of Florida law professor Lyrissa Lidsky believes the service "is likely to increase the number of lawsuits." But, adds Lidsky, who specializes in Internet law and the First Amendment, "It's a good thing to the extent people are vindicating their legal rights to the extent they didn't years ago."
However, if you're looking to use the website to find a good lawyer, in most states you could do just as well by checking with the local bar association. In Florida, for example, lawyers can sign up for the state bar's referral system by paying a $125 membership fee, agreeing to charge clients only $25 for an initial 30-minute office consultation and guaranteeing $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
As if there weren't enough people out there suing each other, now a Florida attorney has come up with a way to make the process even easier.
Beginning next month, anyone with access to the Internet should be able to log onto WhoCanISue.com. The new website plans to help consumers determine whether they actually have a case and help them find an attorney from a list of lawyers who advertise their expertise on the website. The attorneys will pay an annual fee of $1,000 to appear on the site, plus an additional amount of their own choosing that will determine how prominently they appear in the listings on the site. The website will vet the attorneys to make sure they are in good standing with their state bar associations.
Curtis A. Wolfe, formerly general counsel for Fort Lauderdale-based private equity firm Ener1 Group and the founder of WhoCanISue.com, plans to unveil the new website in September. But he will begin signing up attorneys to advertise on the site when the American Bar Association convenes it annual meeting in New York City on Thursday.
Wolfe's website is not the first of its kind. His most direct competition includes SueEasy.com and LegalMatch.com, among others. But Wolfe says his service — which is free to the consumer — differs from the others in that he will provide real-time access to attorneys. After consumers answer a set of general questions about their grievances, they will be given some guidance about whether they might have a case worth pursuing; if they do, they will be immediately put in touch with an interested attorney.
The proliferation of legal matchmakers like Wolfe leaves some in the profession skeptical. "As if there aren't enough lawyers out there inventing lawsuits, now we're going to invite the public to do so," scoffed prominent Miami trial attorney Richard Sharpstein, a partner at Jorden Burt. "I think this is nothing more than a referral service," he says of WhoCanISue.com. "It encourages, if not creates lawsuits. Our country's courts are clogged with unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits which delay, if not obstruct, the access to courts of people that really need to get there, that have serious legal grievances."
But Wolfe maintains his service could just as easily help someone realize he doesn't have a case — or that, while they may have a legal claim, it won't generate enough money to interest an attorney to take it on.
"With our system they can either find a lawyer or find out by talking to our lawyers that they don't really have an interest in that case," Wolfe says. "I don't think WhoCanISue.com is going to, by itself, increase the number of lawsuits there are, but it may make people more aware of what their rights are."
University of Florida law professor Lyrissa Lidsky believes the service "is likely to increase the number of lawsuits." But, adds Lidsky, who specializes in Internet law and the First Amendment, "It's a good thing to the extent people are vindicating their legal rights to the extent they didn't years ago."
However, if you're looking to use the website to find a good lawyer, in most states you could do just as well by checking with the local bar association. In Florida, for example, lawyers can sign up for the state bar's referral system by paying a $125 membership fee, agreeing to charge clients only $25 for an initial 30-minute office consultation and guaranteeing $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
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