10 things you need to know about 'The Women,' Hollywood's latest chick-flick hopeful
BY JULIE HINDS
FREE PRESS POP CULTURE WRITER
It's time for the next round of the lipstick wars, not in the political arena, but on the box-office battlefront.
"The Women," which opens today, hopes to follow in the designer high-heeled footsteps of "Sex and the City" and maybe walk a mile in the sun-drenched sandals of "Mamma Mia!"
Both of those female-skewing films scored box-office successes on their opening weekends. Can "The Women" make it a three-peat?
Perhaps, if contemporary audiences can embrace a comedy with an all-female cast.
And if Meg Ryan, missing in action from high-profile projects lately, can reclaim her status as America's sweetheart.
And if director-screenwriter Diane English of "Murphy Brown" fame can find enough humor in marital infidelity, a topic linked to recent painful public scandals.
That's a lot of ifs for a glamorous, fluffy romp, but it could make for a more interesting dynamic than your average chick flick.
Here are 10 things you need to know about "The Women" before you make it a girls' night out.
1. It's based on a classic film that defined girl power.
If you think Hollywood is a boys club now, imagine what it was like in 1939, the year "The Women" defied the odds with an all-star, all-female cast that included Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine. The story (from Clare Booth Luce's Broadway hit) was edgy for its day: A rich wife (Shearer then, Ryan now) finds out her husband has been cheating on her, a revelation that plays out through the prism of the women surrounding her.
2. It's counting on the Carrie Bradshaw effect. What's the difference between a female moviegoer and a pit bull? Lipstick and buying power. The fierce devotion of female consumers helped turn the opening weekend of "Sex and the City" into a $55 million-plus triumph. The same dogged crowd flocked to "Mamma Mia!," which grabbed more than $27 million for its debut. For a Hollywood obsessed with courting men under 25 with action flicks, it was a wake-up call on the power of the purse. "The Women" might face a rougher road, because the early buzz has been mixed and it doesn't have a built-in TV fan base or the benefit of ABBA music. But it does have a savvy marketing strategy -- a trailer that's been playing before screenings of "Sex and the City" and "Mamma Mia!"
3. It had a long, strange trip to the screen. Fourteen years ago, mega-stars Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts were ready to team up on "The Women." Then the dream fell apart, the script was revised several times, the major studios lost interest and the cast became a revolving door of rumored possibilities like Sandra Bullock, Uma Thurman and Queen Latifah. After a decade of waiting, English finally got the project made by hooking up with smaller production companies and cutting the budget back to a multimillion-dollar figure that would be spare change for a special-effects blowout like "The Dark Knight."
4. It dips a toe into the culture wars. The preview dwells on the wisecracking quartet of Ryan (the wronged wife), Annette Bening (a powerful magazine editor), Debra Messing (a hippie-ish supermom) and Jada Pinkett Smith (a chic lesbian writer), who live an upscale life of shopping and spa visits. But there's another key figure with a hint of class tension -- the other woman, who, as in the original, works at a perfume counter. She's played by Eva Mendes and called "the spritzer girl" by Ryan's loyal clique. There's even a dressing-room standoff that telegraphs who's the villain with lingerie instead of cowboy hats: Ryan wears a sexy white corset, while Mendes has a skimpy black one.
5. It tackles the moms-versus-no kids divide. There can be a gap as wide as a playground between the perceptions and assumptions of mothers and their childless pals. English touches on that in "The Women" with snappy dialogue (when Messing says she wants to keep having children until she has a boy, Pinkett Smith responds, "Don't we have enough of those?") and by treating the choices of Ryan, who plays a mom, and Bening, whose character is content not to be one, as equally valid. And for the amusement of both sides of the fence, the trailer throws in a childbirth scene with Messing that may feature the longest, loudest screen scream in movie history.
6. It gives permission -- finally -- to explore the topic of cheating. During the messy unfolding of the John Edwards and Kwame Kilpatrick scandals, most people (including members of the press) felt it wasn't fair to pry into the feelings of the wives involved. But through fiction, "The Women" touches on the tough questions: How do you react to finding out your spouse is unfaithful? What's your next step? What if you find out your friend's husband is cheating? What if she discovers you knew but didn't tell her? Although this is a comedy, some of the emotions are as raw as the butter, cocoa and cream Ryan reaches for during an angry food binge.
7. It's another fashion orgy. Taking a page from "Sex and the City," "The Women" is a showcase for designer labels like Marc Jacobs and La Perla and preppy staples like Burberry. There's even a runway show thrown in for good measure. The credit for the stylish wardrobe goes to perhaps the most important man involved in the production, costume designer John Dunn.
8. It's got AARP cred. While Kim Cattrall's Samantha showed 50 is fabulous in "Sex and the City" and Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters frolicked in menopausal glee in "Mamma Mia!", "The Women" gives roles to Bette Midler, Cloris Leachman (82 and soon to be competing on "Dancing With the Stars") and Candice Bergen as Ryan's acerbic mother. "I know you don't drink in the afternoon," says Bergen after ordering a gimlet for her daughter. "But you will eventually, so why not start now?"
9. It proves Meg Ryan is ready to face the cameras. After riding high in the 1990s, Ryan's career stalled and her marriage to Dennis Quaid dissolved amid reports of her affair with "Proof of Life" costar Russell Crowe. Then she landed back in the rumor mill for speculation that she'd enhanced her lips and face with cosmetic procedures, a look derided as a "trout pout." But now Ryan is on the rebound, talking in TV appearances about how happy and centered she is as a single mom and putting forth a face that seems to have returned to a more natural, fish-free state.
10. It's a love letter to female friendships. In the 1939 movie, the women were back-biting, tart-tongued and, ultimately, insecure, because their social status and financial security depended on their relationships to the unseen men. But the remake is less about Ryan being a wronged wife and more about how it affects and strengthens her ties to the women around her. A comedy about finding out what you really want, "The Women" knows sometimes what you want most is to hang out with your BFFs.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Buyers remorse?
The best way to stop impulse shopping is to not shop. Don't go into a store to simply look around. Don't go into a store unless you have a specific item that you need to purchase. Don't go into a store without knowing exactly how much you have to spend.
Be prepared for you shopping. Take a list with you. Estimate how much you will need and add a few dollars to that. Then leave all of your cards and your checkbook in your vehicle. Only carry in the cash amount that you have to spend.
Get rid of the catalogs. Don't sign up for new ones and ask to be removed from the ones you have. Stop shopping online.
Talking of shopping triggers, there are a lot of people that impulse shop when they are upset or stressed. Find other ways to make yourself feel better. You know that the shopping is only a quick fix that is often replaced with guilt.
You can break the habit. It just takes time and self-control. It is an easy habit to fall back into, so you have to stay on your toes. Plan ahead and think before you buy, and you will save money.
One more way I heard about. If you're thinking about buying something you don't need, figure out how much you'd have to work to pay for it. For example, if you make 30 dollars an hour, a 150 dress would take five hours to pay for. Is it worth it?
Be prepared for you shopping. Take a list with you. Estimate how much you will need and add a few dollars to that. Then leave all of your cards and your checkbook in your vehicle. Only carry in the cash amount that you have to spend.
Get rid of the catalogs. Don't sign up for new ones and ask to be removed from the ones you have. Stop shopping online.
Talking of shopping triggers, there are a lot of people that impulse shop when they are upset or stressed. Find other ways to make yourself feel better. You know that the shopping is only a quick fix that is often replaced with guilt.
You can break the habit. It just takes time and self-control. It is an easy habit to fall back into, so you have to stay on your toes. Plan ahead and think before you buy, and you will save money.
One more way I heard about. If you're thinking about buying something you don't need, figure out how much you'd have to work to pay for it. For example, if you make 30 dollars an hour, a 150 dress would take five hours to pay for. Is it worth it?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Chitty chitty bang bang
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, the most fantasmagorical Broadway musical in the history of live theater, is searching for six children in the Ft. Lauderdale area to make their stage debut as CHITTY launches the First National Tour at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November 18 through November 30, 2008.
Based on the timeless novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features the music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins. The national tour also features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG boasts a beloved score, including memorable classics such as “Truly Scrumptious,” “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain” and the Oscar®nominated title song, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Auditions will be held at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Abdo New River Room on Sunday, September 28 at 10:00am. Auditioning children are to arrive no later than 9:45am accompanied by a parent or guardian to signup for the audition. Auditions will begin promptly at 10:00am. Each child will be asked to sing a cappella 16 bars from one uptempo song of choice. Children should be prepared to learn and execute simple choreography as part of the audition process. No decisions will be announced at any time during the auditions. Six children will be selected for the ensemble, and they will appear as orphans in Act 2 of every performance. Two alternates will also be chosen. Approximate ages should be between 8 and 12 years old – and have the appearance of children, NOT young adults. Professional experience and headshots are not required.
The local children cast in the production and their parents or guardians will be provided rehearsal and performance information. The children will not receive any compensation, however this is a wonderful opportunity for children from Ft. Lauderdale to perform onstage with professional actors without having to ever leave town.
Based on the timeless novel by Ian Fleming, author/creator of the James Bond franchise, the production features the music and lyrics by the legendary Sherman brothers, composers of Mary Poppins. The national tour also features an original script and fresh adaptation directed by Ray Roderick. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG boasts a beloved score, including memorable classics such as “Truly Scrumptious,” “Toot Sweets,” “Hushabye Mountain” and the Oscar®nominated title song, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Auditions will be held at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Abdo New River Room on Sunday, September 28 at 10:00am. Auditioning children are to arrive no later than 9:45am accompanied by a parent or guardian to signup for the audition. Auditions will begin promptly at 10:00am. Each child will be asked to sing a cappella 16 bars from one uptempo song of choice. Children should be prepared to learn and execute simple choreography as part of the audition process. No decisions will be announced at any time during the auditions. Six children will be selected for the ensemble, and they will appear as orphans in Act 2 of every performance. Two alternates will also be chosen. Approximate ages should be between 8 and 12 years old – and have the appearance of children, NOT young adults. Professional experience and headshots are not required.
The local children cast in the production and their parents or guardians will be provided rehearsal and performance information. The children will not receive any compensation, however this is a wonderful opportunity for children from Ft. Lauderdale to perform onstage with professional actors without having to ever leave town.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Help kids eat healthy
Good nutrition and a balanced diet help kids grow up healthy. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, here are some strategies to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits:
Have regular family meals.
Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.
Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.
Avoid battles over food.
Involve kids in the process.
But it's not easy to take these steps when everyone is juggling busy schedules and convenience food, such as fast food, is so readily available.
Here are some ways to incorporate all five strategies into your routine.
Family Meals
Family meals are a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. Children like the predictability of family meals and parents get a chance to catch up with their kids. Kids who take part in regular family meals are also:
more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains
less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
less likely to smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol
In addition, family meals offer the chance to introduce your child to new foods and to act as a role model for healthy eating.
Teens may turn up their noses at the prospect of a family meal — not surprising because they're trying to establish independence. Yet studies find that teens still want their parents' advice and counsel, so use mealtime as a chance to reconnect. Also, consider trying these strategies:
Allow your teen to invite a friend to dinner.
Involve your teen in meal planning and preparation.
Keep mealtime calm and congenial — no lectures or arguing.
What counts as a family meal? Any time you and your family eat together — whether it's takeout food or a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings. Strive for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there. This may mean eating dinner a little later to accommodate a child who's at sports practice. It can also mean setting aside time on the weekends, such as Sunday brunch, when it may be more convenient to gather as a group.
Stocking Up on Healthy Foods
Kids, especially younger ones, will eat mostly what's available at home. That's why it's important to control the supply lines — the foods that you serve for meals and have on hand for snacks. Follow these basic guidelines:
Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for the goal of at least five servings a day. Be sure you serve fruit or vegetables at every meal.
Make it easy for your child to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include low-fat yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or whole-grain crackers and cheese.
Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so kids get more fiber.
Limit fat intake by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Limit fast food and other low-nutrient snacks, such as chips and candy. But don't completely ban favorite snacks from your home. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods, so kids don't feel deprived.
Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water and low-fat milk instead.
How to Be a Role Model
The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging in the less nutritious stuff, you'll be sending the right message.
Another way to be a good role model is to limit portions and not overeat. Talk about your feelings of fullness, especially with younger children. You might say, "This is delicious, but I'm full, so I'm going to stop eating." Similarly, parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster these same negative feelings in their kids. Try to keep a positive approach about food.
Don't Battle Over Food
It's easy for food to become a source of conflict. Well-intentioned parents might find themselves bargaining or bribing kids so they eat the healthy food in front of them. A better strategy is to give kids some control, but to also limit the kind of foods available at home.
Kids should decide if they're hungry, what they will eat from the foods served, and when they're full. Parents control which foods are available to the child, both at mealtime and between meals. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Establish a predictable schedule of meals and snacks. It's OK to choose not to eat when both parents and kids know when to expect the next meal or snack.
Don't force kids to clean their plates. Doing so teaches kids to override feelings of fullness.
Don't bribe or reward kids with food. Avoid using dessert as the prize for eating the meal.
Don't use food as a way of showing love. When you want to show love, give kids a hug, some of your time, or praise.
Have regular family meals.
Serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks.
Be a role model by eating healthy yourself.
Avoid battles over food.
Involve kids in the process.
But it's not easy to take these steps when everyone is juggling busy schedules and convenience food, such as fast food, is so readily available.
Here are some ways to incorporate all five strategies into your routine.
Family Meals
Family meals are a comforting ritual for both parents and kids. Children like the predictability of family meals and parents get a chance to catch up with their kids. Kids who take part in regular family meals are also:
more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and grains
less likely to snack on unhealthy foods
less likely to smoke, use marijuana, or drink alcohol
In addition, family meals offer the chance to introduce your child to new foods and to act as a role model for healthy eating.
Teens may turn up their noses at the prospect of a family meal — not surprising because they're trying to establish independence. Yet studies find that teens still want their parents' advice and counsel, so use mealtime as a chance to reconnect. Also, consider trying these strategies:
Allow your teen to invite a friend to dinner.
Involve your teen in meal planning and preparation.
Keep mealtime calm and congenial — no lectures or arguing.
What counts as a family meal? Any time you and your family eat together — whether it's takeout food or a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings. Strive for nutritious food and a time when everyone can be there. This may mean eating dinner a little later to accommodate a child who's at sports practice. It can also mean setting aside time on the weekends, such as Sunday brunch, when it may be more convenient to gather as a group.
Stocking Up on Healthy Foods
Kids, especially younger ones, will eat mostly what's available at home. That's why it's important to control the supply lines — the foods that you serve for meals and have on hand for snacks. Follow these basic guidelines:
Work fruits and vegetables into the daily routine, aiming for the goal of at least five servings a day. Be sure you serve fruit or vegetables at every meal.
Make it easy for your child to choose healthy snacks by keeping fruits and vegetables on hand and ready to eat. Other good snacks include low-fat yogurt, peanut butter and celery, or whole-grain crackers and cheese.
Serve lean meats and other good sources of protein, such as fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
Choose whole-grain breads and cereals so kids get more fiber.
Limit fat intake by avoiding deep-fried foods and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as broiling, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Limit fast food and other low-nutrient snacks, such as chips and candy. But don't completely ban favorite snacks from your home. Instead, make them "once-in-a-while" foods, so kids don't feel deprived.
Limit sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit-flavored drinks. Serve water and low-fat milk instead.
How to Be a Role Model
The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging in the less nutritious stuff, you'll be sending the right message.
Another way to be a good role model is to limit portions and not overeat. Talk about your feelings of fullness, especially with younger children. You might say, "This is delicious, but I'm full, so I'm going to stop eating." Similarly, parents who are always dieting or complaining about their bodies may foster these same negative feelings in their kids. Try to keep a positive approach about food.
Don't Battle Over Food
It's easy for food to become a source of conflict. Well-intentioned parents might find themselves bargaining or bribing kids so they eat the healthy food in front of them. A better strategy is to give kids some control, but to also limit the kind of foods available at home.
Kids should decide if they're hungry, what they will eat from the foods served, and when they're full. Parents control which foods are available to the child, both at mealtime and between meals. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Establish a predictable schedule of meals and snacks. It's OK to choose not to eat when both parents and kids know when to expect the next meal or snack.
Don't force kids to clean their plates. Doing so teaches kids to override feelings of fullness.
Don't bribe or reward kids with food. Avoid using dessert as the prize for eating the meal.
Don't use food as a way of showing love. When you want to show love, give kids a hug, some of your time, or praise.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
No white shoes!
One thing you DON'T want to buy at an After-Labor Day Sale is white clothes because of the "No white after Labor Day" rule. But where did that rule come from? We turned to AskYahoo.com and here's what they said:
Originally, the rule was more along the lines of "Only wear white shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day." Furthermore, it mainly applied to white pumps or dress shoes. White tennis shoes and off-white boots seem exempt, as are any shoes worn by a winter bride. "Winter white" clothing (e.g., cream-colored wool) is acceptable between Labor Day and Memorial Day too.
The only logical reasoning we could find cited temperature. Image consultant Nancy Penn suggests that because white reflects light and heat, wearing white would make you cooler in winter, and thus should be avoided.
But others suggest the rule stems from a class issue. Acting Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele notes that in the late 19th century and the 1950s, more people were entering the middle classes. These nouveau-riche folks were often unaware of the standards of high society, so they were given specific codified rules to follow in order to fit in.
Several sites quoted a charming refrain about G.R.I.T.S. -- girls raised in the South. This bit of folklore states, "Southern girls know bad manners when they see them," and a clear sign of bad manners is wearing white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day. Because fashions in the American South can be a little more formal than elsewhere, perhaps the no-white-shoes rule came from south of the Mason-Dixon Line? Even Star Jones (an otherwise fashion-forward Southern lady) admits that white shoes "are for Easter Sunday and not the dead of winter."
We can only surmise that the point of this rule is to ensure that people only wear summer fashions during the actual summer months. The opposite probably applies as well, but people generally don't need to be reminded to avoid wearing a goose-down parka in 100-degree weather.
But if you live in a locale with summer temperatures year-round, we can't see the harm in wearing white shoes or a head-to-toe white outfit in October. And we promise not to tell Miss Manners.
Originally, the rule was more along the lines of "Only wear white shoes between Memorial Day and Labor Day." Furthermore, it mainly applied to white pumps or dress shoes. White tennis shoes and off-white boots seem exempt, as are any shoes worn by a winter bride. "Winter white" clothing (e.g., cream-colored wool) is acceptable between Labor Day and Memorial Day too.
The only logical reasoning we could find cited temperature. Image consultant Nancy Penn suggests that because white reflects light and heat, wearing white would make you cooler in winter, and thus should be avoided.
But others suggest the rule stems from a class issue. Acting Director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology Valerie Steele notes that in the late 19th century and the 1950s, more people were entering the middle classes. These nouveau-riche folks were often unaware of the standards of high society, so they were given specific codified rules to follow in order to fit in.
Several sites quoted a charming refrain about G.R.I.T.S. -- girls raised in the South. This bit of folklore states, "Southern girls know bad manners when they see them," and a clear sign of bad manners is wearing white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day. Because fashions in the American South can be a little more formal than elsewhere, perhaps the no-white-shoes rule came from south of the Mason-Dixon Line? Even Star Jones (an otherwise fashion-forward Southern lady) admits that white shoes "are for Easter Sunday and not the dead of winter."
We can only surmise that the point of this rule is to ensure that people only wear summer fashions during the actual summer months. The opposite probably applies as well, but people generally don't need to be reminded to avoid wearing a goose-down parka in 100-degree weather.
But if you live in a locale with summer temperatures year-round, we can't see the harm in wearing white shoes or a head-to-toe white outfit in October. And we promise not to tell Miss Manners.
Early storm prep
Hurricane Preparation Tips
If you live in an area that has the potential of being affected by a hurricane, the key to remaining safe is early planning.
Before the storm strikes --
Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
Purchase bottled water; 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Check emergency equipment (flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc.) and purchase extra batteries.
Consider the installation of shutters over windows and doors. Depending on the design of your home, plywood works well, but stock up early.
Monitor official weather bulletins.
Keep extra cash on hand, as automatic teller machines or banks don't operate without power.
Review evacuation routes.
Arrange for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters don't accept pets.
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full.
Move yard items inside, such as patio furniture.
Read more tips on hurricanes, and learn about flash floods.
If you live in an area that has the potential of being affected by a hurricane, the key to remaining safe is early planning.
Before the storm strikes --
Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
Purchase bottled water; 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Check emergency equipment (flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc.) and purchase extra batteries.
Consider the installation of shutters over windows and doors. Depending on the design of your home, plywood works well, but stock up early.
Monitor official weather bulletins.
Keep extra cash on hand, as automatic teller machines or banks don't operate without power.
Review evacuation routes.
Arrange for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters don't accept pets.
Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full.
Move yard items inside, such as patio furniture.
Read more tips on hurricanes, and learn about flash floods.
Hurricane fears
The 5 Worst Hurricane Fears
By Andrea Thompson
1. New Orleans Could Get Hit Again
With the city still limping from the effects of Katrina, New Orleans residents get no rest. City and state officials have already kicked new evacuation plans into gear with the threat from Gustav. "They've learned a few lessons," said National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen.
Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, killing at least 1,500 people. But while the public may focus on New Orleans, forecasters are just as worried about hurricanes hitting any coastal U.S. city. "A landfall is a landfall," Feltgen said.
Tampa, Fla., which hasn't had a major hurricane since the 1920s, is one of the cites forecasters worry about. Before Hurricane Charley suddenly changed course in August 2004, Tampa was in its crosshairs, waking up residents to the risk that hurricanes poses there, Feltgen said.
2. Oil Drilling and Gas Production Could Be Impeded
Katrina's waves and flood waters damaged some offshore oil rigs, refineries and pipelines that supply large portions of the country with fuel, and as a result, gas prices went up. With fuel prices already reaching record highs in the past year, many are concerned that any hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico could drive prices up even further.
Any offshore rigs that lie in the projected path of a storm are evacuated several days in advance and production is halted to prevent spills — rigs in the path of Gustav have already been cleared, said Cathy Landry, a spokeswoman for the American Petroleum Institute. Most of the rigs damaged during Katrina were older models and were retired after the storm, Landry said, adding that newer models are built to withstand very high winds and waves. "The weak links are probably out of the system," she told LiveScience.
The main causes of the Katrina-related price increases were not damaged rigs, but flooded refineries, floating pipelines pulled off their moorings, and power failures to offshore pipelines, Landry said. Since the monster 2005 season, oil companies have worked to shore up refineries and pipelines and install back-up generators to keep fuel flowing, Landry added.
While a slight drop in fuel supply, a "blip" as Landry called it, could be expected while the rigs in the path of the storm are shut down, once the storm is gone, production should resume.
3. Global Warming Could Be Making Things Worse
As Earth's oceans absorb some of the heat generated by climbing greenhouse gas levels, some scientists predict these warmer waters will fuel more, and stronger, storms.
Hurricanes feed off of the warm, moist air over tropical waters, and warmer waters can produce more intense storms, with faster winds and bigger waves. Studies suggest that warmer waters can also increase the frequency of storms, though some scientists have argued just the opposite, with projections that global warming will change wind circulation in such a way that it stifles the development of hurricanes.
Some researchers are also predicting that the hurricane season will become longer in a warming world because ocean waters are warming up earlier in the season, which officially begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. While most hurricanes tend to form in August and September, when water temperatures peak, earlier warming is bringing bigger storms to the early months of the season, the research suggests.
4. A Category 5 Storm Could Make Landfall
With the threat of more intense storms produced by global warming, some scientists are concerned that this could mean more Category 5 storms, the highest ranking on the Saffir-Simpson strength scale, with potentially greater impact to coasts.
These storms have wind speeds in excess of 156 mph and can produce storm surges of more than 18 feet.
Only three Category 5 storms have ever made landfall in the United States: Hurricane Andrew, which hit Homestead, Fla., in 1992; Hurricane Camille, which came ashore near the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1969; and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, which struck the Florida Keys. (Katrina was a Category 5 while offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, but weakened just before landfall).
There is, however, no way to predict just how many Category 5 storms a given season will produce, when the next one will develop or whether or not it will make landfall.
5. People Won't Leave
More than half of the U.S. population lives on the country's coastline, and the vast majority have never experienced even a weak hurricane, Feltgen said. Many populations along the Northeast coast haven't experienced a hurricane in several generations, though the area is still vulnerable to storms.
Having little exposure to hurricanes can lead to an "It won't happen to me" mentality that means people in vulnerable areas don't have plans in place for what they will do when a hurricane strikes. In a Mason-Dixon poll taken earlier this year, more than half of coastal residents responded that they didn't have a personal hurricane plan. "And that is alarming," Felgen said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Coastal residents should plan ahead where they will go if they decide to evacuate, how to get there and what critical things they need to take with them. If they decide to stay, they need to have provisions they can live off of alone in their home for 3 to 7 days, Feltgen advised.
The call to evacuate can often lie with government emergency managers, who can face a tough decision because of the uncertainty in hurricane forecasts. Michael Metzger, an MIT graduate student has developed a computer model to aide these decisions. The model promotes evacuations done in stages to avoid congestion on evacuation routes, which was a problem in the eventual evacuation of New Orleans.
By Andrea Thompson
1. New Orleans Could Get Hit Again
With the city still limping from the effects of Katrina, New Orleans residents get no rest. City and state officials have already kicked new evacuation plans into gear with the threat from Gustav. "They've learned a few lessons," said National Hurricane Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen.
Katrina was the costliest and one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, killing at least 1,500 people. But while the public may focus on New Orleans, forecasters are just as worried about hurricanes hitting any coastal U.S. city. "A landfall is a landfall," Feltgen said.
Tampa, Fla., which hasn't had a major hurricane since the 1920s, is one of the cites forecasters worry about. Before Hurricane Charley suddenly changed course in August 2004, Tampa was in its crosshairs, waking up residents to the risk that hurricanes poses there, Feltgen said.
2. Oil Drilling and Gas Production Could Be Impeded
Katrina's waves and flood waters damaged some offshore oil rigs, refineries and pipelines that supply large portions of the country with fuel, and as a result, gas prices went up. With fuel prices already reaching record highs in the past year, many are concerned that any hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico could drive prices up even further.
Any offshore rigs that lie in the projected path of a storm are evacuated several days in advance and production is halted to prevent spills — rigs in the path of Gustav have already been cleared, said Cathy Landry, a spokeswoman for the American Petroleum Institute. Most of the rigs damaged during Katrina were older models and were retired after the storm, Landry said, adding that newer models are built to withstand very high winds and waves. "The weak links are probably out of the system," she told LiveScience.
The main causes of the Katrina-related price increases were not damaged rigs, but flooded refineries, floating pipelines pulled off their moorings, and power failures to offshore pipelines, Landry said. Since the monster 2005 season, oil companies have worked to shore up refineries and pipelines and install back-up generators to keep fuel flowing, Landry added.
While a slight drop in fuel supply, a "blip" as Landry called it, could be expected while the rigs in the path of the storm are shut down, once the storm is gone, production should resume.
3. Global Warming Could Be Making Things Worse
As Earth's oceans absorb some of the heat generated by climbing greenhouse gas levels, some scientists predict these warmer waters will fuel more, and stronger, storms.
Hurricanes feed off of the warm, moist air over tropical waters, and warmer waters can produce more intense storms, with faster winds and bigger waves. Studies suggest that warmer waters can also increase the frequency of storms, though some scientists have argued just the opposite, with projections that global warming will change wind circulation in such a way that it stifles the development of hurricanes.
Some researchers are also predicting that the hurricane season will become longer in a warming world because ocean waters are warming up earlier in the season, which officially begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. While most hurricanes tend to form in August and September, when water temperatures peak, earlier warming is bringing bigger storms to the early months of the season, the research suggests.
4. A Category 5 Storm Could Make Landfall
With the threat of more intense storms produced by global warming, some scientists are concerned that this could mean more Category 5 storms, the highest ranking on the Saffir-Simpson strength scale, with potentially greater impact to coasts.
These storms have wind speeds in excess of 156 mph and can produce storm surges of more than 18 feet.
Only three Category 5 storms have ever made landfall in the United States: Hurricane Andrew, which hit Homestead, Fla., in 1992; Hurricane Camille, which came ashore near the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1969; and the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, which struck the Florida Keys. (Katrina was a Category 5 while offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, but weakened just before landfall).
There is, however, no way to predict just how many Category 5 storms a given season will produce, when the next one will develop or whether or not it will make landfall.
5. People Won't Leave
More than half of the U.S. population lives on the country's coastline, and the vast majority have never experienced even a weak hurricane, Feltgen said. Many populations along the Northeast coast haven't experienced a hurricane in several generations, though the area is still vulnerable to storms.
Having little exposure to hurricanes can lead to an "It won't happen to me" mentality that means people in vulnerable areas don't have plans in place for what they will do when a hurricane strikes. In a Mason-Dixon poll taken earlier this year, more than half of coastal residents responded that they didn't have a personal hurricane plan. "And that is alarming," Felgen said in a telephone interview yesterday.
Coastal residents should plan ahead where they will go if they decide to evacuate, how to get there and what critical things they need to take with them. If they decide to stay, they need to have provisions they can live off of alone in their home for 3 to 7 days, Feltgen advised.
The call to evacuate can often lie with government emergency managers, who can face a tough decision because of the uncertainty in hurricane forecasts. Michael Metzger, an MIT graduate student has developed a computer model to aide these decisions. The model promotes evacuations done in stages to avoid congestion on evacuation routes, which was a problem in the eventual evacuation of New Orleans.
Gustav-how you can help
HURRICANE RECOVERY INFORMATION:
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATIONS
·The best way you can help victims of Hurricane Gustav is to donate money to an organization such as the ones listed below that specializes in disaster response.
·Most charities do not accept individual donations of food, clothing and supplies, because of the cost and logistics of sorting the goods and getting them to the disaster site. Also, some families affected by the disaster feel more comfortable using a voucher to buy new clothes than wearing donated -- particularly second-hand -- clothing.
·If you are in an area that has been directly affected by the storm or is sheltering victims, contact local charities who may be accepting donated goods. Many states far from the disaster area may open shelters. Also, check with local houses of worship, because many may be funneling donated goods to sister congregations in areas where there are shelters.
VOLUNTEERING
·Do not go directly to the disaster area to offer your help. Organizations like the Red Cross are sending only volunteers who have had extensive training in emergency response and disaster recovery.
·Contact the local chapter of one of the organizations listed below to find out how you can volunteer locally. There are many ways to support the recovery effort even if you're not at the actual disaster site.
1.AMERICAN RED CROSS
To donate or volunteer online, log on to redcross.org
For Donations: 1-800-HELP-NOW
2.SALVATION ARMY
To donate online or volunteer, log on to salvationarmyusa.org
To donate by phone, call: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
3.CATHOLIC CHARITIES
To donate online, log on to catholiccharitiesusa.org
To donate by phone, call (800) 919-9338
To volunteer contact your local Catholic Diocese which you can find in your phone book or online at catholiccharitiesusa.org.
4.USA FREEDOM CORPS
USA Freedom Corps is working with partners in the non-profit and national service community to inform Americans how they can help. To find out about volunteer opportunities, log on to usafreedomcorps.gov
5.Check networkforgood.org for many more opportunities to volunteer or donate.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DONATIONS
·The best way you can help victims of Hurricane Gustav is to donate money to an organization such as the ones listed below that specializes in disaster response.
·Most charities do not accept individual donations of food, clothing and supplies, because of the cost and logistics of sorting the goods and getting them to the disaster site. Also, some families affected by the disaster feel more comfortable using a voucher to buy new clothes than wearing donated -- particularly second-hand -- clothing.
·If you are in an area that has been directly affected by the storm or is sheltering victims, contact local charities who may be accepting donated goods. Many states far from the disaster area may open shelters. Also, check with local houses of worship, because many may be funneling donated goods to sister congregations in areas where there are shelters.
VOLUNTEERING
·Do not go directly to the disaster area to offer your help. Organizations like the Red Cross are sending only volunteers who have had extensive training in emergency response and disaster recovery.
·Contact the local chapter of one of the organizations listed below to find out how you can volunteer locally. There are many ways to support the recovery effort even if you're not at the actual disaster site.
1.AMERICAN RED CROSS
To donate or volunteer online, log on to redcross.org
For Donations: 1-800-HELP-NOW
2.SALVATION ARMY
To donate online or volunteer, log on to salvationarmyusa.org
To donate by phone, call: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
3.CATHOLIC CHARITIES
To donate online, log on to catholiccharitiesusa.org
To donate by phone, call (800) 919-9338
To volunteer contact your local Catholic Diocese which you can find in your phone book or online at catholiccharitiesusa.org.
4.USA FREEDOM CORPS
USA Freedom Corps is working with partners in the non-profit and national service community to inform Americans how they can help. To find out about volunteer opportunities, log on to usafreedomcorps.gov
5.Check networkforgood.org for many more opportunities to volunteer or donate.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hang on to your job
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.
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.
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.
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