If someone near and dear to you is currently serving in the armed forces, you have a special way to honor them. The NBC Today Show is inviting viewers to submit photos of enlisted loved ones. In addition to sending an image, you have the opportunity to describe the photo. Click here for details.
Tags: Armed Forces, Today Show, NBC, Media, Media by Sistrunk
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Having a little fun with the Southern horoscope
For all of my friends with Southern roots - and those who appreciate Southern roots
OKRA-Dec 22 - Jan 20
Although you appear crude, you are actually very slick on the inside. Okrans have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon Pies.
CHITLINS-Jan 21 - Feb 19
Chitlins often come from humble backgrounds. Many times they're uncomfortable talking about just where they came from. A chitlin, however, can make something of himself if he's motivated and has plenty of seasoning. When it comes to dealing with Chitlins, be very careful. Chitlins can burn and then erupt like Vesuvius, and this can make for a really terrible mess. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra. Remember that when marriage time rolls around.
BOLL WEEVIL-Feb 20 - Mar 20
You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.
MOON PIE-Mar 21 - Apr 20
You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. You probably need to get out more. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.
POSSUM-Apr 21 - May 21
When confronted with life's difficulties, you tend to have a "don't-bother" attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you. One day, however, it won't work, and you may find your problems actually running you over.
CRAWFISH-May 22 - Jun 21
Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're always hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically, but you have very good heads.
COLLARDS-Jun 22- Jul 23
Collards have a genius for communication. They have a zest for life and share their essence with the essences of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.
CATFISH-Jul 24 - Aug 23
Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, with one exception: Whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. Catfish are never easy people to understand. You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
GRITS-Aug 24 - Sept 23
Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel, though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well.
BOILED PEANUTS-Sep 24 - Oct 23
You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best - your friends and loved - may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will probably affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
BUTTER BEAN-Oct 24 - Nov 22
Always invite a Butter Bean because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.
ARMADILLO-Nov 23 - Dec 21
You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle. A good evening for you? Friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but Possum is another somewhat [adventurous] mating possibility.
Source: Muse 30
OKRA-Dec 22 - Jan 20
Although you appear crude, you are actually very slick on the inside. Okrans have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon Pies.
CHITLINS-Jan 21 - Feb 19
Chitlins often come from humble backgrounds. Many times they're uncomfortable talking about just where they came from. A chitlin, however, can make something of himself if he's motivated and has plenty of seasoning. When it comes to dealing with Chitlins, be very careful. Chitlins can burn and then erupt like Vesuvius, and this can make for a really terrible mess. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra. Remember that when marriage time rolls around.
BOLL WEEVIL-Feb 20 - Mar 20
You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't worry about it.
MOON PIE-Mar 21 - Apr 20
You're the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. You probably need to get out more. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.
POSSUM-Apr 21 - May 21
When confronted with life's difficulties, you tend to have a "don't-bother" attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you. One day, however, it won't work, and you may find your problems actually running you over.
CRAWFISH-May 22 - Jun 21
Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you're always hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically, but you have very good heads.
COLLARDS-Jun 22- Jul 23
Collards have a genius for communication. They have a zest for life and share their essence with the essences of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.
CATFISH-Jul 24 - Aug 23
Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, with one exception: Whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. Catfish are never easy people to understand. You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.
GRITS-Aug 24 - Sept 23
Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel, though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well.
BOILED PEANUTS-Sep 24 - Oct 23
You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best - your friends and loved - may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will probably affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
BUTTER BEAN-Oct 24 - Nov 22
Always invite a Butter Bean because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.
ARMADILLO-Nov 23 - Dec 21
You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle. A good evening for you? Friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms and insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo, but Possum is another somewhat [adventurous] mating possibility.
Source: Muse 30
Friday, May 29, 2009
Examining workers' compensation
I’ve been working in communications many years. Few people know that I once held a job handling workers' compensation claims. You learn a lot about the workplace when you see the reports. Sometimes you hear some amazing stories about injuries and workplace conditions.I am not an attorney, but I do know that all states have workers’ compensation laws. Most were enacted during the 1920s. These statutes are designed to ensure that employees who are injured or disabled on the job are provided with lost wages, as well as medical and other benefits. These laws also provide benefits for dependents of those workers who are killed because of work-related accidents or illnesses.
For instance, the state of Pennsylvania has established the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The agency is charged with protecting employees’ rights and making sure that employers are in compliance with the law. However, even though statutes are in place to protect employees, circumstances arise that prompt employees to seek legal counsel. For such employees, there are Philadelphia workers' compensation lawyers.
Unfortunately, there are times when employees die as a result of work-related accidents or illnesses. Families of the victims may elect to contact a Philadelphia workers' compensation attorney to consider their options.
The claims process can be complex, and employees (or their families) may be unsure about their rights under the law. In those cases, those affected may ask seek advice from Philadelphia workers' compensation attorneys.
Most of us know friends or family members who have filed workers’ comp claims. The claims are not processed overnight, and employees often want to know what to expect. An injured worker may wonder if the employer is acting in his best interests.
Claims are serious business. Employees who are injured on the job rely on their incomes to care of their families. Any employee with serious concerns has the right to call a Philadelphia workers' compensation lawyer.
It pays to know your rights under the law. Call experts in the field to make sure that you are receiving the protection you deserve.
Skyrocketing bank fees
U.S. House Democrats are urging the Federal Reserve to issue rules requiring banks to obtain approval from customers before allowing them to overdraw from their bank accounts using debit cards and automatic teller machines, a step that could include a hefty fee.
Reuters reports that the proposals would apply only to electronic fund transfers using debit cards and automatic teller machines.
The Federal Reserve is considering new rules on possibly requiring banks to offer customers an opt-in to overdraft programs or whether an opt-out mechanism is sufficient.
Overdraft fees is the next area lawmakers want to address. This comes after Congress passed a comprehensive credit card bill. Consumers had lodged complaints of hidden fees and unexpected changes to their credit card terms and billing practices.
Meanwhile, USA Today reports that banks are finding ways to boost fees, with checking accounts being the latest target. Click here for details.
Reuters reports that the proposals would apply only to electronic fund transfers using debit cards and automatic teller machines.
The Federal Reserve is considering new rules on possibly requiring banks to offer customers an opt-in to overdraft programs or whether an opt-out mechanism is sufficient.
Overdraft fees is the next area lawmakers want to address. This comes after Congress passed a comprehensive credit card bill. Consumers had lodged complaints of hidden fees and unexpected changes to their credit card terms and billing practices.
Meanwhile, USA Today reports that banks are finding ways to boost fees, with checking accounts being the latest target. Click here for details.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Making the case for personal checks
Maybe I'm a little old-fashioned, but I still carry a checkbook. My young adult daughter, Elizabeth, holds a different view when it comes to checks. She doesn't believe she needs them. Even though I handle many of my banking transactions electronically, I still keep personal checks on hand. Elizabeth has never ordered checks. From time to time, she has come to regret this.
Occasionally, my daughter will need to pay a bill and the company doesn't have an electronic pay feature. Usually, she'll come to me with cash and ask me to write out a check. Recently, my daughter started a new job. She wanted direct deposit for her paychecks, but she didn't have a personal check that she could void. The employer also wouldn't accept starter checks. So my daughter is stuck with picking up her checks on payday and running to the bank.
Without a doubt, Americans are using paper less and less in their financial transactions. Many predict that someday we'll be a paperless society, but I'm not sure if will ever be the case.
Some of us still have a bit of "old school" in us. We like to whip out a check now and then. We're not ready to be totally dependent on plastic.
If I'm going to have checks, I want a little personalization -- something that expresses "me". I like anything that has to do with water, so checks with tropical fish are perfect.
Occasionally, my daughter will need to pay a bill and the company doesn't have an electronic pay feature. Usually, she'll come to me with cash and ask me to write out a check. Recently, my daughter started a new job. She wanted direct deposit for her paychecks, but she didn't have a personal check that she could void. The employer also wouldn't accept starter checks. So my daughter is stuck with picking up her checks on payday and running to the bank.
Without a doubt, Americans are using paper less and less in their financial transactions. Many predict that someday we'll be a paperless society, but I'm not sure if will ever be the case.
Some of us still have a bit of "old school" in us. We like to whip out a check now and then. We're not ready to be totally dependent on plastic.
If I'm going to have checks, I want a little personalization -- something that expresses "me". I like anything that has to do with water, so checks with tropical fish are perfect.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Slumping economy impacts vacations
According to a survey by CareerBuilder.com, 35 percent of workers say they haven't gone on or aren't planning to take a vacation this year. Of those, 71 percent said they just can't afford a vacation during the recession. As a result, more people are electing to stay close to home during their time off.
Meanwhile, small business owners say that vacations and holidays are luxuries they can hardly afford. That's according to a recent survey of 750 small-business owners by credit card issuerDiscover Financial Services . As these entrepreneurs continue to hunt for new clients and survive the ailing economy, they are scheduling less down time.
Is the recession impacting your leisure time?
Sources: Houston Chronicle, USA Today
Tags: Vacations, Recession, Business, Media by Sistrunk
Meanwhile, small business owners say that vacations and holidays are luxuries they can hardly afford. That's according to a recent survey of 750 small-business owners by credit card issuer
Is the recession impacting your leisure time?
Sources: Houston Chronicle, USA Today
Tags: Vacations, Recession, Business, Media by Sistrunk
Vacation remedies for a workaholic
I am a self-professed workaholic, and I'm way overdue for some R & R. Recently, I stumbled across some images on the Web of Telluride, Colo. It didn't take me long to learn more about this mountain community from the Telluride Tourism Board.The mountains themselves are breathtaking, especially to someone like me, who grew up in America's central plains. When I read about Telluride's rich history and culture, I began to consider the region as a perfect vacation getaway.
If I decide to opt for a long weekend, I'd love to experience Telluride Jazz Festival, which will be held June 5-7. The event is billed a
s a "celebration of the art, soul, history, and future of an all-American art form." A hot-air balloon event is also taking place that weekend.If I hold off until the first weekend in July -- the Independence Day weekend -- I could be on hand for the Red, White & Blues Concert. I'm always up for a good blues event.
Telluride is hosting 20 weekend festivals this summer, and there's something for everyone. I could even make this a family affair. Telluride has a special going right now. If I buy three plane tickets, the fourth person flies free. The 4th Flies Free offer is good for anyone purchasing three tickets if they fly into Montrose Regional Airport.
When I take my next vacation, it might be a long weekend. I might take a whole week off. Either way, if I'm in Telluride, I'll have plenty of things to enjoy.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Writing tip of the week
Letting too many people comment on the style and substance of a document you have written is a surefire way to slow down progress. It also hampers communication.
The reason is simple. People who review the document feel compelled to change a word, add a phrase or leave some other imprint, even if the copy is well written. Unfortunately, some people equate wordiness with effective writing. Some even insist on imposing out-of-date grammar and writing styles. And let's be honest. Some people simply cannot write.
If you've ever faced this problem, there is a solution: Restrict comments on style to only one or two colleagues who are skilled enough to make such comments. From the others, insist that they read only for substance and accuracy. Always make the case for simple and concise writing, and stick to your guns.
The reason is simple. People who review the document feel compelled to change a word, add a phrase or leave some other imprint, even if the copy is well written. Unfortunately, some people equate wordiness with effective writing. Some even insist on imposing out-of-date grammar and writing styles. And let's be honest. Some people simply cannot write.
If you've ever faced this problem, there is a solution: Restrict comments on style to only one or two colleagues who are skilled enough to make such comments. From the others, insist that they read only for substance and accuracy. Always make the case for simple and concise writing, and stick to your guns.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Under the weather? Google wants to know.
Are you stuffy, sneezy, or in pain? Do you go online to figure out what ails you? If so, Google wants to know.The Internet giant has a new post on its blog -- Understanding health-related searches. The new post reads, in part:
Today we've started a temporary experiment that some people might find interesting: we're researching how Google users search the Internet when they or someone they know is feeling sick.
Understanding how people search when they're feeling sick is an important problem to solve, as it can help improve projects like Google Flu Trends, which uses aggregated search data to detect influenza epidemics. Statistics gathered in this experiment may also help Google deliver more relevant search results in the future.
Google recently announced several new efforts to enhance its search features. To read the health post in its entirety, click here.
Tags: Google, Internet, Health, Media by Sistrunk
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Offbeat news
Gun Teacher Accidentally Shot Student (United Press International)
Police said a Michigan concealed weapons teacher accidentally shot a student in the face during a demonstration.
Snake Head in Food Rattles Diner at Restaurant
(Associated Press)
A diner at a T.G.I. Friday's in upstate New York says he got a little something extra with his broccoli: a severed snake head.
Postman Bitten by Snake in a Box(United Press International)
A British letter carrier got an unpleasant surprise when a venomous snake lurking in a post box bit him on the hand.
Man Steals 'Prisoner' T-Shirt from Jail(Associated Press)
A 20-year-old man was locked up once again after being charged with stealing his prisoner T-shirt from a previous stint at the Fresno County Jail.
Tags: Strange News, Media by Sistrunk
Snake Head in Food Rattles Diner at Restaurant
(Associated Press)
Postman Bitten by Snake in a Box
Man Steals 'Prisoner' T-Shirt from Jail
Tags: Strange News, Media by Sistrunk
Monday, May 04, 2009
Political humor
Comedian Jay Leno recently delivered these gems on his show:
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Tags: Political Humor, Humor, Politics, Media by Sistrunk
The White House says as of now, it is not contained. It could continue to get worse. And they were just talking about Joe Biden.
A vacancy on the Supreme Court. This is something we haven't seen in awhile. Let's just hope the President is better at picking a justice than the justices were at picking a president.
As you may have heard, the White House has a brand-new puppy. I believe his name is Arlen Specter.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Tags: Political Humor, Humor, Politics, Media by Sistrunk
Friday, May 01, 2009
White House steps up Web presence
The White House took a major leap into the Web 2.0 world on today, launching pages on social networks MySpace and Facebook and sending its first "tweets" on Twitter.Content from President Obama's website WhiteHouse.gov is being fed in real time to White House profile pages on MySpace and Facebook and members of the communities can sign up as Facebook "fans" or MySpace "friends."
The White House had more than 31,000 fans on Facebook and more than 4,000 friends on MySpace within a few hours of the pages going online while more than 8,500 people had signed up as "followers" of the White House on Twitter.
"Technology has profoundly impacted how -- and where -- we all consume information and communicate with one another," the White House said in a blog post on WhiteHouse.gov titled "WhiteHouse 2.0."
The White House invited feedback from users and both the MySpace and Facebook pages were deluged with comments.
Tags: Barack Obama, Social Media, Technology, Politics, Media by Sistrunk
Intergenerational project honors preservationist
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joins two other organizations in sponsoring a photo, essay, and poetry contest "that best expresses the Sense of Wonder that you feel for the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes." Generations United and Rachel Carson Inc. are co-sponsors. The contest honors Rachel Carson, the late preservationist and ecologist.
In her book The Sense of Wonder (written in the 1950s and published in a magazine in 1956), Carson used lyrical passages about the beauty of nature. She enjoyed helping children develop a sense of wonder and love of nature.
Prize: Publication on the websites of EPA Aging Initiative, Generations United, and Rachel Carson Council, Inc.
Eligibility: Entries must be joint projects involving a young person under 18 and someone aged 50 or older.
Deadline: June 10, 2009.
In her book The Sense of Wonder (written in the 1950s and published in a magazine in 1956), Carson used lyrical passages about the beauty of nature. She enjoyed helping children develop a sense of wonder and love of nature.
Prize: Publication on the websites of EPA Aging Initiative, Generations United, and Rachel Carson Council, Inc.
Eligibility: Entries must be joint projects involving a young person under 18 and someone aged 50 or older.
Deadline: June 10, 2009.
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