Can We Reinvent America?

Michael Tchong started an interesting and meaningful conversation by way of his post at Ubercool.com and invites us all to join in.

He speaks about Reinventing America...can we do it? In this time of 'change', can we group together and come up with ideas and solutions to improve this country?

We have so many issues to deal with at once. Our economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the outrageous cost of education, global warming, an infrastructure that is crumbling around us and American workers with uncertain futures.

All these issues are being talked about in one place. What are your thoughts? Your opinions on how we can change or reinvent America? Do you think our new President will be able to tackle all these issues and be successful?

Can Your Favorite Color Predict Your Perfect Job?

According to Careerbuilder.com, your favorite colors and which colors you prefer most to least, can help you figure out which career is best for you. Your color choices can reveal how you approach work, handle tasks and what types of workplaces is right for you.

First you pick the color you prefer most...red, yellow or blue. Then you choose the colors you prefer second...green, purple or orange and then achromatic colors...black, white or brown.

Your preferred color choice determines your talents and how you go about tasks. This color choice can also indicate what you overdo.

Here are some examples of what certain choices may reveal:

If you prefer: yellow, purple and white: You're the communicator.
Careers in corporate communications, marketing or religious occupations work best.

If you prefer: red, green and black: You're the investor.
Careers in finance, accounting, banking, manufacturing, property management, production analysis, investment, money management, consulting, product sales or teaching.

If you prefer: blue, orange and brown: You're the activist.
Careers in engineering, building, or developing new programs, companies or products. Also consider law enforcement, firefighting, social or government work.

For your own free career evaluation, visit:

http://www.careerpath.com/careerassessmentquiz/colorcareercounselor.aspx and find out your results.

Could This Be?

Dr. Phil's Test

Dr. Phil's Test: Here you go. Try this!

Below is Dr Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) Some people pay a lot of money to find this stuff out!.

Read on, this is very interesting!

Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself.

Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now --- not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready .

This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees. It's only 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Ready?

Begin.

1. When do you feel your best?

a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk...

a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you. . .

a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with. . .

a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) you r legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...

a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...

a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...

a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?

a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...

a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...

a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for some thing or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS : Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care.' You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to be come too deeply involved with you.
51 TO 60 POINTS : Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them u p and help them out. < /U>

31 TO 40 POINTS : Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you' re boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

If you took this test, were your results accurate? Please let me know by way of leaving a comment.

Breaking Into The Music Industry

Music is a big part of my life. Some of you may or may not be aware that I worked in the music industry for about 11 years. The first 6 working with Peacekeeper Security and then another 5 working with promoters from AM Productions.

Those years were filled with great memories. I met wonderful people, talented artists, including actors and actresses. Some of which I still keep in contact with. I was able to see both sides of the industry: the fan and business side.

I lucked out knowing the owners of both those businesses, but did you ever have a secret dream of getting into the music industry? Would you know how to seek out careers in music?

Artist House Foundation at artistshousemusic.org is a great site to get started. Run by John Snyder, he offers a guide to a life in music and provides it through a learning experience about music and the music business.

You will find advice to parents, discussions on the business side of the industry and many resources: Such as video and article content, exclusive interviews, finding the best school, master classes, learn how to cut a cd, write a song and a community that is free to join. This community offers you the benefits of free lessons, news updates, music content only available to you and much more.

Do you have questions? Get them answered by the industry experts.

You may not even realize the many music careers available. Production, marketing, legal...literally hundreds of positions.

Behind that concert you attend, are literally hundreds of people working together to make things run smooth. Lighting, sound, production, security, stage hands,runners, guitar techs, riggers, merchandise, make up, wardrobe...too many to list.

If you are interested in the many music careers available and learn how to break into the business, take a look at this site. You'll be amazed at the content, the resources and the information provided.

Legislative Action Soon on Ten Week Paid Family Leave

A paid family leave mandate requiring all employers to provide 10 weeks of paid leave is expected to be considered soon.

There has been a lot of controversy regarding this issue. S-2249 is the bill number of the proposed paid leave mandate. The legislation is expected to see a final vote before the current session ends on January 8, 2008.

The bill would provide employees with 10 weeks of paid leave every year to care for a newborn, adopted child or an ill family member. It applies to all companies, even those with as few as two employees.

New Jersey Business Industry Association members are arguing that it makes no sense to impose the same one size fits all, paid leave mandate on every employer. Under this mandate, businesses will be out nearly three months without key workers and force them to pay increased costs related to temporary workers, overtime and lost productivity.

Assembly speaker Joseph Roberts and Senate President Richard Codey, made it clear they feel the current bill goes too far and would have to be scaled back before a vote could be scheduled. Roberts also said he believes the number of weeks in the current bill is too high and the inclusion of all small businesses is too severe.

I am sure employees are hoping this bill passes, while employers are fighting against this mandate.

Source: NJ Business & Industry Association

Newest Health Hazard ?

The printer in your office may be the newest health hazard. The International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health at Australia's Queensland University of Technology did a study that finds the air quality may be affected by your choice of office printers.

The study looked at particulates and emissions and found that only 60% of the 62 printers assessed were 'nonemitting'

Researchers were looking for what is known as PM 2.5 or fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These are so tiny and said to pose the greatest health risk as they can lodge deeply into the lungs.

Those considered 'high emitting' include several Hewlett Packard printers and one made by Tshiba.

To reduce the risk, researchers suggest ensuring that offices are well ventilated to allow airborne particles to disperse.

Source: Osha Compliance advisor

How Well Do You Communicate?

Have you ever felt communicating with someone can be difficult or challenging? or When speaking to someone, whether it be at work,home or in our personal relationships, messages can easily be misunderstood, misconstrued and mistaken for something they're not? Surely that can lead to confusion and frustration.

We have to remember people have different goals, tempers, backgrounds, perception, ideas and personal rules. I think if we keep that in the back of our minds when communicating, it will make it easier to get our point across.

A person can be successful when communicating if you have the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as your own.

Think of how many times you've said, or heard others say: "But I thought you meant...." or "I assumed you were talking about...." or "No, you've completely misunderstood what I was saying."

These little phrases come out of our mouths daily. We're so used to saying them we don't think about the wider implications: that it sometimes requires really hard work to make ourselves clear and to get ourselves understood by others.

When someone is talking to you, listen with the intent to understand first, not impose your ideas. Once that person feels heard, he or she will be open to then listen to you.

Effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the exact information or idea that the sender intended to send. Most successful leaders have one thing in common...strong communication skills. They have the ability to effectively communicate and connect with all different types and kinds of people and personalities

How Do you rate?

Take this quiz to find out: COMMUNICATION TEST

Here's my score...

Snapshot Report

Insightfulness
_____________74 (out of 100)

Your results indicate that you are fairly adept at interpreting other people’s words and actions and seeing things from their perspective - although the rare misunderstanding may occur. Overall however, you seem to realize that empathy is an essential part of good interpersonal skills and therefore, will do your best to place yourself in other people’s shoes in order to better understand them. For the most part, you can sense what others are thinking and will likely adjust your behavior accordingly if a person you’re conversing with seems confused or perhaps uncomfortable. There may be the occasional time when you pay more attention to the message you’re sending rather than how it’s received. With some time and experience, you’ll likely be able to improve your insight even more.

Help Wanted

This is not spam. I have recently expanded my business to include Homes Loans: Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Debt Consolidation. I am looking for additional quality people to further expand with me...go nationwide. I am taking this opportunity to network with my fellow bloggers and readers to extend this invitation.

This is REAL, PROVEN and FINANCIALLY BENEFICIAL

Do you Dream of Building Your Own Business?

You journey through life working way too many hours for too little pay.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY !

The only way you can achieve financial freedom and control your own destiny is to have a successful business of your own.

I have recently expanded my business and I now want to expand further.

I am offering a risk-free opportunity to join me.
* No major investment
* No franchise fees
* No loss of job security
* No experience required
* No inventory
* Unlimited Territory
* Unlimited Opportunity

The ever growing Real Estate Market. Did you know that 78 BILLION dollars were made in real estate commissions?

We want to create more financially independent families than any other business. We are commited to helping people make their dreams come true. Whether it's controlling their debt, buying their dream home or building tremendous wealth.

Our system gives our leaders a proven, predictable turnkey plan for building and running a successful mortgage business. You run the system and that system runs and helps build your business.

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Create a business within a business.

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS:
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Clients already have listed with you. You are showing homes to potential buyers. Mortgage Loans are needed. You can help both the buyer and seller.

For the right person, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
* 100% compensation plan
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CONTACT ME: andrea@acassociatesusa.com for additional details.

Business Opportunity

Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Dedt Consolidation Loans

Social Networking Sites

If the phrase "Social Networking site" brings to mind only giggly teenagers or finding a date, think again.

Entrepreneurs are using these sites to get advice and recommendations from other business owners. They're also finding employees, meeting potiential clients, investors and attracting customers.

These sites may offer limited marketing tools, but they are worth looking into.
You can create a profile, link to other profiles and networks. Members have a fair amount of control over how much information you want to reveal to other members.

You can post to various discussion groups, bringing attention to your company. Reconnect with past clients, business associates, or former contacts.

Thinking of starting a new company? Check out JumpUp. Created by Intuit, it offers many tools, including templates for business planning and financial calculators

If you have a business plan and looking for investors. Look at Go Big Network, which aims to connect start-ups, investors and job seekers.

Entrepreneurs wanting to broadcast their business might want to check out iKarma. Customers can rate and review services.

LinkedIn is the largest social networking site for business. Reconnect with former clients/colleagues, forge partnerships, hire new employees or attract customers.

Ryze's strength is probably as a source of advice from other business owners. It has 19 groups for entrepreneurs and 10 for small businesses which include those specifically for women entrepreneurs, start ups and even entrepreneurs with attention deficit disorder.

Do You Use a Laptop?

Seems like a silly question in the year 2007, but according to a recent survey of participants ranging in age from 24 to 64, firm leaders by Design Intelligence say...

• 28.8% said they were not able to set up their own email accounts without assistance from IT
• 88.5% admitted to not being proficient at using building information modeling (BIM) tools

This survey was aimed to reveal use and comfort level for well-established and emergency tools and technologies.

• 8% said they don't use laptops
• 19.5% don't use desktops
• 73.5 use both
• 80% Trust their antivirus software
• 20% Do not

Another question asked....

Have You Ever Owned an LP?

• 39% said yes
• 18% said no
• 43% asked what an LP was

If you don't know what an LP is: a long playing vinyl record

What Motivates the Need for Power in the Workplace?

The need is like a 'drug'. The source of this drug is 'pride'

When working for a leader who needs power for their sense of well being is a demoralizing experience.

Employees become the personal staff of the one in power when working in a power based company.

Can humility be the antidote for this drug?

Humility shouldn't be confused with weakness. Author Jim Collins calls the tension between personal humility and a fierce professional will is the best way to prevent or undo the ravages of pride.

Leaders who are characterized by humility are determined to harness the influence and authority they have been given to achieve results through hard work and innovation.

Humble leaders know their stengths and aren't afraid to use them. Also equally aware of the weaknesses and welcome feedback to stay on course and enhance their leadership

According to Kogan & Company, a leader should not be:

• Rigid
• Small minded
• Insecure or defensive
• Selfish
• Distrustful
• Overly malleable
• Poor Listeners
• Dishonest - financial dishonesty and not following through on their word given

Do you agree or disagree?

Source: Ioma