Monday, October 26, 2009
Recession Drives Surge in Youth Runaways
Worth reading ... and watching: Recession prompts a surge in young runaways. http://bit.ly/1NzULf. Video: http://bit.ly/FcqVP
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
Real things your cell phone can do that you didn't know about
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST
Emergency: The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone.
Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object.
You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'
THIRD
Hidden Battery Power: Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use /sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells: Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.
When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST
Emergency: The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone.
Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object.
You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'
THIRD
Hidden Battery Power: Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH
How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use /sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
And Finally....
FIFTH
Free Directory Service for Cells: Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.
When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Love Your Life: 5 Simple Steps
By RealAge
Being happy takes practice, but the results are well worth the effort!
What really makes you happy?
Mounting obligations and hectic schedules can make it all too easy to lose track. But whether it's the little things in life that make you smile, or the joy of working toward a larger goal, focusing on your happiness each day can help protect your emotional well-being and your physical health.
Follow these simple steps to rediscover your passion for life.
1. Value Your Daily Diversions
When you're adding items to your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. If you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside, make time for at least one of your favorite diversions every day.
Consider crossing out pesky items on your list that you keep saying you're going to do but haven't gotten to in over a year, like alphabetizing your bills or organizing your sock drawer. Or get rid of a time-consuming chore that isn't enhancing your life one bit.
2. Build Your Strength and Independence
We all have low-energy days, but if you can resist the urge to skip your daily workout when you’re feeling low, you'll be rewarded both now and later. Try this trick: Tell yourself that you need to do only 10 minutes of exercise. Once you're up and moving (and feeling better) you'll most likely want to finish your workout. Even if you can't push past the 10-minute mark on the occasional bad day, you’ll feel good about doing at least a little something. Sticking with an exercise plan helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances production of mood-boosting hormones.
3. Squash Your Stressors
Defuse daily hassles by practicing stress-reduction strategies. Try taking deep-breathing breaks throughout the day, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeating this action three or four times allows more oxygen to get into your bloodstream, creating a feeling of calm. Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation also are effective ways of reducing tension, stress, depression, and anxiety. And a brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate your stress and lift your spirits than eating the bad-for-you snacks you might crave when feeling frantic.
4. Celebrate and Share Your Skills
Volunteer at a local school, club, or community organization. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but research shows that volunteering can make you happier and improve your well-being, too. Feeling engaged and involved in your local community is good for your emotional health. It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Win-win.
5. Appreciate the People Around You
Unwind and share a few laughs with your family or friends at least once or twice each month. The openness and trust you share with the important people in your life can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. These regular connections will also have a positive impact on your health, especially when you share a good laugh. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins that can ease pain.
Also, don't neglect relationships at work. Colleagues and coworkers can provide valuable support and keep your blood pressure under control during stressful situations.
Feeling satisfied and fulfilled with your life is an essential part of your emotional and physical well-being. As you grow to appreciate your time, independence, self-assurance, skills, and relationships, you will be amazed at just how good you feel, both in body and in spirit.
Being happy takes practice, but the results are well worth the effort!
What really makes you happy?
Mounting obligations and hectic schedules can make it all too easy to lose track. But whether it's the little things in life that make you smile, or the joy of working toward a larger goal, focusing on your happiness each day can help protect your emotional well-being and your physical health.
Follow these simple steps to rediscover your passion for life.
1. Value Your Daily Diversions
When you're adding items to your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. If you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside, make time for at least one of your favorite diversions every day.
Consider crossing out pesky items on your list that you keep saying you're going to do but haven't gotten to in over a year, like alphabetizing your bills or organizing your sock drawer. Or get rid of a time-consuming chore that isn't enhancing your life one bit.
2. Build Your Strength and Independence
We all have low-energy days, but if you can resist the urge to skip your daily workout when you’re feeling low, you'll be rewarded both now and later. Try this trick: Tell yourself that you need to do only 10 minutes of exercise. Once you're up and moving (and feeling better) you'll most likely want to finish your workout. Even if you can't push past the 10-minute mark on the occasional bad day, you’ll feel good about doing at least a little something. Sticking with an exercise plan helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances production of mood-boosting hormones.
3. Squash Your Stressors
Defuse daily hassles by practicing stress-reduction strategies. Try taking deep-breathing breaks throughout the day, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeating this action three or four times allows more oxygen to get into your bloodstream, creating a feeling of calm. Progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation also are effective ways of reducing tension, stress, depression, and anxiety. And a brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate your stress and lift your spirits than eating the bad-for-you snacks you might crave when feeling frantic.
4. Celebrate and Share Your Skills
Volunteer at a local school, club, or community organization. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but research shows that volunteering can make you happier and improve your well-being, too. Feeling engaged and involved in your local community is good for your emotional health. It's also an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. Win-win.
5. Appreciate the People Around You
Unwind and share a few laughs with your family or friends at least once or twice each month. The openness and trust you share with the important people in your life can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. These regular connections will also have a positive impact on your health, especially when you share a good laugh. Laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins that can ease pain.
Also, don't neglect relationships at work. Colleagues and coworkers can provide valuable support and keep your blood pressure under control during stressful situations.
Feeling satisfied and fulfilled with your life is an essential part of your emotional and physical well-being. As you grow to appreciate your time, independence, self-assurance, skills, and relationships, you will be amazed at just how good you feel, both in body and in spirit.
A Cure for All That Annoys
By RealAge
Has the week gotten on your last nerve? Here's a way to turn your mood around tonight. Break out a clever comedy.
Clever is the key here. Researchers say that humor is a very effective way to assuage negative feelings -- if it takes a little mental muscle to figure out the punch line. So grab the Annie Hall DVD, not Dumb and Dumber.
Distraction Action
When researchers set out to see why humor is such a mood booster, they discovered something interesting. Highly demanding stimuli were more effective in tempering bad moods than less demanding stimuli were. In other words, it's the thinking that people do to "get" jokes that helps take their mind off their troubles.
Has the week gotten on your last nerve? Here's a way to turn your mood around tonight. Break out a clever comedy.
Clever is the key here. Researchers say that humor is a very effective way to assuage negative feelings -- if it takes a little mental muscle to figure out the punch line. So grab the Annie Hall DVD, not Dumb and Dumber.
Distraction Action
When researchers set out to see why humor is such a mood booster, they discovered something interesting. Highly demanding stimuli were more effective in tempering bad moods than less demanding stimuli were. In other words, it's the thinking that people do to "get" jokes that helps take their mind off their troubles.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Ways To Save Money During The Recession
One good thing that has come out of the economic recession is that more people are seeing the need to become savers instead of borrowers. It's because the recession has shaken our faith on the economy. People are losing jobs, losing their homes and losing their livelihoods. The old lifestyle of freely borrowing and spending is now seen as highly irresponsible, and a new lifestyle of frugality is encouraged.If you haven't started to save yet, now is the perfect time to start the habit. Here are some ways to save money today.
Stick to Your Budget
If you don't have a budget yet, it's about time you make one. List all your expenses and allocate a maximum amount you can spend on it. Make sure you allot a percentage for emergencies. Having a budget and sticking with it will help cut down your unnecessary expenses and save you from financial hardships.
Cut Down on Food Expenses
This does not mean you should go hungry, it just means you should find ways to reduce your total food costs. There are a lot of creative ways to do this, such as making your own meals at home, buying food supplies in bulk at the grocery store, reducing the frequency of your restaurant visits, and even planting a small vegetable garden at your house.
Pay Off All Consumer Debts
Consumer debt is a borrowing used to buy something (like a car, or groceries) as opposed to a borrowing used to invest or start a business. It is not a secret that most consumer debts, like bank loans and credit cards, have very high interest rates. The best thing to do during a financial recession is to get out of debt. Start using cash only and pay off all your existing consumer debts. If you have more than one consumer debt, cancel the card or loan with the highest interest first.
Build a Savings Account
Even if you're in debt, find ways to save even just a small percentage of your salary every month. Slowly build a savings account equivalent to at least three months of your living expenditures. This will become your emergency backup fund in case you lose your job or get sick. The problem with most Americans today is they're not saving for the future, they're too focused on the present. Go against the flow and protect your tomorrow first for yourself and your family.
Find a Secondary Source of Income
Generate another income stream for yourself. It doesn't matter how small it is, the extra money will surely help to either pay off your existing debts or to add to your savings account. The main problem for employees during a recession is that there is very little job security during these times. The good thing about having a secondary source of income is at the event that you lose your main job, you have a backup source to tide you over. You can take a second job on a part-time or freelance basis. You can also establish a small, start-up business at home. You can sell some of the things that you don't need anymore at a garage sale.
Stick to Your Budget
If you don't have a budget yet, it's about time you make one. List all your expenses and allocate a maximum amount you can spend on it. Make sure you allot a percentage for emergencies. Having a budget and sticking with it will help cut down your unnecessary expenses and save you from financial hardships.
Cut Down on Food Expenses
This does not mean you should go hungry, it just means you should find ways to reduce your total food costs. There are a lot of creative ways to do this, such as making your own meals at home, buying food supplies in bulk at the grocery store, reducing the frequency of your restaurant visits, and even planting a small vegetable garden at your house.
Pay Off All Consumer Debts
Consumer debt is a borrowing used to buy something (like a car, or groceries) as opposed to a borrowing used to invest or start a business. It is not a secret that most consumer debts, like bank loans and credit cards, have very high interest rates. The best thing to do during a financial recession is to get out of debt. Start using cash only and pay off all your existing consumer debts. If you have more than one consumer debt, cancel the card or loan with the highest interest first.
Build a Savings Account
Even if you're in debt, find ways to save even just a small percentage of your salary every month. Slowly build a savings account equivalent to at least three months of your living expenditures. This will become your emergency backup fund in case you lose your job or get sick. The problem with most Americans today is they're not saving for the future, they're too focused on the present. Go against the flow and protect your tomorrow first for yourself and your family.
Find a Secondary Source of Income
Generate another income stream for yourself. It doesn't matter how small it is, the extra money will surely help to either pay off your existing debts or to add to your savings account. The main problem for employees during a recession is that there is very little job security during these times. The good thing about having a secondary source of income is at the event that you lose your main job, you have a backup source to tide you over. You can take a second job on a part-time or freelance basis. You can also establish a small, start-up business at home. You can sell some of the things that you don't need anymore at a garage sale.
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