News for today's 2018: 11/19/11

Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

5:30 PM Tukiyooo 0

Debate on Austerity and the Eurozone

Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

5:28 PM Tukiyooo 0

Cameron of Arabia, Sarkozy of Damascus

Cameron and Sarkozy to lead a "diplomatic drive" to remove the Assad?

A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

3:32 PM Tukiyooo 0

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F0PVNA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001F0PVN0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=046C5S1KQD8F733ZH6NX" target="_blank">Polar Heart rate monitor </a>(which I LOVE!). I've entered my food into the BodyMedia website, calories consumed (so far, 867 and it's 3:45 p.m. - I allow myself 1500).<br /><br />I noticed something. My workout shirt feels snugger. In my last post I casually mentioned I thought I'd gained a few pounds in the last ten days. The shirt I'm wearing, a t-strap tank, is definitely tighter than it was ten days ago. I remember it billowing around me and that it felt too big. Now it fits, but I prefer the "billowing" effect.<br /><br />I still haven't weighed. That alone is a sign that in my heart I know I've gained probably more than a "few pounds". My last weigh-in was October 31, 173.4. I bet I'm at least 180 right now, or even more. I know my body. It feels heavy. I felt it yesterday on the StairMaster, the strong pull of gravity when my body gets to a certain weight.<br /><br />So far today the food has been good. I've really missed fresh fruits and vegetables. Even though my hotel had a microwave and fridge, we ate out almost every meal during my ten days in Fairbanks.  <br /><br />Tomorrow will be my big weigh in, to figure out where I am and what I need to do. I have the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 201</a>2 on March 25, and I'd really like to lose 20 pounds by then. Regardless of my current weight - which is unknown right now - I want to lose 20 pounds.<br /><br />The skies are almost black here, looks like rain or maybe even snow. Guess I'd better get my big, fat derriere to the gym before I find an excuse to stay home, all warm and cozy by the fireplace.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

A gain of 5 or 6 pounds? Who did I think I was kidding?

I'm all dressed for the gym. My BodyMedia is on my left arm, along with my Polar Heart rate monitor (which I LOVE!). I've entered my...

4 interview killers

12:29 PM Anonymous 0

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Robert Half International</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/17/ar5f0kh6sb2l55jzlz17.gif?time=10/7/2011%2012:16:05%20pm" /></a></div><div class="cbmsnArticleImage">Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess and how you'd handle hypothetical work situations is hard enough. You don't want to compound the challenge by making an easily avoidable mistake, like showing up late or failing to bring an extra copy of your résumé.</div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the years, Robert Half International has surveyed hiring managers and workers, asking them to recount the biggest interview gaffes they've either seen or heard about. Following are some of the most unforgettable responses -- and suggestions for avoiding a similar fate.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't forget your people skills</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An individual applied for a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/customer+service/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">customer-service</a> job, and when asked what he might not like about the job, he said, 'Dealing with people.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me if she had realized it was our company, she wouldn't have shown up for the interview."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"When asked by the hiring manager why she was leaving her current job, the applicant said, 'My manager is a jerk. All managers are jerks.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how well you've prepared, you might find that nerves get the best of you in the heat of the moment. You wouldn't be the first person to stick your foot in your mouth, judging by the examples above.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">To guard against saying or doing something you might regret, conduct a practice interview with a friend or family member well ahead of the big event. The "interviewer" can alert you to instances when you seem more nervous than usual or become flustered. The practice will also help you feel more at ease during the real interview.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't focus on your needs over the employer's</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The applicant told me he really was not interested in the position, but he liked that we allowed for a lot of time off."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to need to take a lot of leave in the next year."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It goes without saying that the interview is a prime opportunity for you to learn more details about the position. But use common sense when digging for additional information.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Don't ask for the nitty-gritty about future compensation, benefits and perks until the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position. Jumping the gun will make it seem like you don't care about the job itself or making a meaningful contribution to the potential employer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">However, it is appropriate to ask about the position itself, even during the early rounds of interviewing. For example, you might inquire about the person who last held the role or about the types of professional development opportunities the company makes available to employees.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><a href="http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2483-Interviewing-What-not-to-wear/?sc_extcmp=JS_2483_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42483&catid=iv" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Don't dress down</a></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"A person came to the interview in pajamas with slippers."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"The candidate arrived with a snake around her neck. She took her pet everywhere."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"One job candidate left his dry cleaner tag on his jacket and said he wanted to show he was a clean individual."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"An applicant wore the uniform from his former employer."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">No matter how casual a potential employer's work environment seems, dress to impress. That means wearing a suit or other similar professional attire.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's highly unlikely a hiring manager will knock points off if you show up to the interview slightly overdressed. However, coming in casual attire may give the impression that you're not serious about the position or cause the interviewer to question your professionalism.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is one of those small details that can speak volumes, so don't take any chances.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Don't be dishonest</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After being complimented on his choice of college and the GPA he achieved, the candidate replied, 'I'm glad that got your attention. I didn't really go there.'"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">--"After arriving for an early morning interview, the job seeker asked to use the hiring manager's phone. She proceeded to fake a coughing fit as she called in sick to her boss."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you've been on the job hunt for a while, it can be tempting to stretch the truth during the interview in order to make yourself seem more qualified. After all, what's one little white lie?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But keep in mind most employers conduct reference or background checks prior to extending an employment offer. And in the age of <a href="http://www.google.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Google</a> and social media, it's easier than ever to uncover false information. If that happens, you can be guaranteed you won't be offered the position, and your professional reputation can suffer irreparable harm.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Even if your lie isn't uncovered right away, you could be setting yourself up for failure. If you exaggerate your skills or experience, you may not be able to successfully complete the position's duties once hired. It's best to give the hiring manager an accurate depiction of your abilities so both you and the employer can be confident the job is right for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The bottom line: It's never OK to lie during the interview, no matter how small the fib might seem. Always stick to the facts and build a case for the position you seek based solely on your actual skills and experience.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, visit </i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com</i></a><i>. For additional career advice, view our career bloopers video series at</i><a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you</i></a><i> or follow us on Twitter at </i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/roberthalf" style="color: #3300cc; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><i>www.twitter.com/roberthalf</i></a><i>.</i></div></div>

4 interview killers

Robert Half International Job interviews are stressful. Being peppered with questions about your employment history, the skills you possess ...

I am...my sister (well, sort of)

5:27 AM Tukiyooo 0

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s1600/joyce1992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVue-0p8Tb0yzLCgGZwFSB3gDN8o71IShQ6NUEUbECojb8ZQnOf-1mMZHW30jMkupV1fZ3GC97e9JlQQgJg4hRLZhALyOEpaEu79Yzw2rvsPL4xdgOtOp1kjQpEuk9En7MzSZyig84Nzn/s400/joyce1992.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Joyce, 1992...on their property in Alaska, before they built their house. This was an old travel trailer where they stayed on weekends while their house was being build. Check out those legs. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s1600/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1e8MAPUL4kBPoLGSAXX7e_8JeEpBK-0UZx71fxxrxY5FL5FKgD5REoucp-WDJY9DwftfVOYqLMdhNHLfBZ4dOIy2amdwkuYQBTc6UOa7NU8NGH2TdKnqs728eTuPu0r-5SLOzMJaGgbj/s400/Joyce+pre+hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This is Joyce November 13, 2011. She'd just had her first shower in five weeks. Since she started eating again two weeks previous to this picture (after four weeks of not eating anything), she decided she wanted to get better. I'm doing her hair. She was beautiful after the hair and makeup, but the pictures of her with the family were weird. Something was wrong with her smile. It was more of a grimace. Her best friend told me I couldn't show them to anyone because Joyce would be horrified. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Joyce update (my sister, 73 years old, had a stroke on September 21, 2011)</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>I'm home and filled with emotions.<br /><br />My last post was the day of the court hearing. That day was actually very easy. Even though I was a little nervous sitting in front of a judge, in a court room, it went well. I was represented by the assistant Attorney General as well as the Adult Protective Services. It was a done deal before the hearing even started. I was appointed to be my sister's guardian and conservator.<br /><br />This gave me full control over her medical decisions, and full responsibility of her financial obligations. Unfortunately, all her assets, her home and 100 acres, her apartment complex she owns, her savings and checking accounts, as well as a stock portfolio, were all tied up inside of a family trust. The person in control of that trust, yes, you guessed it...the crazy niece who was refusing to pay any bills.<br /><br />This meant I had to hire an attorney and petition the court to become the successor trustee. It took about three days for my attorney to gather affidavits from everyone involved, including affidavits from my other niece and my brother to renounce their positions as successor trustee in the second and third positions. The Attorney General stepped in and put a lock on all assets with a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order which the court awarded in 24 hours). This prevented the other niece from touching the assets.<br /><br />After all of this, "the" niece called my attorney and agreed to voluntarily renounce her position as the #1 trustee. She signed the paperwork at my attorney's office yesterday. She also left a giant box of paperwork regarding my sister's finances at my attorney's office.<br /><br />I'm now the successor trustee of the trust, and now the real work begins. Sorting out my sister's finances, paying bills (including filing her 2010 income taxes), and selling some of her property. This is all on top of dealing with her doctor, her physical, occupational, and speech therapists. As well as the staff at her assisted living home, that I'm in contact with several days a week, checking on the status of my sister. <br /><br />I'm returning to Fairbanks the week after Thanksgiving to meet with a real estate attorney and an estate attorney. I need help figuring out how to best manage all this stuff. Apparently there are laws regarding managing an apartment complex, either I have to manage it (representing my sister as the owner), or hire someone with a real estate license. There's also a thing called a Miller Trust that may help protect her home. All stuff to ask the attorneys.<br /><br />I've taken on quite a bit of responsibility and feel a bit overwhelmed right now. Since I'm being watched by the courts, my every move has to be documented.<br /><br />This morning I'm going to dig into QuickBooks, so I have a complete accounting of her finances.<br /><br />The good news is my sister is eating like she's probably never eaten in her life. Yesterday she had apple pancakes and bacon. I doubt she's eaten like this since she was a teenager. For as long as I've known her she's always been on a diet. Always watching every bite she ate, being super careful. She's getting stronger and getting into a wheelchair twice a day for an hour at a time. She's totally different than she was three weeks ago. Her will to live has returned. Thank God. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The diet and exercise update</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's not a lot to say on this topic. I tried to eat healthy while in Fairbanks during my last stay (ten days in a hotel...ugh!). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My sister's best friend flew up from Palm Springs and stayed with me for the ten days I was there. She's now my BFF. I love her! Her name is Charlie and she's hysterical to be around. She had me laughing at the most serious situations. I met Charlie a few times in the past but never spent much time with her. This gave us a great opportunity to become fast friends. Now I totally understand why she and my sister have been BFFs for over 25 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Charlie is skinny and gorgeous, but she works hard to look as fabulous as she does (she's 60, but my God that woman has a hot body). I followed her lead on eating, but after about five days I felt like I was starving to death and started eating a little more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cropped my sister out of this picture. Even though she really is gorgeous, with her hair all curled and makeup, the picture doesn't look like her. She's always had perfect teeth (still does) and a perfect smile. It's like she can't remember how to smile. Since I promised Charlie I wouldn't show it to anyone, I cropped her out. Isn't Charlie gorgeous? The woman should be a standup comic, and she has a heart of gold. Love her! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s1600/C+and+D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcMUBa79wm71Bgyc41dOV2VgTpatVV8pDzJ2PZy_W7JUU6VkZqUILCzKVwHAG8wNGk4U_TVfaMr2_5lDihvN99UcBJTOK728QogfTYD_gvjQTZ9Y-BWVKFKxL7rKdoqDYJLhE0a4aE6VW/s400/C+and+D.png" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I've gained some weight and I haven't been on the scales yet. Not a lot of weight, probably about five or six pounds. My clothes all fit, but I feel fluffier. Although Charlie works out at home on a regular basis, she just wasn't into it while we were in Fairbanks. In those ten days I only worked out three times. Not good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was back at the gym yesterday, doing the StairMaster (preparing for the <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageNavigator/BC_homepage" target="_blank">Big Climb 2012</a>, March 25). I managed 30 minutes but thought I was going to die. I only completed 105 floors. How on earth was I doing 130 floors on that thing a year ago? I swear I couldn't have gone any faster.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, it's the gym again, but now I'm wearing my BodyMedia and tracking my food. Just because I have some major things going on, it's not a reason to stop paying attention to my diet and exercise. In fact, it's really important right now that I stay healthy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Did I mention how happy I am to be home? I'm super happy to be home with my husband and kitty. Yes, in that order. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One last picture for you...the Fairbanks International Airport, November 15, at 2:30pm. Check out that sun. It was -20 degrees (that's below zero), and dropped to -36 that night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s1600/2pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbArgQesJ4dP4KDcGf2T1T_QwxsWoBp4IL0HaeAQboizQqFUmw8Y0iAPN2jKecoEdJteYuNFGsIRY4glKMe3I-JGb1_KXrspY63dDROiwuNpi3knIrLhp6musNNiLPBcv18v5Z2ZF39_-/s400/2pm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>