From a baby boomer perspective
Are you ready to stop using toxic chemicals to clean your home? There are many safe, green products that work well. My choice is Shaklee’s Get Clean products. I’ve used them for over 6 years, since I became a distributor. They work as well or better than the name brand, chemical cleaners I used to use.
Computers are wonderful and magical and … FRUSTRATING! Over the years, computers have become more intuitive and in some ways, easier to use. And many of us can’t get along without them. A computer is becoming as essential as a phone, electricity and a car.
As long as your computer keeps humming along, everything is fine. But, where do you turn when you hit a roadblock? A friend or relative can sometimes get you back on track. You might find your answer in Help and Support (Start by clicking your Start button in the lower left corner). And there’s always Microsoft support or a Google search, if you can figure out the right search terms. Tutorial videos are another good way to find answers and learn new computer tips and tricks.
TeachParentsTech.org is a Google site with many short videos for basic issues like how to copy and paste, change your homepage and attach a file to an email.
CommonCraft.com has many computer and Internet related videos that are very informative and entertaining.
Here’s a Common Craft video on The World Wide Web in Plain English . . .
And remember to stay safe online.
Where do you find answers to your computer questions?
(ARA) – You speak well, dress professionally, have impressive experience and can clearly communicate complex information in speech and writing. But thousands of other professionals and job-seekers possess the same qualities. So what sets the movers and shakers apart from the masses? Could it be charisma?
Many people can’t quite put their finger on that exact quality that makes certain professionals more desirable to prospective employers and many people believe charisma simply can’t be taught.
Not so, says Kurt Mortensen, a leading authority on persuasion, motivation and influence. It is possible for virtually anyone to develop a compelling presence. “Charisma is the ability to empower and persuade others to believe in you, trust in you and want to be influenced by you. If there is just one skill to master out of all the tools of persuasion and influence, it is charisma,” Mortensen explains. “It gives you the quickest return on your time and dramatically increases your success and income.”
It is possible to cultivate charisma, adding charm and the power to persuade to your repertoire of professional skills. Mortensen says that in order to develop charisma, you must hone 30 specific skills, traits and attributes. In his new book, “The Laws of Charisma,” Mortensen offers some advice for developing your personal charisma. Here is his insight into seven charismatic qualities and how you can develop them:
Find your passion
“Passion is critical to influencing others and transmitting charisma,” Mortensen says. “Charismatic people radiate heartfelt passion.” Exploring new tasks, topics and social or professional interactions will help you discover what you’re passionate about – and what doesn’t move you. Educating yourself about a particular topic, task or issue is a great way to increase your passion for it.
Know your purpose
When you find your purpose, your life will be easier and more enjoyable, Mortensen says. Ask yourself: “What is my destiny? Where do my interests, gifts and talents lie? What is my mission in life?” People with a purpose ooze charisma and naturally draw others to them. Their purpose inspires others.
Live with integrity
Integrity is consistency between your professed values and your actions. To enhance your charisma and influence others, you must radiate integrity. What do you really believe in? And what are you willing to stand up for?
Tap your creativity
Creativity is the ability to solve a problem by combining old ideas, new ideas and imagination. Tapping your creativity, or inspiring those around you to feel more creative, opens the door to new solutions – and enhances your charisma.
Establish focus
The ability to control impulses, resist distraction and stay focused on the task at hand is an integral element of success. You cannot influence others if you can’t stay focused. Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time right now? Am I wasting time on unimportant things? Do I confuse being busy with getting things done? Am I clear about exactly what I need to achieve?
Listen
“Listening and understanding enhance charisma,” Mortensen writes in “The Laws of Charisma.” When you listen well, you discover everything you need to know to help, change or influence, inspire, motivate and gain trust. “People feel more respected and valued when you listen to what they have to say,” he writes.
Motivate
Charismatic people not only motivate others, they help others motivate themselves, aiding them in visualizing goals and inspiring them to feel they can achieve those goals. Helping others self-motivate allows them to solve their own challenges and make their own decisions, while still feeling part of a larger team.
To nurture your personal charisma, you will need to practice every day, says Mortensen, whose new book is available now in bookstores and online. “I was once stretching in preparation for running a half marathon when I saw a T-shirt that revealed a great truth. It said, ‘The challenge is not finishing; the challenge is starting.’ Make up your mind to start the race, and you will know that you are moving toward your goal of finishing.”
There are SO many reasons to quit smoking … And NO good reasons to continue. I ran across this video on Doctor Oz’s website that illustrates what happens in your lungs when you breathe in cigarette smoke . . .
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Animation
My friend, Joe Weaver, author of the book “The Tao of Quitting Smoking,” listed 100 Reasons to Quit Smoking. My top 10 from his list are here. You’ll also find links to his site and other quit smoking resources there and here.
It’s that time of year when we’re all thinking of New Year’s Resolutions. Some smoker’s just can’t see through their smoke. But, if you want to take a giant leap of health, stop smoking today. ARE YOU READY?
(ARA) – Americans have traditionally considered the health of the planet and their personal health two distinct subjects. Times have changed. When we consider our personal health, many now see the connection to the environment.
“Most people want to be healthy and live on a clean and beautiful planet,” says Amy Lou Jenkins, a registered nurse who writes about nature and green living for Examiner.com, and who has authored the book, “Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting”
Jenkins offers these seven simple steps that can help you improve your own health, and care for the earth at the same time:
1. Replace car trips with a bike ride or a walk whenever possible.
Every day, Americans’ automobiles pour millions of pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Any step that reduces that output is a step toward better health for the environment. Walking and biking are also great low-impact ways to exercise your muscles, burn calories and deliver cardiovascular benefits. Taking a bike instead of a car for just one 4-mile round trip prevents the release of about 15 pounds of pollutants, according to the WorldWatch Institute.
2. Buy local foods and eat less meat.
Locally grown food requires less fuel to transport and causes the emission of fewer pollutants to arrive at the market than produce grown far from where you live. A meal of meat uses exponentially more water, land and petroleum products than a plant-based meal. The greenhouse gas emission associated with animal feed and animal methane increase environmental damage further. Add to that the water pollution from runoff and land degradation from grazing and you begin to see the enormous ecologic strain caused by a diet rich in meat. Lowering your red meat intake and increasing your consumption of fresh vegetables is associated with improved health, lower incidences of cancer and heart disease and a longer life. In addition, buying local produce will directly benefit your community.
3. Discover solar cooking.
Whether you cook on an electric stove, gas range, gas grill or charcoal grill, traditional cooking consumes fossil fuel. Consider buying a solar cooker and swap out propane and charcoal grills for sustainable solar energy. Solar energy is carbon neutral and ultra clean.
4. Take the stairs.
Elevators use energy all day long and two-thirds of that consumption is used to move people up and down. Reducing the number of elevator trips cuts the amount of energy used. Plus, taking the stairs is an easy lifestyle change that can net a big payoff over time in heart health and weight management. Overall, it is a healthier way to travel.
5. Get into gardening – all year long.
Gardening offers many health benefits, from mental relaxation to light cardiovascular exercise. Indoor gardening with easy hydroponic systems can ensure you’ll have plenty of fresh, nutritious produce – even in the winter. And by traveling from windowsill to plate, instead of being flown across the country or planet, your homegrown produce reduces fuel consumption and pollution.
6. Switch to all-natural products for cleaning, rather than toxic chemicals.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports that it has found detergent in 69 percent of streams it has tested and disinfectants in 66 percent of tested waterways. Fortunately, many manufacturers of household cleansers now offer all-natural lines. By switching to natural products – including homemade cleaners made with simple pantry products like vinegar – you reduce your personal exposure to toxic chemicals and help keep them out of our groundwater.
7. Unplug.
American homes consume a staggering amount of electricity every year. Switching off the computer, video games, TVs and cell phones not only reduces your home’s energy use, the electronic silence offers an invitation to family time to reconnect and spend time together. Research shows that healthy relationships and social contacts are associated with long life and happiness.
You can find more green living news at www.examiner.com.
I’ve gone from green thumb to living green. After spending 20 years of summers out in the yard – planting flowers and vegetables, watering, weeding and reaping the harvest – I’m now going green with the realization that we need to take care of ourselves, our families and the earth. And I found a company to help me do it. I’m a Shaklee distributor.
Going to antique stores isn't as much fun since I started saying "I used to have one of these."
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