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Good Advice from George Clooney

September 28th, 2011

George Clooney Profile in Parade (Sept. 25, 2011)

George Clooney wrote, directed and stars in a new movie “The Ides of March.” In the movie, in theaters on Oct. 7, Clooney plays an inspirational presidential candidate. He discusses several subjects in the Parade interview. He had a great quote about dealing with failure.

Q: You’ve talked about how lucky you are. What have you learned from your failures?

A: It’s hard to get thumped. I’ve been proficient at failure. But the only thing you can do is say, “Here’s what I won’t do next time.”

… A little skill and confidence (can) change everything. I had to stop going to auditions thinking, “Oh, I hope they like me.” I had to go in thinking I was the answer to their problem. You could feel the difference in the room immediately.

The greatest lesson I learned was that sometimes you have to fake it. And you have to be willing to fail.”

What good advice from George Clooney! Whether you’re starting a new job, a new career, a new project or working on achieving one of your goals (make money or stay healthy!) begin with a high level of self confidence. Take action to learn the necessary skills and if you fail, fail forward as a stepping stone to getting that much closer to your goal.

Job Search Tips

September 5th, 2011

If you recently have been laid off, looking for another job can be a daunting task. But in these hard times, many people need to have a least a part-time job to make enough money to get by. Here are some job search tips as seen on the Dr. Phil show.

Is Sea Salt Healthier than Table Salt?

September 2nd, 2011

The short answer is no. Both sea salt and table salt consist mostly of two minerals — sodium and chloride. Sea salt is often marketed as a more natural and healthy alternative. The real differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing, not their chemical makeup. Sea salt comes from evaporating seawater, which can leave behind trace amounts of minerals and elements usually adding flavor and coarseness. Table salt is mined from underground salt deposits and heavily processed to eliminate trace minerals. Most table salt has added iodine, an essential nutrient that appears naturally in sea salt.

Regardless if you prefer to use sea salt or table salt, our bodies only need a very small amount to stay healthy. Most people get far too much salt, mostly from the sodium found in processed foods. Try to keep sodium consumption to between 1,500 and 2,300 mg a day. If you have high blood pressure or are middle-aged or older, aim for the lower end of that range. So for the people who claim sea salt is a healthy alternative to table salt because of the minerals, these trace minerals are really not providing any nutritional value especially since it’s unhealthy to overuse any salt.

So choose the salt you prefer based on taste, not based on nutrition. And remember use salt minimally! If you aren’t familiar with sea salt, here’s a short video to show you what it’s like.

Saving Money Makes You Money!

September 1st, 2011

Saving for retirement? Saving for college tuition? Whatever your goals are, here are some simple tips to better manage your money. The savings you accumulate by making these small lifestyle changes can even make you money by putting it into a savings account that gives interest.

Top 10 Saving Strategies
1. Cut back on nickel-and-dime items. You might be surprised at how much you can save by reducing out-of-pocket expenses. For example, you can buy regular coffee to brew at home instead of indulging on a designer cup of coffee. The amount saved adds up fast.
2. Save on reading and listening materials. Instead of buying books and videos, you can visit your neighborhood library to check out their selection.
3. Brown bag meals. If you bring your breakfast or lunch instead of buying it you could free up $100 a month to save.
4. Reduce fitness spending. You don’t have to pay for a gym membership. Look into purchasing used equipment or rent workout videos to do at home. Other alternatives: take brisk walks, go swimming in the neighborhood pool, take a bike ride. These are all stress reducers as well!
5. Seek travel values. To save money, travel off-season instead of during peak tourist season. You can receive discounted rates on lodging and reduced airfares, which can cut your vacation expenses substantially.
6. Resist buying retail. Don’t pay full price! Instead shop around and during after-holiday and clearance sales. The key is to plan ahead for your needs and buy accordingly.
7. Practice energy efficiency. If you turn the thermostat back 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day (say when you’re at work or asleep) you can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill.
8. Maintain your car. Don’t put off that oil change You can save about 15% on gas by keeping your engine tuned and your tires properly inflated. Check your tires on a monthly basis for optimal effect.
9. Raise your insurance deductible. The deductible on many homeowner’s insurance policies is automatically set at $250. Look into raising your deductible to $500, you could save up to 10% or more depending on your insurance company.
10. Be creative. Can’t imaging skipping your daily trip to the vending machine? Don’t fret. The main point is to look for effective ways to cut back – and then do it. Over time, you might find that a little savings can make a big difference!

Lower Your Bills during a Cash Crisis

August 31st, 2011

The higher costs of gasoline and other things have many people trying to save money. Some scale back vacation plans. Some people skip filling prescriptions in order to have money to fill up the gas tank. Rather than doing this, here are some unique ways to lower your monthly bills and add cash to your wallet during this time of financial crisis.

Utility Bills – We spend 6-12% of our annual income on gas and electric. Call up your utility company and say you’re having a tough time or want to save money. If you are a senior or a low income family you may qualify for an income based payment plan so you do not have to pay more than you can afford. Everyone should call up and ask for a free home energy audit. A technician will come to inspect your house and save you up to 20% on your utilities.

Cable Bills – Call your cable company and ask for the customer retention department. Say you want to lower your cable bill. They will find ways to give you a discount or give you freebies, because they do not want to lose you as a customer. However, a lot of people decide to go completely without cable – just watch movies or tv shows on the internet or on Netflix.

Medical Bills – Start by calling your health insurance provider and see if there’s a lower monthly premium plan you can qualify for. And don’t be afraid to negotiate with your doctor and tell them you want a discount to save money. There may be ways to split procedures up to save you a lot of money.

College Tuition – If you had any sort of financial setback in the last year such as being laid off or having your hours cut, you may be able to qualify for more financial aid for yourself or your children for college. When you call the financial aid department ask for a professional judgment review.

Home Mortgage – It’s a great time to refinance and save money on your monthly payment.
To watch the video with these tips visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYbgWi5lC4I

Can Acai Juice Help With Depression?

August 30th, 2011

Acai juice has been around for centuries. Many cultures have used acai juice and acai berries for curing many ailments. Acai juice provides many benefits to a person who consistently drinks the supplement. One ailment it may help with is depression. Some of the ingredients found in acai are said to help promote a well being and an inner sense of peace. One of the key ingredients which is found in Acai juice is Goji berries. Goji berries have been used in medicine for many years. The Goji fruit has been nicknamed “The Happy Berry”.

The Goji fruit contains a nutrient called Betaine. Betaine is used by the liver to help produce a compound named Choline. Choline is a compound that has many different uses. Choline helps bodybuilders gain muscle mass, helps strengthen people’s memory, helps people deal with anxiety, helps with erectile dysfunction, sexual stamina, and helps people achieve a peaceful state of mind. Studies have shown that most people are alert and focused when taking a healthy amount of Choline. Choline is what gave the Goji berry it’s nickname “The Happy Berry”.

Acai juice does not only contain Goji fruit but the juice also contains Mangosteen and of course the Acai berry. Both of these fruits help the body get rid of toxins and help prevent diseases from starting. The overall effects of drinking Acai Juice on a consistent basis will not only help keep you healthy, it will also give put you in a better state of mind. So yes I believe Acai Juice can help with mild states of depression.

This article was written by Eric Fields. Are you feeling tired throughout the day? Discover how you can receive our Powerful Energy Drink for Free. http://www.alliancebuiness.com This article may be reprinted provided no part thereof is edited in any way and this resource box is included.

Health Advantages of Owning a Pet

August 29th, 2011

A pet is certainly a great friend. After a difficult day, pet owners quite literally feel the love. In fact, for nearly 25 years medical research has shown that owning a pet will help you lead a more active life. Whether taking your dog for a walk or just playing around the house with your cat, every time you engage in those activities, it gives your cardiovascular system and immunity a healthy boost. As such, we see improvements in cholesterol count, blood pressure and a reduction in the use of prescription drugs in people who own pets. Even overall visits to the doctor’s office, especially among people older than 40, are reduced as well. Some insurance companies, ask clients over age 75 if they have a pet as part of their medical screening — which often helps tip the scales in their favor. Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies.

Another health benefit associated with owning a pet is an improvement in mood and mental well-being. This might be the most important benefit, since many ailments are related to our attitudes and mindsets. Pets are an excellent source of comfort, laughter and companionship. Pet owners with AIDS are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. “The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets,” says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD. In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people without pets. Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine — nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.

Of course, pet ownership also comes with many responsibilities. Owning a pet should not be undertaken lightly. To best enjoy a healthy, nurturing relationship with a pet—and experience the many therapeutic benefits a domestic animal can offer—it’s important to choose a pet that’s right for your lifestyle.

Can Nutrition and Exercise Prevent Cancer?

August 26th, 2011

What causes cancer?
There are many causes of cancer. When the body is exposed to environmental factors like tobacco smoke, sun and UV rays, and radiation then free radicals can be produced in the body. Free radicals can cause damage to cells known as “oxidative stress.” Extensive research during the past 2 decades has revealed that continued oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn could mediate most chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular, neurological, and pulmonary diseases. Oxidative stress induces a cellular redox imbalance which has been found to be present in various cancer cells compared with normal cells.

Is there any way to prevent cancer?
Increasing evidence supports the important role of nutrition in cancer prevention. In laboratory experiments, antioxidant molecules counter oxidative stress and its associated damage. Antioxidant micronutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin C, the carotenoids, and selenium, defend the body against free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules. Results from these experiments indicate that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. In addition studies have shown that being active and exercising regularly can help prevent cancer as discussed in this CBS news video.

Please see these websites for more information:

http://www.cancer.org

http://www.cancer.gov

Use Coupons to Save Money

August 25th, 2011

Of course saving money is more than just clipping coupons, however it is one of the best ways to start! Some may think clipping coupons can be very time consuming to find the coupons to print or cut out. Good thing there are some websites that do the work for you. It’s important to note that many manufacturers will offer coupons up to a certain allowance has been printed nationwide, so it may be better to print coupons at the beginning of the month than towards the end of the month. The allowance is usually reset at the beginning of the next month. To avoid going overboard spending, we suggest only printing coupons for items you would normally buy anyway. Here are some great websites that have all the coupons in one place.
http://www.coupons.com/
http://grocerysmarts.com/

In addition, when you’re ordering items online, there may be a space to put in a discount code to get a certain percentage off your total. These websites do a good job of locating all the codes and putting them in one place for you. If you do not see the codes you want there, do a search before submitting your credit card info, you never know if you might find a hidden discount!
www.retailmenot.com
www.save.com

Lastly, for daily deals in your own area you should check out Groupon. They have a few new really good deals each day and will email you to let you know what they are. Some days you may see something that you were going to buy anyway, and this way you get 40-50% off the cost. Other days you may not be interested in the deal, just delete the email. Very good deals on places in your own hometown!

The Benefits of Exercise

August 24th, 2011

There are so many benefits to exercise besides just losing weight. It’s a wonder why everyone is not taking advantage of this very beneficial habit! Here are the top three reasons we should all hit the gym.

First, exercise is helpful to maintain a healthy weight. This is because we burn extra calories while on the treadmill or elliptical. But more importantly, working out our muscles continues to burn extra calories for hours, even in our sleep. This alone will not help us to lose weight if we’re consuming more calories during the day. So, a balance of exercise and good nutrition, definitely has the benefit of getting to a healthy weight.

Secondly, exercise strengthens our heart. A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it’s a risk factor that we can do something about. Regular aerobic exercise will help strengthen our heart and cardiovascular system and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Next, exercise makes us feel great! Not only will our body-image and self-esteem get a boost from regular exercise, but also exercise produces endorphins (feel good hormones) which greatly improves mood. Improved mood will help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Stamina and energy levels will also be increased through exercise, so we won’t get tired during the day. These all combine to give us a feel-good feeling from simply getting a work out.

Finally, exercise is fun! In order to receive all these benefits of exercise, it’s important to stick to it. The key to being successful is finding a variety of activities that are enjoyable so that we want to continue. There are so many fun aerobic exercises to choose from including: walking, jumping rope, bicycling, skating, or swimming to name a few. For maximum benefits, get on a regular schedule and exercise every other day for about 30 minutes a session.