Steps in filling application forms

Before you start…

It's important to plan how you're going to complete the form. Make sure you read the instructions on the form carefully. If it asks you to put the information in a certain order then make sure you do!

Online application forms

If the form is online, draft your application offline first – in a word processing package like Word – and save it to your computer. This way you'll be able to run a spell check before you copy the info into the online system. It also means you'll have a back-up if there's a problem with the form.

More and more sites offer the option of storing your application online and coming back to it. If you do this in more than one sitting, keep a record of any usernames and passwords so that you can get back in!Online forms can be longer and more complicated than paper forms – follow the instructions carefully and check how many screens you have to fill in before you can submit your application.

Paper application forms
If you’re filling in a form by hand, write as neatly as you can in black ink and use block capitals if the form asks you to.A good way to avoid mistakes and crossings-out on the final form is to photocopy the original and practice filling in this copy first. Take care of the form – don’t spill anything on it or leave it in your bag to get creased!

Some important final checks…

Whether your form is online or on paper you should:

• read it over a few times to check for spelling and grammatical errors – these are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected
• someone else to proofread it for you
• Check you’ve filled in all of the boxes that are relevant to you – if you leave an empty box the employer may think your form is incomplete. If a box isn’t relevant, put ‘N/A’ (not applicable)
• Photocopy or print out the finished form, so you have a record of what you’ve put. You'll need to be able to refer back to it at the interview stage
• Take note of the closing date and send your application form to arrive in good time.

Tips About Career Consulting Firms for Job-hunters

Before you sign a contract or pay anything to a career consulting company you have seen advertised, take the following precautions to protect yourself and your livelihood:

• Be skeptical of any employment service firm that promises to get you a job for an up-front fee and guarantees refunds to unhappy customers.


• Consider the cost versus the likely benefit of their services.


• Ask to meet with the representative in his or her office, rather than a hotel room or other temporary location.


• Get a copy of the firm’s contract and review it carefully prior to signing. Understand the terms and conditions of their refund policy. If oral promises are made that do not also appear in the contract, reconsider doing business with them or, at a minimum, have these written into the contract.


• Check the company’s track record in Georgia and nationally through the Better Business Bureau. Remember, even if there are no complaints, they may have changed names or may be too new for complaints to have been registered against them.


• Follow up with the corporate office of any employer listed in an employment service ad to confirm that the company is really hiring.


• Be wary of firms promoting “previously undisclosed” federal government jobs. All federal positions are announced to the public.


• Do not give out your credit card or bank account information on the phone unless you are familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. Anyone who has your account information can use it to take money from your account.


• If you call an 800 number, you cannot legally be transferred to a 900 number. If this happens, you will be charged excessive fees in violation of federal law.

Do you need to know what the job of a pilot is and how to become a pilot?

Pilots fly airplanes and helicopters in order to get various jobs done. Most pilots fly people and cargo from place to place. Some pilots test new planes, fight fires, do police work, or rescue people who are hurt or in danger.

Before they take off, pilots plan their flight carefully. They check their plane to make sure that it is working properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. They check the weather forecast to see if they will run into any bad weather on their trip. They then decide what route they should take and how high and fast they should fly.

Takeoff and landing are the hardest parts. Pilots must be especially careful during those times. The rest of the flight is fairly easy, if the weather is good. Planes have indicators to tell pilots if their trip is going according to plan. These indicators show whether there is enough fuel, whether the weather is changing, and whether the plane is on course. Pilots must check these indicators often during the trip to be sure that all is going well. If problems come up, the pilots take steps to solve them.

The law says that pilots who work for an airline cannot fly more than 100 hours a month or more than 1,000 hours a year. Most airline pilots fly about 65-75 hours a month, and work another 75 hours a month at other parts of the job. When they are flying, airline pilots must very often stay away from home overnight. Airlines have flights at all hours of the day and night. This means that airline pilots often are asked to work odd hours.

Pilots who do not work for the airlines can have unusual work schedules, too. For example, they may fly 30 hours one month and 90 hours the next. Most of them do not have to stay away from home overnight, but they may have to work odd hours.

Pilots who fly very long distances may have "jet lag." This is fatigue caused by moving through different time zones. The work of pilots who test new planes may be dangerous. Pilots who work on farms or who help police and firefighters also might get hurt on their jobs.

Flying does not involve much hard physical work. However, pilots can feel a lot of stress because they know that they are responsible for the safety of their passengers. They must be careful and quick to react if something goes wrong.

All pilots who are paid to fly must have a license from the Federal Government. They must be at least 18 years old. They must have flown at least 250 hours. To get an airline pilot's license, a person must be at least 23 years old. The person must have flown for a total of 1,500 hours, or have gone to a special school for pilots.

A doctor must also examine the person. The doctor makes sure that the person can see and hear well, and is healthy enough to fly. Pilots must also pass a written test to show that they know how to fly properly. The pilot's employer may ask him or her to pass other special tests as well.
Many pilots learn how to fly in the military. Others become pilots by going to flight schools. Most companies want the pilots they hire to have some college education. In fact, most people who enter this occupation have a college degree.

Three Reasons to Get Over Your Fear of Networking ... Now!

If you are a job hunter you’ve likely heard much about the importance of networking. Perhaps you’re reluctant to give it a try. You’re not alone.

According to a recent study conducted by Pepperdine University and Upwardly Mobile, Inc., “both the corporate and academic realms are seemingly blind to the power of networking, evidenced by a large population of students and employees who want to network but do not believe they are skilled enough to do so effectively.”

If your fear of networking is holding you back in your job search or career, here are three good reasons to get over your fear of networking fast:

1. Networking is a critical business skill.

Networking — the ability to meet new people and build mutually beneficial partnerships — is an essential business skill. It is far more than just getting out and meeting people, collecting stacks of business cards, or making countless “friends” or “connections” online. Networking effectively necessitates long-term, strategic thinking.

“You know those Verizon commercials where the entire network is standing behind a person? That’s how I see people. Everyone in my mind has a network standing behind them,” says Molly Wendell, President & CEO of Executives Network, a quickly growing peer-networking organization for executives in transition.

Individuals within your network may or may not be able to help you personally. However, they are more than willing to introduce you to people in their network who can. The ability to develop and tap into an extensive professional network is fundamental to success in business. This is true whether you are networking as a professional, job hunter, or entrepreneur.

2.Your ability to network effectively can directly impact your career achievements and income.

The Elite Networker study mentioned earlier reveals that networking is a key driver behind higher salaries and career advancement. This is particularly true of high-earning, “elite” professionals. They are adept at cultivating richer relationships and gaining more access. Thus they enjoy a higher level of success in their careers and personal lives.

ExecuNet.com – a recognized authority in executive recruiting and human capital – states, “Career advancement is all about making connections with people who can share ideas, leads and opportunities.”

The Elite Networker study illustrates that anyone can benefit significantly by improving their networking skills, habits, and mindset.

3. Networking is the most effective job search strategy.

Networking is a highly-effective job search strategy. According to the Elite Networker study, 40% of respondents found their current position through networking and referrals. Yet another study, ExecuNet’s Executive Job Market Intelligence Report 2008, reveals that 70% of job search executives found their current positions through networking.

Molly Wendell can testify to the effectiveness of networking. A few years ago, also during a tough economy, Molly spent more than 21 months looking for a job with barely an interview. Then she decided to change her approach to her job search.

Source: http://www.womenco.com/benefits/articles/3712-three-reasons-to-get-over-your-fear-of-networking-now?page=2

Ten Tips on Career Advancement

Many career experts agree that the best time to look for a new job is while you are still comfortably in your old one. If you’re starting to feel unchallenged in your present position, you may be ready for a promotion to the next level. If there aren’t many career advancement opportunities where you work, the best next job may be waiting for you elsewhere.

Nowadays, it’s up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

1. Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.


2. Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.


3. Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.


4. Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.


5. Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.


6. Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.


7. Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.


8. Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.


9. Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.


10. Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

Source : allbusiness.com

Career Planning Tips

Building a Career
The 9 most important career planning tips is listed below:

1. Never Stop Learning

• Life-long learning is your keyword.
• The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business.
• If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough.
• But if you want a career in the future, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.

2. Ask, Listen And Learn

• A good listener can learn a lot.
• Listen to your co-workers, your boss, and your superiors. You can learn a lot from their experience.
• Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better.
• Most people will love to be your free tutor.

3. Fulfill Your Current Job

• Your current job might be best place to start your career.
• It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes free.
• If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career.
• Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proved to be a valued employee.

4. Build Your Network

• Your next career step might arise from your contact network.
• Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contact networks?
• If you have a good contact network, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities.
• Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have.
• One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what is new about their careers.

5. Identify Your Current Job

• Your current job should be identified, not assumed.
• Make sure you don't work with tasks you assume are important. This is waste of time and talent.
• When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your priorities. If you're not sure about what is most important, then ask him. And ask him again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.

6. Identify Your Next Job

• Your dream job must be identified.
• Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job.
• In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none of the things you don't enjoy. What kind of job would that be?
• Do you like or dislike having responsibility for other employees. Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer? A manager?
• Before building your future career your goal must be identified.

7. Prepare Yourself

• Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared.
• Don't wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly.
• Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable object to anyone that will try to recruit you.
• If you don't know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning it now.

8. Pick The Right Tools

• Pick the tools you can handle.
• You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. Studying at W3Schools is easy. Taking a full master degree is more complicated.
• You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials (like the one you find at W3Schools). Doing short time courses with certification tests might add valuable weight to your CV. And don't forget: Your current job is often the most valuable source of building new skills.
• Don't pick a tool that is too heavy for you to handle!

9. Realize Your Dreams

• Put your dreams into action.
• Don't let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.
• If you have plans about taking more education, getting a better job, starting your own company or something else, you should not use your daily job as a "waiting station". Your daily job will get more and more busy, you will be caught up in the rat race, and you will burn up your energy.
• If you have this energy, you should use it now, to realize your dreams.

source : w3schools.com

Career tips for professionalism

When you step out into the world with your skills, it’s important to keep a professional attitude going. What is professionalism? This term means that you have to strike that all elusive balance when things are going over the board. Keeping a distance from your peers and colleagues is a healthy sign. Keep the attitude as positive as possible, even when the going gets really tough is absolutely essential. At work we are unnecessarily surrounded by problems that we have nothing to do with. All these generally add to our distractions and instead of conserving our energy for the task at hand, we get trapped in gossip, petty politics and just a waste of time tactics. It is important to keep social contacts but you don’t necessarily have to enter the households of every person you meet.

Focus is very important. You have to deal with distracters and detractors firmly. Time management is an important tool, and so are deadlines. Everything we do is governed by time, so having an attitude that goes beyond timeliness is certainly non-productive. You can strive to excel, but remember all your actions and thoughts have to produce results in the given time frame. Gaining popularity is good, but as you scale the ladder, do not compromise your standards of ethics and productivity for a few moments of cheap fun and publicity. Some people are too harsh and others too soft, you have to fine-tune that balance between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

You yourself are important. If you suffer from low self esteem, people are going to walk all over you. In the long run, don’t keep slaving for others and forget yourself in the bargain. When you are at the giving end of the spectrum, make it felt that you also receive some benefits. Nobody is working for charity in a corporation. If you feel sensitive to an issue mull over how you are going to voice over your concerns to your seniors. Do not allow your seniors or your juniors to get away with wrong doing. Sometimes you have to educate others that what they are up to is no good. For this you need good communication skills, you have to stand up for what you believe in and for yourself. Bring to light all issues being swept under the carpet, but do it diplomatically and with some subtlety and skill. There are some problems you can solve just by facing them squarely instead of covering them up or sweeping them under the carpet.

If you are in a position of power, you can make your subordinates feel really lowly, but give them a positive signal or two so that some hope floats. Lastly, you can be a positive influence of change, even if it means deflating an ego or two. But it’s important that you don’t kill the spirit of the defaulting person at the same time.
Source : http://blogs.mybandra.com/2009/03/05/career-tips-for-professionalism

Powerful Networking

One of the first things you find in situations where you are meeting new people is that they want to know about your work…what you do. They don’t want some long drawn out life history and it would obviously be rude and nonproductive to wave off their interest. Yet, you need to be able to effectively and naturally deliver the info they seek. Stuff like, what your work consists of now, what your experience (work &/or education) is, and maybe a bit about your career goals. They just need to be able to categorize you a bit. Getting categorized sounds rude but it is meant to be helpful. If an opportunity comes up that they want to share, they need to be able to quickly pull you out of their mental filing system. Many people love to make connections and help others this way especially if it is easy and they know just the right person to refer.

So, have you spent time practicing your one minute bio? The exercise feels kinda lame and unnatural but the important thing is that you give it some thought and practice putting your voice to your thoughts about your work — where you have been careerwise and where you are going.

There is an art to networking. It is quite difficult to remember to take a moment to understand who you are interacting with and how to best present yourself in various situations. But keep your mind on it and stay aware for opportunity, not just opportunity for you but opportunity to help others somehow — that is powerful networking. The person you help may not be the one to help you but you set wheels into motion by being generous with your knowledge, info, and positive energy.

Source : http://www.steviesue.com

25 Graphic Design Career Preparation Tips

The Graphic Design Career is a fast growing career that is becoming more and more competitive with every passing day. People are realizing how much money is available and how flexible the graphic and web design career really is. You can work full-time in house in a small studio or large agency. You can earn extra money on the side, you can freelance full-time from the comfort of your own home or you can even use your skills in design to you accomplish business projects.

The bottom line is its a great choice for creative people looking to express themselves and earn a decent and comfortable living at the same time.

In order to survive in such a fast growing and competitive field though it is essential you do everything you can as early on as you can. I started in college, but I know people who are freelancing and running businesses and websites at age 14 and even younger! The age aspect should not discourage you, but should rather inspire you to get your butt into gear before other graphic designers leave you in the dust!

So no matter what age you are or what stage you are in, we have created a list of things you can do to get your dream graphic design career going in the right direction.

Graphic Design Career Preparation Tips

1. Major in Graphic Design


2. Figure Out Your Specialization


3. Plan Your Credits Carefully


4. Take Advantage of Your Counselor and Teachers


5. Take Advantage of Career Services


6. Become Involved in School Events


7. Develop Friendships With Your Classmates


8. Get an Internship


9. Get a Certificate in Graphic Design


10. Practice Your Photography


11. Learn HTML, XHTML and CSS


12. Take Some Business Courses


13. Master the Adobe Suite


14. Stay in Touch With Your Roots


15. Express Your Creativity


16. Create a Portfolio Website


17. Create a Print Portfolio


18. Create Your Own Personal Identity System


19. Create a Resume and Cover Letter


20. Research Job Requirements


21. Start Freelancing


22. Take Advantage of Design Contests


23. Build Up Your Vault of Free Design Resources


24. Get the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook


25. Start Networking

For more information : http://www.youthedesigner.com/2008/10/08/25-graphic-design-career-preparation-tips/

Things to remember before and after your exams.

What are the most important things to do the night before an exam?

Don’t skip meals. Food is fuel for the brain, so make sure you get enough of it. Get some sleep, so you’re not tired for the big day. Get some fresh air and exercise.

What should I do on the morning of the exam?

• Eat breakfast – it’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam.
• Read all the instructions carefully when you’re in the exam room, and make sure that you understand the question before you start to answer it.
• For essay questions, write a plan first to help make sure you don’t miss anything out. Don’t spend too long on any one question – although it makes sense to spend longer on a question with 20 marks than one with only two.

Golden rules for revision

• Keep the noise down. Find yourself a quiet place to work and take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh.
• Reminders. Write important points, facts and formulae on sheets of paper and stick them by your bed, in the bathroom, on the fridge - anywhere you’ll see them regularly so they will sink in.
• Test yourself. Sit down and test yourself with past exam papers and try them against the clock.
• Highlight. The first time you read something, highlight the most important points. Use different colours and symbols to help you remember the important facts.
• Break it down. Summarise or break down whole chapters and subjects onto cards or single sheets of A4.
• Plan it. No matter how clever you are, the odd hour slotted round the TV or sports practice isn’t enough. Before you start, draw up a revision plan and keep to it. Give each subject a decent amount of time.
• Tape it. You could try putting important information on tape – some people find this helps them remember.

Life after exams
It’s important to keep things in perspective when you’re waiting for your exam grades. Yes, it’s great if you do get the grades you want, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. Remember, you can retake them next year. There’s always the option of taking them again later in your career.
Think positive! If you believe you’re going to succeed, you probably will.

Fresh Out of College?

Fresher and no job from campus? It is not a very comfortable situation to be in. You spent a fortune trying to acquire the professional degree, and worked very hard to earn that degree. The reward for all your efforts will follow, but one needs to be a little patient and work towards it. Getting depressed about the fact is not going to help.

First and foremost requirement is to probe oneself. What skills did you lack to get that dream job from the campus itself? Go, work to acquire those skills. Improve your command over the language, your confidence and brush up your presentation skills.

If not sufficient companies or no companies came to hire from your college, don't get disappointed, its time to approach them directly. Identify and make a list of companies of your choice. Find out the skills they would be looking for and do you have those skills? Find out the business of the company and identify how both you and the company can benefit from each other. Every job aspirant must be approaching them, so how to make yourself stand apart from the rest?

First impression is always from your résumé and the covering letter attached. Always send a neatly typed biodata. Don't know what to write in your résumé? Emphasize your objective for your career choice, your expertise area, your achievements and leave all the personal details towards the end. As a fresher you may attach details of the specialized courses you attended, any specialized training attended and achievements. In the covering letter, you may mention briefly your skills and the position you are applying for.

Try to speak to the HR personnel of the companies and give your résumé directly to them, explaining why you want to work with the company. Follow up with the company. Not all freshers recruited from campus join them and some vacancies may still exist. Following up may help get a job.

The best practice is not to wait to graduate, to start looking for a job, but eight to twelve months before graduating. Most companies come for campus recruitment in the final year and that's the time one should start gearing up for a job and approaching prospective employers.

Your efforts will definitely pay up. Don't get disheartened and work towards your goal.

Source : http://www.careerage.com/career/tips/fresher/

Your Career Growth Plan

It is important that you construct your own career growth plan, since only you can decide what career or job environment interests you. Although developing this plan is your responsibility, we encourage you to enlist the guidance and assistance of other resource people. Most important are your supervisor or staff in the Board's EEO Office or Personnel Management Division.

Setting Your Career Goal
Your goal should represent what you ultimately hope to accomplish. This goal may be to obtain a specific position or to work in a specific career field. When you set your career goal, set a reasonable time frame indicating when you would like to reach your career goal. Your career goal may include a job that you're now qualified for as well as a job you want to qualify for in the future. However, keep in mind that your career goal should be realistic and attainable-one that is reachable through your ongoing developmental efforts.

Developing a Plan of Action
Develop a plan of activities to reach your goal. Think of this plan as a step-by-step statement of the specific activities needed to reach your goal-in the order in which they should be completed. These activities or objectives should focus on enhancing your education, skills, knowledge, or experience and should be measurable and tailored to achieve your specific career goal. You must be able to recognize when you are working toward your goal and when your goal has been accomplished. Be specific and set dates. You may also consider scheduling a meeting with someone that you believe can provide you constructive feedback on your plan.

Obtaining Approvals
Your plan may require the approval of your supervisor and the coordination and assistance of other units and supervisors because of the possible need for release time, funding, or other considerations. Based on the provisions of the applicable bargaining unit contract, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement from the state for an upward mobility program or for job-related or career-related training costs, including tuition and course-required books. With prior authorization from your supervisor, you may also be given release time for career-related or upward mobility training.

Pursuing Your Plan
The personal development aspects of a career development plan can be successful only if you are committed to the plan. You should be prepared to commit a portion of your own time and effort to accomplish this plan. Completing your planned work experience and/or training activities is your responsibility. You'll need to seek help when necessary, be flexible, and periodically reassess your career development plan.

How to develop your Interpersonal skills-Group Discussion

In the group discussion participants discuss a problem or an issue. it is a forum for presenting your views to a group of people. You may or may not arrive at a perfect solution .remember the following tips that you and your Classmates should follow before you begin the given activity.

• Each member of the group should introduction yourself to the guide at first.
• Understand the subject of group discussion.
• Pay attention to the views of others.
• Contribute to the ideas clearly and effectively.
• Avoid interrupting the group discussion.
• Avoid monopolizing and let others to speak.
• Deliver of ideas should be quick and brief.
• Wait for a natural pause in the conversation before you present your view.
• Always have a smiling face throughout the group discussion.
• Try to genuinely seek a solution to the issue instead of heated argument.
• Views should be positive. If there any disagreement, criticize the idea and not the person.

Career considerations

Once you have a good idea of the career you want, the next step is to consider how you’re going to make it happen. As well as practical issues like location, salary and the job market, you may need to look into updating your skills and qualifications.


Things to consider when researching careers

After you’ve drawn up a shortlist of potential careers, there are a number of issues you’ll want to consider before putting your plan into action.

Location

If you’re not prepared to move, you’ll need to consider location. While you can probably find work as a travel agent in most large towns, if you’re looking to get into TV production there are likely to be more opportunities in London and other major cities.

Salary

You’ll have opportunities for promotion in most careers – but this doesn’t always translate to lots more pay. Is doing something you love more important than a large salary?

The job market

There’s competition in most careers, but some are more competitive than others. Careers that are seen as ‘glamorous’ can be difficult to get into without plenty of unpaid work experience, enthusiasm and a certain amount of luck. If you’re attracted to a career like this, are you prepared to put in the extra effort?

Career progression

What opportunities are there to progress within the careers you’re looking at? Once you’re in, how would you get to the next stage - either within the same line of work, or in a related field? What training is likely to be on offer?

Which career is right for you?

Finding the right career can be hugely rewarding, so it’s worth putting some effort into career planning. Start by thinking about what motivates you as a person, then identify careers that match your skills and interests.

Finding a career to suit you

While it can be tempting to skip straight to looking at specific careers, it’s often a good idea to first spend some time thinking about what motivates you as a person.

What are your interests, inside and outside work - and what are you looking for from a career? Once you’ve worked this out, you can start building up a picture of your ideal job - then find out which careers match it most closely.
Career planning: where to start

Unless you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to do, it can be difficult to know where to start. And if you do have a career in mind, how do you know whether you’ve considered all your options?

As a starting point, you could try sitting down with a piece of paper and listing:

* courses you’ve taken in the past, or are taking now
* any jobs you’ve had, including voluntary work
* interests outside work
* any other significant experiences, like travelling

Then ask yourself:

* why you chose to do them
* which parts you really enjoyed
* which parts you found frustrating or boring
* which parts you were best at
* which parts you found a challenge
* what other people have said about your contribution
* what other people have told you you’re good at

You should start to see some patterns emerging: the types of skills you enjoy using, the sort of environment you perform best in and the types of people you like working with.

You can use this knowledge to help pinpoint areas of work you might enjoy.

Career Tips for Interviews

The job interview can be a stressful and intimidating process. Through the experience gained by connecting job seekers with employers, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development wanted to share some key principles that will assist to make your job interview a positive experience. While no one job interview secures employment, it is your opportunity to communicate your skills, personality, attitude and work ethic to your prospective employer. Along with both personal and professional references, work experience, employability history, resume and introductory letter, all of these aspects help an employer determine if you are the right candidate for an opening. With that said, it is imperative that all of these areas receive your attention through the job hunting phase. Often young people face the challenge of limited work experience with little or no employment history. A good substitute, in this case, would be to include grades from high school or college courses which may reflect ability in a particular career cluster.

This list touches on key aspects of the interview and is in no way considered all inclusive.

• The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself

• Be prepared.

• Interviewing is a skill and can be learned.

• Through practice - your confidence will grow.

• The interview creates impressions - consider your dress, communicate your strengths, show your personality

• Remember your purpose, to let an employer learn about you and for you to learn about the employer. You need to be sure that this is the place for you.

• Expect the expected! In other words, in the interview you will be discussing several issues about yourself. These areas include your interests, your skills, your education, your experience, your attitude, your strengths and weaknesses and also your career goals (5-year/10-year). If you are prepared, you can take charge and guide the conversation.

• Know who you are interviewing with. It sends a positive impression when you are knowledgeable of an employer's products, locations, history, services, etc.

• The interview: Be on time (10 minutes early), dress appropriately, be positive, smile, maintain eye contact, speak with confidence (practice helps), maintain your posture, answer the questions and be yourself.

• During the interview: Emphasize your strengths and abilities (not where you are weak) to demonstrate how you can benefit your employer. Never criticize a previous employer, teacher, etc.; it sends the wrong message. Do not discuss your personal issues and always say thank you to the interviewer.

• Regarding the salary question, know your worth. There are several ways of finding out what people in certain career fields and with certain skills and education levels earn. Be realistic. Often people hurt themselves on the salary question as asking for too little money can hurt your chances as much as asking for too much.

• After the interview: Make sure the employer knows how to get in touch with you. Follow up with a thank-you note to the interviewer and stay positive.

• Understand that if you do not get the job that it's okay and learn from the experience. Rejection is a very real part of a job search and in many ways teaches persistence.

Dress for Success

This information focuses on two critical aspects of the job interview which are your appearance and the message your body language is sending.

Dress

Remember that when you market your job skills it all starts with the first impression. How you look is imperative as an interviewer's assessment of you has already begun when you walk in.

Some key principles include:

• Your attire should be appropriate to the industry. This means dress professionally for your interview.


• Even if a company has a casual dress code, wear a suit to the interview. Chances are your competition is.


• Your attire should be conservative - both navy and black work well on men or women, with a simple white or off-white colored shirt or blouse.


• Jewelry, ties or other accessories should be limited and tasteful.


• For women short skirts and open-toe shoes do not look as good as skirts that hang near or to the knee with hose and closed-toe shoes. Avoid bright, flashy colors. Pay close attention to your choice of make-up, purse and nails.


• Men should avoid casual shoes, turtleneck and sweaters for the interview. Socks should match your color of suit and your shoes must be shined.


• Your dress sends a message about yourself, your attitude and it's those small details that help gain an impression. Use your dress to your advantage by making the right first impression.

Non-Verbal Communication

The clothes you wear create an impression which is an important part of non-verbal communication, but so is body language. Here are some key principles as they relate to non-verbal communication.

• Maintain eye contact. If you must look away do not look down as this is sometimes perceived as being submissive.


• If you are asked to sit down, sit with your body leaning forward. Leaning back shows a relaxed attitude while leaning to either side looks awkward or evasive.


• If you shake hands at the beginning or end of the interview, do so firmly while maintaining eye contact.


• Try to reflect very little emotion. It's okay to laugh along with the interviewer but not on your own.


• Keep your chin up even if you do not feel that you have done your best.


• Be proud for taking the risk of putting yourself on the line.

Tips About Career Consulting Firms for Job-hunters

Before you sign a contract or pay anything to a career consulting company you have seen advertised, take the following precautions to protect yourself and your livelihood:

• Be skeptical of any employment service firm that promises to get you a job for an up-front fee and guarantees refunds to unhappy customers.

• Consider the cost versus the likely benefit of their services.

• Ask to meet with the representative in his or her office, rather than a hotel room or other temporary location.

• Get a copy of the firm’s contract and review it carefully prior to signing. Understand the terms and conditions of their refund policy. If oral promises are made that do not also appear in the contract, reconsider doing business with them or, at a minimum, have these written into the contract.

• Check the company's track record in Georgia and nationally through the Better Business Bureau. Remember, even if there are no complaints, they may have changed names or may be too new for complaints to have been registered against them.

• Follow up with the corporate office of any employer listed in an employment service ad to confirm that the company is really hiring.

• Be wary of firms promoting "previously undisclosed" federal government jobs. All federal positions are announced to the public.

• Do not give out your credit card or bank account information on the phone unless you are familiar with the company and agree to pay for something. Anyone who has your account information can use it to take money from your account.

• If you call an 800 number, you cannot legally be transferred to a 900 number. If this happens, you will be charged excessive fees in violation of federal law.

Sole parents - 10 career tips to help you unleash your potential

Sole parents face many challenges. They often need to juggle a whole range of different issues – childcare, family, home, work, education and financial management on their own. Here are ten tips which will help you to develop your career.

1. Take responsibility for your life & career - take charge

Be proactive and positive. Self care is an important step - only after you look after yourself can you look after others! Be kind to yourself, this can be a positive growth process - if you allow it! Be the best parent you know how to be and be proud of yourself. Ban the “G” word from your vocabulary (guilt). You don’t need to be a victim to external circumstances. You are in charge!

2. Make a 'date' with yourself

Don’t jump straight into preparing your resume; you deserve to take “time out” to think. Do a “stocktake” of your skills, values and interests. Your life experiences provide a wealth of knowledge and skills you can tap into. This can include both paid and unpaid work and volunteer jobs. Think about childhood dreams – is there something you always wanted to do? Get in touch with “yourself” – what are your talents? What resources are available on Australian WorkPlace and other websites to help you do your “stocktake”.

3. Know your challenges

Facing your challenges and fears helps you to deal with them. As a sole parent, there may be a variety of issues to deal with, such as childcare, financial stability and commitments, relationship and ongoing role of ex partner, negative perceptions of a “sole parent”, fear of failure, lack of formal education or qualifications, age and conflicting needs between home and work, etc. The important thing is to realise that if things are getting too hard for you – you don’t have to do it alone. Seek help and counselling if needed. It helps to have someone to talk to.

4. Getting the work-life balance right

There are many aspects of your life you need to consider. As a sole parent – you wear many hats – and often at the same time! Think about the things that are important to you ie work/family/study/interests and consider a portfolio approach. Work out what will guarantee your income and allow you the freedom to do things you feel passionate about including education and training. You may need time to explore and discover your direction.

5. Nurture your support networks

Childcare is often the most difficult issue and contingency plans must be in place. Meeting other people in the same situation as you can lead to many positive opportunities. Know the supports in your local community and availability of childcare. Build your network of family and friends who can help and support you.

6. Trial and error without judgement

Exploring is an exciting time, where you are heading in a different direction and trying out new things. Taking risks is necessary and at the same time learning not to judge yourself on the results. Exploring involves risks otherwise there would be no growth. Find a direction you are interested in and take small steps. Find the things that energise you and give them a try. Ideas such as home based business may be a possibility. The internet is a great place to help you explore ideas.

7. Network, network, network

Take time to talk to others about opportunities and ideas. Generally people like talking about themselves and what they do. As a sole parent – you already are a good networker – look at all the people you talk to during one day!

8. What education and training do you need?

The JET advisor at Centrelink is an excellent contact. Courses such as Work Opportunities for Women through TAFE can help you find a direction. Make an appointment to see the Counsellor at TAFE or University to help you research study choices. Local community centres may offer courses as well. This can help ease you back into study and help give you the confidence to move forward.

9. Reality check

Talk your ideas over with a trusted colleague or friend for a different point of view.

10. Inspiration

There are many web sites which can give you information and ideas. The internet is also an excellent medium to meet other sole parents. Explore sites such as

• Community.gov.au information and services for Australians

• Parent Link

• The Single Parent Network

• Single Parents

Career Tips

Work in the outdoors and make a difference!


EMPLOYERS
Positions are usually in government agencies or non-profit organizations. Many people begin with a seasonal position to gain experience and get a feel for the variety of opportunities available. These positions often do not offer the full range of benefits such as insurance and retirement, but they do offer greater flexibility and experience that can lead to a better position later on.

Electron microscope

How would the field of science have developed without the invention of the microscope? Although magnification by simple lenses has been practiced since ancient times, the first compound microscope wasn't discovered until the late 16th century. While experimenting with a pair of lenses mounted on a sliding tube, Dutch spectacle makers -- Zaccharias Janssen and his son Hans -- discovered that nearby objects appeared enlarged. In 1609, Galileo improved upon their experiments and worked out the principal of lenses with a focusing device. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Anton van Leeuwenhoek of Holland, often referred to as the father of microscopy, developed lenses that could magnify objects up to 270 times and made numerous biological discoveries with microscopes he built. By the early 1900s, the compound microscope had evolved to its present form. Although sophisticated, special-purpose, modified microscopes have emerged since then, modern light microscopes still cannot distinguish objects smaller than half the wavelength of light and have limited magnification capabilities. In the 1930s, German scientists Max Knott and Ernst Ruska introduced the electron microscope, which utilizes an electron beam with a smaller wavelength. This invention now allows scientists to magnify at levels up to 500,000 times.

Obama Plans to Boost U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, Set Benchmarks

President Barack Obama plans to send 4,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to train local forces and set benchmarks for progress in battling militants there and in Pakistan, administration officials said.

The president’s new strategy for turning the corner in the eight-year-old war, to be announced this morning, comes amid increased insurgent activity and before Afghanistan’s presidential and provincial elections scheduled for Aug. 20.

Obama also would support legislation to boost economic aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year in exchange for that country cracking down on Taliban and al-Qaeda militants hiding out along border, the officials, who briefed reporters last night, said.

The administration began outlining the new strategy for members of Congress yesterday. Obama also will be discussing it with other leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization when he meets with them for a summit April 3-4 on the French- German border. The administration has been pressing the allies to shoulder more responsibility in Afghanistan.

The 4,000 extra U.S. troops, which are in addition to the 17,000 military personnel Obama already has ordered to the country, will prepare Afghan forces to take a bigger role. All the extra troops are scheduled to be in the country by fall.

“They are going to stress training the Afghans,” House Defense Appropriations subcommittee Chairman John Murtha said after a briefing by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

‘Realistic’ Goals

Murtha, a Pennsylvania Democrat, said the goals of the strategy are “realistic.” He described them as: “Train the Afghans and then get the hell out of there.”

The new U.S. approach also includes strengthening Pakistan through more aid, as proposed by Senators John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Richard Lugar, an Indiana Republican.

Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said parts of the plan “are very constructive and positive,” citing the need to get trainers into the country. He said he’s still concerned about terrorist bases in Pakistan.

The administration plans stepped up diplomacy in the region, as well. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed Iran’s planned participation next week in an international conference on Afghanistan. Iran “has a role to play in the region, and we hope it will be a constructive role,” Clinton said yesterday in Mexico.
Sources : http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=afZ_eWlhL6a0&refer=home

New Evidence From NSF-funded ANDRILL Demonstrates Climate Warming Affects Antarctic Ice Sheet Stability

A five-nation scientific team has published new evidence that even a slight rise in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, one of the gases that drives global warming, affects the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). The massive WAIS covers the continent on the Pacific side of the Transantarctic Mountains. Any substantial melting of the ice sheet would cause a rise in global sea levels.

The research, which was published in the March 19 issue of the journal Nature, is based on investigations by a 56-member team of scientists conducted on a 1,280-meter (4,100-foot)-long sedimentary rock core taken from beneath the sea floor under Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf during the first project of the ANDRILL (ANtarctic geological DRILLing) research program--the McMurdo Ice Shelf (MIS) Project.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), provided about $20 million in support of the ANDRILL program. The other ANDRILL national partners contributed an additional $10 million in science and logistics support.

"The sedimentary record from the ANDRILL project provides scientists with an important analogue that can be used to help predict how ice shelves and the massive WAIS will respond to future global warming over the next few centuries," said Ross Powell, a professor of geology at Northern Illinois University.

"The sedimentary record indicates that under global warming conditions that were similar to those projected to occur over the next century, protective ice shelves could shrink or even disappear and the WAIS would become vulnerable to melting," Powell said. "If the current warm period persists, the ice sheet could diminish substantially or even disappear over time. This would result in a potentially significant rise in sea levels."

ANDRILL--which involves scientists from the United States, New Zealand, Italy and Germany--refines previous findings about the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, sea level rise and natural cycles in Earth's orbit around the Sun, through the study of sediment and rock cores that are a geological archive of past climate.

The dynamics of ice sheets, including WAIS, are not well understood, and improving scientists' comprehension of the mechanisms that control the growth, melting and movements of ice sheets was one of NSF's research priorities during the International Polar Year (IPY). The IPY field campaign, which officially ended March 2009, has been an intense scientific campaign to explore new frontiers in polar science, improve our understanding of the critical role of the polar regions in global processes, and educate students, teachers, and the public about the polar regions and their importance to the global system. NSF was the lead agency for U.S. IPY efforts.

The cores retrieved by ANDRILL researchers have allowed them to peer back in time to the Pliocene era, roughly 2 million to 5 million years ago. During that era, the Antarctic was in a natural climate state that was warmer than today and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were higher. Data from the cores indicate the WAIS advanced and retreated numerous times in response to forcing driven by these climate cycles.

Powell and Tim Naish, director of Victoria University of Wellington's Antarctic Research Centre, served as co-chief scientists of the 2006-2007 ANDRILL project that retrieved the data and are lead authors in one of two companion studies published in Nature.

Naish said the new information gleaned from the core shows that changes in the tilt of Earth's rotational axis has played a major role in ocean warming that has driven repeated cycles of growth and retreat of the WAIS for the period in Earth's history between 3 million and 5 million years ago.

"It also appears that when atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations reached 400 parts per million around four million years ago, the associated global warming amplified the effect of the Earth's axial tilt on the stability of the ice sheet," he said.

"Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is again approaching 400 parts per million," Naish said. "Geological archives, such as the ANDRILL core, highlight the risk that a significant body of permanent Antarctic ice could be lost within the next century as Earth's climate continues to warm. Based on ANDRILL data combined with computer models of ice sheet behavior, collapse of the entire WAIS is likely to occur on the order of 1,000 years, but recent studies show that melting has already begun."

The second ANDRILL study in Nature--led by David Pollard of Pennsylvania State University and Rob DeConto from University of Massachusetts--reports results from a computer model of the ice sheets. The model shows that each time the WAIS collapsed, some of the margins of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet also melted, and the combined effect was a global sea level rise of 7 meters above present-day levels.

Whether the beginnings of such a collapse could start 100 years from now or within the next millennium is hard to predict and depends on future atmospheric CO2 levels, the researchers said. However, the new information from ANDRILL contributes a missing piece of the puzzle as scientists try to refine their predictions of the effects of global warming.

The most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) noted that because so little is understood about ice sheet behavior it is difficult to predict how ice sheets will contribute to sea level rise in a warming world. The behavior of ice sheets, the IPCC report said, is one of the major uncertainties in predicting exactly how the warming of the globe will affect human populations.

"From these combined data modeling studies, we can say that past warming events caused West Antarctic ice shelves and ice grounded below sea level to melt and disappear. The modeling suggests these collapses took one to a few thousand years," Pollard said.

Pollard and DeConto also underscored the role of ocean temperatures in melting of the ice.

"It's clear from our combined research using geological data and modeling that ocean temperatures play a key role," DeConto said. "The most substantial melting of protective ice shelves comes from beneath the ice, where it is in contact with seawater. We now need more data to determine what is happening to the underside of contemporary ice shelves."

The ANDRILL Science Management Office, located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, supports science planning and the activities of the international ANDRILL Science Committee (ASC). Antarctica New Zealand is the ANDRILL project operator and has developed the drilling system in collaboration with Alex Pyne at Victoria University of Wellington and Webster Drilling and Exploration.

The U.S. Antarctic Program and Raytheon Polar Services Corporation (RPSC) supported the science team at McMurdo Station and in the Crary Science and Engineering Laboratory, while Antarctica New Zealand supported the drilling team at Scott Base.

Award to Recognize Phoenix Mars Lander Team

The team that developed and operated NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander mission will receive the 2009 John L. "Jack" Swigert Award for Space Exploration from the Space Foundation.

During five months of operations at a Martian arctic site after landing on May 25, 2008, the Phoenix spacecraft confirmed the presence of frozen water just below the surface, identified potential nutrients and other substances in the soil, and observed snow in the atmosphere.

The Space Foundation, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., announced Feb. 19 that it will present the award to the Phoenix team on March 30, during the foundation's 25th National Space Symposium, in Colorado Springs.

The annual award honors the memory and legacy of Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert.

The Phoenix team is a collaboration of several organizations. Phoenix Principal Investigator Peter H. Smith of the University of Arizona, Tucson, is supported by an international team of science co-investigators. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., provided project management, mission management, and technical collaboration with the science and spacecraft teams. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, provided spacecraft development, assembly and testing, and flight-system mission operations support. International contributions have been provided by the Canadian Space Agency; the University of Neuchatel, Switzerland; the universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark; the Max Planck Institute, Germany, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

Eye-socket camera films from inside the head

The Eyeborg Project

There's a blurred line between challenge and opportunity.

Having lost his eye in a childhood accident and suffered a lot of pain, Rob Spense, a 36-year-old filmmaker, has decided to do something that'll put filming and seeing into just one eye, quite literally.

His work is called the Eyeborg project, and involves his friend Kosta Grammatis, a photographer/engineer, and a team of ocularists, inventors, and engineering specialists. The team is building a prosthetic eye that can capture and transmit video.

While the idea is simple, it's a great engineering challenge. For the project to be successful, the smallest, lightest, most power-efficient technologies have to be found and implemented.

The team is using the world's smallest CMOS camera for the project. This device is about 1.5 millimeters squared. It's so small that if you sneeze while it's resting on your open palm, you might never find it again.

The eye camera captures and sends video signal wirelessly using an RF transmitter as small as the tip of a pencil. According to Kosta, the data will be sent to a recorder placed in a backpack. The eye-socket camera is powered by a lithium polymer battery that fits inside the prosthesis.

Rob and the team are currently working on a documentary about the Eyeborg Project and the experience of living with a bionic eye.

Their work could ultimately help San Francisco artist Tanya Vlach who is looking for technology to use for her own bionic eye-cam.

Source news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10190801-1.html

Budget plan would leave deepest hole since 1945

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday delivered to Congress a $3.6 trillion spending plan that would finance vast new investments in health care, energy independence and education by raising taxes on the oil-and-gas industry, hedge-fund managers, multinational corporations and more than 2 million of the nation's top earners.

The blueprint, meanwhile, would overhaul federal programs to strengthen assistance for millions of people who have borne the consequences of what Obama called "an era of profound irresponsibility," helping them pay for college, train for better jobs and save for retirement while taxing less of their earnings.

The agenda for the fiscal year that begins in October would not come cheap. This year's budget deficit, swollen by spending to combat a severe recession, would hit a record $1.75 trillion, or 12.3 percent of the overall economy, the highest since 1945. While Obama inherited the bulk of that gap, his budget would allow for a fresh round of spending to prop up troubled financial institutions that could hit $750 billion.

Next year's deficit would approach $1.2 trillion. But Obama proposes to cut that figure roughly in half by the end of 2012, in large part by levying nearly $1 trillion in new taxes on the highest earners, defined as families with gross income of more than $250,000 a year.

In unveiling the outline of his spending priorities, Obama acknowledged his proposal would "add to our deficits in the short term to provide immediate relief to families and get our economy moving." But he argued that the economic crisis should not be used as an excuse to delay costly investments intended to modernize the economy, enhance the work force and, ultimately, reduce government spending.

"What I won't do is sacrifice investments that will make America stronger, more competitive and more prosperous in the 21st century, investments that have been neglected for too long," Obama said. Citing the need to "break free" from foreign oil, reduce "crushing health-care costs" and improve public education, Obama said: "These investments must be America's priorities, and that's what they will be when I sign this budget into law."

Source seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008791874_budget27.htm

Pulau Kapas

Relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this island is the perfect getaway for those looking for some blissful relaxation.

It is a lovely small island with beautiful, quiet, unspoiled sandy beaches; cool and clear blue waters, swaying coconut trees and caves with swallows’ nests. Its waters are home to beautiful marine life such as fish, turtles, corals and others.

Making it a must-visit destination, especially for discerning divers and snorkellers, is the incredible variety of hard and soft corals, seashells, fish and turtles.

The laidback atmosphere gives a perfect excuse to do nothing. Still, if you are feeling restless, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Take your pick: diving, swimming, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and even fishing.

Pulau Kapas is difficult to access during the monsoon (November - March).

Accommodation varies from deluxe and budget chalets offering air conditioned or fan.

Russian Leaders Examine Nursing Education in Bemidji

Russian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend November 9 - 17, 2008, in Bemidji, MN examining Nursing Education processes and programs. North Country Regional Hospital will host the delegation. Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and free-market system.

While in Bemidji, the delegates will engage in a professional program that will include the levels of nursing education in the US, funding and administration of programs, how technology is used in the classroom and distant learning classes, nursing skills demonstrations, and numerous other topics related to nursing education and the nursing profession.

The visiting delegates, all educators of nurses in Russia, are Inna Bespalova and Zoya Silich of Tomsk, Russia; Natalya Biryukova, Svetlana Melanich and Aleksandr Ovsyannikov of Balakovo, Russia. Tatyana Reva from Kursk, Russia, a teacher of English at the Kursk State University, will accompany them as a facilitator.

While in Bemidji, the Open World delegation is scheduled to attend work sessions with the Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State University Nursing faculties, attend a community Rotary meeting, tour classrooms and clinical sites utilized by the NTC and BSU nursing programs, attend activities to acquaint them with the Native American culture, attend an ITV (interactive television) meeting with other Wisconson nursing faculty and Russian nurses visiting LaCrosse, Wisconson nursing programs the same week, learn about student/campus life and many other professional and social activities.

Homestays will allow the Open World delegates to experience American family life. They will also take part in several cultural and community activities, including optional attendance at a city council meeting, tour at Concordia Language Villages, shopping at the local mall, grocery stores and attendance at local church services.

The Open World Leadership Center has awarded a grant to World Services of LaCrosse, Wisconson to administer this and similar exchanges in 2008. Alice Thompson, RN, BSN, BSCS and retired NTC nursing educator is the local community program coordinator. Mary Auger, Lactation Specialist at NCRH, assists with the program activities.

The U.S. Congress established Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Thanks to Open World, some 13,000 current and future Eurasian leaders have experienced American civil society and have been exposed to new ideas and practices that they can adapt for use in their own work. Open World also promotes partnerships and continued communications between delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts. Open World currently operates exchanges for political and civic leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

$1.4 Billion to be Available to Pay Bills Before the New Year

CHICAGO – Because the national recession has negatively affected Illinois’ revenue and caused a $2 billion fiscal year 2009 budget deficit, the State will be selling $1.4 billion in general obligation certificates to infuse the General Revenue Fund with much needed cash to pay vendors and providers who urgently need payment.

“We are pleased to be taking this step to help the state speed payment to many organizations and agencies that have provided care for seniors, healthcare to children, or other critical services and have been waiting to be paid. Together with the Comptroller’s, Treasurer’s, and Attorney General’s offices, we are able to fulfill our commitment to these organizations,” said Ginger Ostro, Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

The Office of the Governor, the Office of the Comptroller, the Office of the Treasurer, and the Office of the Attorney General have worked together on this short-term borrowing transaction which would immediately put cash into the State’s accounts so that the Comptroller can pay bills more quickly.

In addition to the state receiving less revenue than the budget projected, the state also has an uneven cash flow. This means that more dollars will come into the state during March, April and May. The short-term borrowing will allow the state to pay many bills now that have been pending, rather than waiting for this spring when additional money comes in. While short-term borrowing will not solve the budget deficit, the state needs to pay vendors and manage the uneven cash flow.

In May 2003, the state borrowed $1.5 billion to pay Medicaid assistance, medical providers of long term care, the refund fund, and state aid payments to K-12 schools. Short-term borrowing has been used in other years since to manage cash flow and ensure the state’s payment obligations are met in a timely manner.

Illinois is not alone in facing a FY09 budget shortfall due to lower than projected revenues. At a recent meeting with President-Elect Barack Obama and the nation’s governors, Chairman of the National Governors Association, Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, said 43 of 50 states currently face budget deficits.

Earning the Government's ENERGY STAR

Desktop and notebook (laptop) computers, game consoles, integrated computer systems, desktop-derived servers and workstations are all eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR. Those that come with the label are more efficient than ever. When purchasing a new computer, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR before making your final decision. You should be able to find the label on the products and packaging as well as in product literature and on websites to make it easy for you to choose.

EPA has strengthened the requirements for earning the ENERGY STAR to meet energy use guidelines in three distinct operating modes: standby, active, and sleep modes. This ensures energy savings when computers are being used and performing a range of tasks, as well as when they are in standby. ENERGY STAR qualified computers must also have a more efficient internal power supply.

Since computers are in use more hours per day than they used to be, power management is important to saving energy. ENERGY STAR power management features place computers (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into a low-power “sleep mode” after a designated period of inactivity. Low-power modes for computers reduce the spinning of the hard disk, which decreases power consumption. Simply hitting a key on the keyboard or moving the mouse awakens the computer in a matter of seconds.

Strategic role for SPT chair

SPT Chair Alistair Watson has been appointed to a government think-tank on transport.

The newly-created stakeholder group will advise the Scottish Government on its National Transport Strategy.

The group met for the first time on 1 September and will gather in Edinburgh three times a year until its findings are reviewed in 2010/11.

It will provide the government with evidence-based advice on issues such as transport integration, congestion and the environmental and social impacts of travel.

Councillor Watson said: "I am delighted SPT is using its expertise to help the Scottish Government deliver the best possible transport outcomes for the people of this country.

"I look forward to advising Ministers on important matters such as increasing public transport usage and reducing CO2 emissions, which are at the heart of SPT’s values."

Group membership also includes representatives from Transport Scotland, consumer and environmental groups, business development agencies, universities and trades unions.

EASTERN REDCEDAR - Juniper virginiana, Linn

THE FRENCH CALLED IT baton rouge or red stick; we call it redcedar; actually it's a juniper. Redcedar will grow on almost any type of soil from the river bottoms to the barest rock bluff. It is found over most of the eastern United States including all of our state. Many variations in form, growth habits and coloration, plus its hardiness, have made it an ideal tree for ornamental purposes. There are many varieties which have been isolated and propagated as ornamentals. An old Ozark superstition says that when any cedar tree which you planted grows tall enough to shade your grave, you will die. So commonly has cedar been planted as ornamental in cemeteries, it is sometimes called graveyard tree.

An easy way of identifying this tree is by crushing the foliage and smelling the attractive juniper odor produced by the flat, scale-like leaves. The outer needles and needles on the new growth are sharp. On older twigs or deeper in the crown they are rounded and smooth. Redcedar trees, with the help of the birds scattering the seed, are quick to invade abandoned or poorly managed pastures. Their round, tear and column shapes stand out like ghosts on a bright landscape on a moon-lit night. In summer, these trees have a deep emerald green color, but in winter outer branches and exposed trees turn a copper yellow to rusty brown color.

Bright waxy-blue berries are borne on female trees. The sexes are separate on all junipers. Oil from these berries is used to flavor gin.

Fragrant oils permeate the rich, red-colored wood. Since this odor repels moths and adds a welcome woodsy fragrance to clothes, redcedar is widely used for cedar chests and closet paneling. Some cedar is used for furniture. Cedar novelties are almost trademarks of the Ozarks. Missouri is the leading producer of cedar novelties which are shipped all over this country and exported to some foreign countries. Because of its durability many cedars are used for fence posts. In the past, when it was more abundant, it was widely used for fence rails and later for pencils.

Redcedar's versatility extends still further. It is an excellent wildlife tree. Berries are sought as winter food by many songbirds. In turn the birds spread the seed when it passes through their digestive tracts. Farmer often struggle to keep it out of fence rows and pastures where the birds later roost. Doves and other birds seek the protection of the heavy foliage for their nests. Many animals use it both as food and shelter in the cold winter months, even deer browse on it heavily in winter. Wildlife plantings should include red cedar, for as a windbreak tree it is hard to beat.

Like all junipers, red cedar is an alternate host to the cedar-apple fungus disease. On wet spring days the orange, jelly-like fingered balls become apparent on many cedars. These are the spore forming organisms of the fungus. In theory, no cedars should be planted within a mile of apple orchards. However, it is usually necessary to spray apples anyway and any good fungicide will control the disease.

Cocoa-Rich Products

Cocoa powder contains more beneficial antioxidants than several other popular chocolate products made from cocoa beans, ARS analyses have shown. A study funded in part by the American Cocoa Research Institute, using samples provided by manufacturers, also showed processing of the beans lowers antioxidant content.

ARS scientists at the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center and the Beltsville (Md.) Human Nutrition Research Center scrutinized what's known as the total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of procyanidins—the cocoa bean's most prevalent antioxidants—in natural unsweetened cocoa powders, Dutch-processed cocoa powders, unsweetened baking chocolate, semisweet chocolate baking chips, dark chocolates and milk chocolates.

Why the interest in cocoa and chocolate antioxidants? Changes in food processing procedures or cocoa and chocolate factory formulations might make it possible to boost the antioxidant values of tomorrow's cocoa-bean-derived beverages and confections. That would be sweet news indeed, because antioxidants are thought to help prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Conflict Diamonds

"As a result of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, diamonds are among the most monitored and audited of any natural resource in the world. This system has proven to be an essential and effective tool in combating the scourge of conflict diamonds." by Eli Izhakoff, Chairman World Diamond Council.

The Kimberley Process was launched in 2003 to control and monitor the trade in rough diamonds. In just three years, the international community has made remarkable strides to certify the $30 billion annual international rough diamond trade by creating a documentary record of rough diamonds from mine to polishing. Rough diamonds must be shipped in sealed containers and exported with a Kimberley Process Certificate which certifies that the diamonds are conflict free.

Forest Harvesting

The harvesting operation are carried out based on scientific principles of forestry. The trees, which are to be felled are marked in the coupes which are due for felling. Marking is an act of identifying and numbering suitable trees. It is done in accordance with marking rules prescribed. This work is performed by Territorial Forest Divisions. After marking, the coupes are handed over to the by Production Divisions for felling.

The felling operations are undertaken in the coupes observing all precautions. Felling normally commences in the month of September/October. After the felling of trees, logging, dragging, stacking etc. is done in coupes. Thereafter, the forest produce like timber, poles, fuel, bamboo and khair are brought to the respective depots of the divisions for sale and disposal. Newly harvested material normally starts arriving in the depot during October.

Types of Investment Companies

Legally known as an "open-end company," a mutual fund is one of three basic types of investment companies. While this brochure discusses only mutual funds, you should be aware that other pooled investment vehicles exist and may offer features that you desire. The two other basic types of investment companies are:

Closed-end funds — which, unlike mutual funds, sell a fixed number of shares at one time (in an initial public offering) that later trade on a secondary market; and

Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) — which make a one-time public offering of only a specific, fixed number of redeemable securities called "units" and which will terminate and dissolve on a date specified at the creation of the UIT.

"Exchange-traded funds" (ETFs) are a type of investment company that aims to achieve the same return as a particular market index. They can be either open-end companies or UITs. But ETFs are not considered to be, and are not permitted to call themselves, mutual funds.

FDI

Foreign investment is essential for the long-term health of the UK economy because of its contribution to creating and underpinning British jobs, as well as boosting local and regional economies.

International investors are some of our biggest and most innovative manufacturers, and service providers, bringing enormous benefits to the UK. These include not only job and wealth creation, but also an injection of innovation to process, product and organisational structure, adding to UK capacity in output, R&D and exports.

International investment allows companies to achieve growth and economies of scale that domestic markets alone would not allow. This makes them more productive and profitable with greater capacity for job and wealth creation. The expansion of high productivity businesses helps strengthen competition within the economy as companies are exposed to new ideas and practices.

Lead-Based Paint

Lead has long been recognized as a harmful environmental pollutant. In late 1991, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services called lead the "number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States." There are many ways in which humans are exposed to lead: through air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. Airborne lead enters the body when an individual breathes or swallows lead particles or dust once it has settled. Before it was known how harmful lead could be, it was used in paint, gasoline, water pipes, and many other products.

Old lead-based paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the U.S. today. Most homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint. Some homes built as recently as 1978 may also contain lead paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes, or other surfaces. Harmful exposures to lead can be created when lead-based paint is improperly removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning. High concentrations of airborne lead particles in homes can also result from lead dust from outdoor sources, including contaminated soil tracked inside, and use of lead in certain indoor activities such as soldering and stained-glass making.

IBM Plans 'Brain-Like' Computers

IBM has announced it will lead a US government-funded collaboration to make electronic circuits that mimic brains.

Part of a field called "cognitive computing", the research will bring together neurobiologists, computer and materials scientists and psychologists. As a first step in its research the project has been granted $4.9m (£3.27m) from US defence agency Darpa. The resulting technology could be used for large-scale data analysis, decision making or even image recognition.

"The mind has an amazing ability to integrate ambiguous information across the senses, and it can effortlessly create the categories of time, space, object, and interrelationship from the sensory data," says Dharmendra Modha, the IBM scientist who is heading the collaboration.

"There are no computers that can even remotely approach the remarkable feats the mind performs," he said. "The key idea of cognitive computing is to engineer mind-like intelligent machines by reverse engineering the structure, dynamics, function and behaviour of the brain."

The Water Cycle

Earth's water is always in movement, and the water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. Since the water cycle is truly a "cycle," there is no beginning or end. Water can change states among liquid, vapor, and ice at various places in the water cycle, with these processes happening in the blink of an eye and over millions of years.

Although the balance of water on Earth remains fairly constant over time, individual water molecules can come and go in a hurry. The water in the apple you ate yesterday may have fallen as rain half-way around the world last year or could have been used 100 million years ago by Mama Dinosaur to give her baby a bath.