Entry Level Clerical Positions OPening for the State of PA

Collards and carrots may ward off breast cancer - Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Collards and carrots may ward off breast cancer - Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Philadelphia School District Superintendent Search...LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

Shoes needed: Must be fashionable AND comfortable

I have always had a shoe fetish. I got it honestly; I inherited it from my mom. Most of the women I know have a love-affair with shoes. When I was in my twenties and thirties, I love wearing high heels. Just putting on a pair automatically made me feel sexy. I would immediately turn into my alter ego, “Lola”. In those days, it was nothing for me to dance effortlessly or strut around for hours in a pair of heels. But now…I’m over forty. Now, I look for shoes that are more comfortable than fashionable. But fashion is still important too.

Now those designer label, high-heel shoes sit in my closed unworn; safely tucked away in their boxes. Most days, you can see me sporting flats. But not all flat shoes are comfortable nor are they all good for your feet. In my search for a comfortable, every day shoe, I remembered: Wallabees! In my research, I found that Wallabees are comfortable, surprisingly fashionable and pretty expensive! Then I found a place where I could purchase clark wallabees cheap. I laughed when I recalled my high school days at Cardinal Dougherty where, because we had to wear uniforms, the only fashion statement we could make was with our shoes and hair. We would laugh at the girls who wore cheap clark wallabes, calling them corny. Lol. I realize that those girls weren’t corny at all; they were smart!

I also found that they have comfortable boots as well. Those pointy toe, high heel boots that I once strutted around in no longer fit my lifestyle. Clarks women’s boots square toe look pretty good to me now! They’re fashionable enough, but more important to me at this stage in my life is comfort.
So, I’m going to try them out. I’m sure my feet will love them!

HER Partners with the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation

Traditionally, October has been the month to focus on breast cancer awareness. HER…Healed Empowered and Renewed believes that breast cancer awareness and prevention should be promoted every day of the year and has teamed with the Linda Creed Foundation to do just that.

Although the causes of breast cancer are not known, there are statistics that indicate ways to decrease your risk factor. Some ways to lower your risk factor include:

• Maintaining and lowering your weight
• Eating 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Exercising at least 3 times each week
• Lowing your intake of proteins and carbs
• Keeping alcohol consumptions at a minimum
• Lowering your caffeine intake
• Getting a mammogram beginning at age 30 if you have a 1st degree relative who had breast cancer; age 35 for all others.

The Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation offers FREE screenings for uninsured or underinsured women. Call 215-564-3700 for eligibility requirements.

ABOUT HER
Designed to encourage and inspire women of all ages, this association provides its audiences with information to help build Healing, Empowerment and Renewal of the mind, body and spirit.

ABOUT LINDA CREED FOUNDATION
Born in Philadelphia in 1949, Creed was raised in the city's Mt. Airy section.
Diagnosed with breast cancer at 26, Creed kept on working, teaming with composer Michael Masser to write "Greatest Love of All" for the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic The Greatest; in the spring of 1986, the song topped the charts for singer Whitney Houston. Sadly, weeks before Houston reached number one, Creed's battle with cancer ended on April 10, 1986. The following year, her family and friends established the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to fight breast cancer with heart through community-based education and referral, support, advocacy and direct service for those in need.

Breast Cancer Still Kills

I met up with a facebook friend who had moved back to Philly last summer. We both attended a networking event, recognized each other and sat together during the television taping portion of the event. She shared with me that she had a lump in her breast and that she let it go unchecked for several months. She was about to start treatment and had changed her diet and was very hopeful that she would be ok.

We stayed in touch for the next few months, then in October, I didn't see much fb posting and didn't receive emails. I only called once and left a message. I must admit that that was selfish of me. You see, I could see us becoming good friends; she reminded me so much of a good friend that I lost to cancer in 2006. I couldn't bear the thought of getting close to someone else who would all of a sudden be gone again. I never called again.

She had been heavy on my mind over the holidays; but again, I got busy and didn't reach out. Then last week I called and left a message. When she didn't return my call I visited her facebook page. There were lots of posts from people giving her shout outs and accolades...then one post said RIP. I was shocked and deeply saddened.

It had only been five months since we met in person. She was alive, vibrant and hopeful. Five months later she was dead from breast cancer. I can't help but to wonder if she had gone to get that lump checked out immediately, if she migh still be living. My guess is yes.

Early detection is key. It is one of the main reasons why African American women die at a much higher rate from this disease than other ethnicities.

Many of you know that my mom was an 18 year breast cancer survivor. My aunt, her sister, was also a survivor. My great aunt is also a survivor. Now I have a cousin who is surviving. this thing is for real, and it is quick. So ladies (and gentlemen too) PLEASE check your breast frequently. PLEASE have ANY abnormality checked out immediately...even if you don't have health insurance. There are many places where you can get a free mammogram. There are also place that offer free treatments for breast cancer.

Let's not just be aware of breast cancer and it's consequences during the month of October. Breast cancer kills all year long.

Needed to get it

Content by Sol Rosales

I never thought I’d need to Compare Texas Electric Companies to get a good deal since I came from a state where you had one choice of energy companies but I’ve learned a lot of new things being here in Texas. I love my little ranch style house but people are so friendly – almost overly so – I’m not used to my neighbors coming over with baskets of muffins wanting to talk and be best friends, you know? I loved my old place but it was time for a change and when this job of a lifetime opened up I didn’t really have much of a choice. I’m going to make a great life here and I know it’s going to take time but I’m going to find out what my niche is here in Texas and go with it. That’s all I can really ask for in the end you know what I mean? And that’s what really counts for me and my family.

Financial resolutions to make for 2012

Shedding unwanted pounds, recharging a golf score that's stuck in neutral, nurturing a better relationship with your teenager — these resolutions and many more will appear on lists this coming January. Of course, some good intentions will fade before the flowers arrive on Valentine's Day. But other decisions, if allowed to harden into habit, have the potential to greatly affect your financial future. For most people, incremental choices and a lifestyle of discipline are the key to attaining financial independence. Here are five suggestions for the coming year to help you achieve that goal.

Review your expenses. The start of a new year is a great time to take inventory of your finances. Track your expenses for six months or so. You may be surprised at the result. Do I really spend that much on coffee? Are my utility bills really that high? For many people, getting a handle on how cash actually flows through their checkbook can be a great motivator.

Build an emergency fund. Unless you plan to finance your "rainy days" with expensive credit card debt, setting aside cash in an easy-to-access emergency fund should be a priority. Many companies will allow you to allocate paycheck deposits into more than one bank account. Pick a savings account, designate it as your emergency fund, and start socking money away. Strive to accumulate a large enough balance to cover three to six months of living expenses.

Save — automatically. Retirement savings can be set up along similar lines. By making deposits directly into a retirement account, the money won't show up in your checking account where it's likely to be spent. Of course, if your employer offers to match contributions to a 401(k) plan, be sure to take full advantage of the matching amount.

Pay down debts. If you're saddled with debt, you're beholden to others. As the old saying goes, "The borrower is slave to the lender." True, it's often more fun to buy stuff on credit — you don't have to wait. But by whittling away at debt, you can expect to cut your overall interest costs and enjoy more financial flexibility in the future.

Treat yourself. Most of us can't live like monks. To stay motivated, budget some "fun money" into the mix. Make that meal at a nice restaurant or a weekend get-away your reward for the financial sacrifices you make the rest of the year.

Source: http://www.atconnercpa.com/

Tips for building wealth

From Anita T. Conner & Associates, P.C.

Some wealthy folks hail from a long line of aristocrats and industrial magnates. A lucky few win the lottery. But about 80% of the millionaires in America are "first generation" rich. They're the first in their families to have attained a high net worth through traditional means. How did they do it? Many of these folks developed small businesses over decades; others earned advanced degrees in demanding fields. Most followed simple principles that the rest of us can apply, including the following.

1. Avoid debt. If you can pay cash for an item, do so. Only take out loans for items that will likely generate a return on investment, like a house or an education. Paying interest leaves less money in your pocket for building wealth.
Invest in equities. With the volatility of the stock market in recent months, many people are pumping their money into bank accounts, certificates of deposit, and Treasury notes. If you have a long term horizon (say, five years or more until you'll need the funds), a well-diversified portfolio of stock mutual funds is still likely to be a wise choice.

2. Value education. Especially in certain professional fields (such as business, engineering, healthcare, and law), you can expect a college degree to pay off over time.
Live within your means. As the old saying goes, "You can't get ahead if you're always behind." Curbing your spending habits requires discipline. Watching your neighbor park his latest toy in the driveway (often purchased on the installment plan) may be irritating. But building long-term wealth isn't about keeping up with the Joneses.

3. Pay yourself first. If your company offers a 401(k) plan, contribute as much as possible directly from your paycheck. If you're in business for yourself or work for a company that doesn't offer a retirement plan, investigate other retirement plan options and make annual contributions.
Work hard. Never underestimate the value of your own labor. Life isn't always fair, and some lazy people have risen to the top. But most folks who have developed profitable businesses or found success in their professions have earned that position by focusing their energies over long periods.
Don't give up. Along the way, you're certain to encounter obstacles — unanticipated expenses, job losses, market setbacks, unappreciative bosses. Don't let them sidetrack you from your financial goals.

FREE FINANCIAL WORKSHOP JANUARY 21, 2012

Red wine is healthy!!!!

And again red wine enters the grand world of health breakthroughs! For those who like a glass or two of pinot noir, the news is...good! A new study has found that red wine could help women shield themselves from breast cancer.

Since cancer prevention is always a vital topic for us all, such breakthroughs like this are welcome. This one suggests women can use red wine -- in moderation only -- as a weapon against one of the major causes of death amongst U.S. women. The new study challenges the widely held belief that alcohol consumption in general increases one's risk of developing breast cancer. The notion has been that alcohol increases the body's estrogen levels, fostering the growth of cancer cells.

US need for Translation Services is on the rise

The other day I visited my niece’s Junior High School in Philadelphia, PA, where I ran into a childhood friend who teaches there. We talked briefly and as his students started piling into his classroom, I heard a few different languages. The thought that immediately came to my mind was "TRANSLATION SERVICE"! If I were a teacher, I'd want to know what these students are talking about! I agreed to wait 45 minutes to have lunch with him and I asked about the many different languages that I heard, and how did that affect his teaching. Boy, did I open a can of worms!

He expressed his frustration with multiple language barriers. When I asked about the translation services that the district provided, he laughed. “Do you know how long it takes to get that service? I have 10 parents who I need to speak with and I need a Russian, Spanish and French (Haitian) interpreter. I suggested that he write them letters and use an on-line translation tool for the various languages needed and mail them out. He was grateful for my suggestion and said he’d try it.

With the many immigrants flooding U.S. cities, the need for translation services is quickly on the rise. They are needed in schools; they’re needed in various agencies that provide resources and information and, although immigrants don’t have the right to vote, I think they should be able to understand what’s happening.

Animal Planet

Author: Joyce Mccall

My daughter got married in May of last year. She and her husband moved close to us just outside of Plano, Texas. My son in law is this really huge guy at six foot four inches. He was very athletic growing up and now has whittled it down to playing a mean game of tennis with a team he has joined. He has always loved being outdoors camping or hiking or even hunting. The other day he was making reference to some weird animal that he had seen on Animal Planet on www.directstartv.com. I never knew that he knew so much about animals except for the ones he hunts. He told me that he watches Animal Planet all the time. I am constantly finding out new things about my son in law. He even got into this big discussion about how Big Foot is still around, and that people are still hunting for him. I even watched one of the shows with him one time that was about these guys hunting Big Foot at night. All I can say is that you would never catch me hunting something like that at night. I am too big of a chicken.

Filing bankruptcy can stop foreclosure.

During the recent fall of the US mortgage industry, many home owners found themselves threatened with losing their homes. After falling prey to predatory lenders who avoided proper lending practices while adding small print that allowed for adjustable mortgage rates, many found themselves trapped and went from paying a $1,200/mth mortgage to $2.400 over a 3-4 year period – THAT’S DOUBLE THE AMOUNT THEY ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED PAYING! Needless to say, the homeowner falls behind, and after several months of not being able to keep up the payments, the bank puts their home in foreclosure.

Many have found that signing up for a credit counseling course before filing for bankruptcy very helpful. Others find that filing for bankruptcy a very viable solution. As soon as you file for bankruptcy, the court issues and “Order of Relief” or an “Automatic Stay”, which instructs creditors to cease collection activities and postpones foreclosure sales.

There are some time sensitive documents and procedures, so if you’ve received a notice of default from your lender and are considering filing for bankruptcy, you should act immediately.

The new face of “Special Ed” students.

When I began working for the Philadelphia School District, I was surprised to see the new face of “Special Ed” kids. They didn’t look like the Special Ed kids that I remember as a child. They didn’t appear to have down syndrome, nor were they physically disabled. They weren’t blind, deaf or dumb. Upon talking to them one-on-one, they didn’t appear to be mentally handicapped either, yet MANY students had been labeled “Special Ed”.

Upon further investigation, I learned that there were two categories of Special Ed Students. You had the students who made it to the 9th grade, but were at a 3rd grade reading level. So they were labeled due to a perceived learning disability. Then you had the students who were labeled with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Hyper-active Attention Deficit (HADD). This particular group confused and concerned me.

These students weren’t any different than any ordinary inquisitive, curious, mischievous child, yet they were labeled and put on medication. As an incentive for parents to ok this often erroneous diagnosis without question, they received a check each month for their “Special Ed” child. The schools also received additional funds for Special Ed students. So, everybody was happy.

Let me say that I’m sure there are some children who fit that bill, but there are too many who are given this diagnosis for the wrong reasons. It’s sad. It’s a racket. It’s a disservice to our children. Mislabeling them at an early age can’t be good for their future. They’re being conditioned to think that they are a certain way…and it doesn’t stop with the Special Ed students either.

Does anybody else even care about this stuff besides me?