Friday, December 28, 2007

Can't Live Without Cash Advance


Nowadays cash advance is more and more popular in our daily lives, we often have time short of money, so we can't buy things that we want to buy. The good news is we can apply for cash loans. With it, we needn't to worry about money anymore.

Y0u've noticed that more and more companies providing such service. Why? Because it is very profitable, so more and more companies give us such service, and what' s more, applying for cash advance becomes much easier than before. This is very good for us. Our society is a quickly developing society, everything is behaving quickly, so is cash advance.

So now you need to make a decision whether you need a cash advance, if you do need, you can apply for it right now. I recommend perfectcashadvance.com, it is a cash advance site that helps consumers meet short term monetary emergencies, with a focus on having the consumer NOT refinance, to save money in the long-run. With their help, you have no need to worry about your life anymore.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Donate Boats


There are many kinds of ways to show your kindness to this world. One of them is donation. Donate something that you won't use again to those who need them, this can greatly increase your honor. And what's more, you will feel your life is more meaningful.

Nowadays a hot topic is Boat Donations, which is organized by Boatangel.com, it is a charitable organization, it accepts boat donations and sells them on ebay at www.charityboatsales.org for the prupose of creating and distributing absolutely free of charge (even free shipping) Children's Christian Animations on DVDs. So the poor children can get Free DVDs.

If you happen to have a used boat that you won't use again, why not consider to donate it. You will get happiness by doing this. You know there are still many people need your help in this world. You can also join their Charity Boat Donations to show your kindness.

Get Auto Loans


You are always dreaming of owning an auto, but you are shy to say that you don't have enough money to buy it, under such condition, what will you do? Will you quit your dream? If I were you, I won't. Why not consider to apply for auto loans? Oh, the bad news is that you have a bad credit history, you are warried about they don't accept your application. Now you needn't worry about it anymore, because we have TheAutoFinder.com, you can apply online for bad credit auto loans at TheAutoFinder.com. In addition to auto loans and cheap auto insurance, The Auto Loan Finder offers an auto classifieds and car dealers section if you are looking to purchase a new car. You see, your problem has been solved by them.

So now what you should do is taking action immediately and get what you want. You know, taking action is very important if you really want to do something successfully. Many people fail to do something just because they don't want to take action, so they have to quit their dreams in the end, what a pity! You won't be one of them if you follow my advice.

I myself will apply for auto loans too.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Useful Credit Card


You can't refuse credit card in this numeric era. I have a slogan, it is "what poor people use is cash, what rich people use is number". The rich don't carry cash with them, they just bring a credit card with them, so that can shop everywhere as they wish. You know I myself don't like to use cash, I like credit cards. They are very convenient to use. Just need to scan in a machine and the deal is over. This is really wonderful.

But there are too many credit card offers in this world. Nearly everything bank has its own credit, visa. I have applied for two credit cards. I use them quite often, so I don't need to pay yearly fee.

Now I want to apply for a credit card from Bank of America, hope they will accept my application. I will travel abroad so I need a credit card.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Free Online Chat


Nowadays online chat is more and more popular. We all like it, because it is nearly free. Free chat is our favorite. We can call anyone wherever he is, if we use a normal cellphone to call a man who lives abroad, the fee is too dear to be accepted. This is why online chat is so popular.

There many companies providing online chat services. For example, Talk121.com, they provide live chat lines. Their live chat line is the easy way to meet people in your local area or in cities across the U.S. For a limited time, Talk121 is offering free access to their chat line. Just pick up the phone and call 509-676-1000 right now for free chat! Hundreds of people are waiting on local chat lines for your call, so get in on the singles chat fun. It’s free to try their live phone chat service, so why not? For teen chat, you must be at least 18 years of age.

OK, it's time to chat with your friend online now, they are waiting for you, they are online, you call them at any time for free.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Having End-of-Summer Blues? Celebrate with a FHaving End-of-Summer Blues? Celebrate with a Fun Labor Day Party!un Labor Day Party!

It's hard to believe that summer is almost over and Labor Day is just around the corner. Alas, all good things must come to an end, or so they tell us. Why not make the end of summer one to remember for you, your friends and family? Why not have a party to say farewell to lazy day activities and welcome in the fall season?

Entertaining doesn't have to be a chore. Planning a party sometimes CAN be hard work, but I like to think of entertaining as giving a gift to my friends and myself! When you frame it that way, everyone wins and everyone has a good time. People love to eat, and what better way to share a good time than with great food and fun activities.

Doesn't Cherry Tomato Bruschetta sound like a heavenly way to break the ice at your Labor Day Party? What about Labor Day BBQ'd chicken that has a little extra zing added? And you can't forget a special dessert to celebrate the holiday. How does Mississippi Mud Cake sound? Yummy!

There are so many different combinations of great food you can put together for a Labor Day Party. Let me help by sending you to my Labor Day recipes page. All the recipes mentioned above can be found there, just look for the URL in my bio. It's chock full of great ideas. So, read on to get some fabulous tips for having a really fun Labor Day party.

  • Have the party outdoors. This is a given, but make it special by using summertime colors: ripe reds and golden wheats.
  • Have lots of bowls of fruits filled with peaches, tomatoes, oranges avocados. Not only are they pretty to look at but you can eat them when the party is over!
  • If you want to use centerpieces for your tables, choose flowers like Gerber daisies that have the beautiful red-orange colors throughout their blooms. Accentuate the daisies with white baby's breath or some other kind of small, delicate fern or flower. Simple is in. Simple is big. Keep it simple.
  • People aren't the only ones that enjoy eating outdoors. So do mosquitos and other tiny flying varmints. Be prepared with citronella candles and torches and light them before dusk sets in.
  • Make sure you have more than enough ice. Summer may be coming to an end, but the weather can still be pretty darn hot and the last thing you want are crabby dehydrated people at your party!

Want some games to play? Try a couple of these - especially if there will be lots of kids around:
  • Have a water balloon fight. Not only cools everyone off, but kids and adults can both enjoy it!
  • Guess how many candies are in a jar. Winner is the person who guesses closest to the actual amount. You can have a prize for the winner and another prize for the person who is the farthest off from the amount of M&Ms.
  • Have bubble gum available and have a bubble-blowing contest.
  • Have a stomp rocket or water balloon challenge - highest, farthest, slowest, etc...
  • Have a 3-legged race.
  • If you have a pool, play Marco-Polo. Or, get a net for your pool, stretch it across the width and play water polo.
  • Play limbo. How low can you go?

Don't forget to visit the Labor Day Recipes page at Easy Appetizer Recipes to find more inspiration for a celebration of the laborers of our country and to learn more about how Labor Day History came about.

Enjoy and have a happy and safe Labor Day!

Important: Please feel free to republish this article on your web site or in your ezine. However, you are not allowed to modify any part of its content and all links should be kept active.

By Sara Gray

Friday, November 23, 2007

Labor Day National Holiday Should Be Cancelled Until Work Ethic Improves

Recommended by Voice Of Dingchao

Most people believe that Labor Day is a deserved holiday and that tribute should be given to America's workers. Indeed, many people work very hard, but not all. It is somewhat interesting that a recent United Nation's study showed that the US workforce was the most productive in the world. Yet, as a former employer, I must say I was completely underwhelmed with lack of work ethic. Additionally, why do people feel entitled to this holiday and pat on the back?

Much of the US productivity comes from information systems, machines, robotics and computers. It comes from maintained highways, clean environment, good education and smart people who run these companies, and not solely the labor force itself; and is the labor force really that good? I would submit to you that it is not based on my 5,000 hours of study on this subject.

Why you ask? Well we have a huge drug problem in the US, we have Unions doing work slow downs and making outrageous demands and lobbying politicians to make laws to give them the edge, so they can perform less and get more than the rest of us. Thus, taking advantage of the system. Do those who take advantage of the system deserve more? Well they say they do and will cuss you out if you disagree with them.

If a Union Worker is asked to work on Labor Day, they get triple time pay. Indeed, they should work for free out of respect to the Nation on that holiday, not take the day off. Sincerely, Lance.

By L. Winslow

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Holidays: In Honor of Labor Day

In honor of Labor Day, here are random thoughts, suggestions and observations on the importance of work. It's been said that if you deprive a man of meaningful work, he will go stark raving mad.

Each one of us has to define meaningful work for ourselves and find meaning in our work. You are really fortunate if you love what you do and your entire job is meaningful.

Others may have to dig a little deeper to find meaning in the work they do. Even if the only reason is to provide for your family - that makes it a meaningful thing.

A recent article in the declared "U.S. jobs getting harder to bear, survey reveals." The article said that more and more people are reporting dissatisfaction in the work they do. Since we spend a majority of our waking hours at work, that adds up to a lot of time feeling dissatisfied.

Barbara Glanz, an author, speaker and expert on employee motivation and performance, has a book that you may want to check out, "Handle with CARE: Motivating and Retaining Employees." It's full of creative, low-cost ways to raise morale, increase commitment and reduce turnover. The CARE approach stands for

C = creative communication
A = atmosphere and appreciation for all
R = respect and reason for being
E = empathy and enthusiasm.

Glanz has found that motivation and retention are not about money as much as it is about how employees are treated as people.

Her research consistently shows that good wages are less important than interesting work, feeling appreciated, being "in on things" and job security. This is a must-read for any boss or manager.

If you think about it from a certain angle, workaholics really put so much more pressure on themselves than any one realizes. There is so much more pressure to succeed. If you are going to be a workaholic, you had better be very successful, because what could be more embarrassing than an unsuccessful workaholic?

If you are the spouse or close to a person who has lost a job, the best thing you can do is be present. You may not know what to say, and you don't have to know what to say. Just being there and being supportive is the very best thing you can do.

All people can find themselves out of a job. That's why it's important for everyone to do a couple of things to protect themselves, just in case: Build your network of contacts before you need them. As author and speaker Harvey McKay says,

"You have to build your well before you are thirsty."

While what you know is important, who you know and who knows you is equally important.

Also, it's important to always have a what-if plan. Steve Christian of Magic 107.1 recently shared with me this analogy: "A good pilot is always looking for a safe place to land. A good pilot will continuously look out ahead during a flight, looking for a safe place to land, just in case." We should always be doing the same. Ask yourself, "If the bottom falls out of what I am doing tomorrow, what would I do next?"

When you do find yourself out of a job, the worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. Let everyone know. Remember, what's important is who you know, who knows you and who knows you are looking. Some folks sort of play at getting the next job. To be successful, you have to make a job out of getting another job. Spend as much time looking for a job as you would working at a job.

If you are not able to make a living doing what it is that you love, you still have a winning option. Make sure you still do what you love in some form. It can be a part-time job or simply a hobby. Do it because it fulfills you. You may end up as one of the many people who have made a career out of a hobby they love.

Another thought from Barbara Glanz. She strongly recommends that whatever you do, you make it your own. She calls it giving your job your own personal signature. Ask yourself, "What can I do to make this my own, different from how anyone else would do it?"

Finally: "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle." — Phillips Brooks.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Free Live Chat


You want to chat with people online because you are a little shy, right? This is not a bad thing, you know you may really make some good friends online. Do you know some websites providing free live chat service? I happen to know a good one called Friendsation. They provide you with such service free dating, free live chat, free phone chat if you live in USA.

I like it very much because I am not rich like you so I am always welcoming free stuff. I chat with my friends online and sometimes we also make a dating. That's a cool thing. You may try it.

I wish I will meet some pretty girls some day, then make a date with them, then make them be my friends. This is my wish this year.

(This is a sponsored review)

Technorati tags:

Kiss Nudie Jeans


Well, caption, my caption, where shall we go? Oh, I will go shopping, you said to me. But what on earth are you going to buy? You want buy nudie jeans. The answer is very clear. Nudie, just nudie. Can we talk a little more about? Of course, you said. Stop here.

You want shop online? Oh, god, me too. That's very convenient for us. I happen to know an online boutique called Tobi.com, someone said it will be the next generation online shopping boutique. I've no idea about this, but I hope so. Because they really satisfied me.

Ok, what do they have? Of course, nudie jeans. What's more, seven for all mankind just for you, right? So do I. Well, we have a lot in common. So why not shop together? What do you say?
(This is a sponsored review)

Technorati tags:

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Bad Credit Auto Loans


You are planning to buy an auto, but you don't have enough money to pay for it. What would you do under this condition? I think you may consider to apply for auto loans. Yes, you've made the right choice. We should live a wonderful even we can't pay for it right now. Because we can get some loans.

But do you know where to get auto loans? If not, I'd like recommend you to www.theautofinder.com. They offer Auto Loans of all types, including bad credit auto loans and new car finance options for consumers nationwide. The Auto Finder can also help with USA national car dealer locator, auto classifieds, car buying guide, free credit report and auto lease guide. They process thousands of used car loans and bad credit car loan applications each year. They have finance lenders that will approve car loans - auto loans for customers who have had previous bankruptcy and repos. They are very reliable in my opinion.

So what are you wait for if you really need some auto loans? Why not take action right now? I believe you will get what you want in the following days.

Technorati tags:

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Labor Day Celebrations In Different States


Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September commemorates the American Labor Movement. It’s an acknowledgement of the important role that laborers had in building up the nations with all its glories and achievements. Needless to say it’s an holiday to honor and pay tribute to those workers of strength and perseverance whose selfless efforts have added to the growth and prosperity of the American nation.

Labor Day is celebrated in different states of the US with much pomp and gaiety. Different states have their own unique way of celebrating this day that come alive with the solemn feeling of the history of Labor Day and the euphoria associated with it. Let’s take a look at some of the unique ways in which Labor day is celebrated across the nation.

Mackinac Bridge Walk – (Michigan) – In Michigan people walk the length of the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, a tradition that started in 1958. Around 50,000 to 65,000 people participate in this parade in an average year which is traditionally led by the Governor of Michigan. The participation in this walk increased in certain years when this was made a part of political events for gubernatorial or presidential elections.

Boomsday – (Tennessee) – Boomsday is the annual fireworks that is organized in Knoxville, Tennessee on Labor Day. The fireworks are choreographed to music. It is held as the nations largest Labor Day fireworks show that attracts more than 325,000 spectators every year. The event is sponsored by the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation in conjunction with local radio stations of Journal Broadcast Group Pre-fireworks fun includes food, exhibitor tents, live music and entertainment! Fireworks are set off from the Henley St. bridge and spectators view the show from the riverfront, hillsides, or on boats from the Tennessee River.

Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival - (Louisiana ) - The Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in the Louisiana State is a traditional Labor Day festival born during the 1930’s. The Gulf Coast Seafood Producers & Trappers Association organized this for the first time, to honor the ocean workers—shrimpers, oystermen, crab fishermen to frog and alligator hunters and dock workers. Louisiana comes alive every year with water events, arts and crafts exhibitions, fireworks and culinary shows.

Bumbershoot – (Seattle, Washington) - The Labor Day weekend in Seattle, Washington, is animated by the Bumbershoot Art Festival. Since its golden days in the 1970’s, the place is a conglomeration of artists from around the world—writers, poets, dancers, musicians, actors and even acrobats take the center stage on the occasion of Labor Day. The event is held at the Seattle Center which spans 74 acres and which was built for the 1962 World's Fair. With over 20 stages spread across the Center, the Labor Day celebration in Seattle definitely takes a creative edge over the rest!

Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival – (Los Angeles, California) – The Sweet and Hot Jazz festival is held every year on Labor Day in Los Angeles, California. Here Labor Day is celebrated with Jazz – the most popular form of music in the country. It’s a forum for the past and the present of Jazz music to come together with the latter paying tribute to the former. It’s a unique way to celebrate Labor Day and the idea is to honor the tradition of labor through music.



Technorati tags:

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Hair Loss and More


My dear friend. Sometimes you are very confused with something, you wonder why your hair begin to loses, you wonder why you have not enough money to buy a new coat you love very much, etc.

Now you won't be worried about such things any more, because I will tell you how solve them. Provillus is the best hair loss products ranked and reviewed by those who used them. I can say you will like it when you use it. Before you buy it, you really should know more about it. You can get detailed information at www.trustsource.org.

The easy way to solve your money problem is applying for cash advance and payday loans. This site also gives information about them. The best thing I like is women payday loans they provide. If you are planning to apply for cash advance and payday loans, you should refer to this site to get more information first. Good luck.

(This a sponsored review)

Technorati tags:

Sunday, November 4, 2007

What Others Won't Tell You About Cash Advance and Payday Loans


Sometimes you want to buy something that's a little expensive, but you do not have enough money in your hand. What you should do then? You may consider to get some payday loans. If so, you make the right choice. But do you know the detail about applying for payday loans? Maybe you just know a little. Well, let me show you. According to http://www.cashadvance1500.com/, Payday loans are short-term, small, unsecured consumer loans. NO credit checks are required.

Consumers apply for cash advance payday loans through the Internet and/or in thousands of Cash Advance stores nationwide, with loans ranging from $100-$1500. The advantages on an Internet loan is that the process can be done securely and anonymously from ones home and the loan process is often completed faster. If approved, the loan amount is then sent overnight via wire into the applicant’s checking or savings account.

Another thing you may want is cash advance, this is a wonderful thing! Think aboout it, you don't need to have your own money if you want to buy something beyond your afford, because you can apply for cash advance.

That's cool, right? So the first thing you should now is taking action, visit http://www.cashadvance1500.com/ to get detailed information. It will tell you what others won't tell about applying for cash advance and payday loans.

(this is a sponsored review)

Technorati tags:

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Animal advocates urge pet adoptions post-Labor Day

The city's animal shelters are still flooded with homeless cats and dogs - and with Labor Day behind us, animal advocates are urging all to come out and adopt.

"It's the perfect time now that people are back from vacation and back to their routines," said Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals.

Tomorrow, the Alliance will host an adoption event at Central Park, East Drive (enter at E. 59th St.) from noon to 5 p.m. In addition to dozens of adorable cats and dogs from various shelters and rescue groups, the event will also feature vet experts, cat therapist Carole Wilbourn and low-cost microchipping.

This summer, big-hearted readers pitched in to adopt after The News' Lisa Colangelo reported that 85 cats a day were being taken in by the Animal Care & Control shelters. Lack of room in the three ACC shelters and with few people adopting meant many of the animals were in danger of being euthanized.

Despite kitten season ending, the situation remains dire.

"It's gotten better, but we still need people to adopt more cats and kittens," Hoffman said.

And, while adorable puppies and small breed dogs are in demand, pit bull mixes and other large breeds dogs, like Rottweilers and shepherds, are often left behind in the shelters.

Brooklynite Jon Bozak is one pit bull lover who hopes that more people would give the underdogs a second chance.

"I only wish that more people understood that there is no breed of dog more capable or deserving of love than a pit bull," he said. His two rescued pit bulls, Brinks, 3, and Demo, 14, were the inspiration for Bozak's new graphic novel, "Demo: The Story of a Junkyard Dog" ($17.95, demo-dog.com) about a junkyard dog that endures abuse to save a town from destruction.

Adoptions are up, and the number of unwanted animals euthanized at city shelters has dropped dramatically in recent years, thanks to the many rescue groups that take cats and dogs out of the city shelter. Still, nearly 50% of animals that land in the ACC shelters are euthanized.

In August, a total of 2,092 cats and dogs were adopted from the ACC shelters, but 1,981 animals were put down. Unlike the ASPCA, Humane Society and other "no-kill" shelters, the ACC is required to take in any animal brought into its three shelters or left on the street.

It is the only nonprofit organization that holds a contract with the city to handle its stray and unwanted animals, an estimated 44,000 animals a year.

The operating budget to run three shelters is about $8 million, a number that Hoffman says just isn't enough.

"We need about $20 million," said Hoffman, noting the desperate need to fund low-cost spay/neuter clinics and to achieve the city's "no-kill" initiative.

To find an animal shelter or rescue group near you, pick up the brand new 2007 Trails to Tails Map, a glossy, foldout guide created by Rational Animal. The map can be found at adoption events, in pet supply stores, the New York Public Library and YMCA branches, and at dog-runs. To get a free copy of the guide, go to trailstotails.com, or send a business-sized SASE to: Rational Animal, Trails to Tails, 7 Cornelia St., #1E, N.Y., N.Y. 10014.

Pet calendar: On Saturday, Sept. 29, from noon to 6 p.m., Animal Care & Control will host the Brooklyn Top Dog and Kitty Karnival Adoption Event, located at J.J. Byrne Park at Fourth St. and Fifth Ave. in Park Slope.



Technorati tags:

Family of teen killed in Labor Day Weekend crash can't afford to bury her

Hetty Chang reporting.

A tragic accident over Labor Day Weekend killed four Las Vegas teens; one of the victims has yet to be laid to rest.

The crash near Baker, California killed two sisters: Tatiana Thornhill and Chennell Jones. During funeral services last week, the family could only afford to bury Tatiana.

The mother, Robin Stumps, was in that accident. She is the only one who survived. Stumps will never fully recover from her injuries and her jaw is now wired shut, but that didn't stop her from speaking with News 3 about giving her daughter Chennell a final resting place.

Robin Stumps survived the unthinkable. A horrific car crash that killed all four teens in the car. Stumps says she has no memory of what happened. "All I know is that I woke up and I was in the hospital... never knew nothing," Stumps explains.

But what Stumps can remember is something no parent should ever have to hear. "I remember them coming in and telling me that... they had all passed away. They told me they didn't have a seat belt on. Chenelle wore a seatbelt. I just wanted someone to tell me that she was wearing a seat belt because she always wore one."

Chenelle turned 15 just two days before her death. Her mother says she was genius; a writer; someone who was proud to call her mom. Now Stumps feels not only grief but also guilt that she buried one daughter but not the other. "Awful, awful... I just feel like I live in a city that has so much money and we've been trying and nobody's helping. I lost two kids, two young girls, and we're doing everything we can."

The family has held car washes to collect donations but they are still $5,000 short of some sort of closure and at least a little peace of mind. "It's not fair for her to lay like that. We've worked so hard to get them everything... keep them in good schools. I can't bury my child."

The driver of the car, Diaunte Flannigan, and Chennell's friend Jada Carrier were also killed in the crash.





Technorati tags:

Monday, September 3, 2007

Labor Day Party Menu Ideas for a Summer Labor Day Party

Labor Day is one of the last chances you and your family will get to enjoy a summer barbeque, and it really is a nice way to celebrate all the hard work you and your loved ones put in for the rest of the year. It was created by the Central Labor Union to give working men the day off; now, many people see it as a paid opportunity to enjoy spend time with loved ones! Here are a few catering ideas:

A menu you may create for Labor Day is barbeque ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, and cupcakes for dessert. Any simple, tasty, picnic-friendly food that your family loves will be suitable though.

Broccoli salad is another healthy dish you may find for Labor Day. All you need is a 1-2 large heads of broccoli, ½ red onion chopped, 10-12 slices of cooked bacon broken up (substitute bacon bits), ½ cup of raisins, 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. You just combine all of the ingredients and you have a salad to eat along with your barbeque.

Another great recipe is ham and cheese salad. You take 1 cup of chopped ham, 1 cup of chopped cheese (preferably to types of cheese, any kind), ¼ chopped onion, ¼ chopped red pepper, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. You may need to add more mayonnaise to make it creamier, but that will be your choice. You combine all the ingredients in a bowl until the ingredients are well coated with mayonnaise. Dips and other salads work great with crackers or chips depending on your preference for Labor Day.

It’s a good idea to keep your food options for Labor Day simple. And just because food is fairly quick and easy to make, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t taste good too. Before you know it your guests will be coming back for more.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for Labor Day party supplies and fun party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.




Technorati tags:

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Labor Day Reflection

Labor Day now has fewer parades and even less organized labor involvement as the American worker is facing a new reality. The real celebration of the traditional long weekend now rightly resides in backyards and neighborhoods of the people the holiday was originally intended to honor. The changes are better, reflecting market economies and the resourcefulness of the American worker.

Labor unions questionable future rests with their ability to serve a greater good than simply increasing wages. The irony of the massive dwindling of labor unions (from 45% of the US workforce in the 1950’s to less than 14% today) is the growing base of non-union workers putting in more hours, increasing safety concerns, lowering the quality of life with less net income and shrinking benefits. In the past this was fertile ground for union organizers.

Safety should be an issue that labor unions own but they seem only focused on protecting hourly wages against market realities. Air traffic control, trucking hours of service, mining practices, hospital care, product reliability, construction issues are just a few of the areas big business deflect tragic incidents as acceptable percentages with organized labor being invisible on these issues. Tragically neither has a vision for what needs to be a collaborative effort on US global market competitiveness and future relevance. The old methods of one dimensional economics do not leverage our resources and market potentials. The old objectives are held onto desperately to protect outdated mindsets.

Labor should reinvent themselves, being much more inclusive of the entire US labor markets, appealing with deliverable values to salaried, small business and home based entrepreneurs. Evolving to incorporate similarly what other associations have done in gathering all relevant data that serves market needs (safety stats/tips; efficiency ideas; profits/capital, addressing behavior problems; accountability and gain share results to name a few) is practical and addresses a clear need.

Management should embrace the employee as partner for prosperity rather than necessary evil. Communicating impact issues like ongoing balance sheets in language and presentation all can understand, sharing industry trends and risk assessments, encouraging and rewarding employee contributions in ideas for profitable growth, safety, HR, pay/benefits, etc. This must be done in small groups with Q&A, not just newsletter spins from marketing.

True, the passing of the industrial revolution to the knowledge age has for many reasons displaced much of our production and industrial might. However we still are a manufacturing and services world power with all of the noted labor issues relevant even in the 21st century. Our new service economy is uniquely geared to accommodate nimble small business start ups, the entrepreneur and home based businesses. There is a void of support mechanisms that neither organized labor nor big business are filling.

Labor unions can and should be the leaders in safety advocacy, employee accountability and productivity and process improvements for each industry. They should be leaders in consumer advocacy. They should be leaders in presenting fair and balanced reporting of wages, benefits by industry with global competitive realities. They should be leaders in non-discrimination whether race, gender, faith or diverse background. They should be leaders in worker training and cross industry mobility. They will not however as neither their current membership nor leadership have any desire to accomplish anything other than holding on to their death the shrinking objective of wage improvements. Increased wages and benefits can only come with businesses increased profitable growth.

Big business can and should be the leader each of these areas as well but are rarely as they are focused on wealth accumulation with lip service to anything other than what services this objective. Old established big businesses in transportation, manufacturing and technology have outsourced, reinvented their purposes or gone out of business, creating turmoil to every day workers, forcing these workers to seek other livelihoods.

Turning to the government is not the answer as our democracy is not designed, nor should be for a socialistic approach. Regulations are already in place, leveraged by interest groups that keep the fight rigged with no awareness to domestic realities that the battle for jobs has been lost to a more efficient and effective global economy.

The future of US market relevance, productivity, safety, wealth generation and accountability sits squarely on the shoulders of individual workers. The explosive increase in entrepreneurial small business start ups and home base businesses will evolve into value driven associations that provide informed and realistic guidance on safety, wages, benefits, training to needs /results, market opportunities, efficiency ideas, economic tools and much more. Instead of the US economic clout coming from old big business mainstays, we are already seeing new companies’ crop up and evolve literally overnight in a sea of entrepreneurism, small businesses and home based wealth generators.

The US worker is taking personal accountability and investing in their own economic livelihoods. They understand that there is no value in pointing fingers, living in the past or ignoring reality.

Labor Day no longer has any meaning for organized labor to celebrate or for big business to rue the long weekend of lost productivity. Americans' are embracing this Labor Day to recharge their energies, value their families and freedoms to individually build the knowledge, skills and experiences to take ownership of their livelihoods. No doubt disappointed in their unions, employers and government for the lack of visionaries or leadership, yet embracing their potential and dreams to build security for their families with their own resources and inventiveness.

Like the mythological Narcissus, the American worker has looked at their reflection in the gleam of global markets and likes what they see, ignoring the seductress nymph Echo repeating the refrains of labor unions, big business and government officials. We are pursuing our own happiness, morphing into a new flower of beauty and wonder in the new global economy.



Technorati tags:

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Labor Day Weekend Party Planning Decorations

Labor Day, as we all know, is a well-deserved holiday for hard working Americans. Those of us who know what it’s like to have a hard days night, fortunately, get a day to sit back, relax, and have some fun. In doing so, many of us like to throw a Labor Day party, but this requires several elements including invitations, decorations, food, and good friends.

To decorate for Labor Day weekend, there are different party themes you can try. As Labor Day is a national holiday, you can decorate according to a national theme. Try plastic flags to line your backyard for a BBQ, banners of stars and stripes to welcome your guests, and paper decorations with the colors red, white and blue to complete the look.

Though red, white, and blue go hand in hand with this holiday, don’t be afraid to add plenty of other color wherever you see fit. After all, Labor Day is the last holiday before the end of summer, so let in the vibrant colors of the season. Floral decorations are great for a Labor Day celebration. Bouquets of flowers can make beautiful and bright centerpieces to a table and can liven up the house for the holiday weekend. Fresh floral arrangements are welcoming and warm, ideal for this last holiday of the summer season.

Also, you can have an office themed party, to celebrate the working world. (Try using shredded office papers as a unique form of confetti!), or you can focus on other themes or decorations that will get you as far away from the office as possible on this much needed holiday break. Either way, with a few decorative additions to your party, you, and your friend, family, and coworkers are bound to have fun.

Top 10 Labor Day Activities

Labor Day Weekend is the summer’s last hurrah. Soon, the warm sunny weather will be gone, the leaves will start to fall from the trees and we’ll all be preparing for the holiday season. Send the summer season off with a bang by celebrating all of its perks outdoors – here are ten great ideas for Labor Day activities that you and your family can enjoy together.

1. Beach picnic – Fill your beach bag with buckets, toys, sunscreen and towels and head over to the beach to float in the warm water and relax in the rays of the summer sun.

2. Backyard Party – Get all of your friends together for a summer-themed soiree in your backyard. Pick a signature cocktail fit for the season, such as Jamaican Breezes or Blue Hawaiians, and decorate your backyard like an island getaway with tiki torches, leis and other tropical touches.

3. Family BBQ – Fire up the grill and feed your kids, parents, siblings and cousins familiar family favorites such as barbecued chicken, hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and macaroni salad.

4. Weekend Camping Trip – The nights are going to get chilly soon; sleep under the stars in the warm summertime air with friends and family. Roast s’mores, tell stories around the campfire and revel in the exhilaration of outdoor living.

5. End of Summer Scenic Drive – Take advantage of the last days of lush, green scenery before the leaves start to fall. Bring a picnic basket full of finger foods and a bottle of wine to make it a romantic excursion.

6. Local Parades and Festivals – Many towns have Labor Day activities for all ages including concerts, contests, parades, and art exhibits. Check your newspaper or call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out what’s going on in your area.

7. State Park Day Trip – Enjoy the scenery, take part in some fun outdoor activities and learn a little about your local culture with a trip to your nearest state park or recreation area. Take a swim in the lake, go horseback riding, stop by the visitor’s center, or simply enjoy the native flora and fauna.

8. Gourmet Cookout – Grilling out can be a 5 star restaurant experience with the right menu. Do some research online at the Epicurious and Food Network websites to find the perfect gourmet cookout recipes, and get yourself a high quality gourmet picnic basket.

9. Fun and Games at the Park – Get some friends and family together and organize a potato sack race, water balloon launch, watermelon eating contest and other great activities for kids of all ages.

10. Family Outing – Take the day to strap the kids into the car and head to their favorite destination, whether it’s the zoo, a water park or the carnival. Their memories of childhood will be forever tied to these kinds of fun, kid-centered activities!

No matter what you choose to do with your Labor Day weekend this year, spend it outdoors with your loved ones! These kinds of activities promote togetherness and a healthy lifestyle, and will create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Labor Day Decorations

As the first Monday of September grows closer, the plans for our Labor Day decorations need to be made. This holiday dedicated to the workers of society leaves very few of us out. As the official end of summer, Labor Day gives all of us a reason to get together and celebrate.

With such a big American holiday, why not decorate in a patriotic theme? A red, white and blue motif is the perfect setting for any Labor Day party. Things of the summer will soon be left in the past. Decorate your Labor Day party with items that remind all of us of the beautiful weather of summer.

Watermelons are one of the fruits we associate with summer. Fill watermelon shaped bowls with appetizers for the party. Reduce your driving and running around by buying online Labor Day party supplies.

If you can't find watermelon bowls then, create them yourself. Use black paint to paint seeds on the outside of the bowl. After the seeds dry, use pink paint for the sweet part of the fruit. Go right over the painted black seeds. Stop the pink paint about an inch down from the rim of the bowl leaving a space for the green color. Next use light green paint to go over the pink paint after it is dry and continue it right up to the rim of the bowl. After the green paint is dry use darker green paint to create lines length wise down the side of the bowl. For the final step, seal it with acrylic sealer. When you are done, you should be able to look into the bowl and see the pink inside of the watermelon complete with seeds. The outside of the bowl should look like the shell of a watermelon. Do this project with any design you like for the perfect personal touch to your Labor Day decorations. Surf the internet for more craft ideas.

Labor Day Party Games - Planning a Great Celebration

Celebrating Labor Day with a party which includes games can make the occasion fun for everyone. Here are a few suggestions to start you off.

“Head-Butt Challenge” Labor Day Party Game
This Labor Day party game is lots of fun for party guests of all ages, and more difficult than it seems! It also needs to be played in a fairly large, open area – the more open the area, the more challenging the game is. Prior to the party, blow up enough balloons to give one to each player. Gather players together and hand out the balloons. The object of the game is for each player to keep their balloon in the air for as long as possible using nothing but their heads – strictly no objects, hands, other body parts or assistance from other people allowed! A player must leave the game if their balloon touches the ground, or if they use anything other than their head to keep it in the air. The last player standing is the winner of this fun Labor Day party game.

“Switcheroo” Labor Day Party Games
This is a quiet Labor Day party game that tests players’ memory and observational skills. Divide players into two roughly even teams (one extra player doesn’t matter), team 1 and team 2. Team 1 must go into a separate room (or at least out of sight of the other team) and swap various clothes or accessories with each other before returning to the other team. Team 2 have 3 minutes to try and guess all the clothing-swaps that have been made by the other team. The teams swap places (with team 2 doing the swapping and team 1 doing the guessing), and the team with the most correct answers is the winner of this Labor Day party game.

Friday, April 27, 2007

The History and Meaning of Labour Day

LABOUR DAY IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT WHICH RECOGNISES THE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY OF ALL WORKING PEOPLE

The day has a long history, which dates back in one form or another more than 130 years.
In Queensland, it has special significance, as we are the only state where Labour Day involves a mass procession and celebration.

Trade Unions, which represent the collective interest of workers, play an essential role in ensuring the continued relevance and spirit of this celebration.

EIGHT - HOUR DAY

The origins of Labour Day stem from the early 1860s when the general campaign for an eight-hour working day began.

This issue was important for employees, many of whom were expected to toil for unreasonably long hours in poor conditions.

While annual processions of unionists began in the mid 1860s, these marches were quite small and restricted too only those who had achieved the eight-hour principle.

EMERGENCE OF MAY DAY

The American fight for an eight-hour day had gained considerable momentum by the late nineteenth century, with a May Day celebration emerging that has influenced many workers worldwide.

May Day became entrenched in the United States when unionists on 1 May 1886 held a demonstration about working hours.

In Chicago at this time five people were executed on trumped up charges and this incident served to strengthen the resolve of workers to fight for basic rights.

SOLIDARITY IN QUEENSLAND

The battle for fairer hours and conditions continued in Queensland and although by 1888 eleven unions had won significant gains, however conditions for many people had deteriorated.
A greater sense of union solidarity began to emerge at this time as workers in varying industries banded together in the common struggle.

This solidarity resulted in the Labour Day march being opened to all workers for the first time in 1890.

The initial linking in Queensland of Labour Day with May Day occurred in the outback Queensland town of Barcaldine on 1 May 1891 when striking bush workers marched through the streets.

The Brisbane celebration was moved to May in 1893 and this date was soon set aside for the annual event throughout Queensland.

OBJECTIVES AND GROWTH

Over the years the objectives of Labour Day have changed.

With most Queensland workers winning an eight-hour day by 1916, wider social, industrial and political issues became the focus of the activity.

Since the early part of this century Labour Day has continued to grow in significance in Queensland.

It is now an occasion when unions, community groups, ethnic organisations and other people join in celebration.

We have a public holiday for the occasion and we are the only state in which the official trade unions recognise the day with major marches and activities in various centres.

Interstate trade unions support the objective of May Day but do not have a public holiday. While they do indeed have a holiday for Labour Day at a different time, this event passes without major union celebration like that, which occurs in Queensland.

IMPORTANCE OF TRADE UNIONS

Much has been achieved to enhance working conditions in the past 130 years.

The survival and growth of Labour Day reflects this increasing recognition of employee rights and the importance of trade unions.

Unions are associations of employees which have banded together to pursue common industrial goals.

Since the 1800s unions have been at the forefront of the campaign to improve the position of employees.

They are now recognised as the legitimate representatives of working men and women and are concerned with a range of issues involving the wages and conditions of their members.

To further enhance the voice and organisation of the labour movement, unions in 1927 established a central coordinating body called the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
The ACTU, which now has 51 affiliated unions nationally, also has branches in each state and territory. The ACTU Queensland has 40 affiliated unions, representing more than 350,000 workers.

The main functions of the ACTU centrally and in each state and territory are to provide unions with advice and support and to help coordinate industrial activity.