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)

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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)

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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.

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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.



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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)

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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)

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