Peace Offering in War on Christmas

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With so many different religions living side by side in the US, it was only a matter of time before there was some friction regarding the celebration of holidays.  Some folks have lately been complaining about the “secularization” of what used to be known as the Christmas holiday.  They protest the use of the term “Happy Holidays” saying that it is an attack on the Christian values system.  Opponents like to point out that more than one religion has a high holiday in December.  The Jews of course celebrate Chanukah and some of African descent celebrate Kwanzaa.  Yet, for all the arguing about this, no one ever considers the feelings of those who adhere to no religion – the Atheists.  That is, until now.  One of my favorite comedians, Steve Martin, has written this hilarious “Atheist Hymn” which he perfoms with the Steep Canyon Rangers.  In this holiday season, perhaps we can all enjoy some comedy and lay down the differences that divide us in favor of the similarities that bind us all as humans.  However you celebrate this time of year, have a happy, healthy, joyous time of it!

How to Be More Persuasive in Interviews

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Convincing someone that you’re the best candidate for a position requires that you engender in them a good feeling about you personally.  You need to find subtle ways to make the interviewer feel as though they really like you.  Senior editor at Monster, Charles Purdy recently wrote an article offering tips on how to make yourself likable to an interviewer without coming off as a creepy stalker or a clowning ham.  The tips are: 1. Show that you can be the solution to a problem. 2. Use specific examples. 3. Talk in soundbites. 4. Explain the “how” behind your accomplishments. 5. Use the right nonverbal communication. 6. Show enthusiasm. To learn the details of these activities, click here.

An Innovative Use for Medical Records

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Science News reports of an innovative new way that researchers are using medical records for genetics research.  Obviously, patients’ medical records, in aggregate, contain a treasure trove of useful data to researchers seeking patterns that can be used in the study of genetics and disease.  However as you’re fully aware, privacy is of eminent concern when it comes to patient records. According to the Science News article, “Databases that link thousands of people’s DNA profiles to their medical histories are a powerful tool for researchers who want to use genetics to individualize the diagnosis and treatment of disease. But this promise of personalized medicine comes with concerns about patient privacy. Now scientists have come up with a way to alter personal medical information so it’s still meaningful for research, but meaningless to someone trying to ID an individual in a database.” To learn how they rendered anonymous the information contained in medical records read the entire article here courtesy of Wired Magazine.

Worst Food Awards for 2010

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IHOP's Big Country Breakfast

David Zinczenko produces the “Eat This, Not That” books which show readers what foods are particularly unhealthy and what satisfying alternatives to each dish might look like.  He has published the annual list of “Worst Foods” for 2010.  Some of the big winners are dishes from P.F. Chang’s, Pizzeria Uno, Cheesecake Factory and IHOP.  I was shocked not to see my favorite culinary abomination – KFC’s Double Down – make the list.  But with the holidays fully upon us and lots of dining out for holiday parties, I thought our readers might arm themselves with this knowledge before they hit the restaurants.  Enjoy!

5 Tips for Avoiding the Common Cold

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Well, cold and flu season is upon us again and no one hates being sick more than I do.  So I have been looking for some ideas on how to minimize the probability of catching a cold this season and I came across this. An article by dietician and nutitionist Susan Dopart offers 5 tips for avoiding the sickness this time of year.  Click here to read the useful suggestions she offers.

The Small Talker, The Box Checker & The Unprepared

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Doug White of renowned staffing firm, Robert Half International says to be prepared for the different personalities of hiring managers. In terms that remind this blogger of Seinfeld episodes (remember the “Low-Talker” or the “Re-Gifter”?) he outlines three typical HR managers’ personality types and provides information on how to prepare yourself should you run into one of them in your next job interview. Click here to learn how to address “The Small Talker”, “The Box Checker” and the “Ill-Prepared” varieties of hiring manager.

The Power of the Sun

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There is a new hotel in Vegas whose curved, reflective glass facade is focusing sunlight into a “death ray” that beams down onto a certain area on the hotel’s pool deck and giving sunbathers serious burns. Link to that story here.  Well if you thought that was cool (no pun intended) watch the video below where scientists have focused two square meters of sunlight in such a way that it can melt ROCK!  Explain to me why we are not using this simple, clean technology to fire steam turbines for emissions-free electricity?

Encore Careers

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In an article by Chris Kyle for Yahoo! Education, medical assistant and medical manager are two of the five top “encore” careers.  That is, fields for people wishing to retrain and re-enter the workforce, perhaps after losing a job in an industry hard hit by the recession.  The relative safety and immunity from economic downturn enjoyed by the medical field played a large part in vaulting these two jobs to the top of this particular list.  Click here to read all the details!