Zander Machines, designer by Dr. Gustav Zander

Considering that 64% of Americans are overweight (Center of Disease Control), it’s understandable that millions of Americans are taking efforts to maintain a healthy body weight.  While diets may seem like they’ve become popular in the last 50 years, you may be surprised to learn that people have been dieting since the 1800s!  For the next few days, we will explore diet fads from the 1800s, 1900s, and the millennium.

Diet Fads from the 1800s:

• Vinegar Diet. How would you like to eat food that had been soaked in vinegar?  That’s exactly what the British poet, Lord Byron, did and reportedly lost 60 pounds by this simple method.  There is speculations among historians whether he had an eating disorder.
• Graham’s Diet. The creator of the Graham Cracker, Sylvester Graham was a Presbyterian minister with strong opinions on diet.  He taught his followers, “Grahamites,” to avoid coffee, alcohol, tea, spices, and meat.  Instead, they subsisted on a diet of pure water, fresh fruits and vegetables, high fiber foods, and whole wheat.  Strange, one might have thought their diet would have been based on graham crackers…
• Zander Machines. The Swedish doctor, Dr. Gustav Zander, developed a peculiar concept to lose weight that involved wrapping one’s body in a vibrating strap, a method that can be seen in old movies.
• Banting Diet. The first popular diet book was called “Letter on Corpulence” and written by an English casket maker named William Banting who battled with his weight.  His diet concept included eating dry toast, lean meats, unsweetened fruit, and green vegetables.

While some of these concepts are still practiced today, many further developments have been made on diets since the 1800s.  If you’re looking to establish a diet routine, a certified nutritionist or dietitian can help you construct a diet that will take into consideration your eating, exercise, and weight loss goals.  Nutritionists with online degrees can help you achieve optimum health.  Find a nutritionist in your area at http://www.findanutritionist.com/.

If you were to choose one of these diet fads from the 1800s, which would it be?  Graham’s Diet would be my choice.

Stay tuned for Diet Fads from the 1900s!

History of Dieting: Questionable Diet Fads from the 1900s
History of Dieting: Today’s Diet Fads
Source Diet Fads: Some Smart, Some Scary

A Student’s Guide to Computers for Online School: Internet Connection

A spotty internet connection can translate into delayed email notifications and even late assignments, which has the potential to diminish your GPA at your online school.

Wired vs. Wireless

Wireless Router

The days of dial-up internet are behind us leaving the options of direct internet connection through a network cable or a wireless router.  Particularly for laptop owners such as myself, having wireless internet is a big perk.

Wireless internet is achieved through a wireless router which, in many cases, is provided with the subscription of internet services by your local provider.  Since there is a wide range of routers, it’s best to do some research or talk to the person at the electronic store to determine what the best choice would be for your needs.  There may be rental options available also.

Wireless Broadband

Some cell phone providers even have wireless broadband services that allow you to connect to the internet at home and anywhere you go with no cables or fuss.

Check out your local internet service providers and compare different options based on your needs.  As an online school student on a budget, you may want to consider sharing an internet connection with your neighbor to cut the bill in half.

Do you have a preference between wired and wireless internet?

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What Not to Do Online? Lie about your reason for taking time off, like Kevin Colvin did. Busted!

It’s important to be careful about our dealings with social media, particularly in matters concerning employment.  If you don’t value your job anymore, here’s some great ways to lose it by misusing the internet.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #7: Slack At Work

We get that the Facebook game, FarmVille, is addictive with over 82 million players throughout the world.  There’s a time and a place for play, however, and on the company’s clock is not one of them.  Several Bularian City Council members were caught on Farmville during a meeting and were lectured about wasting company time.  One politician, Dimitar Kerin, just couldn’t kick the habit and lost his place on the committee.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #8: Lie About Time Off

If you need to take time off work, don’t lie about what it’s for.  Back in 2007, a bank intern for Anglo Irish Bank, Kevin Colvin, asked for time off to go to New York for a “family emergency” and then was busted by an incriminating photo uploaded to Facebook from a Halloween party he ditched work to attend.  Even if you do everything you can to fabricate the perfect story, you never know who will tag you in a photo on Facebook during your personal “emergency” and bring it all tumbling down.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #9: Tweet About Job Offers

Conner Riley, also known as @theconnor, tweeted about getting a job offer: “Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”  Shortly thereafter, she received a reply from Tim Levad with Cisco Alert, saying, “Who is the hiring manager. I’m sure they would love to know that you will hate the work. We here at Cisco are versed in the web.”  All it takes is one errant thought to tweet yourself out of a job.  Better to play job offer cards close to the chest.

To learn better what not to do online, earn an English / Language Arts degree online.  It will help you understand the power and effect of your words, effectively preventing you from making mistakes like these so you can keep your job and enjoy a long and prosperous career.

What Not to Do Online Part I
What Not to Do Online Part II
Source: 10 Social Media Blunders

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A Student’s Guide to Computers for Online School: Upgrading RAM

Has your computer processing slowed down to a crawl?  Does it take forever to open up documents and the internet?  Is your computer slow as molasses?  These are some tell-tale signs that you may need to upgrade your RAM.  RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is essentially your computer’s memory.  RAM is is an affordable way to upgrade your computer, and improve its speed and functionality without shelling out money for a brand new computer.

To break to down for you, RAM is temporary memory on your computer.  In other words, while you are working on an essay in Word with several additional documents open for research, your computer’s RAM is temporarily saving your work until you hit save.  Once you save it, your essay is saved to the hard drive for permanent storage. When you click “save,” your overwhelmed RAM is relieved of the pressure of having to juggle so much information and things speed up on your computer.

If you’re not sure how to install RAM yourself, you may seek help from your favorite computer tech or electronic store.  One thing to keep in mind is this might void your manufacturer’s warranty.  If you have a Mac, contact your local Apple store and get their professional advice about how to improve your computer’s performance.

Online school shouldn’t take any longer than it needs to, and upgrading your computer’s RAM can help speed up your computer’s operating system which will help speed up the whole educational process.

Have you ever upgraded the RAM in your computer?  Has it helped improve the speed of your computer?

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Fall presents an opportunity for a fresh start for students as it begins a new school year.  One of the benefits of online school is that most programs allow you to start anytime — you don’t have to wait for September.

As an online student, one thing you can’t do without is a computer.  If you aren’t familiar with technology, choosing a computer may seem like a daunting task, but things will seem simpler with today’s blog as we break down computers into digestible pieces that make sense.

When we strip everything else away, computers comprise of two parts: hardware and software.  Hardware refers to the physical components that can be seen and touched, whereas software refers to the systems working when the computer is on.  The first part of purchasing a computer will require getting the right hardware and type of computer which we will look at today.

A Students Guide to Computers for Online School: Desktop vs. Laptop?

Brands aside, you can choose from two types of computers: desktops and laptops.  Desktops are stationary and usually used on desks at offices and schools, while laptops are a portable computer that can sit on your lap, as the name implies.

Laptops are a popular choice among students as they provide flexibility and freedom, allowing them to take notes directly onto their computer.  Laptops are typically more expensive when compared to their desktop counterparts and can be harder to customize.  Since a laptop is so mobile, it’s easy to find yourself easily distracted on the couch in front of the TV trying to study on your laptop.

Graduate student Siddharth Batra. Photo c/o Stanford

Desktop computers have one obvious drawback — they can’t go anywhere.  While that can be a negative, it can also be seen as a positive since the set up computer workspace can be dedicated to online school, helping to prevent procrastination.  Desktops are more affordable and customizable with many possible options for monitor, keyboard, and mice.  Desktops typically have better quality built-in speakers compared to the onboard speakers on a laptop.

Which computer you choose for online school will depend on your preferences, budget, and personal work style.  Personally I have used both laptop and desktop computers for education and see the benefits with both.

What is your preference?  Desktop or laptop?

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Tiger Wood’s Nike Commercial After the News Hit the Fan

When news of Tiger Woods’ scandalous affairs hit the media, he had held the position of highest-paid athlete worldwide for several years running.  Much of this income was derived from multi-million dollar sponsorships from large corporate conglomerates such as Nike, Buick, and AT&T.  After his wholesome, role-model personal and professional image was tarnished as the news hit the fan, there were those who thought that it wouldn’t have an effect on his endorsements.  Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

The Impact of Infidelity: Tiger Woods

Despite the public apology for his infidelity, celebrity endorsement deals with Gatorate, AT&T, and Accenture fell through.  While he retained his endorsement contracts with Gillette, Tag Heuer, and Louis Vuitton, he was taken out of the limelight in their campaigns.  Woods’ infidelity cost him his marriage and $12 billion worth of endorsements.

The Impact of Infidelity: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault in 2003 in an adulterous encounter with another woman, leading to trouble with the law and the loss of two endorsement deals.  In spite of a public apology and settling the case, both Nutella and McDonald’s allowed their multi-million dollar contracts with Bryant to expire.

Considering the tremendous loss that infidelity can have both personally and professionally, investing in marriage therapy can be worth its weight in gold.  Therapy can help partners work through issues, learn to communicate and clearly express their needs, and resolve conflict, potentially preventing embarrassing public scandals, lost celebrity endorsements, and divorce.

Question: How did your education help prepare you for your career?

Answer: My education has been integral to my success.  An ‘eye’ for design is not enough; a firm grasp of basic business principles is essential to succeed in this industry.  If you can’t manage the project, your team, the budget or administer the process while you’re also keeping your hands on the wheel of your business, no amount of “make pretty” will keep you afloat.  An education is crucial; I wouldn’t be where I am today without the confidence and skills my education provided.

Now we pose the question to you: How has your education helped equip you for your career?

Erica Swanson’s Bio: I’m an Interior Designer which is a fancy-pants way of saying I create kick-ass spaces for wickedly cool people.  I listen.  I translate.  I initiate.  And then I deliver you, You.  I do that with my ‘Design on the Dirty’ virtual design services available anywhere in North America.  With laser-focused intuition, I create customized design and decorating plans delivered digitally or right to your doorstep.  Because it isn’t about this year’s hottest paint colour, this year’s trends, or what the Jones’ are doing.  It’s about you.  You can find me at www.ericaswansondesign.com and on Twitter @erica_swanson where I post about creativity, art and interior design.  But don’t just take my word for it; I’ve been featured on national television, radio, in books, magazines, and in both of Canada’s national newspapers.  So what are you waiting for?

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What Not to Do Online Lesson #4: Share Confidential Information

How would you like your medical records being discussed on Facebook?  Five nurses from Tri-City Medical Center were fired for breaching patient confidentiality online.  Keep confidential information classified.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #5: Affiliate With Known Terrorists

Yes, some things should go without saying.  This ought to be one of them.  Recently a group of 11 Afghan military training at an Air Force base in Texas went AWOL.  The majority of the AWOL military were tracked down with the help of Facebook.  In the process, it was discovered that several were connected to friends who had Al Qaeda connections.  Be careful who you connect with on the internet, because this likely won’t bode well for their military careers.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #6: Threaten Your Colleagues

It’s easy to take things out of context online, such as threatening to bomb your place of work.  David Noordewier, a former Wal-Mart employee, remarked on his MySpace page that the average person’s IQ would go up if a bomb were dropped on Wal-Mart stores.  His superiors found out about the social media post and he was escorted out of the building.  The takeaway for Noordewier?  “If you have a MySpace site, you better act like you’re a politician,” he said. “Be politically correct and don’t try to be funny.”

To learn better what not to do online, earn a communications degree.  In the meantime, stay tuned for What Not To Do Online, Part III!

What Not to Do Online Part I
What Not to Do Online Part III
Source: 10 Social Media Blunders

What Not to Do Online Lesson #1: Bash Your Boss

In 2009, Philadelphia Eagles employee Dan Leone publicly criticized the company for losing star player Brian Dawkins to the Denver Broncos.  His Facebook status read: “Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver … Dam Eagles R Retarted!!”  Leone told the Inquirer that even though he removed the comment, it led to losing his job only days later.

Word to the wise: don’t bash your boss online.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #2: Complain About Your Customers

We’ve all had difficult customers and it’s natural to want to vent.  Just don’t it online.  Case in point, a waitress at a pizza place in North Carolina complained on Facebook about some customers who stayed for three hours, causing her to work an hour past her shift and only left a measly $5 tip.  Because she mentioned the name of the company, it came back to bite her in the behind when she lost her job.

What Not to Do Online Lesson #3: Slam Your Community

While in Memphis on business, James Andrews, the VP-director of Ketchum Interactive, posted a tweet saying how he’d die if he had to live in Memphis.  This was right before he did a presentation for one of his company’s most important clients, FedEx, and over 150 employees, many of whom — including FedEx founder Fred Smith — are Memphis natives.  A FedEx employee noticed the offensive tweet and called Andrews on it, CC-ing his disappointed email to a myriad of executives at Ketchum and FedEx.  Andrews kept his job, but upset a lot of people.

To develop an appropriate radar of what not to do online, earn a business degree.  In the meantime, stay tuned for What Not To Do Online, Part II!

What Not to Do Online Part II
What Not to Do Online Part III
Source: 10 Social Media Blunders

One common benefit associated with online degrees is how earning your degree through an online school is more affordable than the traditional on-campus alternative.

So how much does it really cost to earn a degree through an online school? 

• Through many application fees are still in effect when applying to the online school, there are some schools that will waive the cost for a savings of $30 to $100 per application.
• Many online schools charge by the class or credit hour, vs. the traditional semester-based tuition.  On average, on-campus education is $239 per credit hour, compared to $252 for online degrees.  Though the price may vary from school to school, the average credit hour costs more online.
• The cost of books varies depending on the class.  Online schools offer the convenient option of having books available online rather than purchasing hard copies as is required for traditional schools.  On average, the books for a bachelor’s degree is approaching $2000!  Anyone that enrolls at an online school will require a computer which can run anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
• Online students will require a reliable internet connection which runs on average for about $20/month, depending on the provider and bandwidth preferences.  An internet connection could cost up to $1000 by the time the online degree is obtained.  Most households already have an internet connection, so this cost may be a moot point.
• Upon completion of the degree, online schools typically purchase caps and gowns for graduation.  There is typically a processing fee for the paperwork associated with the degree completion.

Comparatively, the cost of online school and traditional on-campus school is very similar.  The biggest difference will be associated with the living fees when living on campus, whereas most people earning an online degree will not have need for additional housing.  There is additional time and money saved by negating the commute altogether when attending an online school.

At the end of the day, deciding between an online school and traditional on-campus school is about lifestyle choice rather than cost.

Source: How Much Does an Online Degree Really Cost?

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1. Get involved. While most of the work involved in an online school is reading, watching lectures, and completing assignments, contributing in online forums will help show your teacher that you’re open to participating.  Asking questions via chats and e-mail will also help you develop rapport with the teacher.
2. Ask questions. Since online classrooms don’t allow you to raise your hand, teachers won’t know you have questions unless you ask.  A steady stream of questions can become burdensome for a question, but legitimate questions pertaining to the course work can help the teacher recognize who you are.
3. Upload a profile picture. Putting a face to a name can help you overcome the anonymity associated with the internet.  Post a photo of yourself for your student profile so your teacher create an association between your photo and name.
4. Create an e-mail signature. E-mail signatures provide the recipient of your email relevant contact information for you, including your phone number, email address, website or blog, and social media information.  Create a specific school e-mail signature so your teacher can contact you if necessary.
5. Play nice. There are plenty of ways to stand out online, not all of which are acceptable or encouraged.  Because we don’t see reactions to things we say online, this can cause us to say things we wouldn’t normally in real life.  Be courteous in your interactions online with other students and be recognized for your courtesy and kindness.

These five tips can help you stand out in an online classroom and enhance your online school experience.

In order to help musicians build their brand, name, and career, it’s important to team up with a public relations specialist.  Public relations specialists with online degrees from reputable schools nationwide can help musicians with their advertising, social media, and branding.  Musicians who hire public relations specialists can focus on doing what they do best — writing, recording, and performing their music — while the PR professional can take care of getting them visible positive press.

Public relations specialists help manage a musician’s relationship with the public, creating opportunities for them to be featured in publications such as newspapers and magazines by the distribution of press releases.  While it is possible for musicians to do their own public relations, many musicians struggle with this business aspect and prefer to have someone take care of it for them.

A well-respected public relations organization New York recently facilitated a European rock band’s tour to America, coordinating radio promotion, press materials, and interviews while on tour.  As they drummed up interest in the band through a variety of different media channels, the band was able to deliver memorable interviews and focus on their performances.

Many schools offer online degrees in public relations, allowing busy professionals to work their school around their busy life, and not the other way around.  With a public relations online degree, graduates can choose their niche markets and work with the likes of musicians, small businesses, non-profit organizations, or even politicians.  For more information about a public relations online degree, visit My Colleges and Careers.

On Tuesday, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA) signed a controversial bill that will allow guns to be conceal-carried in churches, mosques, and synagogues.  Concealed carry permits and training will also apply and, according to the bill, require the officiating church leader to announce to the congregation that there are “individuals armed on the property as members of he security force.”

Gun-free zones like schools, churches, hospitals, and malls have become easy targets for criminals.  Since churches across America have seen at least 20 church shootings in the last decade, this bill could potentially save lives.

In December 2007, gunman Matthew J. Murray stormed a youth center in Colorado, killing two people, then proceeded to a Colorado Springs church where he shot and killed two more.  His shooting rampage was stopped when he was shot and wounded by Jeanne Assam, a local member and voluntary security guard.  Assam’s heroic act prevented many more deaths.  Church-goers that have been trained and properly licensed to carry can help prevent harm to a congregation’s unarmed worshippers.

Law enforcement firearms trainers teach local concealed-carry classes in communities throughout the United States.  To find a class in your area, visit http://www.carryconcealed.net/courses.

Would knowing there were people in the congregation at your church with a gun in their pocket make you feel safer?  Or less likely to return?

Question: How did your education help prepare you for your career?

Answer: I think my education has helped me in a few ways.  In classes and projects with real-life clients I had to learn to write well and on a deadline.  I worked in a student-run public relations agency on campus and one of my projects was the department alumni magazine.   That taught me to work with lots of different people with different positions and interests to bring opinions, edits, and ideas together to create a product everyone would be proud of.

Now we pose the question to you: How has your education helped equip you for your career?

Rachel Call graduated from BYU with a Communications BA and an emphasis in Public Relations and is a writer for PMA Media Group.  She is from Chicago and in her spare time loves reading murder mysteries, talking politics, taking photos, and going to basketball games.

Natural Home Remedy #1: Duct Tape

Duct tape has been known to encourage healing of warts and is an excellent bandage option for wounds.

Natural Home Remedy #2: Raw Honey

Honey is a great tool to soothe a sore throat when mixed in with warm water and some lemon.  It has also been used as an antiseptic to relieve burns and even clean wounds.

Natural Home Remedy #3: Potatoes

Have a headache?  Many believe that when applied to one’s forehead, a cut potato can help relieve a headache.  Additionally, a potato-peel bandage can help soothe burns.

Natural Home Remedy #4: Garlic

Garlic is a natural antibiotic, used to assist victims of the plague, and in our day, to prevent anthrax.

Natural Home Remedy #5: Mouthwash

Not only will mouthwash kill germs in the mouth, but can serve as a topical antiseptic for cuts and even fungus.

Natural Home Remedy #6: Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective home remedy for burn and sunburn relief, sinus congestion, store throats, and even stomach aches.

Natural Home Remedy 7: Aspirin

Aspirin pills have proved helpful when rubbed over a moist bee sting or mosquito bite, effectively reducing swelling and subduing the pain.

Disclaimer: Of course, if you’re experiencing a heart attack or have a bone sticking out of your arm, it’s critical to call a doctor and seek medical assistance.  That said, minor illnesses and injuries can be significant improved by household items such as these.  There are many individuals who go back to college to study alternative medicine, which includes naturopathy and a study of herbs.

Source: A First Aid Kit for TV’s Macgyver

Nintendo Video Game Designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Photo c/o Lawrence K. Ho / LA Times

Shigeru Miyamoto is Nintendo’s chief video game designer and the creative genius behind their best-selling games including Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda.  He’s also the legend video game designers aspire to be.

A natural innovator, Miyamoto received his formal education from the Kanazawa College of Industrial Arts in Japan and finds inspiration from real life experiences for video games.  Wii Fit came about as a result of his family’s efforts to get healthier, hit the gym regularly, and track their weight.  “It made me think that perhaps health could be a subject for a game,” Miyamoto told The Sunday Times.  And thus Wii Fit was born.

When Miyamoto got a puppy, the dog training class with his sheltie inspired him to create the video game Nintendogs.  When asked about Nintendogs’ popularity, he reports, “rather than trying to follow industry trends, it’s based on things that people find appealing in general. Not just what they find appealing in a video game.”

Video game design and development is a popular field that relates not only to fictitious worlds, but as Miyamoto shows us, the one we know and love.

Why You Shouldn’t Check Your Luggage Reason #1: Beat the Baggage Claim Wait

Surely nothing sounds more appealing after an entire day’s travel than waiting several additional hours at the baggage carousel for your baggage.  Particularly if you have a connecting flight, it’s best to avoid checking your luggage.

Why You Shouldn’t Check Your Luggage Reason #2: Bed Bugs in the Baggage Compartment

As terrible as it sounds, bed bugs are easily transferred from bag to bag in a plane’s baggage comportment and can follow you home at the end of your trip.  In order to prevent your luggage coming in contact with bed bugs, put your luggage inside a sealed plastic bag before checking it.  “[This] will minimize bugs coming into contact with other suitcases that have been exposed,” says Missy Henriksen, National Pest Management Association VP of public affairs.  One unlucky woman brought home bed bugs from a vacation and invested $1300 to have men in hazmat suits exterminate them from her home over a several week period.

Why You Shouldn’t Check Your Luggage Reason #3: To Avoid Lost Luggage

According to a recent study by SITA, the airlines worldwide lost approximately 25 million pieces of luggage in 2009, which breaks down to 3000 bags every hour of every day for the entire year.  While 96.6% of these bags are returned eventually, that’s still 800,000 bags that are unaccounted for.  Yours could have been one of them.

A professional travel agent and travel planner can provide other helpful tips for traveling that will help ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience.

Skip the sunscreen and you could look like this.

While you’re enjoying the heat this weekend, remember that the sun is most powerful and potent between 10am and 2pm, so wear a hat and don’t forget your sunscreen!  If you do get a sunburn this weekend from staying in the sun too long, here are some proven natural first aid remedies for sunburns:

• Natural First Aid Remedy for Sunburns: Aloe Vera

  Aloe vera has a cooling effect and helps encourage healing.  Refrigerate your aloe, then open the stalk, exposing the gel-like substance inside, and put directly on the burn.  You can purchase an aloe vera plant from your local nursery, or cooling gel from the drug store.

• Natural First Aid Remedy for Sunburns: Witch Hazel

  Put some witch hazel on a cold compress and apply to the sunburned area.  Witch hazel is available at your local drug store for a few dollars.

• Natural First Aid Remedy for Sunburns: Lavender Essential Oil

  Lavender essential oil, mixed with water, will help reduce the pain and itching when poured over the sunburned area.  Lavender essential oil can be purchased from a massage therapist.

For individuals who enjoy helping and healing, consider a career as a Physician’s Assistant.  Physician’s Assistants (PA) work for urgent care facilities, among others, and receive training to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative health related services.  Requiring much less education than a doctor, becoming a PA will allow you to work with people everyday and help them achieve optimal health.

Of course an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  To prevent needing natural first aid remedies for sunburns, don’t forget the sunscreen!

With job interviews, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect.  Exhibit A: One job interview I attended actually served up a skill-testing question quiz I had to complete — and PASS! — before I was allowed to interview with the CEO!  Especially with the high unemployment rates in the United States right now, there is much at stake in an interview.  Here are some tips to ensure you rock your job interview.

Rock Your Job Interview Tip #1: Look the part.

A job applicant recently arrived to an interview wearing khakis and a red T-shirt with a large logo to an organization that would expect a matched suit.  Make sure you dress appropriately for the job environment.  Call ahead and find out what the dress code is and dress accordingly.

Rock Your Job Interview Tip #2: Appropriate grooming.

Grooming is an important part of your professional image.  Avoid any radical hair styles or colors, excessive make-up, and unruly facial hair.   No tattoos or piercings should be visible during a job interview.  And don’t forget the deodorant!

Rock Your Job Interview Tip #3: Get directions to the location.

Punctuality is critical for a job interview and having clear directions on how to get to the job interview location will help you to arrive ontime.  Make sure you give yourself plenty of time, because you never know when there may be traffic delays or an unexpected crisis.

Don’t chew gum at a job interview. It’s distracting!

Rock Your Job Interview Tip #4: Eliminate possible distractions.

Fresh breath is important in a job interview, but make sure to spit out your gum beforehand.  Chewing gum during an interview is distracting, unflattering, and unprofessional.   When a cell phone rings or vibrates during the interview, it is seen as disrespectful, so switch it to silent, or just leave it in the car.

Rock Your Job Interview Tip #5: Read up on the company in advance.

Do some research about the organization you are interviewing with to help you leave a good impression.  Check out the company website, blog, and relevant press releases.  At the end of the interview, you can make yourself stand out by asking educated questions about the organization.

Job seekers with valuable job experience and qualified online degrees will have favorable opportunities to rock their job interview and score the job of their dreams.

Source: Creating a Stress-Free Interview

Can 3D glasses make you sick? Photo c/o 3Dsports.com

In recent weeks, Toy Story 3 and The Last Airbender were released in 3D, and millions of people flocked to the theater to see these blockbusters enhanced.  Unfortunately, 3D movies aren’t always fun and games with many reports of sickness ensuing after attending a 3D film.  Thousands of 3D glasses that weren’t cleaned properly between uses were confiscated recently by the Italian Ministry of Health.

Good Housekeeping Magazine conducted a recent study which revealed how 3D glasses are teeming with germs that can cause food poisoning, skin infections, conjunctivitis, sepsis, and pneumonia.  One pair of glasses that was tested from the east coast had germs that could cause staph infection.  The magazine’s editor-in-chief Rosemary Ellis said, “We’re not saying that these glasses will make you sick, but kids touch the glasses, touch their eyes and mouths — the potential is there,” she adds.

If you’re concerned about the potential to get sick at the theater, doctors say the risk potential is low.  That said, you can take matters into your own hands and sanitize your own glasses with disinfectant wipes.  The Good Housekeeping report found that 95% of the germs were eliminated with the use of alcohol wipes.  Soap and water or hand sanitizer can also be effective in cleaning 3D glasses and preventing illness.

Public health professionals provide healthy resources that promote healthy habits and lifestyles and prevent illness and disease associated with 3D movies.

Prevent Headaches in a 3D Movie

Source: Why You Feel Sick After a 3D Movie