::Thursday, January 29, 2004::
WATCH THE IDEA
..Hold on to your money when entering a store that plays classical music. A UK study found that people spend 10% more on items in stores that play soothing music rather than Britney's yodel. Other ideas..
AD NAUSEAM
..This ad by moveon.org certainly drives the nail on the head regarding the dangers of the government's negligent policy on the deficit. Note that even Republicans are worried.
::Tuesday, January 27, 2004::
EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN
..The most important part of your body is not your big booty, believe me but that other big B - your brain.
ATTACK OF THE DEADLY VIRUS..AGAIN
..A new and potent virus has been spreading through email lately and clogging network traffic. The greater danger, however, is the program's ability to collect sensitive data like user names and passwords and distribute them to strangers. Aside from firewalls and anti-virus software that are a must in today's virtual world, common sense is key. By not opening suspicious emails (usually with unusual and incoherent headings), you can stop the spread of any virus and save yourself some major headache. It's like those ubiquitous fire infomercials on the NY1 channel telling you to close the door when leaving a room that is on fire. In this case, closing the door is analogous to hitting the delete key on those unwanted and suspicious emails. And oh, before I forget - get yourself a mac and watch your problem go away forever.
MY BLOG HAS MOVED!
..Please redirect Edward Opinaldo's blog to its new web address. That is, without the s.
THE DEAN ONSLAUGHT
..Whatever the result of the Democratic primaries may be, Dean has changed politics forever..
::Monday, January 26, 2004::
THERE'S MORE TO NURSING THAN MEETS THE EYE
..If you have been thinking whether to pursue nursing or not, here's a site that you may appreciate well. A nursing career is not a dead-end as some people may perceive it to be. There are so many options for those with training in the medical field.
::Friday, January 23, 2004::
CELPHONES DAMAGE THE BRAIN - OF RATS AT LEAST
..Here's a study that may finally force you to settle the issue of celphone safety into your own hands. Scientists found brain damage in rats when they were exposed to long periods of radiation coming from GSM celphones. Although this study needs to be corroborated especially by other independent scientists who have have found the opposite result, this should make all of you finally buy those handsfree accessories to protect yourself. Why wait for a conclusive study? I've experienced headaches myself in the past when I talked to someone using a celphone pressed to my ears for at least an hour or more. An ounce of prevention is always worth it.
..ADIOS BEN AND JEN!
..Looks like the on and off engagement of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck is finally off. Should have bet on this one.
LOVE THE JOB BUT..
..The time to look for the next job is as soon as you land a new one.
::Thursday, January 22, 2004::
WILL DONALD "TRUMP" IDOL?
..The new reality show The Apprentice took on the proven reality show American Idol in a high stakes gamble. After chipping away rival CSI's ratings on its original Thursday time slot, Apprentice executives are changing their gameplan and decided to compete with youth instead at their own peril. The newest reality show was a good fit to rival CSI and will not beat Idol in the ratings game for the simple reason that the latter is not just a reality show but is really a talent show for the youth that attracts people to watch because some of their family members are involved. This move by NBC has the Donald's fingerprints over it and his legendary ego will keep the show from attracting a broader audience now that they have to choose between youth and business. Are the executives on NBC sleeping? Are there any women even on that board? This move would not have materialized if they were only in touch with reality. Youth, sex and talent plus family always trump money, education and power. Unless NBC decides to put some sex in there too. What about that Mr. Trump?
DEAN, BUT NOT OUT
..It looks like John Kerry will also win New Hampshire because of his surprise showing in the Iowa caucuses. Although polls show Howard Dean's numbers slipping badly after his horrendous speech after coming in third in Iowa, don't count him out just yet. It's still a long way to go before the process of choosing a Democratic candidate to beat Bush is chosen. Dean needs to town down his rhetoric and focus instead about his passion to solve domestic problems like the budget deficit, health care and deferrence to civil unions regarding the marriage issue. He needs to give passing attention to Iraq since the bad news coming there everyday speaks for itself. Focus instead is needed in how to differentiate himself regarding domestic issues as oppose to Kerry and Edwards. Remember that both opponents have been in the Senate for a long time and have been complicit in the bad bills passed by Congress that favor special interests and hurt ordinary Americans. Governor Dean needs to be creative in his policy speeches and change his advertisements that are too "Iraq-centric".
BIZARRE APPLE!
..One more reason why living in New York may not cut it for some people..
::Tuesday, January 20, 2004::
SUMMER JOB HUNT ON!
..Students who plan to spend summer wisely should take heed and start looking for that summer job - every student's memorable rite of passage. Professionals throw in this tip - don't leave out the unlikeliest of places to get one.
::Friday, January 16, 2004::
HOUSEBANDS
::Thursday, January 15, 2004::
CREDIT CARD NATION
..The total consumer debt incurred by Americans is alarming to say the least. The economy may be recording historic highs but consumers should not take comfort in that fact. Jobs will not be as plentiful as before since globalization and outsourcing will keep some jobs out of the North American continent. That means quality of life will ultimately go down as wages continue to be depressed and consumers find themselves in deep debt with no relief in sight. The government should teach people how to save by showing it can cut the deficit down and restrain spending.
SILVER STAR
..I remembered choosing a silver car because it doesn't look as dirty as the other colors without a wash. Now statistics have shown it is also the safest color in terms of number of accidents.
::Wednesday, January 14, 2004::
DEAN IS FOR REAL!
..For all the hype and publicity surrounding Howard Dean's campaign to become the Democratic nominee, people don't see that the youth (who are predominantly new voters) will decide the outcome of Election 2004.
MIND YOUR OWN IQ
..If you haven't been paying much attention to your IQ, now is the time to do so. Not only it may be a predictor of how smart you are, it may also be the secret to how successful you will become.
::Thursday, January 08, 2004::
TILL DEBT DO US PARTY
..Republicans used to be the party of fiscal restraint and small government. Now the President has increased the deficit and downplayed its effects on the long-term fiscal health of the economy by relying on a robust productivity-driven economy that the IMF says will not last forever. What is the solution according the administration? Cutting spending according to its 2004 budget that will evidently come from reducing expenditures on social benefits and entitlements for the poor - a traditional Democratic bailiwick. Did I just say this is an election year?
DRINK THAT WATER
..Forget the gory news lately about fraternity hazings involving drinking too much water. We need to drink lots of water everyday to keep us healthy, at least according to conventional wisdom. Now a study may finally hit the nail on the head on why we should welcome more water into our system. It may help increase our body's metabolism rate and help in losing weight.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE REGISTERED
..Illegal and undocumented aliens who have work and proper social security and benefits will unlikely register for the prospective law because it will not have any added value to what they have right now. They will only register if the bill guarantees a way for these undocumented aliens to apply for a green card and ensure their permanent residency no matter how long it will take. Illegal aliens who don't have social security and work the underground economy will likely register because it will be an opportunity for them to gain access to a social security card and its benefits. Even at the risk of being deported if their temporary permits are not approved, everybody knows that it is a worthy risk to take because of the ineffficient bureaucracy and how long it takes to process the papers. By the time their papers are disapproved for example, they would have enjoyed the benefits of social security and moved on to other ways of legalizing their stay. The lengthy process of implementation and the lack of political will to deport people after will be another issue altogether that will keep the underground economy afloat.
MINORITY REPORT
..The immigrant community and its advocates will be practical and suck the immigration reform opportunity for what it's worth. Whatever the final result will be in Congress, any proposed bill stands to incorporate the wishes and dreams of the immigrant community. It will be a fight to the finish but the important thing is that President Bush has opened the floodgates of debate that was unthinkable for any sitting Republican president especially after 9/11. Whatever President Bush's political fortunes will turn out to be after the elections in November as a result of this proposal, the immigrant community needs to stand up and exploit this opportunity to advance their cause of a more humane and immigrant friendly America.
BOOST YOU CAREER IN 2004
..Here's a creative way to grow your career this year. Counterintuitive ways to do your job can sometimes be a healthy surprise that your co-workers certainly welcome.
IS THE PRESIDENT PANDERING?
..The President's decision to reform immigration may be a way to court sentimental favor to the millions of Hispanics that are now becoming a political force in this country. It is quite smart for the President to put the debate out there especially in an election year that makes him appear to be a "compassionate" president to the Hispanic community that has traditionally voted Democrat. If the conservative right rises in revolt against the bill and moves to block it in Congress, President Bush can always say that he tried to pass it this year and promises to revisit it once he is reelected. If the bill passes, that means the right was won over by other perks and concessions (e.g. business) that will please their constituencies. Either way the President would endear himself to the Hispanic community and may collect some votes that presidential adviser Karl Rove says the President badly needs to ensure winning the 2004 elections.
CHEERS TO THE MEMORIES
..Keep your photos forever close to you by digitizing them. Converting your old photos to digital and archiving them is easy and can be done in your home.
::Wednesday, January 07, 2004::
BEING SHY COULD HURT
..An interesting study seems to confirm that personality affects the way the body handles stress and may induce stress-related diseases. Conventional wisdom has often been that a positive outlook and upbeat personality help to fight off illness and this study, though not definitive certainly provides some evidence to the theory.
REFORM THE IMMIGRATION REFORM
..While it's a step in the right direction, President Bush's decision to reform the immigration policy of the U.S. is not enough to the millions of illegal aliens who labor and work hard to keep the U.S. economy afloat. The decision focused more on the benefits that it will bring U.S. companies that hire undocumented workers to save on labor costs but does not go far enough to secure their long-term rights and security. What happens to these workers when the guest worker visas expire? there are not enough green cards to issue them on top of the already great number of people waiting to receive their green cards in the legal way. Why not include automatic green cards patterned after the customary 6 years qualification for permanent residency for H1-B workers? These issues are not addressed and it seems that the president focused only on the documentation and temporary fix to the economy but not on the overall long-term welfare of the foreign workers who deserve to benefit from the contributions they bring to this country.
RISE OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
..More companies are doing more to help people and society and at the same time earning money. Who says compassionate capitalism does not exist? Here's a look at what these companies are accomplishing.
DEBT EXPLOSION
::Tuesday, January 06, 2004::
COFFEE BENEFIT
..Don't look now but your favorite java may lessen the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Although research results about this is still debatable, it surely gives coffee-lovers reason to feel great.
::Sunday, January 04, 2004::
LOVE THAT NEW CAR
..Here's what to look for when shopping for a new car this 2004. Figure out the must-haves and what to pass up.
::Friday, January 02, 2004::
JOB-HOPPER TIPS
..Here's how to handle big gaps in your employment record on your resume.
CREDIT BASICS 101
..Need a New Year's resolution? Here's one you SHOULD do to start the year with a bang. Resolve to nurture your credit this 2004.
OUT OF TOUCH "WORLD IDOL"
..The winner of the World Idol showed once again how Europe has allied itself against America not just in the political arena. It's an extension of how people consciously expand American bashing as a result of the U.S. government's unilateral decision to invade Iraq. Norway's pop idol sounded so much like Bono there's no way you could have branded that as original as opposed to Kelly's rendition of "Natural Woman". They should have changed the title to Karaoke Idol.
SLEEP SOUNDLY IN 2004
..Be nice to yourself this year by making sure you get enough sleep. Follow these tips.
AUTO-LEASING SCAMS
..If you think leasing is an easy way to obtain the car of your dreams, dream on. These arrangements have hidden costs to them if you don't do your homework.
::Thursday, January 01, 2004::
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
..Here's some things to take stock of in your finances as you start the new year.
