Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
4 THINGS YOU PROBABLY NEVER KNEW YOUR MOBILE PHONE COULD DO
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their mobile phone from your cell phone.
Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to
drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!"
THIRD Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your mobile battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# Your mobile will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your mobile next time.
FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 #
A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Write Your Perfect Resume
Writing a Resume
Not that long ago, the easiest way to get a job was to visit the company you wanted to work for and ask for one. Today, however, it's not quite that simple. Most companies require you to submit your resume to them before they'll consider you for a position. So the resume has become a great deal more important, because it's the first, and possible last, chance you have to make the right impression. That's why it's so important to get it right!
First off, you need to start writing a resume by being clear about what you're trying to achieve. Which company are you planning to apply to? What type of job are you hoping to get? The answers to those questions will give you a direction for your resume. Remember, no matter how good your resume is, if the person reading it doesn't think you’re suitable for the job, you won't get any further. So make your resume good, but don't spend countless hours stressing about making it perfect; you're probably wasting your time.
It's a good idea to keep your resume short and simple. The person reading your resume probably has dozens, if not hundreds more resumes to read through, and rather than waste time reading your lengthy life history, will put your resume aside and read somebody else's. Work out the types of things the employer is most likely to want from an employee, and make sure your resume shows you have those skills or qualities. For example, if the job is likely to require attention to detail, mention your ability in that area. Summarize your past job responsibilities with a focus on skills requiring attention to detail. Give your prospective employer plenty of chances to see how your skills could benefit their organization.
Perhaps you've never had this type of job before, and so don’t know exactly what the employer will be looking for. That's okay; just spend some time researching the industry. If possible, ask some professionals in that industry what type of skills or qualities they'd look for in a person holding the job you're applying for. Look at job advertisements, searching for clues, particularly if they mention certain qualities they're looking for. Check out newspapers at the library, or search on the Internet. Even better, look at the website of your potential employer, if they have one. Learn as much as you can about the business you're trying to join, so that you have a better chance of targeting your resume correctly. That knowledge will pay off in an interview, because you can show you know something about the employer's industry.
One word of warning - never make the mistake of writing a general resume, hoping that you'll hit all the right buttons. That almost never works.
Now that you have an idea what sort of direction you need to give your resume, start putting it together. Most resumes contain the following sections, although they can vary a little depending on the industry. Still, you should always try to cover these areas somewhere in your resume:
- Employment history
- Positive personal characteristics
- Computer or technical skills
- Educational background and results (include GPA if it's over 3.0)
- Any other relevant accomplishments, such as a public speaking award
Once you get the hang of it, writing a resume really isn't hard. All you have to do is put in everything you can to show the prospective employer that you can add value to their business, and take out anything that doesn't.
About The Author
Steve Dolan is an author who has written many resumes for himself and others. Find tips, tricks and articles on resume writing at http://www.resumewritingweb.com.
Not that long ago, the easiest way to get a job was to visit the company you wanted to work for and ask for one. Today, however, it's not quite that simple. Most companies require you to submit your resume to them before they'll consider you for a position. So the resume has become a great deal more important, because it's the first, and possible last, chance you have to make the right impression. That's why it's so important to get it right!
First off, you need to start writing a resume by being clear about what you're trying to achieve. Which company are you planning to apply to? What type of job are you hoping to get? The answers to those questions will give you a direction for your resume. Remember, no matter how good your resume is, if the person reading it doesn't think you’re suitable for the job, you won't get any further. So make your resume good, but don't spend countless hours stressing about making it perfect; you're probably wasting your time.
It's a good idea to keep your resume short and simple. The person reading your resume probably has dozens, if not hundreds more resumes to read through, and rather than waste time reading your lengthy life history, will put your resume aside and read somebody else's. Work out the types of things the employer is most likely to want from an employee, and make sure your resume shows you have those skills or qualities. For example, if the job is likely to require attention to detail, mention your ability in that area. Summarize your past job responsibilities with a focus on skills requiring attention to detail. Give your prospective employer plenty of chances to see how your skills could benefit their organization.
Perhaps you've never had this type of job before, and so don’t know exactly what the employer will be looking for. That's okay; just spend some time researching the industry. If possible, ask some professionals in that industry what type of skills or qualities they'd look for in a person holding the job you're applying for. Look at job advertisements, searching for clues, particularly if they mention certain qualities they're looking for. Check out newspapers at the library, or search on the Internet. Even better, look at the website of your potential employer, if they have one. Learn as much as you can about the business you're trying to join, so that you have a better chance of targeting your resume correctly. That knowledge will pay off in an interview, because you can show you know something about the employer's industry.
One word of warning - never make the mistake of writing a general resume, hoping that you'll hit all the right buttons. That almost never works.
Now that you have an idea what sort of direction you need to give your resume, start putting it together. Most resumes contain the following sections, although they can vary a little depending on the industry. Still, you should always try to cover these areas somewhere in your resume:
- Employment history
- Positive personal characteristics
- Computer or technical skills
- Educational background and results (include GPA if it's over 3.0)
- Any other relevant accomplishments, such as a public speaking award
Once you get the hang of it, writing a resume really isn't hard. All you have to do is put in everything you can to show the prospective employer that you can add value to their business, and take out anything that doesn't.
About The Author
Steve Dolan is an author who has written many resumes for himself and others. Find tips, tricks and articles on resume writing at http://www.resumewritingweb.com.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The important things of building your own blog
1. To Express Your Thoughts and Opinions. You have something to say, and blogs provide a place to say it and be heard.
2. To Market or Promote Something. Blogging is a great way to help market or promote yourself or your business, product or service.
3. To Help People. Many blogs are written to help people who may be going through similar situations that the blogger has experienced. Many parenting and health-related blogs are written for this purpose.
4. To Establish Yourself as an Expert. Blogs are wonderful tools to help bloggers establish themselves as experts in a field or topic. For example, if you're trying to get a job in a specific field or hoping to publish a book on a specific topic, blogging can help legitimize your expertise and expand your online presence and platform.
5. To Connect with People Like You. Blogging brings like-minded people together. Starting a blog can help you find those people and share your opinions and thoughts.
6. To Make a Difference. Many blogs are issue-based meaning the blogger is trying to provide information to sway people's thinking in a certain direction. Many political blogs and social issues blogs are written by bloggers who are trying to make a difference in their own ways.
7. To Stay Active or Knowledgeable in a Field or Topic. Since successful blogging is partially dependent on posting frequency and providing updated, fresh information, it's a perfect way to help a blogger stay abreast of the events in a specific field or topic.
8. To Stay Connected with Friends and Family. The world has shrunk since the Internet has become more accessible. Blogs provide a simple way for family and friends to stay connected from different parts of the world by sharing stories, photos, videos and more.
9. To Make Money. It's important to point out that most bloggers don't make a lot of money blogging, but the potential does exist to generate revenue from your blog with hard work and commitment. There are many bloggers who bring in big bucks. With patience and practice, you can make money through advertising and other income-generating activities on your blog.
10. To Have Fun and Be Creative. Many people start a blog simply for fun. Perhaps a blogger is a fan of a particular actor or loves knitting and wants to share that passion through a blog. One of the most important keys to successful blogging is having a passion about your blog's topic, so you can write prolifically about it. Some of the best and most interesting blogs started out as blogs that were written just for fun and to give the blogger a creative outlet.
2. To Market or Promote Something. Blogging is a great way to help market or promote yourself or your business, product or service.
3. To Help People. Many blogs are written to help people who may be going through similar situations that the blogger has experienced. Many parenting and health-related blogs are written for this purpose.
4. To Establish Yourself as an Expert. Blogs are wonderful tools to help bloggers establish themselves as experts in a field or topic. For example, if you're trying to get a job in a specific field or hoping to publish a book on a specific topic, blogging can help legitimize your expertise and expand your online presence and platform.
5. To Connect with People Like You. Blogging brings like-minded people together. Starting a blog can help you find those people and share your opinions and thoughts.
6. To Make a Difference. Many blogs are issue-based meaning the blogger is trying to provide information to sway people's thinking in a certain direction. Many political blogs and social issues blogs are written by bloggers who are trying to make a difference in their own ways.
7. To Stay Active or Knowledgeable in a Field or Topic. Since successful blogging is partially dependent on posting frequency and providing updated, fresh information, it's a perfect way to help a blogger stay abreast of the events in a specific field or topic.
8. To Stay Connected with Friends and Family. The world has shrunk since the Internet has become more accessible. Blogs provide a simple way for family and friends to stay connected from different parts of the world by sharing stories, photos, videos and more.
9. To Make Money. It's important to point out that most bloggers don't make a lot of money blogging, but the potential does exist to generate revenue from your blog with hard work and commitment. There are many bloggers who bring in big bucks. With patience and practice, you can make money through advertising and other income-generating activities on your blog.
10. To Have Fun and Be Creative. Many people start a blog simply for fun. Perhaps a blogger is a fan of a particular actor or loves knitting and wants to share that passion through a blog. One of the most important keys to successful blogging is having a passion about your blog's topic, so you can write prolifically about it. Some of the best and most interesting blogs started out as blogs that were written just for fun and to give the blogger a creative outlet.
Monday, April 7, 2008
NUTRITION UPDATES
TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading...Green tea is great for our immune system)!
INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).
ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)
UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.
MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.
COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)
COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.
BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.
LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.
ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)
CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.
HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young...blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field...they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)
Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.
Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)
Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.
Papaya: is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.
Forward this to all your Friends, Let Everybody live a Healthy Life
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading...Green tea is great for our immune system)!
INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).
ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)
UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.
MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.
COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)
COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.
BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.
LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.
ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)
CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.
HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young...blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field...they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)
Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.
Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)
Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.
Papaya: is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measure for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.
Forward this to all your Friends, Let Everybody live a Healthy Life
Friday, April 4, 2008
Teen Summer Camp Offers Tips For Students
by: Jim Hartley
Students who attend the academic summer camp, SuperCamp, acquire many valuable learning and life skills. Here are some Quantum Learning tips that can help every student do better in school. Share them with your son or daughter.
S.L.A.N.T.
Sit in the front row or middle section of the classroom. Lean slightly forward in your chair, as if you are hanging on the teacher’s every word. Ask questions to clarify anything you don’t understand. Nod your head to show you are listening and interested. Talk to your teacher after class to build rapport and establish a relationship.
Test-taking Strategies
Do test-time jitters ruin the time you spend studying and preparing? Allow yourself enough time to get to class a few minutes early- hurrying causes tension and mental crunches, and you can use the few extra minutes to review your notes one last time. Before and during the test, give yourself positive messages: “I know this information and I’m going to get an A.” If you feel yourself getting tense, close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Imagine a relaxing scene. If you’re having trouble concentrating or are feeling overwhelmed, try drawing a mind map in the margin of your paper. It will help you remember what you studied.
Optimal Study Area
Design the optimum study area at home. It should include good lighting, a desk or table to work at, a comfortable chair, inspirational posters, and plants. Play Baroque music softly in the background. Study at the same time every day and take a short break every 30 minutes. Tackle the most difficult subjects first. When you get them out of the way, the rest will be easy.
Cultivate a Winning Attitude
Maintaining a positive attitude is your most important learning asset. You need to mentally prepare before any learning experience. Henry Ford said, “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you are right.”
Remember the “F”
Stands for Feedback From infancy through adulthood, we learn through our mistakes. Remember to learn from the feedback you get from others, whether it is a failed test or a poor relationship. In your path to become an excellent learner, feedback is simply the information you need to succeed. Refresh your memory and read about Failure Leads to Success and the rest of the 8 Keys of Excellence.
Plan Ahead
Use a calendar to mark days for tests or due dates of important papers. Studying ahead reduces stress and increases your ability to remember at test time.
Discover the Power of “This is it!”
“This is it!” means making the most of every moment. It also means doing whatever it takes to make a subject interesting. Be creative! Some ideas include studying with a friend or relating the topic to something you already know or like. When you know something well, you almost always find it interesting.
Overcome the Obstacle of a Blank Page with Freewriting
When faced with writer’s block, freewriting provides visible and immediate progress. Choose a subject and set the timer for a specified amount of time. Write continuously until your time is up. Don’t worry about structuring sentences, checking grammar, backtracking or crossing things out – just keep writing. Freewriting clears your mind, focuses your ideas and makes the invisible visible.
Take Breaks
Every thirty minutes it helps to take a short five-minute break. Take mini-breaks more often by standing up and stretching whenever you notice your mind wandering. Studies show that you remember best what you learned just before and just after a break – so the more breaks, the more you learn! SuperCamp summer programs fill up fast. Go to http://www.supercamp.com/ now to learn about enrolling your son or daughter while spaces remain. Age-specific programs are available for students in grades 4-12 and incoming college freshmen. At the website, you also can get a free eBook that gives you an inside look at what works with teens from a world leader in youth achievement, SuperCamp co-founder Bobbi DePorter.
About The Author
Jim Hartley works for Quantum Learning Network, a company that focuses on children and teen education and life skills. http://www.qln.com/
Students who attend the academic summer camp, SuperCamp, acquire many valuable learning and life skills. Here are some Quantum Learning tips that can help every student do better in school. Share them with your son or daughter.
S.L.A.N.T.
Sit in the front row or middle section of the classroom. Lean slightly forward in your chair, as if you are hanging on the teacher’s every word. Ask questions to clarify anything you don’t understand. Nod your head to show you are listening and interested. Talk to your teacher after class to build rapport and establish a relationship.
Test-taking Strategies
Do test-time jitters ruin the time you spend studying and preparing? Allow yourself enough time to get to class a few minutes early- hurrying causes tension and mental crunches, and you can use the few extra minutes to review your notes one last time. Before and during the test, give yourself positive messages: “I know this information and I’m going to get an A.” If you feel yourself getting tense, close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Imagine a relaxing scene. If you’re having trouble concentrating or are feeling overwhelmed, try drawing a mind map in the margin of your paper. It will help you remember what you studied.
Optimal Study Area
Design the optimum study area at home. It should include good lighting, a desk or table to work at, a comfortable chair, inspirational posters, and plants. Play Baroque music softly in the background. Study at the same time every day and take a short break every 30 minutes. Tackle the most difficult subjects first. When you get them out of the way, the rest will be easy.
Cultivate a Winning Attitude
Maintaining a positive attitude is your most important learning asset. You need to mentally prepare before any learning experience. Henry Ford said, “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you can’t. Either way, you are right.”
Remember the “F”
Stands for Feedback From infancy through adulthood, we learn through our mistakes. Remember to learn from the feedback you get from others, whether it is a failed test or a poor relationship. In your path to become an excellent learner, feedback is simply the information you need to succeed. Refresh your memory and read about Failure Leads to Success and the rest of the 8 Keys of Excellence.
Plan Ahead
Use a calendar to mark days for tests or due dates of important papers. Studying ahead reduces stress and increases your ability to remember at test time.
Discover the Power of “This is it!”
“This is it!” means making the most of every moment. It also means doing whatever it takes to make a subject interesting. Be creative! Some ideas include studying with a friend or relating the topic to something you already know or like. When you know something well, you almost always find it interesting.
Overcome the Obstacle of a Blank Page with Freewriting
When faced with writer’s block, freewriting provides visible and immediate progress. Choose a subject and set the timer for a specified amount of time. Write continuously until your time is up. Don’t worry about structuring sentences, checking grammar, backtracking or crossing things out – just keep writing. Freewriting clears your mind, focuses your ideas and makes the invisible visible.
Take Breaks
Every thirty minutes it helps to take a short five-minute break. Take mini-breaks more often by standing up and stretching whenever you notice your mind wandering. Studies show that you remember best what you learned just before and just after a break – so the more breaks, the more you learn! SuperCamp summer programs fill up fast. Go to http://www.supercamp.com/ now to learn about enrolling your son or daughter while spaces remain. Age-specific programs are available for students in grades 4-12 and incoming college freshmen. At the website, you also can get a free eBook that gives you an inside look at what works with teens from a world leader in youth achievement, SuperCamp co-founder Bobbi DePorter.
About The Author
Jim Hartley works for Quantum Learning Network, a company that focuses on children and teen education and life skills. http://www.qln.com/
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Choosing The Right Home Loan
by: Sidney Morgan, MBA
When shopping for a residential mortgage loan, most homebuyers simply focus their attention on the mortgage interest rate. http://www.mortgagesort.com They watch mortgage rates daily, making note of any movement in the mortgage rates, trying to predict a trend in what direction it looks like rates will move in the upcoming weeks or months.
The mortgage rate paid by homebuyers is clearly an important factor but it is only one element that will determine your monthly mortgage payment.
Another important factor (that you can control) that will play a part in determining your mortgage payment is the duration of the home mortgage loan (for example 30 years vs. 15 years).
Amortizing your home loan over 30 years is standard, but there are other options that will play a big part in your monthly payments as well as how quickly you build equity in your home.
If you amortize your home loan over 15 years, for example, your mortgage payment will be higher but you will build equity more rapidly and also be able to find a lower interest rate. Assuming that you could lock in at an interest rate ½ point lower when going with a 15 year note your monthly payments would be about 35% more, which sounds like a lot but your interest expense over the duration of the loan will be about 60% less and could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.
In summary, a 15 year mortgage loan will reduce the total interest you pay and accelerate up the rate in which you build equity in your home, regardless of the interest rate (even though a lower rate will indeed be in reach when amortizing over 15 years vs. a standard 30 year fixed rate mortgage). If your budget allows you to finance your home purchase over 15 years, it is something you should certainly consider. In the long run it will save you thousands.
About The Author
Sidney Morgan, MBA has 11 years in financial services. Mortgagesort.com is a consumer resource site offering mortgage resources and shopping information for the residential homebuyer, independent reviews of leading mortgage lenders, and access to comparison mortgage quotes. Our information and services are free of charge. http://www.mortgagesort.com.
When shopping for a residential mortgage loan, most homebuyers simply focus their attention on the mortgage interest rate. http://www.mortgagesort.com They watch mortgage rates daily, making note of any movement in the mortgage rates, trying to predict a trend in what direction it looks like rates will move in the upcoming weeks or months.
The mortgage rate paid by homebuyers is clearly an important factor but it is only one element that will determine your monthly mortgage payment.
Another important factor (that you can control) that will play a part in determining your mortgage payment is the duration of the home mortgage loan (for example 30 years vs. 15 years).
Amortizing your home loan over 30 years is standard, but there are other options that will play a big part in your monthly payments as well as how quickly you build equity in your home.
If you amortize your home loan over 15 years, for example, your mortgage payment will be higher but you will build equity more rapidly and also be able to find a lower interest rate. Assuming that you could lock in at an interest rate ½ point lower when going with a 15 year note your monthly payments would be about 35% more, which sounds like a lot but your interest expense over the duration of the loan will be about 60% less and could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.
In summary, a 15 year mortgage loan will reduce the total interest you pay and accelerate up the rate in which you build equity in your home, regardless of the interest rate (even though a lower rate will indeed be in reach when amortizing over 15 years vs. a standard 30 year fixed rate mortgage). If your budget allows you to finance your home purchase over 15 years, it is something you should certainly consider. In the long run it will save you thousands.
About The Author
Sidney Morgan, MBA has 11 years in financial services. Mortgagesort.com is a consumer resource site offering mortgage resources and shopping information for the residential homebuyer, independent reviews of leading mortgage lenders, and access to comparison mortgage quotes. Our information and services are free of charge. http://www.mortgagesort.com.
Thoughts To Steer By On Your Way To Success In The Mortgage Business, From One Loan Officer To Another
by: Rob Lawrence
What sets one loan officer apart from another? And how do some people become “top producers” in their office, while others slowly squeak by? Surely, we all have the same amount of time, resources, and intelligence (debatable?!) available to us.
So why do some loan officers fail, while others succeed? Here are some points to remember which will help ensure your success…
Take control. Stay on top of things and be sure monitor your loans as they progress on their way to the closing table. Always be aware of what stage a file is in during process. Don’t trust anyone else with your commission check. Stay aware of any problems that arise, and work with your processor to fix them. If you can help speed things up, please do—but not at the expense of making new sales!
In my office, Nancy and I have a communications system in place (namely, my mortgage closing system). I religiously write down every detail of a file and go far beyond just the 1003. Questions I ask include:
“When are your taxes due?” (Useful for estimating accurate escrows).
“Will you both be available to sign closing documents in the next 30 days?” (Useful for scheduling purposes, I want to know ahead of time if any vacations or expected trips are planned).
“Do you need a set amount of money as cash-out at the closing table or will you take whatever is left over?” (Customers don’t understand that escrows can change, and they might be expecting a higher amount as cash-out than they actually receive).
And of course, the catchall question: “Is there anything else, financially, legally or otherwise, that I should know about that may affect your loan?” (Use this to disarm any landmines that may pop-up).
Remember to always put the customers needs first, ahead of yours. Empathize with the customer and let them know how hard you will work for them. Gain their trust early on, and the amount of referrals you will receive will be immeasurable.
Never let a detail slip by. Remember to ask all the important questions upfront. And, always, always, always, fill out the 1003 loan application completely and fully! There are no shortcuts to success.
Learn everything you can from the other, more experienced loan officers in your company and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I always ask my wholesale reps, attorneys, and appraisers questions. I want to know as much as I can about every facet of this business. And I know, that with each day as my knowledge increases, my job becomes easier, and the more sales I will make. You will too!
Never repeat the same mistake twice. When something goes wrong on a loan, ask yourself “Why?”, then try to brainstorm ways to tackle this hurdle so it doesn’t happen again. No loan closes as quickly as you think it will. By ironing out as many bumps as you can, it makes your next loan that much more streamlined and straightforward.
At the end of every loan we close, Nancy and I make a list of what went right, what went wrong, and why. We write down how we can improve the process and make things better. Taking 5 minutes after the closing to do this will pay many dividends to you in the future.
Stay focused on why you are in this business. Is it to help people? Do you enjoy the daily challenge of earning your own income? What is it that drives you to be successful? What goals do you have? What is your long-term plan?
For me, when I first started out, I was only earning about 10% commission on every loan I closed. That’s right, a measly, 10% on each one! Peanuts, you say??!!! But, I had a plan…and I knew that once I learned the mortgage business from the inside, I could move on to bigger and better things. (Not to mention, fatter commission checks!).
I sacrificed two years of my life to learn the ropes, with the prospect of earning, much, much, more in the future. Isn’t that what people do when they go to college? (I did that too, by the way!).
Remember this, no matter what your current firm is paying you now, there is always another mortgage company out there that will PAY YOU MORE! Do an online search for “mortgage net branch”, and you will find dozens of companies that will double or even triple your current commission check. Good sales people are hard-to-find and are always in demand. If you leave one job, don’t worry. You can easily find another. But, make sure you leave on your own terms--and more importantly--at a time of your choosing.
These are just a few of the things that I have helped me become successful. I know that when I hand a borrower’s file over to Nancy, she will take excellent care of the loan. And because I do my job as a loan officer as thoroughly as I can (by filling out everything on my worksheets), it makes her job that much easier.
As you can see, there are many different ways to become successful in this industry. Believe in yourself and what you are doing; put the customer’s needs first and ask the important questions upfront; and stay focused on what you want to get out of your business. If you only did these three things alone, you’d go far as a loan officer! Now go get ‘em!
About The Author
Rob Lawrence is ranked one of top national trainers in the mortgage industry. He is the currently the CEO of Battlecall.com, coaching, tools and resources to turn mortgage professionals into mortgage warriors. Visit http://www.battlecall.com for his free “Sink Or Swim” weekly newsletter, mortgage training, marketing advice and more! Jumpstart your career in the mortgage business, starting today.
What sets one loan officer apart from another? And how do some people become “top producers” in their office, while others slowly squeak by? Surely, we all have the same amount of time, resources, and intelligence (debatable?!) available to us.
So why do some loan officers fail, while others succeed? Here are some points to remember which will help ensure your success…
Take control. Stay on top of things and be sure monitor your loans as they progress on their way to the closing table. Always be aware of what stage a file is in during process. Don’t trust anyone else with your commission check. Stay aware of any problems that arise, and work with your processor to fix them. If you can help speed things up, please do—but not at the expense of making new sales!
In my office, Nancy and I have a communications system in place (namely, my mortgage closing system). I religiously write down every detail of a file and go far beyond just the 1003. Questions I ask include:
“When are your taxes due?” (Useful for estimating accurate escrows).
“Will you both be available to sign closing documents in the next 30 days?” (Useful for scheduling purposes, I want to know ahead of time if any vacations or expected trips are planned).
“Do you need a set amount of money as cash-out at the closing table or will you take whatever is left over?” (Customers don’t understand that escrows can change, and they might be expecting a higher amount as cash-out than they actually receive).
And of course, the catchall question: “Is there anything else, financially, legally or otherwise, that I should know about that may affect your loan?” (Use this to disarm any landmines that may pop-up).
Remember to always put the customers needs first, ahead of yours. Empathize with the customer and let them know how hard you will work for them. Gain their trust early on, and the amount of referrals you will receive will be immeasurable.
Never let a detail slip by. Remember to ask all the important questions upfront. And, always, always, always, fill out the 1003 loan application completely and fully! There are no shortcuts to success.
Learn everything you can from the other, more experienced loan officers in your company and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I always ask my wholesale reps, attorneys, and appraisers questions. I want to know as much as I can about every facet of this business. And I know, that with each day as my knowledge increases, my job becomes easier, and the more sales I will make. You will too!
Never repeat the same mistake twice. When something goes wrong on a loan, ask yourself “Why?”, then try to brainstorm ways to tackle this hurdle so it doesn’t happen again. No loan closes as quickly as you think it will. By ironing out as many bumps as you can, it makes your next loan that much more streamlined and straightforward.
At the end of every loan we close, Nancy and I make a list of what went right, what went wrong, and why. We write down how we can improve the process and make things better. Taking 5 minutes after the closing to do this will pay many dividends to you in the future.
Stay focused on why you are in this business. Is it to help people? Do you enjoy the daily challenge of earning your own income? What is it that drives you to be successful? What goals do you have? What is your long-term plan?
For me, when I first started out, I was only earning about 10% commission on every loan I closed. That’s right, a measly, 10% on each one! Peanuts, you say??!!! But, I had a plan…and I knew that once I learned the mortgage business from the inside, I could move on to bigger and better things. (Not to mention, fatter commission checks!).
I sacrificed two years of my life to learn the ropes, with the prospect of earning, much, much, more in the future. Isn’t that what people do when they go to college? (I did that too, by the way!).
Remember this, no matter what your current firm is paying you now, there is always another mortgage company out there that will PAY YOU MORE! Do an online search for “mortgage net branch”, and you will find dozens of companies that will double or even triple your current commission check. Good sales people are hard-to-find and are always in demand. If you leave one job, don’t worry. You can easily find another. But, make sure you leave on your own terms--and more importantly--at a time of your choosing.
These are just a few of the things that I have helped me become successful. I know that when I hand a borrower’s file over to Nancy, she will take excellent care of the loan. And because I do my job as a loan officer as thoroughly as I can (by filling out everything on my worksheets), it makes her job that much easier.
As you can see, there are many different ways to become successful in this industry. Believe in yourself and what you are doing; put the customer’s needs first and ask the important questions upfront; and stay focused on what you want to get out of your business. If you only did these three things alone, you’d go far as a loan officer! Now go get ‘em!
About The Author
Rob Lawrence is ranked one of top national trainers in the mortgage industry. He is the currently the CEO of Battlecall.com, coaching, tools and resources to turn mortgage professionals into mortgage warriors. Visit http://www.battlecall.com for his free “Sink Or Swim” weekly newsletter, mortgage training, marketing advice and more! Jumpstart your career in the mortgage business, starting today.
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