Proposed Sandy Aid Package Would Help NASA, Smithsonian

Proposed Sandy Aid Package Would Help NASA, Smithsonian - The Obama administration is seeking $60.4 billion in federal aid for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, which would include repairs at the National Air and Space Museum and NASA's launch facilities on the East Coast.

The White House's requests were outlined in a letter sent late last week to congressional leaders from Jeff Zeints, director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The bulk of the proposed aid money would go toward efforts to repair homes and public infrastructure ravaged by the record-breaking superstorm and infuse cash into efforts to prepare for future storms.

But the White House also asked for $4 million to allow NASA to fix eroded dunes and berms that protect launch sites at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Under the plan, another $2 million would go to the Smithsonian to help the institution fix roof damage at its network of museums in the Washington, D.C., area, including the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum and National Zoo.

But all that rides on approval from Congress. The Senate is to begin debating its own version of the package Monday afternoon. That proposal matches the White House's requested $60.4 billion, although it would make available $15 million for repairs at NASA facilities through 2018, according to a senate summary of the bill.

Some House Republicans have said they would seek a smaller initial package to deal with urgent relief and rebuilding efforts, while awaiting more detailed evidence on damages before making decisions about additional spending,  ( Associated Press )

Blog : Paying The Highest

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Japan wants businessmen to shed suits, save energy

Japan wants businessmen to shed suits, save energy – The Japanese government wants the country's suit-loving salarymen to be bold this summer. Ditch the stuffy jacket and tie. And for the good of a country facing a power crunch, go light and casual.

Japan's "Super Cool Biz" campaign kicked off Wednesday with a government-sponsored fashion show featuring outfits appropriate for the office yet cool enough to endure the sweltering heat.

This summer may be especially brutal. The loss of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which was crippled by the March 11 tsunami, means electricity could be in short supply around the nation's capital, Tokyo, during especially hot days.

To prevent blackouts, the government is asking companies and government offices to cut electricity usage by 15 percent. It wants companies to limit air conditioning and set room temperatures at a warm 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto - Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto, right, poses with his predecessors, from left, Yuriko Koike, Tetsuo Saito and Sakihito Ozawa, donned 'Kariyushi' shirts, Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa's version of the Aloha shirts, during a 'Super Cool Biz' fashion show Wednesday, June 1, 2011. Japan's 'Super Cool Biz' campaign kicked off with the government-sponsored event featuring outfits appropriate for the office yet cool enough to endure the sweltering heat

The idea isn't new. "Cool Biz" was introduced in 2005 by the environment minister at the time, Yuriko Koike. The campaign was part of efforts to fight global warming.

But with Japan dealing with an ongoing nuclear crisis and the aftermath of a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami, officials decided they needed to take Cool Biz one step further this year.

"When we started Cool Biz in 2005, people said it was undignified and sloppy," Koike said at the fashion show held at a Tokyo department store. "But this is now the sixth year, and people have grown accustomed to it."

Surveys by the Cabinet Office indicate that companies are gradually jumping on board. In a 2009 nationwide poll, 57 percent of about 2,000 respondents reported that Cool Biz had been implemented in their workplaces. The figure stood at 47 percent two years earlier and at less than a third in 2005.

So what's different with Super Cool Biz?

First, the dress code. Polo shirts, Aloha shirts and sneakers are acceptable now under the environment ministry's relaxed guidelines. Jeans and sandals are OK too under certain circumstances.

Men might even think of carrying a fan or trying a pair of tight pedal pushers like one model wore, though whether such fashion extremes would actually catch on is another matter.

Notably missing from the environment ministry's dress code are specific rules for women. Despite the omission, Wednesday's fashion show included ensembles for women as well.

Khakis, white pants and airy polyester dresses are all apparently acceptable.

For retailers selling casual clothes, Super Cool Biz could provide a much-needed boost after the disaster, which led consumers to cut back on spending. Chains like Fast Retailing's Uniqlo have stockpiled polo shirts and chinos in anticipation of strong demand.

Officials also hope to spur energy-saving creativity with the campaign, both in and out of the office. To deal with the heat, the ministry suggests using gel sheets or consuming foods that cool the body. It also encourages employees to limit overtime hours, consider working from home when appropriate and take two weeks of summer vacation.

"This is not just a temporary measure to survive this summer," said Ryu Matsumoto, the current environment minister who joined Koike and two other predecessors at the event. "This is going to be a big event to change the way of life in Japan and people's lifestyles."

Japan's tropical southern islands of Okinawa may offer some inspiration.

On the catwalk, models donned "Kariyushi" shirts, Okinawa's version of the Aloha shirt. Worn untucked, they are light and feature colorful prints of traditional island designs.

Kariyushi shirts are commonly worn by Okinawans in the summer, even in formal settings like business and political meetings. In 2000, the Kariyushi shirt jumped onto the global stage when heads of state, including former President Bill Clinton, wore them during the Group of Eight summit in Okinawa.

For society to truly embrace the Kariyushi shirt and Super Cool Biz, leadership must come from the top, said Keiichi Inamine, a former governor of Okinawa who attended the fashion show.

"It's important for people with standing in society to wear it," he said, referring to the hierarchical nature of Japanese society.

The country's leaders, however, may have had other things on their minds Wednesday.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan wore a traditional dark suit in parliament as he faced fire from opposition lawmakers calling for his resignation. Opposition leader Sadakazu Tanigaki also wore a suit, though to be fair, it was an unusually chilly day for June. ( Associated Press )

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Arizona enacts ban on abortions based on gender, race

Arizona enacts ban on abortions based on gender, race – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on Tuesday signed into law a controversial bill that makes the state the first in the nation to outlaw abortions performed on the basis of the race or gender of the fetus.

The move comes as anti-abortion groups across the nation try to seize on gains made by political conservatives during the November elections, seeking enactment of new state laws to further restrict abortions.

Under the new Arizona statute, doctors and other medical professionals would face felony charges if they could be shown to have performed abortions for the purposes of helping parents select their offspring on the basis of gender or race.

The women having such abortions would not be penalized.

State legislators have said no such law exists anywhere else in the nation.
Backers of the measure said the ban is needed to put an end to sex- and race-related discrimination that exists in Arizona and throughout the nation. They insist the issue is about bias rather than any broader stance on abortion.

"Governor Brewer believes society has a responsibility to protect its most vulnerable -- the unborn -- and this legislation is consistent with her strong pro-life track record," a spokesman said.

But opponents have maintained that while such abortions may be happening in other countries like China, no clear evidence can found of it occurring in Arizona.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America also said the measure may erode a woman's rights, fearing that doctors for the first time would feel compelled to ask their patients the reasons for seeking an abortion.

A Planned Parenthood official in Arizona condemned the governor's action in a statement to Reuters.

"This law creates a highly unusual requirement that women state publicly their reason for choosing to terminate a pregnancy -- a private decision they already made with their physician, partner and family," said Bryan Howard, the group's chief executive.

The law contains no explicit provision requiring doctors to ask their patients their reasons for seeking an abortion, nor for patients to disclose such reasons. But opponents of the measure feel passage of the new law might make them feel more inclined to do so.

The law would take effect 90 days following the end of the current legislative session.(Reuters )

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What's Missing in Your Job Search

What's Missing in Your Job Search. Most candidates have one thing in common: lack of preparation. In order to nail your next job interview, you must be prepared. You should have specific, measurable, time-bound goals and a strategic plan. It’s critical that you know what you are looking for. Preparation is the key to maximizing your impact.

Here are 10 hot tips to get prepared for your next interview:

1. Know yourself

The biggest mistake that candidates make is that they look at their résumé only at the time that they write it. You must review your résumé several times a week. Remind yourself of your accomplishments. You are the only person who has the capability to toot your own horn! Know the difference between confidence and arrogance. Being confident in your skills is desirable and being arrogant discussing your abilities is not. It’s OK to talk about yourself as long as you know when to stop.

2. Be accountable

Make sure to be responsible for the time that is not listed on your résumé. Use this to share ways that you have kept your skills sharp. This will show that you are a leader in your field and you take initiative.

3. Consider the pay

Be clear in knowing what your compensation requirements are before your interview. Understand what the salary band is for the position. Know the difference between your needs versus market trends and value. Be very specific in developing your interview around demonstrating ways that your skills will bring value to the company.

4. Show quantifiable results

Every hiring manager is thinking about budget during the interview. Be prepared to discuss ways that your background will drive revenue and increase profits or save money. Share ways that your previous contributions have supported the accomplishment of the corporate goals and objectives.

5. Know your limits

Understand all the details of the position for which you are interviewing. Be prepared to share your accomplishments as they pertain to the requirements in the job posting. Stay focused and don’t try to oversell your capabilities.

6. Research the company

Research the company and know why you want to work there. Understand the backgrounds of the people with whom you will be meeting. Be ready to discuss the company’s products or services. Monitor the About Us and News/Press sections of the company’s Web site. The Web site may also show market presence, trends and corporate values.

7. Arrive early

Show up to the interview location early. Watch people as they come and go to and from the office. Observe their body language and their pace. A company that fosters a healthy corporate culture will also have people who love their job. This will be obvious as you observe the employees.

8. Bring extra copies

A good rule of thumb is to bring two more résumés than you think you’ll need. In other words, if you are scheduled to meet with three people, bring five copies of your résumé.

9. Prepare emotionally

You are under evaluation from the time that you arrive to the time you leave. Be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. Your cell phone should be turned off. Your appearance and demeanor should be friendly and focused on the interview and “closing the deal.” Smile a lot and be personable and engaging.

10. Have patience

Schedule your time accordingly. Expect to wait. Sleep well the night before your interview and never yawn during the discussion!

If you do your homework well, you will be extraordinarily successful in your interview. It will become easy for you to open new doors of opportunity towards landing the job of your dreams! ( msn.com )

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Scouting Your Talents for Employment Potential.

Scouting Your Talents for Employment Potential. A realistic assessment of your aptitudes can help land a new job.You’ve all heard it before. Find what you’re good at and build a career around it.

It’s advice that makes sense, but not always. Not every talent can necessarily translate easily into a career.

Case in point. I got a letter from a reader named Karina from Hong Kong recently and her comments crystallize what I’m talking about:

“I'm very good at guessing a movie's storyline and my husband agrees that any movie that keeps me guessing to the end is one of the best movies we've ever seen. Are there any jobs out there that can utilize this ‘talent’ of mine?”

We all probably have a long list of these types of “talents,” but thinking you can get these abilities off the couch and into a great job might be a bit naive. I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m just recommending that you keep your reality check meter on high.

When you’re deciding what career path to take, be realistic about how what you’re good at can actually translate into a job that pays the bills and makes you happy. That means taking time to research professions and companies that may be able to utilize your unique abilities and talking to people who are doing what you envision yourself doing.

It’s not always something obvious, and it can even seem absurd on the surface.

Take Irina Patterson. Three years ago, she discovered she was good at making balloon art and left a career as a PR professional to become a balloon-blowing entrepreneur selling her creations on street corners.

This Miami resident is now charging up to $300 an hour for her “balloon art entertainment” and boasts luxury hotels and rich families as her clients.

“I twist balloon art effortlessly, without even looking at my hands. And people see it, admire it, tell their friends. I don't have to think where my next booking will come from. It will come from word of mouth. It always does,” she explains.

Steve Runge, a former construction business owner from Bellingham, Wash., had a knack for languages, especially biblical languages. He decided to go to seminary school part time to study languages while still running his business and after seven years was able to graduate.

Last year, at the age of 40, he landed a job as scholar-in-residence at Logos Bible Software, which makes products to help pastors and consumers study the Bible.

Runge said he spent a lot of time trying to figure out how his talents could segue into a new career and interacting with people in the field at conferences and over the phone. “This was a 13-year process for me, and at times I got impatient,” he admits. “But it was worth it.”

Tory Johnson, the CEO of Women for Hire, says: “It's almost impossible to learn passion, but it's rarely impossible to build a business based on an existing passion.”

She offered a few examples of individuals who turned passions into careers.

“I found a woman who loves to sew — and most people would say you can't make money on that. Wrong. She teaches sewing lessons to kids and adults — group and private — and sells handbags and accessories she makes,” Johnson explains.

And a California woman who was a compulsive organizer, she adds, made “big bucks helping other people to declutter offices, garages and more. “

If you’re not sure what your passion is, Tevis Gale, founder of workplace consulting firm Balance Integrations, offers these five questions to ask yourself:

• What projects have you done in the past year that have absorbed or delighted you?
• What did you love to do as a kid? What was your favorite game? Not sure? Ask people who knew you then.
• If you walk into a bookstore for no reason, what sections attract you?
• If you had three months to live, what would you spend the next three months doing?
• If you had been born someone you truly admire, who would you be and why?

Since Karina from Hong Kong already knows movie sleuth is her thing, I wondered what the heck she could do with a gift that seems to me to be a career non-starter.

I decided to post Karina’s question on my blog, http://www.CareerDiva.net, and asked readers and career experts to offer her some advice and their take on the topic.

Here’s a sampling:

“The woman from Hong Kong has a unique talent, guessing the endings to movies.

• She could go to work for a movie studio and read screenplays to tell whether or not the endings are too obvious.
• She could do the same for television weekly mystery shows. She could enhance their stories by making the ending less obvious. She could work on ‘Desperate Housewives’ for example.
• She could do the same for writers of mystery novels.
• She could be a mystery novel writer.”

— Dan Coughlin, Dan Coughlin’s Daily Acceleration Blog

“Talent agents, creative agencies, and studios screen projects prior to sending them to their clients or affiliated talent to ensure the screenplay is high caliber enough to put in front of an actor or director. Perhaps you could work for an agency or a production house. Production houses option thousands of screenplays that never make it to production, so your knack for exposing weaker plot lines would be a value in the early stages of the film production process.”

— Matt Dornic, 3 Dog Communications

“It is amazing how many people think their ‘talent’ can be a business. First of all, there has to be a demand for the talent. Just ’cause I think my talent is great doesn’t mean anyone else will, or there is a need. People often love their hobbies until they have to do it when they may or may not feel like it, and it becomes w-o-r-k.
To get ‘hired’ in a traditional sense I have to document the value I bring to a prospective employer.

Remember, my ability to do something is different than getting hired to do it.”

— Anthony W. Beshara, Babich & Associates, a recruitment firm

“I love to read so much that in 5th grade I got in trouble for it. The school librarian and the principal of my elementary school called my mother (and me) into the office to say I was ‘mocking’ the librarian by checking out so many books.
I went on to become the senior publicist at HarperCollins Publishers in New York.”

— Judy Safern, literary publicist, LeadingThinkers

( msn.com )

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Job Hunting

Job Hunting . When you went to college, you received a welcome package and attended orientation to learn the ropes. Now that you’re on the hunt for a new job, an equally life-changing event, no one’s holding your hand. At best, a friend pats you on the back and says, “Good luck.”

To prepare you for your new endeavor, we’ve put together a job search kit. Here you’ll find the tools you need for writing your résumé, interviewing and researching salary information.

Résumé writing

Any writer knows a blank page is one of the most intimidating things in the world. This is especially true when you sit down to write your résumé, the first step to finding a new job. Here are some of the most common mistakes that job seekers make when putting together their résumé.

• Not including a cover letter

The quickest way to halt your job search is to send out your résumé without enclosing a cover letter. For many hiring managers, a résumé with no cover letter is dropped right in the trash can. Use the letter to convince the hiring manager you’re a good fit for the job and to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicants.

• Telling your life story

You want to leave the reader impressed with your experience, not with a headache. Don’t shrink margins and use a tiny font to list every job you’ve had and an extensive description of each. Stick to relevant information that will improve your chances of getting the job.

• Making the résumé uninviting

Use bullets for lists instead of lengthy paragraphs, and put in plenty of white space so your résumé is easy to read. Many hiring managers won’t even pick up a résumé that’s cluttered with text.

• Typos

There’s just no excuse to submit a résumé with misspellings and typographical errors. Typos tell readers you don’t care about the quality of your work, which is not something you want a future employer to think. Don’t assume spell-check will catch every mistake. Proofread it several times and have friends review it, too.

Interviewing

Once your résumé has worked its magic and you’ve been called for an interview, you’ve still got work to do. When it comes to interviews, preparation is your best friend.

• Dress the part

If somebody shows up to a barbecue wearing a suit, you know he's either in the wrong place or he just doesn’t have the good sense to dress appropriately. Think about what your clothes say when you go for an interview. Are you dressed like somebody who belongs in a professional environment or like somebody who’s ready to grill burgers all afternoon? If you know the office dress code, follow it; otherwise wear traditional business attire to be safe.

• Know yourself

You never know exactly what an interviewer will ask you, but chances are most questions will be about you and the information you put on your résumé. Expect to give specific examples of how you handled difficult situations and demonstrated leadership in previous positions. You’ll also need to show how your skills will translate to a new position.

• Know the company

Few things are as damaging to your interview as not knowing anything about the hiring company. When the interviewer asks what you know about the company and why you want to work there, you need to have a better answer than “Nothing at all” or “I need a paycheck.” Go to the company’s Web site, and look up recent news in the newspaper and online. Prove that you’ve done your research, are a good match for the company, and truly want the position.

• Follow up

After the interview, you should send a thank-you letter as soon as possible. Not only is it polite, it’s also one more chance to remind the interviewer why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Salary research

Your interview went so well you’ve been offered a job. Congratulations! Before you accept the offer, however, make sure you know what you’re worth. Your education, experience and even location all factor in to how much you make, so take them into consideration when negotiating your salary.

• Online resources

Salary Web sites, such as CBSalary.com, let you see what the median income is for a position in a specific city and across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports information, such as salary and expected job growth, for specific positions and industries at large.

• Trade publications

Look for magazines devoted to your specific industry. These publications report only information that impacts your field, which means anything from job descriptions to salary data to job growth.

• Friends and colleagues

How much a person makes is private information, so don’t ask to see your friends’ W-2 forms. People in the industry, whether friends or acquaintances, might not tell you what they make but they probably have an idea what other professionals are earning in your city or at other companies. ( msn.com )

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Give Patience a Pep Talk

Job Hunting? Give Patience a Pep Talk. You created the résumé. You composed the cover letter. You bought the suit to dress for success. You applied for various job openings and now you wait. You wait for the phone to ring inviting you to interview. You wait to learn of job leads. Waiting … it’s a hard place to be in a job search.

The in-between time in a job search can be a lonely, isolating time. Suddenly, it seems like everyone is working except you. The job search can make you feel benched, out of the game and more of a spectator rather than a player. It’s easy to get the job-hunting blues … that place of being in limbo.

Our mindset can be our enemy or ally. It’s a matter of perspective. The negative mindset can start to gnaw at us with belittling comments. We can start to second-guess ourselves with questions regarding our performance, what we could have done differently, how we could have prevented our situation, and so on.

The feelings of leaving or losing a job when nothing better is on the immediate horizon are described in the Kübler-Ross Model on Death and Dying. Kübler-Ross identified the five stages as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance (not necessarily in order). Likewise, not having income, loss of benefits and losing a sense of belonging and security are part of the grief process. And so is waiting.

While you are in this place, you might feel the sense of the cup as half-full. It’s an important time for self-care. The dark skies will eventually clear, but taking care of you, reaching out to others and accepting a helping hand can make the journey less agonizing.

Here are some tips to help you deal with the job-hunting blues:

Read

- Reading for pleasure, relaxation or escape allows your mind to be engaged. Research companies or educational opportunities. Make a trip to the library. Consider reading to your children as well.

Reflect

- The question is, what’s next? Take time to ponder the question. This time in your life can provide insight into your strengths, values and contributions to the workplace. Maybe it’s time to retool, return to school, relocate or explore a career change. Take time to be with the issues and uneasiness rather than avoid them. Write down your observations. Take time to deepen the learning as you prepare to forward your action.

Exercise

- It’s just what you might not feel like doing, but it is beneficial. This could be a good time to try yoga, lift weights, walk, bike or play with your children. Exercise is good for the heart and the mind. You might also enjoy the benefits of dropping some weight and firming up your body. The extra energy can be a boost to your job search and a healthier body can help you be more confident for future interviews.

Network

- You’re not the only one looking for work. You don’t have to be alone with the process of a job search. Meet a friend for coffee. Attend a job-transition support group. Contact a temporary employment agency or outplacement specialist. Learn more about support opportunities and options in your area.

Volunteer

- There are opportunities all around. What do you enjoy? How could you contribute? Whether you sort food at a food shelter, visit a nursing home or mow the lawn for an elderly neighbor, volunteering for a few hours can make a difference for you and them. Volunteering can be a form of networking as well. ( msn.com )

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Tips for the Over-50 Job Seeker

Tips for the Over-50 Job Seeker. Milton Berle once joked "youth is the first 50 years of your life, and the first 19 of everybody else's!" Whenever youth officially ends is anybody's guess. But, if you're over 50 and searching for a job, you may feel like the rules have changed.

This is the age of downsizing and corporate cost cutting. If you've found yourself out the door in favor of younger and lower-paid employees, you may be asking yourself, "Have I reached my expiration date? Is this the beginning of the end?" While you may not be able to convince the over-50 job seekers who have taken positions well below their competency and former compensation levels, at least one expert in the human relations field doesn't believe age is that big a factor... if you're prepared.

"Age biases do still exist. All kinds of biases exist in the workplace," says an executive at career services company Lee Hecht Harrison. "But the question of age is becoming less of a factor in building a strong workforce."

Patti O'Neal, vice president and general manager of Lee Hecht Harrison's Indianapolis office, says companies are waking up to the fact that younger workers are more apt to jump from company to company in an effort to build a career while the older worker is more likely to stay the course.

"Stocking your workforce with younger employees may not be the best bet in terms of retention strategy," she says. Does that mean you can waltz right up to that 30-something human resources director and expect him or her to worship your experience? Not likely. It will all come down to what a company is looking for at a given time. If they value the immediate cost savings a younger employee can offer, you're still out of luck. But if you can convince them that your skills are more cost effective, suddenly age becomes less of a factor.

To achieve that, first take a good hard inventory of your skills and qualifications. Once you understand what you have that is marketable and makes you different from other job candidates, O'Neal offers these tips:

Conduct market research:

Identify organizations that will view your experience and skills as relevant to their business equation.

Keep your professional skills current:

One of the myths about older workers is that they are not as technologically savvy as the younger generations. If you are proficient with a computer, put that in your resume. List what software packages you can use. Consider taking a computer class to learn new programs or brush up on your skills. Continuing education is vital, no matter how old you are.

Network, network, network:

Positions at upper levels are not as likely to be advertised, so networking is particularly important for the older professional in the job market. Seek out professional organizations, former colleagues and employees at companies you are interested in. Volunteering in your community or joining a board of a local organization can provide the opportunity to meet your peers and showcase your skills and abilities.

Focus on your accomplishments, not your age:

You can turn around perceived hurdles regarding your age by demonstrating your vitality, experience and work ethic. Focus on your strengths. Position yourself as someone who can get the job done and who can bring a great deal to the table with your unique qualifications.

"Don't apologize for your age. Don't ever joke about it or even mention it," cautions psychologist Nancy Irwin. "Don't assume that age is even an issue. If you do, you create that energy and possibly put off the interviewer. Be proud. Allow all your experience, skills and wisdom to shine. That's what they are hiring." "A company either has to buy talent or build talent," O'Neal adds. "You have to be articulate about your skills and demonstrate you are a learner."

For more job search tips for the seasoned worker, visit PrimeCB.com, a job search site focused on connecting experienced and retired workers with potential employers. ( msn.com )

READ MORE - Tips for the Over-50 Job Seeker