There has been a lot of talk lately regarding how much privacy we really have on Facebook. Recent concerns by online privacy and consumer protection groups along with talk on twitter and Facebook has prompted Facebook engineers to reassess their privacy settings in order to create a safer online experience, but with the report of over 100 million users of Facebook stranded with leaked information it seems their changes are a little too late.

One of the main aspects that I covered in my honors thesis which was A Cross Cultural Study on the Politics of Cigarette Marketing was the use of deceptive trade practices in developing countries and the Federal Trade Commission. Through studying them in depth, I genuinely believe that many of the online privacy groups that have sprouted concerns over Facebook privacy settings have a good case against Facebook. Why else would Facebook decide to make these important privacy changes now when so many people and groups are upset with the current standards?

People and users of Facebook still have the opportunity to choose not post any information that they do not want other people to see with the current system, however the new system will be much easier to navigate. Currently, Facebook users are required to navigate through 50 different settings to adjust how much of their profile information is accessible to anyone on the Internet.

We are so inundated with information that when we hear something like ‘facebook privacy changes,’ they may not register right away. Some people may be surprised that their information is out there which is just another reason we need to watch ourselves on the world wide web.

What do you think about Facebook’s changes?

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With the American economy still on the  mend, people looking for jobs should brush up on their interviewing skills. Here are some quick tips and techniques to that crucial interview. Good luck!

Preparation:

• Learn about the organization.
• Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
• Review your qualifications for the job.
• Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.
• Be ready to answer broad questions, such as “Why should I hire you?” “Why do you want this job?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
• Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Personal appearance:

• Be well groomed.
• Dress appropriately.
• Do not chew gum or smoke.

The interview:

• Be early.
• Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm handshake.
• Use good manners with everyone you meet.
• Relax and answer each question concisely.
• Use proper English—avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest—use eye contact and don’t slouch.
• Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
• Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
• Send a short thank you note following the interview.

Information to bring to an interview:

• Social Security card.
• Government-issued identification (driver’s license).
• Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
• References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid using relatives as references.
• Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.

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Technology expert and CEO of ProActive, Inc. Marc Wolfe was recently quoted in a ChannelWeb article Apple Partners Expect iPhone Jailbreaking To Continue.

According to the U.S. Copyright Office, earlier this week, they decided that jailbreaking iPhones wont violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. But given Apple’s opposition to the practice, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple get more aggressive about voiding the warranties of those who dare to engage in the practice.

“The more Apple tries to hold things down, the more people are going to do it,” says Marc A. Wolfe, CEO of Proactive, an Apple specialist in Oakland, N.J. “People that jailbreak are more technically advanced and have less fear of tinkering. For them, jailbreaking is like a badge of honor.”

Marc has been interviewed by CNNMoney.com, CMP Media and has articles that have appeared in The Performance Magazine. Marc is also working on an upcoming book on “Purpose and Passion in Life”

Marc developed his unique forward-motion strategy over the course of his own professional experience and has worked with doctors, business professionals as well as college students.  For the last 12 years he has been the CEO of ProActive, Inc, a company that assists the technical side of the creative design, marketing, and communication industries, with clients in over 18 states and 3 countries.

For the full story and more on Apple click here.

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The controversial topic of fasting features nowhere better then in the holy month of Ramadan. The Islamic fast, which is the complete abstinence from food, drink, and sexual activity takes place between dawn and dusk and is a requirement for all of the 1.4 billion Muslims who are able to do so. This year, Ramadan will start in mid August and will end in September, but after a month are the people who observe the fast healthier or worse off ? The answer lies in the tries and true phrase- you are what you eat.

For many people, the key question regarding fasting is whether it is good or bad for your health. The changes that occur in the body in response to fasting depend on the length of the continuous fast. In the normal state, body glucose, which is stored in the liver and muscles, is the body’s main source of energy. During a fast, this store of glucose is used up first to provide energy. Later in the fast, once the stores of glucose run out, fat becomes the next store source of energy for the body. Small quantities of glucose are also ‘manufactured’ through other mechanisms in the liver.

As the Ramadan fast only extends from dawn till dusk, there is ample opportunity to replenish energy stores at pre-dawn and dusk meals according to the World Health Organization. The use of fat for energy which happens after all the glucose stores are taken up aids weight loss, preserving the muscles, and in the long run reduces your cholesterol levels. In addition, weight loss results in better control of diabetes and reduces blood pressure.

A detoxification process also seems to occur, as any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body. So contrary to popular belief, most Muslims who are fasting are usually in better condition then their non-fasting counterparts. However, balanced food and fluid intake is extremely important between fasts. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and adequate protein are essential components of any good diet and very important during the fast. Suhoor, or the pre-dawn meal, is usually eaten around 4:30AM and is a wholesome, moderate meal that is filling and provides enough energy for many hours. Iftar is the meal which breaks the day’s fast. This meal is a small snack that could include dates, following the Prophetic traditions. Fruit juices will also have a similar, revitalizing effect as dates. This is then followed by a dinner meal usually consisting of rice or grains, meat, and vegetables.

Without proper nutrition not only can the fast cause illness but people can actually gain weight during the fast. Other health risks include heartburn, poor control of diabetes, headache, dehydration, constipation, and stress. Muslims with pre-consisting conditions such as Diabetes or terminal illness along with women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruating and any person who is traveling is exempt from the fast.

There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets.  Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake.  The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan teaches its observers to manage and practice spirituality voluntary sacrifice. It is a means of both spiritual and physical cleansing. Proving that we can survive on limited resources, the fast is an eye-opening experience that although it may seem odd and counterproductive to healthy living, can be nothing further from the truth, just remember what Mum said: eat all of your veggies.

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Stress is a fact of life and should be managed appropriately. Stress management, which is the ability to manage our response to situations that occur in our lives is an important interpersonal skill that we should all try to obtain.

Time management skills, the ability to allocate appropriate time to accomplishing objectives is also a definitive factor in whether or not we get stressed. When not managed properly stress can have a variety of responses. It is really dependant on the individual, each person has different stresses that plague them. Physiological responses, ones in which physical problems develop are usually easy to spot. Blood pressure, migraines, headaches,

Here are some tips you can use in order to combat stress.
1. Relaxation – Make relaxation part of your everyday’s routine. While at home or in the office, remember to do deep breathing and simple stretches. Take time to sooth your soul by drinking a cup of tea or just going out to the open to breathe in some fresh air can give you the ability to deal with stress more effectively.
2. Laughter – Laughter is our body’s built in stress-buster. Research has shown that laughter can help the body to release anxiety, aggression, fear and anger. In fact, laughing can decrease the stress hormones which are adrenaline, cortisol, epinephrine, dopac and allowing these stress hormones to return to their normal levels. If left uncontrolled, these stress hormones can constrict your blood vessels which will lead to hypertension and heart-related problems.
3. Find a friend – Ask your best friend out to vent your frustrations, of course, I am not asking you to vent your frustration on him or her. Simply talk to your best friend about your problems and ask them to offer you words of encouragement as friends can provide the much needed social support. In addition, if you friend is humorous enough to joke with you and make you laugh out loud, all the better, as laughter is proven to reduce stress and tension.
4. Get back to nature – Go out to the outdoors into the nature. Simply enjoy a relaxing day of out of doors which can help you to feel calmer and more balanced during your daily routine. A stroll down the park, cycling at the park or a day at the beach can be amazing stress reducer. If you cannot get such activities on the outdoors, simply try to listen to a CD of nature sounds or just spend a few minutes in front of your sunny window.
5. Make time to exercise regularly – Exercise can affect the energy level of your body and also tell your brain’s chemistry to release beneficial hormones. In addition, exercising can also help you to let go of your tension and accumulated energy associated with stress and give you a healthy outlet to release your build-up feelings and energy. Exercise can give you a better mood which lasts for days, but regular exercise is the most uplifting.
6. Positive thinking – Throughout the day, go through your thoughts and if you encounter any negative thoughts, try to reframe those thoughts in a positive way. Remember to always think positively and optimistically.
7. Eating well – Another of what I use as my top 10 ways to manage stress is feeding my body right: right food, rightly. Select food that are green and fresh as these food are the most beneficial to our body. With the right nourishment of healthy food, our body system will be able to fight stress in the long-term more effectively.
8. Do something that you like everyday – Each day, give yourself some time to indulge in something that you enjoy doing. It could be writing, reading, dancing, walking, gardening or simply just have a good chat on the phone with someone. Research has shown that by doing something that you enjoy everyday, it will improve your quality of life and frame of mind, and makes you better in combating and handling stress whenever it arises.
9. Let go of worries and negative thoughts – One of my best stress relief techniques is to let go of stressful thoughts before they get out of control and affects your state of mind. Simply focus on such negative thought and firmly say “Stop and get lost!” to prevent the though from recycling itself in your mind. By doing so, you will be able to curb such negative thoughts from influencing your mood and feelings.
10. Guided imagery to relax – Guided imagery is a powerful stress reduction techniques that can help you to stay relaxed during periods of stress. Learn to imagine yourself in a serene and peaceful setting that you will feel safe and nurturing. You can imagine yourself to be in a place where you’ve feel light-hearted and calm in the past. Simply continue to concentrate on your peaceful and calm setting until your tensions dissipate, your muscles loosen and your mind relaxes.

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More than half of your impact as a speaker depends upon your body language. You probably have control over the words you speak, but are you sure that you have control over what you are saying with your body language?

Body language comprises gesture, stance, and facial expression.

Gesture. When giving a presentation, do use your hands. They don’t belong on your hips or in your pockets or folded across your chest either or held behind your back. Use them-to help emphasize a point, to express emotion, to release tension, and to engage your audience.

Facial expression. The movements of your eyes, mouth, and facial muscles can build a connection with your audience. Alternatively, they can undermine your every word. Eye focus is the most important element in this process.

Stance. How you stand in front of the room speaks before open your mouth. Your stance can tell the audience that you’re happy, scared, confident, or uncomfortable. stand strong with both feet firmly on the ground. You own the stage so act like it! For more information on body language check out Lisa’s podcast on How to Incorporate Gestures.

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No one likes the sting of criticism. Yet, whether we like it or not, criticism is inevitable. Check out Lisa’s latest podcast on how to handle criticism. A podcast in three parts, look out for part three coming to you soon.

Part one include how to:

Acknowledge Different Perspectives

Handle Criticism By Practicing a Response

Buy Some Time With Silence

Diffuse Criticism Quickly by Saying Thanks

Part two includes:

Vent Appropriately and Prepare

Write Your Feelings Down

A Word of Caution about Venting

Give Thought to the Feedback

Separate the Emotion from The Person

Decide How to Respond

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If your case is the same or similar to mine, you know how difficult it is to learn the English language. Being born in Puerto Rico and moving to the United States for grade school required me to learn a totally different language than the one that I had known for my entire life. Let’s analyze some oddities of the English language.

What do all of the following words have in common?

Salmon, Folk, Arkansas, Would, Debt, Knee, Gnome, Autumn.

They are all words with silent letters! If they are silent, what is the point of having them in the words?

Many people can testify to the fact that learning a new language is a difficult task but, thanks to the silent letters in the English language, pronunciation and spelling for the determined learner is made even more difficult. To provide an example, think of the time you attempted to learn how to speak French. Learning French is very confusing because just about every word has a silent letter (or two, or three) in it. So maybe English is not the absolute worst language to learn after all.

Recently, I came across the question “Is the l in folk pronounced or not?” After conducting some research, I found that dictionaries state that folk is pronounced (fohk). Due to all the different accents found across the United States, many people may disagree and say that the l is pronounced. If we consider different accents in our pronunciation we will go crazy attempting to figure out what the proper way to pronounce a word is.

It is rumored that words with silent letters came to be as the English language was developing. Many can agree with me when I say that the English language is continuously changing thanks to advances in technology, etc.

“Google me.”

“I’ll just text you.”

“How about you Facebook me?”

If we were to go back just a few years, we wouldn’t be able to understand the above statements at all. Perhaps at one point the letters that are silent today were pronounced at one point. Although it is unclear why there are silent letters, we need to learn to love the oddities of the English language since trying to “fix” it would remove our focus from expanding the language as well as bettering it.

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Are you the type of person that does everything? Do you have trouble telling people ‘no’? You are not alone! A recent survey of 1000 college students found that over 85% said they had trouble saying no to people.

Below are some helpful tips to aid you in delegating tasks and getting more of your own work done.

1. Be firm — not defensive or overly apologetic — and polite. This gives the signal that you are sympathetic, but will not easily change your mind if pressured.
2. If you decide to tell the person you’ll get back to them, be matter-of-fact and not too promising. If you lead people to believe you’ll likely say “yes” later, they’ll be more disappointed with a later “no.”
3. If asked for an explanation, remember that you really don’t owe anyone one. “It doesn’t fit with my schedule,” is perfectly acceptable.

The first time you tell someone ‘no’ will be the hardest. Be prepared for it and visualize it happening before it does. This will help you when you actually say it. Remember that it will get easier from then on.

Good luck!

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For many people, summer means fun in the sun. Staying healthy in body and mind during the summer requires more than just eating the right foods. Summer provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to get outside, increase their activity, and avoid a year-round sedentary lifestyle. No matter what summertime activity you choose to participate in the hot and humid days can take a toll on you and your family. It may be tempting to let your guard down on vacation, but you can have fun and stay healthy away from home and take your healthy lifestyle with you.

In terms of healthy in mind, it is essential to take time out for yourself. With kids on vacation and at most times around the house, it can be difficult to find time to relax amidst work and family. Just twenty minutes a day of ‘alone time’ will have a dramatic effect. Use the time to gather your thoughts, plan for the day, or just relax with a good book. Although healthy for your body, tea can also aid you mind in concentration and alertness. Try different herbal blends on ice for a cool refreshing drink on hot days.

Take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy walks or light exercise, such as gardening. It may improve your balance, build muscle mass, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac health, and provide other health benefits both emotional and physical. Whether it’s gardening or exercising, ease into it and gradually build your endurance. Watch the heat and your fluid intake, and you can enjoy summer in good health. There is much that you can do that will help you and your family stay cool and healthy during the upcoming hot months.

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