Golden Retriever Health - A Secret to Raising a Healthy and Happy Golden Retriever

Thinking about becoming a proud owner of a healthy and happy Golden Retriever? This breed of dog is a friend to many individuals and families. They have a pleasing disposition, love human companionship, and are eager to please. A Golden Retriever's health is closely connected to a loving owner so they want you to be proud of them.

It's important to ask yourself whether or not you would be a good partner for your animal. Your answer is the key to whether or not you should move forward with your plan to become an owner.

Let me share a secret with you that might help answer the above question. The secret to raising a healthy and happy Golden Retriever is doing research on the traits of the breed before you adopt. Finding out more about the breed will help you decide whether or not this dog is a good fit for you. The secret may seem obvious, but if you don't take some action you may not be happy with the results.

A fundamental part of doing your analysis is to ask yourself a few key questions about what you expect of the breed:

1. Do you see your Golden Retriever as a watchdog?

If you answered yes, you might consider a different breed. While they are protective of their owners, this particular dog is anything but a watchdog. Goldens are known for their gentle, friendly ways, and prefer to be non-aggressive. Oh, sure, he'll be barking at the stranger at the front door, but look at his tail. It's wagging at full speed asking the question, "Will you pay attention to me?" Not too much of a menace to a would-be bad guy!

2. Do you have the time, the perseverance, and the stamina to devote to this breed?

You really need to think about this question before answering. Golden Retrievers possess seemingly boundless energy. They love being active on a daily basis-swimming, running, and fetching are a few examples. In terms of your time and energy, the Golden Retriever is demanding in her own charming manner. Can you devote your attention consistently?

3. How often do you travel?

Here's one question many people don't consider. This is not the breed of dog that is content spending much time in a commercial kennel. Separation from their family can cause anxiety. Do you know someone who the dog is familiar with that can watch him while you're gone? If not, with a little searching, would you be willing to find some hotels that accept pets these days?

4. Are you willing and able to make the long-term commitment needed with owning a Golden Retriever?

Your new dog will be a part of your family for a long time- the average lifespan of these dogs is about 12 years. Can you foresee changes in your lifestyle that will make this a tough commitment? The future can be hard to predict, but you certainly don't want to leave your friend at a rescue shelter unless absolutely necessary. Happy New Year HISTORY 2020

5. Do you have sufficient room - inside your home and out in the yard- for this breed? Do you live near a park?

This breed is quite adaptable, but routine physical exercise is still important to maintain their mental and physical health. Too much inactivity in a small house can create problems. It's also important to have available spaces in which they can run such as a large yard or a nearby park. Your dog will be looking to you provide activity in a safe and fun environment.

6. Can you afford him?

The initial purchase price of a Golden Retriever can be expensive, but the costs don't stop there. Other expenditures include grooming items, bedding, and don't forget food. Goldens are large dogs and love to eat. A routine trip to the veterinarian can be expensive, but it's necessary.

After considering these questions, are you still interested in adopting a Golden Retriever? Why don't you come up with your own list of questions that you consider important? The better your questions and more accurate your answers, the more likely that you will choose a dog which will fit into your lifestyle. This will be positive for both you and your Golden Retriever's mental and physical health.

Anno Nuovo Felice - Happy New Year

One of the most memorable New Year's Eve celebrations I have ever attended was in Pietralunga, Italy. My husband, Bert, and I had left the States the day after Christmas and arrived at our house, Caifiordi, on Dec. 27th. Our initial plan had been to spend a quiet New Year's Eve with a home cooked Italian meal by the fireplace at Caifiordi. Nothing wrong with that plan; it would have been delightful. Our sense of adventure took over, however, when we heard that one of the hotels in Pietralunga had a huge New Year's Eve celebration including dinner and dance. At this point in time, our Italian was deplorable so we were very uncertain as to the details of this celebration. The only thing we knew for certain was the location. So we dressed in our finery and made our way to the Candeletto, the Swiss looking hotel in the tourist zone outside Pietralunga.

We arrived a little after 8, which we thought would be in keeping with the normal Italian custom of eating dinner late. We also arrived without reservations, something we never even considered necessary. Of course, as our luck would have it, the restaurant was full, not a spare seat to be seen, and the antipasti was already being served. An understanding restaurant manager, realizing that we were strangers, demonstrated the exuberant Umbrian hospitality I have come to know and love. He quickly set up a table for two near a much larger group, served us antipasti and wine and otherwise settled us into a long evening of food and festivities. Happy New Year CELEBRATION 2020

And then the food. There are simply no words to describe the quality and quantity of the food we ate that evening or the flourish with which each course was presented. The antipasti consisted of various traditional meats and cheeses, olives, and crostini (small rounds of baquette covered with spreads made of chicken pate, olive paste or vegetable pate). Then the pasta-not one kind but two. The first with a white sauce and the local procini mushrooms so highly prized in this part of Umbria. The second with a heartier red ragu sauce. In between the courses, in the Italian way, was time to engage in conversation and people watching-probably designed as an aid to the digestion. Now the meat course-beautiful pieces of pork, lamp, and chicken-with vegetable side dishes. Then the salad served in the European custom last as an aid to digestion. Following that were fruit and two desserts. Throughout we had been served various white and red wines to complement each course and, just at the stroke of midnight, a glass of prosecco (the Italian sparkling wine) arrived. We all went outside onto the terrace where we would look down onto the lights of Pietralunga. We had sparklers to waive while we drank our prosecco, the bells rang out and everyone wished each other "auguri"-"anno nuovo felice"-congratulations, happy new year.

Back inside, just when I thought we would be leaving for hearth and home, coffee was served and the dancing began. And, oh, do the Italians dance. Grandmothers dance with granddaughters; men with men; women with women; old men with younger children; lovers with lovers. In fact, everyone in the place was dancing except for the only two Americans there-my husband and me. We did not know the dances being danced-the mazurka, the Viennese waltz, the polka. So, I tapped my foot in time with the music. In the meantime, we had made friends with the large group seated next to us-no one deterred by the lack of a mutual language. At one point, with an inquiring glance toward my husband, one of the men took me onto the dance floor where I stumbled through a polka-both highly entertaining for others to watched and being highly entertained by the pure joy of the occasion. And the Italians dance for hours. Once begun, the dancing lasted until the wee hours of the morning when exhausted and stuffed like the proverbial Christmas goose, Bert and I went home to sleep for almost an entire day. It takes a great degree of stamina to celebrate Italian style.

So as we approach this New Year's Eve in the US, my mind will be on the terrace outside the Candeletto wishing "auguri" to my Italian friends. And so I wish it to you. Anno nuovo felice

Happy New Year

HOPE:" Hope is not the closing of your eyes to the difficulty, the risk, or the failure. It is a trust that if I fail now, I shall not fail forever; And if I am hurt, I shall be healed. It is a trust that life is good, love is powerful and the future is full of promise! Author unknown

Powerful words, don't you think? As I was struggling to write this month's newsletter, I stumbled across this quote I keep in my wallet. It really moved me this time and I kept coming back to it, because it reminds me of what the New Year holds for each of us; hope! Hope for a better tomorrow that is filled with greater health, love, peace and happiness, etc.

The New Year represents a fresh start, clean slate or second chance. It's the time of year when we reflect on the past and renew our commitment to become our best selves and do more than we've previously done.

To paraphrase Denzel Washington, "I really believe we are already great and destined to leave some kind of mark in this world. I also believe we're meant to walk a certain path at a certain time and meet up with certain people who help shape our lives. From time to time we hit bumps in the road, miss the marks along the way and need a push to get us back on track." Happy New Year MEME 2020

Getting back on track requires rest and reflection though so we can process where we've been, how much we've grown and how much stronger we are as a result of our successes and failures. With that knowledge, we then can gratefully and gracefully release the past and renew ourselves by creating a new course of action which opens doors to our future.

So as you start fresh this New Year, I invite you to first reflect on all you've accomplished this past year. This is a great exercise to write down on paper because we don't always realize how much we've achieved and grown until we do so. You'll be amazed how much more you will remember and be proud of, which will only fuel you with more HOPE for an even better New Year!

Let It Begin With YOU!

Tips for creating successful resolutions

Try Again. We've all broken past resolutions but that doesn't mean you can't be successful. Think positive and about what obstacles got in your way last time. How will this goal end differently this year? Or, do you need to let it go?

Don't make too many resolutions. Deciding to lose weight, exercise more, get a new job and quit smoking is too much to tackle at once. Choose the most pressing issue and stick to it. Trying to do everything at once practically guarantees failure.

Choose your own goal. Before you decide what to commit to make sure you are the primary reason for setting this goal vs. friends, family or society. Do I feel energized by this goal? Does this goal fit into my life purpose?

Devise a plan and write it down. Plan what you'd like to accomplish in small increments. Small goals give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated. Write them down. It's a fact: writing down your goals gives you higher chance of success.

Believe and visualize. There are hundreds of stories about the power of visualization in helping people achieve their goals. Hence the saying, if you can see it, you can believe it... so visualize once a day. What would it look like? How would it feel?

Tell People. Let your biggest fans in on your new goals for the new year.

Get Accountability. Better than telling others about your goals is getting accountability. Meet with a group or friends who will ask you, "how's your goal going." Hire a coach. Talk with your partner and ask for support!

Focus with helpful reminders. Once you've got your goals in place, figure out ways to remind yourself. Put post it notes on your bathroom mirror, in your car, on your calendar. Find ways that work for you.

Forgive yourself. If you get off track, don't give up.. No one is perfect and persistence is the key. Review your plan, make necessary adjustments and get back on track.

Celebrate. Reward yourself when you reach your goals!

Amy Coughlin is a Certified Wellness Coach whose practice is designed to educate and empower individuals to take significant and preventative steps in their long-term health and wellness. Ultimately, her education, coupled with her expertise in corporate training and recruitment, has inspired her to coach individuals and corporate groups in wellness education programs.

If you want to improve your food, mood, and life, call me to experience a complimentary health history. You will be glad you did!

Happy New Year - Now Get on That Treadmill!

For the first time in my life, I'm making a conscience effort to become fit and healthy. I'm not sure what the difference between the two is, but being that it was a Boxing Day sale, I had to line up at 6am to take advantage of these "Ultra Low Prices". Hmm, another New Years resolution... stop believing everything I see on TV. So the family decided that we should buy what is sure to be the greatest contribution to home fitness since Billy Blank's Tae Bo or the Bowflex and their guy on TV who keeps saying that he gave all his fat clothes to his fat friends. Just a quick note to the Bowflex people, you should have a disclaimer on your commercials that say side effects may include jerk like tendencies. What is this revolutionary purchase? Not just the Wii Fit. No, no, no. That would give me a 2008 body and why would I want to live in the past? The new and improved Wii Fit Plus (no, improved does not always mean that it now comes with Kung Fu Fighting Grip... yes that would be so cool). So we barely get the Wii Fit Plus home before tearing into it to so that we can start our journey to well being. After a half hour of set up including the choice to input a password so that others can not see your true weight, we were ready for our first lesson. On a side note, do we really need to password our weight? It's measured in kilograms. You might as well ask me how many stones I weigh. Unless someone is so interested in knowing, that they run to find a Google conversion program, you can be sure that your secret is safe. Driver's license? Right, because I weigh the exact same as when I was 16. Okay enough about that. So we get through the setup, put on our gear and prepare for an animated ass kicking. Packed with hope and excitement, we start our first "Work-Out".. Happy New Year IMAGES 2020

After about15 minutes on the Wii Fit Plus, a half hour trying out EA Fitness and 23 minutes on My Fitness Coach (yes, it's timed), I came to a conclusion. There is no fun way of working out. Anyone who says different is lying. If working out was fun, then there would be no unhealthy people. "I have more energy if I wake up at 6am and work out in the morning." No it doesn't. You've just been awake longer than most. These are the same people who tell you how healthy something is when you ask them if it tastes good. "Oh it's loaded with calcium, vitamin D, E and BS." Quit telling me there are healthy alternatives that taste just as good. There is no such thing as Soy Milk. And it's disgusting. And Turkey Bacon? Come on! Show me the part of the turkey that the bacon comes from. I don't eat Pork and even I'm insulted by that.

                                                                                                                        

We need to start being honest with ourselves. We don't like the work out and we don't like eating healthy. We do however like the end result so that's why we have become infatuated with infomercials that show before and after pictures. "I could look like that? And only after four months? All I have to do is buy these DVD's? Where's my phone? It's on the table? Oh, that's too far, I'll buy it later."

Here's what gets me through my workout... keeping my mind off the fact that I'm working out. I will watch TV without commercials, listen to audio books, contemplate abstract algebra or take up a new language. Anything to get me through the hour. But I do get through it, internally kicking and screaming. I decide that I wish not to live every one of those moments like it was my last because Deepak Chopra said I should, rather I wish to get it over with as fast as possible. And maybe at the end of it all, I'll be able to create my very own fitness infomercial. But then again.

Happy New Year Latin Style: Unusual South American Customs for Bringing in the New Year

Many South Americans believe that if you carry an empty suitcase around the block on New Year's Day you will be fortunate to travel during the course of the year. When my elderly neighbor sauntered out of her front gate in Cali, Colombia with a beat-up valise she'd dusted off for the occasion, she brushed off my queries brusquely.

"Don't bother me now! I'm leaving!"

Minutes later, her "tour" complete, she confided her desires to "see the states" this year.

According to her, a voyage this year was now, "in the bag".

Around the middle of December you begin to notice a disproportionately large number of fruit and vegetable street vendors starting to sell grapes. Grapes are everywhere by Christmas. Green grapes, purple grapes, mixed grapes - they roll down the street and squish beneath your careless feet as you stroll market areas and shopping districts. Eating 12 grapes at or near midnight of New Year's Eve will bring you good luck throughout the New Year. Green grapes are preferred by the majority, but any will suffice I was told by Anna Lucia who walked into the room with a bag of mixed grapes ample enough to produce a case of "vino". Happy New Year CELEBRATION 2020

"You're not planning to eat all those, are you?" I chided.

"No, they're not just for me. They're for my family too."

I remembered that she and her husband have five children. Add in the extended family and well, enough said. Haven't had your twelve yet? Hurry up, there's still time.

A Bundled Sheaf of Wheat

A black youth stood on a downtown Pasto, Colombia corner hovering over a five-gallon bucket full of bundled sheaves of wheat. Each was wrapped with a brightly colored ribbon or two. Some were enhanced even further with a flower or small bouquet. People up and down the streets walked with a similar-looking sheaf held upright out in front of them like a siren in front of a fire engine. Crossing the Zocalo, or main square downtown, a young girl sitting on a park bench waved her sheaf at us like a magic wand.

"That's a new one on me", I said to my companion when she explained.

"If you hang a bundled sheaf of wheat in your home it's very good luck."

She continued, "It has twelve stalks of wheat in each bundle".

"How much for one?" I asked the youth.

We quickly bargained to a lower price.

"Are you sure there're twelve in here?" I questioned, not wanting to get short-changed.

"Oh yeah. Go ahead and count them."

When my partner responded, "No there're only eleven."

He quickly snapped back, "No way! Count them again."

We did and there were twelve. This New Year's luck thing is serious business. The flowered sheaf stands guard now on the bookcase over my desk. Wish me luck, okay?

The Color Yellow

Not all mind you, but quite a few Latinos in Colombia and Ecuador use the color yellow for the New Year. There are a number of ways to do it. You can paint a room yellow. Place something yellow in the room. Wear a yellow item of clothing and you'll shower yourself with fortune for the New Year. For reasons which as yet elude me, a favorite is to wear yellow underwear. (The preferred color in Mexico is red.) Both men and women have a pair or two on hand for the occasion - or so I've been repeatedly told. Okay, okay, I'll fess up; I have a couple of pairs of yellow underwear myself. So call me fickle. I have red ones too. Do I wear a pair for New Year's? I'll never tell!

Be sure to read "How to Use Three Potatoes and a Stuffed Dummy for Bringing in the New Year" for more unusual Latin American New Year's customs. It's online at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year! ... and get that suitcase out!

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. Now YOU too can live your dreams in paradise, find romance, high adventure and get paid while travelling for free.

For more information on entering or advancing in the fascinating field of teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language send for his no-cost PDF Ebook, "If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know", immediate delivery details and no-obligation information are available online now at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Need professional, original content or articles for your blog, newsletter or website? Have a question, request, or want to receive more information or to be added to his articles and teaching materials mailing list? Then contact the author at this website for a prompt response.

Happy New Year! Why I Prefer to Not Make Resolutions

First of all I just wanted to say a big Happy New Years for 2011 brides and grooms to be. Have you made any resolutions? I do... sort of I just don't call them resolutions because I know that it's just setting myself up for failure. So I do things a little differently to ensure that I set a few things to work on to improve myself and my life. Here are the steps I take and if you'd like to use them or a variation on them, by all means:).

Step 1. I think of what I wish my life would look like right now.

Step 2. I think of a few goals to achieve the things I want out of life.

Step 3. I pick a few goals (no more than 3 right now) that I want to concentrate on.

Step 4. Then I say that within a year "I will have achieved going on a trip with my family" or "I will have achieved running a 5 km race". I want something that isn't too easy for me, that I really see myself achieving, and that it's not too far fetched either. Something that will take a little effort to achieve and will feel so great when I get there! Happy New Year MESSAGES   2020

Step 5. Then I create a few smaller goals within those overall long term goals and write out a plan daily, monthly, every 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. This is my guideline, check in if you will. I keep them in my calendar and up on a vision board so I'm reminded of my goals every day.

This has been the best way for me to meet and achieve my goals and then to actually be able to add on to said goals. Make sure you reward yourself for small achievements and be grateful for where you've come and where' you're going. Being hard on yourself, setting the bar too high only to fail or being overly critical on yourself will help no one achieve their dreams.

Best of luck to you and your fiance on your dream wedding!

Happy New Year! Will You Allow It to Be?

We will hear and say 'Happy New Year' so often at this time of year - but rarely do we think about what it really means to us, and the people to whom we say it.

We are all unique individuals with our own unique needs and desires; and most of us are united in our quest for the same thing - to feel happy. We are all striving for this state of 'happiness'; and yet many people are looking in the wrong place for it - and settling for a temporary mood-enhancer in the form of alcohol, drugs, a new relationship, or new possessions.

Magazines are now full of 'New Year New You' advice from so-called experts - most of which is just plain common sense! No one else is the expert on you! Only you know - or are trying to pin-down - what brings you personal happiness. One person's happiness is another person's burden.

If you now think about what actually brings people happiness it might range from finding shelter and food; to having a make-over/fake-tan/fake-nails etc., buying new 'toys/gadgets', right through to showing love, care and compassion to others. As broad a spectrum as is seen in general society.

Happiness for you will depend upon your own level of personal and spiritual awareness, and your ability to create happiness as a state of mind which you can return to at will - despite life's relentless disappointments and challenges. Happy New Year MESSAGES   2020

It is not enough to simply 'think' or 'imagine' yourself as being happy - you can't fool yourself that easily!

What most of us don't realise is that we have two mind-sets about everything in our life, and these two minds can be at odds with one another. This conflict can include the levels of happiness we are 'allowed' to experience.

Our conscious/rational/observing mind can desire and seek greater happiness; but if our sub-conscious mind doesn't believe that we deserve it, or that we would benefit from it - then it just isn't going to come our way. Our outer lives are only ever a reflection of our inner and deeper sub-conscious belief system. Self-help books and talking therapies do not access or change these deeper 'Script' beliefs.

Being around happy, optimistic, warm and friendly people positively affects us too - as does the opposite. This is known as 'Emotional Contagion' - and it is worth reflecting upon what 'mood' or 'energy' we ourselves give out that in turn affects those around us.

We have neurons in our brains called Mirror Neurons which can create in us the emotion that we are witnessing outside of us. For instance if we see someone stub their toe or trap their finger, we are instinctively programmed to feel something similar. This connection goes beyond mere 'empathy', or of recalling personal memories of similar things having happened to us in the past. We are significantly affected by being around happy events and happy people, whose emotions we then 'mirror' in ourselves.

Don't however be fooled by a 'happy mask' that someone may be wearing; which will be a false-self they present to the world as an attempt to hide their real feelings and needs. This may well have been set up in childhood when it was encouraged and expected that they 'put-on-a-happy face' for the family's sake; and to stuff down their real feelings such as anger, resentment, disappointment, fear, sadness and despair - which was real, but 'unacceptable' by the family/care-giver.

Many people are so accustomed to wearing a mask that they cannot imagine a life without it, or how to take it off! Their eyes will usually give the game away as to their underlying feelings, as will an unguarded moment and comment, if another person is sensitive enough to notice these 'slips'.

We all have a 'base-line' level of happiness at any given stage in our lives - which is formed from our past experiences and the meaning we gave to them; and of course the effects these have had upon our sub-conscious mind and the 'programme' we are running.

This base-line represents only 40% of the full amount of happiness we are capable of experiencing at the present time. A further 10% can come from the external 'lucky' events such as the lottery win; or a big new purchase; or from cosmetic surgery etc. These 'highs' are unfortunately only temporary and we soon return to our base level once again.

The very good news though is that the remaining 40% of happiness available to you - is derived from YOU! This is scientifically validated and forms a central aspect of Positive Psychology.

There are 12 ways of facilitating more happiness by your own actions and thoughts, and by the releasing your own blockages. Some of these ways include learning how to develop a more optimistic and focussed approach to life; to maintain your healthy mind and spirit, and allowing gratitude and forgiveness into your life. These sound simple but in fact are profound and life-changing. Improving your overall, and sustained, happiness positively effects every cell in your body and consequently your genetic expression (Epi-genetics); and therefore your lifespan.

Deeper and sustained Happiness equates to a calmness of the mind... observing what is, and not forcing change... reflecting, surrendering and allowing; instead of worrying, over-thinking and mind-chatter. To see the pleasure in every tiny moment instead of only focussing ahead of the present time; or dwelling in the unchangeable past. The only time you really have is this moment and the next breath. Make the most of these whilst you still have them.

So maybe instead of the customary and thoughtless 'Happy New Year' to one and all - it would be more relevant to say 'May You Find and Sustain Your Own Happiness'... ah but that's too much of a mouthful... it'll probably never catch on!:-)

In The Long Run - A Father, a Son, and Unintentional Lessons in Happiness by Jim Axelrod-Memoir

Axelrod covered Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primary campaign in 2008, which meant long periods away from his wife and three children. He found himself eating poorly, gaining weight; and drinking too much.

During the spring months of Clinton's campaign, Axelrod discovered his father Bob's finishing times for the New York City Marathon, which he ran in 1980 to 1982. His last race time was an impressive 3:29:58 at the age of 46. Axelrod, inspired by his father's marathon achievements, aimed to beat his best time by November 1, 2009 when he too would be 46.

Bob Axelrod died in 2000 after a nine-year battle with prostate cancer, at the age of 63. Despite his shortcomings as a man, Axelrod lovingly remembers his father; and shares life lessons he learned from him even in death. Happy New Year GREETINGS 2020

In 1965, at the age of two and a half, he attended the World's Fair in New York City. There, using his strong hands, his father lifted him to safety from the little boats featured at the Walt Disney exhibit.

At eight years old, his father often arrived home from work and took time to play catch with him outside. By 15, Axelrod was jealous of his track teammates, whose father's regularly attended their meets. Bob Axelrod was nowhere to be found. By then, two mortgages, a law practice, and other responsibilities consumed his days.

Axelrod realized the finality of his father's death; and particularly missed his congratulatory calls on his office phone soon after reporting on the evening news. "All I'd had with my dad was all I'd ever have," he says.

Misguided career aspirations confronted Axelrod before and throughout his training for the NYC Marathon. During the Iraq War, Axelrod volunteered to report events from inside the battlegrounds, against the wishes of his wife. He found himself stranded in a Humvee over the Euphrates River, fearing for his life; and wondering how he'd let his judgments become so maladjusted.

New management at CBS, not familiar with his work, marginalized his contributions. Never one to be excluded from advancement, he accepted assignments that ultimately proved to be a bad fit.

He served as Chief White House correspondent for three years before understanding he needed to relinquish the position. "I'd come to Washington to take my place as a boldfaced name. I'd come looking for a prestige boost, expecting my posting at the White House to get me acknowledged and registered." "I'd let myself lose sight of the things that most immediately grounded me, made me truly happy."

While training for the NYC Marathon, Axelrod consulted with his younger brother, Peter (Petey), an in-shape, San Francisco federal prosecutor. His advice to "slow down you'll go further" became a metaphor for Axelrod's life in general.

A behind-the-scenes account of network news reporting complements Axelrod's narrative. He describes the jostling correspondents engage in to have the President answer their questions during a White House press conference. Poignant details of Dan Rather attending his father's funeral are also included.

On September 8, 2012, Axelrod appeared on behalf of the Westlake Porter Library at the Westlake High School Performing Arts Center, in Westlake, Ohio. He highlighted his near-death experience over the Euphrates River; and White House reporting, as defining, life-changing events. "You learn so much more from your defeats than your victories," he said.

"In The Long Run" is a compelling narrative, especially for mid-life males around Father's Day or their birthday.

Axelrod ran the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2009, as planned. By then he'd learned to stop living in the shadow of his father.

Did Axelrod beat his father's times when he ran the New York City Marathon? Why spoil the suspense? Read his memoir to discover the answer and enjoy his journey to the finish line.

Ringing in the New Year With Your Executive Presence

Happy New Year! It is now 2010 and with the New Year come new resolutions for you and your career. As an executive/professional, you may be thinking of changes to move yourself forward to the next level. These resolutions have one thing in common: they revolve around your aspiration to be a leader who exudes something special - executive presence. This is one of the most powerful traits any leader can possess, but it is not easy to define.

Executive presence is emerging as an essential ingredient for career advancement, leadership success and interpersonal connections. Companies are requiring that all of their employees have and take advantage of their executive/professional presence. Even those being hired, must have presence before being employed. About 30 percent of companies are currently using this as criteria because they want to thrive not just survive in the marketplace. Happy New Year GIFTS 2020

Here are some tips as you try on the elements of executive presence.

1. Assess Your Strengths: When you use your strengths, you radiate personal power and authenticity. You become clear about who you are and what you do. You draw attention to what you do best.

2. Speak with Confidence: You may be the expert in your field/industry, but what really matters is how you communicate the substance of what you know. A person who is confident in his or her skills and who is comfortable talking to other people make positive impressions. Before you start to speak to any group, wait about 5-10 seconds. This gives you the control of the room.

3. Be Aware of Body Language: Do you express positive body language to others? When talking to people, do you have good eye contact? Body language is an important part of communication which can constitute 50% or more of what you are communicating. Since body language sends its own set of messages, people judge you by your appearance and your body language. And they will do it quickly. Research has shown that people judge you by your body language within 60 seconds, even in a little as three seconds. Pay attention to your body movements, voice, and hand gestures.

4. Recognize Blind Spots: Everybody has at least one blind spot, something holding them back from their true potential. Most people do not see themselves as others see them. Do you see the blind spots in yourself? If so, how are you going to correct them for a more positive impact on your career? By recognizing and then correcting the blind spots that held you back, you can get back on track as you improve your competence and confidence in effectively leading your business performance.

5. Listen: Listening is one of the most overlooked skills people have. Two out of every three people (67%) think they are good listeners. The truth is quite the opposite with more than 90% of us need much improvement in the area of listening.

6. Pay Attention to Business Etiquette: When people hear the work etiquette, many think of business meal etiquette but you need to think about email and phone communications as well. There is nothing in the world that helps an executive or professional stand out as much as having great manners. People who harness the power of the first impression are those who successfully navigate social situations.

7. Put It Altogether: No matter what your occupation, you are always selling yourself or your business. Making or forming an impression of yourself and having others walk away thinking you are an influential person to know is what will be remembered.

This is only the start to your Executive Presence. No matter what you do or what you say, you must present with total confidence if you want your audience to have confidence in you and what you are delivering to them. Radiate your powerful presence and you will find that others respect you more, more responsibility will come your way, more business will come to you, and a promotion may be in order as well.

Whether you have been an executive/professional for years and want to improve your Executive Presence or you are just starting out, we can help. Email nburgis@successful-solutions.com today for your free consultation and your action plan to move forward.

Neal Burgis, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Burgis Successful Solutions, an executive coaching firm, specializing in working with Shy, Introvert Solo Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Executives, Managers and Employees. I also coach lawyers who want to leave the traditional practice of law and work in corporate America still using their law degree.

The Highest Possible Purposes of Worksite Wellness: Promoting Reason and Happiness

Like Robert Green Ingersoll, I believe everyone should be helped to get what happiness she can out of life, that all happiness that breaks through the clouds of misfortune should be enjoyed and that no one should fail to pick up every jewel of joy that can be found in her path. This requires that we all get what good we can of the truly dramatic, of music, art and enjoyment. Everyone should be encouraged to enjoy liberty of mind as well as body, which entails finding out the conditions of happiness and having the wisdom to live in accordance with those conditions.

Most Americans are not getting such help. There are many institutions, governmental and otherwise, that could help, if the goal of added happiness were properly recognized as a priority foundation of good health. Worksite wellness programming might not be the most promising vehicle for advancing happiness, but it is the one area where wellness promoters have the best chance to make an impact. Added happiness must become a goal of worksite wellness; nothing else seems as likely to enrich employee satisfaction while boosting performance and productivity. Happy New Year HISTORY           2020

Common Sense

In addition to a goal of increasing employee happiness, another should be promoting common sense. Naturally, nearly everyone thinks she already has common sense, so strategically this educational objective must be billed and promoted under another banner. I'd recommend critical thinking, save for a similar problem as with the term common sense-most people believe they already think critically. Alas, there is strong evidence that is definitely not the case.

Do you doubt it? Consider the reality that Americans are besotted with nonsensical beliefs. Large numbers of adults allowed to handle sharp objects and operate heavy machinery believe in the literal nature of ESP. They also believe in psychic and other forms of paranormal phenomena. There's more. Many believe in UFO sightings, ghosts, miracles, witchcraft, devil possessions and exorcisms, crackpot alternative medicines (e.g., homeopathy and therapeutic, non-contact hand-waving over a patient as a serious treatment modality) and, of course, the literal truth of preposterous bible and other holy book tales. These have been passed down by word of mouth from around the time of the Bronze Age. It all stupifies and boggifies the skeptical, critical and reason-based mind.

Marty Kaplan recently published a piece that began as follows: "If you think the widening chasm between the rich and the rest spells trouble for American democracy, have a look at the growing gulf between the information-rich and-poor." (See Marty Kaplan, You Will Be Shocked at How Ignorant Americans Are, Alternet, November 6, 2013.)

Worksite Wellness

Well, I wasn't shocked at all. The evidence that vast numbers of workers could benefit from common sense education, artfully promoted and ever so delicately presented at worksites the land over, has been building for years. The Kaplan article is only the latest instance wherein persuasive data are brought to bear in support of the obvious-that common sense training is desperately needed in schools, clubs and company worksite wellness programming.

A new Pew study revealed that fully one quarter of American adults watch only Fox News. Furthermore, a majority of citizens watch no news at all-leading the author of the report to conclude that, as far as knowledge of current events is concerned, most may as well be living on the moon.

If Fox viewers were to depart for the moon, the average common sense score of those left behind would increase dramatically. Since such a migration is unlikely, initiatives of a practical wellness nature should be considered. Therefore, I recommend a new focus at the worksite consisting of practical lessons on effective thinking. Boosting this skill will surely add to happiness and common sense.

What Coffee Capsules Are Compatible With Nespresso

Not all Nespresso machines work with any coffee capsule.

Water inside the capsule field as opposed to Coffee inside the Cup: The new Nespresso Machine models create incompatibility with Capsule Clones. In the test completed with the aid of K-Tipp, a large European Consumer Magazine, in January 2014, in particular capsules from Coop, Jacobs and Aldi did now not work, while Pressogno, Café Royal and La Caffè Mocha achieved 100% compatibility.

Nespresso has changed the manner capsules are pierced, inflicting a few well matched tablets to not characteristic properly. The needles in the state-of-the-art Nespresso fashions are so skinny, that they may be now not capable of pierce the pill of a few competitors and in the extreme case, will overwhelm the capsule.

                                            

The Nespresso device models "Pixie", "U" and "Inissia" are using the new, thinner injectors. This is "a part of our ongoing improvement" of the pill device says Nestle.

The hassle for customers: While the brand new, thinner needles work nicely with the original Nespresso Aluminum pill, they war with some plastic pills from other producers, because the needles are too skinny and can't pierce thru the hard plastic.

The result: crushed drugs, half-full cups and masses of water inside the frame, or the gadget sincerely refused their service and turned off. best nespresso machine

Our recommendation: Anyone who has formerly used espresso capsules from other producers ought to maintain their Nespresso machine as long as possible, as the brand new machines do not paintings with all tablet clones.

K-Tipp completed a test with 12 Nespresso coffee machines and 8 Coffee Capsule manufacturers

The most crucial final results:

Capsules from those brands fit into all machines and are a hundred% well matched with the machines examined:

the Pressogno pills "Espresso Medium" (SPAR and Volg),

the "Espresso" drugs Café Royal ( Migros) and

the capsules "Espresso" La Caffè Mocha (Coop, Fust and InterDiscount ).

These drugs did not work

By a ways the maximum problems occurred with the following manufacturers:

the capsules "Espresso Classico" Jacobs Momente and

the capsules "Espresso 1882" Caffè Vergnano.

None of these capsules labored inside the Nespresso "U" of Koenig. The needle couldn't pierce the capsules from Jacobs and the system shut down.

Water ran handed the Caffè Vergnano capsule immediately into the cup.

Jacobs producer Mondelez says: "We are working to regain compatibility as soon as viable. There turned into a similar announcement from Coop, declaring that the providers could adapt to the changes.

The pill "Supremo" from one hundred % Espresso (to be had at Aldi) additionally proved incompatible: The Aluminum foil came off the capsule in almost all of the testing. Particularly disturbing was that during some instances, the foil became caught within the gadget and needed to be scraped off with a knife. Aldi is aware of the problem and says that within the hassle with the foil has been resolved.

How the check was completed:

K-Tipp sold 12 fashionable editions of present day Nespresso machines from De'Longhi, Koenig and Turmix. 10 Capsules from eight one-of-a-kind manufacturers were tested in every single machine.

Did the mechanism paintings well?

Did the needles pierce the capsule or crush it?

Did we get a cup of coffee or a few watery broth?

Not each deformation of some plastic pill always brought about a loss in quality. However if there was greater water in the cup than predicted, this became considered a malfunction

Coffee is a completely critical concern, mainly in Europe... Home to some of the sector's fussiest connoisseurs, the high-quality within the business recently convened in Switzerland for some serious coffee-tasting for one in all Europe's largest consumer magazines, K-Tipp.

The consequences for our Pressogno coffee were astounding (to be modest). The 'Espresso Medium' received top score with the jury's verdict noting the 'Mild, balanced Espresso' mixture turned into high-quality in its magnificence. Want to peer what all of the fuss is ready? Check out the overall story on our website.