Category Archives: Lagniappe

Graduating? Career trends job-seeking students should know

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Graduating? Career trends job-seeking students should know | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

(The Daily News) -

Students graduating from college this year should expect better job opportunities and salaries than graduates from recent history, but that doesn’t mean new graduates will have an easy time finding employment. Competition will still be fierce with hundreds of applications submitted for jobs in many industries, both from new graduates and former graduates still looking for work.

If you’re planning on graduating soon and seeking career opportunities, here are some employment trends to be aware of to stay on top of the career market:

* First, expect to change jobs numerous times in your career. In today’s career world, job stability does not always equal job security. Employees change jobs about every five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reasons differ for many people, but could be due to changes in the industry, restructuring in the company or because of lack of job growth within one company.

“The U.S. economy is fundamentally changing, and employees can no longer expect to work their way up the company ladder,” says Brad Kuchenreuther, campus president at Everest College-Vancouver.

* Second, know where the jobs are. “Our nation is experiencing huge demographic and economic changes, which are creating major shifts in the types of jobs available today,” says Mary Durall-Dupree, academic dean Everest College-Vancouver. “Students should prepare themselves for a changing job market.”

Current careers in need of employees include information technology, engineers and accounting and finance, according to Fortune 500 magazine.

“One of the fastest growing sectors in the coming decade will be the health care sector,” says Kuchenreuther. The health care industry is anticipated to see fast growth due to the baby boomer generation getting older and retiring from these positions, as well as needing more health care services themselves as they age. “This is one of the reasons that we specifically target many of our degree programs to the field of health care training,” adds Kuchenreuther.

* Third, consider going back to school for additional career training. Today’s job market requires that employees keep their skills current, and as a result, more and more adults are going back to school. “Students come to us to keep their skills up-to-date or get the credentials they need to advance in their careers,” says Durall-Dupree. “They find that it is increasingly necessary in today’s changing job market.”

Careers that require education higher than a bachelor’s degree are expected to have the fastest employment growth by 2020, according to the BLS. But several occupations in the medical field and the marketing industry which require associate or bachelor’s degrees are also projected to grow rapidly through 2020. Going back to school for additional training, or earning a degree while already in the job are options for employees.

“Employers understand that a one- or two-year program can give new employees exactly the mix of academic learning and hands-on experience they need to excel in today’s changing job market,” says Kuchenreuther.

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Graduating? Career trends job-seeking students should know

Homeowners’ emphasis on energy efficiency grows

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Homeowners' emphasis on energy efficiency grows | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

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Even in a volatile economy, homeowners are making home upkeep a priority. While the number of projects annually had been on the decline in recent years, a study from BuildFax, a resource for building, remodeling and repair information, found remodeling activity was up in 2011 over 2010. Additional data shows homeowners are opting to invest in what matters most with projects that benefit their wallets, personal comfort and the environment.

Know the facts

Before buying anything, shoppers are taking time to learn more about the products they put in their homes. For one in four consumers, knowing and understanding what makes up general household products is important. As options continue to increase, this attention to research is key to finding efficient products that offer maximum value. For instance, homeowners will find that a few newer home insulation products that help provide greater energy efficiency also boast new sustainable formulations. Owens Corning EcoTouch insulation is made from 99 percent natural materials, contains a minimum of 58 percent recycled content and is verified formaldehyde free.

Energy-efficient essentials

According to the 2010 Home Improvement Research Institute Trends Program Report, reducing household energy usage and bills through energy-efficient improvements continues to be the No. 1 reason homeowners make home improvements. That same report also indicated six out of 10 consumers need help identifying what they can do to be more environmentally conscious.

“Now is the right time to make efficiency improvements around the home because homeowners will see an immediate impact on their monthly utility bills, and will reap even greater benefits in the long term,” says Frank O’Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer at Owens Corning. “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings use more energy in the United States than either transportation or industry, accounting for the consumption of 40 percent of our nation’s energy resources. On a more granular level, the primary use of energy in a home is for heating and cooling. In many homes, excessive energy is wasted through poorly sealed and insulated attics, walls and ductwork – all problems that can be solved by handy do-it-yourselfers or through experienced contractors.”

The Home Improvement Research Institute reports roughly one in three homeowners plans to purchase more energy-efficient doors, windows or HVAC systems in the coming year. Sealing all openings around doors and windows can help homeowners make the most of their investment. Air ducts should also be inspected to ensure they are clean, are free of leaks and holes and direct air to the right spaces.

Recycling 101

While recycled content is commonly focused on, recyclable materials are also important. Often with home improvement projects, old materials are thrown out and replaced with the new. What many homeowners may not know is that many building materials and appliances are recyclable. Recycling is a better solution for the environment, and may be less costly than taking material to a landfill.

“There are more recyclable materials on and in a home than you might first assume. Millions of tons of shingles torn off from roofs end up in our country’s landfills each year. Fortunately, the technology now exists for all those shingles to be recycled instead,” says O’Brien-Bernini. “In 2009, Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt, LLC formed an alliance with Heritage Environmental Services to create a Shingle Recycling Program with roofing contractors to make recycling convenient, cost-competitive and differentiating and have since recycled more than 90,000 tons of asphalt shingles.”

Homeowners looking for more information about shingle recycling and other types of recycling can turn to Earth911.com, with whom Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt, LLC recently also formed an alliance. The site hosts the largest and most accurate recycling directory in North America and provides information about what materials can be recycled as well as lists of recyclers in local markets.

For more tips on efficient home improvements, visit www.OwensCorning.com.

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Homeowners’ emphasis on energy efficiency grows

Three delicious reasons to fire up the grill this summer

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Three delicious reasons to fire up the grill this summer | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

Baseball and apple pie, the Fourth of July and fireworks – summer is the season of great, all-American pairings, and few shout “summer” more effectively than the combination of grilling and fun. You k…

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Three delicious reasons to fire up the grill this summer

When is a dual-degree MBA worth it?

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When is a dual-degree MBA worth it? | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

(The Daily News) – In the last two decades, more and more business schools have started to offer a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, in which a student can pair a traditional Master of Busines…

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When is a dual-degree MBA worth it?

Five tips for creating a stadium-style lawn in your own backyard

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Five tips for creating a stadium-style lawn in your own backyard | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

(The Daily News) – With summer on the horizon, families will be heading to backyards across the country for picnics, sports games and to simply soak up the sun. A lush green lawn is the perfect setting for these…

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Five tips for creating a stadium-style lawn in your own backyard

Early warm temps bring early allergy symptoms

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Early warm temps bring early allergy symptoms | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

(The Daily News) – Spring-like temperatures arrived early this year, and with them came early allergy symptoms for many: itchy throats and eyes, stuffy noses, sneezing, teary eyes and more. These developments co…

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Early warm temps bring early allergy symptoms

Why It Pays To Be Selective About Home Services

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When you’re at the supermarket and there are multiple options in front of you, chances are you’re going to strongly consider the one that presents the best value. But when it comes to services that border on essential, you may be more likely just to pay the going rate without giving it too much thought. The truth is you’re probably more likely to find big savings on these services than you are on a sale-priced box of cereal.

Whether you are moving, nearing the end of a contract term or simply considering other options, there are plenty of deals on home services to be found that could potentially lead to hundreds of dollars worth of savings over a year. When it comes to services like Internet, cable TV and phone, it pays to take a little time to find the best deal. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re locking into the best rates.

 * Comparison shop. Start by comparing offers from each service provider. The best way to do this is to hop online to browse packages from each provider, or visit a site like www.AmercaConnects.net that offers direct comparisons on each provider’s rates in your area – all in the same place. Once you’re familiar with what each provider has to offer, you can use it as a baseline as you start making decisions.

* Look for promotions. Don’t just stop at the listed price from each provider. Since each are competing for your business, many providers will offer a number of special promotions aimed at getting you to sign up. For example, you might find that DISH satellite cable might have a higher listed price than your local cable provider, but coupons and offers – also listed on www.AmericaConnects.net – might end up making DISH the less expensive option.

* Don’t hesitate to bargain. While bargaining for a price on goods and services may be commonplace in other countries, you might not be used to talking your way toward a better deal. But with home services, bargaining and asking about any additional deals that are available can save you a lot of money. If the cable promotion you signed up for previously has expired, always ask if there’s another promotion that can keep your rate down. And if not, don’t be afraid to see what other providers have to offer. If you have a provider that you are particularly fond of, see if they’ll match a competitor’s offer.

Since these items can be a significant portion of your monthly costs, the savings you can realize by shopping around and finding the best deal will make a noticeable difference. Keep this in mind the next time you consider renewing or changing providers.

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Why it pays to be selective about home services

A New Way To Find Energy When You Need It Most

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A new way to find energy when you need it most | The Daily News | Bogalusa, LA

Nutrition has always been an important component of athletic performance, but only recently have superfoods like chia been utilized in concentrated doses to deliver targeted nutrients to athletes. Chia, known widely as the popular novelty household plant grown to resemble hair on clay heads, is now gaining momentum as a premium nutritional supplement. In fact, it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in commercial use.

“Chia seeds were a staple of the ancient Aztec diets. Now they are used in many areas of the world for general health and weight loss. As a potent source of many important nutrients, vitamins and minerals, Chia really is a one-of-a-kind superfood. Chia is great for everyone, including competitive athletes. There are many amazing health benefits of chia seeds,” says Evan DeMarco, CEO of Vitalyte Sports Nutrition.

Using an innovative blend of amino acids, beta alanine and the hydration-boosting superfood chia, professional sports nutritionists at Vitalyte Sports Nutrition have created Chia Surge, a revolutionary energy gel designed to provide maximum nutrients at critical points when athletes need them most. The first commercial chia-based energy gel in the world, it improves athletic performance by boosting energy, buffering lactic acid and speeding recovery.

Chia contains more than eight times the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, and is extremely high in protein, both essential to healthy muscle function. Rich in dietary fiber, chia also contains essential minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium. Chia seeds also slow down the rate at which carbs are digested, converted to sugar and then delivered to the body, which makes them an especially amazing nutritional addition for diabetics. Everyone though, can benefit from adding a healthy dose of chia to their diet.

Modern medical science has shown time and again that proper nutrition is a vital component of injury prevention for athletes, especially when participating in strenuous events such as marathons or triathlons. Nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods are the fastest and most effective way to deliver energy on the spot.

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this groundbreaking product,” says DeMarco. “Chia represents one of the greatest superfoods on the planet and we are very proud to be innovators in this field.”

Vitalyte’s Chia Surge delivers critical nutrients and energy in the form of an energy gel, designed for use by athletes in need of fuel at critical moments during performance. Boiling nutrition down to a science and discovering the virtues of chia has improved the safety of athletes who may risk dehydration, low salt, bloating or low blood sugar during endurance events. These serious conditions usually result from the over- or under-consumption of water which upsets the balance of electrolytes, replenishing calories with foods that are not easily digestible, or don’t replenish enough calories for sustained energy.

“Chia seeds slow down the rate at which carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body,” says DeMarco. “Because they absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, they create a time release system of steady sustained energy instead of immediate spikes in blood sugar. When you combine chia with palatinose like we did in Chia Surge, along with beta alanine and branched chain amino acids, you have an amazing gel that tastes great, buffers lactic acid to improve performance, and delivers energy to hungry muscles for extended periods of time. And at only 75 calories per pack, Chia Surge is the perfect addition to any exercise plan, regardless of duration or intensity.”

Many athletes are now using highly developed nutrition systems to improve their performance and decrease the risk of injury or dehydration during races. It is expected that with the “all-natural” movement in full swing, superfoods like chia will take center stage in the world of supplements and nutritional breakthroughs. Chia Surge is available for purchase on Vitalyte’s website, www.Vitalyte.com, and at outdoor specialty store REI.

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A new way to find energy when you need it most

Diagnose your computer problem first before reaching for your wallet

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Since we rely on our computers for so many things in our lives, it can be especially frustrating when they aren’t working properly and we can’t figure out why. Sometimes, the machine could take a long…

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Diagnose your computer problem first before reaching for your wallet