These 20 companies are hiring

Despite the massive layoffs being announced on a weekly basis, an article on Forbes.com says these companies have openings for workers (as of January 13, 2009). Search them out on the web to see if you have what they are looking for but be aware that these companies may not have openings in your home town so you may have to consider relocation.

Edward Jones
Google
Wegman Food
Cisco Sytems
Genentech
Methodist Hospital System (Houston, TX)
Whole Foods Market
Microsoft (they announced layoffs so double check this)
Burns & McDonnell
Ernst & Young
Booz Allen Hamilton
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Scripps Health
Mayo Clinic
Baptist Health South Florida
Bright Horizons
Publix Supermarkets
T-Mobile
Accenture

If you think you can’t apply for some of these companies because you’ve never worked in that particular industry think again. Believe in yourself and let these companies know what you’re brining to the table. Take a risk you may be surprised. Companies are looking for good workers and they just may be looking for you. Happy job hunting!

The Top 5 Superfoods for Women of Any Age

In a July 17, 2008 article on Health.com, Joan Raymond shares five superfoods that women of all ages can benefit. As the winter months drag on, try some of these foods to keep the doctor away.

Cranberries
To help fight off nasty urinary tract infections try 10 ounces of juice a day. Plus, recent research shows that cranberries might also help fend off colds and fight stomach bugs, gum disease, and certain types of cancer.

Walnuts
Rich in omega-3s, walnuts may help reduce inflammation and increase good cholesterol. They may even help with depression and reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Beans
Rich in two heart-friendly phytochemicals, beans are packed with magnesium, potassium, folate, and fiber. Good for heading off heart disease and colon cancer.

Fish
Eating seafood rich in omega-3s at least twice a week could reduce your risk of heart disease. Women of childbearing age and nursing mothers can safely eat as much as 12 ounces of seafood a week if they avoid high-mercury swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel; albacore tuna should be limited to 6 ounces a week.

Tomatoes
Filled with the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes and cooked tomato products pack a big health punch. Women with lycopene-rich diets may have as much as a 50 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. The antioxidant can also lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reduce your risk of getting macular degeneration, and decrease your risk of getting many cancers.

Blagojevich chooses to be media darling while Illinois Senate begins his impeachment trial

Yesterday, Governor Blagojevich took to the national media circuit in search of public approval. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the state Senate began his impeachment trial. The governor decided not to attend a trial that he deems illegitimate because he is unable to call witnesses and defend himself. By law, the governor can call witnesses but they cannot be connected to the case the U.S attorney has against him. The governor will have an indictment hearing in April. It seems likely that the Senate will impeach the governor but that is the least of his worries. If indicted and found guilty, the governor could face many years in prison.

Blagojevich appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America and The View and on CNN’s Larry King Live. At each appearance he maintains he is innocent of any wrongdoing and that everything he’s done is for the good of the people of Illinois. Only time will tell if this media blitz worked. The governor engaged the national media against the wishes of his lead defense attorney, Ed Gensen, who has resigned as his attorney. This drama can only get stranger.

Our treasury secretary-elect hasn’t paid his taxes

I applaud Congress for grilling Timothy Geitner over his “mistake” over not paying his self-employment taxes. When Lehman Brothers failed he was the NY Fed Chairman. He stood by, allowed it to happen, and watched the domino effect as the economic crisis really got under way. If regular citizens didn’t pay their taxes or had an employee with illegal alien status there would be massive fines and the threat of jail time. I hope this man is the wunderkind everyone seems to think he is otherwise in terms of our financial system we shouldn’t expect much change.

American history made and I am alive to see it

Yesterday we elected our first Black President one day after celebrating the birthday of an American civil rights hero. It was a moving moment of historic proportions. Journalists are saying that President Obama’s speech was not that great but I have to agree with those that say the fact he was being sworn in was so historic he really didn’t have to say anything. I am proud of our country and I hope we all do our part to make President Obama’s presidency is a success and America moves forward into the 21st century in a positive way.

Consumers are promised more protection from government

Self-regulation for many industries is over. Democrats promise a new era of regulations on behalf of the consumer. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are bracing for a fight. Some critics are not sure enough policing will happen because some of the new administration picks may be too close to the industries that need change. In the coming months we will watch the financial industries and their government oversight agencies.

A recent Sixty Minutes story states that Wall Street is to blame for the run up on oil prices over the summer. Oil prices rose even though supply was up and demand was down. Wall Street received a huge bailout but has yet to start lending or tell anyone how the money is being used because they received money without conditions. As the Maddoff scandal and investigation continues, Wall Street is again under fire. I hope the Obama administration is up to the task of really implementing the change our financial systems need.

Naturopathy may be a good first option before the traditional doctor

Naturopathy is an alternative and complimentary medicine that emphasizes treating the whole body and not just symptoms. Natural remedies like herbs and food are prescribed instead of drugs and surgery. Currently 18 U.S. states and territories regulate naturopathic medicine and there are six accredited schools in North America.

Naturopathic practitioners use a wide variety of treatments to heal the whole body but they are centered on six core interventions:

Acupuncture and oriental medicine
Botanical medicine
Homeopathy
Nutrition
Physical medicine
Psychological counseling

Practitioners, like their traditional counterparts, have principles that make up their doctor’s oath:

First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times (Primum Non Nocere).

Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis Medicatrix Naturae).

Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms (Tolle Causum).

Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health (Doctor as Teacher).

Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person).

Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)

So the next time you feel an ache or pain, consider self-healing to get at the rot of your problem. You may actually get a cure rather a prescription.

Final press conference as Bush administration closes in on the end

On Monday, President Bush gave a final press conference. I’ve never been a Bush fan but for me his approval rating has grown because of two bright spots – his policies in Africa and his handling of the transition from his administration to Obama’s.

President Bush has given more money to fighting disease and other issues in Africa than any other president to date. He’s also been very generous in helping Obama move smoothly into the Oval office. Only time will tell how history will treat Bush’s presidency. Hopefully these two bright spots won’t be overshadowed by the many dark ones.

Is 2009 the year of the consumer?

Businesses are hoping that consumers will get off the sidelines and start spending again. The deepening recession is not helping. As oil inches back toward $50, gas prices are inching back up towards $2. Homeowners will also be paying more to heat their homes this winter. And there is the threat of more layoffs across industries.

All this bad news is not deterring businesses. Hyundai has a new incentive program for buyers. If you buy a new Hyundai and lose your job within a year, Hyundai will take it back. To get this benefit the buyer has to make two payments before filing a claim to walk away from the loan. Walkaway, who manages the program, says that they have been selling a similar program through various auto dealers in Canada since 2000. Hyundai is the only US automaker offering this program nationwide. Hyundai already offers cash back on most of its vehicles. The Assurance program, in addition to cash back, offers buyers value in the car buying process. The American automakers should take a lesson.

Trying to lose weight? Try on of these top ten diets.

Health magazine gathered a panel of experts to analyze 60 diets and narrow them down to the top ten diets in America. Below are the ones that made this year’s list.

The Structure House Weight Loss Plan, structurehouse.com: takes a holistic approach to weight loss including addressing the “why” in the relationship between people and food and exercising. This home-based plan follows the residential treatment plan of the actual Structure House in Durham, NC.

The Step Diet: This diet has participants walking and cutting their current food intake by 25 percent. For dieters who like things simple, like having choices and control, this plan is for you.

Weight Watchers, weightwatchers.com: This is a classic plan that continues to work for millions of people. The online option helps those not interested in going to meetings.
The EatingWell Diet, eatingwell.com: The focus of this plan is on behavior changes and sustained weight loss.

The Volumetrics Eating Plan, volumetriceatingplan.com: This plan focuses on making sure that people feel full but eat healthy.

The Best Life Diet, thebestlife.com: This program, created by Bob Greene who has helped Oprah in the past, offers people a way to ease into losing weight and does not advocate keeping strict track of calories.

The Solution: This program helps people figure out why they are overeating

You: On a Diet, realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/you-on-a-diet: This program motivates and educates about weight loss in a fun way.

The Sonoma Diet, sonomadiet.com: This diet is based on the Mediterranean way of eating.

The Spectrum, ornishspectrum.com: This program emphasizes nutrition, exercise, stress management, and personal relationships.

The new first family has arrived in Washington

President-elect Obama and his family arrived in Washington this week. The first daughters are attending the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Yesterday was their first day of school. The President-elect is making the rounds in Congress to discuss the details in his economic plan. While his focus is on the economy, the President-elect has been silent on what’s been going on in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. President Bush and Secretary of State Rice are working to negotiate a cease fire in the region. While the numbers are not definite, it is reported that 500 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead. This is just another issue in a long list of issues facing the President-elect in two weeks. He’ll also have to nominate a new commerce secretary because Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination after being investigated by the Fed in the CDR investigation, a possible scandal that he said would be a distraction and delay his nomination. In other news, Al Franken may be named the new Senator from Minnesota. He won the recount but the incumbent has a week to challenge this and file a lawsuit.

On Thursday the President-elect is set to give a major speech on the economy. As part of his economic rescue plan, the President-elect is pushing for $300 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Even though a number has not been given, advisers say that the total rescue plan will be $675 - $775 billion. The plan, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, includes tax cuts, proposals to double renewable energy production and making public buildings more energy efficient, to rebuild roads, schools, and bridges, computerize the health care system, and modernize classrooms, labs, and libraries. In his Thursday speech it is important for the President-elect to spell out how the items included in his rescue plan will jumpstart the economy.