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As I have coached thousands of managers on their 360 degree feedback, I see that many people tend to focus too much on their weaknesses and ignore their strengths. To be effective, it is important to focus on strengths and only address those weaknesses that keep you from reaching your full potential.

Let me provide an example. Let’s say that a marketing director is very creative, but has never been good with managing budgets associated with her marketing plans. She is successful because she can work with her direct reports to create great marketing campaigns, but struggles because her ideas often run over budget in the implementation. This weakness is definitely impacting her ability to succeed, as well as others’ perception of her overall abilities.

A common response to her problem might be for her to focus only on correcting this weakness-to attend a budgeting course, look into additional education, etc. However, these options are expensive and take time. Besides, it doesn’t take into account her real strengths-the ability to create great marketing campaigns. Ignoring this strength would be tragic. The solution to her problem could be as simple as asking a member of her team to monitor and control expenses, as this is obviously not her strength. However, focusing only on the weakness, while ignoring the strength, is generally not the answer. Remember, it is our strengths that lead to our success, NOT our lack of weaknesses.

There are things we do so well and effortlessly that we often forget we are good at them. We call these things strengths, talents, or gifts. A 360 feedback report identifies highest scores as seen by others. However, the participant needs to interpret what his or her real strengths are. Participants in a 360 should review the strengths that are apparent in their 360 report and ask:

• Have these strengths played out in my career thus far? How?
• Am I continually using these strengths in my career and personal life?
• What would happen if I were to fully utilize these strengths more regularly?

Why Build on Strengths?

• It is our Strengths that lead to true success in our carreers, NOT lack of weaknesses.
• We all have unique strengths.
• Strengths may come naturally to us, often from an early age.
• Others tend to overlook our weaknesses if they respect our strengths
• In the absence of contradictory data, people will assume strengths: “She is VERY good in this area, therefore she must be good at everything else.”
• Strengths can create the Halo Effect, meaning that a positive perception is easily reinforced.

Remember, goal setting and action planning should first focus on strengths and then on those weaknesses that will impede success.

To find more articles on leadership development and talent management visit our website at: http://www.decwise.com

In today’s society, there are more people overweight than every before and although people realize how important it is to keep their weight down and shed those extra, unwanted pounds, for many it is a difficult battle. Unfortunately, when it comes to career advancement and overweight people, they have diminished career advancement opportunities because of their appearance. The results of many surveys confirm that companies and organizations are less likely to hire overweight individuals and when it comes to career advancement and overweight people, they are less likely to promote obese people even though they do an excellent job in their current position and are well qualified for the new position. The survey results show that overweight men and women are discriminated against, which means there are millions of perfectly capable workers that deserve career advancement opportunities but lose out because of their physical appearance.

If you are a person that has experienced career advancement and overweight problems, there are ways to improve your chance of career advancement and promotions. When a person has self-confidence and pride, employers and people around them notice this. For people that lack self-confidence, there are ways to build up and improve it, so they feel confident enough to pursue their goals without letting their weight hold them back. Start by recording each day’s positive acts and accomplishments you perform, as seeing them in black and white will help you realize your self worth.

If you are interested in career advancement and overweight issues seem to be holding you back, talk to a dietitian or your doctor about a diet that fits your lifestyle but is balanced and healthy. Remember that many overweight people try several different diets before they find one that works successfully for them, so do not become discouraged. Going on fad diets or losing weight too quickly usually results in gaining back the lost weight just as rapidly. To get career advancement and overweight extra pounds weight loss means not getting discouraged because the weight is coming off slowly and remembering that you did not gain the extra weight in a day so it does take time to lose weight properly.

When looking for career advancement and overweight problems are an issue, be well groomed and dress for success. Being well groomed is important for everyone, regardless of his or her weight. Promoting a positive, business-like impression means always being neat, tidy, dressing appropriately, and sounding professional. Wear clothes that fit properly and are good quality. Stay away from baggy clothes that make you look heavier instead of trimmer.

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Many college students need extra money to pay for meals, supplies or just entertainment. Because of a heavy class load, some students cannot take on even a part time job. There are ways that students can make extra money without a job.

When searching for ways to make extra money from home, it is important to know that there are so called opportunities out there that are just scams. When I was a freshman in college my roommate and I got excited about the “envelope stuffing job” until one of our parents informed us that it was not for real. Something that sounds to good to be true probably is. Finally, jobs that require that you pay a “fee” for membership or shipping are ones to avoid.

Luckily, there are legitimate ways to make extra money working from home or from a college dorm.

Students who are proficient in using a computer can make extra money several ways. Many small businesses or independent professionals need assistance but not a full time employee. Therefore they will hire virtual assistants for a few administrative jobs or for ongoing support. Students who can create webpages can help people get their business online. Alternately, students can create their own websites and earn money through affiliate marketing programs. All in all there are quite a few ways that students can make money using their computer.

Finding opportunities is easier than ever now when using the internet. There are many job boards that can provide information such as careerbuilder.com or elance.com.

Students may be able to find odd jobs around their campus or city. Mystery shopping is one fun way that students can earn extra money by dining out or shopping. More information on mystery shopping can be found at volition.com. Students should always check the job boards on campus as they will often have temporary job opportunities posted.

Whether college students make extra money from their home, on campus or off, it can be a big help to a student who is in need of just a little extra cash. Students who are creative and resourceful will find the extra income that they need.

Michael Carter is a contributor at College Financial Aid Guide, an online informational resource for educational funding, scholarships and student loans. Find out about more ways to earn money for college and college scholarship information.

(Permission is granted to reprint this article provided that the resource box including live links is included.)

Student Loan Programs are generally designed to offer a low interest rates and very flexible repayment terms than conventional car or home loans. But finding a low intrest student loan will require some serious work on your part.
Federal loans, federally guaranteed loans, private loans, parental loans ??” how do you find the one that???s right for you?

Federal Student Loan Programs

Your first stop should always be the federal student loan programs. Even if you don???t think you are eligible, it is worth completing the standard application form and submitting it just to see if there are grants or other types of loans you might be able to obtain. Also, most colleges and universities require you to complete the federal form because they use the information it contains to assess your eligibility for state aid as well as their own institutional programs.

During the late 1990???s and the early 2000???s the interest rates on federal student loans were at historic lows. The rates have since moved back up some, but they are still substantially lower than those available through conventional loans.

Alternative Student Loans

There are alternative sources of low interest student loans if you look around a bit. There are many lenders with special loan programs for student needs that are similar but not exactly the same as the more well-known federal student loan programs. Most private lenders offer interest rates that are lower for student loans than for conventional loans, but they are generally still a bit higher than the federal rates. Shop around with several lenders, comparing interest rates, terms and conditions, and repayment requirements.

Despite the slightly higher interest rates of alternative student loans, they are a good option for many people who don???t qualify for enough other aid to fully cover their college expenses. Before you commit to any loan make sure you carefully compare all of your options, looking at long term benefits as well as short term expediency.

Maria Sundar is helping students finding a suitable Student Loan through the site http://www.my-student-loan.info

With the cost of college raising every year and college debt increasing parents and students are looking for ways to lessen the burden of paying for college. There are a number of colleges in the United States which are tuition free- that many people don’t know exist. Here’s three ways to get into a tuition free college.

1. Have High SAT and ACT Scores

Just like any other college tuition-free colleges base their admissions largely on SAT and ACT scores. Most schools want scores that are above a 900 on the SAT and at least a 20 on the ACT. Strong grades in high school are also required, a GPA of 3.0 or above is recommended when applying to schools.

2. Letters of Recommendation

In addition to having good grades and high-test scores some schools want letters of recommendation from teachers, advisor’s, coaches, consolers or even public officials. The US Military Academy requires applicants to have a letter from a state congressional delegate. Even if schools don’t require a letter it’s always good to send one.

3. Be Talented or Show Strength in a Subject

Many tuition-free universities specialize in a certain are such as Cooper Union whose students specialize in science, engineering, art and architecture. Other schools specialize in music such as the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the City University of New York’s Teacher Academy, which prepares students to become math and science teachers.

Many tuition free universities are some of the most competitive schools to get into in the nation. Though, with locations scattered across the nation from rural towns to big cities and programs that range from agricultural studies to engineering it doesn’t hurt to apply. If admitted you or your children can save thousands of dollars getting an education that is equivalent or better than some top universities.

You can find more college advice and a list of tuition-free colleges at the College Review Blog

We hear about it all the time, multi-millionaires who succeed despite not having a college education. So you might be asking yourself or your child might ask, why should I go to college?

To start off, statistically, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Labor has shown that a high-school diploma alone is not sufficient for students to access jobs that pay above average. If you are looking for a position with any kind of technical expertise, it is most likely that job will require either a two year degree, four year, masters or at least graduation from a certificate program.

With the various ways an education can be had today, whether it???s through your local community college or online, it has become easier than ever to go back to school or earn your degree.

What are the benefits of attending college?

1. Greater Knowledge. A college education will give you an overall understanding of all of the sciences, which are all necessary for critical thinking skills. In college you are also required to articulate your thoughts through writing reports and papers, which later on assist you in expressing yourself clearly on and off the job.

2. Potential To Earn More. Studies have shown that a college graduate earns approximately $18,000 more a year than someone without a degree. Even a two-year degree will earn you more money than having nothing at all.

3. More Life Potential. With some basic courses and skills the potential to land a job or find an employer that will provide you with training is greater with a college degree.

4. Job Opportunities. The better paying jobs certainly are more technical today than they have ever been. Life experiences just don???t translate into technical know-how. Attending college you will gain the latest information on new technology and software systems being integrated into the work place.

Financing your education has become easier today as well. With scholarships, loans and federal assistance, with a little bit of homework done on your end, you will find the perfect financial provision out there for your needs.

What are the options?

Scholarships: There are two types of scholarships, undergraduate and graduate fellowships. A scholarship is a gift in that it does not have to be repaid like a student loan. Because the money is a gift, the funds are generally reserved for students with specific qualifications such as academic, athletic and so on.

Student Loans: Student loans are like any type of loan in that it must be paid back. Education loans are broke down into three categories ??” Student Loans (Stafford and Perkins Loans), Parent Loans and Private Student Loans. Federal laws set the maximum interest rates and fees that can be charged.

Military Student Aid: For students who are interested in pursuing careers in the military, there is military student aid. Aid such as the Montgomery GI Bill covers about three-fifths of your college education and is good for up to ten years from the date of your last discharge or release from active duty or training. The Montgomery GI Bill is for those who are enrolled in the Select Reserve of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Army and Air National Guard.

Kara Lilly, a Librarian for over 15 years in College Park, creates the Eduology for schoolwork.org, a leading provider of homework help, college directories with satellite maps and a comprehensive breakdown of student loans. For more information, please visit http://www.schoolwork.org.

If your lucky enough to excel at a sport like cheerleading, you may be able to use your abilities to make your way through college. Cheerleading scholarships can be a terrific way to help pay for school while you do something you love. In oder to cheer your way through college you will need to find, visit, and apply to schools that are serious about cheerleading, offer scholarships and financial aid based on cheerleading, and have academic background to meet your needs. If you think you can take cheerleading to the next level, the following will help you make it through the application process.

Where to Start

• Guidance Counselor: During your search for the perfect school, it’s important to take advantage of your school’s guidance office. The guidance office and your guidance councilor can offer you great tips on finding schools and scholarship for cheer leading. Once you begin your search they will also be there to help you find your way around the application processes.
• The Internet: Thanks to the Internet, researching schools has become far easier than it may have been ten years ago. If your interested in attending a college or university on a cheer scholarship, your best place to start your search is on the internet. Simple go to a search engine like Google and type in word combinations like, “cheerleading universities,” and “cheerleading colleges,” and you should have enough information to start your search.
• Friends and Family: You may have friends and family that have already been through the rigorous application process or have had experience with sports related scholarships. Those who have gone before you can serve as pools of knowledge and can be valuable tools in your search for schools. If someone you know has gone through the process before, be sure to ask them for their advice as you begin your search.

Now What?

• Research: Once you accumulate a list of schools can help you achieve your academic and cheerleading goals, you will want to continue your research by taking an in depth look at each college or university. As you research each school look for information on various topics including financial aid, programs of study, cost of living, and their cheerleading program. While you are doing your research it is important to keep track of what you find. Get a simple spiral notebook and dedicate a few pages to each school. This will help you make comparisons between schools and rule out ones that aren’t right for you.
• Contact Schools: Once you decide which schools are really of interest to you, you may want to contact specific members of the school faculty. For example, as a student who wishes to take part in cheerleading activities you will want to contact the coach of the schools cheer team. You will also want to get in touch with financial aid to find out what type of aid is available to you and what steps you need to take to start the application process. Be sure to inform faculty members you speak that you are interested in information on cheerleading scholarships.
• Visit Schools: Information you receive from college and university websites and application packets can help you narrow your search down, but it’s important to visit schools your are thinking about attending. By visiting the colleges and universities of your choice you will be able to meet and speak with faculty members, coaches, and other students. This will allow you to address any questions or concerns that weren’t addressed in the literature you received. You will also be able to visit dorms, classrooms, dining facilities, and recreation areas to help you get a better feel for the school. For many students, visiting the schools or universities will help them make their final choice.

Application Process:

• Visit the Guidance Office: The application process can be a very stressful and confusing time. Thats why it’s best to speak to your guidance counselor to help you find your way through the process. You will want to take all applications with you during your meeting with the guidance counselor to make sure you meet all required deadlines, the college or universities entrance requirements, and that you file the correct financial aid/scholarship information.
• Make a List of Deadlines: One of the most important parts of the application process is knowing and meeting deadlines. Missing a deadline can greatly decrease your chances of getting into the school you want and can exclude you from receiving financial aid in the form of scholarships. Mark your calendar with application deadlines; write them in a notebook you use everyday; or plaster your bedroom mirror with post it notes full of dates. Choose a method that works for you and make sure you keep track of what is due and when.

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If you are one of the many people who are intrigued by the design and delicacy of food then perhaps you have considered becoming a pastry chef. Being a pastry chef allows you to impress your clientele while always remaining new and innovative in your work.

If this type of career excites you, then perhaps you should look into one of the many pastry chef schools. This is the perfect way to hone your existing skills while improving on others. You will be able to learn from qualified chefs who have worked in the very same kitchens that you aspire to work in.

A good school will have you working directly in the classroom as much as possible. Therefore, that is something that you need to look into before making the ultimate decision. Baking isn’t something you learn in a textbook; it’s something you learn by experience.

A lot of people who have already worked in the field are deciding to come back to pastry chef schools. One of the main reasons for this is that pastry chefs are always in high demand and can attract very persuasive salaries.

The field attracts males and females from any age bracket so there are certainly no social requirements. If you have been baking for thirty years or only a few months, you can achieve a rewarding career with the help of a pastry chef school.

Although it is not necessary, a certain amount of personal creativity is helpful in the field. Anyone can learn how to make something exactly the same but only true bakers can create their own masterpieces. Some of the best bakers in the world have achieved their recipes by exploring and trying new things.

When checking out different schools, you should examine their instructors. You will certainly want someone with experience working in the field and who also deals well with students. Also you will want an instructor who is open to new ideas. If you are simply taught the same things that every other student already knows, it will be difficult to advance. But if your instructor encourages baking outside the box, then you will have a much brighter career.

Another advantage is that the school year is typically much shorter. Many people can graduate and start working in the field in under a year. This of course depends on how much experience you have coming in as well as where you wish to work. However anyone can get a job in the industry after completing the course.

Just as anything else in life, you will get back what you put in. And those who have immersed themselves in the class have gone on to have very rewarding careers.

If you are interested in travel, this could also be a wonderful career choice. Every country in the world has different delicacies and different menus. So if you get the proper training, you will be able to work in a variety of different cultures.

A proper pastry chef school is only an investment of a few months but its benefits last a lifetime. You could spend the rest of your days baking exotic desserts in different countries and getting paid good money to do so. All it takes is dedication, passion and a good school.

Andy West is a freelance writer for The Culinary Institute of Virginia College. Culinard is an outstanding Pastry Chef School. To learn more, please visit http://www.culinard.com

Symptoms of mesothelioma does not always appear right away. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years after the exposure to surface. Shortness of breath, pain in the chest and coughing due to fluid in the pleural space (in between the two pleural membranes)are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma(serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity) include:
weight loss
cachexia (which is fatigue)
abdominal swellin and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity

Other symptoms may include:
bowel obstruction
anemia
bowel obstruction
fever

These symptoms will may occur if the cancer spreads to other parts of you body. May also include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

The Affects of Mesothelioma in the Pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:
chest wall pain
shortness of breath
blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up
fatigue
wheezing
coughing

In more advanced cases when a person has many tumor masses, the individual could end up with a collapsed lung. Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity don’t cause symptoms until a later stage.

Symptoms can be:
a mass in the abdomen
problems with bowel function
weight loss
abdominal pain
abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

In severe cases symptoms can be:
blood clots in veins
jaundice
low blood sugar level
pleural effusion
bleeding in may organs

For more information on Mesothelioma please check out http://www.mesotheliomadiagnosisandinformation.blogspot.com

Included on this website is some links to the top website available for information on Mesothelioma.

Rebecca

Belize is formerly known as British Honduras and is a small country of approximately 280,00 people. It is the only English speaking country in Central America and is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy that recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign. Belize, as with other Central American countries (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) and southeastern Mexico, was originally settled by the ancient Maya. There are over two-dozen documented ancient Mayan linguistic groups in this area, three of which currently reside in Belize. The Maya currently make up about 10% of the population of Belize and include the Yucatec in the north near the Yucatan border, the Q’eqchi in the south, near Punta Gorda, and the Mopan, in western Belize near the border town of Benque Viejo del Carmen.

THE MAYA OF BELIZE AND EARLIER

Paleoindian is the earliest time period recorded in Belize thus far (Ca. 11,500 - 8000 BC) this is followed by the Archaic (Ca. 8000 - 900 BC) and the approximate ancient Maya Chronology that follows these preceramic periods include:

* Preclassic - 900 BC to AD 250 (often cited as early as 1500 BC)

* Classic - AD 250 to 900

* Postclassic - AD 900 to 1500

* Historic and Colonial - AD 1500 to Present

Numerous sites and city-states existed throughout Belize that represent these time periods, notably: Cerros, Colha, Cuello, Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Lamanai, Altun Ha, Lubaantun, El Pilar, Santa Rita, and sacred caves that include Barton Creek, Actun Tunichil Muknal, and Che Chem Ha. The occupational history of the Maya in southeast Mexico and Central America is endless especially since today there are over 5 million Maya descendants and Belize is certainly a portion of this.

BELIZE HISTORIC PERIOD

Early 16th century records indicate that in AD 1544 the Maya city of Lamanai, in northern Belize, was to be part of the Spanish encomienda system (royal grant to a Spaniard for the right to labor and tribute a native population, they are also responsible for christianizing the natives). Although there certainly are early reports of Spanish contact in other areas of the New World, the documented reference of Lamanai and the construction of a Spanish church at Lamanai around AD 1570 provide securely dated European settlement influence in Belize.

The Maya society these first Europeans encountered were a very different population that had undergone many transformations since the height of the “Classic Period”. Contact in Belize with Europeans was detrimental to the existing Maya through disease, slavery, and fighting. During the 18th century through logging concessions given to Britain by Spain the modern boundaries of Belize were created. Spain claimed sovereignty but did not settle the land. The British settlers at this time were primarily ex-pirates who were no longer supported by their governments who were now attempting to stamp out piracy. These settlers called for British support and protection from the attacks by the Spanish and remaining Maya populations. The most famous of the British armed forces involvement was the Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798; it was the battle that marked the end of the Spanish claims to the territory.

MORE RECENT BELIZE HISTORY

It took some two hundred years after Spanish contact for Belize to gain independence from Spain, it was in 1871 that Belize was officially declared a British Crown Colony. After this time both the population and economy grew significantly, the economy primarily centered around forest products of Mahogany, chicle, and logwood. The population increases included groups of African, Garifuna, mestizo (a mix of Spanish and Maya descent), and Maya refugees fleeing the Caste War in Mexico. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries a number of Indian and Chinese indentured laborers arrived after the abolition of slavery, and Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian Arabs also began arriving, fleeing the political unrest in the Middle East. It was in the 1950’s that Belize backed a unique settlement with Mennonites from Mexico; this settlement provides Mennonites with sovereignty similar to what Native Americans in the United States were granted.

It was also in 1950 that George Price led the campaign for Belizean Independence. As with other British colonies self-government was achieved in 1964. Due to Guatemala’s continued threat to overtake Belize once the British pulled out, Belize’s true independence did not take place until September 21, 1981. Since Belize needed protection and had no army forces a full time British army remained in Belize until 1994.

Belize is a fascinating country and immigrations through the years have created a unique multi-cultural friendly society.

Laura J. Howard holds a Masters’ of Science degree in Anthropology with a specilization in Maya archaeology. After researching in Belize for five years after her graduate work she now splits her time between south Florida & Belize. She has been active in Belize tourism and Maya archaeology since 1996, & now has a unique ecotourism company, Beyond Touring, that focuses soley on Belize, the ancient Maya, and natural history. Beyond Touring also offers an authentic cross-cultural experience that allows clients to ‘give back’ to the wonderful areas they visit in Belize. The projects Beyond Touring supports aim to provide sustainable economic endeavors for local residents of Belize, specifically Indian Church Village, located in northern Belize and adjacent to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

Belize or Travel Information: http://www.beyondtouring.com

For Community Development: http://www.beyondtouring.com/Giveback/Scholarship.htm