Turning Trash into Cash: A Community Beautification Project

March 30 at 3:00 EST
Presenter: Eve Shafi

Cost: $25 (free for HandsOn affiliates and members - Contact for discount code)

Click here for full details and to register.

Ever wondered how to lead a neighborhood clean up? Come hear from HandsOn expert Eve Shafi, Director of Projects and Partnerships with HandsOn Frederick County, to learn how to mobilize and lead a county wide beautification day that also raises money for local nonprofits. Similar to a walk-a-thon, The Big Sweep participants collect donations and sponsorships for picking up trash on roads, waterways and parks throughout the County. In 2010, over 1,000 volunteers and 60 service leaders picked up over 13 tons of trash and recyclables and 344 tires and raised over $47,000 for nonprofits, school clubs, churches etc.

EEOC Files Nationwide Hiring Discrimination Lawsuit Against Kaplan High Education Corp.

Company’s Use of Job Applicants’ Credit History Discriminates Because of Race, Federal Agency Charges


CLEVELAND – Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a nationwide provider of postsecondary education, engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful discrimination by refusing to hire a class of black job applicants nationwide, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it announced today.

Since at least 2008, Kaplan Higher Education has rejected job applicants based on their credit history. This practice has an unlawful discriminatory impact because of race and is neither job-related nor justified by business necessity, the EEOC charged in its lawsuit.

As a result of these practices, the company has violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the lawsuit (Civil Action No. 1:10-cv-02882) filed by the EEOC’s Cleveland Field Office in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. It is a violation of Title VII to use hiring practices that have a discriminatory impact because of race and that are not job-related and justified by business necessity.

The EEOC attempted to reach a voluntary settlement before filing suit. The EEOC seeks injunctive relief in its lawsuit, as well as lost wages and benefits and offers of employment for people who were not hired because of Kaplan Higher Education’s use of job applicants’ credit history.

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was intended to eliminate practices that serve as arbitrary barriers to employment because of a job applicant’s race,” said Regional Attorney Debra Lawrence of the EEOC’s Philadelphia District Office, which oversees Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Maryland, and portions of New Jersey and Ohio. “Employers need to be mindful that any hiring practice be job-related and not screen out groups of people, even if it does so unintentionally.”

Workplace discrimination charge filings with the federal agency nationwide rose to an unprecedented level of 99,922 during fiscal year 2010.

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

Back after a while

I am back after a while. Expect to read about my ramblings about the self, you and everyone else.

13 Super Annoying Ways People Abuse Facebook And Twitter

Ah, social networking. You’ve come a long way and everyone’s using it. But maybe it wasn’t meant for grandpa or Grandma Sue, or that person who continues to blog and re-tweet about their shiny dog’s paw bracelet. Leave it to TheFrisky.com, (www.thefrisky.com), the website covering everything that matters to women 18-34 to point out some of the most annoying ways people have abused sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Amelia McDonell-Parry, Editor-in-Chief of TheFrisky.com shares some of her entertaining (and sad but true) examples below:

1. Hint, Hint, Hint: People who use their tweets or status updates to send not-at-all-subtle messages to someone on their friend or follow list make me extremely uncomfortable. For example:

“I’m thinking about you. Yeah, you. You know what you did. And I won’t ever forget it.”

This move is not only passive-aggressive, but it’s downright weird and creepy.

2. Become A Fan (Of Me!): Here are some of the things I am a “fan” of on Facebook: Barack Obama, The Beach, Breakfast Tacos, Ryan Gosling, and I Heart Sleep. I am not a fan of my best friend from first grade or my mom or my boyfriend, so why the eff would I be a fan of you, person with no discernible talent who I don’t know nearly as well? People who create fan pages for themselves, even though they don’t do anything, make me crazy. I get a little shiver of delight every time I enthusiastically IGNORE these requests.

3. Manic And Excessive Retweeting: Really, you loved four dozen 140-character tweets by other people so much, that you had to retweet all of them within the span of an hour? I get the occasional retweet, when something someone says makes you laugh hysterically, or a link totally strikes your fancy—but seriously, do not retweet every single thing from The New York Times and your great aunt Mildred because it litters my feed, dammit.

4. Bragging: This one is a personal beef of mine, linked directly to my own jealousy. I wish I got two weeks off and went on vacation over the holiday, but I didn’t and that’s cool, whatevs. But on Monday my Facebook feed was littered with braggy, annoying messages like:

“Ugh, I SO wish I was back in Peru smooching my boo on the beach instead of at work. Can I have another month off, like, now? Guess life could be worse, right?”

Right. Screw you.

5. “Excessive” Use Of QUOTES And ALL CAPS For “Emphasis”: This was posted as a status update over the holidays by a member of my own immediate family:

“Where the hell did the last TEN YEARS go?!?! Oh well…“au revoir” ‘09…I won’t miss ya! 2010, I’ll rise again! (No, uh…not “Jesus”...ME! I’ll “rise” to meet the challenges instead of lettin’ them BEAT ME this time!)”

Being this is my kin we’re talking about, I cannot defriend him or her, though I suppose I could gift him or her with an AP Stylebook for Christmas next year ...

6. Twitter Is Not Your Fitness Diary: “Just ran five miles, off to yoga!” “Wow, can’t believe I did 20 pull-ups five days in a row!” “Ugh, so sore from yesterday’s three hour triathlon training sesh. Gonna take it easy today and just do Bikram.” Your constant tweets about how much you work out are giving the rest of us fat slobs a complex and we are unfollowing you so that we can eat cheese doodles in peace. Buh-bye.

Don’t get Scrooged in December – TrueCar releases car deals that fit in your holiday budget

Last minute holiday shoppers have nothing to fear this December. Tomorrow, the day before the deadline, Christmas Eve, is the best day of the month to buy a new car. In fact, December is the best month to buy a car this year and there are almost 60 vehicles with expected discounts over 15% off MSRP in December. Check out the complete list of new cars deals expected to sell well below sticker price.

Consumers can increase their chances of getting a great deal by buying a car from the Hottest Deals in December 2009 list on Christmas Eve, the best day of the month to buy a new car!

• Great family vehicles like the 2009 Nissan Quest, 2009 Ford Explorer, 2009 Cadillac Escalade, and 2009 Lincoln Navigator L are expected to sell more than 15% off sticker.

• Great hybrid deals are range extenders for your holiday budget; the 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid, 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid are all expected to sell 17% or more off sticker this December. The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid is selling 8% under MSRP.

• GM vehicles, including Chevrolet, Saturn, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac and Hummer, have outstanding savings. The 2009 HUMMER H3 leads with an expected discount of 28% off MSRP.

About TrueCar
TrueCar (http://truecar.com/) is the authority in new car pricing. TrueCar aggregates data from multiple sources to show car buyers and dealers how much people actually paid for a particular car in their geographic area. TrueCar is offered online, free of charge -- so anyone can know at any time what is considered a good or great price. Consumers no longer need to walk into the dealership only partially informed and fully suspicious: with TrueCar they can walk in knowing the price of a fair deal. Dealers also benefit by gaining real-time, unbiased information about marketplace pricing, helping them price their cars to increase volume of sales and gain market share from other dealers. Led by a highly experienced team from the automotive and technology industries, TrueCar is based in Santa Monica, California.

Food for Thought

A wise person once said:

You are who you are because of your parents, it's your fault if you stay that way.


There's your food for thought of the day!

The Gold Rule: Treat People the Way YOU Want to be Treated

It is as old as time, yet people seem never to remember this rule: Treat People the way YOU Want to be Treated. How hard is that. Lately, I have seen some people be edgy with each other. Granted I know that each person may have stresses of their own that they are dealing with or need to deal with.

Don't take your frustrations or anger out on other people. You may not mean it, but others won't forget.

Learn to control your emotions, channel into constructive energy, where you can use it in positive ways. Is it worth regretting something you could've controlled, but didn't?

Don't take people for granted. Appreciate what they offer and what they can offer.

Simply Be Offers Great Fashions for Plus Size Women

It used to be that a female had to be slim or even skinny to look great in fashion years ago. Thank goodness it is not like that today. Now any female, of different sizes or shapes, can look great. By looking great doesn’t mean showing off your body or becoming a sexualized object. By looking great is dressing nicely and feeling great about you.

Simply Be offers a variety of great choices for females who are of plus size for nearly every occasion. These items are stylish and beautiful. You can wear casual to office to going out. My favorite casual yet dressy out fit is Tradition with a Twist, a brand by Jeffry and Paula: http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/page?pageId=2944&cm_re=DALHomepage-_-S4-_-Jeffrey%26Paula . The jacket is of tweed material which can be part of dressing a casual out fit a bit. Another favorite is the Floral Prints, of the Jeffry and Paula collection: http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/page?pageId=2944&cm_re=DALHomepage-_-S4-_-Jeffrey%26Paula . The dress is stylish, yet looks comfortable enough to relax in. The boots are awesome and a timeless classic! These are two examples of some great fashions to buy. You can continue to browse in the Clothing Catalogue for more beautiful items and fashion finds.

Simply Be also carries lingerie, accessories, footwear, sports and swimwear, and many more items. Be sure to visit http://www.simplybe.co.uk/ for some great fashion finds!

Ramadan Mubarek and Kareem to my Muslim readers

Ramadan Mubarek and Kareem to my Muslim readers and Muslims worldwide. Hope your Ramadan is a blessed and happy one!

You Can Now Argue With Everyone!

A democratic society encourages all voices to be heard regardless of stance on ideas and views. A democratic society encourages people to discuss or debate in a civil and respectable manner. So, if you are into politics or enjoy debating on any topics, head on over to Argue With Everyone Discussion Forums: http://www.arguewitheveryone.com.

Workshop with Veteran Speaker Anna Baltzer: Educating Your Community About Palestine!

Have you been to Palestine but never quite figured out how to use your experience to affect real change?
Or do you feel frustrated and ill-prepared when confronted with opposition and difficult questions?
Or do you feel ready to speak but don't know who will listen?

Please join us on Sunday, August 30 for a training on educating others about Palestine!
“When I first returned from Palestine, I had acquired a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I was desperate to share with others, but I didn’t know how to design and deliver a presentation, and I didn’t know who would listen.”(2005)- Anna Baltzer, now a Full-time Lecturer & Speaker-Trainer, having given more than 400 presentations about Palestine (with invitations multiplying after each event!)

Communities all over the United States are increasingly looking for people to speak about what is happening in Palestine, but there aren’t enough effective and known speakers to go around. People like Anna end up turning down most invitations! The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights (AAPER), in partnership with award-winning presenter, Anna Baltzer, proposes to fill that gap by offering US citizens comprehensive training on how to speak to and educate their communities about the situation in Palestine. By empowering US citizens to share their knowledge and personal stories, we can create a national movement of citizen educators who, together, can educate their fellow Americans (either publicly or in private settings) and encourage them to take action in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

Trainer: Anna Baltzer, www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com (bio below)

Suggestion: Review her DVD before the workshop if you haven't heard her speak.

Where: 203 Wisconsin Ave. Madison, WI 50703

Parking details: www.fumc.org When: Sunday, August 30

5:30 pm for potluck dinner 6:30-9:30 pm for the training (please arrive by 6pm in case we start early!)

Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$25 (nobody turned away for lack of funds)
Goals: To Provide Participants With... 1. Increased Confidence in Speaking About Palestine 2. An Outline for Their Presentation 3. Practice Responding to Common & Difficult Questions 4. An Action Plan for Finding Venues & Organizing Events 5. If Time Permits, a Written and Practiced Introduction Materials Provided: A Detailed Booklet Containing... 1. Tips on Presentation Structure & Delivery 2. Key Talking Points 3. Tough Questions & Respective Sample Answers 4. Sample Outreach & Organizing Supplies 5. CD of Sample Presentations, Photos, & Original Maps to Use

SPACE IS LIMITED - RSVP! If you are interested in attending the speakers training, please contact Joan Deming at (608) 241-9281 (home/office), (608) 235-1046 (cell), or by email at jdeming7@gmail.com. For more details about the training, contact Sarah Scruggs at AAPER by phone: (202) 683-8438 or by email at scruggs@aaper.org

Testimonials from Past Speaker Trainees:

Anna’s seminar was superb, measuring up to the high standards set by her own public speaking. The truth is that Anna has so many wonderful qualities to share that anyone who is interested in Israel-Palestine cannot help but benefit greatly from this opportunity. I cannot recommend Anna enough as a speaker, consultant or workshop facilitator. Participants will learn a lot of new information, have fun, and gain an elevated understanding of how to communicate their new knowledge to others with compassion and clarity.” —Rich Forer, author of upcoming book on Israel/Palestine: Breakthrough “The best thing I took away from Anna's inspiring speaker training workshop was confidence. She made me realize that I knew much more about Israel/Palestine than I gave myself credit for. I especially found useful the time we spent practicing answering the most common ‘hostile’ questions. About a month later I made my first presentation to a group of community college students. They were receptive and appreciative that I—along with my co-presenters—spoke from the heart. Now I want to develop other local speakers to present on this issue.”— Susan Shuurman, co-founder of the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel
"Anna is the consummate nonviolent warrior who is vibrant, passionate, courageous and totally committed to peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. Her film, "Life In Occupied Palestine," was one of the primary motivating factors for me to visit Palestine in 2008 and to discover the truth of the conflict for myself. Anna's transition from being a speaker herself to empowering others to tell their truth means that instead of having just a small group of passionate and courageous voices there could—and will—be hundreds more."— Will Covert, Board of Directors, Veterans for Peace - San Diego

Anna Baltzer is a Jewish-American Columbia graduate, former-Fulbright scholar, the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and an award-winning lecturer, author, and activist for Palestinian rights. As a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in the West Bank, Baltzer documented human rights abuses and supported Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to the Occupation. Baltzer has appeared on television more than 400 times and lectured at more than 300 universities, schools, churches, mosques, and synagogues around the world with her acclaimed presentation, "Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos," and her full-color book: "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories." Baltzer most recently returned from a trip through Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, documenting Palestinian life in the diaspora. For information about Baltzer's book, DVD, speaking tours, and eye-witness reports, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

Larson Shutter Offers Vinyl Shutters

It is often the details that make a home beautiful. That is why it is important to choose the appropriate materials for your home like flowers, siding and even shutters. Larson Shutter Company offers hundreds of different types of exterior shutters for your home, such as a variety of vinyl shutters. Visit: http://www.larsonshutter.com/ to purchase vinyl or other shutters.

Walk...Walk...Walk...

Is it me or are a lot of people beginning to become overweight? Seriously. Every where I go, I notice that men and women are becoming bigger in all directions. I know our lives have become more sedentary and that a person has to seek exercise, however, we need to be reminded that it is not natural for our bodies become this heavy.

So, why not incorporate walking into your schedule if you already are not doing that. For example, this morning, my son and I walked to school. It took us about 15 minutes one way. I walked back on my own again. I have included nearly 30 minutes of exercise this morning. Not only, was I exercising my body, I also became more aware of my surroundings while I was walking. I had to time to observe and time to think.

When we take time for ourselves, not only do families and ourselves benefit, even the environment benefits because you are using less gas for instance.

So, did you walk today?

Would You Rather...

Would you rather...

1. Have people be nice in front of your face, yet back stab you? or Have people tell you upfront that they don't like you?

2. Go in debt to please people? or Be considered a cheapskate because you won't spend outside your budget?

3. Do the easy thing and be popular? Or Do the right thing and be criticizied by people?

These are questions that have come to mind lately. People need to slow down and not lose themselves in this world without reflecting on their own actions and how it might affect those around them. If need to, as a rule of thumb, self-reflection should take place as little as every six months or even every couple of months.

For example, if you decide to do it at six months: you should think what kinds of things were accomplished the past six months, what you liked, what you didn't like, and then look at six months in advance and decide what you like and will keep, areas that need improvement and areas that need changing.

You would feel surprised at how well you feel.

Directv is offering very good prices

With the way the economy is today, many people are looking for ways to reduce costs without changing their lifestyle. Often times, people may decide to eliminate their cable options; while others may opt to go to a different route and choose Direct TV or some other satellite tv at http://www.kaptainsatellite.com/compare_satellite_dish_tv.htm . There are some benefits to go with Direct TV instead of other satellite TV. For example, Directv offers some of its equipment for free. In Illinois, Directv and Dish Network have very positive strong ratings. It could be due to the excellent service and deals that they offer customers. There are other DIRECTV Benefits in going with Directv. Visit DIRECTV Benefits http://www.kaptainsatellite.com/direct-TV-promotions.htm

More Students Going to School?

Yesterday, I met one of my college colleagues at a Subway, and she had told me that her office at the community college was fielding 300 calls per day, and she mentioned that she wasn't sure how the other offices were doing. People were standing in lines waiting to register for classes. My colleague continued to say that people couldn't choose which class or section to sign up for, instead many were put on the waiting list. She said that new classes may be formed to accommodate all those students. I had asked her why did she think that that everyone was going back to school. She had mentioned she wasn't sure, so I started thinking about it and asking others their ideas.

Here are some:

• The economy is getting better, and so companies are offering education as incentives.
• The federal government is offering more financial aid.
  
• Loans may be available for people.
• The recession was a wake up call for many to improve their lifestyle through education.

I would be interested in knowing what you think.

Random Thought: Quit Being Mean

Lately, I have been hearing negative stories about people mistreating each other. Why? The irony of this whole activity is that people forget that life is not permanent, but temporary. Is it necessary to be rude to some one and then regret it later?

Self-control and discipline are key here. People need to learn or practice in self-controlling and self-disciplining themselves. Society doesn't make it any easier because of its heavily pro-stance on instant gratification. Quick fixes and impulses are not the way to live a happy and well-balanced life with our fellow humans. Sometimes, the old fashion is the best way.

Start one step at a time. Become consciously aware of your thoughts and actions. Do it.

Reading challenge

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnat nrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

FREE Workshop for Midwestern Educators

High school teachers from the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania are invited to an all-expenses-paid workshop about Arab Americans, the Arab World and Islam at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Through a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the AANM is able to pay travel and accommodation costs for Midwest high school teachers to attend this free workshop July 17-19. Click HERE for details.

Illinois to start using Photo Radar in July

Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July. One mile per hour over the speed limit and the machine will get you a nice $375.00 ticket in the mail. Beginning July 1st, the State of Illinois will begin using the speed cameras in areas designated as "Work Zones" on major freeways. Anyone caught by these devices will be mailed a $375.00 ticket for the FIRST offense. The SECOND offense will cost $1000.00 and comes with a 90-Day suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allow insurance companies to raise Insurance rates

This is the harshest penalty structure ever set for a governmental unit involving PHOTO speed enforcement. The State already has two camera vans on line issuing tickets 24/7 in work zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH. Photos of both the Driver's face and License plate are taken. Pass this on to everyone you know who might be affected!!!

For more info: http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r033005.html