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Final Post: What Love Means From the Mouths of Babes

4/25/2019

My final alert was submitted by listener Joel C back in 2014; it's as profound as it is adorable. And...I think it's a great way to say good-bye.

I've been unable to determine if these quotes are real, if this really happened, or a smart adult put it together sans the group setting, but it doesn't matter - either way, it provides wondrous guidance from small children.
If you've already seen this piece, I promise, it doesn't grow old.

Children's Definition of Love

A group of professionals posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
Here’s a few of the answers they got:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca - age 8

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss."
Emily - age 8

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8

"My mommy loves me more than anybody.
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine -age 5

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8

Finally:

Author & lecturer Leo Buscaglia told of a four year old whose next door neighbor was an older gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the older gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry.”
Thanks, Joel. Thanks to all of you for showing us so much love over the past 13 year, and...

You have been officially...and finally...alerted...

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New Digital Gadgets That Save Lives & Dollars

4/12/2019

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Boomers can now take advantage of the latest technological advances in health care monitoring, using tools that can improve your outcomes and save you a bit of dough along the way.

Here's a number of nifty gadgets & apps available to us through the brave new tech-world, designed to keep us healthier, learn healthcare costs in advance, or be "seen" by a doctor without leaving the house:

Activity and nutrition tracking: If you're one of the 68% of adults ages 50 to 64 who track their weight, diet, exercise routine or other health indicators (according to a recent Pew survey) then check this out. Companies like Jawbone and FitBit have introduced intuitive and accurate activity tracking tools that are being adopted rapidly. The calorie counting app MyFitnessPal is growing its users at a 50% annual rate, and today has 65 million people registered; together they have lost over 100 million pounds.

Telemedicine and advanced sensor technology: can improve
management of chronic care patients, thus literally saving lives. Baby Boomers want to remain independent for as long as possible. When polled, the vast majority of us would prefer to age in place even after we need daily assistance, and digital health technology will help make that possible. The cost of four days of in-hospital heart monitoring ($30,000) could be reduced by up to 72% through the use of telemedicine and remote monitoring. You can also see substantial savings from using services like Doctor on Demand ($40 per visit) or Teladoc for regular visits and consultations.

Meditation: Research shows that meditation has many health benefits, from reducing anxiety/stress & blood pressure, to controlling pain and improving sleep. It's worth learning.
New to meditation? No problem. Headspace offers a gentle introduction to a concept that can feel very alien at first. The app eases you into the practice. It starts you off on a free Take10 program, which gives you the chance to meditate for just 10 minutes a day over 10 days.For those who know meditation, there’s a variety of guided breathing and visualization exercises which you can tailor to focus on what matters to you most, with options for those that suffer from anxiety, or those that might need to calm down in an emergency, such as a panic attack.

The app isn't free, but basic starter sessions are. A subscription - which unlocks access to a deeper range of mindfulness exercises up to one hour in length, costs $96 for an annual plan (billed all at once) which works out to $7.99/mo; 12.99/mo for a plan billed monthly; and 19.99/mo for a family plan.

Cost transparency tools: Today, the price and quality of care can vary greatly by location, and as we age, we will assume increasing responsibility for healthcare costs. So tools that provide objective cost data, like ones developed by Change Healthcare, Castlight Health and ClearCost Health help us make better, more informed care decisions and help us save money.

You have been officially alerted....

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Typical Boomer Job Search Mistakes

3/28/2019

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Now that you know a bit more about how you're perceived (those of you who took the quiz, that is) so you don't unwittingly undermine your personal/work relationships, this blast will keep you from unwittingly undermining a current/future job search.

Half of boomers polled by the Insured Retirement Institute said their fallback plan if savings ran short in retirement was to go back to work. Others simply want to continue working once retiring from their career job. Then there's the 12% of workers over 55 who are either unemployed, stuck in part-time jobs they don’t want, or have given up on finding a job altogether, according to government statistics.

The hurdles we older job seekers face are many, including stereotypes about our abilities, blatant age discrimination, job sites that block older workers from applying, and, for some, a lack of education and/or skill sets that don’t match employers needs. In short, Boomer job seekers can face a bumpy road to employment.
Now the good news: there' something we can do about it. Here are 10 boomer job search mistakes and how to avoid them, courtesy of Cheat Sheet.

Don't...

...Use an Email Address That Gives Away Your Age:
Older email services like Hotmail or AOL can cause a hiring manager might make certain assumptions, such as that you’re not up on the latest technology. Upgrading to a new (and free) Gmail account for job searching is easy and won’t automatically date you or your resume.

...Rely on Outdated Search Strategies:
If you’re simply emailing (or worse, snail mailing) your resume to employers and then sitting back and waiting for a response, you could be in for a long and painful job search.
“Even though corporate websites encourage candidates to email their resumes, the chances that they’ll actually be read by a human being are pathetically small,” says Bob Weinstein of Work Force 50. Read on for some 21st century strategies.

...Underestimate an Online Presence:
57% of employers CareerBuilder surveyed in 2017 said they were less likely to hire a person who they couldn’t find online.
If you don’t have one already, set up a LinkedIn profile or create an online portfolio, so potential employers can find you online. Doing this will help you connect with recruiters and HR and show that you’re tech savvy.

...Have a Way-Too-Long Resume:
By the time you’ve reached your fifth or sixth decade, there’s no reason to include your entire work history on your resume.
Stick to the most recent 10-15 years of experience, career experts told Marketwatch. If earlier experience is relevant, condense it into a small “other experience” section. Highlighting recent accomplishments is more meaningful than your many years of experience, noted Monster, especially because it shows you’re still an active and engaged employee.

...Ignore Your Network:
Networking can be a challenge, especially if it means swallowing your pride and admitting you’re out of work and need help. It's very useful to reconnect with old colleagues, meet new people, and share your knowledge. And evidence suggests such networking can make a difference. 44% of recent job seekers polled by Pew Research said their connections with friends, family, colleagues, or friends of friends was the most important resource in their most recent job search.

...Condescend to Younger Interviewers:
The person interviewing you might be young enough to be your son or daughter, but don’t treat them as if they’re your child. A younger interviewer might already be worried you’ll have problems taking direction from a more youthful boss, and evidence suggests they’re right to be concerned.
Referring to the interviewer as “kiddo” or “young lady” is a definite no-no, noted HR Nasty, while references to the interviewer’s youth or how your experience was “before their time” can be equally off-putting. You must treat your interviewer like a peer, whatever her/his actual age.

...Refuse to Learn New Skills:
The skills that got you where you are today might not get you to where you want to be tomorrow. If your professional skills are a little rusty or outdated, update them. Completing a class at the local community college or earning a new certification can help you brush up your knowledge of the latest technology.

...Look Like Your Stuck in the Last Century:
Ex: An old, frumpy suit, dated haircut, and accessories that were last in during the Clinton administration. Unfortunately, the problem can be especially acute for women. The authors of a 2015 study that found strong evidence of age discrimination, especially against women, speculated appearance bias might be one reason why employers were reluctant to hire older women.
For women, an overabundance of black in your wardrobe, an ill-fitting bra, and frumpy clothing can make you look older than you really are, according to Oprah.com. So can some common makeup mistakes (#1; too much makeup). For men, a bad dye job or a baggy, ’90s-era jacket and pants makes you look like you’re stuck in the past.

...Refuse Help:
Smart job seekers of all ages use whatever resources are at their disposal. That could mean tapping your network for referrals as mentioned above, getting advice on what to wear in a job interview, and perhaps even seeking out the help of career coach.

...Exclude the Option of a Career Change:
To find a job, you might need to look beyond what you’ve done in the past. it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Some older workers turn a spell of late-in-life unemployment into an opportunity to pursue a dream career, take a job abroad, or start their own business, noted The New York Times. In fact everyone, no matter their age, should be thinking about a Plan B or C before they have to start looking for a job, just in case.

You have been officially alerted...

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Would You Choose You?

2/14/2019

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Get to know a bit more about yourself from the standpoint of how others see you, since perception is often reality whether we like it or not, and can make the difference between getting/keeping your job or promotion, having a successful relationship...or not.

image by photosearch

To do that, here's a brief test given by Human Relations Departments at many major corporations, designed by psychologists to help HR get better insight on their employees and employee prospects.
This can help you make the most of your perceived assets, and improve or at least work around, your perceived deficits.

Directions:

grab a pencil and paper
record the letter next to your answer to each question
add up the points assigned to each letter for each question using the table that follows the last question
once you have your score, see the description of your “type” based on where you fall on the point scale
pass this on to anyone you know would like to learn a bit more about themselves
via how others see them.

Here goes...

1. When do you feel your best...
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk...
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted; do you see this as...
A) a welcome the break
B) a source of irritation
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most....
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are...
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a)2 (b)4 (c)6
2. (a)6 (b)4 (c)7 (d)2 (e)1
3. (a)4 (b)2 (c)5 (d)7 (e)6
4. (a)4 (b)6 (c)2 (d)1
5. (a)6 (b)4 (c)3 (d)5 (e)2
6. (a)6 (b)4 (c)2
7. (a)6 (b)2 (c)4
8. (a)6 (b)7 (c)5 (d)4 (e)3 (f)2 (g)1
9. (a)7 (b)6 (c)4 (d)2 (e )1
10. (a)4 (b)2 (c)3 (d)5 (e)6 (f)1

Now add up the total number of points do see in which category you fall, and its corresponding perceptions:

OVER 60 POINTS:
Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS:
Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS:
Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS:
Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS:
Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS:
People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren't.

You have been officially alerted.

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How to Dispose of Those Big or Problem Items

1/17/2019

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I'm forever wondering what to do with my old cell phone, meds I no longer want, or a mattress that's not being carted away for me because I didn't buy a new one to replace it.

To the rescue...the show's pals at Good Housekeeping, who have covered all the most often disposed items that tend to perplex us.

Before Going for Disposal:
If the item is in good/working condition, donate it to nonprofits like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, or local charities; if you prefer to make a little something on them, list them on eBay, or Facebook Marketplace groups.

But, if disposal is the best/only option, here's your guide...

Cleaning Products:
In most cases, water-soluble products (like bleach) can be flushed down the drain or toilet with running water, and solid cleaning products like bar soaps and scouring pads can go in the trash.

Appliances:

Washers and Dryers: If they're still in good working order, donate them to a shelter or home that would likely benefit. If you're buying new laundry appliances, ask the manufacturer whether they're certified to recycle your old ones. If all else fails, call your local waste management office to see whether you can leave them on the curb, or check out Earth911.com for more options
Refrigerators & Freezers: The first option is to have the folks from whom you purchase the new one dispose of the old...many do so for no extra fee if you've spent a certain amount; if you're not buying a new one, contact your local department of public works to schedule the removal, or use this EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) page to find a partner program near you. The costs for this service will vary. According to the EPA, removal can cost anywhere from $10 to $50, but you may receive a rebate for disposing your appliance responsibly
Microwaves: Some municipalities let you recycle broken microwaves as scrap metal. (Electronics recyclers will do the same for a small fee.) You could also bring it to a bulk items or appliance recycling day hosted by your county.

Mattresses:
Some cities/counties & private residential waste companies (if you contract with one in your neighborhood) will collect your mattress if you put it out (sealed in a plastic bag to prevent bedbugs) with your regular garbage for bulk collection; if you're planning on buying a new mattress, many retailers will also haul away the old one for you; or try Bye-Bye Mattress to find a recycling center near you or hire a removal service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
This is a great item to donate if it's gently used and in good condition, particularly to a local homeless shelter).

Medications:
To dispose of them safely, use this DEA Diversion Control Division search engine to find a certified disposal site near you (including some pharmacies). Your local law enforcement agency may also host periodic collection days; if you can't find one, you can also dispose of some medications in the trash following this FDA-suggested method:

Mix the medicines (do not crush) with an unpalatable substance like dirt, cat litter, or old coffee grounds.
Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag.
Throw the bag in the trash.
Scratch or black out all personal information on empty pill bottles or packaging before throwing them away.

Note: It's important to dispose of expired or unused medication as soon as possible to prevent others from accidentally taking or intentional misusing them.The FDA recommends flushing a few specific medicines down the toilet when a take-back option is not available due to the potentially fatal risk of someone taking them accidentally. These include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin) and Oxycodone, and a few others...here's the full list, or check the label for specific disposal instructions.

Electronics:

Cell Phones: first delete all of your personal information using a factory or hard reset option (check the manufacturer's website for info on how); also remove or erase the SIM or SD card - then you can trade in, donate, or recycle your device, usually right at the store (for example, AT&T runs the charity Cell Phones for Soldiers that donates devices to troops overseas; or use this database to find e-cycling locations in your area including private recyclers, nonprofits, and other programs
TVs: Don't toss your old TV or monitor in the trash...some old sets contain toxic materials like lead and count as hazardous waste. Best Buy, LG, Vizio, Samsung, and Sony all offer TV recycling programs (either in-store, event, drop-off site, and haul away options); you can also try contacting your local sanitation department for guidance
Laptops and Computers: Check out Dell Reconnect, World Computer Exchange, and eBay for Charity if you're interested in donating your device...and just like TVs, it's important to recycle these responsibly, so get in touch with the manufacturer or retailer to see if they'll help out.

Light Bulbs:
Some states and jurisdictions may require recycling light bulbs, so check your local laws before tossing these in the trash. As bulbs often break when they're thrown away, they can release mercury into the environment, so again, Earth911.com can provide info on how to safely dispose of these and other hazardous items like paint and pesticides).

Coffee Pods:
More pods are being manufactured to be easily placed in your regular recycyling (made of plastics)...but those made of aluminum can't be so here's some options...

Nespresso offers capsule recycling at more than 122,000 places around the world. Visit any Nespresso boutique or partner store (including Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma) or pick up a free pod-recycling bag online that comes with a prepaid UPS shipping label
for K-Cups, only a few varieties right now (including the Green Mountain kind) can get recycled; check for a #5 recycling sign on the bottom, remove the foil lid and throw that out along with the grounds, then recycle the empty cup.

Batteries:
Alkaline batteries can safely go in the trash everywhere except California, according to Duracell; for auto batteries check with your mechanic or dealer for best methods; for other kinds of batteries (or for more eco-friendly disposal), you can also look up nearby recycling sites on Call2Recycle and Earth911.com.

You have been officially alerted

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Final Post: What Love Means From the Mouths of Babes

My final alert was submitted by listener Joel C back in 2014; it's as profound as it is adorable. And...I think it's a great way to say good-bye.

New Digital Gadgets That Save Lives & Dollars

Typical Boomer Job Search Mistakes

Now that you know a bit more about how you're perceived (those of you who took the quiz, that is) so you don't unwittingly undermine your personal/work relationships, this blast will keep you from unwittingly undermining a current/future job search.

Would You Choose You?

Get to know a bit more about yourself from the standpoint of how others see you, since perception is often reality whether we like it or not, and can make the difference between getting/keeping your job or promotion, having a successful relationship...or not.

How to Dispose of Those Big or Problem Items

I'm forever wondering what to do with my old cell phone, meds I no longer want, or a mattress that's not being carted away for me because I didn't buy a new one to replace it.

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