Tip for the unemployed: car insurance

If you’ve been out of work for a while, or plan to be, check with your car insurance agent about pricing.   My agent called this week, regarding a different policy, and checked my rates.  By adjusting the projected annual mileage used in the formula that determines my rate (since I’m not commuting to work everyday) I can save about $200 per year.

Best of 2008 blogging

photo by gep

It’s the end of December, and blogs are brimming with all sorts of end-of-year reviews.
Taking the lead from Elysa over at GenPink, I’m posting links to my favorite posts of 2008.

Professional:

McKinsey’s Model Centered Leadership for women — key traits and behaviors to get ahead professionally

The Personal and Professional Benefits of Philanthropy

When is enough enough? Enhancing mental agility (when is taking brain-enhancing drugs for non-medical reasons OK?)

The marketing machine: non-fiction books (thinks to think about when marketing a NF book)

Personal:

Favorite Reads of 2008 — trying to hit 50 books before the 31st, realistically, it’ll be more like 45.

A Guide to Life Coach Selection

Making grad school more affordable

Defining Gen Y (my response to a query about what events have shaped the Gen Y collective)

Politics:

Little room for “just war” when diplomacy and police work trump bombing (The US seems to be the only developed nations that hasn’t caught on to the fact that exercising soft power and creating open dialogues is more effective than dropping bombs)

What story is mainstream media creating? (why we should be thinking about the motives of the media in their reporting)

Foreign correspondents fading away (are we ready for foreign reporting that reflects indigenous, not American perspectives)

Why I’m Voting Obama, part deux

Video-of-the day shorts from around the web

A Short Love Story in Stop Motion (a sweet animated romance)

Wassup! — covers 8 years of G.W. Bush is minutes

Intentionally disturbing commercial: STD awareness (a PSA that got my attention)

Since I’m constantly adding new bloggers to my Google Reader, as well as meeting them on Twitter,  it would be great to hear from some of them (Tim, Sally, Allison, Andy, Jen,  Andrew, Monica, Amanda and you too!  What are your best posts of 2008?

Sex & Relationships: December news round up

photo by blmurch

Romantic comedies are not your best date night movie option!

Romantic comedies set up unrealistic expectations in relationships.  Researchers at Hariot Watt University found their study subjects, after watching such films,  to be more apt to believe in soul mates, magical consistent sex with one’s partner and that in a good relationship one’s partner should be able to predict your needs, even if you don’t explicitly state them.

Kimberly Johnson, who also worked on the study, said: ‘Films do capture the excitement of new relationships but they also wrongly suggest that trust and committed love exist from the moment people meet, whereas these are qualities that normally take years to develop.’

You can help out with their next study on relationships, personality and media consumption, you can take part in a survey here.

A while back I read about a study that found couples were more likely to hook up after watching a horror film than other genres included in the study.  (A study I, of course, can’t locate right now).  Horror films get the adrenalin pumping and the blood flowing with the disadvantage of making your call into questions various aspects of your current relationship.

Looking good, feeling better.

Market researchers for Astral moisturizer in the UK surveyed more than 1000 women between the ages of 45-60 about their sex appeal and satisfaction.

The age at which a women feels most sexy is 34, according to a new study, that also found those in their twenties and thirties have the most sex – 10.4 times a month on average

This figure is double the amount middle-aged women have, which works out at just 4.5 times a month, but the research suggests the older women take more pleasure from it.

More than half – 56 per cent – said they enjoyed sex more than they did when they were younger.

Seems reasonable.  Women feel sexiest when they’re getting the most nookie.  Their partner(s) make them feel more desirable, yielding more sexual encounters.   Like everything else in life, practice makes closer to  perfect.  Older women have spent years figuring out what feels good to their bodies, so one would hope a good partner who understands one’s need would make for better sex.

Birth control pill available without a prescription in London

Here’s a solution to the Bush administration’s planned HHS regulations allowing medical professionals and staff to deny procedures and sales of medications that violate their own moral code.

A very progressive Department of Health in the UK is running a trial, which includes selling the birth control pill without a prescription to women 16 or older at 2 London pharmacies. The study aims to see if greater and easier accessibility to the birth control pill could lower teen pregnancy rates in the country.

The UK is actually serious about cutting back on unwanted pregnancy, unlike the US.  Here, pro-birth advocates are hard at work to cut government funding to Planned Parenthood chapters nationwide.   Why? Abortions make up 3% of the service offered at Planned Parenthood. Nevermind that abortion is legal and 38% their patients are there for contraceptives to prevent an unwanted pregancy (page 6 of Planned Parenthood Annual Report)

Abortion doesn’t cause depression

A John Hopkins University review of more than 21 studies looking at post-abortion mental health found no linkage between abortion and depression, but instead found “post abortion syndrome” to be a convenient political gimmick for the pro-birth movement.

‘Based on the best available evidence, emotional harm should not be a factor in abortion policy. If the goal is to help women, program and policy decisions should not distort science to advance political agendas,’ added Vignetta Charles, a researcher and doctoral student at Johns Hopkins who worked on the study.

RIP: Ellen Frances Bruno

photo by higashitori

From The Star Ledger:

Special education teacher in Springfield, Ellen Frances Bruno, 48, died on Nov. 20, 2008, in Overlook Hospital. Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit R.C. Church, Morris Ave., Union. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Born in Elizabeth, Mrs. Bruno resided in Springfield. She attended Kean University, where she completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She was a devoted and much loved special education teacher with the Springfield Board of Education, where she received the Teacher of the Year award in 2002 from the Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School. Ellen loved gardening, reading, cooking, and always had time for her family and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Victoria Ryan, and is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; the joys of her life, daughters, Melisa McKinnon, with her husband, David, and Victoria Bruno; also surviving are her brothers, James and Tim Ryan, and her sister, Carol Hauschild. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Center for Hope Hospice, 1900 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 or the Community Food Bank of N.J., 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, N.J. 07205 would be appreciated.

Yes, we did.

In 2008 I voted for change, I hope you did too.

Note the incredible lopsidedness of my person. I took the photo with my laptop and had the computer in one hand at a funny angle to get my head AND the “I Voted” sticker in, hence the unnatural shoulder imbalance. Seriously, my clavicle bones are a wee bit lopsided, but not so obscenely so!

On a more important note, my apologies for slacking off on the blogging as of late.  I hope to get back on a regular schedule soon.

Boo! Ben & Jerry’s in Santa Monica

I swung by my local B&J’s for my complementary election day scoop in celebration of a certain Obama victory.  I got there about 7:40pm.  The complementary scoop offer ran from 5pm-8pm.

At about 7:45pm the owner came out, walking towards the end of the line, which must have been about 40 people deep and told us to “go away.”  He insisted he was closing the doors at 8pm.

About 10 minutes later he repeated his pronouncement to a line that had grown even longer.  But we didn’t actually believe he’d do it.  “Go away!” he said.  “Don’t you understand?”

It’s election day. If you’re in line when the polls close, they keep the voting going until the last person finishes voting.  In the spirit of this election, you’d have thunk he’d do just the same.

But no. At 8pm he cut off the person in front of the door and closed it, refusing to allow anyone else to enter.  There was still a line trailing 3 store fronts.

So now when I think Ben & Jerry’s, I think “Go Away!”  Probably not the positive branding the corporate office was seeking.

I’m imagining the owner as a bitter McCain supporter. . . thus I’m feeling more forgiving than usual.

Photo Friday: Bomb Squad ‘bot

My brother manages a video game retail outlet in NJ.  Earlier this week a pipe bomb appeared to have been left out in front of the Radio Shack in the same strip mall.   The bomb squad was called in, and Paul caught a pic of their robot handling the scene.  Turned out to be a fake.

Membership incentives for NYC chapter of Step Up Women’s Network

I’ve blogged on several occasions about my fondness for Step Up Women’s Network. (Here Here and Here)

If you live in NYC, it’s time to benefit first hand from the networking, community service opportunities, and professional mentorship program offered through SUWN. . .

Join, renew, or upgrade your membership in NYC by October 31st and be entered in a 10th anniversary sweepstakes featuring a variety of prizes. Same deal if you (as a member) refer a friend who joins; make sure she puts your name in the referred by box, and you’re entered too.

They’re offering 7 randomly prizes and will randomly select winners for each.

• The Grand Prize: 2 round trip Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere in the U.S. ($800 value). **The Grand Prize will be awarded to the Member with the most friend referrals!
• 2-night stay at Gansevoort South in Miami. Double room with oceanview. ($1,050 value)
• Saltaire black lightweight nylon taffeta pea coat – size small ($348 value)
• Kerastase Express Treatment plus Color and Cut at Chris Chase Salon, the exclusive stylists of Prada and Calvin Klein models ($400 value)
• Harlem Vintage private wine tasting with light catering for 15 people ($450 value)
• Gucci Sunglasses in chocolate brown ($300 value)
• A limited edition “You Are My Inspiration” Necklace, with gold pendant and chain ($50 value)

Note: 90% of dues are tax deductible!

Sweepstakes Rules: Each woman is only eligible to win one prize. Contest runs between July 28, 2008 – October 31, 2008. Winners will be notified on November 14, 2008. No purchase necessary to win. Women will be automatically entered to win after each online transaction. Others may mail a business card with the word “sweepstakes” on the back to the Step Up national headquarters.

A Los Angeles sweepstakes run through October 15th!

Photo Fun Friday: Fit for a rat.

I realize this picture has little to do with anything of meaning, but it’s Friday, and the pic makes me smile every time I look at it.  Can you imagine sewing a tiny teddy bear fit for a rat?

I have no clue as to its origins, or I’d credit the photographer.   Peace out!

Cool prizes and an awesome organization in Los Angeles

I’ve blogged on several occasions about my fondness for Step Up Women’s Network.

Over at Shakeville, I’ve shared Step Up’s sucesses working with underserved teen girls (90% live below the poverty level) in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City.

You’ve learned about new skills I developed through my volunteering with Step Up.

And I’ve also shared the power of networking via Step Up’s events.

Now’s your chance to get in on the action! If the networking, community service opportunities, and professional mentorship program aren’t enough for you. . .

Join, renew, or upgrade your membership in Los Angeles by October 15th and be entered in a 10th anniversary sweepstakes featuring a variety of prizes valued at over $9000. Same deal if you refer a friend who joins; make sure she puts your name in the referred by box, and you’re entered too.

They’re offering 12 randomly prizes and will randomly select winners for each.

The Sports Club/LA
Get fit with a one-year health membership to The Sports Club/LA in West Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. Recognized as the finest sports and fitness complex in the world, The Sports Club/LA features over 40 different sports and fitness options under one roof. Value: $3,300

Linnea Lenkus Fine Art Portrait Studios

Experience a creative studio portrait session with Los Angeles photographer Linnea Lenkus and receive a 24” x 30” framed portrait. Value: $2,100

Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts

Make your skin glow with a signature Ultimate Kate treatment package and Glow Kit from Kate Somerville Skin Health Experts. Value: $635

Max&Co.

A stunning MAX&Co. shiny black leather hobo bag with a $300 gift card to splurge at the MAX&Co. boutique located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, CA. Value: $775

The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey

Spa-tacular Package: Accommodations in a deluxe guest room for one night. Choice of 30 minute massage for two guests or 60 minute massage for one guest. Special spa welcome amenity included. Value: $699

The Container Store

Those dreams of an organized closet, pantry or garage will soon be realized thanks to elfa® and The Container Store! elfa® is the premier wire shelving and drawer system and will help you gain control of the clutter in any area of your home or office. Meet with one of our design experts in-store to create a customized storage solution for your home with $500.00 in elfa® products. Value: $500

THERESA kathryn

Tote your laptop computer around in style with the fashionable “Domenica” Laptop Brief by THERESA kathryn. Perfect for travel, the Domenica Bag is smart, sophisticated and sure to turn heads. It includes all the features a woman needs to stay organized. Value: $350

Hotel Angeleno

Set the city of angels aglow with a one-night delux accomodation at the Hotel Angeleno including dinner for two at WEST. Value: $400

Iduna Medical Aesthesis

Pamper yourself with an anti-aging Iduna Signature “Golden Veil Facial” and a basket of skin products. Value: $300

Sheila Kelley’s S Factor

Enjoy a private S Factor class for you and 10 girlfriends. Learn a groundbreaking movement technique that will help you discover a great new way to workout and an inspiring body attitude. Value: $550

Tiffany & Co.
Dazzle in a gorgeous pair of silver earrings, accompanied by a classic Tiffany crystal box. $450

Los Angeles Conservancy

The Los Angeles Conservancy’s award-winning tours explore the historic architecture and history of the city of Los Angeles. Enjoy a private 2 ½ hour walking tour of the city for a group of friends led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic docent. Value: $150

Note: 90% of dues are tax deductible!

The fine print:

*Sweepstakes Rules: Only current Step Up members are eligible to win. Each woman is only eligible to win one prize. Contest runs between September 9, 2008 – October 15th, 2008. Winners will be notified on October 20, 2008. No purchase necessary to win. Women will be automatically entered to win after each online transaction. Others may mail a business card with the word “sweepstakes” on the back to the Step Up national headquarters.