Green Occupations Are Growing (449) (NewsUSA) – A combination of legislation and activism is inspiring companies to consider the “green” side to their business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmentally related occupations are projected to grow 38 percent more than all other occupations combined by 2016. The report, “Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy,” predicts the highest growth of green jobs will be in renewable power generation, retrofitting residential and commercial areas and in renewable transportation fuels. As a result, universities are increasingly integrating economic, environmental and social issues into their curriculum. One of these institutions, DeVry University, has created several green-focused specializations to build on the school’s core degree programs — including business administration with a specialization in sustainability management, and electronics engineering technology with a specialization in renewable energy. “Education needs to reflect this trend for the future leaders who will build economic and technological capital while considering the impact on social and natural resources,” said Jesus Fernandez, associate provost for curriculum at DeVry University. “DeVry University’s green curriculum adds focus on sustainability and environmental impact to the core business and electronics engineering technology degree programs.” Fernandez offers three main growth areas: Sustainability Management An emerging area for leadership involves resource conservation, pollution prevention and the regulation and enforcement for process and procedure to be made more efficient and with greater sustainability. Those interested in sustainability management should explore coursework that provides a sound foundation of business and management principles while emphasizing green considerations, technologies and economic factors. Renewable Energy Relating to the production, transmission and storage of sustainable energy sources — wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power — many of the skills needed in engineering, design, planning or project management for renewable sources of energy are similar to those needed in traditional energy fields. A strong engineering technology and electronics foundation, like DeVry University’s Renewable Energy specialization, provides an emphasis on alternative power sources and the economics of green engineering. “Changing Skill” Occupations With the increasing cultural shift toward environmental stewardship, there is a substantial need for employees of all levels to understand the green process. Students now have the opportunity to add desirable green skills to their existing area of expertise ? be it marketing, operations, finance or management. Green job growth won’t slow down anytime soon — it is currently outpacing even total job growth. Between 1998 and 2007, U.S. green jobs increased by 9.1 percent with little government investment — almost 150 percent more than total job growth of 3.7 percent for the same period. Moving forward, companies will require employees to understand “green,” and it will be essential for graduates to prepare themselves for this changing environment. Students interested in these exciting programs and careers should visit www.devry.edu for more information.

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Time and Money Saving Tips for Your 2010 Tax Return (350) (NewsUSA) – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will still benefit millions of workers, families and college students on their 2010 federal tax returns. The Making Work Pay Credit is equal to 6.2 percent of your earned income, up to $400 for individuals and $800 for joint filers in 2010. It starts phasing out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for joint filers. Like last year, the credit is already being distributed in paychecks through increased federal withholding. (If you don’t withhold federal taxes, you’ll receive the credit when you file your 2010 return.) Even though you receive this credit in each paycheck, you’ll generally still need to claim the credit on your 2010 tax return. The credit on your federal return makes up for the reduced withholding throughout the year. The credit should be figured using Schedule M and recorded on Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. Certain energy-efficient home improvements are worth up to $1,500 through the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit and Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Then add this sentence: The $1,500 limit is the maximum amount that can be claimed for both 2009 and 2010 combined, and you must claim the credit in the year that the improvements were made. Both credits should be claimed on Form 5695. The HOPE credit is now called the American Opportunity Credit and is worth up to $2,500 per student for tuition, related fees and required course materials in 2010. It phases out at a modified adjusted gross income of $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint filers. Form 8863 must be filed to claim this credit. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, Inc., the makers of TaxACT, recommends these steps: 1. Using the preview versions of TaxACT made available in early October for year-end tax planning and to get a head start on your 2010 federal return. 2. Reviewing your withholding. The Making Work Pay Credit is being distributed through decreased federal withholding, so having too little tax withheld may result in a smaller refund or more taxes owed. 3. Learning more about the ARRA at www.IRS.gov/recovery and www.TaxACT.com/recovery-act.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

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(NAPSI)-A new online educational resource, www.BloodSugar Basics.com, has just launched to help people living with diabetes, their families and loved ones learn about the importance of understanding and managing low and high blood sugar. The website, developed by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) and supported by Merck, breaks down information on blood sugar into easy-to-understand interactive features, downloadable resources and helpful tips on how to control blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes and their family members can get started by taking the interactive Blood Sugar Knowledge Quiz to test their blood sugar IQ. Do you know the answer to the question below? Visit the website to take the quiz and find out!

The website offers information about the causes, symptoms and risks of low and high blood sugar, as well as easy-to-download and-print resources like the Low and High Blood Sugar Checklists to help people understand, recognize and get through episodes of low or high blood sugar.

“While most people with type 2 diabetes recognize the importance of avoiding high blood sugar, they may not know the risks of extremely low blood sugar,” says Farhad Zangeneh, M.D., FACP, FACE, medical director and endocrinology consultant at the Endocrine, Diabetes and Osteoporosis Clinic (EDOC) and member, AACE Board of Directors.

Low blood sugar can make people feel dizzy, sweaty, hungry or tired and, if it’s not treated, may even cause loss of consciousness, while high blood sugar can cause frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue or blurred vision. People with diabetes should discuss ways to best manage blood sugar with their doctor. To help begin this discussion, they can keep track of blood sugar levels with the AACE Diabetes Passport, and bring the Fast Five Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Blood Sugar to their next appointment.

“Skipping meals, drinking too much alcohol and changing exercise routines can all contribute to low blood sugar; patients may also need to adjust their medications and should talk with their doctor about any episodes of low blood sugar,” added Dr. Zangeneh.

If you or a loved one have type 2 diabetes, visit http://www.BloodSugarBasics.com to get started and learn how to control blood sugar levels to help manage diabetes successfully.

True or False?

In addition to insulin, some oral diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar, but there are diabetes treatment options that are associated with less low blood sugar.

http://www.BloodSugarBasics.com

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Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or need recycling. We pick-up for free, no cost to you,and we dis-asemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have a repair specialist to check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Area we try to pick-up in: Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Clayton NC and surrounding area’s Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

It 2011! Wow, how time fly, seems like 2010 only lasted a couple of months. I do remember most of the good, thanks to planning and getting things done on a schedule. As administrator here at City5nc I get to talk to lot of people from all over the world, and I get many thoughts and views, on how to make life better, as far as day to day living, some good and others not so good.

These are things we consider essential for most people, from low income to middle class trying to survive in this economy.

1. Try to pay your credit cards down or off, spend cash if possible, pay a few dollars more than the minimum, use only one card with low interest rate, and low balance for emergencies.
2. Eat healthy foods, buy local fruits and vegetables when you can, or grow your own when the seasons are in. buy food in bulk when appropriate, not just when it on sale.
3. If times are really tight, try turning your hobby or crafting idea into a money making venture. Do a search online for crafts and hobbies ideas, go to craft shows, take an online course from your local Community College, use what you already know as a starting point.
4. Remember that what goes around comes around, so don’t wait for someone to do something nice for you first, start by giving or helping someone along with an act of kindness, it just might come back to you when you really need it, or you just might feel good.
5. If you live in the City riding the bus a few days a week, could save you lots of money, gas, less traffic, and no headache.
6. Banking and Savings in the major banks is more expensive, with more fees and banking cost, using your debit card could cost you more at some banks, not just at the ATM but news fees. If you have a saving account and it’s been hard to keep the minimum balance that your bank have on that account, then you are paying the bank to save your own money. Find a bank that has a low minimum balance.
7. Make a plan to become debt free, it’s not impossible to do. Start paying a payment and a half each time you make a mortgage payment, credit card, car, medical bills and before you know it your bills are paid. Start small and test the waters, if you can do this without breaking your bank, then you’re on your way.
8. Down time, well it’s also important to get in your rest and relaxation, so budget enough for that special get away. Whether you are young, older, retired a break from the routine, same old same can can make Jack a dull boy and Jill too. Taking time off for that fishing trip, traveling, sight-seeing, visiting another Country or US State or just taking a break to pamper yourself is all good.
9. Small Businesses should try to invest in their companies, but don’t forget about the employees, before you pass out those lay-off or pink slips try working with your employees to maybe work out a salary or benefit compromise until the economy improves.
10. Don’t Complain about what you dis-like about your life, just add some things you do like, and the rest will fall in place.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here Free Wake County Business Listings

Breaking down barriers: Who says women can’t excel in math and science?

(ARA) – Millions of jobs will become available in science-, technology-, engineering- and math-related (STEM) fields by 2018, yet the next generation of employees in America will be unprepared and unqualified to take advantage of these positions. According to recent data from the Information Industry Technology Council, our nation’s children are falling behind their international peers in almost every area of STEM education.

In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that although women currently make up more than half the American workforce, they hold only 14 percent of engineering positions and 25 percent of mathematics positions – meaning that there is a pressing need to break down gender barriers in STEM industries.

New research shows there is no difference in ability between men and women. The differences in achievement only appear when lower expectations and distorted perceptions of what is achievable affect motivation levels and confidence.

Some institutions are doing their part to dismantle the social stigmas that keep young women from pursuing math and science. In response to this pressing need to educate tomorrow’s workforce and dissolve stereotypes, DeVry University and Danica McKellar, well-known for her roles on “The Wonder Years” and “The West Wing” and now also a mathematician and best-selling author, are teaming up for National HerWorld month to inspire young women across the country to explore careers in STEM-related fields.

Now in its 13th year, the HerWorld program provides an opportunity for high school girls to explore fast-growing careers of the 21st century in science, technology, engineering and math. National HerWorld month is an initiative hosted by educators that will introduce young girls to women who have excelled in these fields.

“Our society still promotes outdated, negative stereotypes that lead girls from a young age to believe that math is too hard and that it’s only for boys,” says McKellar. “For several years, it’s been my mission to reverse these damaging messages by giving girls the tools they need to improve their math skills and self-esteem, and showing them that intelligence is key to becoming a fabulous young woman someday. I’m thrilled to be partnering with DeVry University’s HerWorld program to further this mission. During National HerWorld month, we’ll be introducing high school girls to powerful female role models and opening the door to exciting STEM career opportunities that they may never have imagined possible. We’ll show them: ‘You can do this!’”

More than 7,200 high school girls from hundreds of high schools across the country will participate at nearly 50 local HerWorld events where, in addition to participating in education seminars, confidence building and robotics workshops, they will listen to local female leaders discuss their career journeys and gain inspiration toward their future endeavors. DeVry University’s corporate partners will also take part to support the program’s powerful message. Every participating HerWorld high school across the country will receive a copy of McKellar’s latest book, “Hot X: Algebra Exposed,” for their library.

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(NAPSI)-Figuring out how to pay for your child’s education does not have to be stressful or confusing. Regardless of your family’s financial circumstances, the following tips can help simplify the process.

“The key to paying for college is to take charge of the process: Investigate aid options, contact your prospective colleges’ financial aid offices for more information, and keep track of deadlines,” says Linda Bell, director of financial aid at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pa. “Keep a file for each college during the search and retain the folder for the college you decide to attend until you graduate and repay your loans.”

She offers this advice:

• Start saving now. Whether your child is 6 months or 16 years old, your savings can reduce the amount you may have to borrow later, and some savings plans, like 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, offer tax benefits. Contact your financial adviser for more information.

• Expand your college search. Private colleges and universities value geographic diversity and often have more resources to devote to financial aid. While your local state college or university probably has lower tuition and fees, out-of-state private institutions may offer more generous financial aid packages.

• Complete the FAFSA. Regardless of your income, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study and federal college loans. Some private colleges also require the CSS/PROFILE. Check with the financial aid office.

• Apply for scholarships. You can find information about federal grants and scholarships in the Student Aid Guide on the Department of Education’s web- site (http://studentaid.ed.gov), and at your prospective college’s financial aid office. Check websites like www.fastweb.com for private scholarships, and don’t forget about scholarships that your employer or community organizations may sponsor.

• Be proactive. Keep track of the deadlines and required application materials. If you have any questions, contact the school’s financial aid office. E-mail is the best form of communication because it’s easy to keep track of. Financial aid offices and the Department of Education should be able to help you for free.

For more information, visit www.lehigh.edu/assistance.

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by Richard L. Trumka

(NAPSI)-Every night, 15 million people in this great country go to sleep hoping that tomorrow will be the day they find a job. Hundreds of thousands of employees of our states and cities wake up hoping this won’t be their last day on the job. Five million people wake up trying to save their homes from foreclosure by the big banks. And nearly 17 million children go to bed hungry. This isn’t the America I dreamed of.

It’s time for all Americans to remember that patriotism is about more than fighting abroad. It’s also about fighting for ourselves, our neighbors and our communities here in the United States. It’s time for economic patriotism. How can we be patriotic?

First, I call on every American to make a choice to be patriotic in our everyday lives. That means demanding to know which products are made in America and then choosing them. We can buy products made in countries where workers make a few pennies an hour with few if any protections on the job, or we can support products made here where our neighbors and community members make a living from what they create. It’s time we buy American and buy on Main Street. And when we do that, we’ll invest in our communities and ensure that our jobs are good jobs and our children have a thriving future.

We need policies that allow corporations to be economic patriots without being penalized. Over time, corporations made choices that put short-term profits over humanity, and the world market over American communities, and it hollowed out our great nation.

Currently, our policies favor companies that ship our good jobs overseas to countries where there are few laws in place to protect workers’ safety, their rights and the environment. We must stop rewarding outsourcing and promote manufacturing in the United States instead. Our leaders must also hold China accountable for manipulating its currency, which hurts America’s workers and creates a massive trade imbalance. We must invest in our crumbling roads, schools and bridges, which will create good jobs and create a solid foundation for the next generation. And we must elect leaders who share these goals.

Every one of us has a choice. As patriots, let’s choose the path forward to create good jobs, jobs that can’t be shipped overseas, jobs that can support a family. It’s about time to invest in the country we love.

Trumka is president of the 11.5 million?member AFL-CIO, which represents firefighters, teachers, nurses, electricians, scientists and communications workers.

Photo credit: Andre Martenez

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RALEIGH, N.C. –
An agency that accredits high schools in a North Carolina county is sending a special review team to assess recent changes in the school system.

AdvanceED said in a letter to the Wake County school district that it wants to determine whether the changes are negatively impacting the ability of schools to meet standards. The agency is asking for details about the district’s controversial proposal to move away from a diversity policy toward neighborhood schools.

The review comes in response to a complaint filed earlier this year by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP has accused the school board of harboring “racist attitudes,” something board members vehemently deny.

Dr. Mark Elgart, the president and CEO of AdvancED, said the organization is in the beginning steps of its probe.

“Our primary concern is are they governing in the best interest of the students and the community and to not only look at the process they followed but the determination regarding student assignment,” Elgart said by phone.

School board majority member John Tedesco tells NBC-17 he believes

Read More:MYNC.COM

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Raleigh, NC – Community Workforce Solutions, Inc. (CWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, held a special event May 6th to celebrate their newly established gardening program. The program will provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn gardening and plant care job skills.

Launched in March, the program teaches participants how to plant, water, weed and harvest plants, fruits and vegetables. As well as developing practical vocational skills, the program also develops knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating habits. Harvested food will be given to the program participants and other community members in need.
“It’s amazing to see what happens when people put their hearts and souls into a program that relies strictly on donations,” said Julie Griffin, Green Team Coordinator and Community Employment Manager. “The energy and effort from the community, the staff, and the participants will ensure the value and validity of this gardening program.”

CWS’ gardening program is supported solely by donation. Current donors include Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, Larry’s Beans, Dynamite Plant Food, Kroger, Black Gold Compost, Pacific Mulch, Grow and Share, Whole Foods, The Cotton Company, Barker’s Hauling, Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment and Ellen Ransom of Ransomshire Building. To make a contribution towards building a raised vegetable bed and herb garden, contact Julie Griffin at jgriffin@communityworkforcesolutions.com

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

Degrees that will make you indispensable in the workplace

(ARA) – From digitizing and analyzing America’s health records to developing the next big video game or hardware program, careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to gain prominence in the work force. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a growing demand for technological advances will result in a job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations between 2004 and 2014.

As employment opportunities within these new and emerging industries continue to expand, educational institutions are taking a look at refining curriculums to provide career-focused higher education, and better prepare students for careers in specific fields.

To do this, universities are working directly with high-caliber employers to ensure their future employee needs will be met. DeVry University, for example, works directly with companies including IBM and Cisco to create these student programs. DeVry University graduates from the last five years have worked at 96 of the Fortune 100 companies.

“Students are looking to obtain the education and knowledge needed to succeed in the high-growth industries that continue to thrive,” says Donna Loraine, vice president, academic affairs for DeVry Inc., and dean, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “Our academic structure is one that allows for swift implementation of new programs and curriculum once we notice a specific need, allowing us to better prepare students for these in-demand 21st century careers.”

According to the Center for Education Policy Analysis, technology is pervasive in almost every aspect of daily life, and as the workplace changes, STEM knowledge, skills and the ways in which problems are approached and solved in these subjects are important for a variety of workers.

DeVry worked closely with Cisco using the Cisco Networking Academy program to deliver curriculums that teach students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.

“Working with DeVry University to equip students with technical knowledge and hands-on experiences will help meet growing demand for skilled workers in a variety of industries ranging from broadband and wireless to healthcare and green technologies,” says Amy Christen, vice president of corporate affairs at Cisco and general manager of the Cisco Networking Academy. “Individuals that are trained in the latest technology careers today will be well-prepared for a variety of exciting career opportunities tomorrow.”

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is anticipating an approximate 45 percent growth in the computer software engineer and application occupations. Anticipating this demand, these student/employer partnerships aim to prepare soon-to-be graduates for these technology careers, while helping to fill a growing need for professionals in the emerging industries around the world.

Courtesy of ARAcontent