Schmoozins

Run Fat Boy Run

This is the story of Dennis (Simon Pegg) who leaves his pregnant bride named Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter after having a panic attack that he isn’t good enough for her.

After Libby moves on and finds a new boyfriend in Whit (Hank Azaria), Dennis decides it’s time to win her back by showing he can actually complete something he starts. In this case, the Nike River Run Marathon.

The Bad: The story is predictable and we’ve all probably seen a million movies with nearly the same story line. The title suggests that Dennis is actually fat, but his character is simply a little out of shape with a fake beer belly.

The Good: Despite the fact that you knew exactly what was going to happen in the movie, it was refreshingly funny and feel-good movie. You can’t go wrong with Simon Pegg and Hank Azaria had some hilarious lines (“Do you see my point?” – you’ll have to see the movie to know what I mean).

Additional noteworthy comedic performances come from the landlord, Mr. Ghoshdashtidar, played by Harish Patel and Vincent, played by Simon Day.

Learn More: Run Fat Boy Run

Posted: April 7, 2008

A few days ago, Naomi Campbell threw yet another temper tantrum after a bag went missing. She was ordered to leave the plane and then was arrested for assaulting a police officer that was attending the incident.

British Airways is considering revoking flying priveleges…who could blame them?

Campbell’s History of Violence

This isn’t Campbell’s first arrest or public temper tantrum.  In 1998, she attacked a passenger on a plane who filmed while she slept. In 2000, she attended anger management classes for hitting her personal assistant with a phone. But she didn’t seem to learn anything from the incident, as she received 5-days community service in 2006, for throwing a phone at her maid.

But It’s Not Her Fault – Apparently

Your Local Guardian reports that Campbell feels this latest incident isn’t really her fault and the police didn’t arrest her because of what she did. No, no, no…it all has to do with race, according to the delusional Campbell.

She’s quoted as saying, “It just goes to show I have to fight for who I am. It’s because I’m black.”

Yeah, that’s exactly it.

What They Do: Rugman is an online retailer of Oriental, Persian, traditional and modern area rugs. They also sell rug accessories such as rug pads, cleaners, finials, stair rods, hangers and more.

Perks: Payment plans are offered (The “3 Easy Payment Plan” is available on purchases over $1000 at the time of this writing). There are also free shipping options for the U.S. and Canada.

Ask a Designer: The website includes an “Ask a Designer” section where you can get advice from a designer. Just answer a few questions, attach a photo and you’ll get answers.

Guarantee: Rugman products carry an 180-day satisfaction guarantee, excluding any “As Is” discount items. The guarantee includes “Worry Free Return Service” where Fedex picks up the product at your home and the package is ensured.

Click here to view their selection and visit the website.

Rental homes don’t always come equipped with the greatest of decor and many landlords aren’t willing to update just because you want a new look.
You could certainly pay to do it yourself, but it’s disheartening to think a lot of the work that you’d do only increases the property value for the property owner and won’t have lasting value for yourself.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t create your own unique style in a place that you’ll love to live in, even if you’re on a budget.

If you haven’t chosen the rental yet, here’s a few things to keep in mind before you make your choice:

* Ensure paint colors are neutral of match your furniture. If you plan on purchasing new furniture, ensure you can make the paint and furniture work together.

* If the paint looks like it hasn’t been updated in a while, colors are too bright or don’t suit your style, ask the landlord if he is willing to paint. If you want to make it easier for him to say yes, simply tell him that you’d be willing to do the painting if he provided the supplies and equipment.

* Make sure the flooring is clean, without damage and colors are suitable for your decorating style and colors. If there are any flooring issues, be sure to ask if they will be resolved before you move in or use area rugs that you can take with you when you leave.

* Make sure all windows have appropriate covering, so that you have privacy in your home. They should also be in a neutral color or at least match your décor. Work out any issues with window coverings before-hand or be prepared to invest in your own.

Even though many landlords will agree to fresh paint, you might be hard-pressed for them to do major remodeling throughout the home, but there are still plenty of things you can do to have your home suit your unique style.

Here are some ideas to make an average rental living space more spectacular:

* Add some life with brightly colored towels in the bathroom and kitchen.
* Add some throw pillows on your coach and bed for added color.
* Include some candles in your décor to add warmth and scents.
* Add some style to the walls with picture frames, mirrors.
* Find stylish and simple centerpieces or fresh flowers for your kitchen and living room tables.

Things to keep in mind:

* Many rentals tend to be small spaces, so keep it simple. Minimize the knick-knacks and clutter. Less is usually more, when it comes to decorating.
* Check with your local rental law to see what you can attach to the walls, floors, etc. It’s possible if you add permanent fixtures to the wall, that you won’t be able to take them with you.

Your living space need not be drab or boring. Just follow the steps above for a great-looking place you’ll love living in.

A full on renovation and redesign of your home might not be possible. It takes a lot of time and who has the money? Here are 12 tips to help you add style without all the time and money investment.

1. Wallpaper borders: You don’t have to paint or fully cover walls to add a bit more interest. Try wallpaper borders. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and shapes. The nice thing about many wallpaper borders is that they don’t use glue, but are self-adhesive plastic that can be removed when you want to try something new.

2. Try a Throw Rug: Rugs work well on laminate and other flooring. Even if you already have a carpeted room, you can add a brightly colored or uniquely patterned rug for a different look. You can place them at floor level, mid-level or up at the ceiling. Get creative!

3. Put Valances on the Window: A window valance is simply a small decorative curtain. It’s much shorter and it’s only function is to look pretty on a bare window or a window with blinds.

4. Keep Your Home Organized: Okay, that doesn’t really sound like a decorating tip, but the more organized and uncluttered your home is, the better it will look and the more comfortable it will feel.

5. Try New Ceiling Lighting or a New Lamp: It’s amazing what a difference lighting can make in a home. Update your look with some new lighting.

6. Add Color: There are so many ways to add color to your home. You can do it with towels, throw pillows, table skirts, folding screens, new bedsheets and more.

7. Paint Your Cabinets: Not ready for new cabinets? If you have wooden cabinets, you can easily paint them with acrylic paint made for wood.

8. Decorate Your Walls: Add paintings, framed photographs, art-work, candle sconces or whatever suits your fancy.

9. Add New Decorative Light Switch Covers: Forget about plain and boring white or beige light covers. Add some excitement to the room.

10. Add Cushions to Your Chair: Not only will it create a new look for your chairs, but it might cover up some of those scratches that build over time.

11. Change Your Door Handles: Door handles aren’t too complicated to change and come in a variety of styles and color choices.

12. Add Candles, Vases or other Centerpieces to Your Tables: You can try pillar candles in various sizes placed on a decorative plate, a brightly colored vase with fresh flowers or another unique centerpiece to add beauty to any room.

Not all home makeovers require a contractor and a dump truck load of money. If you have a bit of time this weekend, now is the perfect time to get started with these great ideas.

Changing career paths entirely can seem intimidating. However, every year, the number of adults in the workforce who have changed careers — multiple times, even — rises dramatically.

The average worker will make a career change three times over the course of their life, and it seems possible that number may grow even more.

Reasons to Make a Career Change

There are a number of reasons you might contemplate a change of careers, beyond a simple unhappiness in your current job. If you are unable to advance further in your current career, especially without a great deal more education, you may want to switch positions to one that can allow you to grow further. Your interests and abilities may have developed beyond the point where a specific field is able to hold your attention.

What Should Your New Career Be?

If you have decided on a complete change of career path, your next step must be deciding on your new career. The easiest way to do so is often to simply list jobs you have an interest in and begin eliminating them.

You might be able to eliminate particular jobs by considering the experience and education necessary (and whether you wish to spend the time required to acquire both), by considering the opportunities available in that field or by looking at your long-term goals.

Lastly, you might consider seeking out opportunities to try out a given field, perhaps on a temporary or volunteer basis, to see if you actually enjoy the work.

No matter what field you decide to explore, you will need to decide what skills you have that will help you in a new position and which you will need to acquire. You will need to create a new resume, pitching yourself to employers hiring for your new career path, and you may need to prepare yourself to work in a position with less responsibility than your last, at least in the short term. Changing careers can be a great deal of work.

Many individuals question whether changing careers is a viable option — whether it is worth it. It is an individual choice, but for those workers who are willing to put the necessary work into the process, it can be well worthwhile.

It is very important for you to plan your salary negotiation strategy before you get to the interview stage. Going in without a plan could mean that your prospective employer can take advantage of your lack of knowledge and hire you at a lesser salary, or you will end up with your ideal salary but too many extra responsibilities.

Here’s how some salary negotiation tips to help you come out ahead of the game:

Skills vs. Job Profile

You need to evaluate your skills against the job profile. That way, you know where you stand. Then, you should conduct some market research to find out what the salary range is for the position.

By knowing the salary range beforehand, you’ll have a good idea as to where you should start based on your education, experience and background.

You’ll also know if the company is low balling you – would you want to work for an employer that does this?

The Power of Persuasion

When you start negotiations, be firm but polite while speaking with your interviewer. Don’t get personal and maintain your professional demeanor. If the company is large and you feel that the salary they offer you is not enough, then you could mention the salary offered is equivalent to those offered by smaller companies; and since their company is large and the scope of responsibilities greater, you deserve a more lucrative compensation package.

This is where your persuasive abilities come in.

Convince them that you have advanced skills and experience, so you will be more useful to them in the future. The more you steer the negotiations towards how much the company needs your services, the greater your chances are of getting the salary you want. Also, always evaluate the total compensation package, such as health benefits, bonuses, and other incentives when you’re negotiating salary.

There is a very thin line between negotiating and haggling – so once you think that you have reached a fair figure, don’t be greedy. The idea is to negotiate, not haggle or force your potential employer into submission.

Have a definite plan in mind before negotiations begin – and you just might get your dream salary, along with your dream job.

Stress can build up, making us feel like there is no end in sight. This article discusses breathing to relieve stress to help you make it through some of those tough situations a lot more easily.

(Click here for a free Totally Tranquil demo)

Stress Build Up

Practicing focused breathing exercises can help you relax and relieve the tension you’ve built up during the day. Our everyday lives tend to weigh on use, causing us to be in a constant state of arousal, even if we have nothing to be excited about. This can cause emotional problems including irritability, anger, and depression along with physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Relaxation breathing can relieve these symptoms. These methods can also be used to calm yourself before you go to sleep. This way you get more of a better quality sleep that leaves you feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Getting Started with Your Breathing

The first step is to find a good position to be in for your breathing exercise. Many techniques will suggest different positions including: the prone position (on your stomach), lying on your back, sitting cross legged, sitting on your feet with your knees facing forward, or standing. No matter what the method suggests, you need to be in a position that makes you comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to relax no matter how you breathe. So find something that works for you. You may also try periodically changing positions throughout your breathing exercises; in fact, some techniques recommend it.

The next step is to use proper breathing technique. Naturally, we tend to take short shallow breaths. Breathing exercises involve taking longer, deeper, fuller breaths. This type of breathing changes the percentage of carbon dioxide in our systems, putting us in a more relaxed state. To accomplish this type of breathing, you should be sure to breathe by pulling your stomach in and out (toward and away from your spine). You should also make sure your shoulders stay relaxed; if the shoulders are moving up and down, your breathing is too shallow. An appropriate deep breath should bring out the stomach, chest, and collar bone.

The appropriate deep breath is very slow. It’s best to allow about 5 to 6 seconds for each inhale and the same for each exhale; however, it’s more important for you to focus on your technique rather than your pace. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and exhale though your mouth. A common yoga technique is to tighten your throat when you exhale so it sounds as if you’re whispering.

Stay Focused on Your Breathing…Not Your Stress

Do your best to focus your attention on the breathing. The point of breathing exercises is to clear your mind of stress, not give you a better opportunity to focus on it. You’ll probably find your thoughts wandering; just try to bring your mind back to the breathing when you do. As you have more and more experience, you’ll begin to find it easier to focus on your breathing and relaxation rather than the hassles of everyday life.

You may also find it helpful to practice visualization exercises while you’re breathing deeply. Picture each muscle in your body and focus on it feeling relaxed. Once that part of your body is relaxed, you can move on to another part. You may also choose to focus on the stress physically pouring out of your body through your fingers and toes.

Whatever method you use, deep breathing is a great way to get to sleep or simply unwind at the end of a long day.

More Stress Help:

Total Tranquil Stress-Relief Program – Get rid of stress with these high-tech audios.

The Hairstyler is a unique online program that allows you to view what you would like with a certain hairstyle and color. It is a web-based membership that you can sign up for 3 months at a time.

When you sign up, you receive access to:

• Choose from 8000+ hairstyles and 53+ colors.
• Upload your own photo an unlimited number of times to test our your looks…or just use a model to try out looks.
• Post your styles for feedback from visitors.
• Get consultation and recommendations from professionals.
• Choose from celebrity styles, if you wish.
• Email your styles to your friends and family for more feedback.

Styles Include:

• Every day
• Celebrity
• Salon
• Classic
• Bridal
• Mens
• Dreadlocks
• Alternative

- and new ones are added frequently. The Hairstyler is a good opportunity to see what you might look like with that dream hairdo or hairdos!

Things to Consider: Although styles may be relatively simple for your hairdresser to duplicate, the colors may not be as simple. Different salons use different hair colors and the way a color appears on your hair is largely dependent on the natural color and texture of your hair. Still, it’s a whole lot of fun to try out new looks!

Sign up for Hairstyler: Click here to sign up.

You can also use the free sample below, using the provided model:

It’s one of the things most women dread – the humiliating experience of trying to find a bathing suit that we can be proud to wear. The good news is, we’re own worst critics and choosing a flattering suit isn’t as hard as it seems.

Here are some tips to help:

• If you have a larger bust, try a halter top.
• If you have a bigger rear end, try boy-cut bottoms.
• Or try a skirted bottom, but beware of looking like you’re just trying to cover up. That’s not flattering either.
• Curvaceous? Try a tankini.
• Big belly? Stick with a one piece or a two piece that doesn’t expose the belly.
• If you’re plus-size, try darker and solid prints for a slimmer look.
• Warning: Horizontal stripes make you look wider.
• Slim and fit…don’t be shy. Try a little bikini.
• Pear shaped? Try a top with a bright color to bring attention to the upper body, rather than the rounder bottom.

Find a Bathing Suit:

• Designer Swimwaear for curvy women: Search by body type, style and more.
• More women’s swimsuits: A huge selection and comparison opportunities.