This story's category is Columns.
By the editors of E - The Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk I understand that there are a number of bills before Congress right now that seek to turn over public lands to destructive commercial and recreational activity. What can be done to stop this assault on the land that belongs to all the people?
- Astrid Cameron, New York, N.Y.
Remember the movie "Catch Me If You Can"? It is based on the true story of Frank W. Abignale Jr., a truly legendary scam artist, former confidence trickster, check forger, impostor and escape artist.
After serving five years in jail - in three countries - he turned his life around and eventually became a legendary success as a consultant helping companies battle financial fraud.
In early May, like millions of people, I ended up tuning into the Kentucky Derby that was being televised across the world. Unlike many of them however, I did so purely by accident.
I had just settled on the couch for a couple hours of chill time and began to flip the remote across the HD universe. Up and down I went and nothing seemed to grab me. A little disappointed about the NBA season slowing down I couldn't find a thing to watch. Just when I was ready to resort to Comcast On Demand I caught an image of horses going wild with guys on top.
Writers have voices. If you don't know what I am talking about, recall a time when a loved one wrote you a warm and touching thank you note.
As you read it, the loved one's image appeared in your mind. You could actually "hear" that person's voice. The way that you thought you heard that person was that person's writing "voice." It was as if that person was speaking directly to your mind.
With gas prices reaching near $4 per gallon, the cost of attending meetings, driving to the office and even driving to the bank can really add up, especially when all of the employees on your payroll are doing the same.
Profitability is a big factor for businesses striving to stay afloat and keep employees happy. With the additional costs incurred commuting, small and large businesses alike are turning more often to telecommuting and teleconferencing.
Most likely you, a co-worker or someone in your immediate family is a "boomer." Boomers are the largest demographic with more than 10,000 a day celebrating their 65th birthday.
At the same time, many areas of health care including dental care are anticipated to reach a shortage over the next few decades. This is all the more reason for boomers to diligently care for teeth and mouth appropriately now to prevent more extensive treatment later.
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The idea of ratings for online campaigns has been talked about for years. Some people, especially media buyers who work for brand advertisers, have practically been demanding it.
But how would it work? Panels, surveys, census? What would be the best methodology for such measurement and who is in the best position to do the job?
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The questions swirling around these daily deal sites are largely going unanswered as new sites pop up everywhere we look.
There's no doubt that offering a 50 to 80 percent discount will drive a flood of business through your doors. But, the more important questions to ask about these marketing opportunities are still being ignored. For instance:
Sure, you're gaining new clients, customers or patients, but are they the right clients? Or are they bargain shoppers, jumping to one of your competitors when they offer a similar discount?
By the editors of E - The Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk Which are the most fuel-efficient hybrid and/or all-electric cars available to consumers today - just the affordable ones, please?
- Jack Madison, Chicago, Ill.
Given increased environmental awareness, high gas prices and a continually slumping economy, it's no wonder that more fuel-efficient cars are all the rage these days.
I always tell my students that people don't get fired because of what they know or what they have done. Instead, people get fired because people don't like them.
Conversely, people get promoted because people like them. They are trusted. They are admired. They are problem solvers. They are "go to" people. They are valued.
Is that a surprise? It shouldn't be.
Likability transcends all types of fields. Politicians win elections because they are liked and people cast their votes for them.
Salespeople win contracts because their customers like them.
