Playing Political Football

I have on occasion written about politics in the past.  As I have in previous posts, I ask that no one post any comments “bad mouthing” one political party or the other and that no one post negative comments about President Obama.

A poll released today indicates that 46% of the 803 US adults polled would blame the Republicans if the government shuts down.  President Obama would be blamed by 36% of those in the poll.  The poll indicated that both the Republicans AND the President would be blamed by 13%.

My opinion was not included in this poll, and I find it interesting that the Democrats are not even mentioned as part of the blame. 

In my opinion, the current Congress – both the House and the Senate – is the worst we have had in my lifetime.  I am a senior citizen, so I am talking about a lot of years.

The Republicans and Democrats are blaming one another for the looming government shutdown.  There is plenty of blame to go around! 

I am so sick and tired of party politics.  Unlike in years past, those in Congress nearly always vote their party line.  They no longer think of what is best for America and the “average” citizen.  They are afraid of losing the backing of the multi-millionaires and billionaires who support them, so they vote however the extremely wealthy backers want them to vote.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives say they are “compromising,” but the other is not.  Let’s be real here!  No one is compromising!  Each party is threatening to “take their ball and go home” if the other doesn’t “play” the way they want them to.  They are behaving like children, not like the leaders they are supposed to be.

Right now, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is the political football being tossed back and forth.  The Republicans will not pass any spending bill that includes funding immediately for Obamacare.  The Democrats will not pass any bill that even mentions Obamacare.

I have no doubt that the government will shut down tomorrow.  Depending upon how long it remains shut down, it could be catastrophic for our already weak economy.  Of course, Congress and the President will be paid, but the military will not get paid… They can tell me all day long that they will be issued I.O.U’s, but whatever you call it, they are not getting paid! An I.O.U. will not pay their bills!  I live in a town where most people work at our military base.  Thousands of people will not get paid during a shutdown.

Who is truly to blame for the poor economy?  Based on their recent behavior, Congress – both Houses - and the President are all to blame.  I wish that we could all “stand up” to them and fire every last one! 

I truly fear for the United States of America.  Until and unless the extreme Right and extreme Left stop bickering, can we survive as a nation another generation?

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

There is a Hole in My Sidewalk

I have read and heard this story many times over the past twenty or so years.  There are a few versions with slight variations.  What message can you take from it?

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There Is a Hole in My Sidewalk
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson 

http://voxygen.net/2009/10/the-hole-poem/

1.     I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.  

2.     I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in this same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.  

3.     I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I fall in.  It's a habit...but my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.  

4.      I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.  

5.      I walk down a different street.  

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Many counselors and therapists use this to “measure” the steps of recovery.  However, I think we can all apply these “steps” to a time in our personal lives or our business growth.  Give it some thought.  If you are still “falling in the hole,” what step have you reached? 

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

The Power of Business Blogging

It seems that many business owners do not realize the power of blogging.  It is a shame, because there are many benefits. 

“The power of blogging to reach huge audiences and prospective customers cannot be underestimated. If you want your voice to you want to be heard on the social web, you need to have a blog," stated Social Media Examiner that recently surveyed 3000 business owners about blogging.  

A huge benefit of blogging for a business is to improve search engine rankings.  If a blog is keyword-optimized, updated frequently and its topics are relevant, the results will appear in Google searches. 

Business Owners’ blogs often reach their customers, prospects and colleagues directly resulting in increased lead generation 

Consumers, those people who use our products and services, can get to know YOU through your blogs.  They can see that you are a real person, not just a name and logo.  So, in addition to branding your business, blogs brand you, the business owner.  

If you choose to write about your industry, you can share your ideas and expertise with your blog readers.  In this way, you can build trust and credibility making you stand out from your competition.

By sharing your expertise, insights and ideas, blogs can help set you apart from the competition and build credibility, which leads to enhanced trust. 

Blogs can be used to target a particular niche market that is important to your business, which can give you a boost in your industry. 

Leads are generated by blogs.  Once your reach begins to grow, more people will be contacting you about your products or business opportunity.  

Because backlinks can be included in your blogs, they will drive additional traffic to your website.  Increased traffic equates to more sales. 

Many businesses write all their blogs about their business, which is fine.  However, there are few limitations as to blog topics.  You can write about your industry, business tips or personal stories – nearly anything you wish.  (I generally recommend that bloggers avoid the subject of politics or religion unless the blog is posted on a site geared toward those topics.) 

If you have not yet begun blogging for your business, start today!  Begin enjoying all the great benefits for your business.

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit:  http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance). 

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle  

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

How I Saved Hundreds of Dollars – so far – This Year!

Some of you may know that I am an Xpress Healthcare® business owner.  I also am keenly aware that the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they hear Xpress Healthcare® is insurance. 

Xpress Healthcare® is NOT insurance of any kind.  We offer discount plans that help our members save money on their dental and health expenses NOT covered by their insurance.  For those who have no insurance, it can dramatically reduce their expenses. 

In this post today, I want to share my personal experiences with just one of our four discount plans.  I actually have all four plans, but I use our Premium Plan more than the others.  I have full-coverage health insurance through my retirement plan, but this Xpress Healthcare ® discount plan offers savings on Aetna Dental®, prescriptions, vision care, hearing services, medical supplies, and vitamins and diabetic supplies.  

Here is a copy of an estimate my dentist gave me for a crown I need replaced.  As you can see, on this one procedure, by using my Xpress Healthcare® discount membership, I will be saving $447!  A couple weeks ago, I had a routine dental visit, cleaning and exam.  My dentist’s “normal and customary rate” is $126, but I only paid $74 with my discount card. 

The other way I have saved hundreds of dollars this year is on my prescriptions.  Again, please look at the receipt below. 

Unfortunately, I take several medications regularly.  Early last year, I discovered that the co-pay with my insurance was higher than the discounted price I can buy my prescriptions using my Xpress Healthcare® membership.  From that day on, I have used my discount card for all my prescriptions.

I’m afraid the receipts are a bit blurry, but in case you cannot read them, the receipt on the right is the co-pay I would have paid with my insurance, $250.02.  The receipt on the left is what I did pay with my Xpress discount, $167.85, an $82.17 savings!  I refill this prescription quarterly, so in one year, I saved $328.68 on this one prescription alone.  You can even download a FREE discount prescription card - with NO obligation - here:  http://www.nbdrugcard.com/DrugCard.aspx?ID=x032

I have not yet needed to use any of the other benefits included in our Premium Plan, but as demonstrated by these two receipts, I have saved several hundred dollars with my $19.95 a month membership!  Oh, and that membership includes my husband at no additional cost. 

I have enjoyed such amazing savings using my Xpress Healthcare® discounts that I want to tell everyone so they can save too.  I recommend that you check out our plans to see how much you can save. 

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

I Love Erma Bombeck!

I loved Erma Bombeck.  I ran across these quotes from her, and they are all such fun!  I hope you enjoy them.  I sure did!

http://fromthedeskofmardrag.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/wednesday-getting-over-the-hump-day-humor-17/

All Quotes by Erma Bombeck

“When your mother asks, “Do you want a piece of advice?” it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” 

“I am not a glutton – I am an explorer of food.” 

“When a child is locked in the bathroom with water running and he says he’s doing nothing but the dog is barking, call 911." 

“The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one.” 

“All of us have moments in our lives that test our courage. Taking children into a house with a white carpet is one of them. ” 

“Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?” 

“Everyone is guilty at one time or another of throwing out questions that beg to be ignored, but mothers seem to have a market on the supply. “Do you want a spanking or do you want to go to bed?”  “Don’t you want to save some of the pizza for your brother?”  “Wasn’t there any change?” 

“Cleanliness is not next to godliness. It isn’t even in the same neighborhood. No one has ever gotten a religious experience out of removing burned-on cheese from the grill of the toaster oven.” 

“A grandmother pretends she doesn’t know who you are on Halloween.” 

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”

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For affordable discount plans to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more, visit: http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

For Xpress Healthcare® business opportunity info, http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

Are ALL Mass Killers Mentally Ill?

As of this date in 2013, there have been 17 events classified as “mass murder” in the United States by the FBI. According to several articles I have read, approximately 88% of mass murderers had a history of mental illness or suffered from untreated mental illness.  Family members and friends reported odd behavior after these events occurred. 

The vast majority of mass murders are single white males in their 20’s or 30’s.  Many were reported to have been diagnosed with or suspected of having Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).  Some consider ASPD a mental illness while others believe it is a personality disorder.  It seems (from various articles I have read) that mental illness is treatable; personality disorders are not.   I have no background in the field, so cannot form an opinion on the subject. 

“Dr. Maurice Godwin has studied serial killers for years and one in-depth analysis of 107 of them revealed important information. Godwin found 55 percent of serial killers began having trouble in childhood and had criminal juvenile records. 45 percent had been convicted for a previous sex crime. 

As with so many criminals it goes back to their early formative years and the best lesson we can learn is that when we find a troubled child we best help them. Failure to do so could result in another serial killer walking among us.”  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-dimond/orange-county-serial-killer_b_1222710.html?utm_hp_ref=serial-killers#comments 

It seems that every couple months, there is another mass shooting in the United States, and the news reported afterward nearly always states that the shooter was mentally ill. 

We are living in frightening times.  In this article, I am not addressing whether ease of access to guns is part of the picture.  

I have a question that comes to my mind after each shooting.  Because so many of the shooters’ acquaintances state that they knew the guy was a disturbed man, what should we – friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. do if we believe someone is mentally ill?  If he has not hurt himself or others, but he is very odd (claims to hear voices in his head, has temper outbursts, plays video games for hours on end or exhibits other strange  behaviors, what can we or should we do. 

If I report it to the police, what would I report?  My neighbor is weird?  If he has not done anything criminal, law enforcement agencies would have their hands tied.  One day he may “flip out” and kill people, but unless that happens, what can the police do?

If the person is a close friend or family member, of course we would try to get them help. This is a serious question.  If he is simply someone with whom you are acquainted, what should we do?  I truly want to know. 

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle

 

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare® Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com. 

 

Is it a Hoax?

The internet is an amazing invention and means of communication, and for the most part, has improved our lives in a variety of ways.  HOWEVER, when people post urban legends without checking them out, they may actually be hurting people.

I recently saw one with a picture of a breast with metallic-looking holes all over it.  Supposedly the woman got some kind of parasite from not washing her new bra before wearing it.  It was disgusting, and I imagine it frightened some people.

I’ve seen quite a few posts recently about missing children.  I always check them out before forwarding.  ONLY the ones that are true Amber Alerts are true.  In this case, it will cause a “crying wolf” response, and soon people may not respond to the real alerts.  Children may be injured or killed because of these irresponsible posts.

Gerber is giving away $500 savings bonds to each child under the age of 12 as part of a legal settlement… Intel and AOL will pay your for forwarding this email …a major fried chicken franchise uses mutant chickens - that is why the word "chicken" is no longer in their name … 60 Minutes reported that Proctor and Gamble is a satanic company… Target is owned by Muslims in France… Diet soda will give you Multiple Sclerosis…

All of the above – and many more - are stories - being passed around Facebook, via emails and Twitter.  They are ALL false!

Millions of people pass on stories about saving a dying child, trying to get something for nothing by forwarding emails, or warning their friends of deadly food or other hazard.  People may think there is no harm – just in case it’s true. 

Passing on hoaxes and urban legends can slow the internet down; but worse than that, passing on these stories may be giving ideas to the same “sick” people who create viruses and spyware.  They may then copy the ideas from these untrue stories and turn them into reality.  This has actually already happened a few times.

In addition, when legitimate, very serious warnings are posted, their credibility is lessened because of all the garbage that readers pass on.  It becomes difficult to discern truth from reality. 

Many of the hoax emails and posts offer a “verifying” source to give it more credibility.  They will say that the source is a huge company, like Microsoft.  If a post tells you to forward this to everyone you know it is almost always a hoax.

Before forwarding posts and emails of this sort, PLEASE be responsible.  Check the messages out first.  It only takes a couple minutes to visit http://snopes.com, http://www.scambusters.org/legends.html, http://urbanlegends.about.com, http://vil.mcafee.com/hoax.asp, or http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.htmlto verify whether the post is true or a hoax. 

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings(NOT insurance). 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle 

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare® Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

I am a Lousy Salesperson!

The main reason most people join a network marketing company is not to sell anything.  Most join to improve their quality of life. So how do you sell a product if you don’t want to become a salesperson?  Sell yourself, not your products or business opportunity.  One of the best methods of establishing a network marketing business is by not focusing on selling to your prospects. 

Where do you begin? 1)  Build a relationship with your prospects so you understand their needs and wants while earning their trust and respect.  2) Get to know your prospect to see if they have the desire to purchase your products or are seeking a business opportunity.

If your prospects know, like and trust you, they will be more willing to listen to what you have to share.  If you are asking a prospect to join your downline, you first have to establish a relationship so the prospect can see that they would feel comfortable working with you.  

An easy guideline to remember when talking with your prospects is that you should always aim to create friends first.  A good way to do this is to ask questions and listen to what they have to say. Take a sincere interest in their lives. 

Once you have established a relationship, ask yourself, “Could I improve this person’s quality of life with my products?”  If yes, in what way?  Or ask yourself, “Does this person have the qualities I’m looking for as a business partner?”  If yes, how can you present your opportunity in a way that offers them a solution to their problems or improves their quality of life?

When it comes to finding downline distributors in particular, your goal is to find the right people, not just the willing.  You are looking for motivated, coachable people who will actively work their business. It is important to know that not everyone you know or with whom you communicate will have the qualities you are looking for. That’s fine. Enjoy the fact that you have just made a new friend.  If you try to sign everyone you meet, you may end up with a team of poorly qualified team members who quit after a short time.  As a professional, your goal is simply to build relationships. 

If an online contact asks me what I “do,” I respond with a one line response.  I might say, “I work at home selling discount plans.”  I’ve never had anyone object to that type of response, because I gave no specific details and did not follow up with a proposition.  Sometimes the person will ask for further details; others do not. 

If the prospect shows an interest in my products or opportunity, I simply answer their questions. I don’t give them a full-blown presentation.  If they truly express an interest at that time, I refer them to my website to learn more.  For my own business - keeping in mind that I work primarily online - those who are really interested will visit my websites.  Many will then contact me to join my team or purchase my products.

It is very important that you not jump at the first chance to share what you have to offer.  As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.”  Jumping in too early can weaken the trust that you have created in your relationship.  If your internet “friend” never becomes a true prospect, you are better for having gained a new friend.

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Learn how to reduce your Health and Dental expenses AND reduce costs on Hearing, Vision, Prescriptions, Roadside Assistance, Lifelock™ and even more at http://ibourl.net/XpressSavings (NOT insurance).

 

Please visit my Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/XpressHealthcareTheWinnersCircle

 

To learn about Julie Klein and how you can be successful in network marketing, look at the Xpress Healthcare® Business Opportunity at http://joinxpresshealthcare.com.  

Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza

Flu season is approaching once again.  I know there are people who say they don’t need to be vaccinated.  The very young and elderly are the most susceptible to complications from the flu that leads to hospitalization or even death.  Unless you fall into one of the categories listed below, please get immunized for those around you, if not for yourself.

The following information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm

Everyone older than 6 months is recommended for flu vaccination with rare exception. The following lists include all people recommended to get the flu vaccine, those who are not recommended to receive either the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine, and those who should take certain precautions before getting vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions regarding which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family.

All persons aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated annually, with rare exceptions.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for persons who are at increased risk for severe complications from influenza, or who are at high risk for influenza-related outpatient, emergency department, or hospital visits. When vaccine supply is limited, vaccination efforts should focus on delivering vaccination to the following persons (no hierarchy is implied by order of listing):

·       are aged 6 months through 4 years (59 months);

·       are aged 50 years and older;

·       have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);

·       are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);

·       are or will be pregnant during the influenza season;

·       are aged 6 months through 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;

·       are residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;

·       are American Indians/Alaska Natives;

·       are morbidly obese (body-mass index is 40 or greater);

·       are health-care personnel;

·       are household contacts and caregivers of children aged younger than 5 years and adults aged 50 years and older, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged younger than 6 months; and

·       are household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

Special Consideration:

·       People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs, or who have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, may be advised not to get vaccinated. People who have had a mild reaction to egg—that is, one which only involved hives—may receive the flu shot with additional precautions. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any allergic reactions. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain small amount of egg.

The following groups should not receive the flu shot (TIV):

·       People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine.

·       People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

·       People who are moderately or severely ill with or without fever should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

The following groups should not receive certain types of flu shots:

·       People under 65 years of age should not receive the high-dose flu shot.

·       People who are under 18 years old or over 64 years old should not receive the intradermal flu shot.

The following groups should not receive the nasal spray vaccine (LAIV):

·       Adults 50 years of age and older or children from 6 through 23 months of age. (Children younger than 6 months should not get either influenza vaccine.)

·       People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs. People who have had a mild reaction to egg—that is, one which only involved hives—may receive TIV (not LAIV) with additional precautions. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any allergic reactions. Most, but not all, types of TIV flu vaccine contain small amount of egg.

·       People who have had a severe reaction to the vaccine in the past.

·       People with asthma and children younger than 5 years with one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year.

·       Pregnant women.

·       Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.

·       Anyone with a weakened immune system.

·       Anyone in close contact with someone whose immune system is so weak they require care in a protected environment (such as a bone marrow transplant unit). Close contacts of other people with a weakened immune system (such as those with HIV) may receive LAIV. Healthcare personnel in neonatal intensive care units or oncology clinics may receive LAIV.

·       Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.

·       People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you. Tell your doctor if you have gotten any other vaccines in the past 4 weeks.

·       Anyone with a nasal condition serious enough to make breathing difficult, such as a very stuffy nose, should get the flu shot instead.

·       People who are moderately or severely ill with or without fever should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.