Summer is just around the corner. Think about it! There will be BBQs, family reunions, weddings, and other fun events to get to by train, plane, or auto. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) , however, warns that travel this summer could be pricey due to the relatively high energy costs and other factors in the marketplace. In fact, the WSJ reports that lodging costs will actually go up 5% this year due to summer demand. With higher costs wherever you turn, how can you have a blast this summer and conserve your budgets? Glad you asked! The travel team at e-Management pulled together a list of travel suggestions for folks who like finding a great deal!

With lodging costs and airfare going up this summer, what will you do to save your budget? Whatever you do, have fun!

Awesome Places to Go This Summer…

1. Europe: Remember that the Summer Olympic Games will be in London. So flights going to London and lodging accommodations will likely be more expensive than usual. If you want to save money and are not planning to attend the games, consider avoiding London altogether. Instead, you might consider Greece, a country that is making international news because of its massive debt crises. Still, its capital city Athens is thriving, and rates for lodging are 15% cheaper than two years ago (average $125 per night) according to Travel Budget. Packed with great restaurants and historically significant sites like the Parthenon and the ancient Agora, Greece is a winner no matter what the cost!
2. Latin America: Latin American excursions could be cheaper than you think because of special deals from new hotels according to SavvySugar. Consider taking a flight to Peru, yes Peru. Everyone I know who has been there, raves about the place especially the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, the famed Lost City of the Incas. Peru is especially popular among hikers.
3. Egypt: Travel Budget recommends you consider the land of the great pyramids as a possible vacation destination this summer. Why? Apparently, recent unrest has hurt the tourism economy in that region. This means hotels are 25% lower than two years ago. In fact, luxurious Red Sea resorts can go as low as $104 per night. Plus, flights may be cheaper than you think at $800-$1000 (non-direct).
4. The Caribbean: Summer brings reduced rates at many hotel and resorts throughout the Caribbean. Why? Hurricane season kicks off right around that time. So before you commit to any resort, find out their rain/hurricane policy. If you have done a Caribbean cruise, think about picking one destination and exploring. You might even try out Belize, an English-speaking country that borders Mexico but is culturally “Caribbean.” Hikers will love the rainforest. Historians will love the Mayan history tours. Foodies will love the restaurants and eclectic nature of Belizean cuisine. And budget conscious people will love the relatively strong USA currency, which means your dollar may go a long way in Belize.
5. Next-Door” Vacations: Not a big fan of flying? Well, we have that covered too. Besides, sometimes you just want to stay closer to home especially with the recent announcement that many airlines will be raising their prices and one in particular may charge you $100 to check your carry on in the overhead. (Wow. Really?) That’s a lot of motivation to find out what’s there to do in your area, right? Check out the tourism websites of your state or region, those sites have tons of great ideas for getaways. Also, check out state parks, national parks, or amusement/theme parks. Then, use your search engine or travel agent to find affordable accommodations close by.
6. Staycation: Perhaps the best way to save on a summer vacation is the ever popular staycation, which simply means a “stay-at-home-vacation.” There are no reservations to make or no need to purchase vacation fashions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to do some summer cleaning, kick-start a home improvement project, or relax in the comfort of your home. You’ll also get to experience things you love to do in your own town but never seem to find time.

More Tips…
When traveling abroad, it is always a great idea to check the State Department’s website to see if there are any special travel prohibitions or alerts in place for residents or citizens of the USA. Also, if you find low airfares on travel sites, be sure to check to see if the airline sites have them cheaper. Some travel sites will give you significant discounts if you prepay for hotel accommodations. If you go this route, check TripAdvisor® to see if there are reviews from previous visitors to help gauge the risks.

What’s Missing?
Surely a lot of great places were left off this list! Our hope is that this blog thread will be bookmarked for future use by those looking to find new travel ideas. So, what are your summer travel tips to save money and have a great time? Do you have a favorite travel agent or online website to find best value getaways?

Always do what you are afraid to do. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  once said, “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” Clearly, fear is so powerful that there is no shortage of inspirational words to curb the impact of this emotion. But what is fear and how do we take control of it in our lives at work, at home, and beyond? According to Wikipedia, “fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat.” So in order for there to be fear, there must be a perceived threat present.

Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. How has the presence of fear affected your personal or professional life?

A few days ago I had lunch with a friend who told me about the politics in her office. It seemed as if the political maneuvering at her job was motivated by people who didn’t see a future for themselves at her organization. There was a perceived threat that their worth had to be apparent otherwise people would be pushed out of positions or jobs.

Out of our conversation during lunch came the idea that “relevance is the antidote to fear.”  Essentially, people who are the most fearful in the workplace are sometimes the most insecure. They feel or even know that they aren’t giving the best to advance the goals of the organization. Sometimes they are afraid of new staff who may have outstanding professional experience. Other times, fear is driven by alienation, the inability to connect with other staff. Some people are fearful because they are more senior and fear new ideas from newer or younger staff.

How do you destroy fear and become relevant in the workplace?
1.    Adjust attitude…Everyone loves a team player and even more people love fun, approachable people. If you have a reputation of having a poor attitude, you may be less effective in your role because no one wants to work with you and some may actually want to see you fail. This environment promotes fear, anxiety, and stress. Dr. Joan Marques says that people who genuinely have good attitudes oftentimes get support from their colleagues when they least expect it. Knowing that kindness may lead to your colleagues having “your back” may lead to less anxiety and success at the work place. Good nugget take away: Having a winning personality and attitude will make you relevant!

2.    Market experience (even when it’s not specific to job title)…In an article written by David DeJean (“Baby Boomer: How to Stay Relevant”) offers a few tips for Baby Boomers who want to be relevant in an information economy. I believe the tips outlined by DeJean are essential for everyone. One of the tips is to use your experience to your advantage. If you have experience in organizing events, feel free to step-up and help with the office picnic or holiday party. You will show your commitment to team building and your value add. Good nugget take away: Showcasing your life or professional experiences to advance your organization’s goals will make you relevant!

3.    Invest in self…Diana Oreck, vice president, Global Learning & Leadership Center at Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, recently spoke during e-Management’s annual leadership conference for managers and directors. She advised that everyone should add a credential or skill to her/his resume to reinforce self as well as to add value to one’s career. For instance, if you are a project manager, think about getting your PMP® certification or taking continuing education courses to learn about other best practices in your field. Good nugget take away: Becoming more marketable in your field will make you relevant!

More, more, more
The three tips above are commonsense ways to becoming more relevant.  Are there more ways? Absolutely, and we want to hear from you. (1) How has the presence of fear affected your personal or professional life? (2) What are your tips of becoming relevant? (3) How do you deal with workplace politics?

e-Management will participate in The Race to End Poverty, Saturday, April 28th in Rock Creek Park. How do you support your community?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46 million people are living at or below the poverty line. Can you imagine being a family of four having to survive on an annual income of $22,314? Well, that’s the official definition of poverty in the United States. Imagine how many more families are living on annual incomes of 2-3 thousand dollars more and are omitted from the poverty designation. Arguably, the consensus on the radio, TV, or cable network news is that many people are concerned about our nation’s economic stability. Times may be tough; but Americans are still lending a helping hand to make life better for those in need.

How are people helping out?

Giving: According to Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities, giving is once again trending upward even though the economical outlook is uncertain. In 2010, Americans and foundations gave nearly $300 billion—about 2 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product).

Volunteering: More than one in every four of us volunteer our time to causes we love, says the Corporation for National and Community Service. In fact, one in every three persons who lives in Minneapolis-St. Paul volunteers—the highest rate in the country.

Participating: Tens of thousands of people participate in marathons, walkathons, and other races that bring attention to issues such as heart health, cancer, homelessness, and many other causes dear to our hearts. The Boston Marathon alone raises more than $10 million every year cites the Nonprofit Quarterly (April 10, 2012) for local charities!

Corporate giving/volunteering: Many companies donate money and time to make their communities better! At e-Management, we are focused on corporate citizenship; so, we are engaged in charities around energy (sustainability), education, and the elimination of poverty. We’ve exceeded our ENERGY STAR goals for the last three consecutive years. In addition, we’ve established a scholarship at the University of Maryland. This month, we plan to participate in The Race to End Poverty, a 5k run organized by A Wider Circle. The organization provides “beds, dressers, and other basic need items to families that are moving out of shelters or living in neglected neighborhoods.” A Wider Circle also puts on workshops in low-income schools and “teaches health and wellness classes at shelters and public housing facilities.”

How are you helping out?
Our goal is to create a list of charitable organizations that need our  support. We feel great about giving financial support, volunteering our time, and participating in causes dear to us. What about you?  How do you give back to your community?  Where do you volunteer? What are some of your favorite charities? Do you plan to participate in The Race to End Poverty or another walkathon, marathon, or race to benefit charities?

If February is for the heart (link to Heart Health Month Blog); then March must be all about women. Why? Well, every March 8th is International Women’s Day.  Did you know March is also Women’s History Month?  So, it was no wonder that one of my friends recently shared an online article about “10 Things Women Do Better Than Men.”  The article talks about how women are better managers; how women survive more vehicle accidents; and how women are evolving “hotter” than men. Okay, I agree with all of the above, because…women rock!  And at e-Management, we are drinking the Kool-Aid.  *smile* The company is, after all, a women-owned technology services business supporting the U.S. government. In fact, women comprise 50% of our executive team. As this month closes out, I wanted to celebrate the contributions of women in government, technology, media, and politics who have inspired me in some way.

Did you know the NPR talk show host Diane Rehm, who battled a voice disorder, received the 2011 Voice Education Research Awareness (VERA) Award from the Voice Foundation for her exceptional contributions to the field of voice communication?

One of My Favorite Women in Government
As a proud graduate of Washington, D.C. public schools, I am always quick to point out people who attended our system such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Linda Cureton. If you live in our Nation’s Capital and work in government, chances are you know that Ms. Cureton (who attended the Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts) has a reputation for looking at creative and innovative approaches to using technology to advance the mission of government and getting information out to constituents. In fact, Ms. Cureton is one of a few CIOs who openly embraces the power of social media such as blogs and social media. She even practices what she preaches since you can follow her on Twitter and subscribe to her feeds on Facebook. In a very real way, Ms. Cureton is helping to pave the way for women in government and at NASA, an agency that only years ago had few women in leadership positions. She inspires me because she isn’t afraid to shake up the status quo. Way to go!

One of My Favorite Women in Technology (and Health)
Speaking of women and technology, Forbes magazine recently listed our very popular First Lady Michelle Obama as one of “The Most Powerful Women In Technology.”  Like her husband the President during his historic run for the White House, Ms. Obama is using technology to get her message throughout our nation—childhood obesity is a national health crisis! Simply do a “Let’s Move! Campaign” search on YouTube and you will easily find several fun (or funny) videos of the First Lady doing the “dougie” (an urban dance among young people across the country) at my middle school alma mater Alice Deal. Her commitment to this issue has led to higher awareness of health issues in youth, which has received bipartisan as well as corporate support.  As a health enthusiast myself, it’s easy to see why the First Lady inspires me. Her message when it comes to health isn’t “insurance” or access to pharmaceuticals. Instead, her campaign is about the ever-important but often overlooked component of wellness: prevention.

One of My Favorite Women in Media & News
Like Ms. Cureton, National Public Radio (NPR) talk show host Diane Rehm attended D.C. public schools and is one of the most inspirational people in media and news today.  Her 40-year career in radio is impressive hosting her namesake program (The Diane Rehm Show) since 1984. Additionally, she has gained a reputation for being a journalist who always asks the tough questions in an effort to get to the truth. Perhaps even more amazing is how she has overcome personal challenges in her life such as her battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder that affects speech production. Since her diagnosis in 1998, Ms. Rehm has continued new career without a hitch. Ms. Rehm has brought heightened attention to the condition and its treatments. Naturally, she inspires me because of her tenacity and her passion to continue to pursue her love for news.

One of My Favorite Women in Politics
On the other side of the Atlantic resides one of my favorite world leaders, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is the second-term president of Liberia.  She is co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize along with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen for their work on behalf of women’s rights and world peace. According to The Guardian, President Johnson-Sirleaf “negotiated significant debt relief, more than quadrupled the national budget, opened a large investigation into corruption and started the truth and reconciliation commission to address crimes committed during the [Liberian] civil war.”  Under her leadership, women have had greater access to employment opportunities and public education has improved for many.  She inspires me because she is one of a handful of politicians who seems to be delivering on her campaign promises! And are there any better causes than education, world peace, and human rights?

Hall of Fame
It’s my hope that this blog posting brings attention to the significant contributions our sisters, aunts, mothers, and grandmothers make beyond what has been considered their traditional roles. You’ve seen my list. Now, I want to see yours. Who’s in your Hall of Fame? Who are your favorite women in tech, politics, health, education, government, business, and beyond?

It's no secret that reading may boost your memory, improve your writing skills, and reduce stress. So, why aren't you reading more?

Did you know that March 2 was Read Across America Day? Probably, if you have kids. In 1998, the National Education Association established that day (Dr. Seuss’ birthday) to motivate and encourage young children to read.

But what about adults? Shouldn’t we get our own day to encourage reading? I know, I know, you’re going to say you’re too busy!

Excuses, excuses! There’s always time to read!

Why take time to read?
Well first, there’s bound to be something interesting you can learn. Keep your mind active! Do you remember the movie Dolphin’s Tale? (A dolphin is found without her tail.) I read in a newspaper article that the two real-life prosthetists (played by Morgan Freeman in the film) had to develop a new material for the prosthetic tail because of hypersensitivity of the dolphin’s skin. The new material is now used in human prosthetics. Who knew?

Second, it’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and fuel creativity. Why not be transported to another century…whether it’s back in history or in a future fantasy? Take a mental break. Summer’s around the corner and there’ll be plenty of beach reads!

You’ll also set an example for youngsters.
And perhaps establish wonderful memories for them. I think I must have been about 12 years old when I discovered Louis L’Amour westerns. My dad noticed that I had an interest in reading them and started purchasing two books…one for him and one for me. Soon my younger brother got in on the act. It was always a race to see who would get the second book! To this day, we still share them.

Make time. Here are my tips to find the time to read.

1. Step awaaayyyyy from Facebook. It will still be there when you come back.
2. Turn off the TV. Same rule as above applies.
3. Bring something to read with you everywhere you go.  You never know how long you’ll have to wait! Doctor’s office, airport, grocery line, rush hour traffic (oops…that last one is probably not a good idea!)
4. Now, my mom would probably cringe to hear me say this, but…let the furniture get a bit dustier. No harm, no foul, right? Unless company’s coming, of course. Or if you’re continually sneezing.

What are you reading?
I’ll read just about anything…historical fiction, science fiction, espionage, non-fiction, mysteries, westerns…you name it. Right now, I’m reading a book on Admiral Nelson. What books are you reading now? What medium do you use more—printed books or e-books?

Convincing people that government is actually good may be tough considering: “People distrust government.” Fifty years ago that might have been a controversial assertion. But in our current economic and political climate, it seems to be a fairly obvious statement. According to a 2010 Pew Research study (The People and Their Government: Distrust, Discontent, Anger, and Partisanship (April 18, 2010)), between 1998 and 2010 Americans’ perceptions of government agencies decrease with few exceptions. Only one in five of us say we trust government most of the time or always.

Government looking out for its people: Did you know that last year SAMHSA awarded millions of dollars in grants to dozens of colleges and universities to help prevent suicide, and support mental health services and students in crisis?

Like It or Not, Some Government May Be Good for “U.S.”
For instance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a federal organization that is arguably good for us because it seeks to protect “the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.” In addition to the HHS Office of the Secretary, the Department is comprised of 11 operating divisions (OPDIVs) including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). HHS is responsible for programs that affect us all, including food and drug safety, medical research, and health insurance to name a few.

A Few Things That HHS is Good For…

Getting the Word Out About Health Issues and Emergencies: As mentioned in our last blog posting, HHS, specifically Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is leading the Million Hearts™ initiative, to save lives over 5 years. As one of the most well-known OPDIVs within HHS, the CDC is a leader in getting useful information about your health and wellness. It has adopted social media and mobile technology to reach broad audiences about threats to the public such as natural disasters, influenza, food borne disease outbreaks, and the recent Haiti Cholera outbreak. The agency even has an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to report public health disaster, crises, and threats in the United States and around the globe.

Providing Healthcare Benefits: Did you know that HHS also provides healthcare benefits to millions of Americans including the elderly, disabled, and American Indians/Native Americans? Three OPDIVs are responsible for ensuring the well-being of these communities. First, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within HHS that provides healthcare benefits. IHS serves 1.9 million American Indians/Native Americans and Alaska Natives of 564 federally recognized tribes. Likewise, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) runs the controversial and highly politicized Medicare program, offers health insurance for seniors 65 and older as well as persons living with disabilities. Not surprisingly, CMS also provides health insurance for low income citizens and permanent residents through its Medicaid program. According to The New York Times the two programs serve more than 100 million people. Both Medicare and Medicaid have come under fire in recent years. But some sources have noted the Medicare costs have been less than those of private sector insurance.

Helping Us to Better Understand Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Mental health and substance dependencies may be two of the most misunderstood issues in healthcare. Perhaps some of the confusion has to do with the popular notion among the general public that each can be cured by becoming more disciplined. But like physical illnesses, substance abuse and mental illness are conditions that require professional attention and support. Fortunately, one agency understands and has a mission to help us get better clarity around the issues. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a HHS OPDIV that exists “to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities” according to the agency website. The website also confirms that about 20 million people who are dealing with substance abuse issues went without treatment last year. And would you believe that more than 10.5 million adults could not get access to mental health treatment that they needed during the same time? SAMHSA, through eight initiatives, helps to keep people out of prison systems and reduce the overall economic and social costs that untreated people may have on their families and communities.

Not Enough Space
There’s so much more to HHS and we certainly cannot fit everything into one blog posting. For instance, the Department is leading the way in the country’s biomedical research through NIH, which includes important cancer research from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). But enough from us, how has HHS helped you or a loved one through Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, or some other program? Do you think SAMHSA has helped us better understand mental health and substance abuse? Do you think CDC is proactive in its reporting of potential outbreaks to the general public? We look forward to hearing from you.

University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) cardiologists say drinking more tea may help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

When many people reflect on February, they oftentimes think of Valentine’s Day or even the fact it’s the shortest month of the year. However, this month makes me think of heart health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people succumb to heart (cardiovascular) disease than any other condition in the Unites States (U.S.). To put this in perspective, one in every three persons dies in this country from heart attack or stroke.

And No Person is Immune
Chances are you know of someone who has a heart condition. Famous persons who have had to deal with heart ailments include President Bill Clinton, Toni Braxton, Larry King, David Letterman, Barbara Walters, and the list goes on and on. Closer to home, I found out one of my friends underwent heart surgery last week. It came as a surprise because he is relatively young and I was in the midst of researching cardiovascular health inspired by February, American Heart Month. I wanted to pull together ways we can all work to avoid cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Anyone Who Has a Heart
Here are tips I compiled from expert sources to help us maintain optimal heart health. Some you have heard of and others may surprise you.

1. Be active: No surprise here. According to information on the website for Million Hearts™, a national initiative led by CDC and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to save lives over 5 years, doing a fun activity or exercising at least 30 minutes for most days of the week is a great way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. My fun activity is swimming, what’s yours?
2. Eat a heart-healthy diet: According to the CDC, this means eating foods low in salt (sodium) and trans fat while increasing our intake of fresh whole vegetables and fruits.
3. Give up cigarettes: The Mayo Clinic cites on its website that smoking and consumption of chemicals found in tobacco great increases risks for developing cardiovascular issues.
4. Embrace health screenings: Another recommendation from the Mayo Clinic is to get regular health screening focusing on cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure. Proactive health care is an awesome weapon in the battle to save lives and hearts.
5. Drink tea and laugh more: The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) cardiologists say that “drinking black or green tea (which contains antioxidants) may help reduce a potentially harmful constriction of blood vessels after a high-fat meal.” Since stress has a poor effect on health, laughter seems to have the opposite outcome by reducing or eliminating stress altogether. So, lighten up; your heart will love you for it.

In addition to these tips from straight from the experts, pretty much all of the medical community agrees that healthy weight management can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Remember it’s never too late to get on the path to better health.

Heart-y Tips from You
Did I miss anything? What other advice has your nutritionists, doctors, or dieticians passed on to you to help promote heart health? Are there any special cookbooks or foods that may help us in our goal to remain heart-healthy? Thank you for supporting our blog and helping us to compile a list that may provide a new outlook for all of us. We hope to read your tips and stories.

(Note: This blog article is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT intended to cure any disease, ailment, or condition. As always, consult your medical doctor for expert guidance regarding cardiovascular disease prevention and/or treatment.)

A couple of years ago Apple (with its flagship iPhone devices) launched TV and radio ads to persuade people, who swore they’d never buy a smart phone, that they could not in fact live without the devices. Out of those commercials, the pop culture expression “There’s an app for that” was born. Other smart phone providers using the rivals Android platforms quickly followed Apple’s lead. Given that smart phone penetration in North America was a little more than 60% at the end of 2011, I’d say that smart phone providers were very successful in getting people to become hopelessly addicted to the applications, or apps, which live on the ever popular smart phones.

Smart phones allow you to listen to music, read books, check the stock market, get directions, and find new ways to cook. No wonder so many of us are hooked on apps.

I became a “smart phone addict” once I had to replace my older Android with a new Samsung Galaxy II with a larger screen, bold colors, and longer battery life. Since three of out of every five mobile phone users own smart phones like the iPhone, Android, or Microsoft based devices, I decided to pull together a list of apps that can get you hooked.

Drum roll…Here are my picks for six kinds of app that you must have:

1. Apps to protect against bad guys: Android users who are prone to misplacing things will love the AntiDroidTheft app. Features include special e-mail alerts when your phone’s SIM (subscriber identification module) card has been removed. It also allows you to track your phone online using GPS or mobile technology. You can even activate your camera remotely to take photos. So bad guys beware.
2. Apps for foodies: Do you like delectable cuisines? You might want to check out the Digital Recipe Sidekick (DRS) in the Android marketplace. The app allows you to import all recipes from Allrecipes.com directly to your smart phone or Android device. There you can add your own recipes to your phone and edit existing recipes. But the app is more interactive than that, it also acts as a “GPS” and actually reads the instructions while you cook. iPhone foodies might want to try the Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner app that boasts more than 40,000 recipes! Great thing about this app is its “Shake for Ideas” feature. How does it work? Whenever you are indecisive about what you want to cook or eat, simply shake your phone or touch “spin” and voila, it serves you up a random selection of dining ideas! Bon appetite.
3. Apps for shopaholics: QR Code readers are must haves for “your inner smart consumer.” Basically, QR codes are those strange looking rectangular, two-dimensional bar code that stores information about products and companies such as addresses and websites. When the app is installed you can use your smart phone camera to scan the barcodes. QR codes can store a lot more information that the barcodes most of us are accustomed to seeing. Why are QR code apps a must have? Well, mainly because more and more companies are using them in their marketing in magazines and online. In the past, you had to write down the information or rely on your memory; QR codes make it a cinch. Just snap your camera and all of the information you’ll need will be stored on your phone.
4. Apps for the literature enthusiasts: e-Book apps are great for those who love to read and want to leave the bulky books at home rather than on public transportation, during flights, or on vacation. iPhone has several apps such as B&N e-Reader, Kobo, and Kindle to name a few. Android e-readers include Google Books.
5. Apps for music lovers: If you were to ask me what’s the best thing since slide bread, I’d probably tell you music apps. My favorite is Pandora® Internet radio. First of all, it’s free! Next, the app allows you to stream your favorite music from the web to your smart phone for free. It allows you to personalize your play list so you only listen to the music you love! I cannot get enough of my jazz, Motown, and classic rock channels!
6. Apps for sports junkies: Sports fans will love sports apps such as Android’s College Hoops Radio or the iPhone’s College Basketball Radio Live, which allow you to listen to your favorite sports team events live! If “hoops” isn’t your thing, you can always follow your favorite athletes and sports team on the go with ESPN Radio app. In addition to regular ESPN content, users will have access to more than 35 different ESPN Radio podcasts.

So, yes there really is an app for everyone!

There are apps that can tell you how much to eat; where there are speed traps; and even how to dump someone. There’s probably an app to help curb my new smart phone dependence. But why would I want that? Besides, I cannot be the only apps junky out there. What are you favorite apps? How have apps helped you in your day to day activities? On the other hand, are apps and the app-crazed people annoying? I want to hear from you. Let’s chat…because there’s an app for that too!

The Department of Energy through research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working to improve renewable energy technologies such as wind power that could lead to energy independence for the USA and job creation.

Pretty much everyone knows what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) do. But how many of us really understand the role of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)? Recently, one prominent political figure talked about abolishing the Department. What’s interesting is the lack of protest from voters regarding the prospect of a country without DOE. Why am I so emphatic about the Department? Well, because the agency is here “to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” In other words, DOE is responsible for energy policy including clean energy innovation, energy conservation, nuclear weapons program management, radioactive waste disposal, and so much more. Did you know that DOE developed the nuclear space power systems which powered NASA’s mission? But wait, there’s more…

Are you sick of the increasingly higher cost of fuel?
Well, I am and guess what? DOE is actually helping to make high energy cost a thing of the past. Did you know that DOE oversees the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)—the only national lab for the advancement of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Renewable energy is clean and unlike other forms of conventional power, it never runs out. Renewable energy is great for the economy because it creates jobs and reduces our national dependencies on international sources of energy such as oil. Simply put, the work at NREL leads to commercial applications that may mean more sustainable, green energy that could save all of us money

Are you comfortable with radioactive waste being dumped in your backyard?
Probably not. It’s a good thing we have DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) to keep us safe by cleaning up “the environmental legacy of the Manhattan Project and the Cold War.” Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Stimulus Bill or ARRA) by Congress, there has been a rigorous debate on whether the Stimulus worked. Well not only is EM’s disposal of radioactive materials vital to our safety, the program office has been highly successful in the implementation of Stimulus projects. According to EM, the program office advanced its “mission to clean up the waste generated during the Cold War, by reducing that footprint by 613 square miles.” Plus, EM ARRA-funded projects put thousands of Americans back to work while giving them new skills that may be leveraged in the future. Did I mention EM completed its ARRA-funded projects ahead of schedule and way under budget!?

Extending a helping hand to low income families.
Last week, DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program announced how the Department is helping families save energy and money. Through this program, DOE has supported the weatherization of more than 750,000 homes of low-income families across the country. According to an article by April Saylor, online content producer, DOE Office of Public Affairs, the program reduced energy consumption up to 35% resulting in an average savings of $400 during the first year.

High-Powered Awareness Check.
DOE’s mission may be murky to some. But from where I stand, the Department’s activities are commendable and relevant. But this blog posting isn’t all about me; what do you think?  Should DOE stay or go? How important is energy independence to the future of the USA’s economy? What are you doing to conserve energy?

Believe it or not, you can eat well during the Holidays and not worry about piling on the pounds. How? Check out our 4 fun tips.

It’s that time of the year again. Today is the first day of Chanukah. Christmas is just under a week away, and Kwanzaa celebrations start shortly thereafter. From Thanksgiving to New Year, many of us will pile on extra pounds. But this year will be different because we have a plan for you!

In usual form, here are tips for staying on the bandwagon of eating well.

1. Enjoy Smaller Portions: Most of us are very used to piling on mountains of foods during the holidays. We recommend you start with smaller hills first.  In other words, smaller portions mean fewer calories, which may help to save you from expensive shopping excursions for new skirts and pants because your older ones aren’t fitting the way they use to. We know, we know—the cleaners shrunk them again (at least that’s your story–and you’re sticking to it, right?!)
2. Get Organized! Find a Teammate: Many of us would rather avoid gaining additional weight during this festive season. But somehow, we find ourselves picking up 2-5 additional pounds and keep them on throughout the year—only to pile on more 12 months from now. Clearly, you are NOT alone; so find a buddy (spouse, sibling, house guest) who will share the responsibility of eating well this holiday season. Each of you will provide friendly reminders throughout dinner to stick to smaller portions (see Tip 1).
3. Don’t Let Desserts Get the Best of You: Instead, get the best selection of the desserts. It’s as easy as sharing slices with your “teammate” (see Tip 2). Together the two of you can sample the cheesecakes and the pies. Eat slowly and focus on enjoying your treat rather than rushing for the next slice. Just remember, each of you is having half portions!
4. Recruit Your BBF for Fun Activities: Following the holidays, you may experience guilt because, let’s face it, you (and the rest of us) went overboard. Again! *smiles* But just like any other crisis in life, what should you do? That’s right. Consult with your BFF (best friend forever). Seasonal BBFs can be your dinner teammate, partner, spouse, daughter/son, or neighbor. Together you and your seasonal BFF should set aside 3 times during the week to do fun activities such as dancing, walking, jogging, bicycling, hiking, and other interests designed to help you melt away unwanted holiday calories.

Time to Eat!
These simple tips may be useful to keeping the pounds at bay during (and after) the holidays. Still, temptation and cravings can get the best of you. Just remember that’s okay. Be sure to make time for your favorite fun activities to burn a few of those calories you piled on during the Holidays.

Now that the unpleasantries are out of the way, can we get to the business of giving thanks, eating our favorite holiday foods, and having fun with friends and family?! What are you most thankful for this year? Do you have any special plans for Holidays? Where is your big feast this year? What are your favorite food items during end-of-year celebrations?

Thanks for supporting our blog and Happy Holidays from everyone at e-Management.

(Note: This blog is for entertainment purposes only and is NOT intended to cure any disease, ailment, or condition. As always, consult your medical doctor and your nutritionist before trying any new food product to determine if it is appropriate for you.)