Tips on How To Sell Yourself

As a job-seeker, your role is to market your good or service - in this case, yourself - to the buyer who is extending the best offer in exchange. Sound like sales? Essentially, it is. Luckily, the sales profession is full of superstars willing to share their secrets. Below are seven practical sales tips to ensure that you close the job deal every time.



1. Pass the Gatekeeper
Traditionally, gatekeepers have been admins, assistants and, in the case of job-seekers, human resources. With the influence of technology like caller ID, voicemail and email, it's harder, and more critical than ever, to get directly to the hiring manager. The key is to dangle a carrot before they can hit "delete". For job seekers, this means establishing credibility early on and how you'll deliver results. If you have worked for a competitor or have industry expertise, say so upfront. If you don't, reference something noteworthy that has happened in their company recently or research that has just been done in your industry. Doing so shows you are engaged in both the industry and that company in particular.

2. Know Your Audience
Sales people have different pitches for different buyers, and job-seekers should too. Technology today makes it simple to find out the back story on a prospective hiring manager. If their LinkedIn profile indicates a specific company or industry expertise, tailor your pitch to focus on points in your background that will be relevant and personal to them. If you can sense that your interviewer is stressed or time-crunched, don't sit in their office droning on about every point in your resume. State your core objective in the interview early on, and support it with three main points. If the conversation begins to flow and they probe further, elaborate. If not, they'll appreciate and remember your ability to be succinct when needed.


3. Offer Excellent Customer Service
Customer service makes or breaks your chance of getting and keeping customers in sales, and the same is true on the job. In this case, your customers are the person you work for, the teams you work with and external clients. Just as you are more excited about doing business with a company that passionately embodies your mission, so are people you encounter on the job. Radiate enthusiasm and tell prospective employers why you are so interested in the job and company, and how you plan to maintain that level of commitment years into your career. Then, make sure you do just that once you've landed the job.

4. Establish a Relationship With One Key Question
Simply ask your employer "What is it that you want to achieve?" Then use this knowledge to address a proposed solution that your skills and expertise will offer in the position.

5. Always Be Closing
It is not likely that you will be offered a job on the spot (and not a good idea to accept one on the spot, either!) But good sales people are always moving towards the next step needed to close the sale, and so should job-seekers. Towards the end of your conversation, the interviewer will generally ask whether there are any additional questions. Seize this opportunity to close the sale. Just as a salesperson's job is to ask for the order, yours is to ask for the opportunity.

6. Follow Up
Stay top of mind with your interviewee and use your one last chance to make a good impression. Write a simple email within a day of the interview, reiterating what you can do for the company and thanking them for the meeting. Keep it short and to the point. It will express to the employer that you are not only interested, but adept at follow-through.

7. Network in Person
While tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter have made it easier than ever to have plenty of social media and business connections, don't forget the power of a face to face conversation. Make a commitment to keep your "living and breathing" network as plentiful as your online ones. Join a club where you'll meet other like-minded professionals, strike up conversations, volunteer, or participate in local business events. While you should focus on just making connections, not specific leads, have a one minute "sound bite" down that will succinctly tell people about yourself. You'd be surprised how just a few minutes of face-to-face time can stick with people down the road.

The Bottom Line
Just as salespeople have formed a routine for effective sales calls, so should you as a job-seeker. Putting these tried and tested tips into practice can help you spend less time and energy looking for jobs, and more into developing the career you want.

Article by Stephanie Christensen


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The Naked Hug

It's the Kama Sutra celebrity style. Face to face, side by side or from behind, stars have taught us everything we need to know about selling sex.



This week, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway offered three more positions in the name of promoting their new movie "Love & Other Drugs."

They're on three different covers of Entertainment Weekly in various nudist romantic embraces. The response from critics and bloggers has ranged from overly-excited to crying "awkward." But no one is looking away.

And that's a good thing for a flailing magazine industry, according to Christopher John Farley in a recent post on WSJ.com. "The magazine industry has been in trouble for a number of years now, which may be one reason why we’re seeing a rash of disrobed stars on the front covers of various periodicals."

It's one thing to disrobe for a cover, it's another to engage in the hug. To put it lightly, the hug is like calling in the big guns.

Back in 1976, Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson embraced for a remake of the "A Star is Born." Arguably, it was not the best remake, but it sure was the biggest, thanks in part to the album cover and movie poster image: Babs and Kris, in the buff. The movie topped the box office and the album sold upwards of 15 million copies.





Soon, the magazine industry hopped on the bandwagon full-speed ahead creating iconic images of couples (John and Yoko anyone?) in various states of undress. It's a way of inviting an audience into the bedroom, and promising a revealing look that doesn't always hold up inside the magazine pages. Regardless, when the stars align in naked positions, it always makes us look.


Article by Piper Weiss, Shine Staff(shine.yahoo.com)


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Your Favorite Color and Its Meaning

Most of us have a favorite color. Maybe you’re drawn to sky blue because it makes your eyes stand out or you find forest green particularly comforting. Whatever the case, your preferred hue can reveal a lot about what makes you tick. And the same holds true for the people you date — you’d probably have a different impression of a date if he or she said, “My favorite color is yellow” versus “My favorite color is black.” That’s because color speaks a powerful, silent language. And I can help you understand it. I’m a success coach and best-selling author of Simple Spells for Love and other books, and I’ve studied color theory. So, look up your favorite color below — then, your date’s best-loved shade — and get some colorful insights that will benefit your romantic life.

Red
What it represents: Ah, the color of passion, anger and high blood pressure. Red is a primal color. It represents primal urges, like lust (“I must have you now!”) and fury (you know the phrase “seeing red,” right?). Yes, red is a commanding color: think of how stop signs get you to halt in your tracks and how you stand back when a red fire engine goes whizzing by.

Understanding people who love it: They act — sometimes without thinking — on immediate desires. In fact, they’re usually the poster children for immediate gratification. It’s up to you if you go for it... or proceed with caution.

Orange
What it represents: OK, orange is not exactly the easiest color to wear and it’s not the most common favorite color, but guess what? Orange is as sensual as it gets. Orange is a mellowed red — and it takes primal, lusty urges and mellows them with a softer vibe. Orange is the color of early attractions, emotional responses, and inner magnetism. Oh, and one other thing: orange is also close to gold, the color of success and wealth.

Understanding people who love it: Someone who likes orange is alive with feelings, the ability to nurture, and can intuit a path to success. If your favorite color is orange, you don’t have an “off” switch when it comes to passion. This is all good stuff, but there’s nothing casual about the connections this kind of person usually forges.

Yellow
What it represents: Yellow is the color of the sun, vitality, power and ego... but it’s not a great indicator of romance. Watch out for self-centered, “me first” energy when someone prefers yellow to the rest of the rainbow.

Understanding people who love it: If yellow is your favorite color, temper your use of the word “I” when you’re interested in someone else. You can come across as too ego-centric otherwise. Now, if you’re dating someone whose favorite hue is yellow, make sure to jump in and share stories about yourself, since this person may not give you much room.

Green
What it represents: Here is the heart of the matter: green is the color of love. (It’s no coincidence that we make our money in the same color...) Green is the color of life and abundance — leaves, grass, plants — it’s all about growing, expanding, and living. So why don’t we give ferns instead of roses on Valentine’s Day? Because green is about expansive, humanistic love and acceptance, not bodice-ripping romance. What’s more, green is a nice-person color, a “do-gooder, be-gooder” kind of color. This person has a warm heart. Passion is probably in there somewhere, buried under their integrity and honor.

Understanding people who love it: If you love green, you put the greater good before your own good — but try a little selfish behavior once in a while.

Blue
What it represents: Blue is a color of clarity, communications and charm. And regardless of the shade, this hue says: “I like to be understood.” On the downside, under stress, a “blue” person can send mixed messages, have trouble making up their mind, or just space out during conversations.

Understanding people who love it: If blue is your favorite color, you never run out of anything to say — expression is your strong suit. And if you’re dating a “blue” person? The same holds true; you should always know where you stand.

Purple
What it represents: Purple evokes the energy of illusion, imagination and fantasy. Or should we say purrrrple? Purple tends to inspire coyness, romance, flirtation and teasing — it builds anticipation with a dash of playfulness. The downside of purple is unrealistic expectations. Is it easier to live in your fantasy world than the real world? Some purple-lovers prefer it.

Understanding people who love it: If you love purple, you can be an imaginative romantic or prefer imaginary romance, depending on how you feel.

White
What it represents: White is light — the combination of all colors. White symbolizes purity (the traditional bridal dress, the christening gown) and spirituality. There’s a simplicity to it, too.

Understanding people who love it: People who love white are probably clean and orderly. While white isn’t the sexiest color, it is certainly healthy.

Black
What it represents: Like white, black is a combination of all colors, but instead of purity, it represents the unknown, the unseen — mystery. Black basically holds back information... but there’s no denying that it has strong associations in our culture with “the dark side” and evil.

Understanding people who love it: If your favorite color is black, you are more hush-hush than high-strung in nature. The silence of this color lets others fill in the blanks. Black says, “I’m not telling you anything.” People who love black can be tough nuts to crack, but quite possibly worth the effort.

Article written by Barrie Dolnick


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Pacquiao Wins 8th World Title! Margarito Defeated

ARLINGTON, Texas – Manny Pacman Pacquiao axed his eighth world title belt and was once again masterful, beating Antonio Margarito so frightfully that Margarito’s face looked as it had been pounded repeatedly by a club.












Pacquiao won a unanimous one-sided decision in a blowout from the opening seconds of the fight to capture the World Boxing Council super welterweight title before 41,734 in-awe fans at Cowboys Stadium.

Pacquiao’s title belt, coming against an opponent who had a 17-pound weight advantage when the bell rang, 165-148, was the eighth in his illustrious career. Pacquiao has won world titles at 112, 122, 126, 130, 135, 140, 147 and now 154 pounds.

Judges Jurgen Langos had it 120-109, Glen Crocker had it 118-110 and Oren Schellenberger had it 119-109 for Pacquiao. Yahoo! Sports scored it 120-107 for Pacquiao, giving Pacquiao a 10-8 edge in the 10th round when he dominated tremendously.

Margarito, fighting for the first time in the U.S. since Jan. 24, 2009, when he was caught with an illegal knuckle pad in his gloves before a loss to Shane Mosley, was never in the fight. Pacquiao’s speed was blinding and was the difference in the fight.

Pacquiao was hurt when Margarito landed a combination to the ribs, but he spun off the ropes and landed a three-punch combination to the head. Margarito’s right eye was swollen grotesquely, beginning in the fourth. By the 10th round, the left eye was a slit, too.



Pacquiao was looking at referee Laurence Cole late in the fight, asking him to stop it. Pacquiao said he eased off in the 12th round. “I did my best,” Pacquiao said. “He’s strong. He’s a very tough fighter. I can’t believe [he took those punches].”



Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, added “We didn’t lose a round. I wish they had stopped the fight.”


Article by Kevin Iole
Photo credits: All Voices/Ken_nic2009
and HBO



NO REMATCH?


Top Rank chairman Bob Arum is not keen on putting up a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.

Not unless their 12-round fight for the super-welterweight title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) turns out to be a competitive and closely-fought bout.

The veteran promoter said a rematch is very unlikely, especially if the encounter proves to be a dominant win for Pacquiao or if conversely, Margarito ends up being too much for the world’s current top pound-for-pound fighter.

“No rematch clause. I don’t believe in rematch clause," said the long-time promoter. “Pacquiao prevailing by a mile over the heavy underdog Margarito would no longer be attractive to boxing fans."

“If the fight turns out to be one-sided (in favor of Manny), a rematch wouldn’t be saleable," pointed Arum, who’s been in the boxing business for more than four decades.

A dominating performance by the 32-year-old Mexican, on the other hand, wouldn’t also be to the best interest of the boxer considered as the best in the world today.

“And if it’s a one-sided fight (for Margarito) and Manny concludes that Margarito was just too big and too strong for him, why subject him to having to do it again?" reasoned the Harvard University alumnus.

Pacquiao and Margarito would be fighting at a catch weight of 151 pounds, the biggest weight class the three-time Boxer of the Year will be involved in since fighting as a flyweight (106 lbs) at the start of his career.

At 5-foot-11, Margarito is also the biggest opponent Pacquiao is going to face after the great Oscar De La Hoya (5-foot-10) in 2008. The Mexican slugger holds a seven-inch advantage in terms of reach.

But despite the discrepancies, the 31-year-old southpaw from General Santos City remains a big 6-1 favorite to win the fight.

Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s trusted adviser, agreed with the odds.

“He’s doing OK. Manny’s going to win this fight," he said, unmindful of Pacquiao’s preparation being labeled as "the worst" by trainer Freddie Roach in his nine-year association with the boxing champion.

Pacquiao sparred for nine rounds against David Rodela, Ray Beltran and one unnamed sparmate Tuesday at the Wildcard gym.



- KY/RCJ, GMANews.TV


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Shocking Secrets of the First Year of Marriage!

Think that your first year as newlyweds will be total bliss? Of course it will—but even paradise comes with surprises. Here's what to expect.



1. THE SHOCK: You'll gain a little love weight.
You've been dieting since the moment he put the ring on your finger. But chances are that celery-and-Fresca regimen will end as soon as the honeymoon begins. (Christening every Thursday "Pasta Madness"? Go for it!) "I starved myself for months to get in shape for the wedding—I even ordered my ring a size smaller to force myself to keep dieting," admits Melina M., 29, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. "Of course I've gained it all back—and a few extra pounds."
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Putting on a bit of weight is normal for a newlywed. "Give yourself permission to enjoy your new life and the food that comes with it," says psychologist Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness. But don't make chili-cheese dogs an everyday thing, or the pounds will keep piling on. Spanx has its limits.

2. THE SHOCK: Your B-list buds will go MIA.
You're a single girl with a tribe of friends. Once you're hitched, though, some may mysteriously vanish from the scene—unless you bribe them with Friday-night drinks.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
If a friend is keen on getting married, jealousy may play a part, or she may be having a hard time dealing with a former free-agent pal's wanting to check in with her hubby before making plans. But don't worry—your closest girlfriends won't leave your side, especially if you make a conscious effort to keep them there.

3. THE SHOCK: Your sex life will be off the charts—sometimes.
After the honeymoon and a happy homecoming, life can turn, well...a bit PG. One night, you may just want to do the laundry. Or there will be a Project Runway marathon that you really, really want to watch. Before you know it, a week will have gone by since you and your spouse got romantic.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Nothing. Studies show that, over time, married people have more—and better—sex than singles do, says Scott Haltzman, author of The Secrets of Happily Married Women: "The sense of commitment helps loosen a couple's inhibitions and strengthens their sexual bond."


Related: 7 Financial Tips for Newlyweds from BRIDES Magazine's Editor-in-Chief

4. THE SHOCK: You won't unpack your china for six months.
Engaged girl's fantasy: kitchen shelves full of gleaming new china and stemware organized by color, pattern, and size. Married woman's reality: stacks of unpacked boxes in every corner.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Everyday things—working late, paying bills, taking the dog to the vet—will get in the way of setting up that idyllic space. Try this as a compromise: Open one box each week until you've achieved that sublime kitchen display. And then use the stuff!

5. THE SHOCK: You'll do the dishes; your husband will fix stuff.
It'll be like living in a Mad Men episode as you fall into clichéd roles—you're in charge of laundry; he hammers things. "One day, when our dryer's bell went off to signal that the clothes were done, my husband jumped a foot off the couch and shrieked, 'What was that noise?' That was when I realized he hadn't washed a sock since we'd been married," says Anna W., 28, of Austin, Texas.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Devise a plan, if you'd prefer to split chores 50–50. "Consider which chores each of you doesn't mind doing, and agree to divvy up the responsibilities in a way you both think is fair," says Lombardo. Studies show that when roles are clearly defined and equitable, everyone's happier.

6. THE SHOCK: Even though you'll have two paychecks, you'll still feel broke.
That "we'll have twice as much money" theory? Just an illusion. While you'll save on housing if you weren't living together before (and don't move someplace swankier), you'll also be spending more. For example, that hand-me-down couch was fine for a single gal, but now you'll want a nice sofa in a lovely home that looks as if grown-ups live there.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Don't fret too much, says Haltzman. The investments you're making now will pay off for decades to come, whether they're in furnishings, friendships (throwing dinner parties), or the future (loading up your retirement accounts).

7. THE SHOCK: You won't want to spend every moment with your new husband.
Your spouse may be your best friend, but he won't suddenly become your only friend.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
"My husband and I have no problems maintaining individual friendships," says Meghan E., 29, of Richmond, Virginia. "The poor guy shouldn't have to be dragged to every new chick flick simply because he's married to me." She's right. Go out with the girls, and give him nights with his guys. You'll come home and swap stories—and your marriage will be the better for it.

See Also: 16 Surefire Ways to De-Stress

8. THE SHOCK: You'll go to bed mad, even though you vowed not to—ever.
Count on falling asleep fuming at least once that first year.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
"It's okay if you're getting nowhere with a compromise," says Lombardo. "Forcing things will just make them worse." So don't be scared of getting some shut-eye. Most likely, you'll both wake up refreshed and ready to make up. Studies show the best predictor of a marriage's success is the couple's ability to repair the relationship after a fight, so as long as you resolve your conflict quickly, you can rest easy.

9. THE SHOCK: Being a wife won't mean you'll instantly have skills worthy of an Iron Chef.
"When I was single, I rarely turned on the stove in my studio apartment. Then I got a husband, new kitchen gear (all those shower gifts!), and my grandmother's take- care-of-your-man attitude," says Molly S., 32, of Baltimore.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
Marriage vows are powerful, but they don't include instructions on how to make meatloaf. "I'd rush home from work and try to cook a spread worthy of a magazine photo shoot, but I couldn't take the pressure," says Molly. "Now making dinner might mean opening a bag of salad or a take-out menu," she says. "And we're both okay with that." Or you may find your husband grabbing the apron—now there's a win-win!

10. THE SHOCK: The world will feel like a better place.
Marriage is more than changing your last name and getting a joint checking account.
WHAT'S A COUPLE TO DO?
"Getting married is a declaration to the world that you want to be with each other forever, and a huge sense of security, devotion, peace, and love comes with that," says Lombardo. That intensity will not only deepen your bond but also give you quite a buzz. Says Krista N., 31, of New York City, "We were really supportive of each other before, but now that we're married, it feels like we're tackling life together, and that's a pretty great.

--By Marina Khidekel, BRIDES magazine


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Holiday Savings Tips

So who's with me? Who's ready to be one of those well-organized, budget-conscious, financially responsible consumers we swear every Jan. 1 that we can become?

Would it help if I told you that you probably already have everything you need to pull this off -- and that it's only a matter of doing a few really obvious things in a certain order to save some serious cash?



The lack of novelty in the forthcoming advice should come as a relief. No need to learn any fancy new tricks (or long division) to survive the holidays financially intact. You know this stuff already. There's just one small thing you need to do differently from last year: Don't blow this off.

Really, that's just a small thing. Take the next 20 minutes to map out your holiday shopping strategy. If all you do is muddle through just the first two items on this list, I guarantee you'll spend less than you would otherwise. Get into it a little more, and you'll exponentially improve your sanity and your savings.

5 run-of-the-mill holiday survival tactics that actually work ... if you do them

1. Revisit last year's expenses: Did you keep track of what you spent last year on holiday festivities? No worries: Your lenders sure did. Dig up your credit-card statements from last year for a horrifyingly accurate account of the November-December damage. You can do one of two things now: Challenge yourself to spend less. Or challenge yourself to spend no more than you did. You know the right thing to do.

2. Actually make a list of gift-ees: It may be cliche, but shopping with a list will keep you honest. Next to each person's name, write a few gift ideas and a target dollar figure. Pick a range, and make it reasonable. Voila, your holiday scorecard! If you are facing financial hardships that you weren't last year, make sure to aim low. With so many purchases made on impulse, committing a list to paper and (most importantly) sticking to a list can save you a serious bundle. Or, even better ...

3. Leave the credit cards at home: Yes, credit cards are convenient -- they offer purchase protection, rewards, an easy way to track your spending (albeit after the damage is done), and they take up less wallet room. But they're also too convenient. Studies show that people spend more -- and more impulsively -- when no actual cash changes hands. Instead, carry the cash you need for each shopping trip. I guarantee this all-cash diet will cut down your holiday spending by at least 10%, and likely much, much more.

4. Don't dawdle: Malls are many a budgeter's downfall. 'Tis the season for temptation. Because you made a list (right?) you won't be tempted to wade through the crowds to pick up a little something for yourself. If you feel your resolve growing weak, bring this list of five mind games stores use to make consumers spend more so you can identify the traps. Even better: Avoid the bricks-and-mortar stores altogether and shop online. Gift wrapping? Card? Shipping? Click. Click. Click. Done. Done. And done. (See our advice under the " Let your fingertips do the browsing " heading for tips on navigating the Web retail bonanza.)

5. Set a deadline: The holidays are really about being with the ones you love. It's hard to play board games with the kids or trim the tree when you're standing in line on Dec. 24. Set a firm deadline for your shopping, wrapping, shipping, and even house cleaning. You'll be a hero to your family if everything's done two weeks before the big day.


by Dayana Yochim, The Motley Fool


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10 Driving Mistakes You Probably Make

When it comes to driving mistakes, most people are in the "it's not me, it's you" camp. Everything from minor scrapes to major collisions can easily be blamed on the other driver. But what if it is actually your fault? We spoke to the experts and discovered that oftentimes, you (yes, you!) really are the one to blame. The good news? You're not alone. Read on to find out the most common driving mistakes people make, and what you can do to improve your road skills.



1. You're not paying as much attention to the road as you think you are.
Distracted driving is a huge cause of accidents, and cell phone use is one of the biggest culprits. Think you're in the clear because you're wearing a headset? Experts agree that even if you're talking hands-free while behind the wheel, you're still endangering yourself and others. "You're driving a two- or three-thousand-pound piece of metal, and anything you do that distracts you from driving is a danger," says Rick Adam, vice president of claims at High Point Auto Insurance in Leesburg, Virginia. "Texting while driving is now approaching the danger level of drunk driving."

2. You're focusing on the wrong part of the road.
Trying to navigate unfamiliar territory while driving is tricky, but instead of zeroing in on road signs and exit numbers in the distance, you should focus on the road immediately ahead of you, says Steven Ross, owner of Empire Defensive Driving School in Long Island, New York. "Swerving out of lane is a common problem, and failure to focus on the road ahead of you—even if you think you're paying attention—can cause you to shift out of lane." Instead, Ross recommends that if you don't have a passenger to tell you which turns to make, you should pull over to the side of the road to look at a map, or use a GPS device to guide you.

3. You're waiting too long to check your tire pressure.
If the low tire pressure indicator lights on your car's dashboard, you've already waited too long, says Tony Molla, vice president of communicationsfor the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. "You should be checking your tires regularly; when the light comes on it's usually a worst-case scenario." Molla recommends pulling over to the side of the road if this happens. If the tire looks almost completely flat, don't try to drive on it. If it's only low, pull off at the nearest exit, find an air pump and replenish. Not only can low tire pressure use up more gas, but if all four tires don't have the correct air pressure, it's harder to maneuver the car in emergency situations—especially when you have to make a quick turn.

Learn about 8 other car maintenance checks you can do yourself.

4. You're not bothering to improve your parallel parking skills.
As long as you manage to make your way into a parking spot, it doesn't matter how you got there, right? Wrong, insists Ross, whose students often hit the curb while attempting the maneuver. "There are two major problems with that: Hitting the curb will deteriorate your tires and it will damage the alignment." If it gets to the point where your tires look whitewashed from so many encounters with the curb, chances are high that they will pop.

So what's the best way to parallel park? Ross recommends pulling up beside the car parked in front of your space until the two rear bumpers are parallel, leaving two feet of space between the cars. Put your car in reverse and back up slowly, turning the wheel toward the curb as far as it will go. Once the back of your front door is even with the rear bumper of the car beside you, begin to turn the wheel away from the curb and continue to reverse into the spot.

5. You're spending too much on gas.
"The most common mistake drivers make is that they fill up their cars with premium fuel when they don't need to," says Molla. "While some vehicles do require that high level of octane gas, 99 percent of the cars out there are going to run just fine on regular gas." Check your owner's manual to see what your car's manufacturer recommends, and if it doesn't call for premium fuel, don't bother.

6. You aren't heeding wet roadways quickly enough.
Adam says his company processes an enormous number of accident claims due to people not adjusting their driving to rainy conditions. "People fail to do this because they're unaware of the fact that the first 10 minutes of rain are when roadways are most dangerous," he adds. "Those initial minutes of precipitation cause the oil that has built up on the roads to make conditions extremely slick." So when it starts to drizzle, slow down immediately.

7. You're applying too much pressure to the gas and brake pedals.
According to Molla, you're going to get the best fuel economy "if you drive like you have an egg under your foot." The more smoothly you accelerate and brake, the further your gas will go. Similarly, ignore the old rule that says starting up your car will waste more fuel than idling. "It's not true. If you're going to be sitting for more than a minute or two, turn off your car. Restarting it won't waste any more fuel than if you left it on."

8. You change your mind about turning too often.
Everyone has switched on their turn signal only to later figure out that they're at the wrong exit. Their biggest mistake? Not making the turn anyway. "The person behind you may not be driving with the best etiquette, and may move to pass you before you turn," says Adam. "If you pull back onto the road, you could have a collision." Adam often deals with accidents claims that involve people turning their indicators on too soon or too late: Signal at the last minute and the driver behind you may not slow down in time; signal too early and the driver may think you're not really going to turn and therefore stops paying attention.

9. Your car isn't properly adjusted to your body.
Automobiles aren't one size fits all—that's why seats and other parts are adjustable—and chances are you don't have the right fit, yet. "I know a lot of smaller women who want to be very close to the steering wheel, but you really want to leave about 8 to 10 inches between you and the wheel so the airbag can inflate properly," says Stephanie Janczak, a safety coach at Ford Motors. She also recommends that your seat belt cross over the middle of your shoulders and chest, and that the top of your headrest be level with the top of your head—not only is it more comfortable in this position, it will help prevent whiplash-type injuries. (And the same goes for children: If they aren't tall enough for the seat belt to cross the middle of their chest, they should sit in a booster seat.)

10. You aren't prepared for vehicle maintenance.
"Most consumers think of their car as just another appliance, like a toaster, until the day it won't start," says Molla. He recommends putting away $25 each month to cover oil changes and unexpected maintenance. "It will slowly build up to the point where, if you need a $600 alternator, you'll probably have enough money in the bank to cover the repair. The worst that can happen is you'll have Some extra money on the side."

By Amanda Greene (Woman's Day)


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All Saints Day Fire in Cebu City (Nov. 1, 2010)

Philippines-It takes almost 3 hours for Cebu City Firefighters to control the bursting flames that destroyed an estimated 80 houses. The fire blamed on a unattended candle during the celebration of All Saints Day at around 9 pm and ended around 11:00 pm. It was estimated that the damage cost of the said fire is around P2.8 million.

The video footage


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