Important Cancer Screening and Detection Information for Women

While I have lost tremendous respect for Rosie O'Donnell, I have embedded the following video from her because it contains very important cancer screening and detection information for women in it. I came across it when I saw reports about an incident between Larry King and Fran Drescher. The search for details led me to a site which had this video.

I was horrified (but not exactly surprised) to learn that so many helpful tests  used for the early detection of cancer in women are NOT covered by insurance. That needs to change.

Speaking of cancer, early National Enquirer reports about Patrick Swayze having cancer have turned out to be partially true. Score one point for them actually getting something right.

On my final cancer note, please be sure, Ladies and Gentleman, to do all you can to keep yourself healthy and screen accurately for cancer. More information about cancer may be found at the National Cancer Institute website.

Fashion Sense for Women in Their 40's

Photo by Photografia Privata
A recent episode of Oprah featured fashion expert Tim Gunn giving tips for women in their 40's. From the Oprah show website, he is said to have given the following advice,

"Women in their 40s should always try to avoid horizontal stripes, jackets that hit at mid-thigh, pleated pants, double-breasted blazers, Capri-length pants and low-rise jeans."

Now, it has always been my personal understanding of fashion that the key elements are the current trends, age-appropriateness, and how it flatters your figure/camouflages your flaws. Some of the items on the list do not fit, in my understanding, the 'age-appropriateness' element, which leaves me scratching my head.

For example, what I have always been told about fashion and horizontal stipes is that you NEVER wear them unless it is on an area of your body you want to make look bigger/wider. For those with a very small bosom, wearing a shirt with horizontal stripes can make them look fuller in the chest. A woman with a very full bosom would obviously want to avoid horizontal stripes, and perhaps even opt for vertical stripes in order to make her bosom appear a little minimized.

The low-rise jeans I can understand as not being age-appropriate, but all of the other things on the list seem to be more fashion-appropriate or figure-appropriate issues.

This brings up the question of how important fashion and what fashion 'experts' say is to you.

How much credence do YOU give to their advice?
Which ones do you avidly follow?
Which ones do you think are quacks?

SOURCE:

Project Makeover. The Oprah Winfrey Show.
http://www.oprah.com/beauty/bestof/20070205/beauty_20070205_284x426_201.jhtml?promocode=CNNgunnDL
Accessed November 11, 2007

Where to Find Business Grants

Photo by Chance Agrella
People have made a living off selling supposed ‘secret’ information on where to find money from the government. The books I once bought on the subject were a joke. Much of the information was outdated and/or too vague to be of any help.

The technology available to the average consumer today allows for individuals to find their own grant money information with relatively little effort.

Small Business Grants and Information
One of the first places to look is at the US government’s Small Business Administration (SBA) website. They do not give out grants, but they do give great information and links regarding how to locate funding for business. They offer a limited number of special purpose loans to businesses for things such as disaster recovery. Their Grants page is loaded with links to extensive grant information, grant sources, and grant writing tips.

Individual States offer programs designed to help promote business growth and revenue for their state. About.Com’s USGOV Info/Resources section offers a state-by-state listing of where to find business grants and resources. I don’t know how often the links are checked or updated, but a quick email to the guide for that section should elicit further help.

Also in that same section is a page dedicated to sources of funding which is not a government grant. The statement is made that most people don’t really need a grant, but other available assistance. A link if available to a page which explains what is involved in obtaining Federal Grant money . . . and the reasoning behind their statement that most would be better served with other forms of assistance.

The Small Business Center has a lot of information and links about various loan and grant programs, along with tips for applying.

General information about small business grants is also available in a different section of about.com: in their small business section.

The Idea Café website has a link for more information about grants, and also offers some grants of their own for small businesses. A wide variety of other business information is also available from their site.

Specialty Grants: Business Grants for Women
There are multiple sources of grant monies for women. A few links regarding such are:

Home Biz Tools.Com

Web Momz.Com

Women’s Business Grants

Woman Owned.Com

Specialty Grants: Business Grants for Other Groups

Grants for Disabled, Veterans, Single Moms, Ethnic Groups

Grants and Loans for Minorities

Your local state vocational rehabilitation program or welfare program may also have limited funds available to help those in need begin or expand their business, under certain circumstances. Call them for more information.

For information about how to start your own business, click HERE.

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