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Entry bubble Visa Lottery

By: Joanne | October 27, 2009 | Category: General

statue of liberty

Would you, or someone you know, like to become a U.S. citizen? Then you should know that the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is accepting applications until November 30, 2009. Some call it the Green Card Lottery, but the official program name is the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Each year, this program makes 50,000 diversity visas available to people who want to be U.S. citizens. Winners are drawn by a random selection among all entries.

The eligibility requirements are strict, and to qualify, there are work experience requirements, education requirements, and a prospective immigrant has to come from a country that has low immigration rates to the United States. Still, it’s a great opportunity.

Over the years we’ve seen many websites posing as official U.S. government websites that charge a fee to help people enter the Diversity Visa Program. Don’t be fooled, you can apply for free.

Good luck!

| Post a Comment | View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: card   citizen   diversity   green   immigration   joanne   lottery   visa  

 

Entry bubble Census 2010: Don't Be a Scam Victim

By: Joanne | October 20, 2009 | Category: Home and Family

hand holding a pen filling out a formYou’re probably aware that the Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2010 census, and you can bet there are people with bad intentions that will try to use the census as an opportunity to steal your personal information. I’ve already read reports that the scammers are getting started.

People contact us all the time about e-mail scams and fraud schemes. Sometimes fraudulent e-mails are even sent by someone posing as a government agency, so be careful and if you’re ever in doubt, check it out.

In March 2010 the Census Bureau will mail or deliver census forms to every household in the United States. It’s important that you know the difference between the official forms, and forms or e-mails that might be a scam.

Here are some highlights of the Census 2010 schedule:

  • February – March 2010: Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.
  • April – July 2010: Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail.

So keep yourself informed, and stay one step ahead of the scammers!

| Post a Comment | View Comments [9] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: 2010   census   fraud   joanne   scam  

 

Entry bubble The Top 50 Jobs of the Future

By: Joanne | October 13, 2009 | Category: Money

help wanted adsThese days I bet we all know someone who recently lost their job and needs to find work. Last month the unemployment rate in the U.S. reached 9.8%, which is higher than it’s been in over 10 years.

It seems like a lot is changing in our economy and if you’re out of work, or just thinking of changing your job the Department of Labor forecasts the top 50 in demand occupations so you can figure out how you can upgrade your skills to fit into the job market of tomorrow.

Of course, finding a new job is never easy. It’s always good to look in the local paper or check an online source for local job listings, but the government’s got some resources to help too. If you’re looking for a job or an internship with the federal government, you’ll find all openings announced to the public at USAJOBS. Check out your state job bank for even more job opportunities in your area. If you need a helping hand, look up your local Department of Labor office and see what services they offer to job seekers in your area. And if the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be aware of job scams.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: employment   joanne   job   occupation   unemployment  

 

Entry bubble Flu Vaccines

By: Joanne | October 06, 2009 | Category: Health

The H1N1 (swine) flu is spreading, and this week H1N1 flu vaccinations will be arriving in just about every state.

Did you know that there are two flu vaccines this year? That’s right, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) encourages you to get a vaccination for the regular old seasonal flu, and to be fully protected they also recommend the special vaccine for the H1N1 (swine) flu. The seasonal flu shot will not protect you against H1N1.

Are you in a high risk group? Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious illness or death from the flu, and should get their flu vaccinations as soon as it becomes available.

Even if you get the flu vaccines this year, it’s important to remember that the vaccines aren’t 100% effective in preventing illness, so be sure to practice good habits to prevent the spread of disease, and to take good care of yourself if you do get the flu.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: flu   h1n1   joanne   swine   vaccine  

 

Entry bubble First Day of Autumn

By: Joanne | September 22, 2009 | Category: General

colorful maple leaves

I thought I was the only one who felt a need for mashed potatoes, but apparently not. It seemed that everyone brought warm, heavy, satisfying dishes to the potluck this weekend. Then I was reminded that autumn is upon us.

Today is the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of fall for those of us in the northern hemisphere. If you want to get really precise, autumn begins when the sun is directly over the earth’s equator, which will be at 12:47 p.m. eastern time.

One of my favorite things about fall is the beautiful changing color of the trees. This is a great time of year to visit public lands if you really want to see a lot of color. The Forest Service even has a hotline you can call to hear predictions about leaf color, foliage peaks, scenic drives, and other fall activities in the different regions across the United States.

So get yourself ready for a new season. I’m looking forward to fuzzy, warm sweaters, local apples, hearty soups, pumpkin carving and taking in the fall colors.  What do you love about fall?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: autumn   equinox   fall   joanne   season  

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