Jobs Americans WILL Do.

I was just surfing the Internet, when I found this story.. I would like you to comment this note for I could know your opinion.

One small favor from this disastrous recession: slightly fewer reporters are mindlessly scribbling down the phrase, "jobs Americans won't do." More than 400 NumbersUSA members wrote to me personally after my fundraising email on Monday. About 275 of them told me they are unemployed. Another 100 reported that their retirement income is so small that they cannot donate.

Many of those writing me are making ends meet in unusual ways. In fact, you wouldn't believe all the jobs that they used to do and would very much like to do again.
Former factory workers, former construction workers, even a cotton picker, wrote me. They are all active, faxing and phoning members of NumbersUSA.
Some have taken jobs that younger people really ought to be doing.
Listen to Pat's story:

I do everything I can - faxes when you give me the chance, phone calls too - (isn't it a shame our representatives can't afford 800 numbers to their offices so that ALL their constituents can call with their thoughts and moral support? I've written them about THAT, too.)

I DO appreciate your disclaimer regarding 'ability to pay'. We are retired and our life savings were wiped out on my medical bills (even though we have insurance). At age 67 my husband delivers pizzas 3 nights a week - and by the third night, he is just dragging. If you will keep giving me the opportunity to fax I will. I call whenever I can (luckily I have a cell phone - which allows me to call as I couldn't afford the long distance bills if I had to pay each call).

I appreciate the wonderful work this organization is doing and am so glad you have offered a way for me to get so personally involved, even though I have no spare money to send you. (I was emailing and calling before I ever found your site. The ability to fax is a great addition for me.) Keep the faxes coming and I'll keep sending them on - nearly always with my own personal comments rather than the standard text. (I'm maybe a little more militant in my wordage and that makes me feel a little better when I can get my thoughts off my chest).

Again, keep up the great work and thank you for letting me be involved. You have come upon a great system that encourages and allows many more to be involved.

~Pat N, of Texas

Pat's email says so many things that I'd like to underscore.

1. This 67 year-old American's husband is willing to work as a pizza delivery man, even though common sense says younger people would be better able to do that job. Americans are just like any other industrious people. When they have to put food on the table, any job is better than no job.
2. Pat got my message that we only want donations from people who are able to pay. If you're on a small fixed income, or unemployed, or sick, or otherwise unable, let other people bear the burden.
3. It's refreshing for me to read hundreds of letters from members who, like Pat, are so grateful to NumbersUSA for allowing them to fax Congress even though they cannot contribute. "Pat, you're welcome!" You really need to thank the many thousands of NumbersUSA members who can and do pick up the faxing tab for those who cannot help.

Pat, thanks for contacting me. Thanks for using our faxing system to amplify your voice. Thanks for making the calls that make a huge impact. Thanks for working hard and keeping your head up.
I say to you, Pat, what I tell so many-- "Keep the faith, and never give up!"

JIM ROBB is Vice President, Operations for NumbersUSA

Views and opinions expressed in blogs on this website are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect official policies of NumbersUSA.

American Airlines Offers Family-Friendly Tips for Independence Day Travel

Hey! Found some useful tips wroten by American Airlines for people going to travel. Hope you will enjoy it! As for me, there is some info that will help many people to enjoy their vacation!

Before Traveling...

• When traveling on an international itinerary with a lap child (infants under the age of two), contact American Airlines Reservations for information on the proper documentation required for security clearance and boarding. Infant ticket and fare rules for international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, vary by country, so call ahead to avoid surprises at the airport. Although there is no charge for traveling with lap children within the U.S., allow for extra time at the airport to provide proper documentation to a ticket agent.
• Consider purchasing a lightweight child-restraint system rather than lugging a bulky car seat through security.
• Some countries require a child traveling with only one parent to carry written, notarized consent from the absent parent. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country for information.

As You Pack...

• Domestic Economy Class customers can check one bag for $15; a second checked bag is $25. If you've achieved AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum status, the first two checked bags are free.
• Include your name, flight number, itinerary and phone contact inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit.
• When traveling with an infant, be sure to bring enough food and supplies with you. American does not provide baby food, bottles or other related items.
• Fill a backpack for young children with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks. Consider holding a new or special item aside until you are airborne.

Before Leaving for the Airport...

• Dress yourself and your children in comfortable clothes, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off at the security checkpoint.
• Reduce time and stress at the airport by checking in online.
• If you're over the age of 18, federal law requires you to show a government issued photo ID at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

Onboard the Plane...

• A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly, especially for young travelers. However, audio and video equipment may only be used with headsets.
• Changes in air pressure during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier or chewing gum with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
• American and American Eagle offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard, and juice and milk are available for children. In addition, American offers a choice of fresh light meals and snacks through food-for-sale program. Options vary based on flight time and length.

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R) serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com(R), provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of theone world(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories.

Tip for stranded passengers

Hey!

Imagine... you worked hard this year... and became very tired... and you are waiting for your vacation for you could take your family and go somewhere... You buy tickets... And come to the airport... And get known that your flight is cancelled... What should you do? There are tips for not being confused. Read next!

If your flight is canceled, get into line to re-book yourself on the next flight out. But be sure to also whip out your cell phone and call the airline on its toll-free number while you wait. You may get through to customer service faster on your phone.

Reader Connie Kennedy writes:

In February 2008 my husband and I were scheduled to fly from Chicago (O'Hare) to Miami for a one-week vacation. We managed to leave on the day of a big winter storm and return on the day after a big winter storm. Our flight from Moline, Ill., to Chicago was relatively on time, but O'Hare was a zoo!! Snow, high winds, thousands of people milling about trying to reschedule flights—the typical bad weather Chicago chaos. We could tell that our late afternoon flight to Miami stood a very good chance of being cancelled. So while one of us stood in the line to rebook, the other used toll free reservations line for American Airlines (800/433-7300).

The help line came through, big time. In less than ten minutes, my husband had us on a flight to Atlanta with a connection to Miami, that actually did leave Chicago on time and made it to Miami with minimal delays. On the way back—same thing, different direction. Chicago was snowed in, so we used the 800 number to rebook an alternate flight to Dallas and back to Moline. The lesson of this story? Use the 800 numbers as much as you can. They work 100 percent better than waiting to talk with an overworked and harried gate agent. Our experience with the phone service was so positive that we've programmed it into our cell phones! The other lesson: be flexible about your itinerary. If the flight ends up where you want to go, good for you!

A word to the wise: If you decide to rebook your flight, be sure to find out the rules and regulations. Some airlines require that you make new reservations immediately, while others will allow you to rebook within a year.

Fax Featured Article

Hello all!
For today I've found an article about RingCentral. Hope it will be interesting for you.

Today, image is important, and nothing says professional like a toll-free or vanity number for your business. First introduced in 1967, toll free numbers were used by companies to provide customers with a way to call them without charge. At the time, however, only those with a high volume of callers were able to afford this luxury.

Now, RingCentral brings the availability of a toll-free or 800 number with a host of features including internet-enhanced voicemail, integrated fax and comprehensive call forwarding options at a low price.

Anyone can call your business free-of-charge any time, anywhere. Plus you won't miss an important call, message or fax again.

According to a Chicago Tribune study, advertisers using toll free vanity numbers received ten times more calls than those just using the local number.

RingCentral’s True 800 number offers just 3.9¢ per minute and one phone and fax number. Maximize your time, personalize your business’ identity by creating a distinctive and customized vanity number for your business in addition to enhancing your professional image by building coast-to-coast presence.

Response Marketing Group issued a study saying that after listening to a radio spot just one time, 58 percent of the participants remembered the vanity number used.

A toll free number gives a nationwide, big business image and allows customers to call you for free, making it more likely that they’ll call, according to RingCentral officials.

Immediately activate RingCentral’s advanced telephone and fax features that give all the functions of a PBX without the expense.

With RingCentral signing up is simply. Just pick your number and if you already have a toll-free number, RingCentral can help you too!

After the initial set-up, RingCentral will receive calls from your toll free number and distribute them to the telephones you select.

You can direct all calls to a single telephone, such as your home phone or take advantage of RingCentral’s Virtual PBX to create a phone answering and routing system equal to that of a big company.

Any way you set up your toll free number, RingCentral will keep track of all your calls in your Call Log and give you real-time call management through RingCentral’s Call Controller software and call screening abilities.

According to the Response Marketing Group, the success of vanity numbers had long ago been established when 1-800-FLOWERS leapt ahead of the 75-year-old FTD, which enjoyed both a dominating position in its market and name recognition.

Neither of those traits were enough to keep the older company ahead of 1-800-FLOWERS and its easily remembered phone number, the marketing company said.

Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads Military Movers Plus Real Estate Rebate Helps Veterans

Hi all!
I've found very interesting article for Veterans.


Military families relocating to the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area searching for real estate now can reduce their home buying costs with the Military Movers Plus Program.

The Military Movers Plus Program is a streamlined rebate/cash back initiative designed to help military families with expenses incurred during their home purchase. No waiting time periods, annuities, 800 numbers, no requirement to use a "preferred vendor, or forms to submit.

The program has already received many laudatory comments:

"Dennis listened carefully to our criteria. His expert negotiating and communication skills helped secure a home that we love at a price that we are comfortable with. We simply could not have done this without his help! I have recommended Dennis to our friends, and I do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who wishes to purchase real estate in Virginia Beach." Mike/Jen, LCDR, U. S. Navy.

"Dennis is a very timely and knowledgeable Virginia Beach REALTOR®. His helpful attitude and pleasant personality make you feel like you're his only client. We were very impressed with his level of dedication and professionalism with our real estate transaction". Matt & Jennifer, LCDR, U. S. Navy

Unlike USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union real estate rebate/cash back programs, the Military Movers Plus is superior because of its one percent rebate incentive. Other programs limit your rebate based on purchase price while the Military Movers Plus Program has no "cap" and does not penalize the home buyer at any purchase price point but rather helps the military real estate buyer further reduce their closing/settlement fees. Military buyers may still choose USAA or NFCU for their mortgage needs and choose the Military Movers Plus Program to augment fee/costs.

Combining the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads Military Movers Plus Program with a Veterans Administration (VA) loan makes a real estate purchase very affordable by limiting out of pocket expenses.

USOC Swine (H1N1) Flu Outbreak

The today's news about the Swine Flu. USA Track & Field's site info.

As we are all aware, the Swine Flu, now called H1N1 flu, continues to be closely monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as other organizations such as the U.S. State Department. As of May 4, 2009, 20 countries have officially reported 985 confirmed cases of the infection. Mexico has reported 590 cases with 25 deaths. The rate of reported cases is decreasing in Mexico. The CDC reports 286 cases with one death in the United States across 36 states - 73 in New York (mostly in New York City); 41 in Texas; 16 in South Carolina; 8 in Colorado and 30 in California. Though the Pandemic Alert level has increased from 4 to 5 - it only means that there is evidence of the virus in 2 or more countries. Besides the numbers seen in Mexico and the U.S., Canada has 85 cases while Spain has 40, and the United Kingdom has 15.
High-risk groups: A person who is at high-risk for complications of H1N1 flu is defined as the same for seasonal influenza. Those at risk are individuals with diabetes, heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency, and chronic liver disease. See your physician before unavoidable international travel.

Stay informed. The following websites are helpful: www.who.int ; www.cdc.gov ; http://travel.state.gov . If necessary call the toll-free number 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information. The Department of Homeland Security will provide Travel Health Alert Notices (www.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluTravel.aspx)

Small school, big numbers

Hi, guys!

I've found the news that River Valley Charter School recorded an 894 for its high school students in statewide testing last year. It was the fifth year in a row that River Valley, which combines home school and classroom instruction, had the San Diego County's top high school score. (John R. McCutchen / Union-Tribune). For most schools the goal is to score 800 on the index, which has a scale of 200 to 1,000. High schools have a harder time reaching that number than elementary and middle schools because their course work is more complicated and their enrollment usually is larger.

The toll-free 800 numbers are presented by Ring Central.