How to Find an International Business Internship

It’s not easy being a student, much less one about to graduate into a workforce still reeling from the impact of the recent global economic crisis. It’s important (perhaps more now than ever) to consider ways to be proactive about your future career prospects. In this day and age, you’ll need a lot more than a high GPA and a few weeks of volunteer experience to get the job of your dreams. If you have your heart set on getting an international business internship, here’s a handful of tips and advice for finding the right international internship for business students.In preparation for your application to an international business internship, take some time to research all of the large multinational corporation with offices in your area. There’s a good chance that you know somebody with connections on the inside, and in many cases these individuals would be only too happy to help you get your foot in the door. Naturally, you’ll want to approach businesses that are best suited to your education and/or work experience.Government agencies offer excellent opportunities for young people to gain international business experience. The US State Department is one such example. Sometimes, the best international internships can be found with a government agency. If you intend to apply for an internship with the Consulate Offices abroad, it would be a good idea to explore their website for information regarding international internships. Business associations provide another great opportunity to research and learn more about international business internships. The chamber of commerce, for instance, can help you identify local businesses with an international presence.Expatriate networks and student alumni groups provide another opportunity to gain meaningful, actionable feedback regarding international internships. Hopefully, you haven’t lost touch with all of the connections you made while in college. They are the people who can likely help you the most. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are wonderful tools for staying connected with former classmates and colleagues.If you have the resources available to you, why not consider traveling to the country of your choice and try to line up an internship in person. Most employers will appreciate your commitment their cause, when they learn that you traveled half-way around the world to pursue an international business internship with their company. Give it a try, why don’t you? What have you got to lose?

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What Is Social Bookmarking in SEO?

You’ve probably heard of the popular social bookmarking sites like Digg and Reddit. These are examples of social bookmarking sites where users can share links to their favorite content from around the web.You may have also heard how some people are increasing their rankings with the use of bookmarks. So what is social bookmarking in SEO?The Spammy Way to Use Bookmarks for SEOSadly, the popular and most discussed way of utilizing bookmarks for SEO is very spammy. The strategy is quite simple, make as many social bookmarks on as many different bookmarking sites as you can. That’s it really.The theory behind it is that a bookmark is a link, and links help your site rank higher. However, one social bookmarking carries very little value in the eyes of the search engines. The obvious solution is to submit tons and tons of them.Commonly, spam link builders will create a few web properties on sites like Blogger and Squidoo and then link to them with hundreds of bookmarks. Usually, there are hundreds of article submission involved as well in this link building process, each of which also gets bookmarked.In the end, you have tons of very low value links built in the hopes that added together they will amount to something.I don’t recommend using bookmarks like this.The Right Way to Use Bookmarks for SEOThe right way to use bookmarks is harder in some ways, but much easier in others. It’s also mind-blowingly simple. You ready?Create a piece of quality content and bookmark it on a handful of sites. That’s it. Now let me explain why this works and isn’t just the lazy way to bookmark.Let’s recall what social bookmarking sites are really for. They’re for sharing great content with other people on the web. This is the reason people visit them and vote on content, comment on it, and share it with others.The most important piece of the puzzle is the content itself. If you have taken the time to create something awesome, which can simply be a killer blog post, then you stand a really good chance of attracting lots of traffic from every bookmarking site you submit to.Now how does this help with your SEO? Your average web user will simply share a link on Facebook or a bookmarking site, but those with a web presence may opt to mention it in a forum or even in a blog post. This is how you end up getting quality backlinks from honest social bookmarking submission.To run through the cycle:
Create something awesome
Share it on bookmarking sites
Sit back and get natural links
The best part about it is you hardly spent anytime making bookmarks or doing anything besides making your site more awesome by creating some fresh new content.And that’s how social bookmarking should be used for SEO.

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Importance of Blogging and 10 Ways of Increasing Targeted Traffic

Have you ever asked yourself how a single person keeps on updating his blog with fresh content regularly without running out of ideas? There are some bloggers that will leave you to wonder how they manage to write content regularly. No one can dispute their prolific writing skills.For instance, Seth Godin updates his blog regularly with fresh content. When I was first introduced to blogging, I thought I won’t be able to write. But with time, I now know that blogging isn’t difficult. For the past three years, I have learned a lot about blogging. I have written articles for various blogs and websites. However, I’m yet to learn more about writing so that I become a better prolific writer.Becoming a blogger is all about learning how to blog. Blogging isn’t difficult as some people may tend to think. Below are four most important blogs that will teach you how to blog and how you can become a better blogger.1.) Blogtyrant.com2.) Copyblogger.com3.) Problogger.net/blog4.) Bloggingtips.comIf you’re starting a freelancing writing business, then Freelancefolder.com blog will greatly help you with advice on how to go about your freelancing writing business.Any person who is computer literate can now create a blog. You don’t have to worry about the technical aspects since there are blogging software such as WordPress and Empower Network that have simplified blogging.Importance of Blogging1.) Blogging is Interesting: There is something that you really love doing (your passion). Go ahead and create a blog and start blogging about your passion. Blogging will make you to learn more about your passion. You’ll be surprised by the attention you’ll be receiving from people.2.) Proper Usage of Free Time: Blogging isn’t a waste of time. If it was a waste of time we could not be having so many blogs currently. Instead of you being idle during most of your free time, you should create a blog and start blogging. This will make you not to question yourself on what you should do to keep yourself busy whenever you have free time.3.) Inspiring Others: Blogging has made it possible for people to encourage one another despite the fact that they have never met each other. People share problems and support one another. For instance, here is a quote I came across that made me realize how blogging has made it possible for a person to get support from people, “I was having problems with depression and anxiety disorder, and it felt like not blogging about it was creating a false history. When I did finally share the problems I was having, I was shocked -not only by the support that was given to me, but also by the incredible amount of people who admitted they struggled with the same thing.”- Jenny LawsonIn fact, I encourage more youths to start blogging in order to inspire other youths who are facing various challenges such as starting a business, running a business, advancing career, unemployment, how to overcome substance abuse etc.4.) Making Money Online: Start blogging to earn some money online if you haven’t found your dream job. There are many opportunities online that you can use your blog to make money. You can start blogging for money by being hired as a blogger. You can use your blog to do affiliate marketing or you can use your blog to sell products to people online.The opportunities to make money online from a blog are just many. It is upon you to make a decision on how you’re going to make money online blogging.5.) Gaining Exposure and Attracting Prospective Employers: Blogging exposes you as an expert in your field. You’ll be recognized as an expert when you share informative information on your blog and also on other blogs that allow guest blogging. Some people will seek your advice while there are those who will refer people to read your articles.Blogging will also expose your talent, creativity, passion and your dedication. “Blogging is a great way to show your talents and interests to prospective employers, while adding an edge to your resume. If you blog consistently it shows your dedication, passions and creativity-all of which are key attributes employers look for in job candidates.”- Lauren Conrad6.) Blogging Improves Your Writing Skills: When you keep on blogging, with time you become a better writer. You’ll learn how to express yourself better. Blogging improves your writing skills and also your skills to communicate with people.7.) Marketing and Building Relationships with Customers: Blogging is important in marketing. A blog is a marketing tool and marketers should use blogs to inform people about the products they’re selling. Marketers should blog informative information about the products they’re marketing so that people know how such products are going to be useful to them in solving various problems. Blogging builds better relationships between customers and businesses.Major Challenge in BloggingThe major challenge that many blog owners (bloggers) are facing is inadequate targeted traffic. Without targeted traffic, a blog will never flourish. When you realize that your blog isn’t attracting enough targeted traffic, you shouldn’t give up.It is normal for anyone to feel discouraged due to disappointments but giving up isn’t a solution. Giving up is creating another problem of having not found a solution that works effectively. The best you can do instead of giving up is to find out how you’ll drive targeted traffic to your blog.So, why is your blog not receiving targeted traffic? Some of the reasons are as follows:1.) Your blog is yet to be known since it is still new. It requires exposure.2.) There is no enough content on your blog to attract people and for the search engines to rank your blog.3.) The content you have published on your blog isn’t of high-quality. Publishing mediocre content on your blog could be the reason why it lacks targeted traffic.4.) The niche of your blog could be the reason for insufficient targeted traffic. If your blog is targeting a niche that is too competitive or the one that people are not interested in, then your blog will not attract any significant amount of targeted traffic.5.) You haven’t started selling a product that solves a particular problem or you could be selling a product that isn’t useful.6.) You haven’t optimized your blog in the search engines. You have not used the search engine optimization techniques to optimize your blog.7.) You haven’t done list building and this has led you not to keep in touch with people who visit your blog. They visit your blog never to visit it again since they forget it.8.) You have not captured people’s attention. Your blog doesn’t have content that is interesting for people to read. You haven’t used headlines that will capture the attention of people. You haven’t also posted videos or pictures that capture people’s attention. You’re not giving giveaways. People love getting things for free!9.) Your blog contains many spelling and grammar mistakes. People will not want to go on reading a blog that has posts containing many spelling and grammar mistakes.10.) Another reason for lack of targeted traffic is ignoring the readers and writing for the search engines. Focusing mainly to optimize your blog in the search engines instead of focusing on your readers will eventually make your readers to stop visiting your blog.Ten Ways of Increasing TrafficDriving targeted traffic to your blog is a process that should be continuous. Here are ten ways that you can use to drive targeted traffic to your blog.1.) Update Your Blog Regularly: You should start updating your blog regularly with fresh content that is unique and informative if you haven’t been doing that.2.) Quality Content and Not Quantity Content: Although you should update your blog with fresh content, it doesn’t mean that you should update it with any content for the sake of updating it regularly. High-quality content is important in retaining your existing targeted traffic. Posting high-quality content will make people to visit your blog since they know that they’re going to benefit a lot.3.) Gain Exposure for Your Blog: Use internet marketing techniques that will ensure your blog gains exposure. Some of the internet marketing techniques that you can use include social networking sites, search engine optimization ways, viral marketing, pay per click Ads, Google AdWords etc.4.) Keep in Touch with Your Audience: You have to do list building. Let the people who are visiting your blog to give you their email addresses willingly. You’ll later on contact them so that you remind them to visit your blog.5.) Attract People’s Attention: Capture people’s attention so that they can keep on visiting your blog. Use headlines that will capture people’s attention to read your blog posts. You should also post videos, infographics and include pictures on your blog posts so that they attract people’s attention.6.) Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Proofread your articles. Let someone else read your articles before you publish them on your blog. This is to ensure that your articles don’t contain spelling and grammar mistakes.7.) Engage Your Audience: You need to engage your audience. Ask them questions and let them comment on your blog posts. Reply their comments. This way, your audience will know that you appreciate them and value their opinions. Your audience will trust you and they’ll keep on visiting your blog and also refer people to visit your blog.8.) Allow Guest Blogging: You should invite experts to publish content on your blog. When you allow experts in your field of specialization to do guest blogging, your blog will gain good reputation. People will trust it and this makes your blog to be authoritative.9.) Quality Products: Selling high-quality products will make people to visit your blog. A word of mouth will spread much faster about your blog if you’re selling high-quality product that is solving a particular problem that other products haven’t been able to resolve.10.) Buy Traffic: Buying traffic will at least make people to know your blog. There are many websites that specialize in selling traffic.

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Considerations For a Car Purchase and Finance

There are many things to consider in your purchase of a motor vehicle. There are many choices and it can be confusing to which vehicle to choose. Once you have decided on a car then to what price and possible trade in price to be negotiated. With most car purchases financed, it is also important to remember everything when going through comparing car finance packages.Australian car loans can vary because of many factors. Car Finance direct from a bank is quite often not the cheapest solution.When time to purchase a new car, the next question is usually how you are going to pay for it rather than which car you are going to buy.Financing your next car is a very important process, as you want to choose a finance package most suitable to you. There can be many things to check including car loan interest rates, fees and charges, break fees if you paid it out earlier or if you can pay extra payments.Remember to consider the time it will take to approve and settle your car loan. Does the car finance company suit your criteria to approve the finance?You can have unsecured or secured car finance, which can be very different costs on your loan.It can be a requirement of the car finance company to have fully comprehensive on your car before and while you pay off your car loan.Finance companies can assist to ensure you have a hassle free car purchase and help with additional resources like encumbrance checks to ensure that there are not any outstanding loans from the prior owner left against the motor vehicle. They could have available title checks to confirm the ownership of the car you are purchasing. Most will arrange clear transfer to seller of the amount financed on the car purchase.Car loans, subject to the finance company’s approval can be financed to the full cost of the purchase including on-road costs and taxes, car Insurance, motor vehicle breakdown warranties, loan protection for death, disability and unemployment.Older cars can be ok. Car loans can apply for all ages new and used depending on the car loan lender.Finance structures can be flexible to suit your circumstance. Options to consider on your car loan could be delayed payment car loans so you first payment starts at a extended time into your finance contract, interest only payment options including balloon payments, extended finance terms and structured car finance payments to suit your life style or your work cash flow.There are many motor finance options available for imported cars.Commercial car finance options are available that could be suitable for business use. Some choices to consider that relate to business car financing are chattel mortgage vehicle finance, commercial hire purchase, car lease, operational car lease and fully maintained car lease packages. Be careful because the structure of your business car finance can affect your taxation claim.Dealing through a reputable car loan broker can give you a choice of car finance lenders. It is important to know that you may get car loan interest rates and loan fees and charges cheaper than banks.

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How to Choose a Car Finance Broker – Some Useful Tips

Financing a car is a very important process and today with the availability of numerous car finance brokers it has become an easy option to get secure car loans. Today these car finance brokers are also playing a vital role in assisting car buyers. In fact, consulting and taking help of car broker can definitely be most appropriate option if you don’t have any clue about what to look at according to your budget. A finance broker is the most experienced personnel and clued-up on how to approach the financiers in a way that can persuade them to approve the loan. They usually have good relations and reputation with the lenders as being reliable, and so they know which lenders are likely to be open to a client.In general, they act as the key source and offer services such as finding a used or brand new car model that the customer wants and within a budget range. At times, these car brokers even assist car buyers in negotiating with a used car seller. However, these days there are many car finance services and making a proper selection is turning out to be a very complicated process. You need to understand that not all car finance services are fair. Therefore, if you are looking to finance a car or choose a car financing service then here are a few important points that you should keep in mind while making a selection:StandardsYou must confirm whether your car finance consultant or broker is a member of FBAA or COSL or both of these industry associations. While Finance Brokers’ Association of Australia Ltd. (FBAA) is one of Australia’s leading membership bodies for finance broking professionals, the Credit Ombudsman Service Limited (COSL) is an independent organisation that is mainly indulged in handling complaints about finance brokers. You can easily confirm finance consultant’s membership by searching through their member list. Adding to this, WA Finance Broker License is yet another additional requirement for finance brokers serving in Western Australia. Nevertheless, if you are looking for finance broker and residing in the state of WA or other states of Australia, it is essential that the broker must hold a WA Finance Broker License. A broker holding WA Finance Broker License entails passing a comprehensive range of checks, educational requirements and operational requirements.AccreditationWhile selecting a car finance broker also ensure you know about their range of lender accreditations. The range of accreditations held by a broker governs the range of options they can offer. You must note that a broker’s accreditation can not just change the range of finance options available to you, but it may even affect the quality of those options.Experienced StaffYou must choose car finance service that recruits and retains professional and knowledgeable staff. The broker must be an experienced professional who can demonstrate and explain about why a particular product is highly recommended or even suites your specific circumstance. If possible make sure you even ask for testimonials from previous clients that in turn may help you in the confirmation of their experience.Services OfferedAs mentioned earlier, today there are many finance services available in the market. Therefore, you must find out more about any extra service that a broker can provide. You should expect your finance consultant to supply detailed information about timeframes, and any fees or extra charges related with your finance. The key point is if a broker is being able to clarify the comparison rate of your recommended vehicle finance and the overall cost of your finance package then it is quality sign of a good finance broker.These are some important points that can help you in choosing your car finance services easily. Today a lot of responsibility goes along with buying a car and taking financial help through car broker. Just taking care of few essential steps can help you select your car broker and further purchase a nice new or used car.

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There is an excessive amount of traffic coming from your Region.

#EANF#

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How is Parkinson’s Disease Treated?

Parkinsons disease is a comparatively common condition of the nervous system which is as a result of problems with the nerve cells in the part of the brain which generates dopamine. This is a chemical substance that is needed for the smooth management of muscles and motion, so the symptoms of the disorder is a result of a reduction of that chemical. Parkinson’s disease mostly impacts individuals aged over 65, but it can and does come on at younger ages with 5-10% developing before the age of forty.

The chief clinical features of Parkinson’s disease are a tremor or shaking, that will commences in one arm or hand; there is often a muscle rigidity or stiffness along with a slowness of motion; the stance gets more stooped; additionally, there are equilibrium concerns. Parkinson’s can also cause greater pain and result in depression symptoms and create problems with memory and sleep. There isn’t any specific test for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. The identification is usually made primarily based on the history of the symptoms, a physical along with neural evaluation. Other reasons for the signs and symptoms also need to be eliminated. There are imaging assessments, such as a CAT scan or MRI, that can be used to eliminate other issues. From time to time a dopamine transporter diagnostic might also be utilized.

The actual cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known. It does appear to have both genetic and environmental elements with it plus some specialists think that a virus may induce Parkinson’s as well. Decreased amounts of dopamine and also norepinephrine, a substance which in turn is responsible for the dopamine, have already been found in those with Parkinson’s, but it is not yet determined what is causing this. Unusual proteins which are named Lewy bodies have been located in the brains of those who have Parkinson’s; nevertheless, experts don’t know what role they may play in the development of Parkinson’s. While the specific cause just isn’t known, studies have identified risk factors that establish groups of people who are more prone to develop the condition. Men are more than one and a half times more prone to get Parkinson’s as compared to women. Caucasians are much more prone to get the condition as compared to African Americans or Asians. Those who have close members of the family who have Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop it, implying the inherited contribution. A number of toxins could raise the potential for the problem, implying a role of the environment. People who experience difficulties with brain injuries can be more likely to go on and have Parkinson’s disease.

There is no identified remedy for Parkinson’s disease. That will not imply that the signs and symptoms can’t be handled. The main method is to use medicines to raise or replacement for the dopamine. Balanced and healthy diet together with frequent exercise is crucial. There may be changes made to the surroundings at home and work to keep the individual involved as well as active. There are also some options sometimes for brain surgical treatment which can be used to relieve some of the motor symptoms. A diverse team of different health professionals are often involved.

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Understanding the Impacts of Gout

Gout is among those historical problems because there are numerous mentions of it in historical literature, at least since ancient times. The traditional typecast of it is that it is related to the upper classes that binge in alcohol and certain foods. This image was pictured in early art work illustrating people who had gout. Gout has stopped being viewed as a problem of over consumption, because of the current research demonstrating an important genetic component to it.

Gout is a distressing inflammation related disorder which mostly impacts the joints, most commonly the great toe joint with the feet. It is because of uric acid crystals getting placed in joints in the event the bloodstream uric acid quantities are increased. The uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines which come from the consuming of foods like venison, salmon, tuna, haddock, sardines, anchovies, mussels, herring along with alcohol consumption. It is possible to understand how that old misconception was produced according to the overindulgence of the higher classes in those types of food and alcoholic beverages. The actual problem is not really the quantity of those foods which can be consumed, but the actual genetics of the biochemical pathway which usually breaks the purines in these food items down into the uric acid and how your body deals with it.

While diet is still important in the treating of gout and lowering the quantity of food which have the purines with them continues to be considered essential, however it is becoming apparent recently that this is just not sufficient by itself and just about all those who have gout probably will need pharmaceutical management. It goes without saying that drugs are likely to be needed for relief of pain throughout an acute flare up. The acute phase of gout is extremely painful. Over the long term there are two forms of drugs which you can use for gout. One kind of medicine block chemicals in the pathway which splits the purines into uric acid, which simply implies there will be much less uric acid in the blood stream that could find its way in to the joints to trigger an acute episode of gout or lead to the long-term gout. The other main kind of drug is one that can help the renal system remove much more uric acid. This would also reduce the urates in the bloodstream. Generally, only one of those drugs is all that’s needed, however occasionally both are needed to be utilized at the same time. Since these prescription medication is ordinarily pretty successful, that will not indicate that the life-style and eating habits changes may be pushed aside. Local measures, including wearing good fitting shoes if the big toe joint gets too painful is important. Also ice packs during an acute flare up will also help with the relief of pain.

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How To Approach Removing Asbestos Removal in Sydney

Planning to renovate your home built decades ago? Well, you got to be careful! There is a good chance it may have asbestos. This is a popular building material used throughout Australia before it was completely banned in 2003.

Asbestos is not generally considered hazardous. In fact, homeowners are only allowed to remove up to ten square meters of non-friable asbestos. More than that, people are advised to seek professional help, especially handling friable ones. Because of the health risks involved, DIY removal is considered illegal.

This is particularly prohibited in Sydney. Hence, the expertise of your trusted asbestos removalists is required to handle the dangerous job.

Why Removing Asbestos Can Be Dangerous?

There are many DIY ideas. Some are equally fun. Whilst, others can be hazardous, like removing asbestos by yourself.

Here are some reasons why removing asbestos without proper knowledge can be dangerous:

Exposure to diseases

Small quantities of asbestos are present in the air most of the time and are being breathed in by everyone without ill effects. But, exposure to high levels of asbestos for a long time is pretty serious. It can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Accidents and Injuries

Asbestos is used in cement sheeting, drainage and pipes, guttering, and even roofing. But, asbestos roofing can become fragile over time. Hence, you might risk breaking it apart, releasing harmful fibres into the air. Also, a single sheet of asbestos can weigh 30-50 kilograms. Such weight can cause injuries.

Wrong removal and ill-fitting equipment

You may not know the proper ways to remove asbestos, exposing you to very harmful fibres. And the recommended removal equipment is quite expensive. You don’t have to deal with it on your own.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Asbestos?

Asbestos removal can be pretty costly. It is determined by the type and size of the area, as well as the amount of debris to be removed. The safety risks of asbestos also increase the cost, especially when friable asbestos is involved. But health is wealth. It is always worth the price.

Most junk removalists in Sydney are priced from $99.99 per cubic metre, however, given the highly dangerous nature of asbestos, prices may be higher. It’s important to receive a few quotes before proceeding with an asbestos removal service.

How To Find The Right Asbestos Removal Provider?

There are a few key things you can do right now to ensure that your search for a provider is a successful one. They include:

Check Online Reviews

Does the asbestos removal service provider have an abundance of positive Google reviews? Check the history of their reviews to make sure that they are in-fact, legitimate. Businesses with legitimate reviews tend to have a stream of reviews that span across years of their lifetime; not just all within a few months.

Service Locality

Hiring a local asbestos removal business is always best. This ensures that you receive the best pricing as the business is local and nearby to your location. Typically, local businesses tend to take more pride in their workmanship as a positive reputation is key to their ongoing success.

Number of Years in Business

Given the highly dangerous nature of asbestos, it’s important to check how long the business has been in operation. A business who has over 10 years servicing the local community may provide cheaper pricing, given that they likely will have more refined practices.

Conclusion

Take your time while in search of a suitable asbestos removal provider. Due-dilligence is important and always shop around for the best quotes.

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A Pall Settles Over America

I see it in their eyes, downcast and wary. I see it in their steps, shuffling and tentative. When they talk, they use a word I rarely hear, depressed.

These are the producers, those who make the country work. Hourly and salaried employees and managers, who go to their jobs every day, work hard and provide for themselves and their families.

They’re the kind of people who have been with us since the country began. Back then, we called them Pilgrims, sod-busters, and settlers. Today they go by many names, Physician, Technician, Engineer, and Laborer. But for all of them, life has a rhythm, just as it did two centuries ago, that comes from our agricultural heritage.

Spring has always been the time for planting, and looking forward to the year ahead. Summertime is when they cultivate the crops. Fall is harvest time when we enjoy the fruits of our labor and thank God for blessing us. Winter is the time of austerity, the time to prune, the time to cut back.

But not this year. This year, we are still in harvest time. Yet the pruning has already begun. Major companies across this land are already cutting back, eliminating staff to reduce.

For thousands of laid-off workers, it comes at the worst possible time. Just before the holidays. A time when many who have children will have to cut back this Christmas. There will be little joy for those who lost their jobs these holidays.

If you’ve lived through a corporate “downsizing,” you know that anxiety runs high. No matter how often the boss has assured you that you will be kept on, you’re never sure about your future. Should you start looking for a new job now, or wait? Does the boss know what lies ahead, or might he be on the corporate chopping block? There is no job security once layoffs begin.

But there is much more to our collective angst this year than at any time in our memory. These corporate cutbacks are merely reflecting a more significant issue, an issue that is nationwide.

Our country is headed in the wrong direction. That is a sentiment shared by three-quarters of us. And we’ve felt that way for a couple of years. Producers know that the country should be operating better. Yes, there were all difficulties associated with the Pandemic. But those are now behind us.

Today recovery should be well underway. But it’s not. Despite all the trillions of dollars pumped into the system, our standard of living is falling. Each day inflation marches on; real income is declining. Gasoline, food, and shelter costs accelerate in real-time, but a salary rise comes annually. Corporate raises will arrive at the end of the year and likely come nowhere near the level of inflation we’ve already experienced.

Producers see all of this.

Producers also know that many, perhaps most, of our problems come from Washington. We see that a feeble old man has his bony fingers on the nation’s tiller, steering us straight for the shoals. He, and those who surround him, have a policy of austerity. In their eyes, less is better, and fewer is preferred. We should use less heat this winter, drive smaller, preferably electric vehicles, and eat vegan. And the less we consume, the better. From this perspective, we are the problem. Our destiny is to have shortages and wants. And they’ve pushed us in that direction.

However, these leaders told us last week that we could change everything. By walking into our voting booth, we could make our voices heard. We, the people, could take this country in a new direction that our leaders were indeed subject to the will of the people.

That didn’t happen. Counting votes has become a haze of computational complexity and slow-walking results. So that the incumbents in Washington get the results they want, it’s the complete inversion of the principal and values that the country’s founders intended. But there it is—today’s reality.

It’s the reason the word I hear most often from Producers today is: depression. And I’m afraid that’s where we’re headed.

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