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SUBMIT A SOUND OFF - Click here
Go to Opinion page - Click hereKeeping your home
in a chaotic market
Published Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Corinth Talks by Caldera
Web exclusive
Although they realize the dangers of the brutal, bottomless real estate market… many Americans have decided to keep their home… to ride it out…
No matter what your financial situation, there are some vital steps that you can make to reduce your costs in keeping your home.
Check around and establish the conditions of your neighborhood. Has the value of homes in your area fallen? One website you might use to check the value is: http://realestate.yahoo.com/Homevalues
Get your Realtor to obtain evidence of the loss in value and then file the needed forms with your property appraiser’s office so that you can cut your property taxes.
Homeowner’s insurance is another step you can take to cut your costs. Shop around for a competitive price. Another way to cut your insurance costs might be to install an alarm system.
Refinance if you are in an ARM with increasing payments. Your local mortgage broker can compare the costs involved with refinancing into a potential fixed rate loan.
Should you fall behind, immediately contact your lender, you may be able to use some of the new government programs designed to help homeowners keep their homes. One such program is through the FHA and is called FHASecure. It was expanded in 2008 and is designed to help people who have fallen behind due to a recent adjustment in the rate of their adjustable rate mortgage. http://www.hud.gov/
If you are not currently late, you may be eligible for another type of FHA loan such as the Making Home Affordable Program. http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/
If after all steps have been taken and you are near foreclosure, there is another program named Project Lifeline that is part of the HOPE Program. With this program the government will freeze the foreclosure process for 30 days. This will give you time to renegotiate your mortgage or get refinancing.
Two websites that offer information are: http://www.hopenow.com/
http://www.hud.gov/hopeforhomeowners/index.cfm
I hope the above information will assist you in keeping your home…stay focused and be vigilant in the process.Please email your thoughts or any comments to corinthtalks@gmail.com
Happiness
Published Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Corinth Talks by Caldera
Web exclusive
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness. Maybe, it’s because, the euphoria associated with happiness is such a mystery. What truly makes a person happy?
Livescience.com has done research on happiness and has many articles on its website about the subject. It isn’t what you have that makes you happy. According to the April issue of the journal Psychological Science, “It’s wanting what you have that tends to make you happier.” It’s keeping that feeling of joy that you have, when you first get something new, after the newness has worn off. Whether it’s the newest electronic gadget or fastest car, it’s important to realize that things are not the solution to finding happiness. It’s the ability to put forth the effort to appreciate what you already have. Being grateful, optimistic, and forgiving of others can be the recipe for happiness in your life.
Some believe happiness is inherited and that smiles can predict marriage success. According to researcher David Lykken of the University of Minnesota, “Happiness is 50 percent genetic.” It’s what you do with the other half that determines the joy in your life.
Can it be true that a person’s personality and ability to not worry excessively makes them happier? According to Alexander Weiss of the University of Edinburgh, “Genes won’t guarantee happiness, but can change the way you react in stressful times.” Others believe in the concept of Six Degrees of Separation and that if you are in a good mood, then it will spread to your friends and your neighbors’ friends, contagious, like the flu.
So I have decided to take stock of my life, be more grateful for what I have, show kindness to others, take the time to appreciate my family and notice life’s small pleasures. In other words, I’ve decided to use the other half and choose to be happy.
After all, Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most people are as happy as they make up their mind to be.”Please email your thoughts or any comments to corinthtalks@gmail.com
In a chaotic market
Published Thursday, August 27
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusiveAlthough they realize the dangers of the brutal, bottomless real estate market… many Americans have decided to keep their home… to ride it out…
Please email your thoughts or any comments to corinthtalks@gmail.com
No matter what your financial situation, there are some vital steps that you can make to reduce your costs in keeping your home.
Check around and establish the conditions of your neighborhood. Has the value of homes in your area fallen? One website you might use to check the value is: http://realestate.yahoo.com/Homevalues
Get your Realtor to obtain evidence of the loss in value and then file the needed forms with your property appraiser’s office so that you can cut your property taxes.
Homeowner’s insurance is another step you can take to cut your costs. Shop around for a competitive price. Another way to cut your insurance costs might be to install an alarm system.
Refinance if you are in an ARM with increasing payments. Your local mortgage broker can compare the costs involved with refinancing into a potential fixed rate loan.
Should you fall behind, immediately contact your lender, you may be able to use some of the new government programs designed to help homeowners keep their homes. One such program is through the FHA and is called FHASecure. It was expanded in 2008 and is designed to help people who have fallen behind due to a recent adjustment in the rate of their adjustable rate mortgage. http://www.hud.gov/
If you are not currently late, you may be eligible for another type of FHA loan such as the Making Home Affordable Program.
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/
If after all steps have been taken and you are near foreclosure, there is another program named Project Lifeline that is part of the HOPE Program. With this program the government will freeze the foreclosure process for 30 days. This will give you time to renegotiate your mortgage or get refinancing.
Two websites that offer information are:
http://www.hopenow.com/
http://www.hud.gov/hopeforhomeowners/index.cfm
I hope the above information will assist you in keeping your home…stay focused and be vigilant in the process.
You can sell your home but…
Published Thursday, July 23
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
There’s a certain truth to the old saying, “Anyone can list your home, but selling it is another matter.”
Today’s market is increasingly full of new Notice of Defaults, pre-foreclosures, and foreclosures. This creates a potential buyer’s market. At the same time, increasing unemployment or potential job loss make some buyer’s wary of committing to a new home. To combat these uncontainable issues, one needs to:
Wisely choose a realtor who utilizes creative marketing and has a recent track record of property selling. Many Realtors offer multi-faceted marketing strategies, from print, online websites, virtual tours, and special email launches. These are very important and all need to be included in the marketing of your home. When interviewing your potential Realtor, ask for recent, comparable sales to your home. However, make sure the “comps” are truly recent, actual sales, and really comparable. To aggressively list your home for a quick sale, you will need to take an average of the comps and…I know you don’t want to hear this, but it is important… mark down at least 10 percent and realize you may need to make another mark down if the market continues to plummet. Your realtor will give you an estimate of final proceeds of the sale showing the amount you will receive after all costs, etc. are deducted. If you property is attractively priced, then the final sale price shouldn’t be notably lower than the original listing price.
One unwise move that most people make is listing their home for an unreasonable price. It is often a number they don’t believe will be the final sale price. While it is true you can mark down the price, you have shot yourself in the foot from the start and in a down market this can cause you to lose potential buyers. This misstep is a recipe for failure…the best time to attract a buyer is within a short window after your first listing of the property. Contrary to popular belief showing your home after it has been on the market for several months rarely results in a sale. Often the only person to benefit is the Realtor who meets possible buyers for other homes.
A wise move that will motivate Realtors in your area is to offer a special commission bonus. An extra point or two will inspire more Realtors to actively market your home. One thing to remember is to make sure that this incentive is listed on the MLS, so when Realtors pull potential properties for a buyer’s viewing, they will automatically include your property.
Another important thing to remember is that your home’s first impression goes a long way in the sale of your home. There are numerous television shows about staging your home, but a clean home will go a long way to improving your sale. You might need to repaint, clean carpets and do a lawn makeover, but every penny and minute of your time will be worth it.
When that first bid comes in … never immediately say “no,” even if it is insulting and the most absurd number. Property sales are all about negotiation. Let your agent foster the negotiations and create a cozier conversation about the true value of your property. Along the way, you will learn the buyer’s objections and if you are still unable to come to an agreement, you will be able to use this knowledge to assist in the sale to another potential buyer.
Last but not least, you might consider offering a special incentive to the buyer to close the deal. But remember this isn’t something you would do at the start of the sale process and is usually done after your Realtor gets a sense of what the buyer’s are looking for in a home and how it compares with your property. An example might be offering to pay some closing costs or giving a small redecoration allowance.
If you choose to incorporate some of the above tips, you will be ahead of the game in the potential sale of your home.
Please email your thoughts or any comments to corinthtalks@gmail.com
Published Thursday, July 9
Corinth Talks by Caldera
Web exclusiveI yearn for just one media outlet, whether it is television or print that offers just the facts and not opinion when giving the news. I can form my own opinion. Often it seems our media is like a scratched record. It gets stuck on an item, whether it’s an entertainer’s sorrowful death or a public official’s search for his quote ‘soul mate’ and can’t move past it. The same facts are rehashed for days and sometimes weeks at a time. No wonder we, the public, disengage and seem uninformed on important issues.
Our economy is one item that has been covered, but at the same time needs more coverage. I want to know the fine details of bills being considered in our Congress and Senate. PLEASE BORE me with the little details that are going to affect my life. After the deal is done, it is too late, for the anger and disappointment that all too frequently arise.
Term limits is something I desire and feel would benefit all elected officials. The relationship formed by power, ego, and greed often causes great pain and embarrassment. Too frequently our elected governmental officials lose sight of what caused them to choose public office… we need elected officials who are honest and take the time to do their job… who READ the bills before they vote. WHAT, I ask you, is the difference between Congressmen or other elected officials in our government being offered special favors, in order for their vote and the Blagovitch scandal? How can our elected officials condone 3AM amendments to bills and vote without knowledge of the possible consequences to the American people?
Trust, honesty, and the old fashioned ability to keep one’s word is also a wish of mine. I was brought up that if you promised something that you did everything in your might to keep that promise…. to keep your word. These are just a few of my wishes. What are yours?
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Heroes among us
Published Thursday, June 25
Corinth Talks by Caldera
Web exclusiveWhile vacationing in Pensacola, Florida this month, it was an honor to meet a true American hero of the Vietnam War.
Just to set the scene, we are driving down Navy Boulevard, leaving the National Museum of Aviation, where moments before we viewed incredible displays of vintage aircraft and enjoyedlunch in a replica of Subic Bay, Philippines. Now… just to the left of us, a long-grey-haired biker on a three-wheeler is passing with a Medal of Honor decal displayed on the front of his bike. My spouse, being the gregarious man that he is, rolls down his window and asks him to pull over… that’s the police officer and retired military still inside him… and lo and behold… the man pulls over.
His name is Leonard Keller, originally from Rockford, Illinois, but now living in Florida. He kindly posed for a few pictures and offered a little history about his tour in Vietnam. He joined the US Army as a Sergeant and in May of 1967 was sent to AP BAC Zone, Vietnam. For his courageous actions during combat, President Johnson awarded him the Medal of Honor in 1968.
After returning to our hotel, we were eager to learn more and visited some sites on the Internet. An Act of Congress established the Medal of Honor in 1861, which my husband, who loves military history, knew. The President presents the award in the name of Congress. It is the highest military decoration given to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, who has distinguished him or herself via courageous actions that… risk life… go above and beyond the call of duty during combat action against an enemy of the United States. It isn’t an award that one seeks…. but an honor derived through selfless courage and integrity.
The Smithsonian American History Museum has a Medal of Honor Exhibit and an interactive Medal of Honor database. It was truly an honor to meet such a personable defender of our country and I can only hope to have the pleasure of meeting others, who have given so much for the freedom we enjoy.Three sites listed Lenny Keller’s bravery and recounted his actions:
http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3326/keller-leonard-b.php
http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_living/vn_a_keller.html
http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/vietnam-m-z.htmlKELLER, LEONARD B.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: AP BAC Zone, Republic of Vietnam, 2 May 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill.
Born: 25 February 1947, Rockford, Ill.Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sweeping through an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier, Sgt. Keller's unit suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a number of enemy bunkers and numerous snipers in nearby trees. Sgt. Keller quickly moved to a position where he could fire at a bunker from which automatic fire was received, killing 1 Viet Cong who attempted to escape. Leaping to the top of a dike, he and a comrade charged the enemy bunkers, dangerously exposing themselves to the enemy fire. Armed with a light machinegun, Sgt. Keller and his comrade began a systematic assault on the enemy bunkers. While Sgt. Keller neutralized the fire from the first bunker with his machinegun, the other soldier threw in a hand grenade killing its occupant. Then he and the other soldier charged a second bunker, killing its occupant. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. Again, with utter disregard for the fire directed to them, the 2 men charged, killing the enemy within. Continuing their attack, Sgt. Keller and his comrade assaulted 4 more bunkers, killing the enemy within. During their furious assault, Sgt. Keller and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. The ferocity of their assault had carried the soldiers beyond the line of bunkers into the tree line, forcing snipers to flee. The 2 men gave immediate chase, driving the enemy away from the friendly unit. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sgt. Keller returned to the platoon to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well-prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy dead, and prevented further friendly casualties. Sgt. Keller's selfless heroism and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
25,000 mornings…
what will you do with them?
Published Thursday, June 18
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
I recently heard on cable show that actuaries had determined an approximate figure for the average person’s lifespan. This number has stuck in the back of my mind ever since I heard it. I’m sure you know many people who have lived longer than the 68.49151 years that equals 25,000 mornings. My sweet neighbor is one. She is in her early nineties, still drives her Mercury and does her own shopping. According to the above statistic, she has defied the odds…. and I feel we are all the better for her doing it.
My mom barely made it to 26,280 mornings. She passed due to lung cancer brought on by smoking most of her lifetime. Even the prospect of death couldn’t stop her from choosing to smoke her favorite Pall Mall cigarette. Our family lost not only a loved one… but also, my grandchildren lost the opportunity to know her laughter and feel her warm hugs. I miss her every hour of everyday. I wish I had taken more time to be with her… just doing the small things… listening and not always being in such a rush to do things, that have turned out… weren’t all that important, after all and didn’t really matter.
But I hadn’t heard the theory then.
It’s funny how some things stick in your memory. When I was in elementary school, a popular song on the radio was Ca-Sa-Ra-Sa-Ra. The tune in it goes something like this…What-ever-will-be-will-be…The future’s not ours to see…Ca-Sa-Ra-Sa-Ra…What-will-be-will-be. Those were the years, I remember my parents emphasizing that I could do anything, if I worked hard enough.
Then in the 60’s, I heard John F. Kennedy and his famous quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
So I filled my days with learning and striving to do more. All my life, I have tried to fulfill the cliché, “Be all that you can be.”
I wonder… if as a teenager that I knew the actual number of mornings of my life…would I have changed the choices that I have made? I’m not sure… maybe…CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Good schools:
What sets them apart
Published Thursday, May 28
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
A good school is obvious to any parent. It is a safe, caring, and creative learning environment. I once heard that a good school identifies with a commitment to individuality with values. To me this means that each student is valued for whom they are and teachers nurture their talent and potential. Selecting a quality teaching staff… committed and willing to give up hour after hour to help their students… is the most important act for any school's administration.The pre-teen and teen years offer another challenge for parents and educators. Did you know that the term adolescence is characterized by a "lack of self esteem?" A school that offers a wide range of subjects and activities will enable a child who might not be the 'A' student in math or English to explore another subject or activity. They might benefit from learning a musical instrument, participating in a drama production or speaking a new language. This choice in curriculum will enable the student to feel good and build better relationships with other students.
It is also important whether you, the parent, have a positive opinion of the school's leadership and teaching staff. Are they inspirational and do they have high standards in place for each student? As a parent of a potential student, I would look at what the media is saying about the school's standards and quality of care. Then I would visit the school and the classroom and sit in on some lectures. Is the teacher connected and interested in each child? Good teachers will use their academic knowledge to stretch each student to fulfill their potential…with more than just book knowledge…they would inspire and teach. Such positive support will give each student a foundation of independent learning and thinking skills to sustain them throughout their life. They will be able to go as far as they can go full of self-esteem and confidence. Cresst - a research unit of UCLA Graduate School of Education - offers other qualities of a good school at the website:
http://www.cse.ucla.edu/products/parents/cresst_GoodSchool.pdf
CorinthTalks by Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Published Thursday, April 23
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusiveIf you have ever heard his name spoken, then you will quickly learn that Roscoe Turner is a legend in Corinth. From small town boy to being an important part of the Golden Age of Aviation, he is linked with other aviation daredevils such as Charles Lindberg, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, Howard Hughes, and Jimmy Doolittle.
Have you ever wondered how a person with a 10th grade education could accomplish so much? It was during a personal interview in 1969, with Barbara Tope and Wayne Ingles, that he exposed personal aspects of his colorful and courageous life. When asked how did this happen? Roscoe replied, “…I set an objective and I didn’t leave it.” “I mean I kept right on it, you know.” Roscoe had left home after a disagreement, with his cautious father, regarding a future career. While in Memphis, he saw his first airplane and was captivated by a desire to fly. He never let a lack of formal education keep him from pursuing his quest to fly.
Roscoe was also enthusiastic about networking…”You see, if you got enough friends, you can do anything.” He gave Will Rogers his first airplane ride. He was a consultant to the House Science and Astronautics Committee for three sessions of Congress and knew most of the astronauts. Clark Gable, Edgar G. Robinson, and Wallace Berry were other famous people he called friends.
His love of speed brought rave reviews and at one time, he was close to FDR and often visited the White House. He organized Nevada Airlines, flew governors, and Richard Nixon around, before he became President. Another endeavor was his stint as a Hollywood stunt pilot for Howard Hughes’ film, “Hells Angels.”
Roscoe’s keen bravery earned him the title of Number one American Speed Pilot. He broke the world speed record; won six major racing trophies, including the Henderson, Harmon, Bendix, and Thompson. He and Jimmy Doolittle are the only ones to win both the Bendix and Thompson Race Trophies.
Imagine day and night flying through 16 countries, three continents, and over perilous terrority… For just such a feat, Roscoe was featured handsomely on the 1934 cover of Time Magazine. Their article chronicled the daring international race and its top three performers from Mildenhall to Melbourne. Lloyd’s of London gave each participant a 1 in 12 chance of being killed.
After retiring from racing he formed an aviation school and helped train flight instructors, mechanics, and 3300 pilots for WWII.
Being a pioneer in speed development brought Roscoe many accolades, such as Congress awarding him the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1952. Another endeavor, which lives on today, is that he was one of the original organizers of the Civil Air Patrol.The Boeing 247-D that he flew hangs high above the main lobby of the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Other artifacts including his pet lion, “Gilmore” reside within the Smithsonian. Corinth dedicated our Municipal airport in his honor.
In 1970, famed aviators and race drivers attended his funeral. He is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indiana among other prominent Americans whose actions have contributed to our society and culture.
Roscoe’s many tributes prove you don’t have to originate from D.C. or Hollywood to become someone important. So when your beloved child displays willfulness, passion, stubbornness, even obstinacy…then you just might have the next great pioneer to grace Time’s Cover and bring honor to our country and possibly our hometown.
Should you desire to learn more about this famous Corinthian, I suggest you utilize Milton Sandy, Jr.’ s extensive research and database, "The Roscoe Turner Personal History Database." http://mlsandy.home.tsixroads.com/Corinth_MLSANDY/roscoe.html
Crossroads Museum http://www.crossroadsmuseum.com/take_a_tour.htm
Roscoe’s biography "Roscoe Turner, 1975." National Aviation Hall of Fame.U.S. Centennial of Flight Record Setting Daredevil and Explorer Essay on Roscoe Turner. http://www.centennialofflight.gov
Time Magazine. Mildenhall to Melbourne, Vol. XXIV No. 18, October 29, 1934. http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19341029,00.html
Or you might choose from the many books written about his career by such authors as Carroll Glines for the Smithsonian Institution Press, Don Dwiggins, Roger Huntington, Paul O’Neil, and Jean H. Dubuque.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Kindness . . . hopes and dreams
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusiveToday's news seems to have more than its share of gloom and despair…from rising unemployment, foreclosure, crime, missing children, stock prices, and loss of retirement funds. Anyone of those could cause a dramatic change in one's view of life. Sometimes, when I am feeling overloaded, I just sit back, clear my mind of all the noise and then read a favorite poem. This often inspires me to rise above whatever problem that has entered my life. One favorite of mine, Tao Te Ching offers a view on "Kindness," and whenever I read it, strikes a chord of peace and contemplation of what can be.
Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.Whenever, I hear about some dreadful crime or accident and feel a void of hope and a void of possibilities…I turn to Emily Dickinson and her short poem entitled, "Hopes and Dreams."
"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul . . . . . . .
And sings the tune without words
And never stops . . . at allWe all have seen families, shocked by abundant stress, who temporarily forget the assistance available within their community. It's important to remember that people, do care and more often than not, want to help. Sometimes it is very difficult to give up our illusion of control, turn it over, to trust, and ask for help.
It is vital that we take into account that each one of us has a little feathered being deep within that encourages us to carry on when times get tough. I believe our humanity and the future of our country rests on inexplicable deeds allied with the faith, kindness, hope, and dreams that stir within us all.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Published Thursday, March 19
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
After a busy week, my personal haven for rest and relaxation is our backyard. Today, while basking in the brief sunshine, listening to birds sing, I couldn't help thinking of how wonderful I felt. While some of my friends love the change of seasons...for me…springtime provides utter contentment and…somehow, calls to my soul.
My fingers were leafing through a favorite magazine, when I came upon a new website: www.nwf.org. Later, while visiting the site, I learned about its mission to protect wildlife for our children's future and found tips for creating a bird friendly habitat. Years ago, I completed an environmental project in Bio II class and since then I have often mused about the possibility of turning our back yard into a friendlier habitat. After all, the needs of birds are not much different than our own. They need the basics: food, water and shelter. It's so simple...just provide a birdbath for water year-round, put in some native plants to offer shelter and food in the form of seeds, berries, and nectar.
I researched the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for a list of native plants:www.wildflower.org/collections/printable.php?collection=MS. The selection was large and I finally narrowed my choice to a few favorite herbs and shrubs. Insects are a favorite food source for many birds so the elimination of insecticides for our yard was recommended. Keeping dead trees was mentioned as an option for potential bird shelter in bad weather. However, I am going to obtain a few Bluebird houses from Our Resource Center in Corinth. They offer homemade bird homes that come in bright colors or in a rustic design.
If birds are not to your liking…NWF offers other tips on attracting butterflies, creating backyard ponds, starting a neighborhood friendly wildlife habitat, and cost saving opportunities to reduce lawn care. Once our backyard habitat is completed, I'll be able to join in the number one sport in America…Birding. At last, I'll be able to listen and enjoy watching my own family of woodpeckers, hummingbirds, cardinals, finches, and blue birds without ever leaving home.CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached via e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Published Thursday, Feb. 26
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusiveHave you ever wondered, what are your talents? What would be the perfect job just for you?
While surfing the Internet, I found Rachel Zupek's article, "Can Your Favorite Color Determine Your Perfect Job?" Rachel is a writer for CareerBuilder.com and she recommends using the Dewey Color System and the Color Career Counselor to determine your most successful career path.
Now, when I hear the term Dewey, I always think of the library and the Dewey Decimal System. The library is one of my favorite places and I can spend hours there. My children still joke about having to spend DAYS at the library. For most of my life, reading and writing have given me the greatest joy, however, I never considered it as a way to earn a living. I've worked various careers from customer service to property management, yet never really felt complete.
So just for fun, not taking Rachel's article too seriously, I went to http://www.careerpath.com/careertests/colorcareercounselor.aspx
By choosing a primary, secondary, and achromatic color, that you like the best and least, the Color Career Counselor will determine your talents. If you prefer yellow, purple and white: you're a communicator. If you prefer red, green and black: you're the investor. If you prefer blue, orange and brown: you're the activist.
The results will reveal your best occupational category. You best category might be a researcher, creator, social manager, persuader, doer or organizer. Based on these results, a list of careers will be offered for consideration.My results confirmed what I have what I have always known in my heart. I am impulsive, expressive, nonconforming, sensitive and emotional. I enjoy working independently, being creative, and using my imagination. I constantly want to learn something new. I am a "creator." I was born to be a writer.
What about you? I suggest giving it a try…you just might be pleasantly surprised and find your most successful career path.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached by e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Published Thursday, Feb. 19
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
Wooooh! The President's speech last week to put it mildly… was upsetting. Most of us know that the economy is down and doesn't seem to be getting better. But I think some of us were trying to work, take care of our families and go on with our lives…we were not taking all the media hysterics to heart.Lately, I have found myself preoccupied with possible layoffs and found this site http://www.layoffdaily.com that offers layoff news and at the same time news of who is hiring. Unfortunately, the companies listed with jobs available are out of state and would require moving. I've also checked
http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/MS. This site lists the shovel ready projects MS submitted for the stimulus, unfortunately, I didn't see any listed for North Mississippi.Now to hear our President use the words...catastrophe…crisis…one can only wonder, just how far our economy will slump and freefall. It's scary, lowers our confidence, and some of us might feel helpless and think, "What can I do? Where can I turn if I lose my job?" Well, I hope they realize our town has an asset that many others do not. We have something special in our community that binds each of us together…what I like to call…heart.
While it's true Corinth is a small part of the country, I believe we have something that's more important than population size…our compassion for our fellowman. I believe every one of us is willing to help another in need and share what we have. Folks, WE are the SOLUTION for assisting people in our town. Our churches, local businesses, city/county government and local agencies such as: First Call for Help, Amen Inc., Salvation Army, Corinth Welfare Association are just a few of the individual agencies available for assistance. However, this crisis might be the time to be even more proactive. Our community might need to unite and form a local commission to think of other ways to help our fellowman. Whether it's collecting food for the local food pantry, offering a part time job, assisting families with food vouchers, helping keep their electricity and water on…just giving to those that have a need…the knowledge that their community is there for them will mean a lot. Maybe a time will come for block vegetable gardens…where each resident can assist in some capacity. Whatever it takes, I believe our community has what it takes to fill the need caused by this economy. What do you think? Send me your ideas and I'll include them in my column. Take care and have a blessed day.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached by e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Day craze
Published Thursday, Feb. 12
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
I've often heard that women need words, while for men it's action that calls to their souls.
When it comes to the Valentine's Day craze, I believe it. Have you ever wondered where this day began? I sought help from History.com and found…it's a mystery. It seems Saint Valentine and yes, guys there really was one, sent the first valentine. The legend is that he sent his love a letter, which he signed, "From your Valentine." From those mere words, he became one of England and France's most popular saints, and a day was born for lovers to proclaim their love. Historic couples such as King Edward VIII with Ms. Simpson and Elizabeth Taylor with Richard Burton, show the passion and power of love.
Valentine's Day doesn't have to be the marketing holiday it is today. Cards, chocolate, and flowers are often given, but with a little thought, you can reach your love's heart with a personal gift of your time, a great photo of you two, a quite dinner at home, or a favorite poem. Poems reveal thoughts, emotions, and disclose what it is often hard for many to speak. I know poems aren't high on many men's list, so if writing one of your own isn't a possibility, or you don't have time to check the website, Poetry.com, I would like to convey one from a favorite poet of mine…E.E. Cummings.i carry your heart with me
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is youhere is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars aparti carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
ee cummings
www.famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/e__e__cummings/poems/14130Personal happiness, health and well being, benefit from meaningful relationships, so whatever way you decide to show your love, I hope you will share with your loved one just how special they are to you.
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached by e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
Corinth: Small town
with a big heart
CorinthTalks by Caldera
Web exclusive
Back in the '89, after traveling the world in the military, our family retired from overseas with three young children and without a home to call our own. When we came to visit relatives in Mississippi, we never thought we would move here. We had lived the traditional military life with numerous moves and the constant need to start over in places, where we didn't know our neighbor's name. Our plans were to settle down near the beach in a large town.
Today, if you're considering relocation or retirement, you might consider using a website such as www.findyourspot.com, where you'll take a quiz and get a list of America's best places to fit your lifestyle. But if you hate taking quizzes…just let me tell you how we decided to make Corinth our hometown.
While driving down Highway 72, we saw people waving hello and I wondered aloud to my husband, "Do you know them?" First, let me tell you that in those days, most people didn't carry cell phones and it was a more personal time. It was a wonderful thing to…have people in cars waving hello, friendly smiles from passersby, see police stop to assist stranded motorists, and watch families involved in recreation…these were the things that started us thinking twice about making Corinth our hometown. Later, while standing in a busy cashier's line, feeling out of place and alone, a lady introduced herself and welcomed us to Corinth. This rich, generous, emphatic nature and strong spirit impressed us with the possibility of living in Corinth.
Corinth is the small town for anyone wanting affordability, mild climate, low crime, good medical care, educational, cultural, historical, and recreational opportunity. Two Internet sites www.corinth.ms and www.corinth.net offer testimony about the splendor of Corinth, a place to explore the riches of the present and the past. If you enjoy history, arts and culture, museums, festivals, antique homes and car shows, but most of all people who are friendly, welcoming…then Corinth's small town ambiance, just might be the hometown for you.CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached by e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
CorinthTalks by Caldera is the newest addition to the web exclusive featured columnists. Caldera can be reached by e-mail at corinthtalks@gmail.com
