Studies say that poor commuication or a strong and heavy accent is the number one reason why people are turned down for jobs. Many people who learn English as a second or third language not only struggle with accents, but confidence in speaking English. English classes are not enough. Speech and accent classes help you to reduce your accent, build confidence and become a better speaker. Working with an accent coach is the best and fastest way to change the way you speak. I am an accent and public speaking coach who trained Fortune 500 executives, national television personalities, authors and entrepreneurs. This summer, I'm leading intensive Accent Reduction Workshops at FIU in Miami. Check my website for details.

My new book "The Overloaded Consumer: Shopping, Investing, Parenting, and Other Daily Dilemmas in an Age of Political Activism" has just been published -- and among other things, look at my analysis of BP. Also, if you're in Northern Calif., I hope you can come to my book reading at Book Passage in Corte Madera, 1 pm, June 15.

In this 8-page, interactive, no-fluff guide, ESB Journal’s own Traci Hayner Vanover details the 6-step “Publicity Litmus Test,” the 5 critical self-evaluation questions that will result in a killer press release, the 7 steps to successful self-promotion, and 14 resources from her own personal PR rolodex.

One way that siteowners can earn additional income is by employing affiliate marketing. The process can be cumbersome, time consuming, and downright frustrating. Between signing up with multiple networks, searching for merchants and dropping in the link codes, you are losing precious time that you could be spending elsewhere. The good news is that there is a way to simplify the process. This short video shares a great tool that I have been using to improve conversions, streamline the process, and create more aesthetically appealing links that blend seamlessly with my site. Check out the video on my Facebook fan page (link provided below).

My new book "The Overloaded Liberal: Shopping, Investing, Parenting, and Other Daily Dilemmas in an Age of Political Activism" will be published in April -- and if you're in New York City, please come to my book signing at Barnes & Noble, Seventh Ave at 6th St., Park Slope / Brooklyn, April 7, at 7:30 pm.

Sheryl has contributed to the December 2009 "Chicken Soup for the Soul" anthology, "True Love." Her story "The Value of a Good Husband" can be found on pp. 215-217. The "True Love" volume's foreword was written by figure skating star Kristi Yamaguchi and includes over 70 authors.

BOOK SIGNING! Are you in the Tampa, Florida area? Come meet Sheryl at her book signing for "What Every Christian Should Know about the Jewish People" (subtitled): Improving the Church's Relationship with God's Original Chosen Nation.

When? Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009
What Time? 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where? Oasis Christian Store, 10919 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace (between Fowler and Whiteway in Sherwood Forest Center).

Who's joining Sourceables? Experts, authors, and sources of all kinds. Business authors, personal finance experts, architects, researchers, legal experts, parenting pros, and more. Join now and share your expertise!

Today's economy is tough on all working individuals. More than ever the relationship with one's boss is critical to success. This article talks about some ways employees can work more collaboratively with their boss. Subject is related to information from my new book, Tangling with Tyrants: Managing the Balance of Power at Work.

Everyone's talking about that terrific cover story in "The Atlantic" this month about health care reform. But its analysis of the underpinnings of health insurance versus car insurance is only part of what makes the piece noteworthy. This discussion also proves why we need "dead tree" media (in addition to Websites like Sourceables, of course!): Could you imagine such a long, in-depth analysis on the Web?

I launched A Cause for Hope back in August and followed that up with an online ad campaign through Facebook. While the efforts did raise awareness and there are now 48 people listed as fans of the page, I have not yet received emails regarding donations. In the end, it cost $8.00.

I did realize that my initial attempts perhaps did not speak to the benefit to the donor. I am crafting a new message that will demonstrate the visibility donating may provide. Its important to remember that at the base of all of these efforts is the need to build relationships.

5 Ways To Be A Rock Star In The Workplace:
1- Do your best with you are and what you have!
2- Be Nice! Smile, be friendly, say please and thank you, answer the phone with a smile, send out cards to those you rely on- who do great things for you, let people know you are on their team and are rooting for their success.
3- Stop Complaining!
4- Stop blaming others and the market!
5- Keep your sense of humor!

Get Attitude Digest for your workplace for more great tips. Also, check out the other shop attitude products!
email ashley@attitudedigest.com for discounts and rates.

The cigarette companies are raising the sticky issue of free speech in arguing that the new federal tobacco law (which lets the FDA more tightly regulate cigarette ads) is unconstitutional. Congress could have avoided that whole mess if it had had the guts to simply outlaw cigarettes as a safety hazard. If I'd had to buy black-market cigarettes on sleazy street corners for $100 a pack when I smoked, I would have quit on the spot.

The following website covers the situation of libraries in Michigan.
http://milibrariesforthefuture.com/

You may have heard on the news, Accent Reduction is the latest trend in global communication. Even Americans with strong accents such as Ebonics, or a sharp Boston or Southern accent are learning to tone it down to speak to global audiences. People who speak English as a second language are perfecting their accents in English. The New York Times recently wrote an article that America is ready for an accent, as long as it is not too strong. Lisa Jeffery, MBA, MA, accent reduction expert, has coached and trained thousands of people from New York to South America to reduce their accents. She works with television personalities and Fortune 500 executives to help them speak better, powerful, more articulate International English.