Ask Tamara: Should I Ask For a Raise?

Dear Tamara:
 
I have not received a raise or cost of living increase in three years. This year we were told that because of the economy annual increases are again, “not in the budget.” 
 
During this time the cost of living has greatly increased. My rent has gone up and my son’s daycare went from $150 to $180 a week. I really need a raise or some type of increase to continue to make ends meet. How should I approach my supervisor about getting a raise?
 
More Than a Dollar Short

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Your Other 8 Hours: Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Are Guaranteed to Fail

By Robert Pagliarini,
Tribune Media Services
 
Nearly all of us make the same mistake when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, one that practically guarantees we’ll fail miserably. Sadly, it’s not just New Year’s resolutions that we blow. Anytime we try to change our behavior, we make the same disastrous mistake. No mas! In the next two minutes, you’ll learn a strategy that you can use to reach any goal or to change any habit. Even the biggest goals, like stopping smoking and getting out of debt, are achievable with this approach.

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Some things to consider… COLORING YOUR PERCEPTION

By Vanessa Loy 
 
(BPRW) — Few people realize how color influences their perception, but its affects are everywhere. Think about the inside of a typical buffet or fast food restaurant, with its bright lighting and bright pastel colors. 

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The Black Vote is Still the President’s Trump Card

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson
New America Media
 
That black voters will again give President Obama a sky-high percentage of their vote in 2012 was never in doubt. What is in doubt is how many will make up that percentage. It is the number, not percentage of black voters that turn out that will again ease the President’s path back to the White House or, make that path rocky. The 2008 election decisively proved that the presidential re-election bid is a pure numbers game.

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WINTER WEATHER CAN STRAIN YOUR HEART

American Heart Association offers 
lifesaving tips to get through the season
 
As many of us hoped for a white Christmas, keep in mind the snow and cold winter months can be very hard on people with potential heart problems and people with existing heart problems. 

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Don’t Let Exam Fear Keep You From The Doctor

By Robert C. Robinson III, MD
 
“Ok sir, could you please drop your shorts?”  As a man visiting your healthcare provider these are the words that we dread most during our visit. You might be wondering, “Do I really need to have someone examine what’s “under the hood”?  Or you might be thinking, “Do you absolutely have to put your finger up there?!!” Here we will explain why it’s necessary to have these uncomfortable, and often times invasive examinations performed to ensure you’re in good health.
 

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Interpersonal EDGE: Balancing Pregnancy and Work

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. My organization is not family friendly, and I just found out I’m pregnant. I am superb at my job, have a good track record, and don’t want to stop working. Do you have any suggestions for women about balancing babies and career?

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Retire Smart: 2012 Social Security COLA is a Whopping 3.6 Percent, But Medicare Will Take A Bite

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services
 
  After two years without an inflation adjustment, seniors will get a 3.6 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) next year. That’s a sizable raise in this economy, and very welcome news to seniors hit hard by rising costs, slumping home equity and very low returns on fixed-income investments.

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Traveling Exhibit Highlights Black History

Left: 
Shabazz Academy African Dance troupe 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Left: Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s founder 
Courtesy photos
 
CADL Celebrates Black History

 
Downtown Lansing 
401 South Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933 
January 13 and January 14
 for these special events:
 
Black History 101 Mobile Museum:
 NECESSARY! exhibit
Presenter, Khalid el-Hakim
Friday, January 13, 
10 am-5 pm
Saturday, January 14, 
9 am-4 pm
 
Malcolm X & Hip Hop
Professor Griff of Public Enemy 
Saturday, January 14 • 11 am
 
Shabazz Academy African Dancers & Drum Group
Enjoy a student performance that blends traditional West and East African dance and 
drumming traditions.
Saturday, January 14 • 1:30 pm
 
Black History Storytime
Children of all ages and their families are invited to listen to stories and make a craft 
to take home.
Saturday, January 14 • 2 pm
 

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