Happy Telecommuter Appreciation Week

Founded in 1993, “Telecommuter Appreciation Week” falls on the period from February 28 through March 5 (Always during the week of Alexander Graham Bell's birthday, which is March 3rd).

It is a week designed to call attention to the “win win win” benefits that arise when people telecommute:

The individual and family benefit from saved time, lower commuting expenses, reduced stress, more scheduling flexibility, greater satisfaction regarding work, and the pleasure of spending more time together.

The employer benefits from greater productivity, loyalty and job satisfaction, a stronger focus on job performance, better recruiting and longer retention of the most productive employees, and reduced overhead and facility expenses.

Society as a whole benefits from reduced traffic congestion, minimized air pollution, lower requirements for (and strain on) transportation infrastructure, and decreased demand for scarce and non-renewable resources like fossil fuels.

The Stuff Gazette calls on employers and organizations to celebrate “Telecommuter Appreciation Week” with educational and other programs aimed at a similar purpose.

(Info derived from the The American Telecommuting Association)

Telecommuting For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)) This friendly guide gives you thorough information on which industries, fields, regions, etc. are most amenable to telecommuting. You'll find great tips on how to set up a home office and deal with the interruptions that arise when working at home. Plus, you get expert advice on how to stay involved and move ahead in your career. Telecommuting For Dummies outlines the characteristics necessary to be a good telecommuter and the types of jobs that fit the telecommuting lifestyle, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of telecommuting related to those jobs. And once you've decided that telecommuting is for you, this book even addresses how to broach the subject with your manager. Telecommuting For Dummies is the most comprehensive resource for the more than 40 million workers all over the world who telecommute. This book gives you all the necessary information for switching from cubicle to home office while still advancing in your career status.

February is Mend a Broken Heart Month

Each year, nearly 300,000 children must be rescued from unimaginable abuse and neglect and enter foster care. Very frequently, these children arrive for care empty-handed and broken-hearted. Mend a Broken Heart Month is a yearly observance sponsored by the My Stuff Bags Foundation that encourages individuals and groups to support children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

See how YOU can help!

Caring for Abused and Neglected Children This book compares the experiences and progress of children who remained in care or returned to their birth families up to four years after the decision was taken. It covers how the decision is made, the factors taken into account when making it and provides important suggestions for effective decision-making.

Dog flu has affected pets in at least 26 states

It's flu season for humans across America, but did you know that your dog might need a check-up, too? Two forms of canine influenza have been affecting dogs across the United States—and in some cases, the disease could be deadly.
Read about it at KSDK Channel 5 News

Enter your child in the Cute Kid contest!

Do You Have A CuteKid? Enter for a chance to WIN a 25,000* Grand Prize *See site for details. Submit your photo today!

CLICK HERE for the opportunity to enter YOUR Cute Kid!

Professional Truck Drivers Urge Motorists to Be Nice, Not Naughty on the Highways

From The American Trucking Association

With more than 99 million motorists expected to use the nation’s highways this holiday season – and only one traveling via flying sleigh – American Trucking Associations and the Share the Road highway safety program want to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely by being nice and not naughty on the roads this year.

“Even though reindeer do a great job of navigating the sleigh, drivers should not pretend to be Dasher or Comet when taking to the highways this month,” said professional driver John McKown (UPS Freight). “Safe driving is critical this time of year and there are many steps you can take to prepare for holiday travel. Take a minute to review our list of good highway safety habits before going over the river and through the woods.”

“Winter weather poses many unique challenges to the motoring public and professional truck drivers and we want to remind everyone that the goal should be to arrive safely. That may mean leaving a few minutes early or being extra cautious when facing difficult road conditions,” said professional driver Bill West (ABF Freight). “Truck drivers are delivering many of the products that play important roles in holiday celebrations, such as decorations, wrapping paper and cookies, so we all must work together to share the road safely in order to have happy holidays.

The Share the Road highway safety program compiled this list of tips for drivers hitting the road this holiday season:

· Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road. If traveling with any small elves, make sure they too are properly secured.

· Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.

· Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.

· Don’t drive impaired: The holidays are often a time for merriment, but if you’ve had too much to drink, please do not get behind the wheel. Many services are available to get you home safely.

· Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.

· Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.

· Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

· Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.

· Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving. We will only judge you for using emojis if you are using them while driving.

· Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.

· Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods , maps, tire repair kit and flares. Cookies are good, too.

· Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles and be aware of any temperature changes.

· Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.

· Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.

“Trucks move many of the things that make our holidays possible, but not everything,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said in a video message. “Trucks do not move the family and friends we celebrate with, so on behalf of the millions of professional truck drivers on the road, I urge you to be safe on the highways this holiday season.”

ATA and Share the Road would like to thank you for staying safe this winter and wish happy holidays to all.

*Editors: Share the Road Professional Drivers are available to speak in your local area about Holiday and winter safe driving tips during the holiday season.

Share the Road is a highway safety outreach program of the American Trucking Associations that educates all drivers about sharing the roads safely with large trucks. An elite team of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles deliver life-saving messages to millions of motorists annually. The safety program is sponsored by Mack Trucks Inc. and Michelin North America Inc., and supported by TA-Petro, Pre-Pass, Hyundai Translead, OmniTracs, SmartDrive and Mack Leasing and Spireon. www.atastr.org.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Trucking Moves America Forward.