Did you hear the one about the funny quiz that was walking past a graveyard?
Q. My company publishes a monthly employee newsletter. My boss asked me to write a funny quiz. I'm not exactly a stand-up comic. Help!
A. Ah, the funny quiz. Lucky you! It's not often that a company has an official sense of humor that they are willing to display for all to read. This is going to be a great assignment for you!
A funny quiz is typically one where the questions and answers have no real purpose other than to make the quiz taker laugh. Although almost anything goes, there are some taboo subjects. Off hand I'd say that anything that pokes fun at a specific person, or groups of people, as well as anything that's anti-semitic, racial, sexual, political, or religious should be off limits. Remember, what one person thinks is funny can offend someone else. Even seemingly innocuous subjects like "hillbilly" or "redneck" jokes might not be funny to someone who lives in the mountains or the deep South (like I do).
You can think of a funny quiz as a series of one-liners with multiple-choice punch lines. Because you are writing for a company publication you have a built-in "affinity group" as there is bound to be some common subjects that are company related and could be made into something funny.
For example, if you work for a software development company then you might have a question that asks:
What's longer: A CEO's week or a programmer's week?
If you're not laughing then you have never had a programmer tell you that the project will be ready in a week.
You need to walk a fine line even when using subjects like this in your funny quiz. Say that your company just posted a 4th quarter loss because a new software product missed its launch date by a "programmer's week". It doesn't take a rocket scientist to determine that you are about to tick off a lot of people if you add that question to your funny quiz.
Try to avoid wornout jokes or cliches. A funny quiz should be funny, not lame. For example, still on the software train of thought, a question like...
Q. How many programmers does it take to change a lightbulb? A. None. They don't do hardware.
...is older than the mystery meat in that Tupperware container in the back of the lunchroom refrigerator. No one is going to laugh at that one. No laughing = not a funny quiz!
The best thing to do is to keep an eye out for humorous, safe things to poke fun at and then write a funny quiz question. My advice is to start right now and don't wait until one hour before deadline. The only thing that's less funny than a lame funny quiz is no funny quiz at all!
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Brian Fong run the popular quiz site [http://www.QuizFaq.com] Quiz Faq - Your solutions for the quiz.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Fong
The Petite Woman - What To Wear?
For those of you who are not sure, petite is someone is 5'4" or under- size does not matter. Actually, the most common petite woman is 5'4" and a size 12.
In the past petite women had had to settle of a selection of clothes in regular sizes that did not fit properly. The good news is that now designers and store owners recognize the petite frame as needing different dimensions. You will find more and more stores are devoting sections to meet the needs of petite women.
You will find petite styles are the same colour and style as regular merchandise but have been tailored to fit the petite figure. Petite styles have slightly slimmer lapels; shorter sleeves, a shorter body and the armholes are just a little higher.
Women with petite frames can wear almost any style and look slimmer by using a few simple strategies. If you are petite and overweight avoid bold, large patterns and heavy fabrics such as, velvet, corduroy and fur. Also, avoid styles that draw the eye to the waist or hip area.
Style Tips and Strategies
1. Keep prints in proportion to you figure
2. Wear 3/4 sleeves
3. Avoid too much jewelry
4. When layering, wear light weight materials
5. Wear monochromatic colours
6.Wear cuffs only if hosiery and shoes are the same colour
7.When wearing separates avoid contrasting colours such as a navy skirt and a white top
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe and style consultations free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Dicks
Are Your Undergarments Ruining Your Look?
You're ready for that special date, appointment or interview and you want to be sure that you look great. Here is a checklist that will help alleviate some stress and help you gain confidence.
1. Make sure there are no runs in your stockings. Take an extra pair with you before leaving home for added security.
2. Never wear dark undergarments under light clothing (bras or panties). Beige is a great colour to wear under whites because it can't be seen. Keep the vibrant colours for darker clothes.
3. Don't wear bras too tight or too low. Tight bras will create bulges that will not look attractive no matter how large or small you are. Go to a lingerie store to get a bra that fits properly. When you get older or you have a large bust you will need extra support. A drooping bust will make you look older instantly and is something that can be avoided by proper fit.
4. When wearing a top with smooth material choose a seamless bra. Don't wear decorative bras with such tops.
5. Bras straps should never be seen sticking out from under your tops. Keep them hidden by wearing a racer back (this type criss-crosses your back) or a strapless bra.
6. Panty lines that show will ruin your look. Keep panty lines from showing by wearing a G-string or pants that aren't too tight.
7. Don't wear your clothes too tight. It looks unprofessional and will make you appear larger.
If you don't have a full-length mirror, please get one. It will give you that last chance to see how you look from head-to-toe before you leave home.
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free and Style Consultations, Free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Dicks
Are You Afraid of Growing Older?
Not long ago I received a note from a woman in her mid twenty's expressing her fear of aging. She felt it was out of control and only keeping her from growing into the woman she is meant to be. She does not think poorly of older women, and in fact started her note with "I have seen many gracefully aged women and thought they are fantastic." However, she then continued listing some of the things that she is fearful of such as weight gain and the loss of identity, youthful looks, attractiveness, freedom, style and personality (especially around becoming a mother. There are also those unknown fears which she sums up as the "loss of God knows what." Sadly, this young woman's fears are not unfounded. Many cultures in our world are youth oriented. We are bombarded daily with advertisements to look younger, thinner and more hip. TV, magazines, and music videos dictate our hair styles, fashions, and behaviors. Not only that, but if we happen to be old enough to have gray hair or any FINE lines around our eyes, we are directed to the appropriate product to erase any signs of aging. Is it any wonder that many of us are fearful? The stereotypes around us are so misleading!
We see images of "little old ladies" that may walk hunched over, are poor, and at the mercy of dishonest people. While some images show men aging with distinction, we also see women who are just old, dry and helpless. Hogwash! While it is true that our bodies and minds do change with age, I happen to believe that we really do get better as we mature. So, allow me to address some of the fears listed above. o Loss of Identity. I've only, in the past few years really begun to learn who I am. I've come into my own. I'm more self confident than ever before (and I still have a way to go!). o Loss of Youthful looks. I'm going to be 49 in a few days. I do not wish to look like 25. Granted I don't have lots of wrinkles (only a few very fine lines...they are staying, thank you!) and have only a bit of gray hair that I've been cultivating for many years. o Weight gain. Yes it's common, but it's not the rule of thumb. You might notice a slight change in figure even without gaining weight. There is actually a health benefit to being a few pounds heavier, rather than be very thin as you age. o Loss of attractiveness. I've found that my own definition of beauty changes over time. I happen to think that women are actually more attractive. There is a depth and beauty that comes only with age. o Loss of freedom and personality. I've heard many women say aging gives them a freedom that is just not possible when we are younger. I think this is especially true for those of us that are mothers. When we become mothers, we take on a role that is 24/7. However as our children grow, we begin to carve out time and activities that are just for ourselves. o Loss of style. While I'm not sure I understand this fear, I do know that with age, I find freedom to create who I am without the dictates of the latest, greatest fashion. Since we are more sure of ourselves, we have the freedom to experiment and play with who we are, and the image we want to put out there for the world to see. Personal Style at it's best! While some look at growing older as a time of loss, many women see this time of their lives differently. There is so much growth that happens as we age especially in the emotional, spiritual and yes, physical arenas. In order to make the most of getting older, it is vital that you live your life in a vibrant and healthy manner. Smile and laugh daily. Read. Eat well. Sleep well. And always engage in stimulating physical activity or at the very least exercise. Most of all, celebrate your journey through this life.
We see images of "little old ladies" that may walk hunched over, are poor, and at the mercy of dishonest people. While some images show men aging with distinction, we also see women who are just old, dry and helpless. Hogwash! While it is true that our bodies and minds do change with age, I happen to believe that we really do get better as we mature. So, allow me to address some of the fears listed above. o Loss of Identity. I've only, in the past few years really begun to learn who I am. I've come into my own. I'm more self confident than ever before (and I still have a way to go!). o Loss of Youthful looks. I'm going to be 49 in a few days. I do not wish to look like 25. Granted I don't have lots of wrinkles (only a few very fine lines...they are staying, thank you!) and have only a bit of gray hair that I've been cultivating for many years. o Weight gain. Yes it's common, but it's not the rule of thumb. You might notice a slight change in figure even without gaining weight. There is actually a health benefit to being a few pounds heavier, rather than be very thin as you age. o Loss of attractiveness. I've found that my own definition of beauty changes over time. I happen to think that women are actually more attractive. There is a depth and beauty that comes only with age. o Loss of freedom and personality. I've heard many women say aging gives them a freedom that is just not possible when we are younger. I think this is especially true for those of us that are mothers. When we become mothers, we take on a role that is 24/7. However as our children grow, we begin to carve out time and activities that are just for ourselves. o Loss of style. While I'm not sure I understand this fear, I do know that with age, I find freedom to create who I am without the dictates of the latest, greatest fashion. Since we are more sure of ourselves, we have the freedom to experiment and play with who we are, and the image we want to put out there for the world to see. Personal Style at it's best! While some look at growing older as a time of loss, many women see this time of their lives differently. There is so much growth that happens as we age especially in the emotional, spiritual and yes, physical arenas. In order to make the most of getting older, it is vital that you live your life in a vibrant and healthy manner. Smile and laugh daily. Read. Eat well. Sleep well. And always engage in stimulating physical activity or at the very least exercise. Most of all, celebrate your journey through this life.
Barbara C. Phillips MN, NP, founder of OlderWiserWomen has a passion for helping women. As a board certified Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years experience, she has been honored to work closely with women, listening to their thoughts, questions, and concerns. It was from these conversations OlderWiserWomen was born. To learn more please visit www.OlderWiserWomen.com .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_C._Phillips
How to Dress for an Interview
The dress code in most organizations is as different as the organization itself, so it is impossible to find an outfit that will work well in all interviews. What should you do? Do some investigating and find out how the employees dress and follow their lead but dress just slightly better.
Wear business-like attire, avoiding flashy colours, bold prints, logos and keep jewelry to a minimum. Wear clothes in which you feel comfortable and don't wear skirts that will ride up when you sit. Carry a nice attaché case or folder to hold your resume and examples of your work.
Before you leave home check yourself in a full length mirror and have one last look for rips, runs in stockings (take an extra pair just in case you get a run along the way) and buttons that are about to fall off. A few extra points:
1. Wear a fashionable suit or dressy tailored separates. Make sure they fit well and don't remove the jacket during the interview (don't laugh, I saw this happen).
2. Prepare your clothes for the interview the night before and try it on. Don't leave anything to chance.
3. If you are not wearing a jacket but choose to wear something more casual long sleeves are a must. Sleeveless garments should not be worn in a work environment and certainly not for an interview.
4. Never go without hosiery and don't wear sandals.
5. It has been said that you can look at a person's shoes and determine how wealthy they are - it seems shoes are the last investment. For an interview or business, wear shoes with a closed toe and closed heel and keep them polished without nicked heels or scruffy toes.
6. Pay attention to your hair. A stylish haircut is essential to a professional image.
7. Carry yourself with confidence; stand tall with your shoulders back. Portray a successful image by paying attention to details - tastefully applied makeup, the best garments you can afford and being prepared for the interview.
When you are prepared for the interview, which means knowing the job you have applied for, knowing your resume and how you fit that job, your self-confidence will become apparent. Taking care of how you look will give you one less thing to worry about so you can concentrate on selling your skills.
Don't forget to smile!!
Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheila_Dicks
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