odds at end...

Work Until You're 85? NO! How to Retire Early
With more and more people having to work until they are 65, 75, or even 85, here's how to get on the fast track to an early retirement. Tips you can't afford to miss are in the Money & Investing Forum.

KNOCK-DEAD COVERAGE
Matt Taibbi, AlterNet
It is a sad commentary on the state of campaign coveragethat droves of reporters emerged on Friday with the exactsame judgment, delivered with the exact same boxing metaphor.
http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/20069/

Save Our Transit Goes to Harrisburg on October 5 –
There’re Still Seats Left!

Shortly before their summer recess, a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced legislation that will provide a dedicated and reliable funding stream
for public transit operations all across the state. Both urban and rural public transit will benefit when these bills pass. If Senate Bill 1162 and House Bill 2697 do not pass, public transit riders will face disastrous service cuts beginning in early 2005. On Tuesday, October 5, there will be a bus trip to the State Capitol to join with other public transit groups from around the state
to rally for these bills. The bus will leave from downtown Pittsburgh at 7am and return by 8pm.

The cost will be around $15 round trip but nobody will be excluded for lack of funds. Call 412-361-3022 for more information and to get on the bus.

360-Degree Evaluations
by Ian Christie, Monster.com
How would your boss and coworkers rate your job performance?
You can find out in a 360-degree evaluation.

Explaining Disability
Monster member EHSguyNsf posts:

I've been on short-term disability for 12 months due to an anxiety disorder. Just prior to being placed on disability, I was terminated. The official reason was "work performance," however, there were numerous political issue involved as
well. Any advice on how to explain this time off as well as the termination?

The Disabilities at Work Expert responds: A simple explanation is a medical leave. Legally... (more)

Upcoming Statewide Healthcare Conference

PA United for Single Payer Healthcare (PUSH) is a key participant in the planning for what is likely to be an extraordinary gathering of state and national experts and citizens from across Pennsylvania. The purpose of the state
conference is to grapple with a crisis in healthcare of unprecedented proportions. It will be held on Monday, October 18th in Harrisburg.

Tens of millions of Americans are under-insured. 45 million have no health insurance. Healthcare costs have increased by about 50% over the past four years. Small and large businesses and non-profits face exploding premiums. This results in cutbacks in coverage for employees and affects hiring decisions.

President Bush has just announced the largest increase in Medicare premiums in the history of the program.

Something has to give. While the experts have much to tell us about various aspects of the problem, the dialogue with those who are most affected will be crucial to the development of
strategies to adequately address the problem.

The conference has two immediate goals: to develop a statewide national healthcare coalition and to adopt a bill to cover all Pennsylvanians similar to the legislation that has been introduced in over a dozen other states.

It could also help build the momentum to place universal health care in the U.S. on the agenda. The U.S. is the only industrialized nation in the world that lacks a system of national health care.

It is important to register early for the conference. Registration is $25. You can do so at: https://www.123signup.com/register?id=fgrfh

Overqualified?

In most job interviews, the phrase “overqualified” means “overpaid.” Like a good sales rep, counter this argument by focusing on your value rather than your price. Mention qualities like judgment, insight and experience -- especially if you've seen mistakes and won't make them.

Learn more interview tactics in my new book, Monster Careers, which can be found here or in bookstores everywhere. -- Jeff Taylor