Real things not to do while driving:

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that it is not just cell phone use that can cause drivers to be involved in a crash or near-crash. In general, accidents may happen when drivers perform secondary tasks, become drowsy, are inattentive to the roadway, and when drivers glance away from the roadway.

Here are 10 things not to do while driving:

1.Wireless devices:

Use of wireless devices by drivers is one of the most dangerous activities. Cell phone activities  which are dangerous while driving include reaching for a ringing phone, fumbling with a headset, dialing phones, talking on phones or reading information on the cell phone display. Use of PDAs while driving can be equally hazardous when the driver is searching for the PDA, reading it or entering information on the PDA.

2.  In car communication:

It's not just talking on a cell phone that poses hazards, it's also talking to passengers, including children, in the car.

3.  Internal distractions:

There are many dangerous activities drivers distract themselves with while driving. The ones we can limit are reading a book, map, newspaper or magazine, moving objects in the vehicle while driving or reaching for objects, or being distracted by a pet. Some distractions inside the vehicle may be accidental such as dropping an object or if there is an insect is in the vehicle.

4.  Personal Grooming:

We've all seen those smart commuters who try to save time by saving their grooming routine for the road. Engaging in personal hygiene activities while driving, including applying make up, shaving, combing or brushing hair, brushing or flossing, removing or altering contact lenses, or putting on or adjusting jewelry can be hazardous to your health.

5.  Dashboard Tinkering:

 Try setting these control before you shift into park, as they are dangerous driver distractions: looking at/reaching for/adjusting climate control, looking at/or reaching or adjusting the radio, inserting or retrieving a cassette or CD, and looking at or adjusting other in-dash systems.

6.  Eating:

We've all done it. Drive-thrus wouldn't exist if we didn't. Dining while driving, with or without a utensil, drinking out of a covered or uncovered container are all equally dangerous activities to engage in while driving. An open cup or container poses further dangers as they may spill easily.

7.  External distractions:

There is a difference between paying attention to your surroundings and being distracted by them. Any of the following external distractions can be dangerous: staring out the window at a previous accident, looking at pedestrians not in the forward roadway, looking at an animal that may or may not pose a safety hazard and construction zones.

8.  Singing and talking:

For some of us the only two places we sing are the shower and the car. Apparently, singing and talking to yourself in your car is also a dangerous driver distraction. This also includes "instances where the driver exhibits dancing behavior."

9.  Smoking:

It is not just smoking that can be dangerous while driving, it is the whole process of smoking, from the initial reaching for a cigarette, to lighting the cigarette, smoking it and extinguishing it in the ashtray.

10.  Daydreaming:

can be a dangerous activity while driving. This includes becoming lost in thought or looking a haphazardly round but not at any single distraction, or when a drives looks but does not see.

Ten Signs You Have A Toxic Boss!

If you've been on the job for years or just meeting your potential boss at an interview, here are ten ways to tell if he/she is a toxic boss:

Disrespectful Behavior: "Don't overlook unprofessional behavior, such as emails that aren't returned or disregard for stop and start times for the interview without apology," says Anna Maravelas, president of TheraRising.com and author of How to Reduce Workplace Conflict and Stress. "These mini-moments are microcosms of your potential supervisor's style."

Visual Cues: "If your boss scans you from head to waist versus waist to head as they extend their hand in greeting you, they are intuitively sending a message that you are smaller than they are," explains Zannah Hackett, author of The Ancient Wisdom of Matchmaking. Though subtle, it's the nonverbal equivalent of a belittling comment. "This is not a good sign that your talents are going to flourish in this environment."

Defensive Body Language: "An insecure boss will find you threatening if you are good at your job and will use the power of the position to make your life miserable," says Pamela Lenehan, president of Ridge Hill Consulting and author of What You Don't Know and Your Boss Won't Tell You. Watch for constant shifting, avoiding eye contact or rifling through papers as you talk, she notes.

Bad Attitude: If your interviewer exhibits a general lack of enthusiasm or interest in the company, watch out, warns Donna Flagg, a principal with human resources and management consulting firm The Krysalis Group. It could be a bad day, or it could be a bad boss. "Ask for company turnover [data] and turnover [data] for that individual manager," she suggests.

Excessive Nervousness: Don't ignore extreme behavior, cautions one worker. "My boss used to eat sugar packets and raisins, and she downed them with large cups of black espresso," she recalls. "And she spoke in triplets: 'hi, hi, hi,' 'good, good, good,' 'when, when, when.' Her stress level telegraphed to everyone in the department."

Distrust of Others: A toxic boss "openly displays a lack of trust in people, especially for those on the team in which he or she is supposed to lead," notes Gregg Stocker, author of Avoiding the Corporate Death Spiral: Recognizing & Eliminating the Signs of Decline. Ask what the company's problems are and what their causes might be. "If the answers to these questions consist of blaming others in the organization, especially those on his or her team, the person lacks trust in others."

Fear Used as a Motivator: Ask the prospective boss about others on the team with whom you will be working -- specifically, how well they work together, stay focused and meet objectives, Stocker advises. Be wary if the response identifies a lack of respect for people. When managers disrespect and distrust others' motivations, they resort to extrinsic means with which to motivate, such as threats, public humiliation and comments about layoffs.

Word Choice: "Your ears are your best hunch barometer," Hackett says. "Our choice of words sets up a dynamic that can raise or lower the energy in a room. If they begin every sentence with a negative message and then try to diffuse it somewhat, it is likely that negativity prevails in their life and carries over into work."

Extreme Friendliness: "It may sound odd, but what should have tipped me off was how nice she was," one administrative assistant says of her toxic boss. "I compare it to children being lured into dangerous situations with candy. How many kids don't want candy? And how many adults don't want to work for a boss who is nice? It was a trap I could've easily avoided had I caught on earlier."

Self-Absorption: "If his ideas seem to be more important than finding out about your ideas, or if you provide an answer and the interviewer tells you you're wrong or interrupts with his own answer to the question, it may be an indication that he will be difficult to work with," notes one technical support staffer.

PHONE TOPIC:  How have you dealt with an a-hole boss?  Did your co-workers agree that he was a jerk or was it just you?  What's the worst thing he/she did to you or that you saw him/her do to another employee?

Thanks to the advent of technology like computers, automated machines, voice recognition systems and cell phones, many jobs that used to be deemed essential to the work force are on the decline. 

If you're looking for job security during the next 10 years, here are 12 jobs to eye with caution and their more secure job alternatives. While they'll have job openings to replace workers who leave the industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects they'll have fewer and fewer of new jobs over time.

1. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighers

Why it's endangered: Many companies now use self-monitoring production machines, which alert inspectors to flaws they would normally detect by hand.

2. Data entry and information processing workers

Why it's endangered: Personal computers are abundant. People either do their own word processing or contract out their work, rather than hiring full-time staff. Other technologies like barcode scanners and voice recognition systems reduce the need for data entry keyers.

3. File and order clerks

Why it's endangered: Organizations use automated systems to place orders and most files are now stored digitally and retrieved electronically, thus reducing the need for file and order clerks.

4. Photographic process workers

Why it's endangered: Since digital cameras have virtually taken over photography, digital camera owners have the ability to download, view, retouch and print pictures on their own computers, reducing the need for workers to do so manually.

5. Telephone operators

Why it's endangered: Cell phones and 411 call services have reduced the demand for telephone operators, because fewer people use directory assistance, collect calls and pay phones.

6. Pharmacy aides

Why it's endangered: Pharmacy technicians will perform many of the duties aides normally do, like answering phones, stocking shelves and operating cash registers. Pharmacy aides will also receive more training, moving up to the technician position.

7. Bindery workers

Why it's endangered: Computers allow binding to be automated and now, printing companies are binding products in-house, so the need for binding shops is decreasing.

8. Radio and television announcers

Why it's endangered: New technology and advancement of other media sources like syndicated programming means less need for radio and TV announcers. (Of course Danny and Mac will always be needed right?.......right?)

9. Floral designers

Why it's endangered: Many people leave the job because of its low starting pay and limited opportunities for advancement; also, Internet florists take away the demand for designers at independent floral shops.

10. Telemarketers

Why it's endangered: Thanks to the "do not call" registry, the need for these pesky sales people is not as prevalent.

According to Sam Gosling, a researcher at the University of Texas and Meredith Wells, a psychologist at East Kentucky University, here is what your office might be saying to your supervisors, bosses, and co-workers:

1. Plants -- healthy plants are a sign that you plan to stay.
2. Post-it Notes -- Too many Post-It Notes show that you're overwhelmed.
3. Clocks -- One or more clocks in your office are a sign that you get things done. "Clock lovers are often meticulous and hardworking," says Gosling.
4. Family Photos -- This could go either way. Some psychologists say family photos are a status symbol. Others say they are a genuine reminder of loved ones. You have to look at how the photos are displayed. If the pictures are facing guests, they are status symbols. If they are facing you, they are genuine reminders.
5. Candy Bowl -- An indication of an extrovert. Introverts don't put anything that brings others in their workspace.
6. Motivational Posters -- Show that you are engaged in your job and want to stay engaged.
7. Posters of Celebrities or Historical Figures -- Indicates you have values and big dreams.
8. Tidiness -- Tidiness is a personality trait that is extremely difficult to change. A neat and organized desk and workspace indicates a neat and organized person.
9. Empty Desk -- Empty workspaces indicate a worker who has little status in the organization and who probably isn't dedicated to his/her job. These people simply are not committed.