Yes, it is that time.  School is either in session or just about to start.  Lynn O’Shaughnessy is the author of The College Solution, an Amazon bestseller, and she also writes for TheCollegeSolutionBlog.  She shares the 20 worst and best-paying college degrees in 2010.

20 Worst-Paying College Degrees in 2010

College Degree                     Starting pay     Mid-career pay
1. Child and family studies          $29,500                 $38,400
2. Elementary education             $31,600                 $44,400
3. Social work                                   $31,800                 $44,900
4. Athletic training                         $32,800                 $45,700
5. Culinary arts                                $35,900                 $50,600
6. Horticulture                                $35,000                  $50,800
7. Paralegal studies/law              $35,100                  $51,300
8. Theology                                       $34,700                 $51,300
9. Recreation & leisure                 $33,300                  $53,200
10. Special education                    $36,000                 $53,800
11. Dietetics                                       $40,400                 $54,200
12. Religious studies                      $34,700                 $54,400
13. Art                                                  $33,500                 $54,800
14. Education                                    $35,100                $54,900
15. Interdisciplinary studies      $35,600                $55,700
16. Interior design                          $34,400                $56,600
17. Nutrition                                     $42,200                $56,700
18. Graphic design                         $35,400                 $56,800
19. Music                                            $36,700                $57,000
20. Art history                                $39,400                 $57,100

Here are the top 20 best-paying college degrees in 2010:

College Degree               Starting Median Pay   Mid-career pay
1. Petroleum engineering               $93,000                $157,000
2. Aerospace engineering               $59,400                $108,000
3. Chemical engineering                  $64,800                $108,000
4. Electrical engineering                 $60,800                $104,000
5. Nuclear engineering                    $63,900                 $104,000
6. Applied mathematics                  $56,400                 $101,000
7. Biomedical engineering             $54,800                  $101,000
8. Physics                                              $50,700                 $99,600
9. Computer engineering               $61,200                  $87,700
10. Economics                                   $48,800                  $97,800
11. Computer science                      $56,200                  $97,700
12. Civil engineering                        $53,500                  $93,400
13. Statistics                                        $50,000                 $93,400
14. Finance                                          $47,500                  $91,500
15. Software engineering               $56,700                  $91,300
16. Management info. systems    $50,900                 $90,300
17. Mathematics                               $46,400                 $88,300
18. Government                                 $41,500                 $88,300
19. Information systems                $49,300                $87,100
20. Construction Management     $50,400               $87,000

Orange County has a variety of community colleges and universities to offer educational opportunities to its residents.  As Yeats said, “Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.

We all know how important it is care for our environment and there is a big push to purchase products that are “green”.  But do you know how to determine if a product meets the green guidelines?

1. Is the product made with recycled, salvaged or agricultural waste content?

 Products with pre-consumer recycled content
 Salvaged products
 Products with post-consumer recycled content
 Products made from agricutural waste material

2. Does the product conserve natural resources?

 Products that reduce material uses
 Products with exceptional durability
 Certified wood products
 Renewable products

3. Does the product avoid toxic or other emissions?

 Natural or minimally processed products
 Alternatives to ozone-depleting substances
 Alternatives to hazardous products
 Products that reduce or eliminate pesticide treatments
 Products that reduce storm water pollution
 Products that reduce impacts from construction or demolition activities
 Products that reduce pollution or waste from operations

4. Does the product save energy or water?

 Building components that reduce heating and cooling loads
 Equipment that conserves energy or fuel cell equipment
 Renewable energy or fuel cell equipment
 Fixtures and equipment that conserves water

5. Does the product contribute to a safe, healthy built environment?

 Products that do not release significant pollutants into the building
 Products that block the introduction, development or spread of indoor contaminants
 Products that remove the indoor pollutants
 Products that warn occupants of health hazards in a building
 Products that improve light quality
 Products that help control noise
 Products that enhance community well being

Now that you know what makes a “green” product, take a look at these OC businesses  who have a made a commitment to Going Green by clicking HERE.

Source: U.S. Green Building Council, Green Building Inc., NAHB, Energy Star

In the 1930s, the National Association of Real Estate Boards (the predecessor of NAR) witnessed a growth of women working in real estate and an increased participation of women at national conventions, as women were becoming aware of their potential in and importance to the industry.

Today, Women’s Council is a nationwide community of 16,000 real estate professionals who include many of the best and brightest in the business. The backbone of WCR is its network of more than 300 local and state chapters with volunteer managers trained to position their groups as a business resource in their REALTOR® communities.

WCR has grown to be the twelfth largest U.S. women’s professional organization and has one of the most successful communication networks in the NAR family. Chapters include real estate professionals who support the objectives of WCR and are interested in serving the industry, the community and fellow REALTORS®.

The Women’s Council of Realtors’ Mission Statement is – “We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders”.   They work toward their mission by establishing themselves as a reliable source of knowledge committed to both the personal and professional success of their members.  They have been trusted by professional Realtors for more than 60 years as bearers of professional and personal excellence.  WCR provides programs to build relevant skills and has built a referral network generating 100 million commission dollars annually.  WCR strives to be the premier organization for individual achievement. 

Click Women’s Council of REALTORS® for more information.

Are you feeling discouraged in your OC job search?  And while it is certainly understandable that discouragement might replace optimism as the emotion of the day, it’s not time to give up the search.

Harvard University labor economist Lawrence Katz thinks it could take half a decade or more just to get to the employment levels we had two years ago. Still, he expects that during this new decade, the U.S. economy will eventually create 15 million new jobs, with the unemployment rate falling to around 5 percent.  But what is interesting is in what fields the jobs will be located. 

Katz says the U.S. has experienced polarization of the labor market. It results in strong job growth for the high-paying jobs and the low-paying jobs at both ends of the labor market, but less growth in the middle to replace the well-paying manufacturing jobs the U.S. is losing.

Dixie Sommers, assistant commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recites a list of the 10 occupations that the BLS expects will provide the greatest number of new jobs over the next decade.  These include:

1. Registered Nurses
2. Home Health Aides
3. Customer Service Representatives
4. Food Preparation and Serving Workers
5. Personal and Home Care Aides
6. Retail Salespersons
7. Office Clerks
8. Accounts
9. Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
10. Postsecondary Teachers

Orange County Resource Guide wants to help you in your OC job search.  Find help on how to write a resume as well as searching for available jobs by category or Orange County city.  And always remember…

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome.  That’s what defines your career.”  ~Carlton Fisk

Prepare your Pet  with a Pet Sitter or Boarding Kennel

Spring Break is quickly approaching.  We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends or taking a much needed break from our busy lifestyles .  But with  travels in the near future, have you thought about what you are going to do with your pets?  Pets are such an important part our families, but sometimes for a variety of reasons it just make sense to leave them behind.  Happily, there are options. Some swear by boarding their pets.  Others want the security of knowing their pets are in the comfort of their own homes.  Here are a few benefits of both options…

Hire a pet sitter:

• Reduced stress to your pet as they stay in an familiar place
• Tailored care
• Less exposure to illness from other animals
• Personal attention, play time and love 
• No guilt from imposing on family members or neighbors
• No transportation concerns
• House sitting bonus
• Crime deterrent- newspapers and mail are brought in.

Use a boarding kennel:

• Kennels are run by professionals who have the skills, experience, and time to properly care for your pet.
• Secure, welcoming environment
• Playtime each and every day
• Receive plenty of attention
• Many offer grooming services so your pet is fresh and clean upon your arrival to pick them up

Whether you ultimately choose a pet sitter or a kennel, be sure to do your research.  Visit the kennel, interview the pet sitter.  Ask about insurance and hidden costs.  Check references.  Your furry, feathered, or scaly family member deserves the best you can offer.  To get started to learning about your options in Orange County, visit  Pampered Pets at Orange County Resource Guide

When looking for an Orange County dentist, it is imperative to search out one who utilizes the most up to date technology.  Dr. Bin Hoang is one such dentist.  Dr. Hoang can restore damaged teeth in a single appointment using a high-quality ceramic material that matches the natural color of other teeth using CEREC®, an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

How does the instrument work?

CEREC® uses CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacturing) technology, incorporating a camera, computer and milling machine in one instrument. Dr. Hoang uses a special camera to take an accurate picture of the damaged tooth. This optical impression is transferred and displayed on a color computer screen, where Dr. Hoang uses CAD technology to design the restoration. Then CAM takes over and automatically creates the restoration while the patient waits. Finally, Dr. Hoang bonds the new restoration to the surface of the old tooth. The whole process takes about one hour.

What does this innovation mean for a patient?

A tooth-colored restoration means no more silver fillings discoloring smiles. The filling is natural-looking, compatible with tissue in the mouth, anti-abrasive and plaque-resistant. Dr. Hoang no longer need to create temporaries or take impressions and send them to a lab. Because of this, the traditional second visit has been eliminated. The CEREC® has over a decade of clinical research and documentation to support the technology. The restorations have been proven precise, safe and effective

Read this outstanding review from a satisfied customer:

“I am continually amazed at the state of technology as it relates to advancements in the field of dentistry.  The “while you wait” crown is such a time-saving device – and a very cool thing to observe.  As I sat in the chair, the dentist worked his magic with a cad-type of program.   He deftly molded a perfect rotating polished white 3-D crown graphic from what started out looking like a “sand-castle” version of my tooth–all with the clicks of his mouse.  When finished, he sent it to the printer–er I mean CEREC crown-manufacturing machine–where we watched in awe as 2 tiny diamond-drills popped out from each side and rapidly carved my crown out of a rectangular chuck of square ceramic–all according to the parameters he had drawn.  All that was left to do was to pop it into my mouth and glue it down to the (previously-prepared) area. So much nicer than having to squish that yucky clay-like mold stuff for 5-minutes and then have to spend a week without steak–while wearing a temporary crown.  No double visit, no temporary crown, no molds – just the instant gratification that our society has come to expect.  It sure is a nice change from the old days.”

Are you looking for the best quality dental care in south Orange County, California?  Welcome to San Clemente’s Radiant Smiles Dental Care.

Orange County Weekend Events are many, but in  today’s fast paced world, the dream of rest and relaxation stays just that, a dream. You want to be in control of your life, but how?  Work, family, friends, volunteer work, there just isn’t enough time in the day.   With all the choices available you today, there is one choice that will help you carve out time in your day.  A personal concierge service is just what the doctor ordered.

What  service does a concierge provide?

* help with shopping for a personal gift
* waiting for a home delivery
* planning and catering that special event
* arranging pet sitting while you are out of town
* checking on a homebound loved one 

Basically, if it is on your “to do” list, a concierge service can help with it.  Many concierge services are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day so it is important to shop around.  But all services are designed to be flexible to your needs and your deadlines. With just a call or an email, you will receive an estimate of the fees and the time needed to accomplish your task. Often the best rates come when you purchase weekly, monthly or annual packages. Be sure to ask whether there are any obligations, membership or enrollment fees involved in using their services. Best of all, you only use the services when needed.

It’s time to take control and regain the balance you crave both in your business and family life.  To find companies specializing in concierge service, click HERE. Now all that is left is planning what are you going to do with all your extra time.

Orange County weekend events sometimes need to start at home. It’s time to get organized!  The piles of Christmas decorations yet to be put away and future garage sale items still sitting on the garage floor are getting harder and harder to ignore. It is easy to turn the other cheek to the whole idea of cleaning out and organizing your garage when there is ANYTHING better and more fun to do! After all, when you live in Southern California, you don’t have the cold and snow to force you to face the “inside” chores that simply must get done.  Eventually, something usually inspires us to want to organize and clean!

The garage is typically the largest room in the home. In most cases it also represents the most unorganized one. It is the most overlooked and underutilized space. In fact, for some, the idea of tackling the garage can be so overwhelming that it is easier to just shut the door and park in the driveway instead. With home improvement being high on everyone’s list these days, why not take some time and energy to organize the garage.

The garage should be more than a place to park your car. It should be well organized and functional. There are organizing services available or just call a friend who owes you a favor. Either way, having someone to assist will help you to accomplish more than you would have on your own. Inevitably, there will be many distractions along the way, but staying focused is key. This is where the person who is helping you comes in handy. While you may be fixated on your great, great grandmother’s dishes, the person helping you isn’t. As you are sorting through your treasures, create categories such as “donate”, “keep”, and “throw away”. Once a decision has been made to get rid of an item, do it right away. If you haven’t opened a box since the last time you moved, you probably don’t need whatever is inside it anyway. Once you have embarked on the garage cleaning journey, it will be hard to stop. Just think of all the wonderful things that can be done with all that magnificent space. Flooring, cabinetry and specialty organizers are all waiting to be installed to make your garage more organized and functional.

The flooring in the garage is no longer regulated to dull cement. Today there are numerous choices available to the homeowner. One of the most popular is Epoxy coatings. An epoxy finish usually looks like granite and comes in different variations of colors. The finish protects against oil, chemicals and bleach, and any spills can be wiped right up. Another option is an acid stain that goes over the cement. The stain comes out looking like marble and the color choices are unlimited. This finish protects against spills in the garage and can be wiped up as well. There are many companies that offer these services. As always, make sure that the company’s products and labor are backed by a warranty.

When researching cabinetry for your garage, keep in mind what you need now and what you may need in the future. It is important that the cabinetry you choose can withstand heavy loads and extreme temperatures without sagging, warping or peeling of the lamination. The cabinets should be easy to clean and the shelves adjustable. When designing the cabinetry in your dream garage, keep in mind the idiosyncrasies of your garage. When it rains does your garage flood? If so, it may be necessary to raise the cabinetry six to eight inches off of the floor, avoiding the possibility of water damage. Many companies have modular cabinetry systems that can be designed to specifically fit your needs.

Another great addition to your garage is hanging wall organizers. Many times homeowners want to place often used items where they are readily available, but out of the way. Organizers are a great solution.  Steel grids attached to the garage wall can hold everything from gardening tools, ski equipment etc., to specialty designed accessories for golf equipment, sports equipment.

Updating your garage to become a functional, well organized part of your living space will not only make your life easier but it will also increase the value of your home.  Let Orange County Resource Guide help you in your quest to organize with its Orange County Business Listings.