Not all jobs will be affected by the weakening economy. Education, energy, health care and security are some industries that are expected to survive, or even prosper, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement agency. "Certain industries are particularly vulnerable during recessions, including retail, manufacturing, the financial sector and technology," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "However, there are always some areas that seems to be recession-resistant. These often change from recession ... [full story]

Stress can take a toll in the workplace. Tevis Gale, founder of Balance Integration, which helps companies balance stress and burnout, refers to stress as a global problem. "We all want to do a great job," says Gale, "but the same drive can bring us to burnout." Stress can trigger an unpleasant series of physical and emotional events that might include a dangerous increase in adrenaline. So how do you foster habits to avoid those ... [full story]

When in need of career advice, where do most workers seek guidance? Forty-six percent of executives initially turn to spouses or significant others when considering a job change, according to a survey by Accountemps, a staffing service that questioned 150 senior executives. Only 42 percent of respondents answered the same in 2002. Mentors are also highly regarded when it comes to career guidance. Forty-one percent of respondents say they would first contact mentors, compared to ... [full story]

Females still face hardships climbing the workplace ladder, so two writers have decided to reach out and help women take control of their careers. Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio, authors of "The Girl's Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear," focus on how women can achieve what they want in a job. Their two prior books provided girl guides to starting a new business and succeeding as a woman in charge. "We want to explore ... [full story]

Workers may look to colleagues when searching for a sweetheart this Valentine's Day. Helaine Olen, co-author of "Office Mate: The Employee Handbook for Finding - and Managing - Romance on the Job," refers to meeting at the office as old-fashioned courting. Co-workers get to know each other slowly since they spend a lot of time together. HR personnel may be unwitting matchmakers when they put two people together who have common interests. "Relationships develop over ... [full story]

Lights! Camera! Action! The interview process has started, and you are the star. Get ready to list your qualifications and interests on camera. The concept of video resumes is becoming mainstream with the help of the YouTube generation.   VIDEO RESUMES - Job applicant Heike Froeschke shows just how easy it is to create a video resume, a concept becoming mainstream with the help of the YouTube generation. CNS Photo courtesy of HighTechMARKET Inc.  Not just an ... [full story]

Q: I have enclosed a photo of a doll that was given to me when I was about 5 years old. "Allied Dolls - AE - 3651" is marked on the back of the doll's neck. She stands about 30 inches tall and she is wearing the original dress. Since I never really played with her, she is in excellent condition. Although I have researched the Allied Doll Co. on the Internet, I have not ... [full story]

Q: The little vase in this photo stands about 4 inches tall. It is decorated with gold, black and gray-brown geometric designs against a white background. "Redwing - U.S.A." is marked on the bottom and it is in mint condition. Also there are three raised dots on the bottom.   CREAM PITCHER - This cream pitcher was made by Red Wing Potteries in Red Wing, Minn., in the mid-1900s and would probably be worth $25 to ... [full story]

Q: I am 57 years old and the pig cookie jar in this photo has been in my family as long as I can remember. She is wearing a white dress with a blue collar, a blue flower above brown buttons, and there are blue flowers on her hat. She stands more than 11 inches tall and is in perfect condition. I couldn't find a manufacturer's mark.   COOKIE JAR - This Winnie cookie jar was ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of an electric table lamp with a leaded glass shade that belonged to my great-aunt. The finish on the base is the original, but somewhat worn off. Marked on the bottom are the letters "B & H" which I assume stands for Bradley and Hubbard. There are four sockets for light bulbs each with a pull chain. The overall height of the lamp is 26 inches and the shade is ... [full story]