This Is Your Brain on Berries

Summer 2012 is the summer of the superhero.  The Avengers, Spiderman, and Batman will perform heroic deeds on movie screens throughout the summer.  While we ordinary humans may not ever possess super powers, we can consume super-foods for the brain.  Super-foods?  Yup.  Super-foods.  

Blueberries – we all know what a blueberry is.  But many people do not know what a nutritional wallop these little gems pack.  Specifically, blueberries are a super-food for your brain.  The colorful fruit is packed with anthocyanins, the flavonoid which gives the berry its blue color.  Anthocyanins help improve the flow of information to the brain and halt the rate at which cells deteriorate.  In fact, studies have shown that drinking blueberry juice daily can improve memory by 30%.  Blueberries are also high in vitamins K and C, manganese, and fiber.

According to Dr. Weil, a half cup of blueberries provides the antioxidant power of five servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash or broccoli.  Talk about power. 

We CCVers are super-lucky because blueberries grow abound in Vermont, and there are many farms where families can go to pick their own. Off season blueberries can be costly, but frozen blueberries are reasonably priced and the frozen berries retain their nutrition.  Frozen berries are also perfect for making smoothies.

If smoothies aren’t your thing, check out All Recipes collection of blueberry recipes.  You can sneak the super-goodness into muffins, cakes, pancakes and pies. Yum.   

Don’t you feel just a little bit smarter already?

Read, Baby, Read

 
by Debby Stewart, 
Dean of Students, Community College of Vermont

Whether you’re taking classes this summer or have filled your calendar with other obligations (like work, weeding, and keeping the kids from launching into mayhem), don’t forget to carve out some time for reading. After all, nothing suits a lazy, hazy day—when the inclination to barely stir settles over you—than a good book. “I’m moving,” you can say to the one whose eyebrow is arched in your direction, “inside my head.” 

Finding the right book to accompany you in your hammock is a bit challenging. Of course, you can search the web or talk to friends or step inside the local library—all good strategies—but you might also check out one of these four recommendations:  

·         Want an Oldie But a Goodie? John Steinbeck’s East of Eden

o   Yes, summer is the perfect time to catch up on one of those books you barely remember or only experienced in a film. East of Eden is a great book with epic themes like good versus evil and free will versus destiny.  But it’s also a tremendously enjoyable read with characters so real you’ll wish the book wouldn’t end. Trust me: it’s that good.  

·         Looking for a Deserving Sequel? Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies

o   In 2010, Mantel published Wolf Hall about life under Henry the VIII (from the perspective of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell). This is the period captured in the popular Showtime series, The Tudors. The novel won several awards and was a best-seller. Bring Up the Bodies continues Cromwell’s story, focusing on the downfall of Anne Boleyn.  Mantel is particularly good at making this period—this world—come alive. You won’t be able to put it down.

Let Me Shake Your Hand

When you go into a job interview, the first impression the interviewers make will be based on your attire (remember to dress to impress) and your handshake.  If you want to start the interview strongly, the key is to perfect the handshake.

You might be thinking, "Handshake.  I've got this down.  What's in a handshake?"  Well, apparently, quite a bit.  Nearly 20% of surveyed folks admit they form an instant impression of a person based on The Handshake.

Career training experts have cataloged different types of less-than-desirable shaking styles.  The Lobster is when the shaker grasps the tips of the recipient's fingers just as a lobster would with its claw.  Shaker etiquette enthusiasts suggest that shaking the tips of fingers displays lack of engagement.  In contrast, The Grabber shakes a person's hand while simultaneously grabbing the person's forearm.  This handshake should be reserved for people you know well or someone you plan on inviting to a date - not an interviewer.  The Pumper grabs onto someone's hand and keeps on shaking, holding the other shaker hostage in the grip.  The interviewer may perceive the pumper as nervous and child-like or as overly aggressive; you don't want to shoot for either of those impressions during an interview.

The Limp Fish handshake seems to draw the most criticism from hiring experts and hand-shakers everywhere.  In addition to just being blah, the limp fish connotes nervousness and insecurity.  Conversely, you are not the Hulk or Wonder Woman, so your handshake does not need to be overly firm or aggressive.  You want your handshake to convey confidence and aptitude - not to inflict discomfort.

And remember, the golden rules of  exemplary handshaking are gender neutral.  The same principles apply to both guys and gals.  So, what makes for a good interview handshake?

• Make sure your hand is dry before you greet the interviewer.

Attention Job and Internship Seekers

Did you know there is a job search site where employers post opportunities specifically for CCV students?  Yes, you have read correctly.  Prospective employers who have career and internship opportunities specifically for community college students regularly post openings on CCV Career Connections, CCV's job and internship website.  Recent job postings include:

• Marketing Intern for Twombly Wealth Management Group
• Java Developer for The Right Thing, and ADP Company
• Account Intern for Bowl new England
• Intake/Adoption Coordinator for Rutland County Humane Society
• Campaign Intern for Rural Vermont

Good luck with your job search, and be sure to post a comment to let us know when you find a job or internship.