Thursday, June 17, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Demotion
In the corporate world, if you work in administration for the most part you're in your position due to your education. But I have noticed in most industries I've dabbled in that most higher ups are not as equipped for their roles as they would like everyone to think they are.
Someone I know who has been a director for a few years now in the company he works for has recently been demoted because one of the underlings he hired for a managerial position failed terribly. Though the director had incredible clout, he could not save himself. It's fair to say he was not fully equipped for his position and neither was the manager he hired. Perhaps in the future, companies will hire people because they know what they're doing and not because they studied theory in college.
Someone I know who has been a director for a few years now in the company he works for has recently been demoted because one of the underlings he hired for a managerial position failed terribly. Though the director had incredible clout, he could not save himself. It's fair to say he was not fully equipped for his position and neither was the manager he hired. Perhaps in the future, companies will hire people because they know what they're doing and not because they studied theory in college.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Immigration and risks
So you were brought to the United States when you were 3 years old by your parents, only you don't have the right documents to stay in the country.
A few years later, your family has paid its dues and paid taxes. Now it comes time for college and because you are not an American citizen you're told you can't get an education.
This is America as it is right now. The people pushing for the Dream Act will like this to end, but it's not likely that they will get it. The American people for the most part are not interested in competition and to have the illegal children come in the mix competing at top schools for money and success.
These children deserve the right to get an education, they deserve the right to have a decent future. And from my point of view, as an immigrant myself, I believe competition would be beneficial to the United States in the long run. We live in a Darwinian world and only the fittest will survive. The children don't ask for the life they're brought into and even though some think this would be rewarding illegal activities, I think the bigger picture would show that these kids are only interested in living a good life and contributing to American society.
A few years later, your family has paid its dues and paid taxes. Now it comes time for college and because you are not an American citizen you're told you can't get an education.
This is America as it is right now. The people pushing for the Dream Act will like this to end, but it's not likely that they will get it. The American people for the most part are not interested in competition and to have the illegal children come in the mix competing at top schools for money and success.
These children deserve the right to get an education, they deserve the right to have a decent future. And from my point of view, as an immigrant myself, I believe competition would be beneficial to the United States in the long run. We live in a Darwinian world and only the fittest will survive. The children don't ask for the life they're brought into and even though some think this would be rewarding illegal activities, I think the bigger picture would show that these kids are only interested in living a good life and contributing to American society.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
We infidels and our music
I've been working it out in my head over and over about the news story that came out a few days ago about Muslim extremists who think that all music is evil. I can't help but think these people are smoking the same shut they're trying to sell people. It is ridiculous how people use misunderstood religion as a weapon against the average person.
If music is evil then music lovers like myself are going to rot in hell and I'm perfectly okay with that. These people should be abolished and if they try to attack musicians they better know that sanctions are not the only things they have to worry about.
If music is evil then music lovers like myself are going to rot in hell and I'm perfectly okay with that. These people should be abolished and if they try to attack musicians they better know that sanctions are not the only things they have to worry about.
Friday, April 23, 2010
The big business of being green.
This week was earth day and people as usual were singing the songs of our planet and talking about sustainable living and all that other crap, but I cannot help being a skeptic. As much as I want to save the earth from it's death, I can't buy into the whole green movement because I feel that it has been tremendously corrupted by big business. Every where you turn you see an ad by some company claiming to be the green answer to your problems. And the media has been quick to jump at the chance of pushing and praising these products and the companies behind them. But what I want to know is whether anyone has taken the opportunity to test these products and see if they really are better for the environment. Until someone has done extensive research and followed how these companies make their products, I will err on the side of caution and not buy into the whole GREEN propaganda.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Micro management and contradictions
Every manager has his and her own way of managing the people they supervise and those on their team, but those that micro manage seem to forget that the people working under them are in their position because they are equipped for it. If you don't think someone qualifies for a position then it is your job to make sure you hire someone who is capable of doing the job.
Micro managers also have this ridiculous ability to contradict themselves. If you tell one of your workers something but then turn around and say something opposite, then you shouldn't be surprised if your workers undermine you. Everyone makes a mistake, which is natural and expected, but you should be able to recognize your mistake and not put all the pressure on your workers. You should make sure people know that you understand their job and that you're there to help them succeed In their position and not add to their frustration.
Micro managers also have this ridiculous ability to contradict themselves. If you tell one of your workers something but then turn around and say something opposite, then you shouldn't be surprised if your workers undermine you. Everyone makes a mistake, which is natural and expected, but you should be able to recognize your mistake and not put all the pressure on your workers. You should make sure people know that you understand their job and that you're there to help them succeed In their position and not add to their frustration.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
People's discomfort with the disabled
A lot of people are uncomfortable around disabled people, unless there is someone in their immediate family with a disability. I can understand the discomfort on some level. You never quite know how to talk to them or approach them. If you work with them your first instinct is to do everything for them when in fact a lot of them can do things on their own.
My issue with people's attitude towards the disabled, is with those people that are purely ignorant. Whenever people hear that a residence or facility for the developmentally challenged is about to open in their neighborhood or nearby, they lose it. They start petitioning to have the agency blocked from opening the house. People seem to forget that these people are not their disability. They not defined by what ails them. Just as you and I are not defined by our respective jobs.
People worry about their children's safety, which is fine an understandable, but you can't expect it to be okay for you to impede on other people's rights just because you paid $500,000 for your house in a nice neighborhood and don't want anyone else there. The developmentally disabled have the same rights that everyone else has and people should just grow up and get over it.
My issue with people's attitude towards the disabled, is with those people that are purely ignorant. Whenever people hear that a residence or facility for the developmentally challenged is about to open in their neighborhood or nearby, they lose it. They start petitioning to have the agency blocked from opening the house. People seem to forget that these people are not their disability. They not defined by what ails them. Just as you and I are not defined by our respective jobs.
People worry about their children's safety, which is fine an understandable, but you can't expect it to be okay for you to impede on other people's rights just because you paid $500,000 for your house in a nice neighborhood and don't want anyone else there. The developmentally disabled have the same rights that everyone else has and people should just grow up and get over it.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Mother returns adopted child to Russia.
Just yesterday I was talking to a friend about how people have no idea what having children is all about. And then I stumbled on a news that a mother returned her adopted son to Russia on a plane by himself. I can't say how enraged that makes me. Children don't ask to be put in the situations that they're put in, and when you make the decision to adopt a kid from another country, you have made the choice to take care of that kid. It's your responsibility to make sure that child is safe and look after his mental well being. That womb should have done her homework. She should have found out information on where he came from and what his life was like. She should have paid for him to see a shrink instead of branding him a psychopath. That was her responsibility. She opted to adopt him so she has no right to think she can just give up on him. It's just like that woman who adopted a black baby but then decided to return him because she didn't feel as connected to him as she did her other children. These women need to stop playing with people's lives and realize that they are screwing up these children's lives. If you don't think you can handle adoption, then don't adopt. But if you make the decision to go ahead with it, then you should be there for the full ride.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Why do people freak out when their boss is around?
People tend to freak out whenever their boss is around, which I find quite astounding. When you're at work you should be doing what's expected of you. Your boss is not some big scary animal that you hve to fear. Every single person has a job description and if you're doing what you were hired to do, there's no reason why you have to scurry around like a headless chicken just because the guy or girl who signs your check is in the vicinity.
A coworker of mine who is a manager in her division seems to always be running around like her life is at stake. It's really down to the fact that she's not very good at her job, but you shouldn't accept a position if you're not equipped to handle it.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
A coworker of mine who is a manager in her division seems to always be running around like her life is at stake. It's really down to the fact that she's not very good at her job, but you shouldn't accept a position if you're not equipped to handle it.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Reality TV is killing other shows
We can all pretty much agree that Reality TV sucks. Every week there is a new show that is supposedly based in reality that hits the tube. From a financial stance reality TV is a great endeavor because there is an audience out there that loves to watch stupid people acting stupid. It also does not take a lot of effort. For most shows you have to go through the process of developing an idea and essentially be creative. With reality shows you don't have to worry about creativity. You don't have to worry about hiring writers or actors.
On the surface, it seems like a great deal but real shows that deserve to stay on don't get the chance. Shows like Chuck, Arrested Development and other creative shows don't get the chance because they don't get the length of time to build an audience.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
On the surface, it seems like a great deal but real shows that deserve to stay on don't get the chance. Shows like Chuck, Arrested Development and other creative shows don't get the chance because they don't get the length of time to build an audience.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Having children
If you talk with young people you're going to find that a lot of them are eager to grow up and some are eager to have children. But having children is not as easy as one would imagine. It was not wash when our parents had us and it is not easy today.
With the economy the way it has been for the past decade, you would have to save at least $90,000 dollars before you consider having children. Raising children is very expensive. And I know there are people out there who raise their children with very little money, but you have to think about the children for a second. Children never ask to be born, and once you've made the decision to have them you have to be prepared to take care of them. You have to give them the best of everything.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
With the economy the way it has been for the past decade, you would have to save at least $90,000 dollars before you consider having children. Raising children is very expensive. And I know there are people out there who raise their children with very little money, but you have to think about the children for a second. Children never ask to be born, and once you've made the decision to have them you have to be prepared to take care of them. You have to give them the best of everything.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Friday, April 2, 2010
Apologies? I think not.
People always want you to be apologetic about everything, and I must admit there is the rare occasion when you find yourself in a position where you have to offer an apology for a wrong doing. But there are also some moments where you should stand up for your ideals and refuse to apologize.
One such moment occurred when I forgot to pick up an item for myself which was quite important. My partner thought that I needed to apologize to her because she had taken upon herself to make plans for the item and my not bringing it was a derailment of her plans. I can understand if I did something wrong to hurt her feelings, but I refuse to accept that I need to apologize for failing to get the item when she expected it. It wasn't something she needed, it was something I required.
One such moment occurred when I forgot to pick up an item for myself which was quite important. My partner thought that I needed to apologize to her because she had taken upon herself to make plans for the item and my not bringing it was a derailment of her plans. I can understand if I did something wrong to hurt her feelings, but I refuse to accept that I need to apologize for failing to get the item when she expected it. It wasn't something she needed, it was something I required.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Simple but better
I have begun to notice that people who subscribe to a philosophy of simplicity tend to be much happier than those of us who surround ourselves with complicated things, people, and ideas.
If you take kids with autism for instance. They tend to be focused on one thing, and that solitary activity brings them more joy then the rest of us can imagine. Whether it be doing laundry or watching Thomas the tank engine, it's the fact that they are not easily derailed from there goal that proves them to be awe inspiring.
There is really no telling how the mind works at all times, but should we all be lucky to find simplicity in our lives, we just might be happier. Now I'm not naïve enough to assume the world would be a better place, but on days like this when the sun is out with its glorious rays, hugging onto the skin like a loving mother, perhaps a simple stroll down the street is all it takes.
If you take kids with autism for instance. They tend to be focused on one thing, and that solitary activity brings them more joy then the rest of us can imagine. Whether it be doing laundry or watching Thomas the tank engine, it's the fact that they are not easily derailed from there goal that proves them to be awe inspiring.
There is really no telling how the mind works at all times, but should we all be lucky to find simplicity in our lives, we just might be happier. Now I'm not naïve enough to assume the world would be a better place, but on days like this when the sun is out with its glorious rays, hugging onto the skin like a loving mother, perhaps a simple stroll down the street is all it takes.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Fulfillment
When we are young it is very easy for us to see all the great things we might achieve in our life. You are always told that if you set your mind to something you can achieve it. Most of us believe that to be true but very few people find it to be in real life.
So the question becomes, what can you do to make sure that your life is a fulfilled one and not just an empty canister devoid of hopes and dreams? There is no simple answer, but whatever you have in mind, you should make sure that there is a feasible plan to go along with it. Without a plan you will be lost and yours will be a life much like everyone else's, routinely boring.
So the question becomes, what can you do to make sure that your life is a fulfilled one and not just an empty canister devoid of hopes and dreams? There is no simple answer, but whatever you have in mind, you should make sure that there is a feasible plan to go along with it. Without a plan you will be lost and yours will be a life much like everyone else's, routinely boring.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Health Care and morons
It's politics as usual in the US now that the health care bill has been passed, with the opposing party doing the one thing they're really good at doing. What stuns me about this entire process is that the politicians enjoy the very same thing that most people are hoping to get.
The fact that a politician who enjoys free health care paid for by the taxpayers can deny that very same health care to the people that elect them into office is quite astonishing. This hypocrites are basically angry that they might lose the corporate backers that pay for their expensive lives. I believe the majority of people would really appreciate the day when politicians go into office with their residents in mind. Imagine the kind of world we would be living in if elected officials actually did their job?
Kudos to Obama for fighting for the everyday people.
The fact that a politician who enjoys free health care paid for by the taxpayers can deny that very same health care to the people that elect them into office is quite astonishing. This hypocrites are basically angry that they might lose the corporate backers that pay for their expensive lives. I believe the majority of people would really appreciate the day when politicians go into office with their residents in mind. Imagine the kind of world we would be living in if elected officials actually did their job?
Kudos to Obama for fighting for the everyday people.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Disillusionment
It's not easy to face certain realities about the places you love. It's certainly even much harder when the said places hold an infinitely secured place in your heart. San Juan, Puerto Rico is one such place for me. However, my last visit to the island proved to be as revealing as one might like to avoid.
It's true that March is perhaps the best time to visit PR if you are not fond of the blistering heat of the summer months. The problem, as it has revealed itself, is that the sun hardly comes out in March. It's disheartening to find oneself attempting to escape the dreary New York winter only to be harshly confronted by rain and cloudy skies. Because I had already seen the majority of the touristy areas, I didn't mind being confined to the wonderful El San Juan Hotel and Casino. But my disappointment came about when there was a power outage and this beloved hotel didn't have back up generators to keep the rooms lit. It wasn't such a bother that I couldn't lay by the pool or go for a swim In the ocean, but having to bathe in the dark and having my dinner plans cancelled due to a lack of power was beyond annoying. The truth is that I did not go to Puerto Rico so that I could have
dinner at Chili's. This experience doesn't mean that I will stop going to San Juan, or that I will stop staying at the El San Juan. However, I'm beginning to face the reality that San Juan may not be quite as charming and unique as I would like to think.
It's true that March is perhaps the best time to visit PR if you are not fond of the blistering heat of the summer months. The problem, as it has revealed itself, is that the sun hardly comes out in March. It's disheartening to find oneself attempting to escape the dreary New York winter only to be harshly confronted by rain and cloudy skies. Because I had already seen the majority of the touristy areas, I didn't mind being confined to the wonderful El San Juan Hotel and Casino. But my disappointment came about when there was a power outage and this beloved hotel didn't have back up generators to keep the rooms lit. It wasn't such a bother that I couldn't lay by the pool or go for a swim In the ocean, but having to bathe in the dark and having my dinner plans cancelled due to a lack of power was beyond annoying. The truth is that I did not go to Puerto Rico so that I could have
dinner at Chili's. This experience doesn't mean that I will stop going to San Juan, or that I will stop staying at the El San Juan. However, I'm beginning to face the reality that San Juan may not be quite as charming and unique as I would like to think.
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