According to a survey conducted by the Thomson Reuters’ health unit, nearly three-quarters of Americans will go to work even if they are sick. Though snot may be hanging out of the nose and coughing is more frequent than speaking, it’s a challenge the working American has to face.
The study shows people will not take off work because they do not want to lose that day’s wages. Also, a missed day at work means work will be double the next day back. Today, a measly $100 means a lot, and apparently it’s not worth it to miss a day of work.
Employers stress the importance of taking time off to recuperate from an illness, but rarely does that happen. If a sick person attends work, he or she increases the chance of infecting co-workers with that ailment and prolonging the illness.
I look at my office, and I can hear someone hacking away every few days. Noses are blown loudly, and the smell of sickness hovers in the air. People are constantly using hand sanitizers and spraying desks with Lysol to exterminate germs.
It’s hard to take a day off where I work. Because of the nature of my work, we need to meet certain goals every month for projects. If we even miss a day, it will double our workload the next. One day can throw off an entire month’s productivity; if we don’t meet our goals at the end of each month, we will be written up. After a certain number of write-ups, a person may lose his or her job.
So, is it worth it to suffer through the day and infect other co-workers than get fired? The answer is yes.
My company provides excellent sick time and benefits, but rarely do I hear or see a co-worker take advantage of this time.
For now, I’m going to keep using that Lysol in my area and maybe start wearing a protective mask to work.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
French President Proposes New Ban on Fashion
Currently, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is attempting to propose a law that would ban women from wearing Islamic veils and coverings in public.
In an NPR article, Sarkozy said clothing of this nature is demeaning toward women and unwanted in France. He also claims Muslim clothing “threatens the dignity of women.”
But when wearing this clothing is a part of a culture and a tradition, how can it be threatening, especially if it is by choice and free will? If this legislation is banned, it will be taking away free will for women who chose to wear the Islamic veils.
It is as if Sarkozy is no better than his ultra-conservative counterparts around the world, Like those extreme traditionalists, Sarkozy is attempting to tell women what they can and cannot wear. While he claims he is trying to preserve dignity, he is destroying it. Additionally, he has no evidence if this is demeaning or not because he is not a woman and he has not had the experience of wearing these clothes on a daily basis.
Women should have the right to choose what they wear in public, but even this will not be exercised in the 21st century when people like Sarkozy are making fashion choices for us. Besides, isn’t it a truth universally acknowledged that women have better fashion sense than men?
Also, France is predominately Catholic, so why not restrict what Catholics can wear? Some nuns wear the traditional habit; the only skin showing is the face. They wear coifs or veils that cover hair and part of the face. There has been no mention of nuns uncovering themselves in public, only those who wear the Islamic fashion.
Sarkozy is committing a heinous act of chauvinistic pigism. He is segregating Islamic women in France, wanting them to become more French by not wearing the coverings. Instead of promoting culture and peace, Sarkozy cares about the French national image rather than what the people have to offer.
Coming from a wealthy background and named one of Vanity Fair’s Best-Dressed list, it is apparent image is important to Sarkozy. However, the type of image vital to Sarkozy is coming off as superficial and arrogant.
Instead of censoring what women should wear in France, Sarkozy should focus on the image France is portraying; right now, it’s disrespectful and shallow. Those should not be the front-running qualities of a country as big as France.
With the financial crisis around the world and the never-ending threat of terrorism, Sarkozy should be focusing his effort and attention on matters more pressing than fashion choices.
By dictating what people are and are not allowed to wear is only the beginning of more demands. Though this type of action may not explode into a dictatorship, it’s a small step in that direction.
When Hitler began his expenditure to extinguish those of Jewish descent from Europe, he started small by forcing hem wear yellow stars on their clothing. This act took away free will and identity.
In other words, I think this proposed legislation is a cover-up for public image. Sarkozy doesn’t want France to be associated with ultra-conservative terrorist culture, but the thinking behind this idea is backward and medieval, as well.
Let’s just hope that the rest of the French government doesn’t worry about the latest Gucci clothing line or sparkling white teeth, but will focus on preserving free will and other central issues.
In an NPR article, Sarkozy said clothing of this nature is demeaning toward women and unwanted in France. He also claims Muslim clothing “threatens the dignity of women.”
But when wearing this clothing is a part of a culture and a tradition, how can it be threatening, especially if it is by choice and free will? If this legislation is banned, it will be taking away free will for women who chose to wear the Islamic veils.
It is as if Sarkozy is no better than his ultra-conservative counterparts around the world, Like those extreme traditionalists, Sarkozy is attempting to tell women what they can and cannot wear. While he claims he is trying to preserve dignity, he is destroying it. Additionally, he has no evidence if this is demeaning or not because he is not a woman and he has not had the experience of wearing these clothes on a daily basis.
Women should have the right to choose what they wear in public, but even this will not be exercised in the 21st century when people like Sarkozy are making fashion choices for us. Besides, isn’t it a truth universally acknowledged that women have better fashion sense than men?
Also, France is predominately Catholic, so why not restrict what Catholics can wear? Some nuns wear the traditional habit; the only skin showing is the face. They wear coifs or veils that cover hair and part of the face. There has been no mention of nuns uncovering themselves in public, only those who wear the Islamic fashion.
Sarkozy is committing a heinous act of chauvinistic pigism. He is segregating Islamic women in France, wanting them to become more French by not wearing the coverings. Instead of promoting culture and peace, Sarkozy cares about the French national image rather than what the people have to offer.
Coming from a wealthy background and named one of Vanity Fair’s Best-Dressed list, it is apparent image is important to Sarkozy. However, the type of image vital to Sarkozy is coming off as superficial and arrogant.
Instead of censoring what women should wear in France, Sarkozy should focus on the image France is portraying; right now, it’s disrespectful and shallow. Those should not be the front-running qualities of a country as big as France.
With the financial crisis around the world and the never-ending threat of terrorism, Sarkozy should be focusing his effort and attention on matters more pressing than fashion choices.
By dictating what people are and are not allowed to wear is only the beginning of more demands. Though this type of action may not explode into a dictatorship, it’s a small step in that direction.
When Hitler began his expenditure to extinguish those of Jewish descent from Europe, he started small by forcing hem wear yellow stars on their clothing. This act took away free will and identity.
In other words, I think this proposed legislation is a cover-up for public image. Sarkozy doesn’t want France to be associated with ultra-conservative terrorist culture, but the thinking behind this idea is backward and medieval, as well.
Let’s just hope that the rest of the French government doesn’t worry about the latest Gucci clothing line or sparkling white teeth, but will focus on preserving free will and other central issues.
Hello Lawnchair, Goodbye Blood, Sweat & Tears
America is trillions of dollars in debt. Hundreds of thousands of people are unemployed. There are increased taxes on the smallest items like soft drinks and cigarettes.
These are only some of the many problems facing the average American today. Hope is scarce for a better tomorrow, but Americans have no problem blaming the government for the current economic struggle today.
True, the American government overspends and money should be utilized at home in cities and towns, not abroad. But, when push comes to shove, are Americans blaming the government for lack of money and jobs instead of themselves because that is the easy way out? By George, I think he’s got it.
The government is like a parent to its citizens, but there comes a time when the baby has to leave the nest. America has finally let the flocks fly from the coop, but the flocks are not taking responsibility for themselves, therefore crashing and burning.
Americans have the resources to better conditions and lifestyles. We have a free public education. However, dropout rates are high. It is almost impossible to find a job without a high-school diploma or GED. The fact is that people are too lazy and stubborn to continue their education.
Instead of trying to better themselves, people will hold signs on street corners hoping a Good Samaritan will lend out food or money. This is not an acceptable use of time, and it’s pure laziness. That time could be spent looking for jobs or opportunities to finish an education.
We blame the government for overspending, but have we examined our own pocketbooks recently? Americans overspend like the government does, but on a much smaller scale.
Let’s face it: Americans are materialistic. We need to have the latest technology, the designer labels and expensive vacations.
I’ve heard people complain they can barely pay rent, but what else is the paycheck going for? Cell-phone plans, iPods and cigarettes are not necessities in life, but people will spend money on these items instead of bills and rent. How is that responsible?
To not be in debt, Americans should curb their costs and budget like there is no tomorrow. A vacation to Cancun may have to wait a year or the new text-messaging plan may have to be cancelled for a few months.
America is in so much debt because Americans spend so much money and live on credit. Simplicity and the essentials have long been obsolete to the American mind. We should focus on the things we need, not the things we want.
Also, we blame the government because we are selfish. It makes so many mistakes, what is one more added to the list? The government acts as our scapegoat, when in fact we should take responsibility for ourselves. Blaming a third party is immature and irresponsible.
I remember hearing stories of hard-working immigrants coming through Ellis Island in high school. These people came to America hoping for a better life than the one they left in the old country. They were not afraid to work hard, and they had the dream of a better tomorrow.
But whatever happened to the American dream? Immigrants dreamed American streets were paved in gold and a poor man could become rich. Not all people who came to America succeeded, but there were thousands who worked hard and flourished, creating better lives for them and their families.
They took advantage of education and job opportunities. They saved money for a new house or for their families. Poor men and women became millionaires.
Maybe it’s time Americans get this kind of work ethic back. It’s in our blood from our ancestors from hundreds or dozens of years ago. We need something to wake up this potential that runs in our veins. Or, maybe we are ignoring the call for greatness because we are fat and lazy.
The struggling economy is not going to go away overnight. It’s going to take years and years for things to be right again; even that hope is a far cry out into the wild. It is up to each person to take responsibility for his or her actions and work hard. Maybe then, we can have a happier America.
These are only some of the many problems facing the average American today. Hope is scarce for a better tomorrow, but Americans have no problem blaming the government for the current economic struggle today.
True, the American government overspends and money should be utilized at home in cities and towns, not abroad. But, when push comes to shove, are Americans blaming the government for lack of money and jobs instead of themselves because that is the easy way out? By George, I think he’s got it.
The government is like a parent to its citizens, but there comes a time when the baby has to leave the nest. America has finally let the flocks fly from the coop, but the flocks are not taking responsibility for themselves, therefore crashing and burning.
Americans have the resources to better conditions and lifestyles. We have a free public education. However, dropout rates are high. It is almost impossible to find a job without a high-school diploma or GED. The fact is that people are too lazy and stubborn to continue their education.
Instead of trying to better themselves, people will hold signs on street corners hoping a Good Samaritan will lend out food or money. This is not an acceptable use of time, and it’s pure laziness. That time could be spent looking for jobs or opportunities to finish an education.
We blame the government for overspending, but have we examined our own pocketbooks recently? Americans overspend like the government does, but on a much smaller scale.
Let’s face it: Americans are materialistic. We need to have the latest technology, the designer labels and expensive vacations.
I’ve heard people complain they can barely pay rent, but what else is the paycheck going for? Cell-phone plans, iPods and cigarettes are not necessities in life, but people will spend money on these items instead of bills and rent. How is that responsible?
To not be in debt, Americans should curb their costs and budget like there is no tomorrow. A vacation to Cancun may have to wait a year or the new text-messaging plan may have to be cancelled for a few months.
America is in so much debt because Americans spend so much money and live on credit. Simplicity and the essentials have long been obsolete to the American mind. We should focus on the things we need, not the things we want.
Also, we blame the government because we are selfish. It makes so many mistakes, what is one more added to the list? The government acts as our scapegoat, when in fact we should take responsibility for ourselves. Blaming a third party is immature and irresponsible.
I remember hearing stories of hard-working immigrants coming through Ellis Island in high school. These people came to America hoping for a better life than the one they left in the old country. They were not afraid to work hard, and they had the dream of a better tomorrow.
But whatever happened to the American dream? Immigrants dreamed American streets were paved in gold and a poor man could become rich. Not all people who came to America succeeded, but there were thousands who worked hard and flourished, creating better lives for them and their families.
They took advantage of education and job opportunities. They saved money for a new house or for their families. Poor men and women became millionaires.
Maybe it’s time Americans get this kind of work ethic back. It’s in our blood from our ancestors from hundreds or dozens of years ago. We need something to wake up this potential that runs in our veins. Or, maybe we are ignoring the call for greatness because we are fat and lazy.
The struggling economy is not going to go away overnight. It’s going to take years and years for things to be right again; even that hope is a far cry out into the wild. It is up to each person to take responsibility for his or her actions and work hard. Maybe then, we can have a happier America.
When I grow up I wanna be famous, be on TV
“What do you want to do with your life?”
Well, I’m finally able to ask the what-do-you-want-to-do-with-your-life question I am asked at every family function. Now, I can answer this question to strangers and friends without hesitation or awkwardness.
I want to be a librarian. I’m planning to receive my Master’s in this at Syracuse.
However, this new-found statement brings another series of questions people ask. “Why would you want to be a librarian,” “You don’t look like a librarian,” “You have to go to school for that” or “Don’t you mean high-school librarian?”
These are only a few of the many questions I’ve received in the past few months, but before I knew more about the program at Syracuse or the profession in general, I had the same stereotypes fixed in my head as my questioners. After doing some research, I realized how wrong and ignorant I was.
People ask me why I want to go in this profession. I really can’t give a good answer because it feels right. It’s hard to describe a feeling.
As a child, I loved books. Some of my favorite memories would be the weekly trip to the library, rummaging through the shelves, seeing what books I would take home with me.
In middle school, I was the librarian’s teachers pet. She would always save the new release, giving me a change to read them before the other students even looked at them. Because of her, my love for stories and books grew.
In college, I majored in English, again cultivating my interest in books. Then I thought I would want to go into publishing or the library world. And it looks like I’m going to.
I want to work in a library more for the love of reading. It’s for the books themselves. You may discover a lone book among the shelves, covered in dust, waiting for someone to check it out. I want to be able to provide people with resources for research or the love of learning.
I’m not really sure what to expect from this journey or what graduate school will entail; everything is so new to me, but my experience so far has been enlightening, making me eager to find out more about this profession and what it can offer me.
Well, I’m finally able to ask the what-do-you-want-to-do-with-your-life question I am asked at every family function. Now, I can answer this question to strangers and friends without hesitation or awkwardness.
I want to be a librarian. I’m planning to receive my Master’s in this at Syracuse.
However, this new-found statement brings another series of questions people ask. “Why would you want to be a librarian,” “You don’t look like a librarian,” “You have to go to school for that” or “Don’t you mean high-school librarian?”
These are only a few of the many questions I’ve received in the past few months, but before I knew more about the program at Syracuse or the profession in general, I had the same stereotypes fixed in my head as my questioners. After doing some research, I realized how wrong and ignorant I was.
People ask me why I want to go in this profession. I really can’t give a good answer because it feels right. It’s hard to describe a feeling.
As a child, I loved books. Some of my favorite memories would be the weekly trip to the library, rummaging through the shelves, seeing what books I would take home with me.
In middle school, I was the librarian’s teachers pet. She would always save the new release, giving me a change to read them before the other students even looked at them. Because of her, my love for stories and books grew.
In college, I majored in English, again cultivating my interest in books. Then I thought I would want to go into publishing or the library world. And it looks like I’m going to.
I want to work in a library more for the love of reading. It’s for the books themselves. You may discover a lone book among the shelves, covered in dust, waiting for someone to check it out. I want to be able to provide people with resources for research or the love of learning.
I’m not really sure what to expect from this journey or what graduate school will entail; everything is so new to me, but my experience so far has been enlightening, making me eager to find out more about this profession and what it can offer me.
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