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April 25, 2007
volunteer
Volunteers, otherwise known as unappreciated, abused help. I'm feeling a little vindictive about the many tasks I am asked to do without any appreciation. After spending a full day and more at work, many of us are asked to spend a couple of hours in the evenings and our weekends helping organizations without a verbal thank you.
Being a overworked volunteer many times in my life, I have learned to analyze the behavior of organizations (and their people) that abuse their volunteers. Usually, the organizations that maximize the use of their volunteers are the same ones who make it known how appreciative they are of their volunteers. Many people are willing to work for their ideals but when the tasks become mundane or too many, a simple thank you will go very far. Also, this is true for work.
Posted by azileretsis at 08:39 PM | Comments (0)
money for food
The story of the Oregon governor on food stamps is about context. $21/week is also $84 per month. Is $21/week per person? The article makes it sound that way.
I've seen too many families pay for food using food stamps to believe that any of them are starving. In the developed countries, the desire to stay tied to government assistance is also tied to pride as it is to fulfill basic needs. How much is what is debatable. Work, any kind of work, has become less and less a deeply held value but about one's own desires. Does this mean we should cut funds? No. It does mean we need to review our options.
Posted by azileretsis at 12:34 PM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
hedonism
I'm currently reading about a story about a paraplegic with special powers. When did we stop imagining that disabled people are people who can lead wonderful lives like the Marvel superheroes? Instead, our entertainment industry think of them as trouble and wonder why they would even want to live. It is like our hedonistic generation to believe that without pleasure there is no life.
Posted by azileretsis at 08:43 PM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2007
sadness
The Virginia Tech shooting is a horrific event. My prayers are for the victims' families and all the current students and alumni. Here is the link to some shocking first hand accounts. I have to warn you these are troubling.
Posted by azileretsis at 08:01 PM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2007
hotspot
In my March Madness Tournament, I ended up tying at 3rd place. However, I was above 85% correct with my choices. If Georgetown and Wisconsin had done a little better, I could have won. I had fun though. Little research can go a long way.
Recently, I stumbled on this great video created by a Nobel Laureate about nitric oxide. I like how it makes science interesting.
Posted by azileretsis at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)