Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Billionaire Stands Up for Secretaries Everywhere

Warren Buffet is the third-richest man in the world, and even he's fed up with the way secretaries are taxed.

At an appearance here in New York last week, the 76-year-old billionaire gave a personal example. Last year, his very own secretary forked over 30% of her $60,000 yearly income in taxes. Meanwhile, he only paid 17.7% of his $46 million in taxes (and that's without playing any of the usual tricks-of-the-rich to avoid taxes).

Buffet doesn't think it's fair. Said he, “If you're in the luckiest 1 percent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 percent.”

Source: www.argyabusador.blogspot.com

Monday, December 29, 2008

WIN: A Package O' Perks!

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Here's an on-the-job perk: you could win a goody box filled with fine things to make your work day more pleasant -- from Just A Sec!

E-mail justasecnyc@yahoo.com. Type "Package o' Perks" into the subject line, and include the following info in your e-mail:

Your name
Mailing address
E-mail address
Age
Job Title (if you have one).

We will not share your information with any outside parties.

Yes, if you've entered before, you must enter again for a new chance to win!

We must receive your e-mail no later than midnight EST on January 30, 2008. A random winner will be chosen and notified by e-mail shortly after the deadline.

Congratulations to Alva P. from Staten Island, NY, winner of our December Package o' Perks!

Good luck!

Parenting Classes at Work

Here's a new idea: some companies are offering parenting classes to their employees at lunchtime. Read more.

Stop Right Now and Do This Stretch

Never underestimate the importance of stretching, especially when you're working at a desk for hours at a time. This link gives an example of one simple but potent stretch you can do periodically that will help prevent pain and injury later. Try it now, and make a habit of it!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

$3 Fare Hike: Truth or Rumor?

Subway and bus fares in NYC could rise to $3 next year as part of a proposed increase meant to nurse the MTA's gaping deficit.

How likely is it that you'll have to pay $3 per ride in the new year, or $105 for your unlimited ride MetroCard?

Read more in the New York Times.

Mayor: Proposed Express Bus Fare Hike "Unfair"

"When the MTA management proposed its budget for 2009 last week, it included a fare increase for express bus riders that was out of all proportion to the increases that other transit riders may face," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg on 1010 WINS radio. "Currently, a seat on an express bus costs $5 each way. MTA management had proposed raising that fare to $7.50, a 50% jump."

The mayor says this jump is completely unfair for X-bus riders.

Read more.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Cold, Wet City -- Warm, Dry Feet!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

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You kept putting it off and putting it off. But winter weather has arrived in the Big Apple, and admit it: your feet are feelin' it.

It's time to invest in a good pair of boots that will keep your feet toasty warm and dry while navigating snow piles at the bus stop and chilly streetcorner puddles. Not to mention, they should be comfortable to support everyday pounding of the pavement and scaling multiple levels of subway staircases.

You've come to trust the opinions of our real-secretary reviewers, and we appreciate that. Three of our volunteers braved the recent wintry weather in footwear by Teva, Sorel, and Ulu, putting them to the test just for you. Here's their feedback:

The Aniso eVent by Teva: A Weatherproof Alternative to The Boot

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Lori worked and shopped through weather that spit icy rain from the sky, through slippery snow-covered sidewalks and bitter cold in Teva's Aniso eVent shoes.

"I'm not really a boot person, so I was already excited when I saw these shoes," she told us. But was she disappointed with how they wore? No way! "I really felt like they were a protective cocoon around my feet without a boot against my ankles and legs, which I hate. They were substantial and warm and my feet stayed completely dry. Nothing got into these shoes." Must be the waterproof "eVent" membrane.

"But at the same time, they're so lightweight," Lori continued. "When you look at them, they look so sturdy and serious, you almost expect them to be heavy and clunky. I was totally shocked. They weigh almost nothing."

Did they keep her feet warm? "Oh, totally!" Lori confirmed. "Yeah. I was standing on cold pavement for a long time yesterday and I felt completely shielded."

Lori seemed impressed with the all-around comfort of Teva's Aniso eVent, too. "I feel springy in these shoes!" she laughed. "I know this will make me sound like a commercial, but these shoes actually make me feel like I want to walk!" Not surprising, since Teva's web site describes this shoe's encapsulated "Shoc Pad", molded sockliner with ortholite comfort technology, and high density shank for underfoot stability.

Lori was so sold on the Teva Aniso eVent, she said she planned to wear them every day from now on.

For a shoe-like, weatherproof alternative to boots, the Teva Aniso eVent sounds like a can't-lose way to spend your hard-earned money! They come in three colors (red, blue and olive) and sell for about $100. Get yours direct from Teva.


The Pakua by Sorel: Cute, But at What Cost?

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When wintry weather hit last week, Erin gave the Pakua boot by Sorel a go. She immediately liked the appearance of this boot -- a sort of "urban Inuit" look. Round-toed; a sporty 6.5" shaft; shearling collar and lining; an adorable suede double-lace that wraps around the boot and holds a decorative shell button at the front.

She liked the feel of them immediately, too. "They felt luscious on my feet," she said. Probably the coziest things I've ever had on my feet. I never wanted to take them off. I could probably sleep in them."

They even held up nicely to cold, wet weather, with their 100% waterproof suede upper and natural rubber outsole. Erin reported that her feet stayed plenty warm and dry through rain, sleet and snow -- yep, we saw all three!

But on Day Three of Erin's trial, she was disappointed. "The boots have loops sewn on the back, so you can tug the boot over your heel. Well, I gave one of the boots a pull from the loop and the entire back center seam of the boot ripped right open. Now it's wide open in the back, and even though I can technically still wear it on my foot, it's not really secure, and it definitely lets the draft in, and probably snow or rain too, if I tried wearing it outside like that." She added sadly, "I really wanted to give these boots a good review, because they are so incredibly comfortable and really cute. But this is a pretty big flaw. You can't get around a major seam ripping open like that. I felt like if they were going to have loops there, you should reinforce it better. And you definitely need to use the loops to pull the boots over your foot, because I found the opening a little on the narrow side. Good for fitting close to your lower leg and keeping everything snug, but if you need to pull at the boots to get them on, you definitely need stronger construction."

If you like what you see in Sorel's Pakua, you can take your chances and hope for a better experience. You'll pay about $140 for these, but shop around on the web for the best price. The Pakua boot comes in "toast" (tan) and "stout" (brown). For more information, visit Sorel.


The Suluk Boot by Ulu: Lukky U!

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Yda was our guinea pig with Ulu's "Suluk" boot -- and she couldn't be happier we asked. "I love these boots!" she gushed. "Love, love, love them! Best pair of boots I've worn in years."

Yda described the Suluk boot as "very high-quality". "You can see these aren't falling apart any time soon."

She also found them extraordinarily comfortable. "Luxurious boots, luxurious! They feel so good on your feet, I'm telling you. They're so soft in the bottom and along the opening (the collar). These are spa boots!" What Yda experienced was the Suluk's shearling and wool lining -- shearling-lined footbed, wool against the leg and a return to shearling at the collar.

How did she feel walking around in them? "Very comfortable. I didn't freeze my toes off." "They felt very supportive and well-made." "I have weak ankles and I felt secure in these boots. I had no pain later." She also added that Ulu's Suluk boots "weren't too heavy," thanks to the lightweight cork-infused molded midsole.

And when Yda wore the Ulu Suluk style, she looked darn cute, too. Take a look at this boot! It means business, but it means to be pretty about it. Embroidered floral tape creates loops for the laces, and repeats up the back center seam of the boot. There are also flowers stamped subtly into the waterproof suede upper. The Suluk has an 8" shaft, and a traction outsole of recycled rubber. A pair will set you back 155 well-spent dollars. Check out your color choices and find out where to shop at Ulu.

Severance Pay: Only If You Promise Not to Sue

Expecting lay-offs? Before you get your severance pay, you may be asked to sign an agreement promising not to sue your employer. And you may wonder: Is this legal?

Get your answer here.

Need a Ride? Check Your iPhone.

A new iPhone application will help you hook up with someone who's driving your way. And ride-seekers don't necessarily need an iPhone to enjoy the service. Read more in the New York Times.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Get Your Cheer On at Grand Central

Hey, don't look so glum. It's still the holiday season, y'know. There's still magic in the air.

Nourish your soul and take a side trip through Grand Central Station to see their holiday light show. If you've never enjoyed it before, here's a hint at what you'll see from the folks at the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Port Authority is Making Improvements

Cuts, cuts, cuts. Nowadays it seems everything is getting cut. You're paying a lot more and getting even less.

But here's a shot of good news: the Port Authority will be spending $3.3 billion in 2009 on its airports, tunnels, bridges, ports and transit systems in an effort to bolster the region's economy.

Read more here.

Get Paid to Stay Healthy

Many companies are now offering wellness programs that reward employees for taking good care of their health. Read a real-life example of a woman who put money back into her pocket through an employer good health incentive program.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Helping Victims of Domestic Abuse at Work

Some companies are beginning to recognize that when battered spouses come to work, it may be their only safe haven from abuse. And some companies are asking themselves what more they can do to help.

Is your employer proactive in providing help to victims of domestic abuse? A few simple steps may make a world of difference to someone working right around the corner from you. You might even save a life. Read more from ABC News.

Balancing Religion and Office Politics in December

How do you figure out what's acceptable with regard to practicing ones' spirituality at work so it doesn't interfere with your working relationships or career?

Get some advice here.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

South Ferry Subway Station is a Looker

Get a preview of the artistic South Ferry subway terminal opening in January here!

Careful What You Blog -- The Boss is Reading

Do you blog about your employer, or your boss? Be careful, there. Your boss can fire you for any reason -- and the First Amendment isn't going to protect you. Read more.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Transportation: One Way or Another, You'll Pay More

The MTA is coming up $1.2 billion short for it's 2009 budget. It's gotta find the money somewhere, and they've got less than a month to do it. But no matter what, it's probably coming out of your pocket. Read more.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Health Coverage After a Lay-Off

What happens to your health coverage after you're laid off? What are your options? If these are your concerns, reading this article from Forbes is a good place to start getting informed.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Seatless Subway Cars Coming to NYC

Seatless subway cars will be making their way into NYC's transit system. That's right -- standing room only. Learn more from CBS.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Companies Offer Incentives to Bike to Work

In New York City, commuter cycling increased by 35% between 2007 and 2008, according to a 2008 report by the city's Department of Transportation.

Contributing to the growing popularity of bicycling may be some companies offering their employees incentives to start taking their favorite two-wheeler to work. Read more.

Cut What You Spend During the Work Week

Seems like everybody's looking to cut expenses. What about the money that seems to disappear from your wallet during the work week, and by Friday you wonder what you have to show for it?

This article from the New York Times offers solid suggestions for reducing what you spend Monday through Friday, plus some hints about where that money goes.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Cab-Sharing Services Save $$$, Gas

If you know ahead of time that you'll be needing a cab, consider using a cab-sharing service. They'll hook you up with someone else heading in the same direction at the same time, and you can share the fare.

To learn more about cab-sharing services in NYC, go here.

Monday, December 8, 2008

It's a "Secret Santa" Gift Extravaganza!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

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Looking for a Secret Santa gift? Or an idea for what to get your boss?

The secretaries who make up the Just A Sec volunteer army have stepped up to give their recommendations for this season's best gift ideas.

UNDER $10

Got a Desk? Got Your Gift!
Paper Trackers
$4.95 -- $8.95

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"These are the kind of things you wish you had on your desk every day, and they would be so simple to make, and you wonder why nobody's made them yet. Well somebody has!"

So said our friend Gabriella, a secretary at a local university, after setting up her desk with Paper Trackers.

Paper Trackers are a series of elegantly simple organizing gadgets that get papers off the surface of your desk, but keep them handy where you need them.

Gabriella liked the Paper Trackers' versatility. "What's great about the Paper Trackers is, you can use them any way that works for you. It doesn't matter what your desk set-up is. You can attach them almost anywhere."

Paper Trackers are like slender, transparent pockets where you can stow flat items you need to see quickly -- notes, photos, business cards. They attach with adhesive strips, magnets, or adjustable clips, depending on where you need to keep your Paper Tracker. For example, you can keep notes on the top and sides of your computer monitor by using adhesive Paper Tracker 11" Bars; or clip phone numbers and business cards to your phone with a 5.5" Paper Tracker Bar with Double Swivel Clip.

"They're very easy to assemble," Gabriella told us. "It's just a matter of slipping the plastic sleeves into the bar, then either sticking on your magnets or adhesive pads, or attaching a clip."

We love the Paper Tracker products as a less bulky alternative to bulletin boards and pushpins, clunky standing files, etc. And at under $10, anyone can get their own. They're a can't-go-wrong gift for anybody with a desk -- your co-workers will dig them!

Take a minute today to order up a bunch at www.papertracker.net.


$20 AND UNDER

Cocktails, Anyone?
The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis
by James O. Fraioli

$12.95

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"I wanted to catch up with my friends," said Reena, a legal secretary in midtown. "Most of them know how to make mixed drinks, but I never knew."

Then she read The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis.

"This book was great!" Reena raved. "I knew nothing. Less than nothing, and I was able to make martinis for myself and my friends this past weekend."

"It's a small book, written in simple language. You won't get overwhelmed. There's really just some basic information you need to know what you're doing, and this book gives it to you without a lot of extra stuff you don't care about it."

"I definitely liked the opening chapter that tells you what all those bar tools do, what they're called, what's the difference between 'neat' and 'on the rocks'. I never knew what a cocktail shaker was for before. It was those little things that made me feel like, oh, OK, I know this. I know as much as everybody else now!"

The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Martinis breaks up its recipes into six categories: Classic Martinis, Flavorful Fruit Martinis, Aromatic Herb and Vegetable Martinis, Exotic Martinis, Festive Holiday Martinis and Decadent Dessert Martinis.

"I chose two martinis from the book to master and then serve up to my friends: the Kamikaze Martini and the Marilyn Monroe Martini. They were easy to make, they turned out great, and now everybody thinks I'm the drink master!" Reena admitted, though -- she hid the book from her friends!

Don't hide it from your friends -- get them each a copy at your favorite bookseller, or from Amazon.


Cheerful Umbrellas: The No-Brainer Gift
Totes Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella
$14.99

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"As far as I'm concerned, if you need to get a gift for a co-worker, this is it," said Linda, a legal secretary in lower Manhattan. "Just buy one of these for every gal you work with and you'll be set. I mean, who doesn't need an umbrella? Even if you've got one, who needs just one? You're always losing an umbrella. And these are really, really cute. Nobody who gets one of these from you is going to say, 'Ew, I got such a boring gift!' These Jingle 'brellas are just too adorable."

Everyone at Just A Sec agreed -- this year, Totes has a winner with its Jingle 'brella and Santa 'brella. They come in a variety of happy-go-lucky prints like retro-dots, houndstooth and animal prints, and chic solids too.

Linda noted, "They're nice and compact too, but you get good coverage when you open them up." Too true. The 'brella folds up to 6" in length but opens to a 38" canopy arc.

"Plus, you don't even have to wrap these," said Linda. "I wouldn't. Look -- they come with either a little Santa hat on top or a bow and bells! How CUTE! I'd just put a gift tag on and give it." You can't beat a gift that doesn't need wrapping!

Quick! Order a Totes Jingle 'brella or Santa 'brella for everyone you know at www.totes-isotoner.com.


Rock that New Year's Resolution!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good
By G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. and Deborah S. Romaine

$16.95

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"I think this book is the perfect universal gift," says Charlotte, a downtown secretary in real estate. "When you think about it, you're supporting everyone's New Year's resolution, no matter what it is. Everyone wants to start the new year with a change. This book makes a big impact for a little money, in my opinion."

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good was co-written by the director of the Addictive Behaviors Research Center at the University of Washington, so he should know what he's talking about when it comes to successfully breaking free from those monkeys on our backs. But, as with all books in the Complete Idiot's series, the advice is presented in a clearly-organized, easy-to-understand way.

"I'm completely engrossed in it," Charlotte said of Changing Old Habits. "Honestly, I'm not someone who reads a lot of self-help books, but this one is so easy to read. And it's making a lot of sense." She added, "I'm looking ahead and it looks like the authors have really covered the subject from beginning to end. I see chapters here that address your state of mind even after you've changed your habit. How to keep your good habits going long-term. I know that's what I'm going to need, so I feel better knowing those chapters are ahead."

You can purchase The Complete Idiot's Guide to Changing Old Habits for Good from your favorite bookseller, or at Amazon.com.


Goodbye, Hat-Hair and Sweaty Necks!
Trailheads Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband
$20.00

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"Oh my god, I hate wearing hats in winter. I will, like, not put a hat on my head, no matter how cold it is. First of all, I cannot have anything pressing down the top of my hair. My top-hair just doesn't fluff back up like my side hair does. And secondly, I get so sweaty under my hair, right at the back of my neck if I wear a little knit hat. It doesn't matter if it's minus twenty outside. My neck sweats, and it's gross."

That's what one Tribeca secretary told us.

"I tried wearing earmuffs, the kind that wrap around the back of your head. But for some reason, they really hurt my ears, like they pressed on them or something and gave me a headache."

Then Lisa tried the Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband by Trailheads.

"OK, I think I found my answer! I love this thing. It kept my ears nice and toasty warm, but I didn't sweat on my neck! And I didn't have to smush down the top of my hair, either!"

The cozy fleece Goodbye Girl Ponytail Headband wraps around your head, covering your ears. But a clever opening in the back allows you to push your hair through, pony-tail style, getting it off your neck. No more sweaty hair sticking to the nape of your neck while the rest of your head gets frostbite!

The Trailheads Goodbye Girl is also moisture-repellant, so it dries quickly after a walk from the subway in sleet or snow. Headbands are black with cheerful contrasting colored piping, your choice of pink, blue, green or red.

Get yours at Trailheads.


UNDER $40

Decisions, Decisions
The Decision Kit by Knock Knock
$21.00

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Who doesn't have to make decisions? We face them every day. Admittedly, some are bigger than others -- so why not do a friend a favor and give them The Decision Kit this Christmas?

Sandra and Kellie are friends who work together at a corporation in midtown. They played with The Decision Kit and gave it a big two-thumbs-up.

"I want to get this for Christmas!" Kellie laughed. "This was a lot of fun," Sandra agreed. "We went into it just looking at it like a game, but then it got kind of heavy. In a good way!" "Yeah, here we are having a laugh and then it's two hours later and we've had twenty epiphanies each and felt like we'd been to therapy," said Kellie.

The Decision Kit definitely has a sense of humor (it even includes an "I Decided Today!" jacket pin), but the tools inside the pretty Decision Kit box can actually help you work through a dilemma. There are three notepads that urge you to examine the pros & cons of a situation, identify your gut feelings, and list your next steps. To inspire you, there's a tiny booklet of quotations about decision making. And after all this, if you still can't decide, they've given you a coin to flip!

We loved The Decision Kit, and everything else we found at Knock Knock. You'll find a treasure trove of witty co-worker and boss gifts on their web site. Hurry! Go now!


Book Worship
The Peeramid Bookrest
$32.95

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Nicole, an executive assistant, reads in bed every night. But after years of doing it, she's still not thrilled with having to hold the book up to her face. Here's what she told us:

"I know, it seems like a stupid thing to complain about, doesn't it? But if you read a lot, especially in bed, after a while you get tired holding up your arms. You want to keep reading but your arms get sore. Sometimes I wish someone would just hold the book in front of my face for me."

After she tried to Peearmid Bookrest, she was overjoyed.

"This is the best thing I could've hoped for. It totally takes the pressure off my arms, and it holds the book at the perfect height and angle."

The Peeramid is, well, a pyramid -- stuffed and sewn with a "ledge" for placing your book. It sits on your lap, giving you a place to rest your book as you read.

"They stuffed it the perfect amount," Nicole noted. "If they'd made it softer, it wouldn't support a book. It's just firm enough, but still nice and lightweight on my lap. And I love that they included a bookmarker!" That's right, a pretty cord attached to the peak of the Peeramid drapes down and serves to hold your place. You can leave your favorite paperback right on the Peeramid when you've finished reading for the night, and pick it up again the next night. Sit it on your nightstand or on the floor beside your bed. It's attractive and comes in a wide variety of lovely fabrics for any guy or gal reader you know.

For that reader in your life, order up a Peermid at Hog Wild Toys today.


Foodies, Vegetarians and Wannabes
The Vegetable Box by Keda Black
$34.99

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"I can think of three types of people who would love this gift," said Tracy, a downtown insurance company employee. "Foodies, vegetarians, and people who want to get more veggies in their diets."

The Vegetable Box is a whimsical alternative to the commonplace cookbook. Recipes are printed inside one of 14 mini-cookbooks which come nestled inside a wooden crate -- a great gift presentation! Each booklet covers two different vegetables, and they're divided into sections inside the crate.

"I really liked how the dividers list all the recipes that are inside the book in that section," Nicole told us. "It made it easy to see what I wanted to make, instead of having to flip through each book one at a time. I could choose a couple of things that sounded interesting, check out the recipes, and narrow down what I wanted to try from there."

And how were the recipes, Nicole?

"I'm sort of a mid-range cook, a little adventurous but not a total gourmet, and I thought there was something here for everybody. The recipes are not all so far-out that nobody but a professional chef could have success with them, but there are enough interesting ingredients to satisfy people like me who really like to explore the local gourmet shop and try something new."

Everybody knows somebody who'd love The Vegetable Box -- and will love you for giving it to them. Get yours at your favorite bookseller or visit Amazon.

Online Games that are Easier to Play at Work

Wish you could play some online games at work, ay? But you know those flashy game screens will inevitably draw attention to themselves. That's all that busybody brown-noser around the corner needs to see -- she'll be reporting you for playing games at work before you can say "Pogo".

This blogger knows a way to play that's much less conspicuous.

Taking Advantage of Those Perks?

Are you taking advantage of all the extras and perks your employer provides? At a time when pay increases and bonuses are less likely, you might want to examine whether or not you're getting full value from the other forms of compensation your company provides. This Wall Street Journal article has some suggestions about where to look.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

When You Get Fired: Important Advice

It's not the most pleasant reality, but lots of people are losing their jobs right now. If it happens to you (and we sincerely hope it won't), then here's an article you MUST read -- not just read, but print out and heed.

When You Quit, Do You Have to Write a Letter?

When you resign from a job, is it necessary to write an official resignation letter?

Get some advice here.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

NYC Transit Will Write a "Lateness Letter" to Your Boss

If you're late for work because your bus or train was delayed, you could get a "lateness letter" from New York City Transit to show your employer.

Just call (718) 330-3322 or (718) 330-1234 and give them the pertinent info -- the day you traveled, what train you were on, which way you were going, etc.

Learn more here.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Ride Vintage Buses & Subways this Holiday Season!

Don't be surprised if your bus rolls up to the curb and it's a wood-bodied double-decker. Or if your train clacks into the subway station and it has rattan seats and ceiling fans.

Vintage buses and subway cars will be unleashed on the NYC public on regular routes this holiday season, and you can ride them for the cost of your ordinary fare. So keep your eyes open, and you could catch a ride back in time!

10 Benefits Cuts Your Employer will Make in 2009

According to a recent survey, a hefty 86% of companies expect the economy to affect employee benefits in the next year.

Where is your employer most likely to make cuts? Find out at U.S. News and World Report.

What to Wear to the Office Party

Need tips on how to dress appropriately for the office holiday party? Check out this article at WorkChic!

Monday, December 1, 2008

TIP: "Enclosure" Notations in Your Letters

Are you doing this right?

When a letter contains enclosures, type one of the following abbreviations...

Enc.
Encl.
Encs.

...flush with the left margin, one or two spaces under the combination of initials identifying first the writer of the letter, then the typist. Here's an example:

JRS/rh

Enc.


If there's more than one enclosure, indicate the number, like this:

Encs. 2

If the enclosures are especially important, identify them, like this:

Enc. Certified check $2,350
Mortgage -- Smith to Jones


If an enclosure is to be returned, make a note to that effect, like this:

Enc. Assignment (to be returned)

This and many other helpful topics are covered in the Legal Secretary's Complete Handbook, Fourth Edition, by Mary A. DeVries.

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WIN! A Just a Sec Package o' Perks!

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Here's an on-the-job perk: you could win a goody box filled with fine things to make your work day more pleasant -- from Just A Sec!

E-mail justasecnyc@yahoo.com. Type "Package o' Perks" into the subject line, and include the following info in your e-mail:

Your name
Mailing address
E-mail address
Age
Job Title (if you have one).

We will not share your information with any outside parties.

We must receive your e-mail no later than midnight EST on December 15, 2008. A random winner will be chosen and notified by e-mail shortly after the deadline.

Congratulations to Jennifer R. from Astoria, NY, winner of our November Package o' Perks!

Good luck!